The Syracuse Journal, Volume 20, Number 11, Syracuse, Kosciusko County, 12 July 1928 — Page 2

The American Naval Hero Who WasßilledinaPuel i vwrf - ? -fc-xB Tzk/^m?•i v >- -\j. u» r M? <li F' jte ' - SiiX Wj--'""- — r l^’r-——Jwß W I r i\ irfl jh ''"' i _.

By ALFRED SORENSON X THE United States naval “Hall of Fame” no name occupies a more prominent niche than that of Stephen Decatur whose heroic and daring deeds illumine the pages of American history and have been told in many a thrilling tale. Born in Maryland in 1759, our hero was given the name of Stephen

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in honor of his father, Commodore Stephen Decatur, who not only played an important part in the War of the Revolution, but in the war with France commanded the Delaware, carrying twenty guns, and in ISOO was in command of a squadron of thirteen vessels. <■ It was but natural that the boy should have a longing to follow in the footsteps of his father, on whose ship he made his first voyage. When his desire for a naval life became known to Commodore Barry that officer secured a midshipman s warrant for him and started him on his adventurous and brilliant career. He began his service when he was eighteen years old under Commodore Barry on the frigate United States. It was on this ship that young Decatur became acquainted with James Barron, then a lieutenant, at whose hands he was to meet his death in a duel twentytwo years later. The frigate United States was sent to the West Indies, and Decatur, having “made good,” was soon promoted by Commodore Barry to a lieutenancy, provisionally, and the appointment was confirmed by President Adams. While on his second cruise Decatur performed an act of great bravery. A member of the crew, who could not swim, fell overboard, and Decatur without a moment's hesitation leaped after him and supported him until a ship’s boat came to the rescue. While his ship was temporarily in the harbor of Philadelphia Lieutenant Decatur was assigned to recruiting duty. Several of his men, whom he had enlisted, deserted and took service on an India merchantman. He demanded their surrender, but the first officer not only refused to deliver the deserters but grossly insulted him. Thereupon Decatur laid the matter before his father, who told him to demand an apology, and, if denied, then to send a challenge to fight. He acted accordingly, and an apology being refused he issued a challenge, which was accepted. Decatur told his friends that he did not. intend to kill the officer, but would merely wound him in the hip. The duelists met in a secluded spot on the banks of the Delaware and exchanged shots. Decatur, who escaped injury, kept his word. He “winged” his man in the exact spot where he had said fte would. When the brief war with France was ended the navy was reduced, but Decatur was retained with thirty-six other lieutenants. In 1801 he was assigned to the Essex, commanded by Capt. William Bainbridge, and while cruising in the Mediterranean the ship put into the port of Barcelona for a brief anchorage. The boats of the Essex while going to and from the shore at night were halted by the officers of a Spanish ship-of-war doing police duty in the harbor. Decatur called on the proper officer and presented a remonstrance. Being treated in a most discourteous manner.. he declared he would not let the matter drop. The next day he visited the Spanish ship, but was unable to find the officer who had insulted hint. Upon taking his departure he left a message, couched in very hostile language, for the offending Spaniard. On reaching shore Decatur made a thorough search for him. being determined to call him to account The officer kept under cover until the Spanish captain-general took a hand in the affair, and with the aid of Captain Bainbridge prevented a duel. In the summer of 1802 Decatur wa,s promoted to first lieutenant and was assigned to duty on the frigate New York, commanded by Barron, who had risen to a captaincy. The ship sailed for the Mediterranean, cruising in that sea for several months. . When war was declared against the Algerian pirates, who were raiding American merchant vessels and demanding large sums of money for immunity, which the United States refused to pay although other nations “came across” with the required tribute and thus bought the freedom of the Mediterranean, Decatur was given command of a brig and sailed to join the fleet at the scene of trouble. It was in the harbor of Tripoli that Decatur engaged in a most perilous adventure that made him world-famous and caused his name to be indelibly written in the annals of brave deeds. The frigate Philadelphia, running on a rock while in pursuit of a pirate vessel, was captured by the enemy, and Capt. William Bainbridge and the entire crew were taken prisoners. Captain Bainbridge managed to send from his prison an apparently insignificant letter to Commodore Preble in the harbor of Syracuse, and Preble, suspecting that it concealed a matter of importance, held it against the flame of a candle which exposed a message written in lemon juice. Captain Bainbridge suggested that a party of men, under trusty officers, be sent into the harbor of Tripoli and either retake, or burn, or blow up the Philadelphia, which the pirates had refloated, repaired, and manned for action. Commodore Preble promptly acted on the suggestion and issued a call for volunteers. Decatur and other valorous officers at once offered to lead a party and carry out the plan of attack. Decatur, however, was given the command owing to his priority, and with seventy-five volunteers from his ship, the Siren, embarked in a fifty-ton

