A SERIOUS MATTER IN LOUSIANA, AND A HISTORICAL NAME UNDER REVIEW

 

Courtesy of the Historic New Orleans Collection.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, July 24, 1899.

IS A SERIOUS MATTER.

Lynching of Italians In Louisiana Viewed With Alarm.

MAY LEAD TO WAR WITH ITALY.

The Affair at Tallulah Is the Third of Its Kind Involving the Relations Between the Italian Government and That of the United States—An Investigation Began.

   WASHINGTON, July 24.—The lynching of five Italians at Tallulah, La., is viewed with concern in official circles on account of the effect it may have on the relations between Italy and the United States. Officials recalled that a similar affair, the lynching of men of the same nationality in the same state during the administration of President Harrison, nearly caused a war between this country and Italy, and did result in the withdrawal from Washington of the Italian minister.

   The affair at Tallulah is the third of its kind involving the relations between the Italian government and that of the United States. Only a short time ago this government paid indemnity to Italy for killing by a mob of some Italian subjects in Colorado. It is believed here that the least that will result from the lynching at Tallulah will be the payment of heavy indemnity to Italy.

   The seriousness with which the matter is viewed by the Italian authorities was indicated by the promptness of Italy in calling the lynching to the attention of the state department. Count Vinci, the charge d'affaires of Italy in Washington, received a telegram from the Italian consul at New Orleans reporting that the lynching had occurred. Count Vinci went to the state department and saw Assistant Secretary Hill, Secretary Hay being at the White House at the time. Count Vinci requested that an immediate investigation of the circumstances of the lynching be made by this government. He expressed the fear that other Italians at Tallulah were in danger of mob violence and asked that the government take means to protect them.

   Mr. Hill promised that the state department would do everything in its power to see that the lives and property of Italian subjects at Tallulah were protected, and promised also that an immediate investigation would be made. Later on, Count Vinci saw Secretary Hay who, in response to the count's request, sent a telegram to the governor of Louisiana asking him to see that adequate protection was given to Italians in Tallulah and vicinity.

   The government authorities express deep regret that the affair occurred. The ability of the government to comply in this case with its treaty obligations for the protection of Italian subjects in this country is limited however, where the offense committed against these subjects comes within the state law. In the case of the Mafia lynching in New Orleans the federal government was unable to secure a trial in the federal courts of the men implicated in it. The Italian government protested against their trial in the Louisiana state courts, and maintained that the United States government was not adhering to its treaty obligations in permitting a state tribunal to dispose of the case. The general government had no option in the matter, however, as the constitution guarantees to the states jurisdiction in crimes of that nature.

   After the difficulty with Italy over the New Orleans lynching an effort was made in congress to secure the passage of a law providing that treaties with foreign nations should be the law of the land, which would give the federal courts jurisdiction in all criminal cases involving offenses against subjects of foreign countries. The measure was bitterly opposed and failed to become a law.

 

AN INQUIRY BEGUN.

The Italians Were Subjects of Italy But Were Considered Bad Men.

   NEW ORLEANS, July 24.—Governor Foster received a request from the secretary of state for the facts in the lynching of the five Italians at Tallulah. The governor was visiting New Orleans, but left at once for the state capitol, Baton Rouge, where he will make an official demand on the Madison parish authorities for a full account. The indications are that all the lynched Italians were still subjects of the King of Italy and had not yet been naturalized, although they had been some years in the country. Dr. Hodges, for whose wounding the five men were killed, is better and may recover.

   The Madison grand jury report is devoted principally to showing that the lynched men were very bad. Frank Defatta is said to have killed a negro for stealing a watermelon, and Joe Defatta with having killed Pat Mathews, landing keeper at Milliken's Bend, but of this was acquitted. He is said also to have threatened a prominent citizen. No criminal charges are made against the others, who are said generally to be bad men.

 

Elihu Root.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

New Secretary of War.

