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| Friedrich Alfred Krupp. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, November 24, 1902.
HERR KRUPP'S DEATH.
Abundant Evidence That He Did Not Commit Suicide.
HAD BEEN AILING FOR YEARS.
Had Been Warned to Avoid Overfatigue and Worry—His Philanthropic Schemes—Large Contributor to Government and Private Pension Funds. Autocrat in His Business Concerns.
Berlin, Nov. 24.—The first assumption that Herr Krupp, the great gunmaker, committed suicide is yielding to precise and abundant testimony to the contrary. Professor Binswanger, a physician of highest reputation, was in the apartment adjoining Herr Krupp's sleeping room when he was stricken down on Saturday morning and Dr. Pahl, Herr Krupp's family doctor, was also in the house.
They summoned several other physicians of some celebrity and it is regarded as being beyond belief that all of them should have connived at a concealment of the cause of death, which they ascribed to a stroke of apoplexy induced, they add unofficially, by mental excitement from which the deceased gentleman was suffering.
Herr Krupp's medical history for several years past indicates that he was in delicate health. He was asthmatic, had a weak heart and was subject to fainting spells. He fell to the ground unconscious while in Genoa several years ago and again while at dinner in a hotel here 18 months ago.
He had been warned to avoid overfatigue and worry. He was at Hamburg Thursday last and at the Hamburger Hof it was observed that he was in a highly wrought state and scarcely in control of himself. His condition accounted for the presence of two physicians in the house at the time of his death.
The funeral has been fixed for Wednesday. Chancellor Buelow, all the ministers and a great number of officials, following the example of the emperor, have telegraphed their condolences to the widow.
Herr Krupp leaves two daughters who are at school, one named Barbara, aged 17, and the second named Bertha, 15 years old.
Herr Krupp's favorite study was to think out schemes for improving the wellbeing of the lower classes, which he applied practically to what are called "labor colonies." He assented seemingly to most socialistic principles except that he held tight to the wage system, averring that the wage earners were not yet sufficiently developed or self-controlled to regulate for themselves a just system of division of profits.
It is mentioned as an odd chance that a man who applied social reform ideas in so extensive a way should have been crushed by a Social Democratic newspaper which, however, regarded his measures to ameliorate the condition of the laborers as not touching the question of economic injustice.
Herr Krupp's father started the system of modern dwellings for the working men as a matter of expediency and Herr Krupp himself appears to have developed them from conviction and in accordance with his ideals. He owned 5,469 dwellings, each according to whatever group it belonged being constructed with variations in the architecture to avoid monotony.
Each house had a front yard in which were bits of ornamental gardening; the outside coloring and the interior decoration gave a certain esthetic unity, while there was plenty of space and light. Herr Krupp had also a variety of institutions some-of them rather singular, such as "bachelors' homes" and "widowers' retreats."
Besides convalescent hospitals and the regulation orphanages he had a pension fund for his employes [sic] amounting to $4,125,000. He contributed last year as required by the law $372,000 to the national insurance fund and gave voluntarily $4,080,000 to other insurance funds.
Notwithstanding his benevolent interest in the laborers he was an autocrat in the management of his concerns. He was almost unknown by sight to his workmen and rarely visited the works or even his offices. He spent several months every year on the island of Capri, and managed his gunworks, rolling mills, iron mines and shipyards by letters and telegrams.
Unlike his father, Herr Krupp took no interest in the technical side of his business, yet in 15 years he more than doubled the fortune he inherited. Since their foundation the Essen factories have turned out 41,000 pieces of artillery. Herr Krupp resented being called "the cannon king" and he said that half of all the output of his works was civilizing products, such as railway and merchant ship material and structural steel.
Steamer Sunk on Lake.
Utica, N. Y., Nov. 24.—The steamer Margery sank during a storm on Fourth lake, near Eagle Point, in the Adirondacks, at 4 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Burt Murdock, aged 35, unmarried, of Inlet, a guide, was drowned. D. C. Mayer and son, Ira Church and William Rogers who were on the boat, were rescued by Eri and Archie Delmarch, the latter being manager of Cedar Island camp.
TRYING TO COMPROMISE
And Settle the Coal Strike Differences Independent of Commission.
Washington, Nov. 24.—Wayne MacVeagh, attorney for the operators for the anthracite coal strike commission, is out in a signed statement giving some of the details of the renewed negotiations for the settlement of the strike. He says:
"The parties on both sides were contesting every inch of the ground when the great railway corporation volunteered an advance of 10 per cent of the wages of their employees, and their employees are popularly supposed to be exceptionally well paid and treated, having regular employment, large relief funds and in some instances, pensions.
"As soon as such advance was announced, it seemed to be taken for granted that, notwithstanding the advance two years ago, a like increase would now be granted the miners and the question of wages being out of the way, there was a general feeling in favor of trying to adjust the other differences.
