GRANTED HIS FREEDOM BY KENTUCKY GOVERNOR TAYLOR, ABOLITION OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, AND CHARLES VERNON PORTER LETTER FROM NAGASAKI, JAPAN

 

William S. Taylor.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, February 5, 1900.

GRANTED HIS FREEDOM.

Governor Taylor Has Released Stenographer Walker.

CHARGED WITH INCITING MUTINY.

Goebel's Remains to Be Buried in Frankfort Cemetery and a Monument Erected to His Memory—Legislators Are Now Rapidly Leaving the City.

   FRANKFORT, Ky., Feb. 5.—Alonzo Walker, the stenographer who was placed under arrest on the charge of inciting the soldiers of the state guard to mutiny while pinning a notice of application for an injunction on the door of the office of Governor Taylor, was released yesterday. The release was not made in response to the writ of habeas corpus which Sheriff Suter tried in vain Saturday to serve upon Governor Taylor. The latter concluded that Walker had remained in custody for a sufficient length of time and told him to go home. The charge of inciting to mutiny has not been quashed, but Walker may not be brought before a court martial as was at one time contemplated by the officers of the state guard.

   At 10 o'clock yesterday morning Colonel Roger Williams entered the room in the executive building and remarked to Walker:

   "Well, Mr. Walker, we have agreed to an exchange of prisoners, and you are to be given your freedom."

   "I can go, can I?" asked Walker.

   "I guess so," was the reply, and the colonel added with a laugh: "We have exchanged you for one Zulu and three Filipinos, and as we expect them every minute, I guess it will be all right for you to have your freedom."

   Walker was then allowed to go after notice had been served upon him that the charge against him was still pending and could be pushed at any time if the military authorities should so decide. He told Colonel Williams that he intended to remain in Frankfort.

   Various rumors were circulated in regard to the reasons for the sudden release of Mr. Walker, among them being a report that his release by order of Governor Taylor was in deference to a telegram from Washington advising his discharge. Governor Taylor was too busy to be seen in regard to the matter, but Adjutant General Collier emphatically denied that any such reason existed for Walker's release.

   "The idea is absurd," stated General Collier. "No such telegram has been received either from the authorities at Washington or anyone else. Mr. Walker's arrest was simply a matter of military discipline. He was not discharged, but simply given his liberty until arrangements can be made for his trial by court martial. When this will be has not been determined as yet and probably will not be at present. Mr. Walker was not even paroled, although he offered to sign a formal parole. But we did not consider this necessary, as he promised to be on hand when his trial was called, and his word is sufficient.

   "A wrong impression probably prevails in regard to the reasons for the arrest," said Colonel Williams. "Mr. Walker was heard to make statements two days before his arrest that were regarded as mutinous and persons overhearing his remarks made affidavit to that effect. The order for his arrest was accordingly made out by Governor Taylor, and we were only waiting for a favorable opportunity to arrest him. His arrest at the time it did occur was as unlocked for by us as it was by him and was more of an accident than design.

   "By the way," said Colonel Williams in conclusion, "I wish you would not repeat that remark about the Zulu and the Filipinos. It might be hard for us to make good."

 

William Goebel.

BURIAL IN FRANKFORT.

Remains Will Be Interred in Cemetery With Other Kentucky Governors.

   FRANKFORT, Ky., Feb. 5.—It practically has been decided that the remains of Governor Goebel, who died Saturday night at the Capitol hotel, will be buried in Frankfort in the cemetery overlooking the Kentucky river, where lie the remains of Daniel Boone, Vice President Richard Johnson and several Kentucky governors, eminent jurists and soldiers.

   Arthur and Justus Goebel, Senator-elect Joseph Blackburn, S. J. Shackleford, clerk of the court of appeals, and Warden Lillard visited the cemetery yesterday and spent some time in looking over the ground with a view to selecting a suitable spot for the last resting place of Governor Goebel. Though no definite decision was reached, a spot in the vicinity of the immense shaft erected in honor of Kentucky's soldiers, nearly the highest point in the beautiful cemetery, was favored, and will probably finally be selected.

   Although the burial will take place in Frankfort, in accordance with the wishes of the friends of the dead man, the funeral services will be held in Covington, his home.

