BUNCOED OUT OF $4,800 IN CASH AND THE COMMUNISM OF PELF

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, August 31, 1894.

BUNCOED OUT OF $4,800 IN CASH.

A Wealthy Farmer Reads the papers but Is Victimized.

   Yesterday afternoon Morris Weldon of Cramer's Corners, distant about ten miles from Fort Plain, bought a wooden box, a copy of the New York Herald, a copy of the Rochester Democrat, a type-written letter and a good-sized cobblestone for $4,800. To-day he twirls his depleted money bags and grimly hums to himself, "Tis the same old tale repeated."

   Weldon is sick of his bargain, and wants to trade back but the birds have flown with the hard-earned ducats which Weldon dug out of the Montgomery hills. Weldon was buncoed, flim-flammed, gold-bricked as neatly as ever sheep was shorn, and yet he claims that he reads in the newspapers weekly, stories of how his kind are fleeced. There is one phase, and only one, of the swindle from which he derives a little bit of consolation and that is that the $4,800 represents but a comparatively small part of what he is worth. His reputed wealth is close to $100,000.

   So old is the game and so often has its workings been aired in the newspapers that it seems hardly credible that one so guileless could be found even in so remote a place as Cramer's Corners. The story as told to the Police authorities by the victim at Fort Plain is substantially as follows:

   "At ten o'clock this morning a genteel sort of a fellow presented himself at my home, saying that his name was Wood and that he was employed in a Little Falls bank. He wanted me to go with him to examine a certain farm within a mile or so of mine which he claimed to be desirous of purchasing for a widow and her two sons. 
   "After we had driven about half a mile we were accosted by a man who wanted to know the direction to Fort Plain. I told him that he was on the right road. He started a conversation in which he said he was from Tennessee and that his people were well-to-do; that he had just returned from Buffalo where he had exchanged some Government bonds for cash. Wood insinuated that he was a tramp. This angered the man and unfolding the bundle he showed us $25,000. I asked Mr. Wood if he thought the money was good and he replied that it certainly was. He claimed to work in a bank and I thought that he must know. The stranger then told us he had been beaten out of $2,000 by a game in Buffalo. Mr. Wood asked him how it was done and the stranger produced three cards. Throwing them faces down, he bet Wood $100 that he could not pick out a certain card. Wood won. The stranger raised the bet to $5,000 and wanted to know if we had the money to pay if we lost. We replied that we had it in the bank. He agreed to wait until we got the money. When we arrived at Fort Plain I drew $4,700 from the bank, had $100 in my pocket and Wood had $200 so we had the necessary $5,000.

   "We met the stranger at Van Slyke's mill, about twelve miles from Fort Plain. Wood took my money and played it and won. The stranger then took the money and pretended to put it in the box. I thought he did put it in but it seems he didn't. Wood told me to take the box and the money. Then the stage came along and I walked a short distance to meet it and got in and rode away. After I had ridden about two miles I began to grow suspicious. The money had been all in bills and the box seemed to be pretty heavy for that. I shook it and heard something rattle inside. Then I made up my mind that I was the victim of the gold brick swindle. The driver thought I was too. I hired a horse and drove here at once."

   Chief of Police Mereness opened the box with an axe and found that it contained some papers and a good-sized stone. The trains were watched, but of no avail.

   Mr. Weldon who is between 60 and 70 years of age, described the men as follows: Wood was rather of slight build, light hair and complexion, wore a light suit of clothes, straw hat and was smooth faced. The stranger wore dark clothes, had dark complexion, dark hair and moustache, wore a felt hat and was taller than Wood. Both are apparently about 35 years of age.

   The story comes from Little Falls that the fellows stopped Thursday night at the Girvan House in that village, and yesterday morning hired a livery rig at Randall's stable and drove to Van Hornesville. After making the haul they drove to Fort Plain, where they boarded a train, sending the rig back to Little Falls by a man whom they paid $3.— Utica Observer, Aug. 18.

N. Y. Central R. R. Engine No. 999 in Syracuse, N. Y.

Over a Mile a Minute.

