LORD KELVIN

 

 

ORDERS TO CHAFFEE, IMMIGRANTS RETURNED, NEW WATER CONTRACT, TO VISIT PHILIPPINES, AND DEATH OF MRS. DUNN

 

Elihu Root.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, April 16, 1902.

ORDERS TO CHAFFEE.

To Investigate Reports of the Waller Trial.

COURT MARTIALS MAY FOLLOW.

President Orders Investigation of Alleged "Water Cure" Treatment of Presidente of Igbarras—Major E. F. Glenn to Be Ordered to San Francisco.

   Washington, April 16.—As a result of the cabinet consideration of the charges of cruel treatment of Filipinos by United States soldiers, Secretary Root has made public some important correspondence. It consists of a letter from him to Senator Lodge, chairman of the senate Philippine committee, acknowledging a copy of the testimony of Sergeant Charles S. Riley and Private William Lewis Smith late of the 26th infantry, taken before the committee. With this letter the secretary encloses a copy of a dispatch which was sent to General Chaffee, and the information that the judge advocate general of the army has been directed to take proper steps in accordance with the dispatch. The cablegram to General Chaffee is as follows:

   "On February 19 a letter was sent you, enclosing for investigation the copy of charges made by Governor Gardener of Tayabas province, which contained general allegations of cruelties practiced by troops on natives, and generally of an insolent and brutal attitude of the army towards natives.

   "On April 2, a cable dispatch was sent you urging action with all speed consistent with thorough and searching investigation.

   "On the 4th of March a cable dispatch was sent you directing disciplinary measures to produce obedience to the president's instructions, subordinating military officers to civil government in pacified provinces, and instructing you to relieve Major Edwin F. Glenn and Captain James A. Ryan from duty and order them to Manila to await investigation into their conduct in accordance with instructions to follow by mail.

   "On the 24th of March instructions were mailed you containing statement of charges against these officers, and General Jacob H. Smith as the basis of the investigation ordered by the cable of March 4th.

   "Further instructions in matters are required by the following facts:

General Smith's Orders.

   "Press dispatches state that upon the trial of Major Waller of the marine corps, testimony was given by Waller, corroborated by other witnesses, that General Jacob H. Smith instructed him to kill and burn, that the more he killed and burned the better pleased General Smith would be; that it was no time to take prisoners, and that when Major Waller asked General Smith to define the age limit for killing he replied "everything over 10."

   "If such testimony was given and the facts can be established, you will place General Smith on trial by court martial.

   "Yesterday before the senate committee on Philippine affairs, Sergeant Charles S. Riley and Private William Lewis Smith of the 26th volunteer Infantry, testified that the form of torture known as the 'water cure' was administered to the president of the town of Igbarras, Iloilo province, Island of Panay, by a detachment of the 18th United States Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Arthur L. Conger, under orders of Major Edwin F. Glenn, then captain 25th Infantry, and that captain and Assistant Surgeon Palmer Lyon, at that time a contract surgeon, was present to assist them. The officers or such of them as are found to be responsible for the act, will be tried therefore by court martial. Conger and Lyon are in this country. Both the 26th volunteer infantry and 18th infantry having returned to the United States and most of the witnesses being presumptively here, the secretary of war directs that Major E. F. Glenn, 25th infantry, be directed to proceed to San Francisco and report to the general commanding the department of California with a view to his trial by court martial under charges alleging the cruelties practiced by him upon a native of the Philippine Islands at Igbarras on the 27th of June, 1900.

Witnesses to Come to San Francisco.

   "If you can discover any witnesses still in the service in the Philippines who can testify in support of the charges, or if Major Glenn desires the attendance of any persons now serving in the islands as witnesses for the defense, you will direct them to proceed to San Francisco for that purpose. As the two years allowed for the prosecution by the statute of limitations is nearly at an end no time is to be lost. You will take such course in advancing or postponing the investigations previously ordered into the conduct of General Smith and Major Glenn as shall be required to enable you to execute these instructions. It is believed that the violations of law and humanity of which these cases, if true are examples, will prove to be few and occasional and not to characterize the conduct of the army generally in the Philippines; but the fact that any such acts of cruelty and barbarity appear to have been done indicates the necessity of a most thorough, searching and exhaustive investigation under the general charges preferred by Governor Gardener and you will spare no effort in the investigation already ordered under such charges, to uncover every such case which may have occurred, and bring the offenders to justice.

   "The president desires to know in the fullest and most circumstantial manner all the facts, nothing being concealed, and no man being for any reason favored or shielded. For the very reason that the president intends to back up the army in the heartiest fashion in every lawful and legitimate method of doing its work, he also intends to see that the most rigorous care is exercised to detect and prevent any cruelty or brutality, and that men who are guilty thereof are punished. Great as the provocation has been in dealing with foes who habitually resort to treachery, murder and torture against our men, nothing can justify or will be held to justify the use of torture or inhuman conduct of any kind on the part of the American army.

