 |
| Minister Wu Ting Fang. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, January 16, 1901.
CHINESE JURISPRUDENCE.
Minister Wu's Interesting Address on Chinese Laws and Courts.
ALBANY, Jan. 16.—Wu Ting Fang, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of China to the United States, addressed the annual meeting of the New York State Bar association at Harmanus Bleeker hall last night. The hall was filled with 3,000 people, who listened with great attention to Minister Wu's address, the subject of which was "Chinese Jurisprudence." Hon. Francis M. Finch, former judge of the court of appeals bench, and president of the association, presided, and on the stage were seated judges of the court of appeals and supreme court, state officers, members of the legislature and prominent members of the bar.
Minister Wu said in part:
"A source of Chinese common law is to be found in the wise maxims and injunctions of ancient emperors scattered through the classics. Some of these are 40 centuries old and are still scrupulously observed. In the trial of cases for murder and other serious crimes, Chinese judges are particularly careful and cautious. The consequence of wrongly convicting an innocent person is most serious. Suppose a person were convicted and sentenced to death for the crime of murder, of which he was innocent, and an appeal to Pekin resulted in the reversal of the decision, all the officials who had anything to do with the trial of the case, from the governor of the province down to the sub-magistrate of the district, would be degraded and subjected to the severest punishment.
"The law provides various degrees of punishment for a man or woman who marries during the legal period of mourning for a deceased parent, and for a widow who marries again within the legal period of mourning for her deceased husband, the period of mourning in each case being 27 months.
"The law sanctioning divorce gives seven justifying causes, namely, barrenness, lasciviousness, disobedience to her husband's parents, talkativeness, thievery, jealousy and leprosy.
"The greatest crime in China is treason, and to it are attached the severest penalties imaginable.
"All persons convicted of being principals or accessories to the actual or designed commission of this heinous crime, treason, shall suffer death by a slow and painful execution, says the law. All male relations in the first degree, at or above the age of 16, of persons convicted as aforesaid, viz., the father, grandfather, sons, grandsons, paternal uncles and their sons respectively, shall be beheaded. The male relations in the first degree, under the age of 16, and the female relations in the first degree, of all ages, shall be distributed as slaves to the great officers of state. The property of every description belonging to treasonable offenders shall be confiscated for the use and service of the government.
"The system of procedure for the administration of the law is peculiar," said Mr. Wu, "and essentially differs in many respects from that which prevails in America and Europe. In the first place we have no such thing as a jury. The judge, or magistrate, as the case may be, tries the case alone and has to decide it according to law and equity. No sentence can be passed without the confession of the accused. Hence the cruel practice of extorting confession by torture, I am sorry to say, is often resorted to. But the consequence of convicting the wrong person is very serious. In some cases the magistrate has to suffer the same punishment that has been inflicted upon the innocent victim."
In closing, Minister Wu said: "In view of the many thousands of foreigners residing in various parts of China and the vast trade that is being daily carried on by millions of natives with them, it seems to me that there is an urgent necessity for the compilation of a commercial code, giving the laws relating to patents, copyright, corporations, shipping and other kindred subjects, and also a code of procedure for the trial of mixed cases, both criminal and civil. The want of such codes is severely felt. It seems to me that now is just the time for such useful work."
Prior to the meeting former Attorney General Simon W. Rosendale entertained Minister Wu at dinner. Governor Odell was among the guests.
After the meeting a reception in Minister Wu's honor was held at the Port Orange club.
Deporting Insurgents to Guam.
MANILA, Jan. 16.—Thirty insurgents who have been sentenced to be deported to the island of Guam were taken on board the United States transport Rosecrans yesterday. The sentence of deportation has been suspended in the case of two priests of the party, who are charged with collecting money for the insurgents. But they will be kept in confinement. Nearly 1,300 men were arrested in various towns south of Manila Sunday, on suspicion of being guerrillas. Most of them were released.
Postoffice Appropriation Bill.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16.—The house committee on postoffices and post roads yesterday practically completed the postoffice appropriation bill. The total amount carried by the bill will be about $122,700,000. The appropriation for rural free delivery is increased from $1,750,000 to $3,500,000. No provision is made for pneumatic tube service.
CANNING FACTORY IN SIGHT.
Board of Trade Working to Offset Inducements Offered Elsewhere.
Mr. W. R. Halstead of Camden, N. Y., came to Cortland yesterday, in company with Mr. Geo. P. Yager, has been looking again into the advisability of starting a canning factory. Mr. Halstead was in Cortland two weeks ago, as previously stated in these columns. At that time he was anxious to start the factory Phoenix, as that place offered liberal inducements for the factory, but the board of trade of Cortland, realizing the benefit that would be derived from such an industry, now comes forward and makes a liberal offer to the two gentlemen, Mr. Halstead and Mr. Yager, to locate the factory here. Consequently the board of trade has selected a committee of two, Mr. S. N. Holden and Mr. W. D. Tisdale, who will solicit from the business men of the city and try to raise $600 to offset inducements made by Phoenix for the factory.
