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About The frontier. (O'Neill City, Holt County, Neb.) 1880-1965 | View Entire Issue (July 2, 1914)
LITTLE-KNOWN SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE Of the 66 men who signed the declar ation of independence, but a scant dozen attained immortality—Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, Richard Henry Lee, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and a few others. But what about Joslah Bartlett, Thomas Mc Kean, Charles Carroll, Robert Morris, George Taylor, Edward Rutledge, John Hart, Francis Lewis, Button Gwinnett and a score of others? Fifty of those 66 men were present during the discussion and adoption of the declaration, and, as delegates to the continental congress, were essential factors in its ultimate ratification. The other six, elected members of congress later, nevertheless took part in the general movement by signifying them selves in favor of it, and were allowed to sign. Thomas Jefferson, as the au thor of the decelaration, attained a last ing fame, as did John Hancock, pres —, ldent of the continental congress. But of the men who stand outside of that ring of immortality much can be said. If Jefferson, Hancock and Lee were generals, the others were at the same time essential to the declaration. They, as much as the others, affixed their names to what was at that time an extremely dangerous document. They, as well as the others, burned their bridges behind them and took their stand firmly upon their convic tions. It required the signatures of recognized delegates from each of the 13 states to make the declaration of Independence complete. If the veil of 137 years could be lifted and those days lived over again. It would be interesting to see with what emotions those men among men took the stand for independence. It would be inspiring to hear the tone in which each gave his answer when called upon to vote for or against the ratification of that which was to give this country its freedom. But It would have been even more dramatic to have hovered near the desk on which the declaration lay and watched each man as he came forward and affixed his signature, a lasting testimonial to the world, and Great Britain, especially, of the cour age for and faith in the new country these men wrere creating. The precise hour of the day of the adoption of the declaration of Inde pendence is not determinable from records. It is known, however, that A rnmrress entered linnn direct considers f tlon of the question on the 1st of July, 1776, by voting to resolve Itself into a committee of the whole to consider the resolution introduced by Richard Henry Lee, and to refer the draft of the dec laration to this committee. It was Richard Henry Lee's resolution that ran: 'That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and in dependent states." Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, was chosen chairman of the committee. After a discussion lasting the entire day the resolution was adopted. The committee then resumed its standing as a congress, and President Hancock received Mr. Harrison's report. It was then voted to postpone action on the resolution until the following day. This course of procedure was carried out, and so the 2d of July is the real inde pendence day. The resolution adopted, congress again resolved itself into a committee of the whole "to consider draft of a declaration of independence, or the form of announcing the fact to the world.” The consideration, con tinued throughout the 3d and 4th, it being on the evening of the latter day that the committee arose, President Hancock resumed the chair and Chair man Harrison reported that the draft had been agreed upon. It was then adopted by congress. The draft was ordered on the 19th of July to be engrossed, and on August 2 the engrossed copy was signed by 60 members. George Wythe signed about August 27, Richard Henry Lee, Elbridge Gerry and Oliver Wolcott in September, Mathew Thornton the fol lowing November and Thomas Mc Kean even later, probably in 1781. Such is the account of the signing as rec ognized in an official history of the declaration, despite the fact that, in recording the happening of the Fourth of July, Jefferson himself said: "The declaration was reported by the com mittee, agreed to by the house, and signed by every member present except Mr. Dickinson.” The journal giving the record of the congress states that it was "signed by order and in behalf of congress. John Hancock, president. At test: Charles Thomson, secretary.” The first celebration of the event was Thursday, July 8, 1776, in the State house grounds, Philadelphia, where every eye could gaze upon the bell that proclaimed liberty throughout the world. The declaration itself was read to a large gathering of people by John