Sunday, June 29, 2014

A SQUARE HIT AND A CLEAN KNOCK-DOWN



William H. Clark
The Cortland News, Friday, February 15, 1884.
A Narrow Escape.
   The Democratic party has had many a defeat in the last twenty-five years. In fact defeat has been the rule, and the rule, nationally speaking, has been without an exception. But it never had such a narrow escape from the charge of felony as last week, when it came near going to prison in a body.
   Times were getting dull in Cortland. We hadn't had a scandal in a month, and it had been nearly three months since the genius who presides over the Cortland Standard had pitched into anybody. Even the Standard block was being deserted for dullness, when the "gentleman from the peppermint district" conceived the brilliant idea of indicting the Democratic party!
   So last week, with a copy of his paper in his hand, he proceeded to the grand jury room, where he had a few of his pals on the grand jury, and proceeded to cleanse the Augean stables. He told what he knew about the Democratic party, and probably some things he didn't know, and when he got through the Democratic party stood where every thing Clark has opposed in this town has always been left by him—away ahead.
   Clark got just four out of a full grand jury to vote against laying the whole matter, including himself, upon the table! What next!

Taylor Hall Block
CORTLAND AND VICINITY.
   Town meeting next Tuesday.
   The Normal opened on Wednesday with very encouraging prospects.
   Open winter weather has prevailed so far this month. Much rain has fallen and the streams are very high.
   Rev. Mr. Annable preached an interesting discourse on temperance last Sunday evening at the M. E. church.
   The firm of C. F. Baldwin & Co, has been dissolved, Mr. Harlow B. Jones retiring. Mr. Baldwin will hereafter conduct the business.
   Mr. Dobbins, of Homer, has begun the cellar for a house on Arthur street, and Mrs. A. Huested has let the contract for a house on the same street.
   Mr. Henry Dillon is to receive a benefit in the way of an entertainment at Taylor Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 20. A number of local actors, vocalists and musicians will take part.
   [Taylor Hall was built in 1865 and dedicated in 1866. It was destroyed by fire in 1960. It was located on the west side of Main Street between Orchard Street and West Court Street--CC editor.]
   Jay & Smith began business as dealers in boots and shoes in the Standard building last spring. Last week their goods were boxed up and sent out of town. Cause—too heavy rent and other expenses and too light trade.
   Mr. Robert Beard was married on the 6th inst. to Miss Carrie Peck, daughter of Mr. Lyman Peck. We take pleasure in extending congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beard, and sincere wishes for their health and prosperity.
   A temperance meeting will be held in Taylor Hall next Monday evening, which will be addressed by Rev. Thomas J. Bissell, of Brockport, N. Y„ who has the reputation of being a fine speaker. The Groton Glee Club will be present.
   On Wednesday evening, Feb. 20, the Young People's Association of the Methodist Church will hold its regular meeting at the residence of Dr. J. H. Hoose, No. 34 Railroad street. A fine programme has been prepared, and a very enjoyable time is expected.
   A fox-chase at McGrawville on Saturday will afford sportsmen some excitement. The entrance fee is $1.00, entries to be made at Gardner's hotel before 12:30 on that day. The purse is $12, divided as follows: $6 to first, $3 to second, $2 to third, $1 to fourth. Dogs to start at 1 o'clock sharp. Shake purse afterward.
   The Normal school at Cortland was never in a more prosperous condition than during the last term. The attendance was unusually large. The spring term begins on Wednesday next with every prospect of success. Dr. J. H. Hoose, the principal, is too busily engaged in his many cares for the welfare of the school to stop and kick every cur that barks at his heels.—Cor. Elmira Telegram. That's a square hit and a clean knock-down; and we wonder how editor Clark feels now.
   "Mclntyre Squad, Jr.," of Homer, will on Saturday evening of this week appear in Keator Opera House, Homer, in connection with an entertainment by the Choral Union, comprising solos, duets, choruses, etc., and the laughable little opera, "King Alfred." Messrs. Parsons and Williams will appear in character songs." Squad, Jr. will be arrayed in new suits and as comical as ever in their comicalities. Fun and enjoyment will be the order of the evening. Admission, 25 cents.
   A case which has excited considerable interest in. town was that of the suit of Mrs. Almenia Butler against the [village] trustees on account of injuries received by falling in a hole in the sidewalk fronting the premises then owned by Mr. A. J. Stout, now occupied by the Wells block, on Clinton avenue. The case is reported in our court proceedings. The Judge in his charge said that the trustees of the village had full control of the sidewalks, and they were liable for damages sustained by a person by reason of defects in or obstructions on a sidewalk. In this case the trustees cannot recover of the owner of the premises, as Mr. Wells came into possession some time after the accident happened, and therefore is not liable. We opine that hereafter people will have less reason to complain of defective sidewalks.
   A company to furnish Cortland with water has been organized in this village with a capital of $100,000, of which Joseph E. Eggleston, Esq., is president, Charles W. Parker vice-president, E. Keator treasurer, and J. S. Bull secretary. The plan is to pump water from Otter creek to a reservoir to be constructed on court-house hill, from which pipes will conduct the water to houses, etc. The contract for building the water-works has been let to Hinds, Moffatt & Co., of Watertown, N, Y., on condition that the Cortland Water-Works Company can make arrangements with the corporation for water for fire purposes. The benefits to be derived from this project are numerous and apparent to all. It will increase the value of property, reduce fire insurance, insure health and property, and in short be really invaluable in all respects. We trust that it will be pushed to a speedy conclusion.
   [The February 15 issue of The Cortland News did not contain an entry about Cortland's Wagon Company fire, which was discovered at 11 P. M., Thursday, Feb. 14, 1884. The News reported the fire on Friday, February 22, 1884----CC editor.]




Election of Officers.
Chicago, N. Y., Feb. 12, 1884.
   At the regular meeting of Elm Tree Lodge No. 596, International Order of Good Templars, held Feb. 5, the following officers were installed:
L. D.—L. L. Gillett.
W. C. T.—C. E. Baldwin.
W. V. T.—Carrie Harmon.
W. Secretary—M. W. Baldwin.
W. Treasurer—N. J. Munson.
W. T. S.—J. G. Nye.
W. Chaplain—Sarah Davis.
W. M.—Mina Allen.
W. D. M.—Clark Franklin.
W. I. G.—Clara Davis.
W. O. G.—Clinton Lamont.
R. H. S.—Mrs. C. H. Phillips.
L. H. S.—Alice Niles.
P. W. C. T.—Charles Ellsworth.
M. W. BALDWIN, Sec.

[Chicago was a hamlet west of South Cortland--CC editor.]

No comments:

Post a Comment