   The remains were taken to Covington, Ky., this morning on a special train, which left here at 6:30 o'clock. The train consisted of three cars, one car for the casket and the pallbearers. A private car was furnished the relatives of the dead man, while a sleeper was attached for the members of the legislature committee, which has not yet been selected. Tomorrow morning the remains will be conveyed to Odd Fellows hall in Covington, and from 8:30 in the morning until 10 o'clock in the evening will lie in state.

   The funeral services will be extremely simple in deference not only to the wishes of Governor Goebel, but also of the members of his family. There will be a guard of honor in Covington selected by Arthur and Justus Goebel, consisting of 50 citizens, but outside of this there will be no ceremony or display of any kind. Even the funeral cortege will be lacking.

   Wednesday morning the remains will be brought back to Frankfort and placed in the big ballroom of the Capitol hotel, where they will lie in state all that day. Some apprehension is felt of trouble on that day, as it is believed that from 30,000 to 50,000 strangers will be in the city to view the remains of the Democratic leader and bitter feeling engendered by his death may result in a clash. Precautions are being taken, irrespective of party, to prevent trouble. The interment will take place Thursday from the Capitol hotel.

   Plans for the raising of funds by popular subscription for the erection of a monument to Governor Goebel's memory are rapidly taking shape. It is the usual custom in Kentucky for the legislature to make an appropriation for a monument in honor of a dead governor. Besides this appropriation, which is certain to be made, it is planned either to provide in the appropriation bill or in a separate resolution for a legislative committee, in whose hands will be placed the funds for the erection of the monument, and who will be authorized to accept funds raised by popular subscription, which will be added to the state appropriation. It is also planned to have committees appointed in various places to raise funds for this purpose.

   Besides the monument, a suitable tablet to mark the spot where Governor Goebel was shot will be provided for.

 

Roosevelt on Goebel's Death.

   ALBANY, Feb. 5.—Governor Roosevelt read a press dispatch yesterday, telling of the death of Governor Goebel, and said:

   "It is to be regretted that such acts of violence can take place in this country, but at the same time our sympathy must be tempered by the realization that the dead politician himself established a violent and equally fatal precedent. If further bloodshed is to come it must be at the doors of those who conspired to accomplish by force what they failed to accomplish by fraud during a state election. Governor Taylor is entitled to the heartiest support of every decent citizen in the United States in his effort to establish the fact that the will of the people expressed at the polls is not to be thwarted by shot guns and lawlessness."

 

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

The Situation in Kentucky.

   William Goebel, contestant for the governorship of Kentucky, died Saturday evening from the effects of the gunshot wound he received, Tuesday, on the steps of the capitol at Frankfort. His death does not stay his supporters in their purpose to substitute minority for majority government in Kentucky. J. C. W. Beckham, candidate for lieutenant-governor with Goebel, has been sworn in as governor, and issues orders as such. The courts, which are manned by Goebel partisans, enjoin Governor Taylor and all others from interfering with the meeting of the legislature in Frankfort. Governor Taylor ignores their orders. The condition of things is such as to be contemplated with humiliation and apprehension.

   The Goebelites, all of whom are Democrats, though all Democrats are not Goebelites, claim to have proceeded according to law. They did, up to the time when Governor Taylor adjourned the legislature. They proceeded under the forms of law, doing gross injustice in their course. The law gives the legislature authority to hear a contest for the governorship; the Goebelites heard and decided regardless of facts and justice. They had the votes to declare wrong right and used them. They had the votes to unseat members who were elected and put their own kind in place, and used them. They had the votes to declare Goebel elected governor and were preparing to use them when Goebel was shot. Since that time there has been no session of the legislature, hence the wrong it was in the power of the Goebelites to do as a legislature has not been consummated; hence Taylor's title to the governorship is as perfect as it ever was, and nobody has questioned its original regularity.

   Was Governor Taylor's action in adjourning the legislature last Tuesday and appointing it to meet in London, Feb. 6, legal? If so, Goebel's and Beckham's being declared governor and lieutenant governor, and their taking the oath of office, were empty forms. The constitution of Kentucky directs that the sessions of the general assembly "shall be held at the seat of government, except in case of war, insurrection or pestilence, when it may by proclamation of the governor, assemble for the time being elsewhere." The governor declared a state of insurrection to exist. He may have been mistaken, but that doesn't alter his act. He exercised his constitutional authority under his interpretation of the conditions existing. The legislature was adjourned and it could not legally meet sooner, or elsewhere than as directed in the executive's proclamation. Hence, the announcement of Goebel's election was a farce, as were his and Beckham's swearing in. The orders issued in the name of either of them, as governor, have surpassed the farcical; they have been defiantly lawless, and would justify the governor in placing those issuing the orders and all attempting to execute them under arrest.

