The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, July 15, 1897, Page 1

{ SAN FRANCISCO, THURSDAY MORN JULY ' 15, 1897. FIVE CENT IC COLLAPSE O A RESERVOIR Wall of Water Rushes Down a Ravine Near Matteawan, N. Y. DEATH AND DEMOLITION IN ITS WAKE. Lives of Seven Persons Lost, While 160 Are Rendered Homeless. YECENT HEAVY RAINS CAUSE THE DISASTER. Miraculous Escape of an Express Traln—Saved by a Vigilant Nightwatchman. N, N. Y., July 14—With ar which was heard for miles, even the battle of the elements, a mighty er swept down the narrow val- Fishkill three hours before \ this ng, tearing down trees, ifting bowlders and bearing destruction to eve 1g in its course. Seven per- sons lost their lives in its onset and 150 were rendered homeless. House after hov e was swept away in the van of the which left in its course a furrow ed, and when dawn broke at destitution and ruin e Jdies have been recovered, among t of Mrs. John Conroy, & sur- them tha v f Johnstown flood. The reservoir whick caused the dis- t ated high uwpon the hills low ran into the Hudson in a ream known as Towanda Creek, hrough & narrow ravine for about ter of & mile, which opens into a between the river and the foot of It was through this ravine that bty flood of water swept. What ses were in its way were picked up iily from their foundations and either hea to pieces or whirled along in the torrent like chips on an angry sea. The heavy rains of the last few days d olien the reservoir to the brink. little rivulet that fed it had become b epm, At 2 0’clock this morn- 1g, when everybody was asleep, the dam ween the upper half of the reservoir the lower half gave way and the full weight in the upper part was precipitated inst the lower dam, which could. not nd the strain. The down-coming rash ter swept it away as completely as gh it had been a wall of cardboard and with a roarjthat brought the sleep: farmers out of their beds trembling with at the mighty torrent leaped down the vine. Nothing could withstand its ter- force. een the ravine and the river are the New York Central tracks on the edge Between them and the nds were about a dozen fly dwellings, and the ex- tensive brick works of Van Buren & & Two DA the houses were occu- ng-flouses for the employes ds and contained a large P the hills the persons. When the ilood ike ravine and the flatlands it gained an and demolished the brick- y. Nota vestize of the ex- suilding was left. Tt tore away a hole in the railroad tracks 100 vards wide | and hurled one of the workmen’s big boarding-houses bodily into the Hudson. Many residents rushed from their beds for safety, but many did not. One family, Perry by name, in its wild flight left the baby behind, Most of the killed were in the workingmen’s boarding-houses. The Montreal express, which left here U nignt, had a narrow escane. It was | due at the place just about the time the flood came. The watchman at the brick- heard the roar of the torrent and ahtof the train. He snatched up a I lamp and ran wildly up the track. As he heard the whistle of the locomotive was drowned by the crash of the flood triking the buildings behind him. The express rushed on, and in an instant the glare of the headlight was in the watch- man’s e He waved his lantern fran- tically, and the engineer put on the air brakes and reversed the lever. Before the train could be stopped the forward trucks of the locomotive were in the water. In another second or two the train would have plunged into the wash- out. Passengers thronged out of the cars and shuddered when they realized their narrow escape. The damage to property is estimated at $100,000 The reservoir is of oval shape and about 500 feet long and 300 feet wide and thirty thirty-five feet dtep. It is used as an ry supply to the regular water- works system of Mattewan and Fisnkill Landing, from the main source of which rd it is distant about four miles. The largest reservolr of this system is a le consider:; lake near North Beacon, ssive masonry and is intact. A secona reservoir, situated much lower the mountain, which was built to ce the pressure in the pipes, is also vken. These two have no direct con- nection with the Duchess Junetion reser- voir, though all three feed into the same pipes. which ha THE M0OO4> COME 20 TIME. Presence of Warships Brings Punish- ment to Kobbers. WASHINGTON, D. C., July 14,—The United States Consul-General at Tangier, Morocco, has informed the State Depari- ment that the men who assauited and bbed the agent of an American firm in Tangier have been arrested and punished by the authorities. This tardy action was cd by the presence of the cruisers The Raleig and e San Krancisco joined her to-day. I'he State Department will make ade- mand for indemnity. | | | Francsco and Rajeigh