"The first move in that direction was adopted by the Delaware & Hudson Canal Co. Mr. Wilcox, vice-president and also its general counsel, drafted an agreement which his company was prepared to accept, but it did not prove satisfactory to the other companies.
"While I was still cross-examining Mr. Mitchell, 1 was asked to meet him and his counsel in conference, to make an effort to reach some adjustment of an amicable settlement. We discussed the matters in dispute on different occasions and at great length, and at last, by the invaluable assistance of Mr. E. B. Thomas, the president of the two companies I represent, the basis, as he thought, of a possible adjustment was reached, and when it was submitted to the other gentlemen who with Mr. Thomas had signed the letter requesting the appointment of the commission, they all concurred with Mr. Thomas in approving it as a basis of negotiations.
"Personally, I earnestly hope such negotiations will result in amicable agreements between the different companies and their employees, for I believe such agreements will be more likely to inaugurate an era of industrial peace throughout the region than a decision by the commission; but if agreements cannot be framed, the commission stands ready to decide all matters the parties cannot adjust between themselves.
(Signed) "Wayne MacVeagh."
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.
Justice and the Chauffeur.
It looks as though certain courts, notably one in New York which lately sentenced a chauffeur to six months' imprisonment and one in Connecticut which doubled that penalty, were bent upon handicapping a growing industry.
In the New York case the chauffeur, one Raymond, did nothing but collide with a trolley car, causing the injury of a score or more of people, while the occupants of the automobile escaped uninjured—that is, until the chauffeur collided with the judge.
The motorman of the trolley car testified that the automobile had crossed the track in front of the car three times within a short distance. Chauffeur Raymond admitted this fact, but explained that he had done this in order that those riding with him might enjoy a better view of the river. It was elicited from him also that in crossing the track he had failed to look back to see if a car was approaching, a precaution quite contrary to the generally accepted theory that automobiles always have the right of way.
The testimony showed that the chauffeur was a thoughtful and considerate man, else why should he be at such pains to give his passengers a view of the river? As to his not looking back, the suggestion is preposterous. It is clearly the duty of the pedestrian and the ultra conservative who retains the services of the archaic horse to look out for himself and for the automobilist.
Are not such penalties as those imposed in New York and Connecticut calculated to discourage the noble sport of automobiling? Can it be expected that the imprisoned chauffeurs will emerge from their terms in jail and take up chauffeuring with their former gladsomeness and industry? Should enterprise thus be blighted in the bud, even if it does serve to protect the lives and persons of those old fashioned people who, from either choice or necessity, move with less rapidity and recklessness over the face of the earth?
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| THEODORE WICKWIRE. |
BOARD OF TRADE
Incorporated Among the Business Men of Cortland.
WILL BE ENERGETIC AND PUSHING.
Every Man Interested in the Welfare of Cortland Urged to Join—Purpose of the Organization—Officers and Committees—Plans and Projects.
"The Board of Trade of the City of Cortland" is the official style and title of a new organization just effected in this city and incorporated under the laws of the state of New York. A few years ago a board of trade was organized here, but it was never incorporated and for one reason or another its membership lapsed and it went into dissolution. The need of an active and energetic organization of that kind is too evident to require explanation. Other places of the size of Cortland have boards of trade that are accomplishing something for their cities. Cortland has been sitting down quietly to see the procession of new factories and new industries go by. It has extended the welcome hand to such as came here of their own accord, but has done little or nothing to secure new enterprises. No one appreciated this fact better than the men who were most active in the old board, but without some definite organization behind them upon which in case of need they could fall back for support, financial and otherwise, they could accomplish little.
This was exactly the state of affairs when the matter arose a few weeks ago of locating the dress goods mill in Cortland. At a meeting of business men one evening in the parlors of the Messenger House a committee of fifteen was appointed to push the matter of securing that factory. Incidentally it may be stated right here that this committee has followed that industry up and that the matter is still open, no decision having yet been arrived at as to location, and there is still a fair possibility of securing the mill for Cortland.
At a meeting of that committee the necessity of a board of trade was freely voiced upon all sides, and it was decided to take steps toward the organization of such a body. In order to make it stable and perpetuating it was felt that it must be incorporated. Two ways of bringing this about presented themselves: to call a public meeting, secure a large membership and then select men who should be the incorporators and the first directors, or for the fifteen men of this committee to incorporate as a nucleus of the board and then secure additional members who should include everyone interested in the welfare of Cortland. The second way war certainly the more speedy and on certain accounts the more desirable, and it was at once put into effect.
Organization Effected.
The incorporation papers have been made out and filed. As stated above, the official title of the organization is "The Board of Trade of the City of Cortland." The incorporators and the first directors who hold office till the first Monday in October, 1903, are C. F. Brown, L. J. Fitzgerald, T. H. Wickwire. B. L. Webb, F. D. Smith, D. W. Van Hoesen, H. L. Smith, Edward Alley, F. H. Cobb, G. T. Maxson, G. H. Garrison, Edwin Duffey, G. J. Mager, F. J. Peck, C. P. Walrad.