Nixon. The king's arms were taken down in the court room in the state house, and in the evening there were bonfires and great demonstrations of Joy. In a letter John Adams wrote to Samuel Chase on the 9th, he thus de scribes the occasion. This letter is now in the possession of the Massachu setts Historical society: "You will see by this post that the river is past and the bridge cut away. The declaration was yesterday pub lished and proclaimed from that atvful stage, in the statehouse yard, by whom, do you think? By the committee of safety, the committee of inspection and a great eorwd of people. Three cheers rended the welkin. The battalions pa raded on the common and gave us the feu de joy, notwithstanding the scarc ity of powder. The bells rang all day, and almost all night. Even the chimers chimed away. -in uie evening our uiie Kings coat of arms was brought from the hall, in the statehouse where the said king’s courts were formerly held, »*.id burned amidst the acclamations of a crowd of spectators.” The men who gathered together early In July, 1776, to consider the question of independence represented many professions and ages. Of the 56 men who constituted all of the signers of the declaration, 24 were lawyers, 14 agriculturists, four physicians, one a minister, one manufacturer, nine mer chants and three who had been edu cated for the ministry, but who later followed other professions. Although at the time of the signing the declara tion the majority of the men were be tween 40 and 60# years of age, several were in the early 30s, and two 27. The youngest signer was Edward Rutledge, of North Carolina, who was not 27 un til about four months after the sign ing. The other was Thomas Lynch, jr„ who ceiebrated his 27th birthday three days after the signing. Mr. Lynch was accidentally drowned at sea before he was 30. On the other hand, Benjamin Franklin was 70 at the time of sign ing. Equally interesting are the ages of the men when they died. Thre.e liV«1 to be over 90, 10 over 80. 11 over 70, 14 over 60, 11 over 50. and the remainder, with the exception of Lynch, lived to be over 44. On^ of the most interesting figures of that time was Josiah Bartlett. Al thought a native of Massachusetts, he came to congress as a representative of New Hampshire. Upon the adoption of the declaration by the committee it was put to a vote in oongTess. Un like the procedure of today In our leg islature, the names were not read al phabetically, but according to the lo cation of the colonies, beginning at the most northern. For this reason, the “*jst man called upon to vote on the adoption of the declaration was Josiah Bartlett, and, likewise, he was the first man, after President John Han cock, to inscribe his name on that fate ful manuscript. Many families in the south could probably trace their ancestry to one of the signers of the declaration had it not been for a chance misfortune. Georgia sent, among her other dele gates, John Houston and Rev. J J. Zubly to the congress. Mr. Houston was forced to take sudden leave from the debate, however, when it was dis covered that Dr. Zubly was on his way posthaste to inform the crown governor P* Georgia of what wras taking place In Philadelphia. Zubly had been giv ing away the secrets of the executive sessions. He was accused on the floor or congress of so doing by Samuel Chase, of Maryland, but d.enied the charges and challenged proof. The proof was given, and he perforce fled back to Georgia, closely pursued by Houston. Fortunately, for the good of tlie country, by the time they reached Georgia the crown governor had al ready been deposed by the people, had escaped and taken refuge in an armed British vessel in Savannah harbor. But had it not been for the necessity of fol lowing Dr. Zubiy the name of John Houston would have been added to those of the other signers. Ihe six men who were not members of congress at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but were elected later and allowed to sign were Benjamin Rush, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross, George Clymer and Matthew Thornton. Of the original 60 members, however, there were five who did not sign on the 2d or August, George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Elbridge Gerry, Oliver Wol cott and Thomas McKean. There were two other men, also, who were present during the discussion and adoption of the declaration, voting for it. but who never signed. They were Henry Wis ^ew York and John Dickinson. Thomas McKean is interesting not only because he was the last to sign the declaration, but also because he was closely allied with two of the col onies at the same time. He was a na Uve of Pennsylvania, having been born in New London, in 1734. Following an elementary education, he was nln in t narge or the Rev. Francis Allison, at