END OF KIEHL CASE, JUDGE GRAY'S ADVICE, EDITORIAL, CHARLES G. MAYBURY, MILES OF CEMENT WALK, AND PECOS TRIBE INSTALLATION

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, January 9, 1903.

END OF KIEHL CASE.

Both the Defendants are Discharged from Custody.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY CONSENTS.

Grand Jury Not Yet Reported, But Has Finished Consideration of that Case—District Attorney Goes Immediately to Judge Eggleston and Consents to the Discharge of the Two Imprisoned Women Under the Certiorari Proceedings that Had Been Instituted Before Him by Defendants' Attorneys.

   At 2:45 o'clock this afternoon the grand jury finished its consideration of the case of Mrs. Maude C. Kiehl and Mrs. Addie Fenner, her mother, both of whom were under arrest on the charge of administering poison to William Kiehl, the husband of the former, and causing his death. Rumor at once spread from the grand jury room that no indictment against them was found. While no one would authoritatively affirm or deny this report its authenticity was strengthened by the fact that District Attorney T. H. Dowd proceeded at once from the grand jury room to the chambers of County Judge J. E. Eggleston and consented to the immediate discharge of both defendants under the certiorari proceedings which had been instituted before him by Davis & Lusk, the defendants' attorneys.

   If the grand jury has found an indictment it is a pretty safe conclusion that the district attorney would not have consented to the discharge of the defendants, but would have filed his briefs in answer to the arguments of the defendants' attorneys. Since he did not, but on the other hand consented to their discharge there is excellent ground for the belief of no indictment.

   An order was at once made out for their release, and was signed by the judge and was to be served upon the sheriff at once, following which the bolts of the jail will turn back and release the two defendants.

 

George Gray.

JUDGE GRAY'S ADVICE.

Expressed Hope Union Could Be Cleared of Riot Charge.

OFFENDERS NOT DISCIPLINED.

Incident Was Brought Out by Question of Commissioner Parker If Two Men Convicted of Rioting Had Been Expelled From the Union—Mitchell Knew of No Expulsions.

   Philadelphia, Jan. 9.—The principal feature of the proceedings before the coal strike commission was the exception taken by President Mitchell to a remark made by Chairman Gray that he would "like to see the miners' union come up out of the mire that is around the baser parts of it into the sunlight."

   The miners' president said the union should not be indicted unless a connection could be shown between it and acts of lawlessness. The head of the commission replied that he did not wish to indict the organization but hoped it would disentangle itself entirely from the violence and lawlessness committed during the strike.

   Outside of this incident the entire day was taken up in hearing the stories of non-union men or their relatives on alleged persecutions.

   The Mitchell incident was brought about by Commissioner Parker. Anthony Ferguson of Mahanoy City, outside foreman at the North Mahanoy colliery, testified that he was beaten while on his way to work; that he recognized two of his assailants as union men, and that they were prosecuted and convicted. Mr. Parker asked the witness if the men were expelled from the union for what they had done, but the foreman did not know. Mr. Mitchell has stated on the witness stand that all members of the union found guilty of crime are expelled from the union.

Interest in Mr. Parker's Question.

   Noting the interest the commission took in Mr. Parker's question, the lawyers of the non-union men called on Terrence Ginley, a member of the executive board of the union in the district where the assault was committed, for the information desired.

   Ginley said he did not know whether the local union to which the men belonged took any action, and he went on to give a long explanation of how the local unions and individual strikers used every means to disperse crowds and help maintain the peace. The actions taken by the local unions he said were principally advisory. He told of the attempt made to keep the peace at Shenandoah before the big riot there and added there had been no disturbance until the coal and iron police were sent to the place.

   Chairman Gray then asked: "So you wait for conviction by the civil authorities before disciplining your men? Do you think you can have effective discipline unless you make investigations yourself and bring the men up and punish them in same way? I ask you as a member of the order and as a man who would be glad to see your order come up out of the mire and the clouds that are around the baser parts of it, into the sunlight and into the air of free government and a free country."

   "If it is proven that our men have committed acts of violence, there is no question about our disciplining them," replied the witness.

Discussion of Shenandoah Riot.

   Then followed a discussion over the Shenandoah riot and the killing of a man and in reply to Mr. Mitchell's remark that it was not the miners who did it, Chairman Gray said: "But there was a crowd and as yet I have heard no evidence of a disciplining voice in that mob. No man there said: 'Shame on the cowards.'"

