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| William W. Rockhill. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, April 26, 1901.
NO GREAT REDUCTION.
Small Indemnities Would Lead to Secret Treaties.
ROCKHILL'S PLAN ADOPTED.
Reform of Tsung Li Yamen on Lines of His Suggestion Will Be Demanded, Together With Ceremonial For Foreign Ministers' Interview With Emperor.
LONDON. April 17.—The Pekin correspondent of The Daily Mail says he thinks the aggregate of the indemnities demanded by the powers will not be reduced below £50,000,000, and adds that "it cannot be too strongly pointed out how serious a danger would rise from too excessive a reduction of claims.
"If the powers fail to recoup their actual outlay," he says, "they are likely to seek compensation by separate secret arrangements with Pekin, which would infallibly lead to grave complications."
"Pourparlers are proceeding between Russia and Japan." says the Odessa correspondent of The Standard, "and it is expected that the result will be the conclusion of a pacific agreement regarding Korea. No. explanation, however, is vouchsafed as to how the European powers and the United States are to be propitiated and reconciled to such a modus vivendi, founded upon the wreck of Korean independence."
According to a dispatch to The Morning Leader from Tien Tsin, Boxers have destroyed 20 miles of railway at Lu Han, near Pao Ting Fu.
Dr. Morrison, wiring to The Times from Pekin yesterday says:
"At the meeting of the ministers of the powers today it was decided to adopt the recommendation of Mr. Rockhill, giving effect to article XII of the joint note concerning the tsung li yamen and the modification of the court ceremonial. It was agreed that in place of the tsung li yamen, there shall be a wai-wau-pu, or board of foreign affairs, having precedence over other boards. It is to consist of a president, who shall be an imperial prince, and of two ministers, etc., being the president of a board and the other a member of the grand council, with direct access to the emperor. There will also be two vice ministers, having knowledge of foreign affairs, one of them speaking a foreign language.
"With regard to court ceremonials, the ministers of the powers, when about to be received in audience, will be conveyed in imperial chairs to the palace through the central gateway and be received in the halls where the emperor is accustomed to entertain the imperial princes, and they will be shown honor equal to that shown by European sovereigns to foreign ambassadors."
CHANGES IN THE FIGURES.
Washington Government Not Without Hope of Early Indemnity Agreement.
WASHINGTON, April 17.—Notwithstanding the reports from Pekin of the slow progress of the negotiations there on the subject of indemnity, the officials here are not without hope that a way may be found out of the present complications. Later figures are coming in respecting the indemnity claims, which slightly modify the amounts reported from other sources. For instance, the French claim is now given at $56,000,000, instead of $65,000,000, as reported. The Russian claim is about $87,000,000. The claim of Great Britain is only about $24,000,000. The Japanese claim also has been cut down to less than $20,000,000. Germany's claim is elastic, ranging from $60,000,000 to $70,000,000.
The little powers, those that furnished no troops at all or an insignificant number, loom up with big bills. Belgium wants $6,000,000, and similar claims are preferred by Holland and Spain.
Nothing has been beard officially here of the reported Japanese attempt to have the Chinese troops garrison Manchuria, with the aid of an international force, if necessary, nor has Mr. Rockhill yet mentioned Earl Li's desire for an American force to remain in Pekin and police the Chinese section after General Chaffee's departure. The request is flattering, but it is probable that it would scarcely be granted, as the United States government already has committed itself to the policy of maintaining nothing more than a legation guard at Pekin.
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| Rev. Henry M. Turner. |
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.
America, Not Africa.
Three million negroes could not be transported to Africa, as Bishop Turner of the colored Methodist church says they should be, before practically the same number of children of negro blood should be born in the United States—who in their turn must be transported, if this method of solving the negro problem were to be adopted. Booker T. Washington has pointed this out clearly enough. It is altogether too late to relegate the negro problem of Africa. Our slave-importing and slave-holding ancestors settled that for us. The problem must be solved on American soil.
In the recent extraordinary and much too sweeping book on the American negro by William Hannibal Thomas, one point, says the Mail and Express, was brought out which has not attracted the attention it deserves. The negro problem is one of assimilation. The negro family which, in the industrious North, or for that matter in the more progressive parts of the South, is assimilated to the white people's ways, [and] is no longer a part of the problem. It is an eliminated factor—eliminated for the good. On the other hand, the quadroon, the octoroon who has in him more of the blood and fundamental racial character of the white man than be has of the black, and who nevertheless by contact and preponderance of social influence is assimilated in conduct and character to the black mass, which very likely is degenerating in his neighborhood, loses all the benefit that he might get out of his white blood. As Mr. Thomas proved, most of the assimilation, so far as the colored race as a whole is concerned, is proceeding the wrong way.
