FAREWELL TO TAFT, PROPOSED PAN-AMERICAN RAILWAY, REV. J. J. MCLOGHLIN LETTER, AND CORTLAND SCIENCE CLUB

 

Judge William Howard Taft.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, Dec. 21, 1901.

FAREWELL TO TAFT.

Departing Governor Visited By Over 4,000 Members of Federal Party.

   MANILA, Dec. 21.—Over 4,000 members of the Federal party called on Governor Taft yesterday to bid him farewell and a safe return. The governor addressed 150 of the most prominent of his visitors, saying he was touched and honored by their presence. The organization, he added, had done so much toward bringing about peace and giving the country a stable party that it argued more for the success of American labors than anything else during the recent critical times.

   The reports circulated in the United States founded on incidents connected with the war in Batangas province and the island of Samar, the governor also said, tend to convey a wrong impression of the situation, which is really hopeful. Through its officers, the constabulary and provincial governments, besides 850 teachers, the commission had excellent means of acquiring information in the organized provinces, and it considers that there never was a time when there has been so much real ground for hopefulness and encouragement in regard to the attitude of the Filipino people towards the civil government. The military disaster in Samar had created an unfounded feeling of uneasiness concerning the condition of the people of the rest of the archipelago. The war in Batangas and Samar kept up by misguided men furnished the only obstacle to obtaining liberal legislation on the part of congress.

 

Major General Adna Chaffee.

General Chaffee Is China's Friend.

   MANILA, Dec. 21.—The Chinese cruiser Hai-Chi has arrived here. Captain Hao, her commander, says he has a cruising commission. The object of his call here is to see General Chaffee, whom the Chinese consider to be the principal friend of the Chinese among the foreign soldiers at Pekin. Educated Chinamen, the captain says, know how much China owes to General Chaffee's influence with the foreign generals in 1900, and the uneducated Chinese are being taught that their greatest friends among foreigners are the Americans.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The Proposed Pan-American Railway.

   The proposition advanced some years ago to construct a line of railway lengthwise across this hemisphere is revived by the submission of a scheme for such a road to the pan-American congress by ex-Senator Henry G. Davis of the United States delegation. In a statement as to the practicability and necessity of an intercontinental railway ex-Senator Davis offers these recommendations:

   First.—That a railroad connecting all or the greater part of the nations represented in the conference will contribute powerfully to the development of the natural interests of the said nations.

   Second.—That the said railroad ought, as far as common interests permit, to connect the principal cities scattered along its route.

   Third.—That if the direction of the road cannot be changed for the object stated in the foregoing article without great inconvenience branches should be built to connect the chief cities with the main line.

   Fourth.—That in order to lessen the cost of work existing railroads be utilized as far as possible and as far as compatible with the location and purposes of the intercontinental railroad.

   Fifth.—That all the material necessary for the construction and operation of the railroad be declared free from port duties, while taking suitable measures to prevent abuses.

   Sixth.—That property, real and movable, of the railroad employed in construction and operation of the road be exempted from all national, provincial, state and municipal taxation.

   Seventh.—That the realization of a work of such magnitude deserves to be encouraged by means of subventions, land grants or guarantees of minimum rate of interest.

   Eighth.—That the railroad be declared forever neutral in order to assure freedom of traffic.

   Ninth.—That the delegates to the conference recommend with all possible earnestness to their several governments the granting of liberal concessions to the enterprise in such form as may appear most suitable to each government.

   Mr. Davis, who was formerly United States senator from West Virginia, is a thoroughly practical railroad man, having large interests in transportation enterprises, and has doubtless thought out the scheme in detail, being convinced that it could within reasonable time be put upon a paying basis. It is estimated that the pan-American railroad, with a trackage of something over 5,000 miles, would not cost more than $200,000,000 for construction and equipment. The line would not be long, nor would it cost as much nor be as difficult to build from an engineering point of view as Russia's great Trans-Siberian road or indeed some of our transcontinental lines. Considerable portions of the mileage could be appropriated from existing north and south lines in the various countries through which it would pass.

   Aside from its great commercial advantages the pan-American railway would have a salutary political effect. It would bring all the Americas closer, and better acquaintance would lead to better understanding and greater international friendship. The running of a railroad and telegraph through Central and South America would enable them to adjust their differences more quickly and therefore more easily and would obviate many of the petty wars which have greatly retarded their development and prosperity.