at Tangier. | 2 reached Gibraitar yesterday | jo » BERGEROT : NT ”‘w HE loyal sons ana daughters of France yesterday celebrated with that enthusiasm for whicnh every true descendant of Gaul is noted | the anniversary of the taking of | the Bastile. The tricolor was flung to the breeze, and its folds lapped the glorious stripes and stars of the sister republic. All business was suspended for the day in the active French colony. The ‘“Marseil- laise’’ was on every tongae and its senti- ment shrined in every heart. As on all the previous anniversaries the arrangements for a fitting commemora- tion were all that patriotism could prompt | and perfect cc-operation of devoted citi- zens couid do. At the Chutes, where the public cele- bration was held, the innate taste of the children of sunny France and their true | love of the beautiful were everywhere ap- | parent in the tasteful and elaborate deco- rations. The tricolor, the stars and stripes and wreaths of everzreens only were used, but the artistic arrangement made a beautiful ensemble. The general committee of the fete con- sisted of the following gentlemen: President of honor, L. de Lalande, Consul of France; honorary president, Sylvain Weill; vresident of the day, P. A. Bergerot; vice- presidents, E.J. Dupuy and J. Bavle; treas- urer. Jules S. Godeau; secretary, J. Deschamps. Following were the sub-committees: | Finance—E. J. Dupuy, J. Bayle, Charles L. P. | Marais, O. Bozio, A. Bousquet. Invitations—A. Goustiaux, 8. Levy, C. Mail- hebusu, A. Bousquet. E. Remond, J. Longe. ary exercises—C. L. P. Marais, X. Me- A. Goustiaux, C. Melquiond, E. J. Dupuy, A.F. Blancnard. Decorations—J. Godart, G. A. Berger, C. Pau- chon, L. L. Remy, A. Laplace. Announcements—C. L P. Marais, E. J. Du- puy, L. L. Remy. Music—P. Bigue, M. Fuchs, J. Coudeu, J. Arees, L. Godon. . Arees, J. B. Carrere, P. Bigue, L. Mailhebuau. Laplace, J. B. Carrere, L. Lacaze. Dancing—J. B. Carrere, floor mansger; A. Laplace, J. Clerfayt, assistant floor managers. Aids—L. Lucaze, B. Oiymrie, M. Audichou, F. Medevielie, J. Bauchou, E. Montauban, J. Longe, P. Belloeq, J. Lasserre, F. Merle, T. Capdevielie, M. F. Berges, F. Sehabiague, B. Cassou, J. Noble, M. Clavere, C. Robert. T. J. Lacoste, L. Leger. The general committee comprised the recep- tion committee. The exercises were held in the big pavilion at the west end of the Chutes, and the stage was-a bower of flags and fragrant blossoms. After the overture from “William Tell” Alexander Bergerot, president of the day, was introduced. His address was in part as follows: France and all her children spread through the whole world glorify to-day the one hun- dred and eighth anniversary of a date which opened a new era in the history of humanity. In seeing the road she nas traversed France has the right to-day to be proud of herseif and her children. She has been able to raise herself up with an indomitable energy after the most cruel trials. And now that she has attained, if not passed, the end which she proposed to herself she pursues in calm ‘and peace the work of progress and civilization, and the century which she will so gloriously crown by the approaching universal exposi- uon will leave a luminous, unforgetable trace in her bistory. Without, ¥rance has taken an eminent place in the concert of the nations of Europe and among all the powers of the entire world, She is counted In all questions concerning the European equilibrium. She can be proud, als0, 10 see her {riendship sought on one hand, S T e her susceptibilities regarded on another, for all this snows that among foreign nations there is a consciousness of her force and po- litical importance. The stability of the republic, demonstrated by an experience of twenty-three years, is doubted By no one, any more than the wisdom of the nation which kas sufficiently proved that if she remains mistress ot herself and | makes herself respected, she will not give her neighbors cause for inquietade, nor be a brand of trouble and discord in Europe. When the applause that this stirring oration had created subsided, Mile. Julie Cotte was introduced and sang with much dramatic effect “‘Salut a la France.” Laurence de Lalande, the French Con- sul, was the next speaker. Among other things the Consul said : Our national commemoration has become a general fete, because of all people being in sympathy with our country. This is true in the -aifferent countries where I have been, but particularly in the United States, where we meet republicans of a very patriotic character themselves. I am glad 10 see here & number of American friends and peop'e from many lands, and I especially thank Mayor Pnelanand Mr.Sydney Smith for their participation in our celebra- tion. Then came more music. a trombone 