The Western outlook. [volume] (San Francisco, Cal.) 1894-1928, 1915-01-30

f the efforts of certain patriotic
societies are successful, the state
of New York will purchase and
preserve the historic Biliop house
at Tottenville, Staten Island. II
is one of the few remaining relics OF
colonial times within the limits OF
Greater New York.
Not only has this venerable man.
zion the distinction Of being the Oldest
house in New York state, but within
is walls was enacted one of the most
stirring incidents Of the Revolution
For it was here, on September IL
l776, that Lord Howe, representing
The British government, had an inter
view with Benjamin Franklin of Penn
sylvania, John Adams of Massachu
sets and Edward Rutledge of South
Carolina, delegates from the American
rsn result !, Of this Philadelphia
fate Of the Revolution largely oe-
pended. wash
ipatnn,s army had been defeatea n
M battle Of Long Island and the ou'
look for the American cause was US
rouraging. 1t was then that hoL'
Howe convinced shat the colohis'
we're ready to lay down tnelr am
rronosed a conference on neutf'
ground and the Billop house was ;
Iected as the place Of meeting. IN
was the only peace conference a
temnted during the Revolution ana
failure marked the parting OF the wa.
between Great Britain and the Ame'
can colonies
story of the Conference
some interesting facts concerhi
this momentous interview nave DC
nroserved in the Revolutionary II
ords. The delegates. we learn, sp.
two DAVIS in travelling from Phliau
milo To Perth Amboy, where LIZ
Howe's barge was in readiness 10
co;va them. A gentlemanly oflcer
the British grenadiers VINO met :
delegates offered to remain as i
tage for their safe return, puI Aua
remarked. "This is childish; we W
10 such pledge." The other delega
acreed and at their request the on
embarked with them and cfosSeu
Staten Island. ~
lord Howe walked down TO tne
TORS edge as the barge approac'
and perceiving his officer VIII
committee. called out: "Gentiei
Van nav me very high compiiIn
and YOU may depend upon II l
consider it the most sacred OF tn.i
he shook hands warmly with IT
lin whom he had known IN Lon
ana who introduced his compan
Tben thew walked up to the ola Il
between the lines Of grenadierS'
rersing pleasantly together.
For several weeks the house
haan occupied by soldiers, ana
u d,rtv "a a stable, but one 0
front rooms had been cieaneu
with moss and green branches
aorverted into a delightful 0
uera 4 luncheon Of good
broad cold ham, tongues and N
was Immediately served. AIte'
the British commissioner OPEN
conference. expressing his attacl
~ America and declaring that
America fall he should feel ana
/, like the loss of brother.
graceful ease Franklin replied
ically: my lord, we VIII use
most endeavor 70 spare you 'n'
LITIGATION
John Adams independence
Howe stated his position IN
language, and asked the deies
thew were willing to lay asia
distinction as members OF u
press and converse as indlvlou
~ tba outline Of plan to .
a,or,;t,as of war. They as
Adams exclaiming with MS Us
natnosity. 'Your lordship nj
slider me in any character you
excepting that Of a British SUI
The conversation lasted aoe
hours hut it came to nothing,
10 that It convinced the patr
fight for independence would
ha continued 10 LIS basAS'
was found to be wholly devol
tbority to treat with the COLO
tba basis Of independence, ane
marty could make definite
lions or promises. Iney
with the utmost show OF
howe remarking as he Dade
gates adieu, 4 am sorry, s
mat you have had the troubl'
Ing 50 far. to SO little purpo
The consequence OF Mr.. :.
nlay of independence at tni
interview was subsequently
when his name vas pubhsne'
81 objectionable rebels II :