   "Elihu Root, Secretary of War, April 15, 1902."

 

ASSASSINATION.

Russian Minister of the Interior Shot and Killed at St. Petersburg.

   St. Petersburg, April 16.—M. Sipiaguine was on his way to attend a meeting of the committee of ministers. He had just entered the office of the imperial council when the assassin, who had driven up in a carriage, approached and handed him a folded paper, saying he had been charged to deliver it by the Grand Duke Sergius. The minister stretched out his hand to take the document when the assassin fired five shots at him. Three of the bullets struck M. Sipiaguine and one wounded his servant.

   The assassin did not resist arrest. He said that his name was Balschanstt and that he was a student at Kieff [Kiev], where he was sentenced to compulsory military service for participating in the riots of 1901. He said that he was subsequently pardoned but that he had not been reinstated at the university and that he therefore revenged himself upon M. Sipiaguine.

   The minister was taken to the hospital Maximilianovsk, where he died in one hour.

 

DR. TALMAGE BURIED

Between His Two Former Wives at Greenwood Cemetery.

   New York, April 16.—The remains of Rev. T. Dewitt Talmage arrived here this morning from Washington and were immediately conveyed to Greenwood cemetery, Brooklyn, where interment took place in the Talmage family plot. The grave was opened between those of the two former wives of the famous clergyman. The services at the grave were brief and simple in accordance with the expressed wish of Dr. Talmage. Among the floral tributes was a magnificent wreath sent by President and Mrs. Roosevelt.

 

IMMIGRANTS RETURNED.

Italians and Canadians Sent Back by Immigration Inspector.

   Ogdensburg, April 16.—Fourteen Italians bound for Albany were stopped by an immigration inspector on their arrival here. They had landed at St. John, N. B., and came through without examination by United States officials at either Halifax or Montreal. They have been returned to Canada and the railroad company has been ordered to transport them hack to their starting place.

   A party of French Canadian sailors, coming to man barges out of this port, was also ordered back to Canada by the inspector.

 

NEW WATER CONTRACT

Completed Between the City and the Water Company.

SIMILAR TO THE OLD CONTRACT.

Except That It Contains a Provision for Compensation for Flushing Sewers and a Half Rate for Schools—Period is Ten Years With Option of Ten Years More—Franchise Asked for Street Car Tracks Through Elm-st.

   The common council last night contracted with the Cortland Water Works company for water for ten years with an option of ten years more at the end of that period. The rules and bylaws and the contract in general are the same as under the former contract, except that a rate of 6 cents per 1,000 gallons is to be charged for sewer flushing and a rate of 2 cents per 100 gallons for school purposes. The contract also stipulates that any claim that the company may have had for excess of water shall be annulled.

   A proposed contract with the Cortland Water Co. for the term of ten years was submitted by the city attorney, the terms of which had been agreed upon between the city and the water company, and upon motion of Mr. Skeele, seconded and carried:

   Resolved, That the city of Cortland and the common council thereof do and it hereby does contract with the Cortland Water Works Co. for a supply of water for said city for fire and school purposes and for flushing sewers, etc., for a period of ten years from April 1, 1902, at the prices and  upon the terms, conditions and limitations specified in the, typewritten contract between said city and said water company presented by said company; and submitted herewith, which is hereby approved as to form and substance and Charles F. Brown, mayor of the city of Cortland, be and he hereby is authorized and directed to sign the same in behalf of the city of Cortland and a fix its name and his signature as mayor thereof.

   All voting aye, declared carried.

   Edwin Duffey, secretary and treasurer of the Cortland county Traction Co., presented a petition of such company asking that permission be granted to his company to construct and maintain a street railroad from the tracks of the company at the corner of Church and Elm-sts., eastwardly along Elm-st., crossing its intersections by Greenbush-st. to their track at the corner of Elm and Pendleton-sts., and also for permission to erect necessary poles and to string wire.

   On motion of Mr. Richards, seconded and declared carried:

   Resolved, That such petition, be received and placed on file and that notice of such application be published, according to law and that the common council meet May 2, 1902, at 8 p. m., at the city clerk's office to consider such application, at which time all desiring may be heard relative thereto.

   Mayor Brown nominated and appointed Jennie A. Kinney to be commissioner of deeds of the city of Cortland.

   On motion of Mr. Scudder, seconded and carried:

   Resolved, That such appointment be ratified and confirmed.

   All voting aye, declared carried. 

   Upon motion, meeting adjourned to May 2 at the clerk's office.

   Edmond C. Alger, Clerk.

 

PAPER BY DR. CHENEY.

Academic and Professional Work in the Training of Teachers.

   The leading article this month in American Education is by Dr. F. J. Cheney of the Cortland Normal school and its theme is "The Sequence of Academic and Professional Work in the Training of Teachers." An excellent portrait of Dr. Cheney is also published. The article is well worth the perusal, not only of all teachers, but of all interested in education. The writer arrives at the following conclusion in his article:

   1. Teaching is the finest of the fine arts and, therefore, needs mature and well trained minds to understand and carry out its processes successfully.

