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| Cipriano Castro. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, March 23, 1903.
CASTRO NOW RESIGNS.
Congress by Unanimous Vote Declines to Accept.
GRANDILOQUENT MESSAGE READ.
Thought to Be a Political Trick—Night Session of Congress Held and Delegation Appointed to Ask President to Reconsider—Will Let Them Know on Thursday.
Caracas, March 23.—The Venezuelan congress by a unanimous vote has declined to accept President Castro's resignation and has passed a resolution requesting him to reconsider his decision. It is believed that President Castro will yield to this expressed desire of congress and remain in power.
The congressional hall was crowded Saturday afternoon, and all the members of the diplomatic corps were present when President Castro read his message to congress.
President Castro first passed in review the terrible condition which prevailed in the country and denounced the errors of his countrymen. "But," he continued, "if it is painful to consider how much blood and how many tears have been shed, yet it is a consolation to think that their bitter stream by the law of compensation will fecundate something that should correspond to present day aspirations, since every struggle begets one idea and every victorious idea justifies the supposition that an onward step has been taken in the road to human perfection. Our victory, citizen legislators, over the great adversities which have just oppressed us must terminate the tumults of our life, otherwise we shall reach a shameful dissolution."
Collusion With Foreigners.
Touching then on the question of the recent foreign intervention, President Castro said it had been brought about by a league of people who, unable to submit their claims to the impartiality of the tribunals, had employed force, and that because he refused to submit to the Anglo-German exactions they, acting in collusion with the revolutionary General Matos, endeavored to get rid of him.
In confirmation of this latter statement, President Castro cited a letter written by the commander of the German warship Stosch.
He proceeded to say that now that the sovereignty of the nation had been safeguarded, "I deliver my abdication in order that you may proceed legally to call on him who should take my place, so that there may remain to no Venezuelan the slightest pretext for hostility to his country or for connivance with foreigners who, without any ground save force, fell upon unfortunate Venezuela, trampling under foot reason and justice to the detriment of civilization and the beautiful conquests of right.
"With head uplifted and with tranquil conscience I return to the efforts of toil [with] honor and dignity. All the energies and possibilities of my life are at your service should it become necessary to arise and defend our country against the attacks of the foreigner. All the glory I ask is to contemplate Venezuela becoming respected, prosperous and happy."
The president of congress then received President Castro's resignation and a commission was immediately appointed to draw up a reply to the tendered resignation.
The news of the president's resignation created intense excitement in political circles, but the city remained quite quiet.
Later a night session of congress was held and a resolution was adopted requesting President Castro to reconsider his resignation in view of the critical condition of the republic and a vote of confidence in his policy was passed unanimously. A committee was appointed to transmit this resolution to President Castro Sunday.
In view of the reasons for the resignation given in the presidential message it is believed in political circles that Castro will retain the presidential office.
The delegation that had been appointed by congress called at noon Sunday at Castro's residence, Miraflores palace, and transmitted to Mr. Castro the resolution unanimously adopted by congress, refusing to accept his resignation and requesting him to reconsider his decision. President Castro in reply declined to change his mind, but after being urged by his personal friends, he offered to present another message to congress (which he will meet on Thursday), to give a solution to the situation.
The French warship Troude has left La Guaira. Her departure is taken as indicating that there is no reason to fear internal complications as a result of President Castro's resignation.
Considered a Political Trick.
Washington, March 23.—President Castro's resignation came in for a good deal of discussion in governmental and diplomatic circles. The general sentiment of persons conversant with South American affairs seemed to be that the president's action was merely a political move having for its object the declaration of an expression from congress of its united and hearty support. It was not thought that he had any serious idea of giving up his office permanently.
No news reached the state department during the day regarding the later developments in the situation in Caracas. The department has requested Mr. Russell, the secretary of legation at the Venezuelan capital, for information on the subject.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.
Now Dig the Canal.