   There is one legal way out of the tangle into which the over weaning ambition and recklessness of the man now dead have brought public affairs in Kentucky. It is through compliance with Governor Taylor's order. Let the legislature meet in London to-morrow, or elsewhere if the place is changed by executive order, and proceed with its work. Iniquitous as that work would be if pursued to the consummation of the Goebel scheme, the declaring of Beckham lieutenant governor-elect, it would have legal form. Beckham would have legal claim to the office of governor. Till the legislature has done its part in a regular way the full responsibility for disorder and possible riot in Kentucky must rest with the party that is bent on usurping power, in defiance of law and the will of the majority of the people.

 

Death of Mrs. Lee.

   Mrs. Mary Lee, wife of the late Simon Lee of Marathon, died after a lingering illness early last Saturday evening. Mrs. Lee was born in Ireland Aug. 1, 1823, and came with her husband to this country in 1849 and settled in the town of Marathon where they dwelt till the death of Mr. Lee in 1881. A few years after the death of her husband Mrs. Lee moved to Cortland where nearly all her children reside. For the past ten years she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. James R. Schermerhorn. Mrs. Lee's surviving children are Mrs. James R. Schermerhorn, Mrs. Thomas J. Lanigan, Misses Jennie and Margaret Lee of Cortland and Robert Lee of Marathon.

   Although an invalid for many years and largely shut in from active contact with the world, she lost none of her interest in it. Mrs. Lee was not only a kindly and patient, but as well a happy, thoughtful and considerate personality. She had the faculty of giving happiness as well as getting happiness. Her declining years were made bright by the unstinted devotion of her children and the abounding cheer of her grandchildren. Her life is strewn with happy and fragrant memories for her children. The children will have to cheer them the knowledge of the sympathy of a wide circle of friends [sic].

   The funeral will be held at St. Mary's church at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

 

ANOTHER SUDDEN DEATH.

Mr. E. M. Van Hoesen Passed Away Very Quickly Sunday Morning.

   Mr. Eugene M. Van Hoesen died very suddenly of heart trouble at his home, 8 East Main-st., Cortland, yesterday at about 9 o'clock A. M. at the age of 62 years, 8 months and 20 days.

   Mr. Van Hoesen had not been sick, in fact he was feeling even better than usual and was making preparations for attending church and for taking charge of his Sunday-school class at the First Baptist church. He had just come into the house after sweeping the snow off the sidewalk when he was taken with a severe pain across the chest. He thought it was nothing that would bother him long, and that he would soon be better, but Mrs. Van Hoesen called Dr. G. H. Smith, the dentist, who is the next neighbor and asked him to send for a physician. Dr. Reese was summoned by telephone from the hospital but the patient was unconscious when he arrived, and died about five minutes later. He lived only about a half hour from the time he first felt the pain. He said to Dr. Smith as soon as that gentleman came in that he felt that he would soon be better or very much worse. He hardly spoke again after that, though they felt that he was conscious till about five minutes before the end came.

   Deceased was born in Preble, N. Y., where he lived till five years ago when he came to Cortland. In Preble, he was a merchant, widely known and highly respected. He was a son of Mathias Van Hoesen of Preble. He is survived by a widow, one brother, Fred T. Van Hoesen of Brooklyn and five sisters Mrs. Louisa Morrison of Preble, Mrs. Susan M. Green of Preble, Mrs. A. W. Ferrin of Salamanca, Mrs. Helen Dunsmore of Worcester, Mass., and Mrs. Altana Morrison of Brooklyn. In Cortland, where he had lived for the past five years, Mr. Van Hoesen was well known and enjoyed the cordial appreciation of a large circle of friends. He had been engaged principally while here in the affairs of his family, looking to the investment of property, and had also been the manager of several estates. He was one of the executors of his father's will.

   In politics Mr. Van Hoesen was formerly a Democrat, but lately he had allied himself with the Prohibition party and was much interested in the cause of temperance. In church work Mr. Van Hoesen was ever ready to do his part, and he has been a prominent member of the First Baptist church and Sunday-school since coming to Cortland.

   The funeral will be held at the house at 10:30 A. M. on Wednesday. Burial will occur at Preble.

 

False Rumors Afloat.