   The 999 is still the queen of all locomotives. Her run of 439 1/2 miles in 425 3/4 minutes stands as a world's record, and her mile in thirty-two seconds has never been equaled in this or foreign countries. But it is more than probable that within the next few months the New York Central officials will order one of these records broken by another engine, and will then give the 999 an opportunity to enter the record-breaking business again.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

  

◘ Fourteen State conventions so far have decided that United States Senators should be elected by the people.

  

◘ Republican papers are greatly disturbed for fear the new tariff will prove to be of some benefit to foreign countries. So long as it brings prosperity to this country it matters not to us if it does benefit foreign countries.

  

◘ The response made by St. Clair McKelway, editor of the Brooklyn Eagle, to a proposition to make him a candidate for governor, is both original and suggestive. Mr. McKelway says: "The Buffalo Evening Times nominates one editor for governor and another for lieutenant-governor on the Democratic ticket. The first man peremptorily declines, for he holds both offices already. He is governor where he works and lieutenant-governor where he lives, and that is all he wants."

  

◘ The bad actors and actresses are getting it from all sides nowadays. This from the Boston Traveler: "Education, long training, and a study of human nature are no longer necessary to success in the dramatic profession. James Corbett, the prize fighter, can make more money than John Drew; the Carters, Pollards, and other execrable, unclean and unmentionable hussies, attract larger audiences than Modjeska, Rehan, Cavyan or Janauschek. Brodie, the uncouth, illiterate, boorish bridge-jumper and Bowery rumseller, draws audiences that neither Booth nor Barrett could have brought out in their day. Is it really the drama or its patrons that is degenerating?"

  

◘ Through all the "'slime and mire" of the late Tariff struggle, with clean hands and untarnished reputation, comes one man, the senior Senator from this state, David Bennett Hill. Whether he be in the right or wrong—whether we be his admirer or the reverse—it cannot be said but that he has been clean, consistent and all things considered, generous. No suspicion of improper relations with corporate influence, no suggestions of compromise with that which he has asserted to be undesirable, can be laid at his door. All who love fair play and respect sincerity—be they Republican or Democrats, cannot withhold their admiration for the qualities the Senator has displayed in this struggle.—Marathon Independent.

A Practical View.

   The tariff bill as passed is a depressing defeat for the honest tariff reformers in the House, and it is a barren victory for the Senators who loaded the bill down with McKinleyism. The tariff will indeed be reformed. The McKinley bill will be repaired, but the humbug and evil of protection will still remain too large. The Sugar trust instead of being deprived of all protection has the McKinley protection of one half a cent a pound reduced to one eighth of a cent a pound. The woolen duties are reduced from an average of upwards of 95 per cent, to less than 45, which is still too high. Soft coal and iron ore, which ought to become free, are slightly reduced. The bill is simply an improvement. It does not settle the question of tariff reform. But it takes a long stride away from the abyss into which the McKinley law was leading the business interests of this country. The people have not fought so long for tariff reform to be satisfied now with so small a measure of reform. It will be accepted for what it is worth, but not as a settlement of the question. The position of President Cleveland, of Chairman Wilson, of Senators Jones and Mills is the position that the people do and will stand upon. It is a position which has the support of a large Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, of 36 Senators and a large majority of the people of all parties. Special interests are not going to be permitted to stand forever in opposition to the will of the people.—Hudson Register.

Grover Cleveland.

WHY IT WASN'T SIGNED.

PRESIDENT CLEVELAND DISCUSSES THE TARIFF BILL IN A LETTER TO HON. T. C. CATCHINGS.

"There Are Provisions in This Bill Which Are Not in Line With Honest Tariff Reform."

   WASHINGTON, August 27.—President Cleveland has written the following letter to Representative Catchings, of Mississippi, in which he sets forth his views of the new tariff law and gives his reasons for not signing the bill:

   Executive Mansion, Washington Aug. 27.

