The 'Iron Hall' Provided Affordable Care

The Cortland News, Friday, January 15, 1886.

The Iron Hall.

   Wednesday evening wives of members of Local Branch No. 113 of the order of

The Iron Hall and members of the press were invited to attend the installation of the newly elected officers of that organization. A large number took advantage of the invitation and were highly pleased.

   The following are the officers installed:—

   P. C. J.—C. B. Antes.

   C.  J.—L. V. Culver.

   Vice J.—Frank. Burghardt.

   Accountant—Frank Bates.

   Cashier—John Freer.

   Prelate—D. H. Doubleday.

   Herald—Dan J. Buckley.

   Watchman—Simon P. Cleary.

   Vidette—Jason DuBois.

   Trustees—L. H. McGraw. M. M. Robbins, J. J. Gillett.

   After the officers were duly conducted to their stations the installing officer gave a short description of the workings of the order from which we give a few of the particulars.

   The Iron Hall [fraternal order was based at Indianapolis and registered with the New York State Insurance Department—CC editor] is a co-operative institution offering pecuniary aid to members in case of sickness or accident and is, we believe, the only institution that indemnities members for sickness from natural causes. It is composed of a Supreme sitting having local branches throughout the country from Main to California. All assessments are paid to the branch to which different members belong, and eighty percent of that amount is forwarded to the Supreme sitting, the balance being reserved as a sinking fund to be invested to pay up expiring certificates.

   Since the organization of the branch in this place less than a year ago, the members have paid in for assessments over five hundred dollars, and there has been drawn out during the time from the Supreme sitting over seven hundred dollars in benefits and the money has all come in to those who were in direct need of it at the time.

   After the workings of the order had been thoroughly explained the tables were spread in the hall and a magnificent banquet was tendered to all present, and to which the guests did ample justice. Then after a time passed in pleasant converse the outsiders wended their way to their respective homes, each one feeling well satisfied with himself and thanking their lucky stars that there was such an institution as the Iron Hall.

 

Annual Elections.

Mechanic’s Band.

   At a special meeting of the Mechanic's Band, held at their rooms in Union Hall block Saturday evening Jan. 9, the following officers were elected:

   President—Daniel Lynch.

   Vice Pres—T. Lannigan.

   Secretary—Will. Richards.

   Treasurer—Fred Pike.

   Trustees—Hollis Risley; Frank Jones; John Lannigan.

 

OUR NEVADA LETTER.

A Grist of Observations by a Former Resident of This County

[Special to the NEWS]

   RENO, Nev., Jan. 7. 1886.—As Nevada has been somewhat neglected about our birthplace we would endeavor to call it to the minds of her inhabitants through the columns of the NEWS, perhaps conveying some sort of an idea of what is transpiring in a little talked of locality of the far West.

   As is generally supposed by a certain portion of Cortland's young men the whites of this section of the West are not fighting Indians now, those little yellow-covered books which lead them to suppose that such was the case having been in print thirty or forty years. Nevada has less Indians than New York, and they are not as industrious as their brothers of the Empire State. To go from one town to another, split an armful of wood as payment for an armful of eatables, is about as far as their industries extend.

   Although mining is not as extensive as in days past, a great many mines are being worked now and paying exceedingly well. The great trouble lies in not being able to reduce a portion of the ore at home that is not of a high enough grade to send to Salt Lake, Denver or anywhere else for the purpose of reduction. A gold mine has been discovered in the southern part of the State, and inhabitants of that district claim that Nevada instead of California will soon be known as the "Golded State." Still Nevada holds her own as the Silver State.

   The silver question is the most important topic here at present, but everyone is of the opinion that Congress will decide in our favor. If those Wall street kings should be obliged to come out here and help to produce silver for a time we are of the opinion that their idea of demonetizing it would be sadly shattered. But as that cannot be, we shall strive to produce it the same as ever, still confident that the government will continue to coin and make it a legal tender for at least the balance of the present generation.

   The citizens are making strenuous efforts to have the U. S. Mint at Carson reopened. Dow made a sad mistake when he closed that important factor of Nevada. He should have practiced on the New Orleans, as there they only have cotton and sugar to make dollars of, while here we have the pure article.

   Stock raising is becoming to be looked upon, as one of the leading, and we might say, the leading industry of Nevada. Nearly every evening from four to eighteen cars of cattle, sheep, hogs, &c, &c, are shipped from this place, plainly showing that it is getting to be a lively and well paying interest. Nevada beet has entirely the preference in the San Francisco markets, and so 'twold [sic] be in New York, if it was possible to ship it there.