   Mr. Darrow—"You must not expect the railroad company to furnish that."

   The witness said that the union would prove that union men tried to prevent the riots, to which Judge Gray replied he hoped so.

   There was a further discussion on the subject and then Mr. Mitchell arose and said to Chairman Gray: "I do not know whether I quite understood you in expressing yourself to the witness as to your solicitude for the organization that it should rise above the mire or that part of it should rise above the mire."

   Chairman Gray—"Perhaps I may have been misunderstood. It was not an unfriendly wish that was expressed. I said I hoped it would lift itself out of the mire of the conditions created by these things which have been testified to, around its baser parts."

   Mr. Mitchell in reply said that, while the commission is going to determine all the questions that are being presented here, there is a greater jury passing on the attitude of the strikers. "As to the action of our organization and the position of the coal operators," he said, "there is no doubt in my mind that many of the witnesses are brought here, and do not come as witnesses ordinarily do, to testify against the strikers and indirectly against the United Mine Workers. It does seems to me, unless there is some connection shown between the United Mine Workers of America and acts of lawlessness, the organization should not be placed under any indictment at all."

   Chairman Gray said that he did not wish Mr. Mitchell to understand anything that he said indicted the organization.

   "I did hope," continued the commissioner, "that it would disentangle itself entirely from these scenes of violence and lawlessness with which the strike was attended. They may have been exaggerated, as you contend. I am not passing upon that now. We are not saying that the organization is responsible for every act of violence, and we only wanted to see whether the organization had interested itself in maintaining the order which you have advised, and whether it has disciplined those who actually were convicted of disorder."

   Mr. Mitchell said he did not know that any member of the union had been expelled, and added that unless more are convicted of violation of law the organization had no right to expel them and thus prejudice their case before the trial court.

   Chairman Gray said that Mr. Mitchell's point was well taken so far as concerns those under indictment, but what he wanted to know was whether any of those men were ever called up who had been notoriously engaged in illegal acts and whether they were subjected to discipline by the organization. This ended the incident.

   "Mr. Mitchell also testified that the union had spent nearly $400,000 in relieving the distress among the 30,000 or 40,000 strikers who were not members of the union."

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

American Investments In Mexico.

   There is much of interest and significance in a recent report of United States Consul General Barlow, stationed at the City of Mexico, to the state department at Washington touching American investments in the republic of Mexico According to his statement, citizens and former citizens of the United States have above $500,000,000 invested there now in railroads, mining and agricultural and manufacturing industries. About 70 per cent of this capital is invested in railroads, being four-fifths of all that is so employed in the country, and this has been a potent force in developing other interests. About $80,000.000 of American money is invested in mining, introducing improved machinery and methods which have not only opened new mines, but made old ones more profitable. Progress in agriculture is less marked, and little more than a beginning has been made in manufacturing enterprises, but in those directions there is promise of great advance yet to come.

   Mexico now buys 58 per cent of all her imports from this country and sends 80 per cent of her exports to our markets. Doubtless most, if not all, that appears as a balance against us is simply the proceeds or profits of investments there, which are remitted in the form of commodities whose value is realized on this side of the line.

   All this has come about by the development of a stable government, largely due to the long and salutary administration of President Diaz. The progress made by Mexico in the last quarter of century furnishes a lesson for other Spanish-American countries, which will rise in the national scale and advance in prosperity in proportion as they maintain just and stable rule, making life and property safe and encouraging foreign capital to engage in the development of their resources.

 

Charles G. Maybury.

HIS EASTERN TRIP.

C. G. Maybury Gives Impressions After His Return to Winona, Minnesota.

   The Winona Republican and Herald of Jan. says: C. G. Maybury has arrived home from a month spent in Western New York amid the scenes of his boyhood and early manhood. He removed from there to Winona in 1850, and it was thirteen years since he had paid his last visit to his former home. Mr. Maybury has made his home here for forty-seven years, living in the house which be erected on the lot bought soon after arrival here at the southwest corner of Sanborn and Lafayette-sts. Mr. Maybury was wedded in New York several years before removing to Winona and on the fifth of next September he and Mrs. Maybury will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

   In speaking today regarding his eastern trip Mr. Maybury said it had been very enjoyable, notwithstanding unfavorable weather conditions in the shape of severe cold and hard snows for a good part of the time. The places he visited included Marathon, Cortland, McGraw, Solon and Cincinnatus, all locations where he resided for a time in former years. He was born at Solon, and he spent Christmas there at the home of a brother. He spent New Year's at Marathon at the home of a sister, this being the place where he made his home for a couple of years after his marriage. At Cincinnatus, another place visited, he spent five years in learning the carpenter's and joiner's trade.

