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| Keishiro Matsui. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, March 26, 1901.
CHINA WITHOUT HOPE.
Appeal to Powers to Save Her From Russia's Grasp.
JAPAN SEES ONLY FIGHT AHEAD.
If Russia Secures Manchuria It Will Want Korea, So Struggle Might as Well Come Now as Later. Agreement to Be Signed Today.
LONDON, March 26.—The Chinese minister, Sir Chih Chen Lo Feng Luh, called at the foreign office yesterday afternoon and urged the British government to bring pressure to bear in order to prevent Russia from securing the necessary signatures to the Manchurian agreement. The foreign office is still in the dark as to whether the agreement will be signed or allowed to lapse when the time expires. The officials of the Japanese legation are inclined to believe Russia will succeed in getting the necessary signatures.
The situation is still more complicated owing to the fact, ascertained by a press representative, that there are two secret treaties, one of which is to be signed at St. Petersburg, dealing with Russia's military control of Manchuria and another, to be signed at Pekin, dealing with her civil powers.
Chinese appeals for support have failed to produce any direct remonstrances from Great Britain or apparently from any other power, to St. Petersburg, for Russia persistently adhered to her contention that secret agreements concern no one expect herself and China. On this ground, Great Britain's request for copies of the agreement was abruptly declined.
It is explained at the foreign office here that it would be a dangerous and useless breach of diplomatic procedure to endeavor to enter expostulations with Russia which would only be based upon information supplied by the Chinese.
In other words, the copies of secret treaties and alleged modifications of them recently given to the powers by the Chinese are worthless documents and will remain such until Russia herself chooses to communicate the text of the actual treaties and modifications.
In the absence of the Japanese minister in London, Mr. Matsui, first secretary of the Japanese legation, who was interviewed by a representative of the press made a comprehensive statement of the issues involved. He said:
Case of Fight With Japan.
"Russia's insistence, China's helplessness and the probable victory of Russian diplomacy will bring us to the brink of a dangerous situation in which none of the powers is so deeply concerned as Japan. Even if the secret treaties have been modified as is alleged, the changes are so trifling as to make the documents thoroughly objectionable to Japan.
"Assuming that China signs the treaties, I suppose Great Britain, Germany and the United States will protest to Russia. But that is about as far as they will go and about as much as they will get. With Japan it is a matter of fighting.
"The question is whether we are to fight Russia now or to fight her later on. She has no right to Manchuria; and if she secures Manchuria she will be on the way to securing Korea.
"Our government, I believe, are seriously considering the crisis. Their eyes are wide open and they will not be driven to precipitate action by the jingoists of Japan, who are openly clamoring for immediate war. Yet, if they see that war is unavoidable they will not hesitate to strike.
"Japan has no reason to be afraid as to the result. Many reasons occur to the average Japanese mind in favor of forcing at the present moment a struggle which must come eventually. The chief reason against so doing is the fact that Japan is just beginning a new industrial era, which would be temporarily killed should we endeavor by force of arms to prevent Russian encroachments.
"If we follow the lead of other powers and do not threaten hostilities, we realize that we must sit down tamely and see any other nation step in to make agreements similar to those which China seems on the verge of signing with Russia. This would mean the partition of the Chinese empire and the end of the 'open door'. If we oppose it, we naturally think we would have the moral support of the United States which has been the champion of these principles, and also of Great Britain and Germany."
POWERS INCREASE FORCES.
United States the Only Country to Reduce Pekin Military to Legation Guard.
WASHINGTON, March 26.—Mr. Rockhill, our special commissioner at Pekin, has been heard from further respecting the conditions there and it is said that his report is confirmatory of the latest press advices. Touching the question of size of legation guards, which appears to be giving concern, it is pointed out that the United States was the first of the powers to reduce her military force in China to the status of a legation guard and that now our guard is of the proper proportion, namely, two companies.
The European powers in some instances have in contemplation several times this number for their own guards, and it is that fact that leads to the conviction that the Chinese court will not return to Pekin unless all powers reduce their contingents to the proportions of our legation guard.
REBELS NEAR PANAMA.