Newcastle, Del. Later he read law in Delaware, and was admitted to the bar or that colony. But his native colony refused to give him up, and in 1765 he was elected a member of the Pennsyl vania assembly. In the same year he was also made a judge of the common pleas court for Newcastle county, Dela ware. He was elected to congress from Delaware, serving for nine consecutive terms and in 1781 was president of the congress. All this time, however, he had been continuously re-elected to his office of assemblyman in Pennsylvania. I hen, in addition to being president of Delaware, in 1777 he was made chief justice of Pennsylvania. This office he held until 1799, at which time he be came governor of that colony, continu ing to fill the latter office until ISOS. He died in 1817. Despite the fact that two of the colonies thought enough of him to give him their highest office, Thomas Mc KeaiVs life was not without its thorns. In 1778, shortly after he was made chief justice of Pennsylvania, an attempt was made to impeach him. This, how ever, failed. But again in 1807 and 1808 another attempt was made, and this time a committee, made up of members of the House of Repersenta tives, was appointed to consider and re port on the matter. Tills led to a reso lution "that Thomas McKean, governor of the commonwealth, be impeached of high crimes and misdemeanors.” After considerable postponement and much discussion the resolution was carried In the House. And then, on the same day. it was indefinitely postponed, and never again brought up. When on August 2, 1776, the signa tures of the delegates were placed upon the declaration, with but one excep tion. merely the name of the man was written. That exception was Charles Carroll, whose signature he wrote thus: "Charles Carroll, of Carrolltown." He is interesting on another score, also, as he outlived all the other signers, at taining the age of 95. He died in No vember. 1832. Charles Carroll was not a delegate to congress during the dls cusion of Lee’s resolution. Intensely interested In the movement, however, he visited Philadelphia, early in 1776 in order to be present at the meetings. His feelings were so well known that congress appointed him a commissioner to accompany Franklin and Chase to Canada in February of that year. Upon his return Richard Henry Lee’s resolution had already been introduced and was being discussed. Realizing the importance of the occasion, Carroll hastened home to aid in turning the tide of Maryland’s sentiments, which he succeeded In doing. New Instruc tions were issued, and he himself ap pointed a delegate to congress. That was on July 4. He arrived in Phila delphia on the 8th, and was among the first to place his signature on the docu ment. NTrxf oil ♦ Vi o rrwart xx -VinLrned * V, „ ,1 „ .. laratlon were college graduates, large land owners and high officials. Some there were who reached the pinnacle of distinction from the bottom of the ladder. Such a man was Roger Sher man of Connecticut. Born in Massa chusetts, he was the son of a small farmer. When 19 his father died, leav ing him the only support of the family which was large. No other employ ment being open to young Sherman who had small educational opportuni ties he was apprenticed to a shoema ker. In 1743 it was thought expedient to move, and New Milford, Conn., was chosen. Roger made the entire jour ney on foot, carrying the tools of his trade with him. In New Aiiltord he continued at his trade for some time. That, however, was not his only occupation, for it is said that while he was employed at his bench he always had a book so placed that he could read it whenever his eyes were not on his work. He was espe cially fond of mathematics, and his in dustry and desire were so great that by the time he was 37 he was making as tronomical calculations that were pub lished in an almanac printed in New York. After a short time in New Alilford he entered business as a merchant and also began to read law. So successful was he in his law work that friends 11 naily persuaded him to apply for ad mission to the bar. This he did. and he eventually became an eminent Jur lsI:- 17;>I> he was chosen a member of t.ie general assembly of Connecti cut, and still later was made a judge. John Hart, of New Jersey, according to one authority, has nothing to wish for. Happily married, the father c.r*a a large and promising family, the own er of a comfortable farm which fur nishes him all the flnanclal support needed, he had nothing to ask for. Yet he did ask for liberty, a desire. It t« claimed. Inspired by no wish or need for gain, but only from an inborn sens* that it was the right of every man, This, it is said, he inherited from hi* father. Edward Hart, who raised th« volunteer crops known as “The Jersey lilues.” With these he marched to Quebec, arriving thera in time