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One of the most encouraging signs of the present age, says the Bangor Commercial, Is society’s Increasing Interest In the child, the protection thrown up about the child and the * definition of the rights of children The change in public attitude toward the child followed the shift from hand manufacture to machine manufacture. Tbe day is past when children can

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ketch for the harbor of Tripoli. This little vessel had been captured from the Tripolitans a few weeks previously by Decatur and had been renamed the Intrepid. With her intrepid crew she proved true to her name. She carried a large supply of combustibles, explosives, and cutlasses. Under cover of the night of February 16, 1804, the Intrepid was rowed directly to the Philadelphia and made fast Decatur gave the order to board the vessel, and his men climbed to the deck. The Tripolitans were taken completely by. surprise and were mowed down, one after the other, by the Americans with their cutlasses. The onslaught was terrific and merciless. More than twenty Tripolitans were killed at the first attack. Seeing resistance useless, some of the survivors jumped overboard and were drowned or killed by the Siren’s boat crew, who had followed in the wake of the Intrepid. Others hid in the dark recesses of the ship. The capture of the Philadelphia was accomplished in ten minutes, and in less than half an hour she was a mass of flames. Decatur and his band of heroes escaped amid a shower of shot and shell from the shore batteries and returned to Syracuse harbor two days after their audacious exploit. Not one of the fearless adventurers was killed or wounded. Nelson, the distinguished English" naval commander, declared it the most daring act of the age. Upon receiving Commodore Preble’s report and recommendations congress rewarded Decatur with a sword and a captain’s commission. Six months after the destruction of the Philadelphia Decatur, in command of a fleet of gunboats, began a series of five attacks on the Tripoli harbor and batteries. One of the gunboats. in command of Decatur’s brother, Lieut. James Decatur, engaged in a battle with a pirate craft whose commander surrendered. As the lieutenant was about to take possession the treacherous Tripolitan captain shot him in the head, and he fell back into his boat dead. Taking advantage of the stunning surprise and excitement of the Americans the corsair rowed rapidly away. Captain Decatur, on hearing of what had happened. gave chase and soon overhauled the fugitive boat. He climbed on board with ten men and singled out the murderer of his brother. He was a gigantic Turk, but undaunted by his size and defiant attitude, Decatur attacked him with all the vigor at his command and succeeded in killing him. Thus did he quickly avenge the murder of his brother, a bright young man, whom he dearly loved. Following the Tripoli battles Decatur was placed in command of the frigate Constitution, which became famous as “Old Ironsides,”*and is “being carefully preserved as a glorious memorial of the pioneer navy. The next year Decatur sailed for home, and in 1808 was promoted to commodore and assigned to the frigate United States as his flagship, on which he had made his initial cruise in the service of his country. In the War of 1812 Commodore Decatur captured the British warship Macedonia after a most desperate battle, and for this brilliant victory congress presented him with a gold medal. In 1815, when in command of the President, he encountered the Endymion off Long Island and a fierce fight followed. His men fell thick and fast—killed and wounded; his ship’s spars and rigging were shot to pieces; the vessel was almost dismantled; finally her battery was silenced. The Endymion, virtually defeated, dropped out of action when other British vessels came up and prepared to put an end to the President by opening fire. Seeing that further fighting was suicidal, Commodore Decatur surrendered to the British squadron—not to the Endymion, which had been severely punished. He handed his sword to Commodore Hayes who returned it at once as a token of his appreciation of the gallant fight that the President’s commander had made. Decatur was paroled oh the arrival of the British squadron at the Bermudas and was sent home. A court of Inquiry instead of criticising Decatur praised him and his officers and crew, the verdict being they were worthy of the highest commendation. Five days after the peace with England was announced the United States declared war against the bey of Algiers, whose pirates had captured an American merchant ship, the Edwin, and sold the crew as slaves. In two fiercely contested battles with the enemy’s navy, whose squadron outnumbered the American fleet, Decatur captured two of the best Algerian vessels, and at once headed for the harbor of Algiers with the intention of attacking the shore fortifications. When the fleet came in sight a messenger with a flag of truce Invited Decatur to come ashore to consider a treaty. He refused and insisted that a treaty, in compliance with his