Hands of Government Full in Keeping Them From Entering the City.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 26.—The British mail steamer Para, Captain Stranger, from Colon, brings reports of renewed activity on the part of the rebels in the vicinity of Panama. The hands of the government are full in their efforts to keep the rebels out of the city. Excessive war taxes are being levied and last week a party of business men protested against these high rates. They were thereupon arrested and charged with being rebel sympathizers. Two of the prisoners managed to leave the country by steamer, but the others were kept in prison until they had paid the heavy fines imposed upon them.
Passengers by the Para say that the revolution shows no signs of ending in the near future. Business is carried on in Colon and Panama with the greatest difficulty and the enormous price of foodstuffs is causing general suffering. The Liberals are expecting large reinforcements from the Costa Rican sympathizers.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.
The Lion and the Bear in the Orient.
According to dispatches from China a few days ago, the two great nations of Russia and England were on the verge of going to war over so trivial a thing as a railroad siding at Tien-tsin, China, and there were unconfirmed rumors that the preliminary shots had been ex changed. A few days later came the information that Russia and Great Britain had agreed to withdraw their troops from the disputed territory at Tien-tsin and reserve the question of title and proprietary rights for subsequent examination.
Thus while the immediate cause of the irritation has been temporarily removed the matter has by no means been settled and will doubtless occasion further friction, though it is highly improbable that war will eventuate. As the London Daily News (Liberal) says, "That two of the greatest powers should fight for a railway siding is inconsistent not only with civilization, but sanity." Nevertheless it does not think that war will occur, because "there is no fear of Lord Salisbury going to war with Russia for a good cause or a bad one. Russia is a great empire and is therefore a fit object for graceful concessions. She is not a small republic to be bullied and provoked." The London Standard (Conservative) takes the view that "unless we are shown to be technically and formally in the wrong there is only one solution that we can accept. Russia, not to mince words, must be induced or compelled to retire, even if the whole resources of the British empire should be needed to bring about that result."
The siding matter at Tien-tsin, whatever may be the result of the "subsequent examination," is, however, but an incident. The underlying cause of the hostile attitude of the bear and the lion in the orient is the indefensible land grabbing policy of both powers. Russia wants to absorb northern China, while England insists on having a free hand in southern China, so each is putting up its warlike bluff with the view of impressing the Chinese with a show of prestige and power. The familiar fear of "losing face," which has influenced every act of the Chinese court, is now the dominant factor in the diplomacy of Russia and Great Britain. These enlightened powers are acting consciously under the logic and even adopting the phraseology of barbarism.
◘ Briefly the situation in the far east is this: Japan distrusts Russia, Russia distrusts England, England distrusts Russia and France, and China distrusts all the others. And they all apparently have good reasons for being distrustful.
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| Nathan Lewis Miller. |
THE PUBLIC HEARING
UPON THE AMENDMENTS TO THE CORTLAND CITY CHARTER.
Not Many People In Attendance and Comparatively Little Interest Manifested—A Few Questions Asked and Answered—The Amendments Accepted by Vote of Common Council—Grant-st. Flagman.
At a public meeting of the common council of the city of Cortland, pursuant to a notice and call therefore, duly published and served as required by law, on the 25th day of March, 1901, at 8 o'clock, P. M., at Fireman's hall in said city.
There were present at the meeting: Chas. F. Brown, mayor, E. M. Yager, E. R. Wright, George F. Richards, T. C. Scudder, R. S. Pettigrew and Vern W. Skeele, aldermen.
The meeting was not largely attended and only a few citizens discussed the proposed amendments.
Mayor Brown set forth the object of the meeting. The amendments which are lengthy, were not read in full, but only as the different ones were asked for. City Clerk Fred Hatch explained the proposed changes and the necessity for them. Assemblyman H. A. Dickinson did not attend the meeting on account of illness, but he was represented by Nathan L. Miller.
Lewis S. Hayes asked that the amendments relative to the construction, repairs and cleaning of sidewalks be used. W. W. Winters thought the provision concerning the rebate of 3 cents per square foot for building stone or cement walks was misleading, as it did not state that other materials might not be used. The clerk explained that that was taken care of by a previous ordinance of the board of public works against laying plank walks.