It is understood that already one business man has contributed $50 and that another has given $25 toward the amount mentioned. If this is raised, the west portion of the building formerly occupied by the Cortland Mfg. Co., Ltd., will be rented for the factory. This building is admirably suited for the purpose for which it will in all probabilities be used. It is 104 by 134 feet, has three floors, and three large sheds for storing materials. It is near the Lehigh tracks, and a siding from these tracks runs directly to the building.
The board of trade is anxious that all shall understand that the two gentlemen who are starting a canning factory here do not want any bonus and that they are not promoters asking for capital with which to start their plant. They are only trying to raise an amount that will balance the inducements offered elsewhere in the attempt to further the business interests of Cortland, and Cortland's business men should help the matters along.
COMMON COUNCIL.
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORTS MILK INSPECTION.
Too Much Gas at Fireman's Hall—Determined on a Flagman at Grant-st. Crossing—Official Bonds Filed.
A regular meeting of the common council of the city of Cortland was held at the office of the clerk of the city on Jan. 15, 1901, at 7:30 P. M.
On motion of Mr. Pettigrew seconded by Mr. Wright and declared carried:
Resolved, That the Cortland Daily STANDARD and the Cortland Democrat be designated as the official papers of the city for the present year at the compensation of $50 for publishing the proceedings of the common council and 50 cents per folio each insertion for publishing all city notices required by law to be published, except tax sales, for which they shall be allowed the legal rates in cases where the city succeeds in collecting the full amount due with expenses, otherwise same compensation as ordinary notices.
Mr. Richards moved that a committee be appointed by the mayor to investigate the matter of consumption of gas at the engine house, and ascertain the cost of lighting the same by electricity. The mayor accordingly appointed Messrs. Yager and Pettigrew such committee.
The board seemed to think that too much was being paid for lighting the building. The clerk referred back and found that last year the gas for the place cost $296, on which there was a rebate of $100, as per contract, making the actual cost $196.
This seemed to them exorbitant, but when it developed that some of the gas jets were left burning all night and that there were two heaters in the building that consumed gas, their views were modified somewhat, still a cheaper method of lighting will be sought after.
The official bond of Fred Hatch, clerk of the city of Cortland, in the penal sum of $1,000 with Robert B. Smith and C. Fred Thompson as sureties was presented and placed on file, and on motion of Mr. Scudder seconded by Mr. Skeele and declared carried:
Resolved, That the same be approved and accepted and placed on file.
The official bond of Frank E. Price, commissioner of charities of the city of Cortland, in the penal sum of $1,000, with John Miller and Robert Bushby as sureties was presented and placed on file, and on motion of Mr. Scudder seconded by Mr. Yager and declared, carried:
Resolved, That the same be approved and placed on file.
The matter of enforcing the resolution of the former board in relation to a flagman at the Grant-st. crossing of the D., L. & W. railroad, was deferred till a city attorney is appointed. Mr. Yager declared that the crossing was dangerous and that several accidents had been averted by the narrowest kind of chances. Mr. Scudder thought it the most dangerous crossing in the city. The board will probably accept no terms from the railroad except the placing of a watchman at that place.
Dr. E. M. Santee of the board of health came before the board and reported that a vigorous examination of the dairies about the city was being made, and he was certain that much good would come from it. He asked for $9.50 with which to purchase instruments with which to do the work. Mr. Richards thought that the board ought not to tie up the hands of the health committee by refusing the sum asked.
On motion of Mr. Yager, seconded by Mr. Richards and declared carried:
Resolved, That the board of health be authorized to purchase a Babcock tester and lactometer at an expense of $9.50.
The mayor duly presented and appointed as members of the board of health of said city as follows:
For one year from Feb. 1, 1901, W. A. Stockwell and Dr. E. M. Santee.
For two years from Feb. 1, 1901, Fred Ryan in place of John Tuthill, resigned and H. S. Bliss.
For three years from Feb. 1, 1901, George T. Chatterton and Dr. C. D. Ver Nooy.
Mr. Skeele moved that such appointments be confirmed, seconded by Mr. Scudder. Mr. Yager called for the ayes and nays. All voted aye. Declared carried.
On motion, meeting adjourned.
Approved Jan. 15, 1901, CHARLES F. BROWN, mayor.
Died in Athens.
The remains of Mr. John B. Lewis, who died in Athens, Pa., Monday, were brought to Cortland at 6:23 last night, and taken to East Virgil this morning for the funeral services at that place at 11 o'clock. The burial was made at East Virgil.
DEATH OF AN AGED CITIZEN.
Mr. John S. May Passed Away This Morning at an Advanced Age.
