CITIZENS' CONVENTION

Photo copied from Grip's Historical Souvenir of Cortland.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, March 2, 1895.

CITIZENS' CONVENTION.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING AT TAYLOR HALL.

A Full Ticket Put in the Field—Dr. F. W. Higgins Named For Village President.

   There was a large and enthusiastic gathering of citizens of all parties at Taylor hall last night assembled in response to the call previously issued to put in nomination a ticket for officers to be voted for at the coming village election on March 12. Many of the prominent political leaders of the village were there and assisted with their counsels. Many were present too who are not wont to be seen at such gatherings. The ministers were out in full force. One clergyman was heard to remark as the preliminary machinery of organization and administering of the oath was gone through with, "This is all new to me. I was never present at a caucus or convention before." But he and others like him in this respect were doubtless very largely in the minority in this assembly, for it consisted in large degree of many of the most solid business men of the place.

   The enthusiasm was marked. There were earnest and impassioned speeches during the evening and these were punctuated by frequent bursts of applause.

   It was just 8 o'clock when the meeting was called to order by H. L. Gleason, secretary of the Hitchcock Mfg. Co., who nominated for chairman of the evening, Prof. D. L. Bardwell. The professor was elected and took the platform.

   B. L. Webb nominated the following secretaries who were duly elected:

   First ward—George P. Yager.

   Second ward—W. F. Kelley.

   Third ward—Herbert W. Knight.

   Fourth ward—William S. Hoxie.

   H. L. Gleason nominated as tellers M. H. Yale and H. B. Greenman, who were elected. This completed the organization of the convention and the customary oath was administered by Mr. Gleason.

   Prayer was offered by Rev. J. L. Robertson.

   The chairman then made an earnest and lengthy speech in which he referred to the causes which had led to this movement. He mentioned some of the objections which had been made to this method of procedure to secure the enforcement of law and gave his answer to them. He concluded by asking the pleasure of the convention.

   Dr. L. H. Pearce then read the following statement regarding the independent movement and, upon his motion, it was adopted as the platform of the citizens' organization.

   —In view of the fact that for the past two years intoxicating drinks have been constantly and openly sold in Cortland in violation of law, not only to adults but to minors, not only to moderate drinkers but to habitual drunkards, not only on weekdays but on Sundays, till the violation of law has become most pronounced and defiant, and the evils flowing from it are most deplorable; and notwithstanding the fact that the will of the people as expressed at the last four town elections is emphatically against the licensing of the sale of liquors as a beverage, we, citizens of the village of Cortland assembled in convention irrespective of political party affiliations, on this the 1st day of March, 1895, declare that the unlawful sale of intoxicating liquors in the village of Cortland should cease and all laws against vice and immorality should be enforced; and that such officers should be elected at our next charter election as shall be pledged to do all in their power to enforce the existing laws in this village and to suppress vice, immorality and crime.

   Reports from ward caucuses previously held were called for and were presented. M. H. Yale reported for the First ward, and stated that a caucus was held at his home, 40 Prospect-st,, on Tuesday evening, Feb. 26, at which Benjamin L. Webb was nominated for trustee in the First ward, and Richmond J. Lucas and Lewis I. Hatfield were nominated for inspectors of election.

   L. R. Lewis reported the Second ward caucus held at the Homer-ave. M. E. church on Wednesday evening, Feb. 27. Over seventy-five representative citizens were present. George J. Miller and Eugene W. Bates were nominated as inspecters of election.

   H. L. Gleason started to report for the Third ward, but, as he himself said, almost forgot to give the report, so interested did he get in speaking of the movement and its anticipated results. His speech was full of witty points. He finally reported a caucus held at the office of the Hitchcock Mfg. Co. on Thursday evening, Feb. 28, and the nomination of James J. Glann for trustee and Joseph G. Jarvis and Clarence N. Tyler for inspectors of election.

   H. M. Kellogg reported the Fourth ward caucus held at the office of the Cortland Cart and Carriage Co. on Wednesday evening, Feb. 27, and the nomination of Frank A. Phelps and William L. Fox as inspectors of election.

   The chairman then announced that nominations were in order for the office of president of the village. Dr. F. J. Cheney [principal of the Normal School] took the platform and presented the name of Dr. F. W. Higgins for that office, giving a glowing eulogy of the nominee, not only as a man who would enforce the law, but as a man of ability in other directions, a man of affairs. His speech was warmly applauded.

   On motion of Dr. Pearce, Dr. Higgins was nominated by acclamation, not one voice dissenting. The announcement was greeted with prolonged applause.

   Dr. Higgins was called for, but was nowhere to be seen. Dr. Cordo was requested by the chairman to find him and escort him to the platform. That gentleman rose to his feet with alacrity with the exclamation, "Where is he?" Dr. Higgins was pointed out in the crowd at the rear of the hall where his modesty had prompted him to conceal himself during Dr. Cheney's speech. He was speedily led to the platform by the tall Baptist minister, and made a few remarks in which he pledged himself not to betray his friends by failure to discharge his duty if elected.