 

A Communication.

  To the Editor of the Standard:

   SIR—I noticed in the Syracuse Post-Standard of this morning that the unfortunate Edward Dunn, convicted of a heinous crime [sodomy] and sentenced to the Elmira reformatory has declared himself to be a Catholic. I wish to correct this statement. He may have been baptized a Catholic, but to my knowledge has not practiced it. Had he been a practical Catholic, he would never have been accused of this repelling crime.

   Respectfully, Rev. J. J. McLoghlin, [pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Cortland, N. Y.].

 

Adjourned Meeting on Dee. 30.

   At the special meeting of the Church Protective union held last Monday evening it was decided to hold the next meeting on Monday evening, Dec. 30, at the home of Mrs. Moore, chairman of the sick committee, 155 Tompkins-st., Cortland, N. Y. The newly elected officers will be installed and light refreshments will be served. A conveyance will be at the lodge room doors at 7:30 to carry all who wish to go for the sum of 10 cents. All are invited to go and to carry something good to eat.

   BY ORDER OF COMMITTEE.

 

HUSTLING ON THE E. & C. N. Y. R. R.

Many Difficulties to Overcome, but Many Men at Work.

   The Erie & Central New York Railway company is lending all its energies toward opening its line, which was badly damaged by the flood of Dec. 15, and if no further delays are experienced the company will pass trains over the entire length of the road on Christmas day.

   The work on the line has been seriously delayed by the necessity of having to send away for a pile driver, also by the fact that the large timbers that have to be used in the work of repairing the bridges, have to be hauled long distances by teams. These timbers have to be cut and sawed before they can be used, and the work cannot go on as fast for this reason as it otherwise might. More than 100 men are employed in making the repairs, and a dozen teams are doing the hauling. The Baltimore men interested in the railway [owners] have written to Mr. Tisdale authorizing him to draw upon them for any amount necessary for the repairs.

   All the bridges that were damaged have been repaired except the bridge at the Wellington farm near McGraw and the bridge near Reubens station. At the Wellington bridge the men have to contend with eight feet of water, and at the Reubens bridge the channel, which was formerly 40 feet wide, is now 70 feet wide.

   When the extent of the damages done to the roadbed, the facilities of the company for making repairs and the condition of the weather are taken into consideration, it will be readily seen that the company has done exceedingly well to progress as far as it has with the work of clearing away the debris and making good the parts of the roadbed that were carried away.

 

Mr. Gearhart as Shylock.

   The Shakespearian reading given last evening by Mr. E. B. Gearhart at the Homer-ave. M. E. church under the auspices of the Brotherhood of St. Paul of that church was exceptionally well executed by the former pastor of that church. Mr. Gearhart has made an extensive study of the works of the great English poet, and his theme for last evening, "Shylock," was handled in a masterly manner.

 

Major Aaron Sager.

CORTLAND SCIENCE CLUB.

Dr. F. J. Cheney Discusses History as an Exact Science.

   The following report has been in type for several days, but has been crowded out each day by other local matter.

   Doctor Cheney's paper on "History as an Exact Science" read before the Cortland Science club on Saturday evening last, proved to be one of the most interesting papers yet presented to the club. The doctor [PhD] argued that history is not an exact science depending as it does on the character of the historian. A review of English and American history was made, and it was clearly shown where certain recognized historians disagreed and caused different historical characters to be presented to the world in entirely different lights., notably so in the character of Queen Elizabeth and other English rulers. While here at home the case of General Fitz John Porter was cited as an example of how difficult it must be to write with exactness regarding past events and the question was put, "How will the historian write concerning the Admiral Schley case?

   The speaker said that history consisted of informing the present of what the past had been doing, and the information comes to us through the minds of historians who are often influenced one way or the other by prejudice or a desire to prove some pet theory of their own, or perhaps, those who may be willing to prostitute their talents for preferment and personal gain, the historian Bacon being taken as an example.

   Where the work of the historian is honestly done, it is at best written only from second hand evidence and not from original research, as is the case with what are known as the exact sciences, and so a great deal of the work must be inexact.

   At the same time the speaker did not neglect to show clearly wherein history was of inestimable value to learning and showed at least, beyond the shadow of doubt, how that in the history of nations as in the life of man, that alone which was good, prevailed and was permanent.