Mr. John S. May, a very old and highly respected citizen of Cortland, died at his home, 268 Tompkins-st., at 9 o'clock this forenoon, aged 79 years, 10 months and 25 days.
It was about fifty-four years ago that Mr. May moved to Cortland from Exeter, Otsego Co., bringing with him his newly chosen bride Miss Harriet Allen of Exeter, who has been his companion for upward of a half a century and who now survives him. They made their home when first reaching Cortland at the place where he died this morning, which then included many acres of land. One son, Clinton, was born to them, but he died nearly twenty years ago.
Mr. May was one of a family of five boys, only two of whom are now living. These are Harmon and Erastus May of Exeter, who are very feeble and will not be able to attend the funeral. George May died in Exeter about twelve years ago, and Wilbur C. May, father of Mrs. A. E. Buck of this city, died a year ago last August.
Mr. May was a carpenter and cabinet maker of great skill in his younger days, but since coming to Cortland he has not worked at his trade except when a very fine piece of work was to be done.
The funeral will be held from his late residence Friday at 2 o'clock P. M. Burial in Cortland.
BREVITIES.
—This has been a genuine April day and one very helpful in spreading the grip.
—Mr. Hubert R. Maine seems just about the same to-day with good prospects now for recovery.
—Rev. Robert Clements, pastor of the Presbyterian church, will preach for Rev. Dr. O. A. Houghton at the First M. E. church this evening at 7:30 o'clock.
—Members of Orris Hose company and invited guests to the number of about fifty enjoyed a smoker at the parlors last night. A musical program was given.
—Several of the nurses from the Cortland hospital were entertained at the home of Mrs. G. F. Price, 130 North Main-st., last evening by Mr. Charles H. Burhan's phonograph.
—The Cortland Carriage and Cart company at Sidney is now conducting the business again, the receiver appointed several months ago having been discharged.—Chenango Telegraph.
—Rev, H. R. Bender, D. D., pastor of the Centenary M. E. church in Syracuse, will assist Rev. Dr. O. A. Houghton in the conduct of the revival meetings at the First M. E. church upon all the evenings of next week.
—New display advertisements to-day are—M. W. Giles, Table oil cloth, page 8; C. F. Brown, Bath cabinets, page 6; E. M. Mansur, 10 per cent discount, page 2: C. F. Thompson, Notice, page 5; Mitchell, Fish, page 5.
—Mr. C. W. Collins is greatly improving the interior of his Main-st. block where Hudson's crockery store is located, by putting in additional glass fronts, and a steel ceiling. A fresh coat of paint will also be given the store.
—All will be glad to know that Mr. Orson A. Kinney, who is ill with typhoid fever, seems a little more comfortable to-day. The fever is not as high and he is resting in a fairly comfortable way. Those who are attending him are now feeling genuinely encouraged.
—A trained nurse who has had considerable experience in grip cases says the only remedy he has found effective for the terrific headaches that generally accompany the sickness, is boiling a half ounce of salt, half ounce of pepper and one-half pint of vinegar on a stove in the room where the patient is confined. This, he says, gives immediate relief.—Ithaca Journal.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.
New Conquest of Mexico.
It is asserted American capitalists contemplate the floating of internal improvement bonds in Mexico to the amount of $100,000,000, the money to be used in further development of railways, timber lands, mines and public work.
For a score of years American capital has found profitable investment in Mexico, particularly in the line of railroad building and operation, which have been very materially aided in the development of the great natural resources of our sister republic below the Rio Grande, and proved of great benefit not only to that country, but to our own, aside from the handsome margins realized by the investors. Out of a total of 7,750 miles of railroad in Mexico, 5,617 miles have been built mainly with American capital. The opening of the Mexican Central brought the United States and Mexico into closer relations and promoted the development of American trade.
After the completion of the road to the City of Mexico, Americans seemed to lose interest. But in the meantime branches of the road were built from the City of Mexico westward toward the Pacific and eastward to Tampico on the gulf. The latter branch is now completed, and it is expected that the westerly branch, extending from Guadalajara to the Pacific, will be finished by the 1st of April. When this is done, the Mexican-Central system, built with American capital, will comprise more than 2,000 miles of trackage, and it is reported that the net earnings of the company were $3,000,000 greater this year than last year.
The proposition, therefore, to spend many more millions in the further industrial conquest of Mexico would seem to be fully justified by past experiences and future prospects. Moreover, it is the part of wisdom to enlarge our commercial relations with Mexico. It is indeed more important for us to dominate the markets on our own continent than those in the more distant parts of the world. While we are developing our Asiatic and European trade we cannot afford to overlook the not less important advantages of closer relations with all the republics south of us. It is better for them, in a political as well as a commercial sense, that such relations be firmly established and maintained and of highest importance to us that no American market be surrendered to European competitors.
No comments:
Post a Comment