   President McKinley's selection of Hon. Elihu Root for secretary of war seems to be giving general satisfaction in every quarter. Regardless of politics words of commendation are frequent at the appointment. Mr. Root's rise to the front rank of his profession in the metropolis of the country, through contact with the best lawyers of his day has been watched with interest and pride throughout this state where he has come to be well known by reputation. He won his spurs at the bar against able lawyers. As United States district attorney, member of the state constitutional convention, chairman of the Republican county committee of New York, president of the Union League club, Mr. Root has proved himself to be, in the words of the New York Sun, a man of "brains, force of character, honesty of purpose," and has acquired "uncommon experience of men and the ways of men."

   The president conceives that the war department needs at its head at this time a lawyer rather than a military man. Events have brought to that department a consideration of questions that require legal solution and adjustment. Elihu Root is admirably equipped in constitutional law, and his mind is trained to ready grasp of international points. He will be a guide in legal matters appertaining to the new island possessions of the United States on whom the president can lean with confidence.

   Nor need there be apprehension that the new secretary will be found wanting in the executive lines of his official duty. There was no gentler man than the father of the new secretary, the late Prof. Oren Root of Hamilton college. There was none quicker to grasp a situation, or readier or firmer in its solution and adjustment. The son has these qualities of his distinguished father. He has great capacity for work, and those best acquainted with him marvel most at the rapidity, clearness and accuracy of his conclusions. He is withal diplomatic. He is able to maintain firmness without seeming obstinate. Mr. Root will be secretary of war, as well as legal adviser to the president in matters relating to the department.

 

TROY TO BUY AUBURN.

Baseball Has Been a Financial Failure in the Prison City.

   AUBURN, July 24.—Negotiations are practically complete for the transfer of the Auburn State league team to Troy this week. The game has not been a paying venture in this city this season, Sunday ball is not permitted and, as Troy wants a team, President Farrell has concluded to sell out to responsible parties there. The team would not be transferred if Sunday ball were permitted. Some action may be taken by enthusiasts here to induce President Farrell to keep his team here, but there seems little likelihood of success.

 

Railroad Company Wants Damages.

   ALBANY, July 24.—The Syracuse and Suburban Railroad company has filed a claim against the state of $1,200 for damages done to a bridge and dyke in the town of Manlius, Onondaga county, caused by the overflow of Limestone creek. Another claim for $165 was also filed by the town of Pompey on similar allegations.

 

Postcard dated 1910.

IT IS A HISTORIC NAME

And Refers to an Old Landmark—Do Not Change It.

   A petition has been put in circulation among the residents of Port Watson-st. asking the board of village trustees to change the name of that street to Randall-st. It is understood that the idea is not meeting with general favor and that the signers so far are not numerous. It is to be hoped that the project will be abandoned or that the trustees will decline to take such action, if indeed the petition should finally be presented. There is nothing derogatory to the proposed name for the street in the objection to the change. That name perhaps would be as fitting as any if a change were desirable, as it represents a family which was among the earliest of the residents of this village and which has always been one of the most highly respected. Besides, members of the Randall family have owned a large proportion of the land adjacent to this street since it was first laid out. But there will be abundant opportunity to perpetuate that name, if so desired, if the time ever comes when the splendid flats adjoining one side of both Port Watson and Main-sts. shall be cut up into streets and building lots.

   The objection is to the abandoning of the name of Port Watson-st. at all. Though there is nothing especially beautiful about this appellation in itself it is the one name among the village streets that is historic and that connects the town with its early days. The settlement of Port Watson was in existence before Cortland was dreamed of. It took its name from Elkanah Watson who came to this vicinity from the part of Albany county, N. Y., which is now Pittsfield, Mass., just before the close of the last century. He was the leading man in the new settlement, which he had surveyed by Harvey I. Stewart and laid out into village lots. From 1800 to 1815 deeds conveying property from Elkanah Watson to various parties are a matter of frequent occurrence in the county clerk's records. It was the head of navigation on the river and in those days large rafts, or "arks" as they were called, loaded with produce used to be sent from this place down the river at frequent intervals to the markets below. Hence the first part of the name. For sometime after the settlement in Cortland was made Port Watson was a strong rival of the place. It is a name familiar to every former resident of Cortland county, and many of them now who read of the growth of this place, and have not recently returned to it know where Port Watson and Port Watson-st. are when they have not the faintest idea of the location of the streets having some of the more modern names. It keeps them in touch with one part of new Cortland. All such would be sorry to hear of the abandonment of the old familiar name, and indeed it is probable that every one in town would feel the same way when they come to think of its historic significance. Don't do it. Don't go any further with the petition. Let the whole matter drop.