   2. Such minds are more likely to be had if candidates for professional training have first obtained a thorough academic knowledge of subject matter before the professional work is begun.

   3. But the application of theory and method to particular subjects should be made while these are being taught and, therefore, these subjects should be pursued with this in view while the student is in the professional school.

   4. Academic should precede professional work in the training of teachers, but the professional study of subject matter must be included in the latter.

 

TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES.

Senate Likely to Send Committee to Islands.

CONDITIONS TO BE INVESTIGATED.

Movement Comes From Minority. Philippines Discussion Causes Much Ill Feeling—Concerning a Senator's Vote.

   Washington, April 16.—[Special.]— Although there has been a general protest against what came to be known as "congressional junkets"—that is, visits of committees to various parts of the country during the recess of congress on investigating tours—yet there is a decided sentiment expressed that such a committee should visit the Philippines to secure personal information concerning the conditions there. The movement comes primarily from the minority members of the committee, though some of the majority believes that much good could be accomplished by conducting an inquiry in the islands. There is doubt expressed whether authorization for such a visit could be obtained for the coming summer, as senators will wish to take part in the campaign, but the effort for sending a committee during the long vacation will certainly be made. The minority members of the committee would like to go as soon as congress adjourns, but the majority members feel that they will have earned a rest by the time congress adjourns.

Ill Feeling Shown.

   The bad blood which has been shown between the parties on the Philippine question in the debates in congress continues to crop out in the hearings before the senate committee. The Democratic members of the committee are young and vigorous. They have found that the prominence of the Philippine question has given the opportunities that seldom come to men new in the senate, and they are making the best of it. For that reason they have been driving home questions of an irritating character to those who have been in control in the islands, questions which the Republicans do not like and which they do hot sustain; consequently there is considerable bitterness displayed at nearly every session of the committee. The army officers also come in for rather severe treatment, and they decline to answer some of the questions.

As to a Senator's Vote.

   Previous to the vote on the Chinese exclusion bill a group of senators were discussing the embarrassing situation in which they found themselves. They were receiving telegrams from manufacturers and merchants, who urged them not to do anything which would cause a loss of trade in China. On the other hand, they were receiving telegrams and other communications from labor organizations demanding that they vote for a drastic Chinese exclusion bill. "I suppose," remarked one senator, "that there will be two or three senators who will vote on this bill as they have a mind to." This created a great laugh, because it is well known that many senators were not going to vote their sentiments. "This is a case," said one of the most distinguished senators of the body replying to a man who was urging him to make some change in the pending bill, "where a senator cannot vote his convictions, but must give attention to his constituents."

   ARTHUR W. DUNN.

 

Death of Mrs. Dunn.

   Mrs. Frederica F. Dunn died at the home of her sister, Mrs. W. H. Lowerre, 4 Hill-st., aged 43 years, 6 months and 23 days. The funeral will be held from the house at 3:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Burial will be made in Cortland Rural cemetery.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Now for fish stories. [Opening of fishing season in New York State—CC ed.]

   —F. M. Quick was in Syracuse yesterday and negotiated the sale of a house and lot on Fellows-st., belonging to F. G. Durand of Cortland, to R. T. Fredericks of Syracuse.

   —New display advertisements today are—Baker & Angell, shoes, page 6; Syracuse Music Festival, page 4; A. S. Burgess, Clothes, page 8; Baker & Angel, Shoes, page 7; New York Store, Drygoods, page 6; M. W. Giles, Special sale, page 7.

   —The Central Construction Co., of Wauseon, O., is to build the New Home Telephone company's plant at Utica, N. Y. This is the same company that put in the Cortland plant. If it does as well there as here everybody will be satisfied.

 

TERMS OF PEACE, ENGLAND'S WAR TAX, CORTLAND COUNTY TRACTION CO., SHORT LINE, PROF. REYNOLDS, AND MORE TELEPHONES

 

Boer General Christiaan De Wit.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, April 15, 1902.

TERMS OF PEACE.

Outline of Proposals the Boers Will Be Willing to Accept.

   The Hague, April 15.—From those close in touch with the Boer leaders here it appears that the latest secret dispatches from South Africa outline the peace proposals now under discussion at Pretoria. They closely follow the summary given on Saturday last by the Evening News of Edinburgh, with the following additional details:

   The Boers accept a British lord commissioner with a Boer executive, both to be resident at Pretoria.

   The country to be divided into districts with British district officers and a Boer committee chosen by polling by the burghers; the veto right to be reserved to the British government. The majority of the British officers must be conversant with the Dutch language.

   Johannesburg to be retroceded to the British with a complete British civil organization.

   A war indemnity of at least £10,000,000 to be distributed by mixed committees.

   Disarmament to occur when the first batch of Boer prisoners is sent back to South Africa.

   No war tax to be levied.

   Both languages to be recognized in the schools and courts and in official documents.