The following officers and committees have been selected for one year:
President—B. L. Webb.
Vice-President—D. W. Van Hoesen.
Secretary—F. D. Smith.
Treasurer—H. L. Smith.
Executive Committee—D. W. Van Hoesen, T. H. Wickwire, L. J. Fitzgerald, and the president and secretary, ex officio.
Membership Committee—F. H. Cobb, G. T. Maxson, F. J. Peck, Edward Alley, Edwin Duffey.
Object and Procedure.
The object of this organization, as stated in the incorporation papers, is to foster business enterprises, encourage present industries and induce new industries to locate in and about Cortland, and to promote its material prosperity and general welfare. There are always a great many matters pertaining to any community that would be for the benefit of that place, but it is no one's business to take the initiative in bringing these about and they go by default. It is the purpose of this board to undertake such matters and push them along to a successful culmination, if possible.
There will be no regular meetings of the board of directors as a whole, but the executive committee will meet regularly upon the last Monday night of each month, and special meetings may be called at any time by the chairman. The executive committee will have charge of the financial and business affairs of the corporation, including the authorization of expenditures the incurring of indebtedness, the collection and raising of money, and the auditing of bills, subject to the direction and control of the board of directors. If the executive committee learns of any new industry which it may possibly secure, it is its business to arrange all the preliminary details of locating it here, secure its proposition and learn all the possibilities in the case and then refer the matter for final decision to the full board of directors which shall be called to meet for the specific purpose.
Membership Solicited.
In order to conduct the affairs of the organization successfully a certain amount of money will be required, and annual dues have been fixed at $10, half payable Jan. 1 and the other half July 1 of each year.
The membership committee will at once solicit the membership of every business man in the city and of every man who is interested in the welfare of the place whether he is actively engaged in business of any kind at the present time or not. It will be no close corporation. The co-operation of everyone is desired. But it should be remembered that the members of this committee are busy men and the work will be wholly gratuitous, and its labors can be greatly lessened if every one interested will voluntarily and at once without being solicited send or leave his name for membership with any one of the committee or with the president or secretary. The object and desirability of this organization is apparent. Active co-operation and quick returns will be very welcome. The committee appeals to all not to wait for a personal call and personal solicitation, but to send in the names.
It may be added that already the executive committee is in correspondence with several very desirable industries with an excellent prospect of securing some of them. A matter of the importance of a desirable location for an industry involving the investment of thousands of dollars cannot usually be settled in a moment, but time is required for decision. However, these matters under consideration are progressing as rapidly as possible, and any one who hears of any possible change in the location of any factory where there is a chance of securing it will confer a favor on the city by notifying the president or secretary of the board of trade at once.
NEW ROAD ASKED FOR
In Town of Marathon—About a Half Mile Along Merrill's Creek.
An application was made today before County Judge Joseph E. Eggleston to have a commission appointed to take evidence in the matter of laying out a new highway in the town of Marathon, extending along the east side of Merrill's creek for about a half mile. The applicants are George W. Hasbrouck, Mrs. Ida Reid, Willard Fralick and George Balja, who own property in the vicinity of the proposed highway.
The action is opposed by Highway Commissioner John B. Reagan, who is represented by Attorney John H. Miller of Marathon. Mr. Hasbrouck is represented by Attorney E. B. Jenks of Whitney's Point, while the other applicants are represented by Attorneys Kellogg and Van Hoesen of this city.
After the hearing a commission of three members was appointed by Judge Eggleston to determine if the highway is deemed necessary. The commission is made up of Messrs. M. A. Mynard of Freetown, N. F. Webb of Virgil and Abner Johnson of Lapeer, who after eight days' notice to the parties effected and to the highway commissioner, will take the evidence in the matter and determine upon it.
Petition for Road Improvement.
A petition of the majority of the property owners along the road extending from the Port Watson-st. bridge to Polkville will be presented to the board of supervisors tomorrow, asking that this road be improved under the state good roads act. The strip of road is about one mile in length.
BREVITIES.
—The Cortland Lodge of Perfection will meet this evening at 8 o'clock.
—The Loyal Circle of King's Daughters will meet with Miss Clara Hale, 99 Pendleton-st., Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 3 o'clock.
—Meetings will be held each evening at 7:15 o'clock this week at the Homer-ave. church except Saturday evening. On Thursday evening services will be appropriate to the day.
—Snow fell Saturday night, the driving rain of the early part of the evening having changed to snow with a falling temperature, but it all disappeared before noon Sunday.
—The new display advertisements today are—A. S. Burgess, Clothing, page 5; Baker & Angell, Shoes for Thanksgiving day, page 6; G. H. Wiltsie, Millinery, etc., page 5; W. W. Walters, Shoes, page 8: C. F. Thompson, Turkeys, etc., page 5; McGraw & Elliott, Cigar tips, page 5; C. F. Brown, Seeley perfumes, page 6; City Cycle Co., Phonographs, page 6.
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