 

SPARKS' SHOW WEDNESDAY

To Exhibit at the Corner of Railroad and Pendleton-sts.

   John H. Sparks' show will exhibit at the corner of Railroad and Pendleton-sts., [Cortland], on Wednesday afternoon and evening of this week. The admission price is 10 and 25 cents. The Selma, (Ala.,) News says:

   Sparks' railroad shows were greeted by a good audience yesterday and it is not giving them undue praise to say that they gave an exhibition that is first class in every respect. It's a cheap show and a good show; a show that appeals to the impecunious man and compels the warmest encomiums from the gentleman of larger incomes.

   Sparks has the smallest baby elephant performer in the world and its intelligent actions delight the little folks and excite the wonder and admiration of those of taller stature.

   The trapeze work and acrobatic feats would be hard to excel, while the other features of the performance are all deserving of special mention.

 

LEFT LEG BROKEN.

Jason E. Taylor Engaged in Removing Main-st. Trees.

   The work of removing the trees from in front of Hotel Brunswick on Main-st. was begun this morning under the direction of David R. Shults. The limbs are sawed from the trunks, and lowered to the ground by means of ropes and pulleys. At about 11 o'clock, as a heavy limb was being let down it slipped and slid endwise, striking the left leg of Jason E. Taylor, one of the workmen just below the knee, causing a fracture. Beard & Peck's ambulance conveyed him to his home on Railroad-ave., and Dr. C. D. Ver Nooy reduced the fracture.

 

Saint Mary's Catholic Church was located on North Main Street at the location of the present school building.

St. Mary's Church.

   At the two morning services a message was read from the pastor announcing his safe arrival at Queenstown after a fair voyage. Father McLoghlin landed on Friday, July 14, and according to his letter, he and his party were in the best of health and spirits.

   The Sunday-school picnic of the church will be held on Thursday next at Cortland park. The soliciting committee was named at both masses and the people will welcome them and treat them generously. It is the intention of the acting pastor, Rev. T. S. Flynn, to make the day a joyous one for the little ones and the parents and friends of the children are earnestly requested to heartily co-operate with him to make the picnic a huge success. Ail donations of food and refreshments may be sent Wednesday evening to the church, St. Charles hotel, Mrs. Nodecker's or Yager & Marshall's store. Every friend of St. Mary's is invited.

 

Memorial Baptist Church, Tompkins Street, Cortland, N. Y.

Memorial Baptist Church.

   Rev. O. D. Moore preached two most excellent sermons. The morning text was found in Neh. vi:3—"l am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down." The evening text was found in Matt. xxvii:27.

   The Y. P. S. C. E. was led by Mrs. Nellie Harkness. Topic, "Honoring the Lord's Day."—Ex. xx:8-11; Rev. i:10.

   The Woman's Foreign Missionary circle will meet at Mrs. Geo. Lester's, 18 Park-st., Thursday at 3 o'clock. These meetings are very interesting and it is hoped that there will be a good attendance.

   The Phoebe Helpers will serve ice cream and cake at the church parlors Wednesday evening, July 26. All come and enjoy it. Ice cream and cake 10 cents.

   The regular church prayer-meeting [is] Thursday evening at 8 o'clock. Everybody cordially invited.

 

BREVITIES.

   —A regular meeting of the Royal Arcanum will be held at O. A. R. hall Tuesday evening, July 25, at 8 o'clock.

   —New display advertisements to-day are— Bingham & Miller, July clearance sale, page 8; Pearson Bros., Furniture, page 8; McGraw & Osgood, Oxford ties, page 5; Glen Summit hotel, page 4.

   —The STANDARD is indebted to Assistant Secretary John C. Birdseye of the civil service commission at Albany for a copy of the civil service law and state civil service rules approved June 8, 1899, together with the regulations adopted thereunder.