to share in the victory and witness the fall of General Wolfe in the "old French war.” Francis Lewis, who signed the Decla ration of Independence as a delegate from New York, was an Englishman by birth, having been born In Wales in 1713. When he was but 4 he was left an orphan. He was the only child, and was taken care of by an unmarried aunt. While still young ho was sent to Scotland, where he learned Gaelic. When old enough he went to an uncle In London and entered Westminister. Upon becoming of age, he Inherited considerable money, with which he purchased a supply of merchandise and set out for America. Forming a part nership in New York ho eventually be came part owner of a large and profit able business. In the “old French war” of 1754 he served as purchaser for the British. He was captured, sent to Canada, later to France, and finally exchanged. At the close of the war the British government gave him 6,000 acres of land as a compensation for his military services. This did not mean, however, that Mr. Lewis believed in the "encroachments” of England, and con sequently, when the congress was held In New York in 17G5, after the "stamp act” had been passed, Mr Lewis was one of the delegates. He heartily in dorsed the measures that were adopted at that time, and when In 1775 dele gates were appointed to the continental congress, he was one of those chosen. Robert Morris, although an English man by birth, might be called the "banker of the revolution," for it was he who on several occasions was called upon to find money for the army. When congress fled from Philadelphia to Baltimore, Mr. Morris was one of the committee that stayed behind. Washington had been forced to retreat before the enemy, and was camped on the opposite shores of the Delaware. The British were able to obtain accur ate Information as to his position, but he could not do likewise with regard to theirs through lack of funds. So he wrote Robert Morris, asking for money, and the letter was brought him by a confidential messenger, reaching him after practically all the Inhabitants had left Philadelphia for some safer place. Depressed, he did not know what to do, until he casually met an acquaint ance, a friend, who asked for the news. Mr. Morris told him of needing money and added: “Your security Is to bo my note ana my honor.” "Robert, thou shalt have It,” replied the man, and the money was secured and sent Gen eral Washington. In 1780 Robert Mor ris Instituted a bank in Philadelphia with others, the object of which was to establish credit by means of which congress could be furnished with means for relieving the army. He headed the list of subscriptions with 10,000 pounds, to which others added sufficient to to tal 350,000 pounds. By this means 3, 000,000 rations of provisions and 300 hogsheads of rum were procured and forwarded to the needy army. Upon still another occasion Washington wrote him that the military stores were woefully depleted and asked for aid. There was no ammunition but that in the men's boxes, wjiich wras wet. All the lead possible hftd been secured, even the spouts on the houses. Under such circumstances it was but natural that Mr. Morris should be hard put to find a way to supply the lead. However, he was a guest at an enter tainment given by the Spanish min ister, and upon being pressed by his host for the cause of his apparent worry, showed him the letter from Washington. His host then told him that one of his ships had Just arrived at the wharf with 90 tons of lead, which she brought as ballast. "You can have my half of this fortunate supply,” he said, "and there are the owners of the other half!" He secured the lead, set 100 men to worlt that same night, and before morning had sent a supply of bullets to the depleted army George Taylor was born in Ireland in 1716. His father, a clergyman, edu cated him for a physician. At the age of 20, however, George decided that he preferred an adventurous life, and a vessel being about to set sail for Phil adelphia, he embarked, penniless and friendless, a redemptloner. Upon ar rival, he met a Mr. Savage, who wanted his services and who promised to nay for his passage over provided he would work for him a certain number of years. He accompanied Mr. Savage to Durham, Pa., where he was set to work "filling," or feeding the furnace In an iron works. Such work soon raised blisters, and these, noticed by th.e workmen, were brought to Mr. Sav age’s attention. Noticing signs of ed ucation, Mr. Savage put young Taylor to work as a clerk, in which position he proved so successful that he be came a useful member of the firm in a short time. He gained the esteem of Mr. Savage and upon the death of that man married his widow and thus came into possession of the business, which he enlarged and made more successful than ever. Later he moved to