   The committee appointed by the Cortland Science club to prepare a suitable memorial on the death of Major Aaron Sager, vice-president of the club, reported at this meeting and the following memorial was accepted and adopted:

   In the death of Major Aaron Sager this club loses one of its most valuable, useful and active officers and members. He was not only a charter member of the club, but one of the few who first discussed the possibility of forming such an organization, and to whom it owes its existence. From the outset he took a deep and earnest interest in it, and was always ready to do more than his share towards anything which promised to contribute to the benefit or enjoyment of his fellow members.

   In the special department of scientific study to which he gave his leisure hours, he was remarkably well versed, and pursued his work with an enthusiasm rarely seen in those who begin such studies late in life.

   His papers read before the club were always carefully prepared, full of valuable information and interesting to all who heard them. Socially, as well as in other ways, he was one of our most prominent and highly valued members, and his cherry greeting, genial humor and cordial manners will always be among our most pleasant recollections.

   To his family we extend our heartfelt sympathy in their sudden and heavy affliction, and join with them and with his many friends in this community in sincere grief over his loss. While we shall hear his voice and grasp his hand and see his face no more, he will live in memory and in the good which he has done to us and to others.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Homer letter on third page today.,

   —New display advertisements today are—Buck & Lane, Christmas gifts, page 6; A. S. Burgess, Clothing, page 8.

   —There will be three masses at St. Mary's church on Christmas day at 5, 8:30 and 10:30 A. M., and vespers at 7:30 P. M.

   —The children of the Presbyterian Sunday-school are requested not to bring presents Sunday, but to bring them Tuesday evening.

   —Sheriff A. R. Overton conducted James Belcher to the Onondaga County penitentiary this morning to serve a six months' sentence.

   —The magnificent display of one hundred thirty goldfish in the show windows of McGraw & Elliott today is attracting much attention of shoppers.

   —Forty-five Cortland Normal school graduates were on the Lackawanna train from New York that arrived in Cortland last evening.

   —There was a general exodus of Normal school students from Cortland last evening and this morning. The trains leaving the stations were all crowded.

   —Dynamite had to be used at Ithaca yesterday to break up the jam of debris in Six Mile creek, Ithaca, which accumulated there as a result of the flood.

   —The Ithaca Wallpaper company reports orders for 700,000 pieces more than it can possibly make by March 1, and is at once to increase its capacity. It will also double its capital stock.

   —Work is again being done in placing the new fire alarm wires on the poles of the Home Telephone Co. The north and east loops are completed, and the south loop is all that remains yet to be strung.

   —Driscoll Brothers, owners of a big lumber yard in Ithaca, estimate that they will recover only about 10 per cent of the lumber that was washed out or their yard during the flood last Saturday night.

   —There are said to be 6,000 cubic yards of gravel in Cascadilla creek, Ithaca, as a result of the flood that have got to be removed at once to permit the cellars of people in the vicinity to dry out. The contractor thinks he has got a heavy job on his hands.

 

TUNNELS UNDER NORTH AND EAST RIVERS, DECEMBER FLOOD, SAMUEL CHILDS OF SCOTT, AND SNYDER HILL

 

North Bergen, N. J., tunnel tubes entrance.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, Dec. 20, 1901.

OUR NEW YORK NEWS.

MARVELOUS RAILROAD ENTERPRISE IN CONTEMPLATION.

Tunnels Under North and East Rivers—Trains to Run Into Heart of the City—Water Main Bursts and Does Great Damage—No Sunday Open Saloon—Wealthy Tramp.

   New York, Dec. 17.—President Cassatt of the Pennsylvania Railroad company announces an enterprise that will stir even the imagination of a generation trained to take the vast and the marvelous as a matter of course. A tunnel from New Jersey deep down under the North River and Manhattan Island to the heart of New York city and then on beneath the East River to Long Island—it is a stupendous engineering feat, but think of its involvements. Transportation conditions to New York will be completely revolutionized. Without any disturbance of the surface, the Hudson and East Rivers will practically cease to exist as barriers between New York and its natural suburbs and between New York and the rest of the country. And the Pennsylvania will destroy the monopoly of the present New England railway lines, will make Long Island all over again, and perhaps—who knows?—a few years may see realized Austin Corbin's dream of the eastern end of Long Island as the terminus of the Atlantic steamship lines. The tunnels will cost in the neighborhood of $40,000,000 and it is expected that trains will be running within three years. The tracks will be thirty-six feet under the street level at the station, which will be located between Thirty-first and Thirty-third-sts., and Seventh and Eighth-aves.