   The number of sudden deaths in Cortland within the last three days is something almost appalling. But reports of these have doubtless been the means of setting rumors afloat of more deaths. Saturday afternoon the word came that Mr. Zera H. Tanner of South Cortland had just died. The rumor could not be substantiated and with very good reason, for Mr. Tanner drove into town this afternoon looking as vigorous and robust as ever. This morning the report came that E. L. Tanner of Blodgett Mills was dead. This was probably only a variation of the other story. But investigation showed that this was likewise untrue. We refer to these reports to stop the false stories, because they are on many lips, and at least a dozen inquiries in regard to them have been made at the [Standard] office since Saturday at 3 o'clock.

 

Abolition of Capital Punishment.

   Rev. U. S. Milburn preached a strong sermon on Sunday evening at the Universalist church against capital punishment. He reviewed the history of the death penalty in many countries and claimed that it does not prevent murder; that murder is growing, less in localities where the death penalty is abolished; that the execution of criminals is not punishment, but retaliation. As a substitute for this he would prefer imprisonment for life at hard labor. The pardoning power should be restricted and confined to a federal board composed of experts, including at least one lawyer, two physicians—brain specialists—and two psychologists. These should be appointed for life and be given a salary sufficient to enable them to devote the whole time to the business of investigation.

 

Going to Rome.

   Mr. Ralph A. Davis, who formerly had charge of the Syracuse Post-Standard in Cortland, has secured a position in Rome, N. Y., with this paper and left this morning to take up his work there. Mr. Davis dropped the management of The Post-Standard here to resume his school work. His many friends in Cortland wish him success in his work at Rome.

 

A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.

Kicked By a Horse—Dogs Got into His Flock of Sheep.

   Mr. David Hammon, who resides in the town of Homer near the Scott township line, was last week severely kicked by one of his horses, which he was caring for while it was suffering from an attack of colic. Mr. Hammon sustained severe bruises on the right breast and his right arm was broken just above the wrist. He also received an ugly gash on the upper lip. Drs. Bradford and Greene of Homer dressed the wounds and a reduced the fracture and the patient is getting along well. Mr. Hammon will reach his 72d birthday on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

   During the night of the accident dogs got into the flock of thirty-one fine Southdown sheep owned by Mr. Hammon, and one of the number was killed outright and another has since died. It is thought the dogs can be identified.

 

SLEIGH RIDE TO TULLY

On the Return Trip There Was an Upset and Runaway.

   A sleigh ride party from Fitz-ave. left Cortland last Saturday evening at about 6 o'clock for Tully, N. Y., to surprise Mr. and Mrs. Oothout and family. The party reached their destination safely at about 8 o'clock and gave their friends a genuine surprise. An elegant supper was gotten up by the ladies of the party and a good social visit was enjoyed by all.

   The return trip, however, did not prove as successful as the rest of the adventure had been. When a mile from Tully the sleigh was over thrown and seats, dishes, pans, silverware, soapstones, robes and blankets were promiscuously mixed upon the highway with the occupants of the sleigh. With all the noise and chatter the team broke away into a lively run and left the driver sitting in the snow. The horses had not gone far before they ran into the door yard of a farmer by the name of Hill and were there caught. Here the party was well cared for, and the warm fire they found was very acceptable after the mixup in the snow. The sleighs were soon fixed and, after it was ascertained that no one was seriously hurt, the party moved on. Mrs. Van Vost was quite badly bruised and Mrs. McMilllan's nose is increased in size as a result of the catastrophe. Mr. Medes was claimed to be the maddest man in the party. From here the party returned without incident to Cortland.

   The party was made up of the following: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. B. Schenck, Mr. and Mrs. Van Vost, Mr. and Mrs. Porter Bunnell, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Daley, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Medes, Mr. and Mrs. Robert McMillan, Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Lewis and Mrs. W. Smith.

 

W. C. T. U. Notice.

   A regular meeting of the W. C. T. U. will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 2:45 P. M. Consecration service will be led by Mrs. J. W. Keese. The usual business meeting will follow. The program will be given by Mrs. Edith Cotton, superintendent of the department of non-alcoholics in medicine.

 

McGRAW.

Breezy Items of Corset City Chat.

   The grange will give a warm sugar festival in Grange hall Saturday evening, Feb. 10. All are invited.

   Harley Gates is sick from tonsillitis.

   H. A. Masten spent Sunday in Syracuse.

   George Judson of Groton spent Sunday with friends in town.