Northampton, where he opened a new and more up to date business. Here he became so well liked that in 1764 he was elected to the provincial assembly, and served continuously until 1770. His business proving unsuccessful at Northampton, he went back to Durham, There he be came a member of the provincial as sembly in 1775, and was placed on a committee to draw up instruction for delegates to the continental congress, which were against absolute separa .. - • ■ « vnu j. viiuoj j v aiiia ucic gates refusing to vote for the resolu tion favoring Independence, the pro vincial assembly revoked the Instruc tions, in June, 1776, electing new dele gates favorable to independence, of which Robert Taylor was one. Button Gwinnett was born in Eng land, coming to this country when he was 38, and locating in Charleston, S. C. Later he moved to Savannah. He was elected a representative in con gress when he had been in this country but little more than live years. While a member of congress he became a can didate for the position of brigadier general. In opposition to Gen. Lachlln McIntosh, but failed. This, together with other disappointments, so in censed him against his opponent that he challenged him to a duel. The in terference of friends was of no avail, and they fought it out May 16, 1777. They fought with pistols at a distance of 13 feet. Both were wounded. Mc Intosh slightly, but Gwinnett so se riously that he died as a result 13 days later. Despite the fact that she was op posed by several men. Mrs. Mildred R. Brooks has been nominated on the re publican ticket for recorder in Marlon county. Oregon, having led her nearest opponent by two to one. In order to secure good looking chorus girls for musical shows, man agers are now compelled to pay 135 a week salary, where it was possible to secure them for $14 a week 15 years ago. Eorty-one women were recently graduated from the National Training school of the Young Women's Christian association in New York and are now eligible to art as secretaries in any part of the world. CAPITAL REPORTERS GET TOO MUCH NEWS Senate Would Know How They Got Facts About Colom bian Treaty. Washington June 29.—How such com plete reports of the proceedings of the Senate foreign relations committee sup posed to bo secret, on the pending Nicaraguan and Colombian treaties got into tho newspapers is about to be investigated. At a meeting today Chairman <3tone was directed to ask the Senate to au thorize examination of senators and newspaper correspondents to find the source of tho information given to the public. TEDDY MUST REST FOUR MONTHS, HIS DOCTOR DECLARES Oyster Ray. N. Y„ June 29.—Four Aionths of absolute rest has been pre scribed fur Colonel Roosevelt by his physicians, who informed him that he was suffering from an enlargement of the spleen and a loss of vitality as a result of the material lever he contract ed in the South American jungles. “But in four months the campaign will be over," the colonel said today. Consequently, he added, he considered It an impossibility for him to follow bis physician's advice. Colonel Roosevelt has abandoned his campaign trip across the continent, which had been arranged tentatively for September. He also telegraphed to Pittsburgh that he would make only one speech there on Tuesday night. Two had been arranged. The change in the ex-president's plans came after an examination made last night by Dr. Alexander Lambert, >f New York. Dr. Lambert came to Oyster Ray and spent more than an hour in inspecting his patient. Then lie told him he must rest for four months. He urged the colonel to give up his trip to Pittsburgh. to make no speeches during the campaign and as far as possible to give up everything that would tax his strength. Fear Grave Consequences. He explained, the colonel said, that It would require a long period to shake off the effects of the malaria and that If this were not accomplished the dis ease might become so securely fastened on him that lie would never recover his full strength. It might even impair his mental vigor, the physician said. Colonel Roosevelt declined to heed the warning. He said It would be an Impossibility for him to give up his campaign work. "I think Dr. Lambert took a gloomy view, colonel Roosevelt said, laugh ingly. "But I shall take care of mysell as well ur I can and I'll see that the malaria does not get settled In my system.” Upon ills return from Pittsburgh Col onel Roosevelt is to see a throat spec ialist. But whatever the physicians say of the possible consequence he is de termined. lie said, to go on with thf campaign in a limited way. AMERICANS WILL HONOR HEROES OF WAR OF 1812 New York, June 28.—The memories o) Commodore Thomas MacDonough ant' Gen. Alexander Macomb, heroes of thf battle of Plattsburgh, which was fought September 11. 