   The expense of the garrisons in South Africa to be borne by Great Britain.

   The present Boer leaders to be retained in office so far as possible.

 

Joseph Chamberlain.

ENGLAND'S WAR TAX.

Deficiency to Be Made Up by New Forms of Taxation.

IMPORTS ON GRAIN AND MEAT.

Income Tax to Be Increased a Penny In the Pound—Import Duty of 3 Pence Per 100 on Wheat and 5 Pence on Flour and Meat—Loan of £32,000,000 to Be Placed.

   London, April 15.—Not for many years had Great Britain's fiscal program been awaited with such interest as that given this year's announcement and there is no doubt that all the proposals contained in it will be adopted. It is equally certain that none of these proposals will meet with the unanimous approval of either side of the house.

   More important, perhaps, than the curious forms of the new taxation is the statement made by Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, the chancellor of the exchequer, that the government had acceded to the Boer demand concerning the restocking of the farms.

   At a late hour the Associated Press learned upon excellent authority that the principal provision of the budget, namely, the treasury loan of £32,000,000, upon which Sir Michael Hicks Beach was remarkably reticent, has a serious bearing upon the peace question. There appears to be a very strong belief in the cabinet that, owing to the expected early termination of the war, these £32,000,000 will never be needed. When that section of the budget gets to the committee stage the peace negotiations will probably have reached such shape that Sir Michael Hicks-Beach will be able to announce a diminution of the estimate. In any case, this loan will probably be called up only in small installments.

   The failure to explain this important point is taken in the house of commons to indicate that the government has strong hopes of a speedy issue of the negotiations now progressing at Pretoria between the Boer leaders, although it wishes to impress the world in general, and the Boers in particular, with its ability and determination to push the war to a finish should the British terms of peace be refused.

To Restock Boers' Farms.

   Sir Michael Hicks-Beach is seldom dramatic; but when he referred to the government's intention to restock the Boer as well as the colonial farms, his voice rose to an eloquent pitch. His gesture, as he spoke in praise of the valor of the Boers and expressed his hope for subsequent friendship between Briton and Boer, took the house with him and the cheers, especially from the opposition, prevented the speaker from continuing his speech for several moments. During this pause the chancellor of the exchequer turned towards Mr. Chamberlain, the colonial secretary, who sat pale and motionless, and palpably none too pleased at this official recantation of his "unconditional surrender" formula.

   The opinions gathered by the Associated Press in interviews with members of the house of commons indicate the existence of a considerable divergence of ideas with regard to the new taxation which, although comparatively unimportant in the revenue it will yield, affects important economic principles which have hitherto been held rather sacred by certain schools of English politicians.

    Sir Charles Dilke voiced the opinion of many of these when he said:

   "The budget is a reversion to protectionist principles, and although only trivially so I shall oppose it on those grounds."

   John Redmond said "I can only speak from the Irish point of view. We regard the whole thing as a war tax and Ireland has never approved of the war. We shall naturally fight it for that reason. The protection of Irish agriculture has been a good thing but this duty on flour and corn is too small to do us any good. Indeed, it will merely raise the price of cheap meals imported from America and largely used by the Irish peasantry, besides making bread dearer. I think it quite likely that these duties may affect the American millers, as the difference between the new duties on raw and manufactured corn may perhaps give the English miller a chance to grind himself, whereas heretofore he has imported American flour."

   John Burns was particularly vehement in speaking of the budget to a representative of the Associated Press. "It is a cowardly budget," he declared, "for a bully's war. It devolves upon the very poor the cost of aggrandizing the adventurous rich. It taxes the industrious producer at home for the prodigal speculator abroad."

   Asked if he thought that American flour would be affected by the new taxes, Mr. Burns said he was inclined to believe that Minneapolis and other large milling centers would find it much harder to get trade in England. "But that does not matter," said Mr. Burns, "you deserved to be chastised for the Philippines."

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The Greatness of the Nation.

   There is some pretty good material for Fourth of July orations in census bulletin No. 149, just issued, which is devoted to the discussion of the area and population of this great country. According to this bulletin, the area of the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Porto Rico, the Philippines, Guam and Samoa, is 3,690,822 square miles, or about one-fourteenth of the land surface of the earth.

   The total population of the United States, including the possessions named, on June 1, 1900, was calculated at 84,233,069, with a margin of ą million for possible error, owing mainly to uncertainty as to the number of people in the Philippines.

   Only three political systems in the world have a greater population than the United States. These are the British empire, the Chinese empire and the Russian empire. The British empire, however, is largely a name, and its practically independent colonies like the Australian confederation and the Dominion of Canada, ought not to be taken into the count. They deserve to be considered by themselves as nations. Anyway, for a young nation, we are doing very well in the matter of size and can afford to toot our horn pretty loudly when we pause to contemplate our marvelous development in little more than a century.

 

THE TRACTION COMPANY

Files its Quarterly Report at Albany—Interesting Statistics.

