The sun., 1897-12-23
CHARGES OF BLACKMAIL.
ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE SYRIA
CUSE UNIVERSITY QUARREL.
Chsuceiier Nay Accuses the rev. Rar. Reok-
well OF Peruiuteptiy Attempting 20 Biaok-
mnii Him In Counection with the Bishon
rsck Eatate-Rar. RockwciI'a Reieinder.

Chauceiior Nay Accases the REV. Mr. Reok-
well Of Pernisteptiy Attempting 60 Biaok-
mail Him In Counection with the Bishep
reck Estate-Rr. Rockwoirh ReieindeF.
SYRACUSE, Dec. 22.-Tho most sensational
feature OF tho row In Syracuse University over
the estate Of Bishop Peck's widow developed
to-day when tho Rev. w. d. Rockwell who has
charged tho university with cheating Mira.
Peck. gave out an interview for publication
which ended with these words:
Il believe that tho Chancellor cannot, with
the paltry sum OF $4,000, buy the good will of
an Indignant public"
On Sunday last Chancellor Day gave out to
the newspapers two interviews. Ono OF them
was In tho shane of signed statement, In which
he accused Mr.. Rockwell, who for nino years
prior. 10 Mrs. Pcck's death conducted her busi.
ness affairs OF having persistently attempted to
blackmail him. and also reiterated the statement
that Mrs. Peck, whose entire catate was given to
the university, dol Sl,125 in debt to that
institution The other interview was the an
nouncemcnt OF an anonymous gift of $4,000 TO
tho Chancellor. rs a solace for the troubles
through which he was passing. to be used In his
discretion for tho benefit of the university. II
is to this anonymous gift Mr.. Rockwell refers.
"As to the threats regarding blackmail which
the Chancellor makes, Twill not now reply to the
accusation" says Mr.. Rockwell.
lcges was sufficient to rupport her in luxury.
MI. Rockwell says: 1T has been repeatedly
implied by the Chancellor that was tho only
interested one in Mrs. Peck's affairs. To q GER
tain extent am willing to admit that was In
terestod. did believe that Mrs. Peck was en-
titled to good care and fair treatment in her
years Of great weakness and loneliness. And
now will give an exact statement of Mrs.
, Pecks finances, and the public can judge as to
whether have been as mercenary AS tho Chan
cellor would make mo TO be.
when Bishop Peck died-and the executors
Of his estate will bear me out in this statement
AS have before stated, he had about 10000
to his credit at the bank and the executor of the
estate advanced money to purchase lot in the
cemetery, pay funeral expenses doctors bills,
SC. That small amount was absolutely all tho
possessions of Bishop Peck. About six months
before his death he left Of his salary at the Book
This was all OF his possessions; After little,
at her request. the executors withdrew this from
tenary Church OF this city, the other 300 to
gentleman. After time these amounts we're
Peck to
vest this money, together with its interest, just
as he would think best were it his own money.
vcstment, he did invest her money as trustee.
poor Investment, and While il is still invested.
she has never had one dollar Of returns from It.
| And from the time of the bishops death she has
never had much as 81 900 to her credit at the
| banks During her last years she has had
one small source OF income. aside from
| the $500 she received as a Bishops widow
| from the Book Concern. She permitted the
| university to sell a vacant lot in Harrison
street, and she received small interest on the
| money. amounting to a little less than $50
year. Now, any fair mind can see that she, who
| needed nursing night and day. with doctors
bills. &C.. could not hold out large inducements
to mercenary persons.
! The Northern Christian Advocate of to-day,
the official organ of the Methodist Church. says
| Of this newspaper quarrel, which was begun by
| the Chancellor:
alt is greatly to be regretted that such con-
| troversy was possible 1t is much more to be re-
gretted that 1t was begun. 1t is due to Chancel-
| Tor Day to say that no Iisclaims responsibility
| for the publication of the interview which began
| it. 1t is due to the Rev. Mr.. Rockwell
| to say that he is highly esteemed
brethren and Of the community. No charges
made against his character will be believed by
| those who know him. But we can say nothing
which will put this controversy in an attractive
light"
Chancellor Day tonight refused to be inter.
viewed. 1t Is the opinion OF many friends Of the
university that he has said too much, and it.is
said that these friends have been influential In
| putting stop to the controversy. as far as he
| Is concerned.