800, “I’Alsace et la Lorraine,” by Alfrea Roncovieri, and Mayor Phelan followed, speaking as follows: Ladies and gentleme: n Francisco is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, | and from the very beginning its French popu- lation has been conspicuous in its develop- ment. Theirlove of the Republic, their en- thusiasm for freedom, their artistic tastes ana accomplishments have contributed tv the up- building of the City and the strength of the State. The character of Catifornia’s soil and climate, resembling France, makes them feel at home, and has wedded them with ties of love and affection to the Golden State. This is the French national holiday, and its significance is in full accord with the princi- ples that underlie the structure of the American Government. America celebrates the 4th of July; France, a few days later, the 14th. The one following the other is more than a coincidence—it is a consequence. The example of America in 1776 was closely fol- lowed by the French people in 1789, and the success of freedom’s cause in this country was the inspiration of Fr:nch patriotism which overthrew that frowning emblem of despotic rule—the Bas:ile. So the Daclaration of In- dependence was inpependence for Ameriea and France alike. The two nations thus born of a common cause celebrate a common birth- dayin this month of July. They are Free- dom’s children and are drawn together almost unconsciously by fruternal bonds. Therefore, my fellow-citizens, we are together to-day. Toe friendsnip of the two couutries, formed in tbe infancy of nauonal life, has been en- during, and long may it endure. When France presented the statue of Liberty to the United States, what form did the acknowledgement take? American citi- zeuns forthwith set up in Paris a statue to Lafayette. For the fame of Lalayette, the lover of liberty, the pure patriot and generous friend, is as dear t0 the American heart as to the people of France. It is an obligation of the two countries lo preserve his fame, and it should be honorable and becoming in human. ity itself, as in the case of Washington, to as- sert that no country can claim him, and that he was a gift of Providence to the human race. The part that he played in establishing the independence of America perhaps saved LI e R R R 2 T S R L AL AR AR LR SRR TR AT R R LT S = “The monument of arbitrary despotism: a mighty & dam in the stream of the Paris revolution.”—Von Sybel. C\'L L2988 28 89998899999 AISRIRIIILI KIS, | 2 2e0a E5e ~N il 7/ the revolutionary cause, which was the cause of mankind. He was an unselfish soldier for the right. He volunteered his services at & critical time; and when even forbidden by his | Government, which at that time was des- the American con- 10 see was a potic, to engage in flict, which he was quick struggle for' human rights everywhere, he evaded arrest, thrust aslde - consid- erations of family and fortune, fitted out a transport and sailed away to take part in the momentous struggle. Washington received him as & personal friend. He was madea major-general in the Continental army, and led our troops on many a hard-fought fieid. And when the fortunes of war were wavering in the balance he went back to France for aid, and without that aid which he secured we can only gather from the words of Washington what might have been the outcome of the Revolutionary War, upon which so much de- pended. Washington wrote at this time to the American representatives in Paris: Ve are at the end of our tether, and now or never de- liverance must come.”” It came with Rocham- beau and De Grasse, France, moved by the ardor of Lafayette, saved the cause of the col- onies and stirred Thomas Jefferson to exclaim in the transport of his joy, that henceforth every American has two countries—his own and France. The Mayor's eloquent address, which was frequently interrupted by enthusiastic applause, was followed by ‘The Star Spangled Banner,” sung by a quartet of S0DPTano voices. Jules Godart, orator of the day, was then introduced, and spoke in part as fol- lows: 3 =Frenchmen and triends of France, “salut et fraternite’ to you present here, in the name of our native Iand, to celebrate an anniversary of the revolution. And let us express our feelings of gratitude to0 the men who gave that country freedom. Let us express also our thankfulness to the United States for her noble and generous hos- pitality, which allows us to celebrate here to- day the glory of our native country. For fourteen hundred years the 1ot of the paople was to suffer and obey. The judgments of their kings were without appeal, and in the prisons the great defenders of humanity were dying. But it is vain to try to arrest the march of progress, and on the 14th ot July, 1789, the whole people