   Cortland was the largest place visited by Mr. Maybury on his present trip, that being the leading city in that section of New York. It is not as large in population as Winona, but Mr. Maybury says it presents the appearance of a larger city and has if anything a larger business district. He explains this by saying that the families there are not so large as in Winona and require more houses to live in. Cortland recently had an experience with a trust. One of these gigantic corporations wanted to absorb the Wickwire company plant at that place, engaged in the manufacture of wire, and made an offer said to be in the neighborhood of $1,000,000. The owners, however, on learning that the intention of the trust after acquiring the plant was to shut it down, refused to sell and thus throw hundreds of employees, residents of Cortland, out of work.

   Since his last visit Mr. Maybury reports the construction of a railroad through Solon, fulfilling the prediction made years ago by his father, who died in 1875, that a railroad would be built down that valley. The road is the Erie and Central New York.

   In general Mr. Maybury reports that farming conditions in western New York do not seem to have improved over what they were fifty years ago. Many of the farms near his old home have been allowed to run down to quite an extent, although there are others that are well kept up. Notwithstanding that he is now well along in years, as are his associates of boyhood days Mr. Maybury had the pleasure of meeting many of them again on this visit, the climate of western New York being apparently as conducive to good health as that of Minnesota.

   There is snow all the way between Winona and New York, the lighted depth being probably not less than 6 inches.

 

MILES OF CEMENT WALK

Laid in Cortland During the Last Two Years.

   A total of $2,189.08 was paid by the city of Cortland during the year 1902 on cement sidewalk rebates. The city pays a bonus of 3 cents on each square foot of new cement walks that are put down, and in the year that has just ended nearly three miles of this kind of walk were laid.

   Superintendent Becker states that in the year 1901 a little more than 3 miles of cement walks were constructed, therefore in the last two years 6 miles of substantial walks have been added to Cortland's list of permanent improvements.

 

Real Estate and Sales Agency.

   Mr. A. M. Schermerhorn has established in the Schermerhorn building in this city [Cortland] an agency for selling, letting and exchanging houses, city lots and farms; for negotiating loans on bonds and mortgages and for selling hay, grain, straw, horses and other property. He will not buy hay, straw or grain, nor have any depots for the same, but act simply as agent. For instance, if a farmer [has] for sale any such property, or if any one desires to buy, he has only to notify Mr. Schermerhorn and he effects the sale. Mr. Schermerhorn has already secured the agency for the sale of the choice and desirable city lots of the Randall estate in this city. He was for about fifteen years in the business of selling harnesses, wagons, sleighs and agricultural implements, and is well and favorably known throughout the county, and we can assure the public that he will promptly attend to all business placed in his hands, and will deal fairly and honorably with his patrons.

 

BURIED IN CORTLAND.

Hiram Sherman Who Died in Dresserville on Tuesday.

   The funeral of Hiram Sherman who died in Dresserville on Tuesday was held at the Masonic lodge rooms in Cortland this afternoon. Mr. Sherman was 74 years old and is survived by his wife. He was a member of Masonic lodge, No. 41, F. & A. M., and about thirty members of the Moravia lodge were in Cortland this afternoon for the funeral.

 

Workman's Relief Association.

   The annual meeting of the Workman's Relief association of the A. O. U. W. was held last evening. The election of officers occurred for the ensuing year as follows:

   President—S. P. Bulkley.

   Vice-President—W. W. Jennison.

   Secretary—Wm. Pearson.

   Treasurer—Harry Swan.

   Finance Committee—R. B. Innis, W. H. McDonald, Eugene Shattuck.

 

Pecos Tribe Installation.

   The following officers of Pecos Tribe, No. 357, Improved Order of Red Men, were last night installed by District Deputy Great Sachem George H. Gleason:

   Sachem—Frank J. Donegon.

   Senior Sagamore—John Whalen.

   Junior Sagamore—John Hayes.

   Prophet—Arthur Scudamore.

   Chief of Records—F. A. Dunn.

   Collector of Wampum—Matt Ruoff.

   Keeper of Wampum—M. E. Sarvay.

   First Sannap—James Riley.

   Second Sannap—F. C. Blankshine.

   First Warrior—Karl Cole.