   Albany, April 15.—The Cortland County Traction company has filed its report with the railroad commissioners for the quarter ending Dec. 31 last, as follows:

 

Cortland Park near bottom of Salisbury Hill, entrance Elm Street trolley bridge, Cortland, N. Y.

SHORT LINE TO PARK.

New Line to be Laid at Once East Through Elm-st.

IF FRANCHISE CAN BE OBTAINED.

Greatly Facilitate Transportation and Enable Company to Handle the Crowds—Shorten Time Both to Park and to McGraw—Better Crossing of Lackawanna Railroad Than at Station.

   The Cortland County Traction company has within a few days revived the project discussed a few years ago of shortening its line to McGraw and to the park by continuing its tracks down Elm-st. from Clinton-ave. to the corner of Elm and Pendleton-sts., where the tracks come again into Elm-st. A franchise will be asked for at the meeting of the common council tonight, and if this is granted work will be begun as soon as possible to build the line.

   This change would be a great benefit, not only to the company in the way of facilitating traffic, but to the public as well who have occasion to patronize the road. The tracks now go around three sides of two squares, where by the change they would go along the inside.

   The whole track would be in plain view from Church-st. to the Elm-st. switch so that there would be no unexpected meeting of cars around corners as has sometimes been true in the past, necessitating the backing up of one car or the other to reach a switch.

   It will be much easier to cross the Lackawanna tracks at Elm-st. than on Railroad-st. at the station, as there are fewer tracks and they are closer together. There is less likelihood of a car being held up and stopped by a train standing still at Elm-st. than at the station. Cars have often been hindered in making schedule time by a train, and one car held up by a train throws out all of the other cars waiting at passing points.

   This change will shorten the running time between the city and the park and the city and McGraw about seven minutes and enable the company to arrange a fifteen minute service to the park and will insure the hour service to McGraw with cars on time. Indeed, it is probable that if this short line is laid the McGraw cars will run clear through to the Lehigh Valley station at every trip instead of stopping at the Messenger House.

   Now is a good time to make the change as it will save some alterations on Railroad-st. near the new passenger station. The grade there is to be changed and quite a section of the pavement will have the brick re-laid. The switch to the old station will be of no service when the new station begins to be used, and a new switch would have been required. The company has no idea of abandoning its line to the station. That will be needed for train cars, but a single track will be laid without a switch coming up to an end near the station. From every point of view this will be a very desirable change, and it is to be hoped that the company can proceed without delay. It is understood that the consent has been obtained of all property holders on Elm-st. to the laying of the new tracks.

 

PROHIBITION ALLIANCE.

Officers Elected for Next Term—Enjoyable Program Given.

   A very interesting meeting of the Prohibition alliance was held last evening. It being the regular meeting for election of officers the following were elected to serve the next term:

   President—U. S. Milburn.

   Vice-President—Harold Gillette.

   Secretary—C. W. Collins.

   Chaplain—Albert Dilthy.

   Treasurer—L. M. Loope.

   Marshal—J. A. Smith.

   A solo was rendered by Harold Gillette. Two recitations were given by Miss Ida C. Beaudry. A male quartet furnished two songs and Philo Meade gave a reading. These exercises were much enjoyed by the audience. The congressman from North Dakota has recently introduced a bill to appropriate a million dollars to provide places of entertainment, such as reading rooms, music, etc., as a substitute for the canteen in the army. The alliance by a rising vote endorsed the movement and also by vote requested the pastors to bring the matter before their congregations at some convenient time.

   After the meeting, the company present were treated to cakes and ice cream.

 

PROF. REYNOLDS

Secures Some Good Subjects and Delights the Audience.

   Prof. John Reynolds, the mesmerist, was at the Opera House last night and gave one of his old time exhibitions. There was a large crowd in the audience\ and after the fun began they laughed till they were tired. He was successful in securing five good subjects, and they saw things and did things just as he willed it. They played football, skated on roller skates, both as learners and as champions. Orange seeds grew and came to full fruit time and the boys picked and ate it. Some of the boys saw pictures and others tried to be of assistance to sufferers in the audience. It was lots of fun and the audience simply roared.

   The show goes on every night this week except Friday, and the price of admission is reduced to 25 and 15 cents.

 

MORE TELEPHONES.

McGraw Soon to be Added to the Local Exchange.

FREE SERVICE TO BE AFFORDED.

The Two Villages of Homer and McGraw Connected With the City of Cortland—Farmers' Lines Stretching Out in Every Direction—A Thousand Telephones in Sight and No Doubt More Coming.

   The board of directors of the Home Telephone company held a meeting last evening and votes to build and equip an exchange in McGraw, provided a sufficient number of subscribers can be secured to insure the success of the enterprise. A large number of subscribers have already been promised. If the exchange is secured for McGraw, that town will be on the same basis as is Homer and free service will be given between Cortland, Homer and McGraw. A franchise has been obtained from the village of McGraw for placing the system there.

