Nebraska Newspapers

    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.