   Second Warrior—Morris Lane.

   Third Warrior—Daniel McAuliff.

   Fourth Warrior—Charles Spencer.

   First Brave—Thomas Kernan.

   Second Brave—Thomas Kane.

   Third Brave—Emmet Kane.

   Fourth Brave—Harry B. French.

   Guard of the Wigwam—William Spencer.

   Guard of the Forest—Charles Dickerson.

   Trustee for Eighteen Moons—Thomas Kane.

   After the meeting there was a farewell smoker given by George H. Gleason who is about to remove to Watertown.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Women own one-fourth of the real and personal property in Binghamton.

   —The new display advertisements today are—The New York Store, Special sale of muslin underwear, page 4; G. H. Wiltsie, Saturday dry goods offerings, page 6; Opera House, "Alaska," page 5; Perkins & Quick, Pyrographic outfits, page 5.

 

STORY OF BOYCOTTING, CARNEGIE'S LIBRARIES, PAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS, CLUE, CORTLAND HOSPITAL DONATIONS, AND DEATH OF J. D. PIERCE

 

1902 coal strike commissioners.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, January 8, 1903.

STORY OF BOYCOTTING.

Evidence of Lawlessness During the Strike.

AN ALLEGED REIGN OF TERROR.

Five Witnesses Testified to Their Houses Being Damaged by Explosives— Bridges and Fences Burned, Switches Turned and Obstructions Placed on Railroads.

   Philadelphia, Jan. 8.—The non-union men continue to occupy the attention of the coal strike commission in presenting evidence of lawlessness in the anthracite coal region during the strike.

   The testimony included many acts of violence from murder down to plain assault and petit larceny. Dynamite played a leading part in the alleged persecution of non-union men and their relatives.

   Five witnesses testified to their houses being more or less seriously damaged by persons, some of them known to be union men, placing high explosives on the property; other witnesses told of a dam being blown up, one locomotive damaged, steam pipes in two different collieries either broken or damaged by dynamite, bridges and fences damaged by incendiary fires and attempted wrecking of trains.

   One youth said he was stabbed, several of the witnesses claimed they were boycotted and several others told of being beaten by crowds and of their houses being stoned.

   Besides this a young woman told the commission she was dismissed as a school teacher because her brother chose to work during the strike, and a young man testified that he was attacked as he was coming out of church after being married, forcing him to seek refuge in a colliery while his bride got home as best she could.

   Another witness said he was afraid to attend the funeral of his mother, who had died while he was working behind a colliery stockade. One witness told of having been punished by a mob forcing him to walk 15 miles at the head of a cheering crowd of strikers.

   Other testimony was also presented in the endeavor to show that a reign of terror existed in the strike affected territory of the state and that members of the union were largely responsible for it.

   It is the intention of the attorneys for the non-union men to occupy about two days more in presenting this sort of evidence. Today they expect to place on the stand Brigadier General Gobin of the Third brigade, N. G. P., and several of the commanders of the regiments in the field during the strike.

   Charles Carl of Mahanoy City, a loader boss at the Tunnel Ridge colliery of the Reading company, said he was compelled to remain within the confines of the colliery because he was afraid to go home. While his mother was lying dead in the house, he was annoyed, called vile names and his life threatened. He did not attend the funeral of his parent because he was afraid he would be killed.

   David L. Jenkins of Pottsville, a coal and iron policeman at the Silver Creek colliery of the Reading company at New Philadelphia, gave a list of acts of violence at or near that mine. It included the tying of railroad ties and spikes on the railroad tracks over which coal trains run; the turning of a switch, which was discovered just before an express train came along; a railroad bridge damaged by dynamite and then set on fire and the sawing of timbers on the bridge after it had been repaired.

 

Andrew Carnegie.

CARNEGIE LIBRARIES.

Statement by the Donor of the Number Given and Possible Future Gifts.

   Washington, Jan. 8.—At the opening of the Carnegie library here, after President Roosevelt had finished Mr. Carnegie spoke. He said in part:

   "Free libraries maintained by the people are cradles of democracy and their spread can never fail to extend and strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen, the royalty of man. They are emphatically fruits of the true American ideal."

   Mr. Carnegie paid several compliments to President Roosevelt as executive, citizen and author, and then referring to himself said he had given, chiefly within the past two years, 730 library buildings. During the month of July last 276 applications for library buildings were received by him from all parts of the English speaking world.