1814, are to b« signally honored on September 13. th$ first Sunday following the 100th anni versary of the battle. The Plattsburgh centenary commission has authorized Francis J^ynde Stetson, chairman, tc name committees to lay wreaths on the grave of General Macomb in the congressional burying ground. Wash ington. D. C., and on that of Commo dore MacDonough at Middletown, Conn. The committee formulating plans for the celebration to be held at Platts burgh from September 6 to 11. President Wilson, former President? Taft and Roosevelt, Governor Glynn oI New York, Governor Fletcher of Ver mont, and many other distinguished men of this country and Canada an expected to participate. CAMPS ESTABLISHED BY VICTIMS OF FIRE Salem, Mass . June 29.—To insure sanitary conditions in the camps es tablished for the homeless was the most pressing problem confronting those in charge of the relief work, in the tire stricken city today. Officials of the state militia and of the state board of health co-operated in this work. Two official camps were in operation and preparations were made for the establishment of a third into which could he brought many per sons at present scattered In various open places in the city. In each of the tents provided for shelter there were four cots. In some cases nine or 10 persons occupied a single tent. The militia found no difficulty in maintaining order throughout the night TROUBLE IN SONORA !S STILL UNSETTLED Nogales. S>nora, Mex.. June 29.—Al though the troubles between the mili tary and elvil factions in Sonora re peatedly have been reported settled, followers of Gov. Jose Marla Maytorena have issued from Cananea a circular warning the people against the military regime headed by Ool. P. Kilns Calles. The troubles between Calles and Maytorena recently became the sub ject of peace-making efforts by emis saries of General Carranza, and while Maytorena was retained In office as civil governor of Sonora, it way an nounced several days ago that Colonel Calles would remain as military chief tain. VESSEL REFLOATED. Hughtown. Scilly Islands, Juno 27.— The Belgian steamer. Gothland, which went ashore on the Crlin Rocks on June 23, while on the way from Mon treal to Rotterdam, was refloated to da y. SCHOOL OF WHALES IS SEEN NEAR NEW YORK Sandy Hook, N. J„ June 27.—Capt. Thomas Keys, of the tug Lament, re ported today that a school of whales was in the vicinity of the Scotland lightship off the Hook. One whale, he said, was 100 feet in length and came up spouting close alongside the La niont. Seldom are whales seen so close to New York harbor. • * * V ' - ■* V LEPROSY INCREASING, PHYSICIANS DECLARE Overeating of Meats and Alco hoi Blamed for Many i : Cases of Cancer. Atlantic City. N. J., June 27.—With ft plea for federal rare and control of leprosy, eradication of child labor and an Improvement of the country's milk supply, the meeting of the American Medical association practically came to an end today. The “house of delegates,” the administrative section of the or ganization, today approved a majority of the resolutions passed by the dif ferent sections, which have been In ses sion since Tuesday. The resolutions presented Dr. William A. Pusey, of the section of dermatology, Btate that lep rosy exists in certain parts of the coun try and is on the increase; that those afflicted with leprosy are subjected to the most inhuman treatment, that many lepers are traveling In Interstate traffic, constantly exposing the general public to the contagion. Resolutions, deploring the conditions under which many thousands of chil dren labor, were submitted by Dr. Hen ry B. Favlile, of Chicago, and they were adopted without a dissenting voice. Overeating, especially of meats and the excessive use of alcohol and coffee cause many cancers and the only hope pf their extinction lies In absolute sub sistence on vegetables with the exclu sion of eoffeo and alcohol, according to a statement made by Dr. L. Duncan Bulkley, of New York. He said he had treated many eases of cancer by a veg eturlan diet. JAPANESE REOPEN ALIEN LAND FUSS Washington, June 27.—Japan Is again demanding in emphatic and uncompro mising terms relief for her subjects from what are called "Invldously discriminatory” effects of the Californ ia alien land ownership law. This was revealed today in connection with the simultaneous publication in Washing ton and Tokio of diplomatic corre spondence between the United States and the Japanese government extend ing over a period of more than a year. The last Japanese communication, dated June 10 last, reopening the nego tiations and asking for an answer to the note handed Secretary Bryan Au gust 26, 1913, by Viscount Chlnda, the ambassador here, and the American feply, sent by Mr. Bryan two days ago, were not made public. The reply did pot reach Toklo in time for publication there with the rest of tile correspond ence, so it was agreed that it should he given out later, in diplomatic cir cles here suggestions were heard to day that tho way was being paved for submission of the matter to The Hague for arbitration, In spite of the conten tion that tho division of power In the United States between the federal and state governments makes such a step impossible. _ ' Tokio, Japan. June 27.