   Hon. T. C. Catchings:

   My Dear Sir—Since the conversation I had with you and Mr. Clarke, of Alabama, a few days ago, in regard to my action upon the tariff bill now before me, I have given the subject further and most serious consideration. The result is I am more settled than ever in the determination to allow the bill to become a law without my signature.

   When the formation of legislation, which it would hope would embody Democratic ideas of tariff reform, was lately entered upon by the congress, nothing was further from my anticipation than a result which would not promptly and enthusiastically endorse.

   I do not claim to be better than the masses of my party, nor do I wish to avoid any responsibility which, on account of the passage of this law, I ought to bear as a member of the Democratic organization. But there are provisions in this bill which are not in line with honest tariff reform and it contains inconsistencies and crudities which ought not to appear in tariff laws or laws of any kind.

   And yet it presents a vast improvement to existing conditions. It will certainly lighten many tariff burdens that now rest upon the people. It is not only a barrier against the return of mad protection but it furnishes a vantage ground from which must be waged further aggressive operations against protected monopoly and governmental favoritism.

   The trusts and combinations—the communism of pelf—whose machinations have prevented us from reaching the success we deserved, should not be forgotten nor forgiven.

   I love the principles of true Democracy because they are founded in patriotism and upon justice and fairness towards all interests. I am proud of my party organization because it is conservatively sturdy and persistent in the enforcement of its principles.

   I cannot be mistaken as to the necessity of free raw materials as the foundation of a logical and sensible tariff reform. The extent to which this is recognized in the legislation already secured is one of its encouraging and redeeming features; but it is vexatious to recall that while free coal and free iron ore have been denied us, a recent letter of the secretary of the treasury discloses the fact that both might have been made free by the annual surrender of only about seven hundred thousand dollars of unnecessary revenue.

   When we give our manufacturers free raw materials, we unshackle American enterprise and ingenuity, and these will open the doors of foreign markets to the reception of our wares and give opportunity for the continuation and remunerative employment of American labor.

   With materials cheapened by their freedom from tariff charges the cost of their product must be correspondingly cheapened. Thereupon justice and fairness to the consumer would demand that the manufacturers be obliged to submit to such a readjustment and modification of the tariff upon their finished goods as would secure to the people the benefit of the reduced cost of their manufacture and shield the consumer against the exaction of inordinate profits.

   The millions of our countrymen who have fought bravely and well for tariff reform should be exhorted to continue the struggle, boldly challenging to open warfare and constantly guarding against the treachery and half-heartedness in their camp.

   Tariff reform will not be settled until it is honestly and fairly settled in the interest and to the benefit of a patient and long suffering people.

   Yours very truly,

   GROVER CLEVELAND.

Bogus Non-Partisanship.

   It is interesting in considering the proposed increase of the Members of Assembly from one hundred and twenty-eight to one hundred and fifty, to look at the table which shows where the appointment committee of the Constitutional Convention intends to locate the additional twenty-two assemblymen. Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Jefferson, Monroe, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Suffolk counties are to have an additional assemblyman apiece. Judging from the election returns of the past ten years, every one of these additional Assemblymen will be Republicans. The increase of Kings county is only three and in New York county five. These are the only Democratic counties which have any increase whatsoever.

   It would save time and space in the Constitution should the committee simply report that hereafter the legislature shall be Republican. The matter is to be further cinched by inserting a provision that these Assembly districts shall not be disturbed until the next century.

   For square, honest, partisanship we have every respect, but for the hypocritical pretense which is hid away with certain of these propositions to amend the Constitution, no citizen of the State of New York should have anything except contempt.—Albany Argus.

HERE AND THERE.

   Myron J. Glover, Esq., has been appointed postmaster at Texas Valley, N. Y.

   The Maude Hillman Co. are playing to good audiences in the Opera House this week.

   The Cathedral team of Syracuse were downed by the C A. A. base ball club on the Fair Grounds last Saturday afternoon. Score 13 to 1.

   On our third, sixth and seventh pages will be found the new tariff bill and a comparison between it and the McKinley bill. This information should be preserved.

   The young [bear] cub brought home by Ed Robbins and party from the North Woods last week may be seen at Robbins' tobacco store where he has already made many friends.