of Paris were in full revolt. After a very hara fignt the people destroyed that dark blot called La Bastile in asingle day. The people separated forever the dreadful pastfrom a future filled with hope. On the 14th of July France showed her new banner and wrote upon it her beautiful motto, *‘Lib- erty, egualite et fraternite.”” In France public men forgot their quarrels, putting above them their patriotism, their love of liberty. The cry. “The country is in danger!” was heard by the people and Carnot enrolled armies. With these armies Kellerman, Hoche,Kleber and Marceau won tame on the battle-fields. At the same time Danton, Robespierre, Ca~ mille Desmoulins and 8t. Just gave humane and just laws which kept he integrity of the republican motto. Very often mep had to pay with their lives for the devotion to tneir country, but even on the scaffold theiriast thought was for tne hap- piness of the people, premised by their doc- trines. Since the first revolution the march of prog- ress has never been stayed.. After the 18in Brumaire the republic, badly defended, fel into the hands of Bonaparte, who soon estab- lished the empire. Then after Waterloo the Bourbons took the throne rgain. But under the folds of the tri-coloréd flag the peop.e re- gained their liberty. 1n 1852 again the republic showed the King the way 10 exile, but a man who wanted to repent’ the 18th Brumaire on the 2d of December and to deprive the people of tneir atriots by sending them to Cayeanne and Lam- gnnn arose, andalter an eighteen years' ) VeocUrectOectGereoOesc ocoQeo seo reign Nepoleon III made a cowsrdly surrender at Sedan. The repubiic called all Frenchmen to her defense, and then appesred Gambetta, Chanzy and Faidherbe, who saved the nonor of the country. During the last twenty-seven years the nation has entered frankly into the path of progress; and developing continually the republican ' principles, she has given to the people the inheritance she received from the great revolution. ' Strongly organized within herself France is able to dcfend her frontiers, but this word re- mains to us—ihat two of our most cherished provinces are still. euffering under a foreign ruler. Let us hope that the hour for deliverance for Alsace-Lorraine is approaching. lLong live Alsace-Lorraine; long live liverty; long live the republic; long live France! Next followed . Mme. Lucie Fichter, who, attirea as the Goddess of Liberty, sang ‘“The Marseillaise.” During thesong the entire audience remained standing. Sydney M. Smith was the last speaker on the programme. Mr. Smih said: Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: I beg to thank you for the compliment conferred upon the society I have the honor to repre- sent by being invited 10 be present upon this noteworthy occasion, and Iappear before you, not as the individual, but as the president of the Sons ot the American Revolution, a society. composed, as its name indicates, of the lineal descendants of those who participated in that great strife, and whose purpose is to tenci respect to the American flag, to preserve historic landmarks, to rear monuments to de- serving heroes, to stimulate a close acquaint- ance with our National history and to keep alive an observance of anniversary days of events in the early life of our Nation, in the same way that you here to-day in this spot, so far removed from sunny France, meet to rescue from oblivion the even:s of that 14th day of July,of over a century 8go,that you may keep fresh in your own minds the causes of the episodes of that day that mea. mueh to you all, and to te: vour children the source of that stream of liberty upon whose surface they so peacefully float a’ong. Ap anniversary .is in its purpose a monu- ment whereon men carve as on Iasting bronze some great name or some histaric event, but the same law wuich bids time to crumble the marble 1o dust and to wear away the inscrip- tion on memorial bress holds sway even when an annually recurring day is deeply graven with some record dear to us, unless we make some special observance of if, and like that coaracter_that you will recall of Sir Walter Scott’s ““Old Mortality,” & quaint old man who used to pass his time silently visiting the lonely and neglected graveyards amone the Scottish hills, ana. devoted his life to deepen- ing the tast-fading epitaphs of the persecuted Covenanters, 50 must we, year by year, meet on oceasions like this and deepen in our minds The impressions of the events in which our ancestors p ayed importaut parts. Oue cannot run over the pages of the history of the American Revolution and read of its stirring episodes without being strongly im- ressed by the jmportant part and the active l’mrm 1aken in it by the French people, and how much their moral