The task of the statesman and sociologist in this country should be to make it go the right way. Assimilation of foreign white elements goes on so spontaneously and rapidly that our constructive statesmen have assumed that all sorts of elements will be assimilated automatically. As a matter of fact, it is not going on at all with the black and colored masses in the South, nor in the cities of the North and the border where there is a large negro population. Our statesmen should be reminded that the most brilliant and famous exploit in the way of assisted assimilation that was ever performed was performed by an American—by Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford, who abolished beggary and urban degeneration in Bavaria late in the last century, and turned into sturdy and self-supporting citizens, making them a valuable asset to the state, the inhabitants of city slums and the paupers and vagrants of the country who were threatening the very life of Bavaria. The honors showered on Thompson for this achievement were memorable and well deserved; his fame became worldwide.
After a fashion and in a small way, the Salvation Army people are imitating Thompson's methods—in that small way successfully. There is no reason why there should not be a larger and more systematic application of such methods. Some of our Jewish philanthropists have made a beginning toward relieving our city ghettos by similar colonizations. The results of their experiments are at least encouraging. But the enterprising and thrifty Jew does not present nearly so grave a problem of congestion as the Southern negro does.
Mr. Washington's schemes of industrial education for the negro are excellent as far as they go but, after all, they promise no very deep effect. In the nature of things they can reach no great number of people. The negroes who are scattered through the North, or who are able to settle on small farms of their own in the Sooth, and are brought under the influence of conditions which assimilate them to the social and industrial standard of white people, are immediately and permanently helped; they are put on their feet among civilized and self-supporting people. The remedy is not one of amalgamation. Nobody wants to see the negroes amalgamated with the whites. But everybody would like to see them assimilated to the American type of civilization and industry. The problem is not beyond the reach of practical statesmanship. Bishop Turner should endeavor to find his Africa on the vacant lands which are to be found in millions of acres even in our Southern states.
◘ Count Tolstoi may get some grains of comfort in his hour of banishment from the fact that he can stand it a good deal better than Russia can.
NOW FOR A DOG POUND.
COMMON COUNCIL MAY CREATE A DEPARTMENT OF DOG CATCHERS
Grant-st. Crossing Comes in for Its Share of Attention--Twelve Miles an Hour Speed Limit for Trains to be Fixed—More Hydrants Called for On Several Streets.
A regular meeting of the common council of the city of Cortland was held at the office of the clerk of said city on the 16th day of April, 1901, at 7:30 o'clock P. M. There were present Mayor Chas. F. Brown and Aldermen E. M. Yager, E. R. Wright, Geo. F. Richards, T. C. Scudder, R. H. Pettigrew and Vern W. Skeele.
On motion of Alderman Richards, seconded by Alderman Wright and carried:
Resolved, That a committee of two members be appointed by the chair to act with the city chamberlain in the matter of adjusting the tax of B. E. Miller.
The mayor appointed Messrs. Wright and Scudder as such committee. The tax is for building new walks and making repairs on old ones. It embraces about $100 costs in all.
On motion of Mr. Skeele, seconded by Mr. Scudder, and declared carried:
Resolved, That a requisition be made on the superintendent of state prisons for six chairs No. 31 1/2, one chair No. 32 1/2, one desk No. 33, and two chairs No. 456.
This furniture is for the office of the mayor and city clerk. The desk is a double flat top oak, and the chairs are antique oak.
The matter of the D., L. & W. railroad company placing a flagman at the Grant-st. crossing was brought to the attention of the board by Alderman Scudder, who stated that he was getting tired of being followed up by the people of his ward in reference to the matter. The residents of that section, he said, were getting impatient in the delay of the railroad company and something ought to be done right away.
Mr. H. S. Fuller, 28 Washington-st., spoke in behalf of a committee that came before the board to ask for a flagman for the crossing. He said that a flagman had been ordered placed at the Grant-st. crossing two or three years ago, but the company had never complied with the order. Now, he believed, a notice should be served on the company compelling it to show why a flagman had not been placed in compliance with the demands of a former board of trustees of the village of Cortland. A flagman, he contended, was needed at the crossing because in approaching it from the west there is no view of the tracks till the same were reached. The approach from the east is some better, as there is a view of the tracks for fifty feet before reaching them.
Alderman Richards was of the opinion that a flagman for the crossing is not needed, but that better results could be secured by making a speed limit of 15 miles an hour for all trains inside the city limits, either day or night. The railroads running through Cortland, he said, are only branch roads and there is no necessity for running trains in here at a high rate of speed. This provision would insure greater safety as it would offer a chance for team drivers to get their rigs away from the tracks before the horses get frightened and do harm. He thought a speed limit would take care of the Grant-st. crossing. It was the opinion of the board that the speed ordinance ought to be adopted for protection at all crossings.