   Mr. Gleason then made the motion which was carried that in order that no question might ever rise as to the legality or the regularity of Dr. Higgins nomination, the tellers be instructed to cast a single ballot for Dr. Higgins for president. The ballot was cast and Dr. Higgins was again declared the nominee of the convention.

   H. M. Kellogg then nominated Charles W. Collins for treasurer, characterizing him as "one of the solid men of Cortland." On motion of Mr. Gleason, the tellers cast a single ballot for Mr. Collins and he was declared nominated.

   A. Sager nominated Ira Hatfield for assessor, and, on motion of Mr. Gleason, the tellers cast a single ballot for Mr. Hatfield and he was declared nominated.

   Frank A. Phelps nominated William S. Hoxie for collector, and, on motion of Mr. Gleason, the tellers cast a single ballot for Mr. Hoxie and he was declared nominated.

   Prof. J. E. Banta nominated for trustees of Union Free School district, No. 1, E. F. Jennings, J. A. Jayne and L. I. C. Hopkins. On separate motions of Dr. Pearce, H. L. Gleason and H. M. Kellogg, the tellers cast separate ballots for the three gentlemen and they were declared nominated.

   A. Sager made the motion which was carried that the convention approve  the action of the several ward caucuses and ratify their choices for trustees and inspectors of election.

   H. L. Gleason moved the election of the following committee to fill vacancies on the ticket: H. M. Kellogg, Dr. F. D. Reese, Dr. F. J. Cheney, B. L. Webb and H. T. Bushnell.

   George J. Miller moved an amendment that these five gentlemen also be a committee to call future conventions of the citizens' party. The chairman ruled the amendment out of order, as the law prescribes that such a committee shall consist of a representative of each ward and one representative at large and in this list of names the Third ward was not represented.

   Dr. L. H. Pearce moved as an amendment to the original motion the substitution for those names of the following, who should be empowered to fill possible vacancies and also to call future conventions: B. T. Wright, M. B. Yale, C. P. Walrad, J. J. Glann, H, M. Kellogg. The amendment and the motion as amended were both carried.

   The certificate of nominations was then made out, the acknowledgment of each signer being taken by H. L. Gleason, and the convention adjourned.

Lost His Balance.

   The driver of one of Garrity's omnibuses lost his balance last night in front of the Grand Central [block] while reaching back to dislodge with his whip some boys who were stealing a ride on the back step. The driver fell off and the horses, startled by the crack of his whip, hurried on up to Main-st.

   In front of the store of Ament & Brazie the omnibus upset and the horses were secured. No damage was done except for a broken window. The only occupant of the omnibus was the porter of the Cortland House who jumped out as soon as the driver fell off.

HOMER DEPARTMENT.

Gleanings of News From Our Twin Village.

   L. T. Adams has signed a contract with the Baker and Severson band of Binghamton for the coming season as tuba player. He will appear with the band for the first time at a sacred concert to be given in that city to-morrow. Mr. Adams is a skillful performer and his ability as such has been recognized by the musicians of the Parlor city.

   The new town board held its first meeting in the First National bank building on Thursday afternoon. Mr. Williston Rice was appointed member of the board of health from the township and Dr. F. H. Greene was reappointed health officer.

   Although the last election showed a decided majority for no-license it had no effect whatever upon the town clock. The hands have pursued their erring way without restraint and as far as its offices are concerned the passerby is unable to tell where he is at. "Why isn't the clock repaired?" and "Who is supposed to look after it?" are questions that are too frequently asked without being satisfactorily answered. For the good of the public, let the town clock be stopped or else be made to chronicle correct time.

   Miss Maude McDiarmid and Mr. William Atkinson of Truxton attended the party given at G. A. R. Hall last evening.

   A pertinent evidence of approaching spring is found in the rings on the sidewalks where the boys play "for keeps."

   A citizens' caucus will be held in the First National bank building on Tuesday evening, March 5, 1895 to nominate candidates to be supported at the next annual election of village officers.

   The last meeting of the present board of village trustees was held at the office of Clerk E. W. Hyatt in the Brockway block last evening. The bills of the month were audited and ordered paid and other routine business connected with closing up the affairs of the board for the year was disposed of Messrs. E. J. Bockes and E. W. Hyatt, the president and clerk of the board both made speeches acknowledging the assistance of the trustees in aiding them in the discharge of the duties of their several offices. After the meeting closed, the board adjourned to the Mansion House, where the president and the clerk entertained the trustees at a light lunch.

