WHAT ARE STREET LAMPS FOR?

The Cortland News, Friday, October 12, 1883.

WHAT ARE STREET LAMPS FOR?

   The people of this village are asking with great propriety why it is that on dark and rainy nights not a lamp is lighted. Last Saturday night it was rainy and so dark that one could not see his hand before him, nor a person whom he met. The streets were full of people jostling against each other. Won't our city fathers either order the lamps lighted such nights, or establish foghorns in dangerous localities, and furnish them to those who walk the streets?

Great Loss at Groton.

Cortland, October 8, 1883.

Editor, News:

   At the reunion of the 76th Regiment, held at Groton on the 4th inst., it was announced that one of the comrades had met with a serious loss. Feeling much interested in our brother soldier, we of course at once adopted active measures to regain the treasure. Research convinced us that the loss was not through theft, three-card monte, or other species of gambling, and so we secured the services of a detective, who, after patient and thorough investigation, discovered that it was not a financial loss but an intellectual loss. It appears that our comrade had expended a great deal of brain work on a speech for the reunion, but was not called upon to deliver it, and as the oratorical effort will be somewhat stale for the next anniversary, there seems to be good grounds for great grief on the part of our mourning comrade, Mr. Wm. H. Myers, with whom we sincerely condole.

"76"

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   The Central Hotel, has been leased by Mr. J. R. Arnold, a brother of the owner, Mr. K. C. Arnold.

   Commissioner J. J. Davern is laying a stone cross-walk from the corner of the Sager block to the residence of Mr. F. Ives.

   Taylor Hall was well filled Friday evening to see "The Banker's Daughter," and all were well satisfied with the manner in which the play was presented.

   Tuesday night the engine house and two engines belonging to the U. I. & E. Railway were destroyed by fire at Breesport. No water was at hand and nothing could be done to prevent an entire loss.

   The temperance county convention will be held in Fireman's Hall instead of in the Baptist chapel, as heretofore announced, and on Thursday, Oct. 18. The town caucus will be held on Wednesday evening, the 17th, at the same place.

   Manager Mallery [Taylor Hall] is making arrangements to place before the people, some time between December 20 and January 20, Richard's Foote Combination Company in the great Shakespearean play of Richard III. We hope that arrangements will be perfected.

   Mr. George Spring, formerly an employee at the omnibus factory, fell from a freight train on the U. I. & E. R. R. near Swartwood station, on Monday, and was instantly killed. His neck was broken. It is believed that the spout of the water-tank struck him. His remains were taken to Whitney's Point, where a brother lives.

   The nomination of H. Boardman Smith for Justice of the Supreme Court gives general satisfaction. It is a matter of congratulation that the vote of Judge Duell on the 415th ballot gave the nomination to Smith. This was done with the consent of M. M. Waters, Esq., who had been supported steadily by our delegate through five days' session, and who finally withdrew. A private letter from a prominent member of the bar of Elmira to a gentleman in this village says: "Judge Duell has made many warm friends in Elmira by his vote which gave the nomination to Judge Smith. His action is indorsed by ninety per cent of the bar in the Sixth Judicial District."

   On Wednesday of this week Judge Follett filed his order in the Cortland County Clerk's office, confirming the report of the commissioners appointed to determine the point where the Cortland & Homer Horse R. R. Company should cross the D. L. & W. Railroad, and the compensation to be made to the latter company. The Judge confirms the report of the commissioners in every respect. It will be recollected that the commissioners fixed the point of crossing about 200 feet west of the center of the highway [current Rt. 11 between Homer and Cortland—CC editor], and directed the street railroad company to pay the sum of $1 for the right of way of the steam car company. The street car company is required by the order to carry a red flag on each car by day, and a red light at night, as a sign to the trains on the steam railway; to stop each street car when it arrives within ten feet of the steam car tracks, and if a train is in sight, to remain there until such train shall pass. The D. L. & W. Railroad Company has 30 days in which to appeal from the order.

   Mr. S. D. Freer has bought Mr. C. S. Chamberlain's house on Port Watson street and will move into it sometime this month. Mr. Chamberlain takes his family to San Francisco, Cal., which he will make his future home.

   At the reunion of the 76th regiment held at Groton on the 4th inst., Mr. M. Edgcomb was elected president of the association and Hon. A. P. Smith secretary. The next anniversary of the regiment will be held at Worcester, Otsego county, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 1883.

   Mr. N. J. Munson, of Cortland, is the manufacturer of a "Lightning Grease Extractor" for removing grease, paint, tar, pitch, ink and stains of all kinds from clothing. We know from practical experience that it does its work well, and we take pleasure in recommending it.

   Rev. O. H. McAnulty, pastor of the M. E. Church at Marathon, who conducted the Niagara Falls excursion in such a satisfactory manner, has made arrangements for an excursion to New York city on Tuesday. Oct. 23. Tickets are only $5.25 for the round trip and are good for fifteen days, the holders being allowed to return on any regular train in that time.

   The evening classes under the auspices of the Library Association will open Nov. 5. Classes will meet upon Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings of each week, continuing from 7:30 till 8:30 o'clock. A small tuition per month will be charged to meet the current expenses of the school. The Board of Education have granted the use of the cobblestone school-house on Church street for these classes. No person already in school will be admitted to these classes.

   Mr. E. M. Santee has bought the interest of Mr. C. I. Page in the photograph gallery corner of Main street and Groton avenue, and will hereafter conduct the business alone. This gallery has become noted for issuing fine work—some of which is superior in style and finish. Mr. Santee will of course maintain its high reputation, and with Mrs. C. E. Selover, whose retouching shows true artistic skill, in charge of the finishing department, our readers will not need to hesitate where to go for correct, artistic portraits. See advertisement.

Escaped from Jail.

   About 5 o'clock Monday afternoon, a young man by the name of Robinson, who is employed about the court-house, went to the jail door in answer to a signal made by one of the prisoners and was pushed into the jail some distance by one Riley, who was out on good behavior and who followed Robinson to the door. The latter thought it was all in fun and gave the action no heed, as no one else appeared to be in sight.

   A prisoner by the name of Ransom Pike was however concealed behind the door, and as Robinson staggered away under the influence of the push, he jumped out and ran aft without being seen by Robinson, who, when told by another prisoner some time afterward that Pike was gone, did not believe it until a search proved it.

    Sheriff Borthwick was away, but as soon as he returned a hunt was begun, but without success, and Tuesday forenoon postal cards describing Pike and offering a reward of $50 were sent throughout the country. He is about 35 years old, about 5 ft. 7 in. in height, thick set, very dark complexion, high cheek bones, full face, very dark heavy moustache, black hair, dark eyes, had on blue clothes, black slouch hat, and part of one thumb is gone. He was confined on a charge of abduction.

   Riley fled, too, but was caught at McGrawville by parties who arrested him on the suspicion that he had stolen a horse he was seen leading away. The sheriff in the meantime arrived there and sent him back to Cortland. He will undoubtedly receive his just deserts for conniving at the escape of Pike.