   The new 100-drop board that was added to the Cortland outfit recently is now more than two-thirds full, and another like it has been ordered. Additional equipment for the Homer exchange has also been ordered, and when these are installed the capacity of the exchanges will be 1,000 subscribers. Besides these there are numerous farmers' lines operated by the company, the number of which is rapidly increasing, and these lines are being put in as rapidly as the company can get to them. From every direction about the city urgent requests are coming to the company from farmers to extend the lines so that their residences may be connected with the exchange.

   The system has been out of the contractors' hands and operated by the company since last April, and in that time it has had a phenomenal growth, and one which has exceeded the company's expectations. The switchboards were put in to accommodate 800 subscribers, and it was thought by the company that this number would be sufficient for a number of years.

   In many places, too, the cables for wiring particular streets have proven inadequate, and new cables have had to be ordered to supply the growing demand for telephones.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The fishing season begins tomorrow; likewise the fish stories.

   —The Wide Awake Literary club will meet with Mrs. B. F. Sampson, Wheeler-ave., this evening.

   —New display advertisements today are—J. W. Cudworth, Optical talks, page 7: M. A. Case, Drygoods, page 6: C F. Brown. Barn paints, page 6; Smith & Beaudry, Wallpaper, page 6; Syracuse Musical Festival, page 8.

   —The Fortnightly club will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with Miss Celia Hinman, 55 Tompkins-st. The subject will be "Children in Art." All members having pictures that will illustrate this theme are requested to bring them to the meeting.

 

BOER LEADERS AT PRETORIA, LETTER TO THE STANDARD, TRUCK TOLD THE TIDINGS, FIRE SUNDAY MORNING, CORONER'S VERDICT, AND MUD STORM

 

Boar General Louis Botha.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, April 14, 1902.

BOER LEADERS AT PRETORIA.

Unusual Sunday Activity in London Government Circles.

   London, April 14.—The announcement of the presence at Pretoria of the Orange Free State and Transvaal leaders and generals who have been at Klerksdorp considering terms of peace, has caused a decided increase in the hopefulness of the public concerning the possibilities of peace.

   The expectations aroused by the conference at Pretoria have been further heightened by the movements of Mr. Chamberlain, the colonial secretary, and other members of the cabinet in London and evidences that important dispatches are passing between Lord Kitchener and the government.

   A conference of members of the cabinet was held Saturday at midnight in Mr. Chamberlain's house. Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Brodrick, the war secretary; Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, the chancellor of the exchequer, and the Duke of Devonshire, president of the council, were present. The conference terminated at 1 o'clock in the morning and Sunday Mr. Chamberlain and several of the colonial office officials were in their offices. Messengers passed between them and Sir Michael Hicks-Beach at his residence.

   At half past 1 o'clock in the afternoon Mr. Chamberlain drove to Buckingham palace and remained with King Edward for two hours. During the afternoon messengers carried dispatches from the foreign office to Lord Salisbury who with Mr. Balfour, the government leader in the house of commons, was at Hatfield House.

   These outward signs of Sunday activity have not been supplemented by any authentic or official statement. The question most discussed thus far has been whether the peace negotiations would affect the government's financial proposals, which promise to be submitted to parliament today. The fact that Sir Michael Hicks-Beach was engaged in his office nearly all day is taken in some quarters to indicate a modification of the budget statement.

   There appears to be no doubt that the Boer leaders have communicated the results of their deliberations to Lord Kitchener. Attempts will be made in parliament today to draw out what information the government has on the South African situation and to learn its intentions, but it is not known that the government can forecast the probable outcome of the negotiations. The instructions sent to Lord Kitchener are believed to be only provisional in character.

 

Nathan Lewis Miller.

A COMMUNICATION.

Comptroller Miller Writes Concerning the Truck Trial.

   The following letter from Comptroller Nathan L. Miller at Albany who was the associate counsel for the defense in the Truck murder trial in Cortland in 1900 will explain itself.

   State of New York, Comptroller's Office, Albany, April 11, 1902.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir—I note in the editorial of your issue of the 10th inst. relative to the case of John Truck, the following statement: "It must be a surprise to the attorneys who defended him upon the trial to know that he is insane, for they frankly owned before and after the trial that they chose insanity as a defense for the reason that they had no other line of defense, because the evidence of guilt was so conclusive."

   I do not know from what source The Standard could possibly have received such information, but in justice to those associated with me upon the trial of this case I desire to correct this mistake and to say that the statement quoted is absolutely untrue and that the attorneys for the defense, after the case had been carefully examined, conscientiously believed before the trial and at all times since have believed that the defense of insanity was a meritorious one and that the defendant was and has been insane for some time.

