Tuesday, March 28, 2017

THE PRESIDENT'S HAWAIIAN MESSAGE AND CORTLAND'S BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR 1894


Grover Cleveland.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, January 19, 1894.

The President's Hawaii Message.
From Harper's Weekly.
   We risk nothing in saying that no fair-minded person can read President Cleveland's message on the Hawaiian affair without coming to the conclusion that the President and the Secretary of State are absolutely right in every position they have taken with regard to this unfortunate business. No state paper concerning a similar subject has ever come from the Executive office that reflected more honor upon our government, and of which every patriotic American citizen had more reason to be proud. It sets forth once more in a plain, clear, and candid way the well-established facts of the overthrow of the Hawaiian government by a small band of conspirators under the instigation of the American minister and with the aid of United States troops—facts so well verified by documentary proof and all manner of conclusive evidence that the most unscrupulous partisan mendacity has not been able to obscure them.
   It is well that the President's message shows more fully than it has been officially shown heretofore how the American minister had for years been bent upon accomplishing the annexation of the Hawaiian Island to the United States; how he had yearned for the "golden hour" of opportunity; how he had asked the State Department to permit him to use the United States forces in Hawaiian waters for purposes beyond the mere protection of the American Legation and of the lives and property of American citizens; and how, when he thought the "golden hour" had arrived, he used the United States forces even to the extent of committing an unjustifiable act of war against a friendly government.
   What interests the American people most at the present moment is the conduct of our own government under such circumstances. The government of Hawaii had been stolen, and offered to the United States in hot haste by the thieves. President Harrison—so Mr. Cleveland generously presents the case—was misled by artful misrepresentation into a hasty acceptance of the stolen goods, and submitted a treaty of annexation to the Senate. But Mr. Cleveland's administration, having taken office fortunately before annexation was consummated, easily detected that there was a grave discrepancy between the assumption of Mr. Harrison, that "the overthrow of the monarchy in Hawaii was not in any way promoted by this government," and the protest of the Queen, declaring that she had surrendered to the superior force of the United States, and that she therefore confidently submitted the case to the enlightened justice of the government of this republic.
   It was in obedience to the simple dictate of common honesty that President Cleveland withdrew the annexation treaty from the Senate, and sent a man of high character and of known ability and experience to Hawaii to ascertain the facts. Mr. Blount, the agent selected, had enjoyed the rare distinction, when leaving Congress after many years of service, of carrying with him expressions of the highest regard from leading members of both political parties. No man ever thought of questioning his universally recognized integrity until, after a conscientious endeavor to ascertain, and with a firm determination to speak the truth, he told the whole story of the theft of a country, and thus incurred the rage of those who found themselves balked in the iniquitous attempt to profit from the disgraceful transaction.
   We have now before us in the President's message a frank statement of the steps taken by the administration after the truth was known. "Our country," says the President, "was in danger of having actually set up a temporary government on foreign soil for the purpose of acquiring through that agency territory which we had wrongfully put in its possession. The control of both sides of a bargain acquired in such a manner is called by a familiar and unpleasant name when found in private transaction," In other words, our agents had taken the first steps to put upon the country the guilt and ignominy of an unmitigated act of fraud and robbery. It was the duty of an honest government to do all in its power to retrace those steps, and thus to clear the name of the country of the foul spot.
   So far as the President, within the constitutional limitations of his power, could redress the wrong that had been done by the agents of the government, it was his plain duty, to do so. He honestly tried to perform that duty, and in making the attempt he did not forget the consideration due to the circumstance that those who had taken an active part in the overthrow of the Queen's authority had been encouraged by the American minister, without whose aid they would not have undertaken the venture. The President, therefore, while offering his good officer to the Queen as a mediator between herself and the provisional government, insisted that if returned to power she would grant a general amnesty to those concerned in the sewing up of the provisional government, and a recognition of all its bon fide acts and obligations. This was eminently humane and proper in every sense.
   The Queen has not seen fit to accede to this condition. On the other hand, the wild shouting of the jingoes and of Republican partisans in this country has made the provisional government in Hawaii believe that it has a majority of the American people at its back. These two circumstances have conspired so far to frustrate the efforts made by the President and the Secretary of State to conciliate the differences in Hawaii and to vindicate our national honor. This is not their fault. They have done what it was in their power to do, and are henceforth clear of responsibility. The President, mindful of the limitations the Constitution imposes upon him, refers the matter "to the extended powers and the wide discretion of the Congress." He will gladly "cooperate in any legislative plan which may be devised for the solution of the problem before us which is consistent with American honor, integrity, and morality." True to these principles, he will, of course, not resubmit the annexation treaty to the Senate.
   This is as it should he. The President and the Secretary of State have done their duty. Now let the unscrupulous ranters in Congress who have so wildly vociferated against the administration show what remedy they have to propose, consistently with American honor, integrity, and morality. Mere denunciation will no longer serve. On the bare assumption that the President had ordered the Queen of Hawaii to be reinstated by force of arms, without authority from Congress, they have hurled against the President vilification without measure, even to the threat of impeachment.
   The message, showing that the President has remained strictly within its constitutional limits, covers them with confusion and shame. They are exposed as wanton calumniators. Their rage may grow more desperate, but it will also become more harmless every day. "If national honesty is to be disregarded," says the President, "and a desire for territorial extension, or dissatisfaction with a form of government not our own, ought to regulate our conduct, I have entirely misapprehended the mission and character of our government, and the behavior which the confidence of our people demands of their public servants."
   Let the President rest assured that, the demagogues notwithstanding, the American people are neither fools nor knaves. Their conception of the mission and character of our government corresponds with his own. Their sense of justice will stand by him, and turn his severest trial into his most signal triumph.