   When he arrived in New York last month from Europe he found awaiting him applications for 450 additional buildings. Today he has on hand 385 new applications, making in all under consideration now more than 800, "the great majority of which," he said, "will no doubt be given."

   Andrew Carnegie, after the dedication of the Washington public library, said that he was so well pleased with the new library and the use made of his gift of $350,000 and the provision for the support of the library that he would donate another $350,000 for the erection of branch libraries on the same condition as the original gift, namely, that the city provide the sites and arrange for the support of the libraries.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Closer Pan-American Relations.

   There is one phase of the Venezuela affair which has been but little touched upon, and that is its probable effect upon the relations of all the Americas, commercial as well as political. It seems quite evident that ultimately the hostile demonstrations of the allied European powers against Venezuela will have the effect of unifying the interests of all the republics on this hemisphere, north and south into something like a federation for self protection. Such a federation already exists in an uncrystallized state, but its development has been checked by the instability of southern governments, due to internecine strife and the jealousies existing among the smaller powers. The fact that nearly all of the South American republics, either directly or by implication, offered aid to the Venezuelans is significant of a common desire among them to recognize in fact their "community of interests."

   Underlying revolutionary conditions in South and Central America there seems a general hope for organized, stable government, of republican form, in the various countries and a universal desire for a thorough understanding among the powers there and with the United States. No doubt the leaders in the different countries realize the benefits of the Monroe doctrine and appreciate the value of haring so powerful a friend as the United States.

   While an actual alliance is perhaps neither desirable nor possible, the attitude toward Venezuela of the European allies will doubtless promote the proposed protective union and bring about better relations among all southern governments, Mexico and the United States, thus stimulating an all American organization for defense against outside nations and for the preservation of peace on this continent.

   From such a close relation the United States should greatly benefit commercially. The demonstrations against Venezuela can hardly fail to create something of hatred and distrust of European powers, which will help American commerce in the South and Central American states, now beginning to realize where their true interests lie.

 

FOLLOWING THE CLUES.

Coroner Santee is Very Non-Committal Concerning the Matter.

   A report was in circulation today in Cortland that Coroner Santee assisted by a local chemist had boiled up the bones which he secured Tuesday night from the grave of William Kiehl in Otisco, had made tests for arsenic and had found arsenic in them. A Standard man inquired of the coroner in regard to this and that official refused to either confirm or deny the report. He stated that when he was acting solely in his official capacity as coroner he himself was alone concerned and he felt at perfect liberty to give out whatever information he wished to. But now he is acting under the instructions of the district attorney, and he preferred not to say anything about the case on the ground that if any information is made public, it should come from the district attorney and not from him.

   An attempt was made to see District Attorney Dowd, but he was then engaged with the grand jury and could not be interviewed before The Standard went to press.

 

Cortland Hospital on North Main Street.

THE CORTLAND HOSPITAL.

Acknowledgment Of the Following Gifts in Recent Weeks.

   The Cortland hospital makes grateful acknowledgment of the following gifts received in recent weeks:

   Dishes and old linen, W. C. T. U.; night shirts and linen, Mrs. Freeman Howe; can fruit and breakfast food, Mrs. A. A. Carley; old muslin, Mrs. John Raymond; cranberries and bananas, Mrs. R. H. Duell; dishes and old linen, Mrs. James M. Milne; for Mrs. Schermerhorn's room, 1 dozen sheets, 1 dozen pillow cases, 1 dozen towels, 3 bath towels, 1 dozen napkins, 1 bed spread, from Mrs. Lewis B. Henry, Mrs. John W. Fisher, and Mrs. Geo. J. Schermerhorn; towels and napkins, Normal school faculty; sugar and cranberries, Dr. Strowbridge; magazines, Mrs. Walrad; duck, Mr. Smith; canned fruit, Mrs. U. S. Milburn; canned fruit and vegetables from the Junior league of First M. E. church; sewing for hospital by Mrs. W. W. Hout, Miss Florence Jennison, Mrs. George Lester, Mrs. Klotten, Sr., Mrs. J. B. Smith, Mrs. H. Colligan; apples and canned fruit, Mrs. E. Mudge; old muslin, Mrs. Brong; Hopkins florist, mistletoe; Frost florist, flowers; Mrs. DeCoudres, 1  sterilizer; Y. M. C. A., 1 chicken pie, Chas. Price, discount on sprinkling, $2; Mr. Cogswell discount on printing, $1.50; S. P. Smith, discount on meat bill, 85 cents.

