Boating in 3-D

New Ipswich Historical Society

A stereoscope of three people in a boat. Could this be Water Loom Pond?

On this day - April 12, 1898

William Jurian Kaula diary

12 APR 1898

The President's Message went to Congress yesterday.  It reviews the Cuban situation and the relief measures for the non-combatants.  He does not think it wise or prudent at the present time to recognize the Insurgent Government, but such recognization [sic] may come later.  He adds that forcible intervention is justifiable on the grounds of humanity and interest.  These grounds are summarized as follows, "First, the cause of humanity, to put an end to the barbarities, bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries now existing there, and which the parties to the conflict are either unwilling to stop or mitigate."  The second reason was that "we owe to our citizens in Cuba to afford them that protection and indemnity for life and property which no government there can or will afford, and to that end to terminate conditions which will deprive them of legal protection."  "Third, the right to intervene may be justified by the serious injury to the commerce, trade and business of the people by the wanton destruction of property and devastation of the island."  "Fourth, the present condition of Cuba is a constant menace to our peace and entails upon this Government our enormous expense...It goes on and discusses our ruined trade relations with the island, the lives of citizens in constant danger, their property destroyed, themselves ruined, our trading vessels liable to seizure at our own doors by foreign warships, filibustering expeditions which could not be wholly suppressed, initiating questions arising from these sources "with resulting strained relations, are a constant menace to our peace, and compel us to keep on a semi-war footing with a nation with which we are at peace."  The Maine disaster and the Report of Inquiry was mentioned and the cause thereof was an "impressive proof of a state of things in Cuba that is intolerable.  Also the diversity in views between the reports of the American and Spanish boards of Inquiry were mentioned and Spain's readiness to submit all differences to arbitration, "The war in Cuba must stop."  He asks Congress to authorize the President to take measure to secure this end.

The matter is now left with Congress and they are in doubt as to what to do next as the Message fell flat and fails to satisfy the bloodthirsty war party.  McKinley surrenders to Congress on the plea that diplomacy is exhausted.  Will Congress be fit for the responsibility?  Diplomacy belongs to Ex_________ and Congress was impatient for action and hence forced the President to a declaration.  The Message does not seem to be a very brilliant piece of work, it is rather evasive, not in its accusations but in its conclusions.  It is nevertheless conducive to peace.  It has too much of the mild colorless flavor to made clear his own strength of character - as was the case with Cleveland at the time of the Venezuela trouble.  The President is extremely optimistic and the precise meanings in his Message will not give Congress the direct permission to follow out their designs.  They will dwell on the unimportant things and make mush fuss about them

On this day - April 12, 1909

James Roger diary entry

12th (Monday)

Frost cool westerly wind variable after.  David painting at Miss Palmer’s.  I filled little incubator and planted a tree for John Preston.  Got letters from Hamish and Easter cards from Cora Roger.  Telephone man called today to fix the phone.  I paid him monthly bill.  Mr. Gordon spoke about planting a tree in cemetery lot.