Lawrence Fitzgerald.
BUSINESS BETTER.
A Representative of the Democrat Visits the Factories in CortlandEncouraging Words Received From All—1894 Starts off Right with Prospects of a Good Business During the Year.
   The year 1894 starts off with very encouraging prospects, as far as the factories in this place are concerned, and business seems to have taken on a brighter aspect and everything seems to point to a successful trade in the manufactured goods that are shipped from Cortland to all parts of the world.  A representative of the DEMOCRAT called at all the factories in this place on Wednesday last, and from those who ought to know, the following facts in regard to the state of trade at the different places, were obtained:
   At the office of the Cortland Wagon Co., President Fitzgerald informed us that they were doing a good business for the time of year, and that the number of orders received each day was fully up to the business of a year ago. Indications for future trade were encouraging and fully equal to those of the past two or three years. Collections, he said, are good, and we look for a lively spring and summer trade. Quite a force of men are kept at work, and each day, as fast as more men are needed they are employed, and it is expected that by March 1st, this great industry will be running on full time, and the full force of men will be at work.
   At the Hitchcock Manufacturing Co.'s works, there is every indication of thrift and their trade has been better, all around, than it was the previous year. They have built over 4,000 high grade cutters and very few of them are on hand, and these could have been closed out had they been finished in time. Collections have been good with them, and they have employed, during the winter, about 250 men. Two large contracts for vehicles have been closed this week with jobbers in New York and Boston, and orders from smaller dealers are being received daily. They are putting their works in shape preparatory to getting out their line of wagons and carriages for the seasons trade, and work will be commenced in a few days. The Hitchcock company are producing a better grade of work than ever before, and it is to this fact that they attribute much of their increase of trade. Plans have been put forth to supply the demands of an anticipated larger trade during the year, which they have every reason to believe they will receive. They have some new special jobs that it is expected will be great sellers, among which are a new high grade surrey, the new empress surrey, with basket panels, and hand-buffed leather top, and the empress buggy, all are attractive jobs and will please the trade. Mr. Hitchcock has been in the South for several weeks selecting timber for use in the factory, which will soon be on hand to be made up in the different styles of vehicles that will be put on the market this year.
   The Cortland Omnibus and Cab Co. are at present busy sending out their annual catalogue which has just been issued. They are employing few men in their works, but have a large stock on hand to meet the demands of trade. They are receiving a few mail orders, and will ship a large coach next week to Lynchburg, Va., and also a large dray to Beaufort, South Carolina. The company and their work were never in better shape to do business, said President Ellis, and when trade opens up we will be on hand with as fine a line of jobs as were ever put upon the market.
   Mr. G. C. Hubbard, of the Cortland Manufacturing Co., Limited, informed us that business with them was fully up to the standard of a year ago, and that they were running nearly a full force of work men eight hours a day. The trade he said starts slow, but collections are good, and we anticipate a good business during the year. Our agents are sending in orders and report prospects as good. The company is building stock ahead to meet the trade, which is in accordance with their sale of former years.
   The Cortland Cart and Carriage company started their traveling men on the road January 2, and orders are being received from them daily. The works were started up last Tuesday, and are running one-half their force eight hours a day. They report collections good, and that during the past year at least one-half of their customers have taken the advantage of discounts offered on bills, which is a good showing. Mr. Hatfield informed us that he looked for a good, healthy spring and summer trade, and that the company was preparing to meet the demand.
   Mr. W. H. Newton reported trade a little quiet and said that the present time was the dull season with him, but is receiving mail orders enough to keep a portion of his help at work. He reported collections good, but did not express an opinion as to the outlook in the future.
   At the Cortland Forging works we found a busy place. Mr. J. H. Wallace said that business was all that the company had anticipated, and that they were working a full force of men in all departments on full time. Some of the departments are obliged to work night and day in order to keep up with orders. Their pay-roll is the same that it was one year ago, when they were working a smaller force night and day. Collections are up to the standard and they employ 75 men. He thought the volume of business during 1894 would be less than it was last year. He expressed himself as pleased with the outlook, and said the company could not complain. The line of carriage goods manufactured by the company is among the best that is put on the market, and the company's rapidly increasing business is an indication that their goods are in demand.