   ◘ By the bursting of a four-foot water main under the trolley tracks at Madison- ave., last Wednesday night, that thoroughfare was converted into a lake, causing immense damage. The big four-foot main in Madison avenue had broken and the water came to the surface through the cable car slot and the tracks in the asphalt. The pavement was uplifted by the force of the Croton [reservoir] current.

   The Madison avenue line of cars was put out of commission in a few minutes and word was sent to the powerhouse to cut off the electricity. Long lines of darkened cars stood in the avenue. Passengers alighted and gathered on the edges of the fast-spreading lake.

   The Fifty-fifth street stream became the width of that thoroughfare, and on the north side of the street overflowed into the depressed areas and filled the cellars, drowning out furnace fires and doing great damage.

   At Park avenue the flood poured into the New York tunnel, covering the rails there six inches deep and stopping traffic. A construction car with a red danger-light was placed on each of the submerged tracks. The railroad men gathered their entire yard force at the scene of the flood.

   There is a down grade at the point of the bursting pipe in Madison avenue, and the water ran to Fifty-sixth street in a torrent, and naturally turned east on that street, also to Park avenue. But just before reaching that avenue the flood struck an upward rise which diverted it to both sides of the street, and soon the cellars of all the houses on both sides of the block were filled with water.

   ◘ Supporters of the incoming city administration who advocate a more liberal excise law for New York city than the present one have practically abandoned all hope of inducing the legislature to pass a Sunday opening bill. They admitted to-day that it would be impossible to get a majority of either the senate or assembly to vote for such a measure even if it were within the range of possibility that the governor would sign it. Nevertheless they will keep up the agitation in the hope that some amendments, however trivial, will be made upon the present law and an exception will be made in the case of New York city, whose population is mostly different from that of other parts of the state in regard to the question of personal liberty.

   ◘ A "funeral stenographer" is one of New York's functionaries. She is a young woman skilled in the art of shorthand writing who attends the obsequies of people of prominence and wealth and jots down in her note-book all the complimentary things the preacher says about the deceased. If mourning relatives desire, she transcribes these notes and either arranges them in book form or engrosses them upon parchment, for which she receives adequate and sometimes exceedingly liberal compensation.

   ◘ Poorly clad, unshaven and with a ragged sweater, a man was arraigned before Magistrate Brann in the Centre Street court yesterday, and gave his name as Martin Jordan. Policeman Pfeiffer arrested him on West Broadway, near Warren street for begging.

   "Your Honor, I was hungry and had no money," he began.

   "What is that?" exclaimed Pfeiffer, "why he had in his pocket a bank book of the Emigrant Savings bank calling for $2,200."

   "Is this so?" demanded the Magistrate.

   "Yes, your Honor," responded the man, quickly shifting the ground of his defense, "I had just made a deposit and I was not begging."

   "You ought to be flogged," said the magistrate. "1 fine you $10."

   Jordan refused to pay and was taken to the Tombs [city jail] to serve out the fine.

 

Brookton trestle, Tompkins County, N. Y.

A DECEMBER FLOOD.

GREATEST AND LONGEST DOWNPOUR IN MANY YEARS.

Immense Damage in All Directions—Railroads Tied Up—Bridges Swept Away—Cellars Filled With Water—McGrawville Gets it in Full Force—Landslides Everywhere.

   The magnitude of the destructive storm which was felt throughout central and southern New York last Saturday night is so great that one is at a loss where to begin the narrative. It was the most terrific rain storm that has swept over this section in years. For the first time since 1874 Cortland was practically isolated from the outside world for at least two days, no trains reaching this point from any direction on Sunday and Monday except a special from Syracuse on Monday, which went no farther south than Cortland.

   The storm began Saturday afternoon at about 4 o'clock, when after a day of warm, almost humid atmosphere, rain began to fall in torrents. Premonitions of a coming cold wave had been sent by the weather bureau, and the general expectation was that after a brief season of rain, Old Boreas would make himself felt and that a snow storm would follow. This prediction was partially correct, for the cold wave and snow put in their appearance precisely as advertised, but at a later hour than was anticipated. The rain fell incessantly until 3 o'clock Sunday morning, making eleven hours of tremendous downpour. The result of such a heavy fall of water could not be otherwise than disastrous, and from all directions come reports of heavy damage by flood, cellars being filled with water, railroad trains blocked by landslides and washouts, bridges carried away and many other forms of devastation.