   Dr. Dana of Cortland, Dr. White of the Binghamton state hospital and Dr. Sefton of Auburn who were employed by us for the purpose of making an examination to ascertain the mental condition of Truck, after a most careful examination reported to us that he was insane. It will doubtless be found that Mr. Truck's present condition is simply the natural development of the condition that then existed. The decision of such eminent and impartial alienists as Dr. Talcott and Dr. Pilgrim is a complete vindication of the position taken by Drs. Dana and White, who testified upon the trial, and the refutation of the evidence of the alienists sworn on behalf of The People, one of whom, it will be remembered, stated on cross examination "that he had not come there to help make out a case for the defense."

   I also noted in a former issue of your paper a statement intimating that Dr. Sefton was not called upon the trial for the defense for the reason that his evidence would have been adverse to the defendant. This is so wholly at variance with the facts that I deem it just that the statement be corrected. Had it been possible to procure the attendance of Dr. Sefton, he would have been sworn and his evidence would have corroborated Dr. Dana and Dr. White. The inability to procure his evidence by reason of his illness undoubtedly injured the case of the defense. He has since personally advised me that examinations made by him of the defendant in Auburn prison, have confirmed the opinion which he gave us before the trial that the defendant was insane. His absence upon the trial probably did not affect the result as it is doubtful in the state of public opinion at that time in Cortland, whether it would have been possible upon any evidence to have obtained an acquittal upon the ground of insanity.

   I make this statement to correct the false impression created by the articles referred to which are unjust both to the counsel and to the eminent physicians upon whose advise the counsel relied. Whatever may be the ultimate determination as to the mental condition of Truck, both of the counsel who defended him upon the trial, and the physicians associated with them, believed then, still believe and always will believe, that Truck was insane and that he was a creature whose life society has no business to take.

   Respectfully yours, Nathan L. Miller.

   The statement above referred to as to insanity as a line of defense, to which Comptroller Miller takes exception, was based upon two conversations between the city editor of The Standard and Attorney E. W. Hyatt who had been appointed by the court to defend Truck. One conversation was held before the trial and the other which was in character a sort of general comment upon the hopelessness of the case from the start, was after Truck had been taken to Auburn.

   The reference to Dr. Sefton, to which exception is taken, was based upon the results of an interview by the city editor with that gentleman at his office in Auburn upon the day that Truck was taken to prison. The statements made in these columns were not written at random.

 

John Truck.

TRUCK TOLD THE TIDINGS.

Respited by Governor and if He Stays Insane He May Live.

   The Auburn Advertiser of Friday says: Warden Mead received the respite from the governor this morning and as soon as possible after receiving the papers, the warden went to Truck's cell in the condemned row and read the reprieve to the murderer. When he had finished the warden said to Truck, "Do you understand what that means?"

   "Yes, sir" came the answer through the grated door. There was no emotion apparent in the man's voice nor did he show any feeling in his face or actions.

   The warden then asked Truck if he had received any news of the report of Drs. Pilgrim and Talcott to the governor and received a negative answer.

   It had been announced that the governor had commuted the sentence to life imprisonment and lest Truck might have heard this, and be laboring under a misapprehension, the warden explained just what the respite meant. Truck, however, said he had heard nothing, either from the officers or from his attorney.

 

FIRE SUNDAY MORNING

In the Old Wickwire Building on Railroad-st.

THE DAMAGE WAS NOT VERY GREAT.

L. R. Lewis Suffered Most, but is Fully Insured—Fire Originated from Unknown Cause, but Was First Discovered Near a Stove—Excellent Work of Firemen.

   Fire broke out on the second floor of the old wooden block owned by Wickwire Brothers on the north side of Railroad-st. Sunday morning, at a few minutes past 12 o'clock in a room occupied by L. R. Lewis, but it was extinguished before it had gotten under full headway. The flames caught in the same room in which the fire started in that block on the night of July 3 of last year. The fire centered around a stove in the south end of the room, and it is thought that it originated from this stove.

   The fire was discovered by some parties who stood in front of the Idle Hours billiard parlors, which are in the same block. Word was carried at once to the engine house, and an alarm was rung in by Fred Christenat. The Water Witch Hose company hitched to the hydrant near the building on Railroad-st., and got first water on the flames. The hose was carried up the stairway and through the front room, which is also occupied by Mr. Lewis, to the room in the rear, thus shutting off the chance of the fire spreading to the front rooms. Two other streams were soon directed on the room in the "L,'' and the fire was hastily extinguished.

   It is not known how the fire caught from the stove. The workmen left the stove at 6 o'clock of the previous evening in the same condition as they were in the habit of doing, and it had not been seen since they left it. Mr. Lewis loses a great deal of new stock of tin that was for use in making Perfection milk coolers, of which he is the manufacturer. His loss is fully covered by insurance. The billiard parlors were somewhat damaged by water, as was also Parmiter's repair shop.

   The work of Chief Sherwood in handling the fire is the subject of much favorable comment. He kept the flames confined to the room between the front and rear portion of the block by first attacking them from the front rooms and then following them from the sides and rear.

   The alarm sent in was the first one given since the new storage battery was connected with the system. The strokes came out regularly and the whole system behaved admirably.

 

VERDICT OF CORONER.