   Mr. F. W. Collins, of the Howe Ventilation Stove Co., said that trade during the past season had been fairly good. The season for the sale of stoves closed some time ago, and the company are not employing any men about the works except in the office and the pattern room. Collections he reported good, and said that the company hoped for, and expected to have a larger business during the present year than it did last year. The general condition of their retail customers throughout the country was healthy, and their stock of stoves was known to be lower now than it had been, at this time of the year, in twenty-five years. This being the case the prospects for the stove trade the present year is certainly very flattering.
   The Cortland Carriage and Specialty Co., who are owners of the defunct Cortland Top and Rail Co. plant, are working 36 men in the exclusive manufacture of shifting-rails, and will increase the force to 50 men soon. This plant is now operated under the direction of a syndicate known as the Carriage and Specialty Co., with headquarters in Cleveland, O. The company is a solid one and has from five to six million dollars back of it, which ought to be a sufficient guarantee that the branch in Cortland will be kept running. The Cortland branch is now working on several large contracts, and will be kept in operation through the year.
   On calling at the office of the Cortland Harness and Carriage Goods Co., we found that Mr. Brewer, one of the proprietors of this concern, was out of town, but Mr. W. A. Dunn kindly gave us the state of trade here. The new year has opened up very promising and the company have made a large number of contracts. Business is not quite as good as it was one year ago, but they are satisfied with the outlook, and look for a prosperous year. They are working a two-third force, nine hours a day, and may possibly work ten hours a day next week.
   Wickwire Brothers' wire works are running night and day, in order to keep up with their orders. This is one of Cortland's most substantial industries and employment is furnished to 300 men the year round. They report collections as being good, and their trade somewhat increased. It is a busy place at this factory, and the outlook for future business seems to be good.
   At the Cortland Door and Window Screen factory we found a regular beehive in the way of industry. This factory has run on full time since last August, and will continue to run until July 1st, when the season closes. They have already placed as many contracts with jobbers as they did in a corresponding period last year.
   The busy season at the Cortland Chair and Cabinet Co.'s factory closed with the beginning of the year. Through the holiday season their sales were good, and they are now getting out new styles for the coming season, and anticipate a good business. They believe next season's trade will start slow, but expect to see it revive to some extent on February 1st. Their collections have been good, and they pronounce the outlook for future business as being very encouraging.
   Mr. Whitney, of the H. M. Whitney Co., says they are working about half their men. Their traveling men are all out, but do not return the usual orders. Collections with them are good.
   Mr. John L. McKee of the Foundry and Machine Co., says they are running their full quota of men, eight hours a day, and will soon work nine hours. In the foundry they draw a heat every day. Collections are good and there seems to be a good outlook for the coming season.
   At Cooper Bros.' foundry, Mr. George Cooper says they have been running their full force 59 hours a week every day since last spring and expect to continue the same, but he does not see any prospect for a a particular pick up in business for the coming season.
   At the Jones Mfg. Co., Mr. Lakey says, they are working about 25 men and the outlook seems a little better for the coming season though buyers are very cautious. Collections are a little better than last fall and orders are coming in.
   Our reporter also called at the factories in Homer, and was furnished the following information relative to the state of trade:
   The New York Wire-cloth Co. operate several mills which are all running. The one in Homer is working all the men they can accommodate thirteen hours a day. Their trade has not been affected by the times.
   The W. A. Brockway wagon works, of Homer, are working men in all departments, but not the full force, as business is not as heavy as a year ago. Their traveling men are all out but orders are rather light and collections a little slow.
   The Homer Mfg. Co. have been very busy working extra hands from eight to fifteen hours per day, to supply the sleigh trade. Two weeks ago at the close of that season, they laid off a few hands, but are now working their regular force on carriages. They will add six new designs to their catalogue this year and say, "we have no reason to complain of the state of trade."
   Newton Bros. are running their shirt factory at present about as they did last year, and the woolen mill to its full capacity night and day. Inventory, January 1, showed an increase of $10,000 for the business of 1893 over the previous year, with but little on the books. Their salesmen are out and meet with good success in disposing of goods. Their grist-mill is running as usual.