The United States senate's ratification of the Panama canal treaty [pdf] removes the last serious obstacle to the construction of the isthmian waterway which the American people have had in contemplation for more than half a century. Though there has been a long and stubborn fight over the treaty and many amendments were suggested, it was finally approved without so much as the change of a word from the original convention as signed by Secretary Hay and Dr. Herran, the Colombian representative.
The treaty embodies every concession that this country could reasonably make to Colombian sensibilities, though at the same time, it is believed, amply safeguarding our interests. It gives the Colombians sovereignty over a vast enterprise of the United States government, representing many more millions of dollars than the Colombian government is worth. The rights of this government to the canal property are for 100 years, with the privilege of having the lease perpetually renewed. Colombia agrees not to lease or sell to any foreign government any lands for the purpose of establishing fortifications or coaling stations or other works that might interfere with the construction or maintenance of the canal and auxiliary works.
The treaty provides that free ports shall be established at the terminals of the canal, that the United States shall supply drainage systems for Panama and Colon and that the two countries shall jointly repel invasion. It is also provides for a joint commission of the governments of Colombia and the United States to establish and enforce sanitary and police regulations. Authority to regulate the use of the canal, railways, the entering ports and auxiliary works, however, rests with the United States.
In acknowledging the sovereignty of Colombia the United States disavows any intention to impair it in any way or to increase its territory at the expense of Colombia or of any of the sister republics in Central or South America.
With these political concessions and the liberal financial considerations—an annual payment of $250,000 in gold to be made for the lease, beginning nine years after the date of ratification, and $10,000,000 in gold to be paid upon the exchange of ratifications of the treaty—the Colombians ought to and no doubt will be entirely satisfied. The building and operation of the canal will greatly increase the importance of the Colombian republic among the nations and add prodigiously to the country's resources. This being the case, the American people will not look with any sort of toleration on further Colombian obstruction and will expect to see the work on the great enterprise speedily begun, with the hearty approval of the Colombians.
THE HOUSE TRIAL.
Defendants Charged With Manslaughter in First Degree.
GEORGE BENNETT THE VICTIM.
Case Now Proceeding in County Court—History of the Crime—Efforts to Secure a Jury—Only One Obtained up to Noon and He was the First Man Called.
The trial of the case of The People vs. John H. House, Orson A. House and John C. House, indicted for manslaughter in the first degree, was begun in county court this morning before Judge Joseph E. Eggleston. The prosecution is represented by District Attorney T. H. Dowd and the defendants by H. E. Wilson of Syracuse, assisted by Dougherty & Miller of Cortland.
The defendants are all residents of the town of Lapeer and live upon a farm there about two miles from the village of Marathon.
The Crime.
At an early hour on the morning of Tuesday, March 4, 1902, George Bennett of Homer was brought to the office of Dr. Field in Marathon by Harry H. Gleason and John H. House. Bennett had been shot upon the House premises sometime after midnight. The circumstances of the shooting are in dispute.
Bennett had during the previous year worked the House farm. His engagement there had ceased upon March 1 and he had moved his family to Homer. Not all the goods had been moved. Bennett's stepson had been sent down with the team a few days before to bring up the last load. It was a season of freshets and nothing had been heard from the boy. Bennett claimed that he had become anxious about his whereabouts and had started out to find him.
The Houses claim that they were awakened during the night by some one in the other part of the house, where Bennett formerly lived. Later they heard a window broken. They believed a burglar was about. Orson House raised a rear window and says he began to fire at random with a Winchester magazine rifle. In a search around the building later they claim to have found Bennett in an outhouse, his right knee shattered by a bullet. Bennett claimed that the attack upon him was deliberate.
Bennett was brought to Cortland on the early train that morning and taken to the hospital. An attempt was made to secure an ante-mortem statement from him, but he talked in such an incoherent manner that the attempt was abandoned. He was not thought to be in a dangerous condition, but it afterward became apparent that the blood vessels had become so contused from the splintering of the bone that the blood could not get through and that amputation was necessary. The leg was amputated on the morning of March 8. The patient had not vitality enough to withstand the shock and he died at 3:15 on the afternoon of March 8.