   During the past season there has been much complaint at the electric light service to which this village has been subjected and great dissatisfaction has been experienced by the general public who venture out after dark. The committee on lights have sent several communications on the subject to headquarters and the last reply they received from Supt. Dunston of the Homer and Cortland Electric company explains the cause of the recent decrease in light. It is as follows:

   To Mr. E. J. Bockes, President Board of Trustees of Homer village:

   DEAR SIR—Regarding the matter of lighting your town it has concerned us greatly that we have been unable to furnish your constituents better service. It now gives us much pleasure to inform you that a new arc machine has been ordered and will arrive in a day or two. Trusting that we will be able to give you satisfactory service in the near future, we are,

   Respectfully,

   CORTLAND AND HOMER TRACTION CO.,

   R. E. Dunston, General Supt.

Col. C. W. Wiles.

   The Delaware, O., Gazette of Feb. 27 is a souvenir number published particularly in celebration of the opening of the new state armory in that place and is devoted, largely to the interests of the local military company. It contains half-tone cuts of Governor McKinley and staff, also of the officers of the Fourteenth regiment, O. N. G., among the latter of which is Lieut. C. W. Wiles, adjutant of the Third Battalion, Fourteenth Infantry. The Gazette also publishes the following sketch of that gentleman:

   Col. C. W. Wiles was born in Cortland, N. Y. in 1843. During his younger days he was considered a thorough student and admired the good and the beautiful things of nature. He enlisted with the Tenth New York Cavalry in 1861 and was a faithful soldier for three full years. During his residence in New York he was engaged in the mercantile business and subsequently was appointed to fill the important position of superintendent of water works, then to which like position he was elected in Delaware in 1882, which dates his coming to Delaware April 12.

   Dec. 19, 1893 he was commissioned as Adjutant of Third Battalion and is serving in such a way that his work is a pleasure and satisfaction to his many friends.

BREVITIES.

   —Prof. J. E. Banta will preach in the Baptist church on Sunday evening.

   —Dr. H. A. Cordo will preach in Memorial chapel Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock.

   —A meeting of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will be held in Empire hall at 12:30 o'clock to-morrow.

   —The Prohibition village caucus will be held Monday evening, March 4 at 7:30 o'clock in G. A. R. hall over Burgess' clothing store.

   —Prof. D. L. Bardwell and Dr H. A. Cordo are to deliver addresses in McGrawville at a union temperance meeting on Sunday evening in the Baptist church.

   —The Athlete, which is published at Syracuse by Welch & Chapin, publishes this week a fine cut of Dr. and Mrs. E. M. Santee and daughter on their motor [cycle] tandem.

   —Just before 6 o'clock last evening Mr. F. N. Sherman badly lacerated his right hand on a broken window glass at Wickwire's mills. Dr. Henry dressed the wound.

   —Two of the numbers upon the musical program at the Congregational church to-morrow evening will be violin duets by Messrs. F. A. Mangang and Fred Hollenbeck.

   —The Y. M. C. A. class in penmanship will meet on Tuesday evening of next week instead of on Monday evening, as the teacher will be absent from town on Monday night.

   —Mr. and Mrs. H. DeWitt Call of East Main-st. delightfully entertained twenty-eight of their friends last evening at drive whist. Thirty hands were played and some very appetizing refreshments were served.

   —Bear in mind the Republican village caucuses on Monday night, March 4. The call for them, designating the places and hour, appears at the head of the editorial column on the second page. Every Republican should be on hand.

   —Mr. A. L. Barnes of the firm of Mowrey & Barnes, organ builders of Utica, has nearly completed the work of putting up and tuning the new organ in the Universalist church. The organ will be used for the first time at the concert which is to be given in the church on Tuesday evening, March 5.

   —The Cortland correspondent of the Syracuse Post says that the net receipts of the woman's edition of The STANDARD were $9,000. Doubtless the ladies would be more than pleased if such were the case, but as it is they will be very glad and will think they are doing well if the sum reaches $1,000, and there is a prospect now that it will do so.

   —Mr. A. M. Dewey, an expert in the employ of the U. S. government Bureau of Labor, author of one of the chapters in the "Cyclopedia of Temperance and Prohibition" and for years a lecturer on various temperance and economic questions, will speak at the Homer-ave. church to-morrow evening on "The Eleventh Commandment."

   —The Central House barn back of the billboard on Railroad-st. was thought to be on fire at about 7 o'clock last evening. The flames appeared to be coming from the peak of the roof. Just as an alarm was about to be sounded the supposed fire was found to be the sparks caused by a grounded connection of an electric light wire. It was soon fixed by a lineman.

THE THIRD FIRE.

The Squires Block Has Another Narrow Escape.

   The third fire which has occurred in the Squires block [clock tower] within the past few weeks was discovered shortly before 2 o'clock this afternoon in a pile of rubbish in the south room of Gleason & Lane's plumbing store. Box 432 on the Messenger House corner was unlocked and the lever was pulled down, but the bell would not ring. In the meantime a bucket brigade had been formed and the fire was extinguished. The walls and floors were scorched, but the fire was confined to the rubbish, which was scooped into the snow.