   With stock raising of course comes agriculture, which is also extensively carried on. The first State Fair was held last September and was a success in every particular. Such a display of fruits, vegetables, farm products, fancy works &c, &c, could hardly be beaten by "Old New York himself." And you see there is chance for improvement here, while there, everything is improved nearly to its extent in the line of Agriculture.

   The Chinese movement has not been agitated very much in Nevada as yet, but from the general feeling, we should prognosticate an outbreak soon. And the sooner it is done, so much sooner can we expect to enjoy life. You, who only see the Chinaman as he sprinkles clothing in his "wash-house," thinks he is quite a novelty. As soon as he controls your town you will, perhaps think so still, but more decidedly. He will monopolize the entire laundry business, thereby throwing out of employment women who depend upon that for a miserable existence and compel them to scrub and a thousand of the harder etc.'s which they would not do if he were driven into the sea. He will entice your boys, and if possible your girls, into his opium dens causing their eternal ruin from the most detestable of all habits. He will not buy anything in your stores, but all that he does not procure from your backyards, he will send to China for. It will be Chinaman from morning till night, you will be awakened by the Chinese vegetable vendor, and your troubled sleep will be in dreaming of that horrible monstrosity who brought in your week's washing just as you were retiring. Such is the Chinese state of affairs here. Can eastern people blame us for being so decidedly against the heathens. Oh! — nothing is too bad for them.

   Prominent men are already beginning to scrutinize the political field with a view to finding a large "sack." The probable Senator is now being discussed, but without doubt Jim Fair, the present incumbent will have the "honor thrust upon him" again, as he manipulates the largest "sack." Still it seems to us that Nevada should be represented at least one week at Washington instead of all the time at San Francisco during the sitting of Congress.

   In closing, we wish to speak of the weather. Since about August 15, 1885, we have experienced only three or four cloudy days. Had a little rain one day, and one night about an inch of snow fell. The temperature has been even, and sunshine has been our lot. To-day there is nearly as much dust in the roads as in July. For weather, Nevada cannot be beaten.

 "KARP."

FIRED INTO THE MOB.

Bloodshed Caused by the Anti-Chinese Riot at Seattle.

   SEATTLE, W. T. Feb. 8, 1886.—At an early hour this morning the militia and home guards marched to Ocean Dock, where the Chinamen were confined and took charge. Warrants had previously been issued for the arrest of the prominent agitators.

   Before daylight the work of arresting them began and by 8 o'clock all the leaders were in jail. They were however, immediately bailed out. All the Chinamen on board of the steamer were marched to the Court House by the militia in answer to the writ of habeas corpus, sworn out yesterday. No opposition was made to this movement. Judge Green informed each Chinaman that he was at perfect liberty to go or stay as he chose. The vast majority chose to leave.

   They were accordingly escorted to the steamer and those who elected to stay were escorted to their houses. Up to this time there had been no bloodshed, although, the streets were crowded. At noon, however, an attack was made on the home guards by a few hotheads. The guards were finally ordered to fire and responded with a volley.

   Four men fell, one killed and three wounded. Their names are Bernard Muilane, killed; James Murphy, special policeman, and John Smith shot through the arm; an unknown man shot through the head and fatally wounded. The militia formed in a hollow square and held the mob at bay for fully an hour. The crowd then slowly melted away.

   Intense excitement prevails and there is great danger of further trouble. Business is generally suspended. The Queen sailed at 1 p. m., with 195 Chinamen.

 

 

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   W. P. Robinson, who has been suffering with typhoid pneumonia, is again able to be out.

   The Cortland Wagon Company have completed their annual invoice and expect to start up the works Monday morning next.

   Stephen D. Freer has purchased the grocery business of Howard & Co., near the S. & B. depot. Mr. Freer was so long in that place in the coal business that his face will look quite familiar. Success to him.

   Monday night was the coldest of the season in this place, the thermometer ranging from twenty-two to twenty-eight degrees below zero, in different parts of the village.

   We are glad to announce to our readers that the health of Charles C. Taylor is improving. On Tuesday Mr. Taylor was able to walk into dinner, and showed other signs of returning strength both physical and mental.

   While loaded coal cars were being run into Maxson & Starins coal dump on Monday one of the cars was pushed through the south end of the building and went crashing through the roof of a small building that was used for storing salt, and finally landed in the cellar. No one was injured.

   H. G. Borthwick and Bert Conger have purchased the billiard and restaurant business formerly carried on by Jacob Metzgar in Homer, and will carry on the business under the firm name of Borthwick & Conger.

   Old man Coup is again happy. Last Sunday morning bright and early a nine pound daughter made its appearance at his residence and Ab. is doubly joyful.

 

TOWN CORRESPONDENCE.

South Cortland, January 14, 1886.