At 6 o'clock that night the three defendants were arrested by Sheriff Overton on the charge of murder in the first degree.
The preliminary examination was begun in Marathon before Justice J. H. Miller on March 21, was concluded on March 31 and the three defendants were held for the action of the grand jury. On May 2 the grand jury reported an indictment against the three for manslaughter in the first degree. Subsequently the three were admitted to bail.
Getting a Jury.
Long before 10 o'clock the court room was filled with an eager throng to witness the trial. Every available seat was occupied and many remained standing. The long and tedious process of choosing a jury occupied the day up to the time of going to press.
After the roll of the special panel of seventy-five extra jurors summoned for the trial of this case had been called Judge Eggleston asked all who had excuses from serving to step forward. Twenty-four thought they had good reasons for not acting as jurors and of this number the following were excused by the judge and for the reason s stated:
Polemos W. Chaffee, Cortlandville, fireman; Myron F. Crane, city of Cortland, fireman; Vander M. Grant, Freetown, deaf; Jerry Gray, city, age; John Lannan, city, ill; Milo Miles, Virgil, ill; Daniel Reardon, city, ill; Richard Turner, city, engineer; Timothy Woods, city, engineer; Elna Phillips, farmer, Taylor.
After the excuses had been taken care of the actual work of selecting a jury was begun. District Attorney Thomas H. Dowd questioned the jurors on behalf of the people and Attorney H. E. Wilson for the defense. The first name called was that of Jay M. Ballou, a former resident of Cortland, but now of Virgil, a farmer by occupation. In response to questions he said he knew John C. House, and the son Orson House. Had had no business relations with John C. House. Orson House he had made the acquaintance of upon one occasion when he came to his house taking census. Had heard the case discussed. Had formed no opinion of the case, and the fact that the grand jury had indicted a defendant for crime would not create any prejudice in his mind against the person indicted. He knew of no reason which would prevent him from rendering an impartial verdict upon the evidence in the case. Had no prejudice against a man keeping or using firearms under circumstances that law would allow. He was acceptable to both sides and took his place in the jury box as juror No. 1.
Charles H. White, a representative of The Standard, was the second juror called. He was present at the examination conducted in Marathon, had heard the evidence given by witnesses at that examination and had formed an opinion in the case. He was excused.
Charles H. Price, a farmer, and a resident of Cortland, had read the account in The Standard and had formed an opinion. However, he would try to give an impartial decision if the evidence given would justify such. It would take strong evidence to remove his opinion. He was discharged-
Lee Bartholomew, a resident of the city, a clerk in Warren & Tanner's store, had read the account in The Standard and had formed an opinion which he still retains. Challenged by defense [and dismissed].
O. R. Barber, a resident of Cuyler and farmer by occupation had read an account in the newspapers. Had formed an opinion at the time, but since that time had given it no thought and would be able to give an unbiased opinion in the case. Had strong opinion regarding circumstantial evidence. He was discharged upon peremptory challenge.
When the court adjourned for the noon recess, Juror Ballou was the only juror in the box.
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| Wickwire Factory, Cortland, N. Y. |
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| Theodore Wickwire. |
WICKWIRE BROTHERS
Have a Slight Fire in New Steel Mill Saturday Night.
VERY LITTLE DAMAGE WAS DONE.
Loss Will Not Reach $1,000—Operation of Plant Not Interfered With for a Moment—Temporary Boxing About Pipes Ignited from Heat from a Generator Probably the Cause.
There was a slight fire in the new steel mill of Wickwire Brothers wire cloth plant at 9:30 o'clock Saturday night. Very little damage was done. The loss will not reach $1,000, and the operation of the plant was not delayed or interfered with for a moment.
Winter shut down so early last year that it was not possible to complete the brick wall upon the north side of the new mill. In order that operations might begin when the machinery was ready a temporary wall or partition of matched boards was put up in place of the brick to last till spring. But this did not entirely shut out the cold. A long line of oil pipes, steam pipes and hydraulic pipes extend in a bunch the greater part of the length of the mill. Though these rest at intervals upon the top of the brick regenerators which are always hot they are near this temporary outside wall of boards, and there was always danger during the winter of their freezing in the spaces between the regenerators because of the inadequate protection from the weather afforded by the thin wall. To obviate this difficulty the pipes were all enclosed for the winter, and until the brick wall could be put up, in a wooden box which also at intervals rested upon the regenerators.