-—The corre spondence between Japan and the United States In connection with the California anti-alien land law was pub lished here today. It Is preceded by a summary showing that the Japanese government abandons its proposal for a new convention, but continues ne gotiations with the American govern lYient contending that the land act Is discriminatory. EMPHATIC SPEECH"*^'* ROUSES CONGRESS Washington, June 27.—President Wilson's emphatic declaration of the administration's Intention of going ahead with Its anti-trust legislation and place these measures on the statute books of the country with the prediction of unparalleled prosperity to follow attracted widespread attention here today. In congressional circles especially the president’s utterances were road with keen interest. While the president's»speech was addressed to members of the Virginia Press association, It was meant for the entire nation. It was regarded as per haps the most Important message the president has given to the business world and as his final answer to those who oppose the enactment of the anti trust program at the present session of congress. The president spoke In no uncertain terms and made It clear that he was determined to push the trust program. He reviewed the efforts of the adminis tration to carry out other features of Its program—the tariff and the cur rency law—which he said was attended by fear of business disturbance. When, however, those measures linally be come law the feeling of uncertainty was relieved, he said. In congress the belief was expressed that the president's announced attitude would have the effect of rallying dem ocrats to the plan to dispose of the trust program. This belief was further strengthened by the fact that the en tire Missouri delegation in the House had pledged the president their aid in his fight. That the president feels sure that congress would complete the program at an early date, was made evident in his address to the editors. The Senate had before it ugain today the trade commission bill. It is now the unfinished business before that body. NOTED VENEZUELAN MINISTER IS DEAD Washington, June 27.—Private dis patches received at the Pan-American union early today reported the death of P. Kzequiel Rojas, minister from Venezula, at Atlantic City, N. J. No details were given. Dr. Rojas, who was 70 years old, died of heart failure, with which he had been threatened for several years. He I was prominently identified from youth with the politics of his country. He had been thrown into dungeons during several revolutionary periods and for many years was compelled to live an exile from Venezuela. Dr. Rojas had been minister here for the last five years and had been min ister to Argentine and Chile. At one time he was president of the national congress of Venezuela and he also had been a representative and senator. FLIES OVER MOUNT WHITNEY IN BIPLANE Independence, Cal., June 26.—Silas Chrlstofferson, a,viator, in a biplane yesterday Hew over tbe peaks of Mount Whitney, 14,898 feet high. He attained an altitude estimated at more than 16.000 feet, and established, it is eon tended, a new American altltud, record. Experts are now pointing out the danger of putting too much power in to Light automobiles. SUMATRA IS SHAKEN f: BY TERRIFIC QUAKE Many Killed and Injured and Widespread Dam age Is Reported. Batavia. Java, June 27.—Many "era killed or Injured today In a violent earthquake which caused widespread damage In southern Sumatra. The offices of the Dutch resident officials and many other buildings col lapsed at Benkoelen, the capital, and telegraph and cable communication was interrupted. Tho British steamer Klntuck of the China Mutual Steam Navigation com pany. crowded with immigrants, was* reported 10 hours overdue and it was feared that she had met with an acci dent in connection with the earth quake. A steamer has been sent from here to search for her. Sumatra Is the largest island of the Malay archipelago except Borneo. It has a number of volcanoes, some active and some believed extinct. The popu lation Is estimated at 3,500,000, among whom are about 6,000 whites. REBELS WILL NOT ACCEPT ARMISTICE Washington. June 27.