   The 7:09 Saturday evening train from Syracuse on the D., L. & W. did not reach Lisle until Sunday afternoon and was then obliged to return to Marathon on account of high water at south of Cortland, at various points between Kellogg's crossing and Marathon, the track was covered with landslides. The train from Syracuse due here at 11:48 Saturday night remained here until Monday morning, when it ran to Syracuse from Cortland as the regular 6:11 train.

   Supt. A. H. Schwarz and Train Master G. C. Ferris came from Syracuse and accompanied the work train south; they found the Saturday evening train at Messengerville, and with the aid of all the section men that could be secured the tracks were cleared so as to allow the train to reach Lisle. Here it was found that the track was under water to quite a depth and that a bridge just below the village was probably unsafe. The train was then backed to Marathon, where it remained until Monday.

   On the Lehigh road the track was open between Cortland and Ithaca. Nearly one thousand feet of track was washed out between Cortland and Loring's station, and between Rippleton and Delphi several bridges were carried away. The train due in Cortland Saturday night at 8:07 from the east started out from Truxton and came out a mile towards Cortland, and the conductor deciding it unsafe to proceed farther, the train was backed to Truxton. Later they started out a second time, but after going a mile and a half they abandoned the trip, and being then unable to return to Truxton, were obliged to remain where they were until Monday night.

   The west end of Madison-st. felt the effects of the flood, because of the filling up of the bed of a creek running from near the brick school-house to the Tioughnioga river, and L. E. Burnham's property was considerably damaged, his strawberry beds being gone entirely, and his walks carried away. John W. Suggett also met with the loss of considerable cinder path walk. It is hoped that the city authorities will clear out the natural bed of the stream so that further trouble of like nature may be avoided.

   The Cortland County Traction company suffered serious loss by the flood, the track near the river bridge being washed away, a section of the track near the Wickwire farm on the McGrawville line badly damaged, and the company's bridge at McGrawville practically destroyed.

   Near the park junction the track was under water to the depth of a foot, and the bed of the creek at the Bean bridge was entirely changed, the track being washed away for a long distance. By transferring, passengers were conveyed from Cortland to McGrawville Tuesday. The damage to the company is great.

   Cooper Bros.' foundry on River-st. was flooded and damaged to a large amount by the water. The Wallace Wallpaper factory cellar was filled with water, and considerable damage done to stock. Early Sunday morning the city steamer was brought out and an attempt made to pump out the water, but the engine became disabled and the scheme was abandoned.

   The Erie & Central New York company, better known as the Cincinnatus road, suffered severely and trains will not be operated this week, probably. Four or five bridges are washed out and the track in some places is under several feet of mud. Manager Fredericks has been superintending repairs and is doing his best to open communication with eastern towns.

   The damage in Ithaca is placed as high as $400,000. On the north side of Six Mile creek, just at the foot of State-st. hill, one dwelling house was carried away, and Sunday morning not a trace of it could be found. The power and lighting plant of the Ithaca Street Railway Company was washed out and two trolley cars were swallowed up in the torrent. All street car traffic was suspended and the city left in total darkness. In addition all the gas mains were flooded and at night the only available source of light was found in oil lamps. The entire lumber yards of Driscoll Bros., together with large planing mills and a lumber kiln, was undermined and swept away. Several bridges in Ithaca and vicinity were swept away. Two or three steam buildings near Mill-st. and Campbell Bros.' lumber establishment were swept down Cascadilla creek, causing a huge dam at Cayuga-st.

   The Lackawanna train from Ithaca Saturday night was stalled at the top of the hill. The train got as far as Caroline Saturday night but was prevented from continuing its way because of a washout at the station. The engineer started to bring the cars back to Ithaca but was held up at the top of the hill. The passengers were compelled to walk to the city through the storm.

   The Lehigh trains are prevented from making the trip to Elmira because of the unsafe condition of the high trestle at Brookton. Three of the foundations which support the 100 feet trestles have been undermined. The structure now practically swings in the air.

