The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1900-05-07
Former Assistant Secretary of In
terror Greeted in New
York.
SPOKE ON THE TRANSvAAL.
Speaker Declared That "kruger's
Path to st. Helena Will Be
Paved With British Skulls
Mckinley Denounced.


REPJBIIC SPECIAL.
New York. May 6-Entbusiasm for the
Boer cause. for President Kruger and for
the hurshers generally and hostility 10 Eng
land and the administration Of President
Mckinley characterized the mass meeting
held tonight In the Academy Of Music.
when Webster Davis. former Assistant Sec
retary Of the Interior. began his canvass in
this city to arouse sympathy for the people
Of the South African Republic.
Former Judge George 81. Van Ho>een pre-
sided. and in the boxes were many dele
gates from the Womens Auxiliary Of the
Bcer Relief Association.
After a song by the Mozart Verein. the
chairman made an Introductory speech In
which he cOntrived TO bring in almost every
name connected with the history OF South
Africa. Each name was greeted with loud
applause OF vehement Kisses. When the
speaker incidentally mentioned the Repub-
lican party and President Mckinley the
audience called for a new party and a new
President. The only persOn not Identified
with the Beers who was not hissod was
John Hays Hammond. and this was probs-
bly, due to the fact that he was spoken of
Ms John Hammond Hayes
Want . New PRECEDENT.
"If the American people would speak the
word the war would cease" said Judge Van
Hoesen. Want a new President first.
yelled q long. thin man. half rising from
his seat
I'VE want. frst. mediation. and that fall
ing, We must have intervention" continued
the chairman.
We've got to chase that jellynsh out Of
the White House." came in deep tones from
tho center OF the hall
When mention was made Of former Presi-
dent Cleveland's Venezuelan message there
was a good round of applause. The speaker
declared that the English navy was a
fetch which had frightened the world.
One Of our splendid new ships" he said
could steam through a fleet OF England 5
antiquated tubs"
What's the matter with the Oyegou?'
shouted little man in the back Of the hall
The Oregon could send the whole lot to
the bottom.' Judge Van Hoesen ventured
Then Mr. Davis was introduced. as a ma
who had made a great sacrifice to fight the
Boer cause I'm this way.
Not In vain.' came from a box and
then the audience rose masss and
cheers three times repeated were given
and handkerchiefs. hats. canes. anything
convenient were waived In saiutation.
Three cheers for the man that's better
than Billy Mckinley yelled somebody.
Mr.. Davis had the audience with him
from the start. He spoke for nearly two
hours. using argument and anecdote. Once
he had apparently concluded. but cries of
Go on,' compelled him to continue.
Stars and Stripes In Battle.
Mr. Davis told Of his trip to South
Africa. He went on a holiday. he said. and
without prejudice. His observations had
convinced him that only the Boer eide had
any justice. He told Of the Irish brigade.
whom. he said. went into the battle near
Ladysmith with no nag but the Stars and
Stripes at their head. Among them were
men from Montana. Minnesota. New York
and almost every State In the Union.
The speaker paid a tribute to ''Oom
Paul." whom. he SAID. was one Of the
grea test men of his time.
IF Paul Kruger goes to ST. Helena" Mr.
Davis declared. lit will he over road
paved with British skulls
Mr.. Davis objected to having the United
States held up as a menace to foreign
countries whose sympathies go out to the
struggling Beers.
We should not give England the ex-
euse." he exclaimed. ito peddle US around