The steel mill is operated night and day throughout the week by double shifts of men, except that Saturday night at 6 o'clock it shuts down till Monday morning at 2 o'clock. The fires were cooled down as usual last Saturday night, but the heat is retained for a long time in the regenerators, which do not really cool off much before the fires are started up again for the work to begin Monday morning.
The Fire Discovered.
At about 9:30 Saturday night John Moore, the watchman in that mill, discovered that this box enclosing the pipes was on fire in one place and that the flames had communicated with the outside wooden wall adjoining it. The windows in that vicinity were open. A brisk breeze was blowing outside and was fiercely fanning the flames. A glance showed him that too much headway had already been gained for him to successfully combat the fire even with the aid of the watchmen from the two adjoining mills. It is supposed that the fire started from the overheating of this box from the regenerator upon which it rested.
Mr. Moore at once ran to the oil tanks which are located some little distance south of the mill, and shut off the oil so that no more could get into the pipes, thus preventing any possibility of an explosion even if the fire should assume large proportions. But there was little chance anyway for much of fire in that mill, for except this temporary wooden wall and a few temporary partitions and the box enclosing the pipes there is nothing about the whole mill to burn. All the rest is brick and steel. The watchman then ran to the office and pulled Wickwire Brothers private fire alarm box No. 143.
The fire department responded promptly, but when the companies had reached the plant they found that they had to thread their way in the dark through a labyrinth of buildings to reach the steel mill which is at the extreme east end of the plant. No one at first knew exactly where to find a hydrant in the dark. A number of hydrants are scattered at intervals through the yard, but there was a little delay in finding them. Water was, however, soon turned on and then it was but the work of a few minutes to extinguish the flames.
Soon after the water was turned on the engine which generates the electric lights for the plant was started and the lights were turned on, making the mill and its vicinity as light as day. It was then possible to get about with ease.
Damage is Slight.
About the only damage done was to valves in these pipes. The packing in nearly all the joints which were in the range of the fire was burned out, and a number of the valves upon the pipes blew out. Several of them made quite a little explosion in the operation. As the winter is over and there is no more danger from cold, the wooden box enclosing the pipes will not be replaced, and in the course of a few weeks a brick wall will be completed, taking the place of the temporary wooden one. The valves were all replaced and the joints repacked yesterday, and every arrangement was completed so that the night shift of men went to work at 3 o'clock this morning, as is customary on a Monday morning. Not a minute's time has been lost as a result of the fire. The entire loss will probably fall quite a little short of $1,000.
Notes.
This is the first time that Wickwire Brothers have ever had a fire of any kind in their wire mill, and their plant has now been in operation twenty-seven years.
T. H. Wickwire never heard the fire bell at all and knew nothing whatever about the fire till called up by telephone at 11:30 by the superintendent of the works who happened to remember that he hadn't seen him anywhere about during the evening. He was told that the fire was all out and that the plant would be ready to resume operations at the usual time Monday morning.
Superintendent A. P. Stilson was taking an easy shave all by himself at home Saturday night when he heard Box 143 rung out and knew that the fire was at the wire mill. He had shaved one side of his face and he simply wiped the lather off the other side with a towel and jumped on his wheel and started. He completed the shave Sunday morning.
Hundreds of people, it almost seems as though thousands would be more accurate, rushed down Main-st. when it was known that the fire was at Wickwires'. The crowd along the railroad track down near the wire mill was immense. A light rain, turning to snow, was falling and the mud everywhere off the pavement was ankle deep.
At the Tioughnioga club rooms there were six card tables surrounded with players. When the fire bell began to ring, only two left the room, it not being understood where the fire was, but when the word was passed that the fire was at Wickwires' every hand was dropped instantly and in thirty seconds the room was deserted.