   McGrawville came in for its share of the storm which passed over Central New York Saturday evening. From a common sprinkle, which commenced about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the rain gradually increased in force until Trout and Mosquito creeks became raging rivers. The banks of both streams overflowed and soon became unmanageable. Mosquito creek tore loose from its natural bed and forced a new channel down through the center of North-st., doing an immense damage to the property owners on both sides of the street. From there it wended its way down across Main-st., moving sidewalks from their moorings, filling cellars and washing out roads in its mad flight towards Trout creek. It will take weeks to repair the damage. At the Rogers House corner a deep gully was formed, into which several pedestrians fell during the darkness. Several instances of narrow escapes of cattle and horses are reported. A. P. McGraw's corset factory cellar became inundated, the damage to stock being estimated at $25,000. The box factory also suffered a loss of about $1,500. The Empire Corset company's building had about fifteen inches of water in the cellar, but as their stock had not arrived, the damage is slight. The Cortland County Traction company loses heavily by the undermining of the bridge crossing Trout creek, west of the village, and the crossing of its tracks by debris. The creek at this point left its natural bed and formed a new channel, tearing away the banks for a distance of 200 feet. The E. & C. N. Y. railroad bridge spanning Trout creek was undermined and destroyed. The fire companies were called out and did good service in patrolling several very dangerous streets. Several amusing experiences are reported by pedestrians, who had narrow escapes from becoming "good Baptists." The iron bridge spanning Trout creek in the west end of the village was moved from its foundation and dumped into the stream. Several thousands of dollars damage will be the result of the Storm King's visit to McGrawville.

   The Auburn division is most seriously damaged by the washouts between the station and Renwick where the tracks have been washed out for several feet. The ties are held together only by the rails.

   Over in Dryden the dam, located above the village, burst and flooded the entire town. Henry Foster, night watchman at the dam, attempted to give a warning of danger. As he was crossing the bridge with a horse and carriage he was swept into the stream. The horse and vehicle were lost, but Foster escaped.

   The flood from Dryden lake carried out three railroad bridges and the Southern Central division of the Lehigh, between the lake and Dryden village, and undermined the roadbed in a great many places. Nearly all the sidewalks on Main-st. were torn up.

   At Norwich the authorities caused the fire alarm to be rung to warn the people of the dangers that threatened, not from fire but from flood.

   At Painted Post the entire village was under water all of Sunday, and the water was two feet deep in most of the dwellings.

   Oneida was badly flooded, the heaviest losers being the canning factory which will probably lose $30,000 worth of seed peas stored in a large warehouse.

   At Rome two hundred families were without fuel Sunday night, and the authorities distributed coal to houses in boats. Thousands of dollars damage was done to the double track road recently constructed by the Utica Suburban company. The roadbed from Rome to Oriskany was under water and the greater part of it washed away.

   The worst flood ever experienced in Syracuse occurred Sunday, when Onondaga creek rose six feet in a period of less than nine hours, and overflowing its banks, spread devastation in all directions. Five hundred families were driven from their homes by the deluge. Property was damaged to the extent of $25,000. No life was lost, as far as known.

 

HON. S. A. CHILDS OF SCOTT, N. Y.

   One of the most well known men in Cortland county is Hon. Samuel A. Childs of Scott. For years he took an active part in politics and represented Cortland county in the state assembly in 1879 and 1880. He was supervisor of Scott seven years, and chairman of the board in 1877. He was the town war committeeman throughout the civil war, and enrolling officer for Scott and Preble during those dark days. During all of these years he was staunch and true to the people he represented and was a most efficient and faithful officer.