W. L. Loope asked concerning the powers of the common council to pave streets and was told the charter was unchanged in that respect. He then inquired about the repaving of streets and Mayor Brown stated that the repaving of the streets would be several years hence, and that at present they had trouble enough with what was necessary to be acted upon. It was a meeting not for the purpose of considering further amendments but those that had been prepared already.
J. A. Jayne wished to know if the school board was consulted in regard to the change which allows only one-third of one per cent of the assessable property of the city to be spent for school purposes. He was told that the board did not have any voice in the matter, but that it was thought necessary to place this check upon the boards. If more money was needed at any time for the schools, the matter could be voted upon by the people.
Mr. Hayes asked for information in regard to the benefit method of paving assessments, with a view of finding out if the charter would hold water, as he termed it. He was told that in reference to this, the charter was materially unchanged. Mr. Hayes brought forward the idea that the law was unconstitutional, to which Mr. Miller replied that the courts were as yet unsettled on that point and he thought that the question had better be left alone by the meeting.
Of the amendments Mr. Miller stated that they had been drawn on the recommendation of the city officials. The property qualifications for voting on appropriations, he stated, were done away with.
After the public meeting was closed the common council held a meeting and on motion of Alderman Scudder and declared carried,
Resolved, That the city of Cortland accepts the amendments to the charter of said city, as set forth in a certified copy thereof, duly transmitted to the mayor of said city. All voting aye.
Various citizens from Grant-st. came before the meeting, asking that the ordinance requiring a flagman at the D., L. & W. crossing at Grant-st. be enforced. Mr. N. L. Miller was the spokesman. The common council promised that the matter would receive immediate attention.
On motion the meeting adjourned to March 30, 1901, at 8:30 P. M. at the office of the clerk of said city.
Approved March 25, Chas. F. Brown, mayor.
WATER IS HIGH.
Over the Road and Cinder Path Near the Port Watson Bridge.
It had been a subject of remark that rarely ever had there been so large a body of snow on the ground in Cortland during a winter and had it gone off so easily and with so little high water as this year. In fact, Supervisor Crosley made the statement a couple of weeks ago that if the sun should shine consecutively for several days upon the snow banks in the Cold Brook valley on the way to his home a flood of water would be likely to come down that would inundate Homer and Cortland.
But it was all passing off quietly till last night when there came a change. The weather was warm and balmy and a slight rain fell. The water in the East branch of the Tioughnioga river rose about two feet during the night and has kept rising all day, though less rapidly this afternoon than this forenoon.
The water is over the road just east of Port Watson bridge and is nearly up to the axles of wagons. It is over the [bicycle] cinder path there to a depth of six inches for four or five rods.
The water is within about a foot of the ties at the Traction company's bridge.
At Cooper Brothers' foundry it was up within five inches of the high water of last fall which was then the highest for a number of years, and it was steadily rising. At 8 o'clock it had risen an inch since noon, which was a much slower advance than during the forenoon.
At the bridge near the county almshouse the water was over the road to the axles of wagons. The water was four inches deep in the boiler room of the almshouse, but it could rise eighteen inches more before reaching the fires, which is not at all probable.
At the Wickwire flour mills on Clinton-ave. the water in the west branch of the Tioughnioga river was pretty high and still rising, but was not as high in proportion as in the East river.
Dry creek which flows through the northwest part of the city is going on a rampage unless a chill strikes the town. It is already high and rising. It is nearly to the top of its banks. Water is standing in some cellars in its vicinity.
Great Musk Rat Hunters.
E. C. Rindge and Eugene Graham may lay claim to being the crack musk rat hunters of this district. Mr. Rindge put a boat into the Tioughnioga river opposite the farm of Dexter Pierce this morning, and between that point and the County [Alms] house shot nineteen. He also got two last night. Mr. Graham put his boat into the river upon his own farm and in a quarter of a mile down the river succeeded in shooting twenty.
Annual Statement.