support, their personal participation in the conflict, and later, their political alifance contributed to the enfran- chisement of the new worid; and 1llustrious | Freuch names figure side by side with our own most houored heroes, for thesame current of ideas were marked at the time in each B e Q0w oM~ =10I 000000200000 7000 @ ©Ceo0eO -0 nation, and the progress of our sirife was hastening the crystallization ot events with you—that it was that blew into flames in your country the smoldering embers of new ideas ‘of government, and so fired were men with in- dividual enthusiasm that those of tne highest ravk vied with each other in impatient zeal in soliciting commissions in regiments in our aid, and fe passion for repubiican in- stitutions increased with each success of our arms to such an extent that profession of lib- eral opinion became as indispensable & pass- pOrt to the saions of fashion as to the favor of the people, so general had the feeling become. With you, as with us, the logic of events had brought nbo%l a feeling of self-confidence in the people, that they could successfully resist oppression and that they were capable of gov- erning themseives; and at the first note of alarm we see our yeomen and workingmen leaving their teams and iorges to rusa t) the defense of a principle, and as our General Putnam left his plow in the fiela and rode severty miles to participate in the battle of Bunker Hili, whose anniversary we have just celebrated, so did your Louis Tournay, & cartwright of the Savais, an old soldier of the Regiment Dau- hine, leave his work and join the Garde National, and as Carlyle suys, “‘Never on nave or f-lloe had his ex struck such blows as he showered on the outer drawbridge chain of the Bastile,” and aiter the first conflicts with you and with us, what was yesterday a rebe lton had to-day become a revolution, ana so perhaps it is meet that we should be here to- day, notalone as a compliment, but because of ou~ active sympathy with you, in havin passed through similar experiences and wit similar results, and we of to-day may have more‘faith in & repubiican form of govern- meut than our fathers for we know that it works, while they only believed that it would. It is the cheap thing that is acquired with- outdifficuity or self-sacrifice to which men become indifferent, so we and you love and have & Fflde in our respective countries in Pproportion as we appreciate the sacrifices that were freely offered to provide our noble herit- age—starting in our netionsal lives as repub- lics, tegether as two cbildren we have grown to manhood, and may we always preserve those feelings of mutual respect and amity that have prevailed in the past. In the evening the grounds were again thronged, 1t being estimated that at 9 o'clock there were not less than 10,000 people presént. The programme began with a grand concert by a chorus of 280 voices, under the leadership of J. D. Mc- enzie. The programme included the Star-spangled Banner’” by a double ouartet, consisting of Miss Minnie Poweil, L. Lampe, L. B. Ccrnell, Jennie Parson, Mrs. G. Mechlner, Mrs. James Izt and Miss Wefferburg, *“Tnhe Father of Vie- tory” by the entire chorus, and ‘Le Chantdu Daport” by Miss Mionie Powell. A grand display of fireworks, under the direction of N. L. Squires, took place at the end of the lake, the set pieces being “Welcome,” shield of France, American shield, Goddess of Liberty, the Bastile and the American and French flags closed. Suowers of rockets and bombs were also sent up and an illuminatea fountain was shown on the lake, After the fireworks all adjourned to the hall, where terpchore beld sway for the balance of the evening. Wmflmmmmxmmn‘rmnn‘nmg “Whose downfall shook all France to the deepest foundations of her existence and crystallized her into one mass of sharp-cutting steel.”—Carlyle. Cr 229992220299222299222222902.2229992.29222299922229.9 2 NOW READY OR WORK National League Clubs Convention Elects Officers. OMAHA THE NEXT PLACE OF MEETING Delegation Contest Settled and a Sound Platform Adopted. THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS COMMENDED. Course of the Adminlistration on Leading Public Questions Warmiy Indorsed. DETROIT, Mica., July 14.