   Omitted from list of Thanksgiving offerings: $5 from churches in Cincinnatus; Mrs. F. D. Smith, 1 dozen cans vegetables.

   The following ladies of Scott donated fruit to the hospital last month: Miss Anna Hall, Mrs. F. J. Booth, Mrs. W. W. Babcock, Mrs. D. J. Cutrell, Mrs. Welma Unckers, Mrs. Finn Barber, Mrs. G. J. Barber, Mrs. H. J. Ball, Mrs. Mabel Langdon, Mrs. W. J. Parry.

   Donations from McGrawville: Mrs. S. Wheeler, muslin, 3 cans fruit; Mrs. A. L. Shuler, apples, 5 cans fruit; Mrs. L. Parsons, 3 cans fruit; Mrs. Ensign, muslin, apples and 1 can fruit; Mrs. Shultz, 1 can fruit; Mrs. Forshee, 2 cans fruit; Mrs. C. T. Phillips, 1 can fruit; Mrs. P. W. Chaffee, 1 can fruit; Mrs. P. Hobart, muslin, 1 can fruit; Mrs. Wm. Lord, wine; Mrs. Chas. Manchester, apples, 1 can fruit; Mrs. J. E. Bowdish, 1 can fruit; Mrs. C. B. Warren, linen, 1 can fruit; Mrs. Koenig, 12 cans fruit.

   Mrs. Hendrick and Mrs. Kingman, 2 cans fruit, salmon and maple sugar.

 

Attention, Odd Fellows.

   All Odd Fellows are requested to meet at Vesta lodge rooms on Friday, Jan. 9, at 1:30 p. m. to attend the funeral of their brother, Denison Pierce.

 

Death of J. D. Pierce.

    J. Dennison Pierce died at his home, 4 Cleveland-st. yesterday. His age was 54 years and 9 months. The deceased leaves a wife and two sons, Fred D. and Edward A., and a daughter, Janet. The funeral will be held at the house on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock and at 2:30 o'clock at the Congregational church.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The Y. M. C. A, basketball team went to Watertown today to engage the team of that place in a game this evening.

   —The Workmen's Relief association will meet this evening at 7:30 o'clock at the office of H. L. Davis in the old Savings bank building.

   —The installation of officers of Pecos Tribe, No. 357, Improved Order of Red Men, will occur this evening. District Deputy George H. Gleason will be the installing officer.

   —The Masonic trip to DeRuyter on Saturday night of this week to accept the invitation of DeRuyter lodge has been given up. Because it is Saturday night so many of the business men will be unable to get away that the whole plan has been given up.

   —Norman Northrup, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Northrup of 104 Port Watson-st. died this morning after a short illness from pneumonia. His age was 17 years and 11 months. His death is a sad blow to the parents.  The funeral will be held on Saturday at 2 o'clock at the house.

   —The new display advertisements today are—G. H. Wiltsie, Millinery sale, page 4; Baker &. Angell, Shoes. page 6; W. W. Bennett, Sterling ranges and second hand stoves, page 6; Opera House, "The Cortland Entertainers," page 5; Opera House, "Howe's moving pictures," page 5.

 

DUG UP THE BONES OF WILLIAM KIEHL, MRS. GRANT'S ESTATE, CITY APPOINTMENTS, BAND FAIR COMING, AND A CENTURY OLD ALMANAC

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, January 7, 1903.

DUG UP THE BONES

Of William Kiehl at Otisco at the Midnight Hour.

CORONER SANTEE'S LITTLE TRIP.

Dissected the Body in the Grave at Midnight—To be Sent to Cornell to be Examined for Traces of Arsenic.

   Cortland County Coroner E. M. Santee returned at 11:30 o'clock this forenoon after an absence from the city of nearly twenty-four hours, bringing with him a plain, unpretentious looking box which he guarded with the strictest care and in reference to the contents of which he maintained the utmost secrecy.

   The coroner was asked by a representative of The Standard concerning his absence and whether his trip had anything to do with the Kiehl case. The doctor replied that he had been working under instructions from the district attorney and that he was not at liberty to make a full statement concerning his actions since he left Cortland yesterday.

   It was learned, however, that the Coroner started out from Cortland yesterday and drove to South Onondaga and then to Otisco, N. Y. The trip to South Onondaga occupied more than four hours and the shades of night were falling fast when he reached the little town where Mrs. Fenner and Mrs. Kiehl had made their home previous to their arrest on New Year's day. It is stated that here he subpoenaed some new witnesses to appear before the grand jury and then went on to Otisco where the body of William Kiehl was buried. Late in the evening he went to the grave which was, for the second time within a few weeks, opened to see what secrets it might reveal in the now celebrated case.

