KISHINEFF MEMORIAL, REPUBLICANISM IN SPAIN, CARELESS SHOOTING, BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS, AND STRANGE VISITORS

 

President Theodore Roosevelt.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, June 16, 1903.

KISHINEFF MEMORIAL.

Presented to the President by the B'Nai B'Rith.

PROPOSED PETITION TO CZAR.

Replies of President and Secretary Hay to the Society—President Said Russian Ambassador Had Assured Him the Authors of the Massacre Would Be Punished.

   Washington, June 16.—A statement was given out at the White House concerning the conference on the Kishineff affair. It consists of a memorandum submitted by the B'Nai B'Rith on the massacre in April; a tentative draft of a petition to the czar which it was desired this government should unofficially or semi-officially assist in delivering to the czar and procuring a reply thereto, and copies of the replies of Secretary Hay and President Roosevelt to his callers.

   The memorandum says the facts concerning the Kishineff massacre as officially reported by the Russian government have appalled and horrified not only the Jews in Russia and elsewhere, but the whole American people, who want something done.

   It is declared to be desirable to end this state of things without breach of diplomatic etiquette or embarrassment to the United States government. The Jews, it says, are fearful of the future.

   In reply to Mr. Levi, who submitted the memorandum, Secretary Hay said:

John Hay.

"No person of ordinary humanity can have heard without deep emotion the story of the cruel outrages inflicted upon the Jews of Kishineff. These lamentable events have caused the profoundest impression throughout the world, but most especially in this country, where there are so many of your co-religionists who form such a desirable element of our population in industry, thrift, public spirit and commercial morality.

Evidence of the Highest Qualities.

   "Nobody can ever make the Americans think ill of the Jews as a class or as a race—we know them too well. In the painful crisis through which we are now passing, the Jews of the United States have given evidence of the highest qualities—generosity, love of justice and power of self-restraint.

   "The government of the United States must exhibit the same qualities. I know you do not doubt the sentiment of the president. No one hates more energetically than he does such acts of cruelty and injustice as those we deplore. But he must carefully consider all the circumstances and then decide whether any official action can be taken."

   The call on the president at the White House followed and there President Roosevelt said in part:

   "Mr. Chairman—I need not dwell upon a fact so patent as the widespread indignation with which the American people heard of the dreadful outrages upon the Jews in Kishineff. I have never in my experience in this country known of a more immediate or a deeper expression of sympathy for the victims and of horror over the appalling calamity that had occurred.

   "It is natural that while the whole civilized world should express such a feeling it should yet he most intense and most widespread in the United States, for of all the great powers I think I may say that the United States is that country in which from the beginning of its national career most has been done in the way of acknowledging the debt due to the Jewish race, and of endeavoring to do justice to those American citizens who are of Jewish ancestry and faith."

   President Roosevelt then mentioned many instances in which the Jews in this country had given valuable aid to the government both in civil and military ways.

Personal Sympathy and Horror.

   The president concluded by saying:

   "I have felt a degree of personal sympathy and personal horror over this dreadful tragedy, as great as can exist in the minds of any of you gentleman. Exactly as I should claim the same sympathy from any one of you for any tragedy happening to any Christian people so I should hold myself unworthy of my present position if I failed to feel just as deep sympathy and just as deep sorrow and 'just as deep horror over an outrage like this done to the Jewish people in any part of the earth.

   "I am confident that much good has already been done by the manifestations throughout this country, without any regard to creed whatsoever, of horror and sympathy over what has occurred. It is gratifying to know what we would of course assume, that the government of Russia shows the feelings of horror and indignation with which the American people look upon the outrages at Kishineff, and is moving vigorously not only to prevent their continuance but to punish the perpetrators. That government takes the same view of those outrages that our government takes of the riots and lynchings which sometimes occur in our country, but do not characterize either our government or our people

   "I have been visited by the Russian ambassador on his own initiative, and in addition to what has been said to Secretary Hay the Russian ambassador has notified me personally, without inquiry upon my part, that the governor of Kishineff has been removed; that between 300 and 400 of the participants in the outrages have been arrested, and he voluntarily stated that those men would be punished to the utmost that the law would permit.

   "I will consider most carefully the suggestions that you have submitted to me, and whether the now existing conditions are such that any further official expression would be of advantage to the unfortunate survivors with whom we sympathize so deeply. Nothing that has occurred recently has had my more constant thought, and nothing will have my more constant thought than this subject. In any proper way by which beneficial action may be taken it will be taken."

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Growth of Republicanism In Spain.

   The student of old world politics will do well to keep an eye upon current events in Spain. In a letter to the London Times an evidently well informed writer directs attention to the rapid development of an independent public opinion in that country which has already deprived the government of the power of manipulating elections to suit its own purpose.

   The recent elections, when Madrid was swept by the Republicans and thirty-four deputies were elected in the country districts, who are frankly hostile not only to the government and the Opposition, but to the monarchy itself, have caused something like a panic among the responsible ministers. Ever since the death of Sagasta the Liberals have been hopelessly disorganized by internal jealousies and are therefore incapable of deciding upon a programme or giving it effective support.