—The constitu tionalists of Mexico are determined to carry their military campaign to a con clusion regardless of participation in Informal mediation conferences. Thslr plan was Indicated here today on tho arrival of Fred O. Breceda, private secretary of General Carranza, first chief of the constitutionalists, who came to confer with Carranza's Wash ington agents. Confirmatory of the military plans of the revolutionists, It was learned that General Villa plans to attack San Luis Potosl next week and expects later to fight the federals in their last stand at Queretnro. Soon after the arrival of Mr. Bre ceda he received a telegram from Gen eral Carranza announcing the lirst chief had received assurance of the co operation and support of all the leading generals of the revolution, including Villa, and he wished the people of the United States to know that the cause of tho revolutionary movements was progressing without dissensions. As to tno prospect oi punu'ii»uiuh u.y stituilonallsts In the informal confer ence over Mexico’s Internal affairs, Mr. Breceda frankly stated that he had no definite knowledge. But he asserted he had come to confer with his chiefs representatives here and through them with the Washington administration to present General Caranza's ideas. Mr. Breceda conferred with Luis Cabrera, one of General Carranza s confidential agents here who Is urging participation In the mediation and later with Rafael Zubaran, chief Washing ton agent of the constitutionalists. Later the three conferred again and then General Carranza at Monterey was In touch with them by telegraph. Brfcceda, who does not speak English, 6ald of his mission, through an intre preter: ' "I have no instructions personally to confer with vour secretary of state or your president. Perhaps my colleagues here might do so." Mr. Cabrera after his morning con ference with Mr. Breceda, was in an optimistic mood but when asked di rectly about the mediation plans said: "I know nothing yet. We must con lata. trtSov witv, rienernl Cnrranza." WAITING ON REBEL CHIEF Washing. June 27.—Final word was expected to reach here today from Carranza. constitutionalist chief, specifically outlining his attitude toward a proposed conference with his enemy’s envoys on the establishment of a provisional government in Mexico. He had telegraphed his representatives in Washington that he would send them instructions on reaching Monterey where he was to arrive late yesterday. Barring delays in trans mission, the telegram should be re ceived here late today. Confidence was expressed that Car ranza would consent to the conference. Villa’s victory at Zacateas places more than half the republic's territory under constitutionalist control gave the revolutionary leader a vantage point It is said from which he could dictate reorganization of the government. If an agreement were reached at the pro posed meeting it would bring the medi ation proceedings at Niagara to a suc cessful conclusion, both the Huerta and American delegates having reached terms for settlement of International differences. Constitutionalist agents here nro ready to proceed to Niagara or some point nenrby immediately on receipt of instructions from their chief. Alfredo Breceda, personal represen tative of General Carranza, reached Washington today from Saltillo bring ing communications believed to have a hearing on the proposed informal ne gotiations for the pacification of Mexi co. Breceda, with Luis Cabrera and Rafael Zubaran, went into conference with F. R. Villatrcencio, another rep resentative of the first conference. Breceda, while declining to make any statement, declared that some an nouncement as to the purpose of Gen eral Carranza might be expected with in a short time. —f NOT KNOWN JUST WHERE PARLEYS WILL. BE .HELD Niagara Falls, Ont.. June 27.-— Me diators and American and Huerta dele gates were inactive today awaiting definite word fr >m the constitutionalist agency In Washington as to the time and place for the Informal conference between the opposing Mexican factions. It is considered unlikely the parleys between the Huerta and constitutional ist representatives would take place here, nor is it probable any city in the United States will be chosen for the conference. Ottawa and several resorts on Lake Ontario have been mentioned. The Huerta delegates refused to comment on the taking of Zacatecas. CAN FLUNK VIADUCT. Dos Moines. In.. June 27.—Railroad Commissioners Haler and Ketchum to day sustained the contention of the railroad companies that they are not compelled to complete a viaduct begun several years ago, leading to south Des Moines. FOUR MEN KILLED BY TOUCHING LIVE WIRE ttoston. June 26.—Four men were electrocuted in a peculiar manner at the Quincy Market «'old Storage com pany’s plant last night. An elevator rope with a metal cord, which had be come exposed by the wearing off of a fiber covering, «. am * ir.t•» contact with an electric current. The men, grasp ing the rope on s ave.-sive Hours in an effort to stop the l u the first victim ha. I u, v. cja? shocked to death.