   The Childs family originally came from England, Ephraim Childs emigrating from that country in 1630 and settled at Roxbury, Conn. After him came Benjamin Childs, who had seven sons, but they eventually left Roxbury and settled in Woodstock, Conn. One of these sons is the lineal ancestor of Hon. Samuel A. Childs. His parents were Charles and Mary (Hemstraught) Childs. His father was a carder and cloth dresser by trade. He was always a life-long Democrat and reared five children. Elias W. Childs resides in Jamesville, Wis., and he married a sister of Gen. Joseph Hawley, formerly United States senator from Connecticut. Marcus W. Childs resides near Owego. Lucy, widow of D. H. Whitney, resides at Campville, Tioga county. Hon. Samuel A. Childs was born in the town of Owego, January 25, 1830. He obtained his education by attending public schools and at the Cortland academy. He left school and taught when only twenty years of age, for a number of winters, five of them being in Scott. He afterwards took charge of a farm of 120 acres near Scott. He was married to Lucelia O. Whiting of Scott, and has two children, Ernest W. Childs of Scott and Henry W. Childs of Syracuse. His wife died Sept. 24, 1879, and on March 25, 1893, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Niver of Scott, she dying in January, 1901. He is a Republican in politics. Since the death of his last wife he has resided with his son Ernest, but his former active part in life during his younger days has had a decided tendency to bring a restlessness that is hard to live down to-day. The snow of over 70 winters has turned his hair white, a gentle reminder that his life's journey is nearly ended and that the time is not far distant when he will be called to enter upon that journey ''from whose bourne no traveler ever returns." But he lives with the knowledge that he will leave behind him in a name a monument that will stand the storm long after marble and granite have crumbled into dust. May he live many years yet to enjoy the fruits of his younger days is the wish of the Democrat.

 

The Location of Snyder Hill [in Cortland County].

   In reply to a very anxious South African subscriber as to where "Snyder Hill" is, the Democrat hastens to reply. Until that inquiry was received it was not believed that there existed a person in the whole civilized world, with the possible exception of South Cuyler and East Pharsalia, who did not know where "Snyder Hill" is, or was, before the flood gates were opened last Saturday, so it is a question now whether the "Snyder" and the "Hill" are still there or have not moved off into space and taken up an abode on another planet. If the "Snyders" have moved, possibly a few years hence a new unknown satellite may come swinging into space again that will be hailed by our advanced astronomers as being an advance guard on a visit here from the Planet Mars.

   Strange things are happening nowadays, it is not known for certain but it is surmised that our subscriber may be looking for a "future resting place" for the Boer president, President Kruger, where the horrors of "Spionkof" may be forgotten. If such is the case a more ideal spot could not have been selected. Jesse James could have lived here a life of perfect security and possibly have lived to have seen five score of winters, had he only known of it.

   And now in answer to the original query. If our anxious subscriber (?) will drop down into his back and look straight at the dark spot of land that he will see nearest the sun, this will be "Snyder Hill." It is not located on the map, but exists just the same, or did. The railroads do not run there, the reason being given that modern machinery is useless in attempting it. Messengerville is the nearest station. From there one can learn of many strange happening on Snyder Hill. John Truck of Auburn [prison] can tell a whole lot about "Snyder Hill." He used to know a man named Miller [victim of murder] who formerly resided near there. There are others who could if they would. Some of them won't. However, it is sufficient to say this, that many, many years ago, so the legend runs, a man by the name of "Snyder," having a dog named ''Snyder'' it is presumed from which the descendants of Old Rip Van Winkle's dog ''Snyder'' undoubtedly ''sprung," in his haste to escape from the arms of an angry female, left home one fine spring morning to become a hermit. He landed on a spot where he could overlook the country for miles around. That spot was "Snyder Hill."

   Several years ago afterwards, others followed on a similar errand until the time arrived when "Snyder Hill" became quite an extensive "Eveless Eden," where contentment reigned and peace and harmony prevailed. This continued on for several centuries when this "haven of rest" was disturbed by one of the new comers bringing a wife with him. Whether his name was Miller or Shevalier history fails to chronicle. Possibly it might have been Blose, Woodard or Barry, all of these are now residents of "Snyder Hill," (by the way, all take the Democrat, too).  Since those early days, however, since the advent of the first female among them, many changes have taken place, possibly for the "worse," but it is to be hoped for the better. But to-day it would be difficult to find a more hospitable community than that which reside on Snyder Hill, this being possibly due to the soothing influence exerted by the good people of Blodgett Mills, Messengerville and East Virgil. Some of the best farms and finest looking residences are located on Snyder Hill. After one reaches the pinnacle, one feels a home-like feeling of contentedness creep over the entire body. The welcome a stranger receives is cordial and comes from the heart and one is apt to ask the question if "Snyder's" ghost does not still haunt these regions.

   Certain it is there are few places in this part of the world more pleasant, where the residents are as cordial, where more contentment dwells, where sin less [sic] exists, where the Garden of Eden is any nearer, than this same "Snyder Hill." We believe it.