   The doctor worked alone and it was not until after midnight that his gruesome task was finished. The body was not again taken up, but portions, including some of the bones, were removed and it is supposed that the box which Coroner Santee brought back with him contained the parts which will be submitted to an expert for an examination.

   Dr. Santee showed the effects of what he had been through since he left Cortland yesterday afternoon. He had driven more than seventy miles, had worked nearly all night and the time he had had for sleep was to be measured by minutes rather than hours.

   If arsenic be found in the bones it is supposed to be evidence that arsenic was administered to the deceased while yet alive, in other words, he [William] was probably poisoned. If no arsenic be found in the bones it is thought to be evidence that the arsenic found in the stomach and other vital parts came from arsenic in the embalming fluid.

 

MRS. GRANT'S ESTATE.

Petition to Relieve it from Collateral Inheritance Tax.

   New York, Jan. 7.—Proceedings have been begun in the surrogate's court by General Fred D. Grant to have all the estate of his mother, Mrs. Julia D. Grant, which passes under her will, relieved from payment of the collateral inheritance tax. The will was probated at Washington, D. C.

   General Grant, in his application to the surrogate, says that his mother left only personal property in this city. It consists of 432 shares of the United States Steam Co. and $1,648 in interest bearing script which is unmarketable.

   In explanation of the smallness of her estate, Mrs. Grant says that ten years ago she transferred all her interest in the royalties from President Grant's Memoirs. By an understanding between them Fred Grant agreed to act as trustee of these royalties and from them to pay the notes and obligations left by his father. The surplus was to go to the children in equal shares.

 

Lord Charles Beresford.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

As One Englishman Sees lt.

   Lord Charles Beresford, on the eve of sailing for the United States, was asked in London, Saturday, his opinion of the Venezuelan matter. His reported answer was:

   ''Thank God, it has all come out right! But it has taught our government a lesson that it must never try its hand again at such a game without the partnership of the United States. I do not say a word against Germany. But I do think it is to England's advantage to come right out and not only say 'We support the Monroe doctrine, but, by heavens we are willing to fight for it.'"

   From which it appears, remarks the Elmira Advertiser, that Lord Beresford has no apprehension of a hitch in the arbitration proceedings; also that [he] shares in the sentiment that has been expressed freely in England of opposition to his country's alliance with Germany for the coercion of Venezuela. He realizes that the Monroe doctrine is nearly as important to Great Britain, with its possessions in this hemisphere, as to the United States. Lord Charles says his trip to the United States at this time is to look after certain business interests, and to study American business methods, which he frankly concedes are superior in results to those of all other countries. His stay will be brief as he intends to return for the resumption of the sittings of parliament in February.

 

CITY APPOINTMENTS

Made at the Meeting of the Cortland  Common Council.

WERE LARGELY REAPPOINTMENTS.

Changes in City Clerk and Commissioner of Charities—Former Incumbents Ask Not to be Named Again—Financial Comparisons of Last Two Years—Estimates for Future.

   Mayor Charles F. Brown filled the appointive offices of the city at the regular meeting of the common council last evening. With the exception of his appointment for health officer, Dr. Paul T. Carpenter, the present incumbent of that office, the mayor's appointments were ratified by the aldermen. The appointments that were ratified are as follows:

   City attorney, one year, Fred Hatch; city clerk, one year, E. S. Dalton; health officer, two years, Dr. E. A. Didama; commissioner of charities, one year, H. T. Bushnell; commissioner of public works, five years, C. W. Collins; health commissioners, two years, Fred Ryan of the Third ward and H. S Bliss of the Fourth ward; police commissioners, two years, G. S. Van Hoesen, D. E. Stanford, and F. B. Nourse; fire commissioner, three years, Edward Alley; acting city judge, W. D. Tuttle.

   In reference to the appointment of a new city clerk and a new commissioner of charities the mayor stated that he had expected to name the present officers again upon the strength of the excellent records both had made, but on account of other matters that had lately developed he had been asked by Mr. Alger and Mr. Price that they should not be appointed.

   The report of the city Chamberlain for the year ending Jan. 1, 1903, was read and placed on file. The report shows the following comparative condition of the several city funds:

 

   Alderman C. F. Ingalls of the Fourth ward, the only new member of the common council, attended the meeting and was given a cordial greeting by the other members of the [council].