be worked from twelve to fourteen hours a day under deplorable conditions and at poor wages. Certain rights of the child are today recognized as Inalienable. The extra-legal rights are the right to be well born, their right to a good environment and the right to paretrtql comradeship. Then there are the rights to an education, to

play and to be protected from exploitation. Many children find the proper environment in their own homes, but others must look for it in the schools, the public playgrounds, the Sunday schools and such organizations as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Recipe of Success The man who does a little more than his share each day will eventually succeed.—Atchison Globe.

THE SYRACTSE JOFRNU

demands, should be immediately signed. In less than three hours it was “signed, sealed ana delivered,” and the American prisoners, together with SIO.O x) indemnity for the capture of the Edwin and her cargo, were immediately handed over. A few weeks later the fleet sailed for Tripoli and Tunis, both having violated their treaties and obligations of neutrality. They quickly complied with the terms dictated by Decatur, who received the acclaim of all Europe for breaking up the piracy that has been so boldly carried on by the Barbary states. Soon after Decatur’s return to the United States he was appointed a member of the board of navy commissioners, his colleagues being Commodores Rodgers and Porter. It was at this time that the real trouble between Barron and Decatur originated. In 1807 Barron was in command of the Chesapeake when she was ordered to heave to by the British man-of-war Leopard to be searched for deserters, the English claiming the right of search although there was no treaty to that effect. Barron refused the demand, but made the mistake of not getting ready for action. The Leopard fired a broadside and continued firing for ten or fifteen minutes. Twenty-two shots struck the Chesapeake, killing or wounding twenty-one members of the crew. Barron himself was wounded. The Chesapeake, owing to unpreparedness and confusion. was unable to fire more than one shot, when Barron lowered his flag. Four men, charged with being English deserters, were taken over to the Leopard, which then sailed away. Barron was brought before a court of inquiry, of which Decatur was a member. Although the court found Barron only partially to blame for the surrender of his vessel, it sentenced him to five years’ suspension. The finding as to Barron’s personal conduct virtually acquitted him of cowardice in these words: “No transposition of the specifications, or any other modification of the charges themselves, will alter the opinion of the court as to the firmness and courage of the accused, the evidence being clear and satisfactory.” His sentence expired five months after the breaking out of the War of 1812. but Barron, who was in Europe, did not return to the United States until after the declaration of peace. He then decided to apply for reinstatement, but when his petition came before the commissioners Decatur refused to recommend favorable action. The ■ principal ground of his objection was that Barron had not returned to take part in the war. Barron, who was reinstated, took exception to certain remarks made by Decatur, who refused to retract but did everything in his power to restore the friendly feeling that had existed between them. A long correspondence followed, but Decatur stood firm. In- his replies to Barron’s letters he persistently denied that he bore any animosity against him. “Between you and me.’’ Decatur wrote, “there never has been any, personal difference, but I have entertained, and do still entertain, the opinion that your conduct as an officer, since the affair of the Chesapeake, has been such as ought to forever, bar your readmission to the service.” This stinging rebuke sank deep into the heart of Barron, who finally challenged Decatur. They met on March 22. 1820, at Bladensburg. This small village, in the immediate vicinity of Washington, was the scene of the battle between the Americans and the British in 1814. and became a famous dueling ground. Capt. Jesse Elliott acted as second for Barron and Commodore Bainbridge seconded Decatur. Just before the duel Barron said to Decatur that he hoped to meet him in the next world, and to be better friends than they had been in this. “I have never been your enemy,” replied Decatur. The two men took their stations at eight paces, the distance being shortened two paces owing to the fact that Barron was somewhat nearsighted. At the exchange of shots both were wounded in the right hip. Decatur is reported to have forgiven Barron, but he said that he could not forgive those who had urged him to take his life. “Would to God you had said this yesterday,” replied Barron. Decatur died within a few hours and was deeply mourned by the entire nation. Unswerving loyalty to his country was the outstanding principle of his life. It was Decatur who gave utterance to the famous sentiment: “My country—may she ever be right, but, right or wrong, my country!” Barron soon recovered, and became senior officer of the navy in 1830, but never again was in active service. He lived to be eighty-two years of age, but never fully won back the respect of the public which he had once held.