   Meanwhile the government, headed by Senor Silvela, seems to have decided upon a violent reactionary and repressive policy. The Official Gazette recently published a circular which has caused no small amount of public agitation. It forbids in the name of "public tranquility, which cannot be troubled with impunity by cries and provocations," the cry of "Viva la Republica!" or the exhibition of republican emblems or flags under pain of severe punishment.

   On the theory that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church" such repressive and oppressive measures as those adopted by the Spanish government are likely to accelerate rather than retard the growing republican movement. The spirit of liberty when it once finds lodgment cannot thus be crushed out.

   ◘ Speaking against allowing Americans to gain a foothold in the Roumanian oil fields, the minister of finance said the other day that Americana have made themselves unpopular in Roumania. Probably he had in view the pertinent note of Secretary Hay respecting the persecutions of the Jews.

 

SOME CARELESS SHOOTING.

Ball Enters House on Grant-st.—Strikes Pail on Hill.

   Yesterday .afternoon Mrs. George Ellison, who lives upstairs at 52 Grant-st., Cortland, sat in her kitchen hulling strawberries. Suddenly a rifle bullet from outside came through the glass of a window making a clean cut semicircular hole close to the sash, nearly half an inch in diameter. The bullet passed so close to her face that she felt the rush of air past her. Bits of glass were carried clear across the room. The bullet went through an open door into the sittingroom beyond and imbedded itself in the wall on the farther side of that room. The reports of shooting had been heard all the afternoon from across the river back of the house, and it is supposed that this was a stray bullet.

   A little later Mrs. Ellison's son Carl, 11 years old, who had been picking wild strawberries in a pasture on the side hill across the river and north of the place where the shooting was going on came in thoroughly frightened. He reported that while on his knees in the grass picking berries a bullet struck and penetrated his tin pail. He at once picked up the pail and set out at his best pace for home. There was a jagged hole through the pail when he brought it in. Mrs. Ellison at once became more frightened on his account than on her own.

   It would appear that bullets must be after the Ellison family, but the apparent fact is that some one is doing some very careless shooting. It is fortunate that no fatality resulted, and too much care cannot be taken in the use of fire arms to see that no shot is directed toward any person. As a matter of fact one can never know where people are to be found if shots go at random, and the only safe way in shooting at a mark is to fire directly at the side of the hill where it is perfectly plain that no one is in the range and that the ball will stop in the dirt.

 

S. S. Knox.

CORTLAND BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS

Discusses Port Watson-st Macadamizing, But Takes No Action.

   A regular meeting of the board of public works was held in the office of the city clerk last evening. It was an interesting session, although little was actually accomplished.

   Those of the board present were, Chairman Knox, F. H. Cobb and C. W. Collins, Attorney Fred Hatch, Engineer Farrington, O. U. Kellogg, Alderman Vern W. Skeele, D. G. Corwin, Jerome Hathway and several other parties interested in the Port Watson paving matter were present and when called upon took part in the discussion. No definite action was taken on matters brought up as but three members of the board were present.

   The advisability of using limestone throughout in macadamizing Port Watson-st. or of using trap rock for a top dressing was discussed at length, but the decision was put over for a week.

   It was urged that special care be taken in filling all water, gas, and sewer ditches, so that the pavement might not crack. Superintendent Becker was instructed to scrutinize the tamping of the earth in the ditches very carefully.

    Engineer Farrington said that the center of the traveled roadway on Port Watson-st. does not follow the lot line as actual center of the street, but deviates nearly 10 feet in one or two places. This was the cause of much discussion as to whether, for the sake of a solid roadbed, it would be preferable to keep to the traveled roadway and make the deflection gradual, or whether it would be better to keep the center of the pavement on the lot line and let the curbing come where it will. If this is done it will cut close to the trees in places along the south side of the street and make the distance between the fence and pavement more narrow on one side than on the other. On the other hand, the proposed macadamizing is a permanent improvement and it would seem better to keep to the lot line and have a straight street having the deflection come at the Port Watson-st. bridge. This deflection is necessary as the bridge is not located in the center of the roadway.

   Jerome Hathway and others spoke in favor of keeping to the lot line and having a straight street.

   Mr. Hathway, Alderman Skeele and others urged that the work of macadamizing be hastened so as to complete it if possible this season.

   The board decided to go over the street with Engineer Farrington Friday afternoon to become more familiar with the questions in hand. The matter of establishing this roadway, material used and time of construction will be determined next Monday evening.

   It was suggested that a committee be appointed to investigate like roads that are being constructed or have already been constructed in other places. The committee, however, was not appointed last night.

   Mr. Barker was present for the gas company and relinquished the right to lay mains in Port Watson-st. below the Lehigh tracks.

   Richard Morris was present and asked the board to take some action in the matter of sidewalks on Brown-ave. The board said they would include Brown-ave. in their trip of inspection Friday.

   After auditing the payroll the board adjourned until next Monday evening.

 

Three More Automobiles.

   The Cortland Automobile Co. has today received three more new Rambler automobiles and it seem likely that they will soon be speeding about the streets of the city under new ownership.