Suicide In Preble.
   Mrs. Lucinda Egbertson, widow of the late Alex Egbertson, of Preble, N. Y., suicided last Sunday morning by drowning in a well. Deceased lived with her nephew, Charles Hartman, two miles east of Preble village and assisted in the general household duties. Mr. Hartman who is an invalid, arose early in the morning and after building the fire laid down upon the sofa in the sitting room and fell asleep.
   Patsy Galvin, the hired man, arose soon after and went to the barn to attend to the usual morning work. At this time he says Mrs. Egbertson was up and preparing the breakfast. Upon his return from the barn Mr. Hartman was up but Mrs. Egbertson was missing. She had got the breakfast ready and evidently left the house but a few moments before. A careful search was made for her and she was found in the well head down. She had forced herself through a hole in the platform covering the well which was in size 10 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches. She was dead when found having been in the water at least an hour. Coroner Bradford was notified and he summoned a jury and adjourned the inquest until Jan. 24.

Perils of the Great Lakes.
   Capt. D. Doville, of Sodus Point, keeps a complete record of disasters to shipping on the lakes every year, and of the loss of life thereby. His record for the year 1893 places the total number of vessels lost at 56. They were valued at $1,240,000, and their cargoes at $2,212,558. The number of lives lost was 128. Of these 59 were lost on Lake Erie, 33 on Lake Huron, 15 on Lake Michigan, 12 on Lake Superior, 4 on Lake Ontario and 5 on Detroit River. The five deaths on the river, however, were not the result of shipwreck. Four were suicides and one a passenger swept overboard.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.
  
Last week the DEMOCRAT was disappointed in receiving its correspondence from Homer, and at the last moment copied the list of officers of the First National Bank of that place from the Cortland Standard, supposing it to be correct, but as usual it was incorrect. The following day the Standard called attention to the fact that we had copied its blunder and exhibited great satisfaction thereat. Most journalists feel a just pride in the completeness and correctness of the news published by them, but the editors of the Standard congratulate themselves only on the blunders they publish. If they corrected all of them there would be very little room for anything else in the Standard's columns.
  
Democrats in Cortland county should bear in mind that there are some changes in regard to the length of time that some of the officers to be elected at the coming town meeting will hold office. Supervisors and Town clerks who are elected next month, by virtue of an amendment to the [state] law that will take effect then, will hold office for two years, all other offices for one year. This change is made with the idea that these officers will be enabled to serve the interests they represent, by becoming better acquainted with the affairs of the county. If a supervisor makes a good record during his first year's service, he certainly ought to do better the second year. The Democratic party, when it has had control of the Board of Supervisors in past years, has made a record that it is not ashamed of. It has many men to-day within its ranks who are capable and would make good officials, and their names should be brought into prominence by placing them in nomination for the offices mentioned. The best and strongest candidates should be placed in nomination, and then turn out and elect them. Stay-at-home democrats have defeated many a good candidate, but we do not believe we have any of them in this county. If you have a choice as to a candidate, be present at the caucus and help to nominate him, then stand by the nomination until the polls are closed on election day.
  
The citizens' meeting held in Syracuse last week Thursday, said to have been called by the Onondaga Farmers' Club in opposition to the Wilson bill, turned out to be a great big sham. The meeting was advertised freely by the press of that city and the call was so worded as to give the impression that citizens, irrespective of party affiliations, were wanted to attend, and the laboring classes were especially appealed to. The general idea went out that the meeting was to be for the people, by the people and the people were to take an active part in it and discuss the merits of the Wilson bill, but when order was called, a republican was there to perform that duty, and he made haste to present to the citizens a list of officers for the meeting that were all republicans. Republican politicians were introduced as speakers, and they continued to "hold the fort" until the meeting closed. A number of prominent democrats and business men of Syracuse were present, prepared to oppose any fraudulent political doctrines that might be introduced, and when in a gentlemanly manner, they asked for recognition from the chair, they were hissed, and given to understand that all arrangements had been previously made and that there was no desire to change the slate. It was not a representative citizens' meeting, nor did the republicans intend it should be; it was called for the purpose of misleading innocent citizens into a trap, that when once sprung it would be hard to get out of. When avaricious politicians resort to such means to deceive the people, it is high time to show them up and present them to the public in the true position they occupy. This is another illustration of the republican politician's idea of protection. A few politicians and capitalists are protected, while the thousands of unemployed laboring classes are left to shirk for themselves.
  