Notre Dame's Beginning The University of Notre Dame was founded in 1842, and chartered by the state legislature two years later. Its foundation was due to the missionary zeal of the Very Rev. Edward Frederick Sorin, C. S. C. The land now occupied by the university was deeded by the bishop of Vincennes on condition that a college be built thereon within two years. Barbers supply talk at cut rates.

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EVERYTHING trom tumitune and automobiles to corsage bouquets is being lacquered in bright colors these days. Leading French milliners are featuring not only lacquered straws but they are trimming these shiny hats with lacquered flowers and fruits. The boutonniere of lacquered posies is also tres chic. With a few simple materials and a little leisure time spent in following directions as given below in regard to seating wax craft, it is possible for the woman deft of fingers to make lacquered flowers as handsome as those sold at the most exclusive shops. it requires crepe paper the color of the flowers one intends making, amber sealing wax which when melted is transparent, and wire. You will also need an alcohol tamp, a wax molder (pliable knife> and a piece of glass to work on. also a pot of paste and a paste brush. The first step is to form a piece of the spool wire into a ring (Fig. 1). then shape like a petal (Fig. 2). Wild

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— — - roses are easiest to make. Gardenias, so very fashionable at this moment, are also simply constructed. The one in the picture (top panel) is in the smart rose-beige shade. A single lacquered gardenia on the coat lapel is very effective or one can arrange several around a straw or felt cloche as pictured at the top of the illustration—but to continue directions for making. The next step is to cover the wire frame well with paste and place between two pieces of stretched crepe paper the color you want your leaf (Fig. 3). When paste is dry. trim close to wire frame (Fig. 4). To cover with sealing wax hold the leaf near the flame of an alcohol lamp. Light

Have Hand Bag to Match New Summer Millinery The hand bag Is frequently chosen to match the hat with which it is to be worn. There are envelope shapes of printed silk or linen made to go with the same material. If you are planning to make one of the new raffia or wool embroidered purses as described above, and you want to link it up with a hat in a definite sort of way. embroider a band of canvas in the sit nlors and similar design as

* wi > i the stick of amber sealing wax tn the flame and add >op by drop over the surface of the crepe paper leaf until entirely covered. (Fig. 5). Spread out if necessary with the molding knife. By working quickly and getting the knack, the sealing wax will smooth out over the surface, the color of the under paper reflecting through its transparency. Perhaps in planning materials for your- sportswear or other daytime cos-tumes. it never occurred to you to include flannel. To omit flannels, as now are. from one’s wardrobe program. is to not keep pace with *he mode, for flannel is at this moment a supremely roguish material. Os course we are not referring to flannel in the old-fashioned sense of a heavy rugged irritating woolen which the aged wore as a cure-all for infirmities and the young were urged to wear (but wouldn’t) as a prevents live trom all illness. Oh. dear no! The flannels which fashion prescribes 1 are the daintiest; prettiest, most colorful and most beguilingly patterned } fabrics one ever did see.

It is just this way, a lot of style emphasis is being placed on woolen fabrics these days, which brings flannels into the limelight. Now in order to measure up to the style standards of this age and generation, manufacturers “got busy” and proceeded to modernize flannel, so to

speak. The flannel of today is flannel “to the queen’s taste.” It is exquisite not only in texture but in coloring and design, and it is as delicate as daintiest silk and the like. The new flannels are indeed a revelation of brightest textile artistry. It is possible to obtain these exquisite woolens in lovely floral prints on creamy or paste! backgrounds. As to striped flannels, they are of outstanding smartness. The striking sports costume in this picture is of blue and white striped flannel, for either middy blue or navy with white is one of the present leading color combinations. JULIA BOTTOMLEY. (©. IMB. Western Newspaper Union. 1

the bag and use this for a band to go around the hat. Double-Breasted A white canton crepe sports dress that has all Its edges bound with eng-lish-red, is fashioned double-breasted with red buttons to accent it. One-Sided Plaits Many frocks feature one-sided fullness*, some of them having a side panel of deep plaits. One has a left pocket with plaits below it.