   Last week to pay taxes at one per cent.

   The paper flower craze has followed the skating rink craze here.

   The farmers here are dealing out fodder sparingly. Most of the straw is worthless for feeding stock this season.

   "Mit" Simmons, of Virgil, who has been confined in the insane department of the county house for about four years is now all right, and is making his home with Samuel Matt, his brother-in-law.

   Manly Price, who has been working David Price's farm on shares, will on the first of April next move to Cortland, and Mr. Sherman his brother-in-law, now of Cortland will move on the Price farm.

   The large number of whisky and beer saloons in Cortland seem to be thriving in the business that destroys both body and soul of its patrons. It Sojourner Truth were here she might well ask her immortal question: "Is God Dead?" that such things must be. No! not God, but it is the consciences of the people that are dead.

   Report says that Millard Nye, having tired of the state of single blessedness, took unto himself a partner for life last Wednesday evening. The bride is from Little York.

Preble, January 14, 1886.

   I ask, "What shall we farmers do to prohibit the manufacture of bogus butter?" For fear that many of the farmers will fail to see this paragraph, I therefore copy the following: “Many of the cattle, hogs and sheep die in transit before they reach the stock yard. Their carcasses are turned over to the phosphate factory nearby. There they are placed in huge ovens and heated. The fatty substances that flow from them are divided into four grades, of which the first is sold to makers of bogus butter." Such is the stuff that is "equal to the best product of the dairy." The tale is more truthful than toothsome. ['bogus butter' was oleomargarine--CC editor.]

 

   A short time ago Mr. Hoag, a butter buyer of Homer, was in town and tried a dairy [farm] of butter and condemned it. The same butter was shipped and sold to other parties for twenty-three cents per pound, and these parties want to contract with the farmer for his butter during the coming season. But it is not to be wondered at if his taste was as bad as his breath and walk indicated, we can't for the life of us see how he can find any good butter in the county. Farmer be not discouraged for there are just as good butter buyers who live in other counties as in Cortland county.

 

BAKED IT OFF.

Thomas Torrey Uses a Novel Method of Procuring His Winter Fuel.

   Last week we published an item in regard to parties stealing two robes from the barn of Lorenzo Rood, and the subsequent arrest and discharge of Thomas Torrey for taking the same. For a long time past Torrey has been suspected of committing petty thefts and attempts have been unsuccessfully made to get sufficient evidence to convict him. Among other things it has been supposed that he stole coal off the trains as they were passing his house. He eluded discovery however, until last Friday [when] he was discovered in the act of snatching huge lumps of coal off a passing train with a long handled rake. Information was given to officer Shirley, of Homer, who went to Torrey’s residence and found him breaking up coal from a pile of about two tons with an axe. Mr. Shirley accused Torrey of having stolen it and the latter confessed. Instead of arresting him then and there Mr. Shirley came to Cortland after a warrant and on his return found only an empty nest, the bird having flown. It is supposed that Torrey had made tracks for Pennsylvania.

 

DISASTROUS FLOOD.

Seventy-five Families Driven From Their Homes.

   FULTON, January 11.—The most disastrous flood that ever visited this place is now doing incalculable damage at the flats, a large tract lying between the Oswego river and the canal. The upper parts are occupied by large flouring mills and many other manufacturing concerns, and the lower portions by hundreds of workingmen.

   A great jam of snow and ice began to form in the river on Saturday, and the water gradually set back on the flats. The water rose all night, and this morning the danger was so great that fire bells were rung and the firemen and citizens generally hurried to the scene. All the row boats obtainable were carried thither, and the people were rescued from their dwellings, in many cases from second stories. The water had put out the fires and the people suffered intensely from the severe cold. The rescued were taken to dry land and properly cared for, and an effort was made to save some of the valuable machinery in the manufactories.

   At least 75 families are rendered homeless by the flood. The following manufactories are under water: W. S. Nelson barrel manufacturer, Dilt's foundry and machine shop, D . E. Mason's pail and tub factory, the Fulton Gas works, Taylor Bros. Knife works, Loomis's planing mill, and several other shops and various lumber yards. Flour is being removed from the mills. A great many workmen are necessarily thrown out of employment, and the water which is still rising, will flood other mills and factories.

   The Oswego Falls factories, a mill above, were compelled to shut down on Saturday on account of ice, and these alone employ 1,000 workmen. Some buildings and much of the machinery on the lower flats have been wrecked, and considerable property have been swept away. It is impossible at present to estimate the loss.

   At the union meeting of Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian churches to-night, prayers were offered for the abatement of the flood.

References:
1) Order of the Iron Hall
2) Chinese Exclusion Act
3) Seattle Riot of 1886