Accident Unforeseen and Could Not Have Been Prevented.

   Coroner E. M. Santee has completed his verdict in the case of Garret Nagle, the Lackawanna fireman who was killed in the snowplow wreck north of Little York on Feb. 20, 1902.

   After reciting the facts concerning the accident the coroner says:

   The evidence of numerous witnesses shows that every precaution possible was taken; that the engines and snowplow were thoroughly examined at Homer and Little York just prior to the accident and that all machinery appeared to be in perfect working order.

   The evidence of Charles Hannaka, who is an expert railroad wrecking boss and who had charge of clearing up the wreck, shows that the track was in perfect order; that the wheels and truck of the snowplow, which was the first to leave the track, were all intact. Said Hannaka testified that after the most diligent search for a cause for the accident he was unable to give any reason therefor.

   The evidence also shows that the same train and crew had previously plowed through without accident many snowbanks that were apparently much worse than the one in question.

   The evidence and the investigations of this coroner also shows that the snowplow used was of the most modern type, the best construction and the one in use by all the largest railroads of this state for this kind of work.

   From all of the evidence and the investigation, this coroner decides that said Garret Nagle came to his death on the 20th day of February, 1902, in the town of Preble, Cortland Co., N. Y., from accidental causes that no human foresight could have foreseen or prevented.

   In witness whereof the said coroner has to this inquisition set his hand and seal this 12th day of April, 1902. E. M. Santee, Coroner.

 

Lackawanna  R. R. Officials In Town.

   The following Lackawanna officials are visiting Cortland today by special train: President W. H. Truesdale, General Superintendent T. E. Clarke, Chief Train Master of Syracuse and Binghamton Branch G. C. Ferris and Chief Engineer W. K. McFarland.

 

A MUD SHOWER

Descended Upon Cortland Last Saturday Afternoon.

IT WAS NOT A LOCAL AFFAIR.

For Penn Yan Had One Too—Clean Clothes on the Lines Were Plastered With Mud—New Hats Spattered—Piazzas so Soiled That People Thought Boys Had Been Throwing Mud.

   A mud shower visited Cortland last Saturday afternoon and raised havoc with clothes that were on lines, wearing apparel of those who happened to be out at the time, and especially to spring hats and bonnets that were out on parade. The singular shower lasted only a few moments, but it had the effect of causing many people of amiable dispositions, to think things even if they didn't say them.

   At the First M. E. church parsonage a large number of white clothes were hanging on the line at the rear of the house. These were completely drenched with the mud and water mixture and looked, as Mrs. Keppel well stated it, as though some mischievous boys had taken a pail of mud and mixed it in a tub of water and then doused it on her line of clothes with a whitewash brush. Two treatments of boiling soap suds and as many rinsings failed to take the spots out of the garments, and a great deal of Mrs. Keppel's finest linen is spoiled.

   Commissioner of Charities F. E. Price was caught out in the shower, and as a result a new spring hat will have to be purchased to take the place of the bespattered piece of head gear.

   Mr. H. S. Darling was on his way to his duties at the Lehigh Valley office after he had eaten his noon-time meal. His usual extremely tidy appearance was lost, however, and as he rushed in upon his associates his dress resembled that of a country doctor just coming in from a long drive over bottomless roads.

   Mrs. A. D. Le Roy had a very valuable wrap spoiled by the shower while out driving at the time of the queer antics of the elements.

   One lady on Venette-st., who had just cleaned her front porch, could hardly be dissuaded from thinking that the mischievous boys of the neighborhood had thrown mud upon her recently spick and span home entrance.

   Mrs. F. D. Smith of 6 Argyle Place had some of her best bedding out in the back yard airing and it was completely covered with mud.

   Several lines of clothes on Prospect hill were so soiled as to have to go again at once into the tub.

   This storm was evidently not a local affair, or else there were other local storms of the same character, for a news dispatch from Penn Yan today tells of a similar storm there.

   Where the mud came from is a query. There was every kind of weather on Saturday—sunshine, rain, snow, hail and mud. Now we may expect a shower of frogs after the likeness of the old days in Egypt.

 

BREVITIES.

   —A regular meeting of W. U. C. will be held Tuesday afternoon at 3 P. M.

   —The residence of H. L. Peckham, 6 Charles-st., has been connected with the Home Telephone line. The number is 157.

   —Cortlandville lodge, No. 470, F. & A. M., will confer the first degree at their regular communication Tuesday evening at 7:30 o'clock.

   —New display advertisements today are—Syracuse Music Festival, page 7;  S. Simmons, Clothing, page 6; Warren, Tanner & Co., page 2; New York Store, Drygoods, millinery, etc., page 7; C. F. Thompson, Flour, page 6; R. W. Mitchell, Meats, page 5.

   —The library institute begins at Normal hall tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Dr. J. N. Canfield, librarian of Columbia university, will speak tomorrow evening at 7:30 o'clock. The public is cordially invited to attend all sessions. Admission free.