 

SUPREME COURT.

Damage Suit Against Lehigh Valley R. R. Now on Trial.

   A jury was secured yesterday afternoon in the case of Daniel O'Shea as administrator, etc., vs. Lehigh Valley Railroad Co., and the trial of the case was begun this morning. This is an action in which the plaintiff seeks damages to the amount of $10,000 for the death of his son, which occurred on March 17, 1901, as a consequence of being struck by a train. This case has been once tried and a judgment was secured for $4,000. The case was then appealed and the court of appeals ordered a new trial. J. & T. E. Courtney assisted by O. U. Kellogg for plaintiff. Diven & Diven of Elmira for defendant.

   Frank Loope vs. Alice Loope. This is an action for divorce. Evidence was taken. Decision was reserved in accordance with the present method of procedure in such cases, but it is understood that the plaintiff's attorney will be permitted to enter an interlocutory judgment. E. W. Hyatt for plaintiff.

   William C. Łandphier vs. Amanda E. Łandphier. This also is an action for divorce, and the same action as in the above case was taken. E. W. Hyatt for plaintiff.

   The case of Marion Towers, an infant, by his guardian ad litem, Henry J. Towers, vs. George S. Satterlee and Ida B. Satterlee, over a payment of costs of the day by the defendant. E. L. Stone for plaintiff. Dougherty & Miller for defendant.

   Ezra Bentley vs. Lewis Bouton, as executor, etc. Referred to Judge S. S. Knox to hear and determine. Kellogg & Van Hoesen for plaintiff. Riley Champlin for defendant.

 

CORTLAND'S DELEGATION

Of Odd Fellows at the State Council at Amsterdam.

   The annual cantonment and department council meeting of the state I. O. O. F. will be held in Amsterdam beginning tomorrow and lasting three days.

   Canton Cortland will be represented by about twenty men who will leave Cortland this evening, as follows: Col. R. E. Colwell, Maj. A. W. McNett, Adj. E. N. Sherwood, Capt. F. M. Ingersoll, Lieut. M. B. Filzinger, Ensign E. H. Ames, Sentinel P. W. Chaffee, Picket Bert Van- Buren, Standard Bearer Peter Zaharis and Chevaliers C. W. Saunders, Clayton Glazier, Stuart Dye, Ira J. Barber, Percy Babcock, E. D. Rogers, William Ranney, Erastus Dwight, W. G. Spencer, Harvey J. Baker, A. W. Babcock.

 

Salvation Army.

   Special attractions on Friday evening, June 20. Major Barter and Captain Core will have charge of the meeting. Captain Core is a noted singer. All are invited to attend. Supper or ice cream and cake will be served in the Army hall for 10 cents. All will be welcome.

 

"STRANGE VISITORS,

Or a Meeting of the Nations"—At Central School Tomorrow Night.

   The cantata "Strange Visitors, or a Meeting of Nations" will be given by the pupils of the Pomeroy-st. school at the Central Assembly hall tomorrow evening, June 17, at 7:30 o'clock. Guests from Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, China, Japan and the Arctic regions will pay their respects to Columbia. These foreign guests will be introduced by some of Uncle Sam's most loyal subjects. The cast of characters is as follows:

   Columbia—Bertha Rogers.

   Entertainers—Helen Grant, Louis Cogswell, Mary Purcell, Florence Bennett.

   Scotch—Hazel Marble, Robert McGann.

   Irish—Ray Terwilliger, Walter Harvey, Matthew Gerrard, Norwin Crossman.

   French—May Richardson, May Bosche.

   Germans—Florence Conine, Louis Lohman.

   Italians—Rose Mulligan, Edmund Wingate, Angelo Natoli.

   Spanish—Nina Rogers, Charles Bush.

   Swiss—Cora McMann, Ralph Somers, John Alexander.

   Swedish—-Agnes Keenan, Winnie Walsh, Robert Alexander.

   Norwegians—Clara Harvey, George Tanner.

   Polar Bears—Walter Harvey, William Harrison.

   Eskimos—Eight Boys.

   Hop Sing—William Latimer.

   Chinese Ladies—Nine Little Girls.

   Japanese Boys—Eight Boys.

   Japanese Ladies—Eight Girls.

   Pages—Blanche Whiting, Irene Hept, Leo Wiegand, Raymond Currier.

   Admission by ticket only and can be obtained by applying to the teachers of the Pomeroy-st. school.

 

BREVITIES.

   —A special meeting of the A. O. H. will be held Wednesday evening,  June 17. Important to all members.

   —The corrected time table of the Lackawanna railroad appears elsewhere in the paper today, the time having been changed in some slight respects on Sunday.

   —The Men's club of Grace Episcopal church will meet at the residence of A. Mahan, 91 North Main-at., at 8 o'clock tomorrow night. A musical program has been arranged.

   —The new display advertisements today are—M. A. Case, Suit sale, page 6; Hollister Hardware Co., Enameled ware, page 6; McGraw & Elliott, Dressing combs, page 4; First National Bank, Banking, page 5; Sager & Jennings, Paints, page 5; A. Mahan, Pianos, etc., page 6.