On motion of Mr. Yager, seconded by Mr. Pettigrew and declared carried:
Resolved, That the city attorney be instructed to prepare an ordinance for adoption by the board, regulating the speed of all trains at crossings within the city limits to twelve miles per hour, and also limiting the time of standing or obstructing of cars and locomotives at crossings within the city.
Mr. Fuller still asked for an action in reference to the Grant-st. crossing, and it was moved by Mr. Scudder, seconded by Mr. Wright, as follows:
Resolved, That the city attorney serve notice on the superintendent of the D., L., & W. R. R. company to show cause why the ordinance demanding a flagman at the Grant-st. crossing should not be complied with by that company.
Mr. Skeele called for the ayes and nays. Messrs. Wright and Scudder voted aye, and Messrs. Yager, Pettigrew, Skeele and Richards voted nay. Declared not carried.
The matter of placing more hydrants for fire protection was discussed, and it was agreed that the upper end of Tompkins-st. and the lower end of Port Watson-st. were very much in need of hydrants. In fact, hydrants for these sections had been ordered, but never placed by the Water company.
Mr. Yager stated that a hydrant is needed in the upper section of the First ward. During the discussion of hydrants it was suggested that the city buy the water supply and equipments.
Mr. Richards spoke of the holes left by the Home Telephone Co. on the east side of South Main-st. and also of the condition of Railway-ave. The bank of dirt in Hyatt-st. was also commented upon. These matters were referred to the board of public works.
The next matter for consideration was the practicability of establishing a dog pound. Several of the aldermen gave opinions that something ought to be done to get rid of the many yellow dogs that are now roaming about the streets without owners. In all probability the dog pound will be established in Cortland. The query is will the police force of Cortland be pressed into the service as professional dog catchers, or will there have to be a new department of the city government to take charge of this work, or will the mayor and common council attend to it themselves.
The report of the committee on the repair of the fire steamer was made and, on motion, seconded and carried, the same was accepted and the committee was discharged.
Moved by Mr. Skeele, seconded by Mr. Yager and declared carried, that a credit and rebate be recommended to the board of police commissioners to the members of the police force as follows: To Mr. Baker one day, Mr. Townsend one day, and to Mr. J. A. Smith 3/4 of a day.
On motion, meeting adjourned.
CHAS. F. BROWN, Mayor, Approved April 16, 1901.
INQUEST WILL BE HELD
To Ascertain Facts Relative to the Death of George E. Gordinier.
Coroner E. M. Santee will to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock at the courthouse begin an inquest to determine the cause and the means of the death of George E. Gordinier, and any other facts that it may be desirable to know in connection therewith.
The man with whom Gordinier was last seen alive seems to be absent from the city. He was seen here at 6:30 o'clock yesterday morning, but all inquiry since that time has failed to locate him. There is a belief that he has skipped out. Descriptions of him have been sent out on all sides and it is hoped that he may be apprehended. It is not desirable to arrest him just now as he is wanted as a witness, and of course if arrested his mouth would be closed, but the coroner would like to be able to serve a subpoena upon him to secure his attendance upon the inquest as a witness. If the man is guiltless of any wrong in connection with Gordinier's death it would seem that he would want to come and prove his innocence and clear his name from any suspicion.
A STANDARD man called upon Mr. J. C. Gray this afternoon and questioned him concerning the watch that Gordinier left at his place for repairs last Saturday afternoon. Mr. Gray said that Gordinier left the watch intending to call for it in a week's time. As to his condition, he stated that Gordinier was somewhat intoxicated at the time he saw him.
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES
By Grover Relief Corps—Stereopticon Views of War by H. M. Kellogg.
A very pleasant and profitable evening was passed last night at G. A. R. hall, the occasion being the fourteenth anniversary of the Woman's Relief corps. A literary program was first given, consisting of a salute to the flag and song by twelve little girls of the Central school, recitations by Mrs. S. P. Bloomfield, which were especially fine; vocal solos by Miss Nettle Stout, accompanied by Mrs. Bruce I. Norton; a pantomime by Mrs. H. H. PerLee and daughter.
The rest of the evening's program was furnished by Mr. H. M. Kellogg in giving war views which covered the period of time from the firing on Fort Sumpter to Sherman's march to the sea. This part of the program was especially enjoyed by the old soldiers, as it brought back to their minds many scenes in which they had taken part. The ladies served ice cream and cake after the program.
Returned To Preble.