8 CThe Kitchen : | Cabinet (©. 1928. Western Newsoaner Unton. 1 If we could push ajar the gate* of life. And stand within, and all God’s workings see. We could Interpret all this doubt and strife And for each mystery could find a key. ■ But not today. Then be content, poor heart. God's plans, like lilies pure and white, unfold; We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart. Time will reveal the calyxes of gold. —Mary Riley Smith. A GOOD CAKE One of the first things a young girl wants to do when learning to cook is to make a good cake.

Good cake making depends upon a dozen or more things. First, have good materials, use standard measuring utensils, measure carefully, sift flour before measuring and

measure all ingredients level. Beat eggs just before using them. Have oven temperature right before putting in a cake. Grease pans lightly for all cakes except sponge and angel cakes. Mix butter and sugar together well, flour fruit and nuts before adding to the batter. Beat batter well before adding the whites which are to be folded in. To insure a level cake when baked, push the batter well up to the sides of the pan, just before putting into the oven. The length of time required for baking depends upon.the thickness, of the cake. Layer cakes being thin should bake in twelve to fifteen minutes. Batter for layer cakes is thinner than for a loaf cake. A softer frosting is obtained if the sugar, when it is like honey, is poured over the egg white, using three tablespoonfuls; return and boil to the hair stage, beating the frosting all the while before the last is added. This gives a creamy frosting with a glazed top when cold. A good test to see if a cake is done is to listen for the cracking of the cells when baking—“singing” we sometimes call it; as long as one hears that sound, continue baking. This is important with deep loaf cakes. Set cake on a cooler and let stand three minutes before removing from the pan. Turn right side up and frost when cool. For a layer cake, if one desires frosting in layers like chocolate or any fruit frying, wrap a band of buttered paper around the cake and pour on the frosting; it can be quite soft and as thick as one desires. The sides are finished after the top has hardened, if they are to be frosted. Seasonable Eating. The cook who plans tier meals economically tries to use leftovers in

such palatable ways that there is no suggestion that they are leftovers. Whea peas are served for dinner the leftovers may be added to a salad, or for timbal eases for the next (Jay’s supper or luncheon.

If any spinach is left over, reheat and serve a poached egg on a nest of the well-seasoned vegetable. This will make a most satisfying main dish. The egg yolks left from angel cake, make tine custards for dessert or salad dressing, or with the addition of milk, a most tasty scrambled egg dish. A bit of baked or fried ham, if ground, is tine as sandwich filling or added to scalloped potatoes before baking, a nourishing main dish for the next day’s luncheon. Codfish, one of our good fish is found in such palatable form —salted —that it should be served frequently. Baked potatoes with codfish in 7a drawn butter sauce or served in a rich white sauce is especially well liked. And who would refuse a plump brown codfish ball for breakfast or luncheon? With a dish of fruit jelly or gelatin on tap, there are so many good dishes to serve. Add a bit to a salad of vegetables, or mold it with fruit as a fruit salad. Such wishes are especially wholesome for the young and the elderly in the family. Experienced cooks tell us the peas and corn should-be prepared for the table at once, removing pods and husks, then place in the ice chest until the time for cooking. Green and many root vegetables are improved if allowed to stand for a while in cold water before being puton to cook. Bouillon cubes are very great helps in soup making. Dissolve enough to serve the family in a quart of hot water, add a pint can of tomatoes and cook fifteen minutes. Strain and add such seasonings as are needed. A dish of egg yolks will keep several days if placed in a small covered , dish with a tablespoonful of water over them. Use some for hollandaise sauce to serve with the boiled fish, there need never be any waste of egg yolks. Fruit Pudding.—Prepare a pint of lemon jelly, add an orange or two, a banana and a few maraschino cherries. a little pineapple, and when molded and chilled, serve with a thin custard or cream for dessert. Getting Along Getting along with other people depends a lot on your ability to study their natures, find the good in them—for it is always there —then adapting the best there is In you to the best you find In those about you.—Grit Sunlight Tonic A good and cheap tonic Is a glass of water which has been exposed to the sun for ten minutes. You will be, drinking sunlight absorbed by the water.