Tombstone epitaph., 1915-01-03

the eHOrts or Certdiu pdtTiotiC
 societies are successful, the state
 of New York will purchase and
 preserve the historic Billop house
 at Tottenville, Staten Island. It is one of the few remaining relics of colonial times within the limits of Greater New York
 Not only has this venerable man sion the distinction of being the oldest house in New York state. but within it's walIc Was enacted one of the most stirring incid. uts of the Revolution. For it was he-e, on September II, 1776. that Lord Howe, representing the British government, had an inter. view with Beniarlin Franklin of Penn sT-..,au.S. Inhn Adams of Massachu- sets and Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, delegates from the American congress, then sitting in Philadelphia. Upon the result of this meeting the fate of the Revolution largely de pended.
 About three weeks previously Wash ington's army had been defeated in the battle of Long Island and the out look for the American cause was dis couraging. It was then that Lord Howe, convinced that the colonists were ready to lay down their arms. proposed conference on neutral ground and the Billop house was se- iected as the place of meeting. This was the only peace conference at tov ha Darplttfinn and ifG failure marked the parting of the ways between Great Britain and the Ameri- can colonies.
 Story of the Conference.
 Some interesting facts concerning this momentous interview have been preserved in the Revolutionary rec ords. The delegates. we learn. spent two days in travelling from Philadei- phia to Perth Amboy, where Lord Howe's barge was in readiness to re- ceiye them. A gentlemanly officer of the British grenadiers who met the delegates offered to remain as hos tage for their safe return. but Adams remarked. This is childish; we want no such pledge" The other delegates agreed and at their request the officer embarked with them and crossed to Staten Island.
 Lord Howe walked down to the wa ter's edge as the barge approached, and. perceiving his officer with the committee. called out: "GentleTnen, you pay me very high compliment. and you may depend upon 1t l vii! consider it the most sacred of things.
 lie shook hands warmly with Frank, lin. whom he had known in London, and who introduced his companions. Then they walked up to the old house | between the lines of srenadiers, con- versing pleasantly together
 For several weeks the house had been occupied by soldiers. and was as dirty as a stable, but one of the front rooms had been cleaned and with moss and green branches was converted into a delightful bower. Here a luncheon of "good claret, bread. cold ham. tongues and mutton was immediately served" After this, the British commissioner opened the conference. expressing his attachment to America and declaring that should America fall he should feel and lament it like the loss of brother" With graceful ease Franklin replied iron ically: My lord. We will use our ut. most endeavor to spare you that nor | tification."
 John Adams Independence.
 Howe stated his position in flowing language, and asked the delegates if they were willing to lay aside their | distinction as members of the con gress and converse as individuals up l on the outline of plan 10 stay the calamities of war. They assented. Adams exclaiming with his usual i'm petucsity: Your lordship may con sider me in any character you please, excepting that of a British subject" The conversation lasted about four hours. but 1t came to nothing. except. ing that # convinced the patriots the fight for independence would have to be continued to the bitter end. Howe was found to be wholly devoid of au- thority to treat with the colonists on the basis of independence. and neither party could make definite proposi- tions or promises. They separated with the utmost show of courtesy, Howe remarking as he bade the dele. gates adieu. 'I am sorry. gentlemen, that you have had the trouble of com ing so far to so little purpose"
 The consequence of MT. Adams dis. play of independence at this faDous interview was subsequently, apparent when his name was published in list