Mrs. Mary E. Van Denburg, who wandered to Cortland last Friday from Preble, and who has since that time been at the Messenger House, was taken to Preble last evening by the authorities of that place. The expenses of Mrs. Van Denburg's visit were paid by Commissioner of Charities F. E. Price, who in turn will charge the expenses to Preble.
Death of Harvey Hubbard.
Mrs. A. M. Schermerhorn received a telegram Sunday saying that her only brother, Harvey Hubbard, was seriously ill at his home in Kittanning, Pa. She started Monday morning to go to him, but he passed away before her arrival. The final cause of death was paralysis and his age was 42 years and 5 months.
Mr. Hubbard was a son of Mrs. Harvey Hubbard, recently deceased, and he was formerly a resident of Cortland. He will be well remembered by many here. He is survived by a wife and four children as well as by three sisters, Mrs. J. H. Hoose and Mrs. M. O. Randall, both of Pasadena, Cal., and Mrs. A. M. Schermerhorn of Cortland. The funeral was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock.
BASEBALL ELECTION.
Officers Chosen and Executive Committee—Grounds to be Improved.
A meeting of the Baseball association was held last evening at Fireman's hall and the following officers for the season were elected:
President—Daniel Reilly.
Vice-President—J. M. Smith.
Secretary —Edward Ringer.
Treasurer—T. J. Murray.
The officers were made a committee to select seven others, who with the officers should constitute the executive committee. The following gentlemen were named and accepted by the meeting: A. D. Wallace, Thomas Kane, E. F. Gensheimer, M. T. Roche, B. C. Winchell, Morris Welch and H. L. Peckham. This executive committee will meet once each week during the baseball season, and will meet once each month with the board of directors, made up of seventeen members.
The baseball stock is now sold with the exception of twenty shares, and the most of these are thought to be located. The soliciting committee will not pause in its work till all of the two hundred fifty shares are on the market. The grounds at Athletic field will be placed in excellent condition at once for the opening games.
MUSIC FESTIVAL IN JUNE.
George Oscar Bowen and Lee L. Wellman to Conduct It.
Mr. A. Mahan, who for the last twenty-six years has managed a music festival each year in Cortland and who has done more for the musical interests of the place than can ever be measured or realized, has decided for a number of reasons not to arrange for a festival this year. When Mr. George Oscar Bowen learned that Mr. Mahan was hesitating over the matter he went to him and said that if Mr. Mahan should decide not to go ahead this year he should like to undertake the festival. This determined Mr. Mahan to step aside. He was reluctant to see them abandoned after so many years and at the same time he did not care to arrange one this year. What he will do another year remains yet to be determined.
Mr. Bowen has associated with himself in the management Mr. Lee L. Wellman, and the two have engaged Mr. J. G. Osgood to make some of their business arrangements for them. The date will probably be the first week in June. It is their plan to make this a Cortland county festival, so far as is possible. Four or five weeks before the festival copies of the music to be sung will be sent to Homer, McGraw, Marathon and Cincinnatus for local choruses to become acquainted with. Either Mr. Bowen or Mr. Wellman will go to these places twice a week for a rehearsal. The Cortland chorus will have the opportunity of rehearsing in the same way. The result will be that when the big chorus from all over the county comes together they will be acquainted with the music and will be able to sing it easily and well.
A new feature this year will be a chorus of school children from the Cortland public schools. Mr. Bowen has had a conference with the city music teachers and they have signified their willingness to have the children take hold of the work. The result will probably be a chorus of several hundred voices. They will only attempt to sing the soprano and alto parts, but the effect with such a chorus will be thrilling. It is believed that this will be a strong feature of the concerts. This chorus will begin rehearsing next week in Taylor hall.
Mr. Bowen is planning for a number of celebrated artists to take part in the concerts. The list of these is not yet completed, but it is likely that Gulick, the boy soprano, will be one of them.
Further announcements will be made from time to time.
BREVITIES.
—State league schedule of base ball games on eighth page.
—The National Protective Legion will give a reception to-morrow evening in Good Templars' hall for Mr. L. DeForest, organizer. All members and their friends are requested to attend.
—A few light catches of trout are reported by Cortland anglers who left the city early yesterday morning and spent the day around the brooks. Messrs. Fred Tyler and Theodore Wood tried all the trout streams of Virgil, but did not hook any fish.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Opera House, "A Poor Relation," page 5; C. F. Thompson, Breakfast foods, page 5; Mitch's market, Trout, etc., page 5; Smith & Beaudry, Wall paper, page 7; M. A. Case, Drygoods, page 6; Palmer & Co., Grass seeds, page 7; Baker & Angell, Shoe sale, page 8.
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