   Miss Nettie Currie of Tully is a guest at S. H. Waters.

   Mr. and Mrs. Giles Orcutt of Groton City have been visiting friends in town the past week.

   Following are extracts from a letter received Monday morning from Vern Porter.

   ON BOARD HOSPITAL SHIP MISSOURI, NAGASAKI, JAPAN, Monday, Jan. 7, 1900.

   The time has come at last and on Dec. 27, we were ordered from Corregidor island aboard the hospital ship Missouri in Manila bay. Was felling awfully bad at the time, but stuck it out the best I could and fainted as we were going aboard. When I came to I found myself on a stretcher up in the air, and thought that they were trying to make a circus of me. We left Manila bay at 10 A. M. on the last day of 1899 spending New Year's on the China sea, and arrived here yesterday about 9 A. M. We had quite a heavy sea, strong head winds and rainy weather, making poor time, although a finer riding boat could not be asked for. We had very little sea sickness considering the condition of the patients on board. We have about two-hundred-eighty patients on board and have lost but one on the trip so far, although five died before we started. So far the trip has agreed with me; [am] feeling almost like a new person.

   Nagasaki is a fine place with the climate about the same as your November. Had their first snow Saturday, so the Japs informed us, and the tops of the mountains are white, but don't think it will last long, as the sun is shining bright to-day. We are taking on coal as this is the coaling station. The work is done by hand and mostly by Japanese women. The ship was crowded yesterday with Jap merchants selling everything a person could think of. The transport Thomas left one day ahead of us and is now coaled, and ready to start for "Frisco." She has on board the body of Gen. Lawton and will probably reach Frisco two weeks ahead of us, as she is a faster boat and goes by a shorter route.

   I understand that the commanding officer of our ship has permission to sail through the inland sea to Yokahoma which will be a fine trip, although most of the boys would prefer to make a bee line for home.

   A week ago clothing was uncomfortable, but cold enough here to seem like home, and a fellow wants plenty of good warm clothing, but it makes me feel like a different person.

   This morning I had the first glass of good cow's milk in a year, and we are fed the best on this boat of any time since I have been in the army. As I am on liquid diet I don't come in on the deal much. Am in ward 4, second floor. Have fine bunks, electric lights, etc., but our medical treatment is mostly left to the sea breeze.

   The Forty-first U. S. Vol., to which Roger Kelley and Otis Waters belong, came into Manila bay just as we left. But as I can tell you more in a few minutes than I can write in a week I will close. Write me at General hospital, Presidio, San Francisco, Cal., Co. D, Ninth Inft., just the same.

   CHARLES VERNON PORTER.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Grover Post, No. 98, G. A. R., will hold a meeting this evening.

   —The funeral of Mr. H. E. Andrews will occur at the Homer-ave. M. E. church Tuesday at 2 o'clock.

   —The Pastime club will give a dancing party in Red Men's hall, Tuesday evening. Dancing will begin at 9 o'clock.

   —The eighth annual public exercises of the Corlonor fraternity occur in Normal hall to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock.

  —Rehearsal of "Chimes of Normandy" at Empire hall to-night at 7:30 o'clock. Every member must be present.

   —The twenty-third annual public exercises of the Gamma Sigma fraternity will be held at Normal hall this evening at 8 o'clock.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—F. D. Smith, The Regal Red Cross range, page 6; Buck & Lane, The Delphos oil can, page 6.

    —This morning the street cars were badly blocked…while by the ice that had collected on the tracks during the night, and it was only through extra effort that cars were put over the lines as soon at they were.

   —Mrs. John Mourin, mother of J. H. Mourin and Miss Alice Mourin of Glen Haven and of T. S, Mourin and E. D. Mounrin of Homer, died this morning in Rochester. No particulars are known yet. The interment will be in St. Mary's cemetery in Cortland. The notice of the funeral will be given later.

   —Rev. John McVey, D. D., pastor of the North Presbyterian church of Binghamton, Sunday morning called for subscriptions to clear off the indebtedness of the church amounting to $8,250. About half the amount was raised at once, and it is believed that the balance will be disposed of next Sunday.

   —Mrs. Millard S. Nye of Preble died at her home last night as the result of a shock of paralysis. Her age was 41 years. The funeral will be held at the house in Preble on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 11 o'clock. Burial will be in the Cortland Rural cemetery, and there will be a brief service at the vault here upon the arrival of the funeral procession, probably at about 2 o'clock.