   Mr. F. A. Blanchard of Stonewall Farm is exhibiting his fine stock of Chester white swine at the Hornellsville fair. He also has charge of several fine specimens of Mr. J. Heath's Poland Chinas.

   The E. C. & N. road expect to have four new Pullman day coaches delivered to them this week. They were to have been delivered about June 1st last, but the strike at the Pullman shops delayed the work.

   Last Monday some young rascals done considerable damage to Graham's sand bank on the Truxton road. They used seives for targets and rolled rocks from above into the bed. Mr. Graham proposes to prosecute them.

   Miss Lottie Reese, [age 15,] the little girl who was so severely burned by fire in the Standard building last April, died from her injuries last Monday morning. She had been cared for at the Cortland Hospital since she was injured.

   The regular monthly meeting of the board of managers of the Hospital association, will be held at the hospital Monday, Sept. 3rd at 3 P. M. A good attendance is desired.

   The injunction proceedings begun by the S. & B. Railroad Co. to restrain the Cortland & Homer Traction Co. from crossing any of their tracks in this town has been abandoned and the matter has been satisfactorily arranged.

   The deer brought home by Messrs. H. H. Robbins, E. Robbins, C. L. Kinney, E. C. Rindge and Art Stevens from the North Woods, was cut up last Saturday and the DEMOCRAT returns thanks for some generous slices of the venison.

   Wickwire Bros. are erecting a new building on the south side of their factory to be used as a tower for painting their wire cloth. It will be 30 x 30 feet and 70 feet in height. Beers & Warfield do the mason work, and N. P. Meagher has the contract for the carpenter work. It will be ready for occupancy by Oct. 1^st.

   W. G. Mead has an advertisement in another column.

   W. J. Hollenbeck's Sterling wheel which was on his front porch at 35 Union-st. last Sunday evening, is lost, strayed or stolen.

   Mr. J. H. O'Leary has erected a building at 165 Tompkins-st. and put in a fresh stock of groceries. He solicits a share of the public patronage.

   All carriers and clerks in the post office in this place are trying to ride bicycles. They are Silver King and were purchased of the Hitchcock Mfg. Co. in this village.

   Manager Jacobs expects to run horse cars from the corner of Main-st. to Clinton-ave. to the S. & B. station to-morrow. The track is nearly completed down Clinton-ave. to Church to Railroad, down Railroad to the station.

   Geo. S. Cady of Glen Haven has taken the contract to furnish the Cortland and Homer traction company with two hundred oak and chestnut poles to be used for stringing their Electric wires at two dollars each. Mr. E. Arnold gets fifty cents each for drawing and delivering same along the line.

   Dr. and Mrs. D . D. Campbell of Syracuse, who have been spending some days in town, were most agreeably surprised at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Purvis, 19 Union-st., last Saturday evening. About eighty of their friends assembled and during the evening a well-filled purse was presented to them in honor of their "Crystal wedding" which occurs to-day.

   While returning from a visit to friends in Summer Hill one day last week, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Edgcomb and daughter Lena, were thrown from their carriage. The accident happened on the gulf road near Robey's mills about three miles west of this village. The horse was frightened by a bicycle rider and ran up the steep bank overturning the carriage. Fortunately the horse was stopped and no one seriously hurt, although Mr. Edgcomb was imprisoned under the overturned vehicle.

   The following teachers in the village schools have resigned: Mrs. M. A. Rice goes to live with her son in Brooklyn, Miss Helen M. Seacord accepts a place at Windsor, Miss Elizabeth Turner has accepted the tutorship of music in the public schools, Miss Mary E. Hunt has a better salary in the city schools in Binghamton, and Miss Anna McNamara has resigned. The following teachers have been employed to fill their places: Mrs. M. Hattie Furber, of Marathon, Miss Mabel C. Graves, Miss Lena V. Lovell, Miss [Lucia] Day, Mrs. I. A. Benedict and Miss Agnes Grady. This gives one more teacher than last term and a new room will be opened in the Owego-st. school.