—Combina- tions on league officials and the location of the next convention were the topics of active discussion among the delegates to the convention of the National League of Republican Clubs prior to the calling to order of to-day’s session. Secrétary Dow- ling appeared 10 be in line for re-election in case ot victory for either of the leading States. The three leading combinations were apout as follows: L. I. Crawford of Ken- tucky for president; Dowling for secre- tary; Omaha for the next convention. Fred W. Fleitz of Penusylvania for president; Dowling for secretary ; Chicago for the next con vention. M. M. Higgins of [ndiana for president; Dowling for secretary; Kansas Gity for the next convention. ‘While the convention was assembling the delegates gave vent to euthusiasm over the entrance of the Young Men's McKinley Club of Dayton, Ouio, who had come to visit the convention. The boys were given seats of honor on the platform. - At 10:45 Chairman Woodmansee called the convention to order. The committes on rules made its report on order of busi- ness and rules of business. The rules of the Fifty-third Congress were recommend- ed for the g« vernment of the convention, and the delegations were each to cast the fuil vote. - The report was ado L The committee on cred nmfi reported that the question of seats had been settled, with the exception that the Louis.ana del- egation of twenty-six headed by H. H. Blunt (colored) was recommended to be seated and that the delegation of four headed by C. C. Wilson be excluded. Augustus Straker (colored) of Detroit moved to amend the committee’s report by seating the four contestants from Lou- isiana as weil as the twenty-six whko were recommended to be seated by the com- mittee. Mr. Blunt of Louisiana, chairmanjof the big delegation, 100k the piatform and in a speech insisted that the four contestants had no rights as delezates. He intimated that they were out only for the loaves and fishes, because the Republicans were in power. He moved to table Mr. Straker’s amendment. Siraker defended hisaction. He wanted to waive technicalities and vay no atten- tion to the local quarrels from Louisiana. Other colored delegates asserted that some of the contestants were free-silver men. There was a brief stormy scene, mn which several bl#ck and white men tried to talk at once. Then Mr. Blunt’s motion to table Mr. Straker’'s amendment was carried by a very large majority and the report of the credentials committee was adopted. The resolutions, which were reported tarvugn the chairman of the resolutions committee, Colonel Bundy of Ohio, de- clare *“unfaltering allegiance to the prin- ciples and policies of the party of protec- tion, sound money and reciprocity as ex- sed in the St. Louis platiorm.”” [he faith which prompted the nomina- tion and election of William McKinley and a Republican Congress,” says the platform, “has been justified, and we con- gratulate the country upon the evidences of returning prosperity. Wepled.e anew the organized effort of league men throughout the Union for the party of Abraham Lincoln.” : The platform commends the President and Congress for s-nding a monetary commission to Eurgpean nations; for in- augurating measures for the annexation ot Hawaii and for an attitude on the Cuban matter that has tended to lessen Spanish atrocities in tha: land. It urges upon Congress the earliest possible pas- sage of a discriminating duty measure to protect American shipping. Congress is commended for fostering the bees sugar industry by legislation. The question of equal suffrage 10 women is recommended to members of the league as a matter of education. President Cleveland’s eivil service changesare vigorously condemned, and a modiiication of the rules and pro- visions of thatlaw are favored in the in- terest of good service and to correct the injustice alleged to have been thus perpe- trated. Restriction of immigration is favored and sympathy expressed with miners and other laboring men in their struggles for living wages. Several negroes tried to offer a resolu- tion against lynching, but the president ruled it out of crder on the ground that the convention had previously determined to refer all resolutions te the committee withouv debate. C. A. Coturill (colored) of Toledo moved that the committee be instructed to report an anti-mob law resolution. The presi- dent announced that the committee, not having been discharged, could prepare such a resolution. Meanwhile the next order, election of & president of the league, was proceeded with. Leonard J. Crawford of Kentucky was elected president of the Republican Nae tional League and the committee on place and time of the next convention has se- lected Omaha as the meeting city. FPOLICE 0N BICXCLES, Speeinl Protection From Anarchists @iren the President of France. PARIS, Fraxcg, July 14.—In view of anarchistic threalts special precautions were taken for the protection of President Faure while en route to the review to-day. Many of the suspects were arrested. The thicket near the Cascade, in the Bois de Bologne, the scene of tue last bomb out- rage, was surrounded by detectives. More than 150 detectives mounted on bicycles wer: ready at various points to carry out instructions and to pursue ararchists in case any emergency should arise. A