New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-05
HIGGINS'S GENEROSITY.
PURSE OPEN IN VAR TIME.
Families of Soldiers Supported by
Candidate and Friends.

To the Editor o< The Tribune
Sir: There is one side Of Frank w Hlgglnss
character of which little is known outside OF his
own townspeople. and that is his generous ana
patrsotic side. TWO instances in this connection
viii serve 10 show the quality Of the man VINO Is
the Republican candidate for Governor.
The two candidates for Governor were uiiaOie
TO 20 TO the front and participate actively In the
late war with Spain Judge Herrick on account OF
his physical disability. in addition to his onnclai
duties. and Mr.. Higgins on account OF his oinclaI
duties at Albany. AS Judge Herrick remarked IN
his speech at Binghamtou on wednesday night
there are civic duties that require great sacri-
fees facing the lannon's mouth" How did
Mr.. Higgins perform his duty? When the Olean
military company volunteered for the war with
Spain. each man as he was enrolled was called
into the CAPTAINS room There brief history OF
his financial condition was ascertained: the sal
airy he earning and the number OF people
dependent upon him were ascertained, and ne was
then assured that his family and those dependent
upon him would be well provided for while he
was away as they were while the breadwinner was
at home. In that sat Frank w. Higgins
the leading spirit and backbone Of the movement
ably seconded by his friend. Major Franchot- The
men went TO the front feeling certain that the
dear ones at home would not want And they did
not. The money was raised and every Saturday
was distributed This lasted not only while the
support OF the family was away serving his coun-
try and Old Glory. but was continued for two
months after he returned from the war, TO enable
him 10 get started again in business Is II any Won
der that the people Of MS home county love Frank
Higgins? This is only a single instance Of his
silent generosity. Ask tho Salvation Army people.
ask any one who has gone to him IN trouble.
What share did Judge Herrick contribute to his
country's protection in Its hour Of need? We
pause for a reply.
Mr. Higgins's care did not cease with the enlist
rnent Of the boys from Clean That company was
assigned the 30 New-York Regiment, command
ed by Colonel z. NJ Hoffman, Of Elmira. and to
the Third Battalion of that regiment, commanded
by Major A II. Hall When the dread typhoid
struck the battalion. which had been detached
from the regiment, and while the regiment was
the march through Virginia with the Second
Army Corps. II was moved up into Pennsylvania
from fever-stricken Camp Alger and went into
camp at Camp Meade. Many men were I'll with
the fever and many died. including Of the gal
liant volunteers from Clean. There it that Sem
ator Higgins again TO the front with Major
Franchot He went TO the camp and spent en-
tire day looking into conditions visiting the sick
IN the hospitals and going about among the men.
IN Major Halls command at that time were de-
tachments from Kansas and Indiana regiments.
numbering in all about 200 men. The Elmira COM
pany there also that from Clean. Horneus-
vile and Oswego.
M Higgins did not overlook any company. He
thoroughly acquainted himself with all conditions
and when IT came time for him to depart he sought
out Major Hall and expressed his qualification for
courtesies extended and for the attention and care
given the men. Then he said: Il shall go back
home and tell our people that everything posi-
bic IS being done TO curb the progress Of the
fever. and to give proper care to those who are
sick Bat something may happen the time may
come when you will need supplies. medicines. or
money quickly, and 1 want TO say to you, do not
wait for the government. I HAVE LITTLE
BANK ACCOUNT OVER AT CLEAN, AND L
WANT YOU TO DRAW ON NE, so LONG AS
IT HOLDS OUT. FOR ANY AMOUNT YOU MAY
NEED TO MEET ANY EMERGENCY. I DO NOT
MEAN FOR THE CARE OF THE CLEAN BOYS
ALONE, BUT FOR ANY OF THE TROOPS IN
CAMP HERE UNDER YOUR COMMAND. IT
WILL BE A PLEASURE FOR Me TO RESPOND,
AND IF CAN HELP IN ANY WAY SHALL
BE GLAD.
II did not become necessary TO call upon Senator
Higgins. his generous offer showed the charac-
ter Of the man. II became known to the men, and
II for him the love of every soldier in camp
They viii not forget him for IL on Election Day.
The soldiers in the field had better friend than
Frank W. Higgins, and it is more than right
that these facts should be stated at this time.
L. H. J.