During the year 1900 enormous strides were made in business and financial circles, and particularly in the field of life insurance. A striking illustration of this development is to be found in the twenty-fifth annual statement of The Prudential Insurance company of America. During 1900 The Prudential paid out over $7,000,000 to beneficiaries, which makes a grand total of over $49,000,000 paid since the company's organization. The company's assets at the end of 1900 were over $40,000.000 and its surplus over $6,000,000. Its income, than which no better test of its prosperity can be found, was over $24,000,000 for 1900. While many other figures might be given in a more detailed statement of the annual report of the company, those given above particularly reflect credit upon the management of this great institution.
Any information about the policies issued by this company can be obtained through a letter addressed to the president of the company, John F. Dryden, at the home office, Newark, N. J.
THE HORSE IS CLAIMED
That Had Been Awaiting an Owner Since the Bridge Accident.
The horse which formed a part of the D., L. & W. railroad bridge episode four weeks ago and which has since been at Dr. E. O. Kingman's veterinary stables awaiting an owner, was claimed for Arthur O'Donnell yesterday by his brother-in-law B. J. Pettis, who presented a release from the railroad company and who paid Dr. Kingman's bill for board and services in full.
Mr. Pettis stated to Dr. Kingman in relation to the accident that the horses were feeling good, and, when started toward home, they became unmanageable and broke into a run. When they got to the crossing, they took the [railroad] track and O'Donnell was powerless to check them, and they did not stop till the bridge was reached.
NEW PHYSICIAN IN TOWN.
Dr. Benton Comes Here from Illinois to Practice Medicine.
Dr. J. H. Benson of Highland, Ill., has located at 73 North Main-st. and will practice his profession in Cortland and vicinity. Dr. Benson, as physician and surgeon, has had twenty-five years' experience, having formerly practiced for eighteen years in New York state and seven years in the state of Illinois. The doctor has recently taken a course in the New York Post-Graduate Medical school and hospital. Formerly he has made chronic nervous diseases, and pathological and electrical work a specialty and will continue these lines, along with the general practice of acute diseases.
Dr. Benson's family, consisting of Mrs. Benson and a daughter, is now located in their new home. The doctor will have his office at the residence, and his hours will be from 9 to11 o'clock, A. M., and from 1 to 3 and from 7 to 8 o'clock P. M, Sundays from 1 to 3 o'clock, Sundays, from 1 to 3 o'clock.
BREVITIES.
—The Knights of the Maccabees will meet in Vesta lodge rooms to-night at 7:30 o'clock.
—The Fortnightly club will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with Mrs. T. P. Bristol, 27 Lincoln-ave.
—The Ladies' Literary club will meet to-morrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with Mrs. S. J. Sornberger, 34 North Church-st.
—Cortland, chapter, No. 194, R. A. M., will confer the Royal arch degree at their regular convocation Wednesday evening.
—Hardly ever have we had such a body of snow on the ground as this year and has it gone off so easily and with so little high water.
—The Commercial Desk Co. has been organized at Canastota with a capital stock of $30,000. It will manufacture roll top desks, and will start about May 1 with a force of thirty hands.
—There seems to be a prospect of a good deal of moving in the city this spring. People are finding it very difficult to secure draymen to do the work, and they have to be spoken for a number of days in advance.
—The members of John L. Lewis lodge, No. 587, I. O. O. F., will hold a social in their lodgerooms on Wednesday evening, March 27. A short musical and literary program will be rendered after which supper will be served.
—The board of education met last night and adjourned for one week without doing any business. It was thought best to defer all preliminary steps toward a new school building till the charter amendments are signed by the governor.
—New display advertisements to-day are: Warren, Tanner & Co., Drygoods, Page 4; J. W. Cudworth. Optician, page 7: McKinney & Doubleday, Wallpaper, page 6; Smith & Beaudry, Wallpaper, page 3; Opera House, "Hello Bill," page 5; Bosworth & Stillman, page 2; M. A. Case, Drygoods, page 6; W. J. Perkins, Cough syrup, page 2; Miss Mary Lamb, Millinery, page 8; Palmer & Co., Auction, page 4.
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