Last week a sixteen-year-old coon was lynched without judge or jury by the citizens of an Ohio Town for killing an old man and his wife. Evidently the ghost of Joshua R. Giddings, the great abolitionist, is not stalking about McKinley's bailiwick to any considerable extent or such an outrage would not have been possible. This is not exactly a Southern outrage, but similar transactions in the south have called forth column after column of denunciation from our brethren of the Republican press. Up to date, we have looked in vain for a line of comment on this outrage in the columns of the Republican papers of this or any other state.


HERE AND THERE.
   Town meeting three weeks from next Tuesday, February 13.
   E. A. Northrup, of this place, has been granted a patent on a bicycle.
   Clarence Miller, of Scott, has purchased Mr. Choley's interest in the Cortland electroplating works.
   Our Scott correspondent this week describes a case of tuberculosis which recently was found to exist in a cow that was the property of J. B. Cottrell, in that place.
   Go to the Indigo Social to-night at the Universalist church. Admission free. Entertainment provided and Indigo refreshments served on the European plan. Everybody cordially invited.
   F. N. Harrington has disposed of his matched pair of black geldings to D. P. Morse, a jobber in boots and shoes in New York city, for $500. Mr. Harrington keeps them in Cortland until April 1st.
   The statutes of the state of New York make it a crime, punishable by fine or imprisonment or both, to willfully communicate false information to a newspaper for the purpose of securing its publication.
   The Cortland Union Bee Keepers' Association will hold their annual winter meeting at Good Templars' hall, Cortland, Saturday, January 27, 1894, at 10 o'clock A. M All interested in apiculture are earnestly invited to be present.
   Meetings are being held every evening this week, excepting Thursday, at the Presbyterian Church, which are addressed by the different pastors. Large congregations are present and a great deal of interest is manifested by those who attend.
   There were eighteen liquor cases that came up before Police Justice Bull last Monday morning. The defendants in each case appeared and were ready for trial, but no one appealing against them the cases were dismissed and the bail exonerated.
   There is a law in this state that provides that bells shall be used upon horses or their harness, or upon some portion of the vehicle when they are attached to sleighs or cutters. The law was passed for the protection of people crossing the highways or walking therein.
   Mr. Thomas Sweeney of Glen Haven, has purchased the cigar manufacturing business formerly conducted by Ellis Bros., in the Graham building, at No. 14 Port Watson-st. Mr. Sweeney will manufacture a choice line of cigars, including the well-known brands, "Standard," "High Grades," "El Triumfos," "All Clears" and "Emblems."
   The Cortland City Band expect to give their minstrel entertainment in the new opera house at Dryden soon. The company will contain 27 people, including the City Band, and will make a fine street parade on the day they appear there. We can assure the citizens of Dryden that the City Band Minstrels give a first-class entertainment, and one in every way entitled to their universal patronage.
   Mr. and Mrs. George Snyder, of this place, went to Whitney's Point yesterday, where they will reside, Mr. Snyder having engaged to work for a wagon factory. Last Monday evening a number of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. Snyder paid them a surprise visit, at their home on Groton-ave. During the evening Mr. N. P. Meager, in behalf of the visitors, presented to them a beautiful couch and four chairs. They were also the recipients of two center tables, the gift of friends present. The evening was very pleasantly spent in a social way, and greatly enjoyed by all present.
   A. S. Burgess has a new advertisement this week. Read it.
   Bingham & Miller make an interesting announcement to be found in another column.
   D. F. Wallace & Co., are entirely redecorating the interior of their store in the most modern style.
   Mr. J. E. Bliss is moving his custom tailoring business to the second floor of the Union hall block, where rooms have been refitted for him. He will open there next Monday.
   Dr. Higgins cut the cords of the left ankle of the infant daughter of William Woolsey, of McGrawville, to staighten a club foot. The operation was performed at the hospital and the child can return home to-morrow.
   Dr. Henry has been attending Garry, the 12 year-old son of Mrs. Sanders of Park-st. The lad suffered with peri-typhlets and last Sunday an operation was found necessary to remove the puss which had gathered around the vermiform appendix. He called Drs. Higgins and Dana to assist in the operation. It was very successful and the boy will be out in a few weeks.
   Last Monday morning, Mrs. Michael Coughlin, who lived alone near the [railroad] junction, was awakened to find her home in flames. She escaped with her clothes in her arms and roused the neighbors who sent in an alarm from box 413. The department responded, but the house was nearly consumed when they reached the scene. The nearest hydrant is 3,000 feet away and no water was thrown. The house and contents, on which was $500 insurance, was consumed.
 

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