Emerald Hose Co. attached its hose to the hydrant on Main-st. at the corner of the office next the Lehigh Valley tracks. Its 500 feet of hose extended to the gate opening into the grounds. This was lifted off the hinges and thrown down and Orris Hose Co. attached 500 feet to the end of Emerald, but the line then fell more than a hundred feet short of reaching the fire. However there was no need for the services of either of these companies and the water was not turned on at all. Water Witch got into the ground through a Main-st. gate and found its way between the buildings to the hydrant nearest the steel mill. Hitchcock attached two lengths of hose to the end of Water Witch's line and through this line all the water that was needed was thrown.
BURR C. BLOWERS
Found on Main-st., in a Dazed Condition.
NOT BEEN SEEN SINCE SATURDAY.
Whereabouts in the Meantime Unknown—Not Recovered Consciousness—Lived in McGraw—Came to Cortland Saturday to Draw His Pay at Wickwires'.
"What happened to Burr C. Blowers?" is a question that has today perplexed the members of the man's family as well as his physicians. He was picked up early this morning on Main-st. in a dazed condition and was unable to tell what had happened to him. As several dollars were missing that he was known to have with him it is thought by his friends that he had been the victim of foul play.
At about 6:30 o'clock this morning Blowers, who lives in McGraw and works in Wickwires' mill, was picked up by workmen who were on their way to their work. He was at that time suffering from severe pain in his head, but could not tell what had happened to him. He was carried into McGraw & Elliott's drug store, and the man's father-in-law, Joseph Carruthers of McGraw, was notified. Dr. F. W. Higgins was also summoned. It could not be told whether the man was suffering from injuries received about the head or some kind of a fit was befogging his mind. There were no traces of any violence having been done, and as he is a temperance man and no signs of liquor were found, the case is very baffling.
Blowers, with his wife and baby, live with his father-in-law in McGraw. The man works here nights, and he came here Saturday afternoon to draw his week's wages. He had not been seen by the family since he left home, but it is thought that he stayed here with his cousin, Rev. J. C. Auringer, pastor of the Memorial Baptist church. When Mr. Auringer arrived at the drug store he stated that he had not seen the man within the time in question. Where he was from the time he drew his money Saturday afternoon until early this morning is a mystery to his friends and a blank to him.
While at the drug store this morning waiting for a McGraw car Blowers at times would moan piteously and call for his wife and "darling little baby" and pleaded to be taken home. He would also talk of his work at the mill.
It is reported that about a year ago Blowers had an attack similar to this, but this report cannot be substantiated. Dr. Frank Forshee of McGraw who attended him at his home was questioned about the condition of the man. He said he could not tell what he was suffering from and he did not know of any previous attack of the same nature. At noon he had not recovered consciousness.
About $6 was missing from Blowers' pockets, and it cannot be explained what has become of this, as the young man is known to be frugal in his habits.
Grant Thomas, who was one to help Blowers in the store, gave valuable assistance in caring for the man until his relations came to his aid.
BREVITIES.
—The name of North Hector has been changed to Valois and has been so corrected in the new time table of the L. V. R. R. Co.
—The funeral of Mrs. George H. Nottingham, who died at her home near Marathon last Friday, was held at 1 o'clock today. The remains were brought to Cortland at 4:38 this afternoon for burial.
—Instead of March blizzards we seem to be getting the genuine April showers. It is to be hoped that vegetation will not advance far enough to be nipped by the frosts that are pretty sure to come later.
—A regular meeting of the King's Daughters will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. At this time the matter of a deaconess will be decided upon and every member is requested to be present. All others interested in local charity work will be welcome.
—The new display advertisements today are—Bingham & Miller, New spring clothing, page 8; Warren Tanner & Co., Carpets, etc., page 6; The First National Bank. Banking, etc., page 6; G. H. Wiltsie, Dress goods, etc., page 8; C. F. Brown, Paints, page 4; Opera House "Wine, Woman, and Song," page 5.
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