 

VERY PROPER FEVER.

Not Dangerous, But Anxious for the Public Welfare.

   Dr. P. T. Carpenter, the health officer of the city, calls attention to the fact that before the board of public works Monday night Alderman Richards in urging the acceptance by the city of Railway-ave., spoke of six cases of fever on that street. He notes the fact that Mr. Richards did not specify what kind of fever it is, and says that he must have meant a fever of anxiety to have the street accepted. That he concludes is a very praiseworthy and proper kind of fever and he hopes it will be contagious and affect not only other residents of the street, but the city officials who have authority in the case as well.

   Dr. Carpenter says there is not the slightest doubt but that the street ought to be accepted and steps taken at once to sewer and drain it. He finds it one of the most difficult streets in the city to keep clean because of the lack of drainage. Surface water settles there since there is no outlet for it and there is constant danger of illness unless the most rigorous steps are constantly taken to keep public and private premises clean and disinfected. However, there is only one case of fever—aside from the fever of anxiety referred to—now on the street. That is a mild case of scarlet fever and it is well quarantined, and there is not a case of typhoid fever now reported anywhere in the city.

 

THEY ATE ROAST PIG

And Spent a Pleasant Evening at the Orris Banquet.

   The Orris Hose company, which is noted for its hospitality toward its many friends, gave its annual banquet to about seventy-five guests last night in the elegant rooms of the company. Roast pig was on the bill of fare, and a most tempting spread was served.

   Mayor Brown and the city aldermen were the special guests of the Orris boys last night, and after the finely roasted pig had been reduced to a skeleton, Mayor Brown was made toastmaster and an hour of speechmaking was held. The mayor was in his happiest mood, and wit and repartee were provoked from the many guests who were called upon to respond. Much good music was interspersed through the evening, and the guests left with strengthened opinions of the ability of the Orris boys to entertain in proper manner.

 

Cortland City Band, 1898.

BAND FAIR COMING.

To be Early in February—Plan to Enlarge the Band.

   The Cortland City band is to have a fair the first week in February. It will be held in Taylor hall and the entertainment will include minstrels and vaudeville with dancing every evening.

   The band held a successful fair last year and with the proceeds bought new uniforms and replaced some of the old instruments. It is the plan now to replace some of the other instruments and to purchase additional new ones so as to increase the number of its membership from eighteen to twenty-five.

   It will be remembered that last summer the band gave eight or ten free concerts on the streets of the city without calling on the business men for additional assistance, and it is planned to do the same in the coming summer.

 

A Century Old.

   Mr. Harvey Z. Tuttle of Freetown has found among the possessions of his grandparents a copy of Webster's Calendar or Albany Almanac of 1803, published by Andrew Beers, "containing a great variety of new, useful and entertaining pieces," and "printed by Charles R. and George Webster at their book store in the white house, corner of State and Pearl-sts., Albany." The publisher announces "a great allowance to those who buy wholesale.'' It is a queer looking old pamphlet with pages yellowed by age, and there is indeed much in it that is entertaining. It notes the fact that Thomas Jefferson is president of the United States, Aaron Burr vice-president and that George Clinton is governor of New York state. The president of the New York State Agricultural society is Robert Livingston.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The fair grounds at Sherburne are advertised to be sold at mortgage foreclosure on Feb. 7.

   —The Athletics have gone to Syracuse to play basket ball [sic] with the Pastime club of that city this evening.

   —The primary union held an interesting and well attended meeting at the First Baptist church last evening.

   —A special meeting of Vesta lodge, I. O. O. F., will be held this evening at 7:30 o'clock to take action in reference to the death of Dennis Pierce.

   —At the regular monthly meeting of the board of managers of the Cortland hospital held on Monday, Mrs. C. L. Kinney was elected to membership.

   —The new display advertisements today are—C. F. Brown, Free calendars, page 4; New York Life Insurance Co., Statement, page 6; J. B. Kellogg, Special sale, page 4.

   —Ithaca is making plans to add a chemical engine to its fire department. It has used the small chemical extinguishers with good results for some time, but now wants a whole engine.

   —The Ithaca band is having a very successful fair this week at the Lyceum theatre. Crowds are attending every night and the evening concerts are among the finest of those ever presented by this famous organization.

   —Cortlandville lodge, No. 470, F. & A. M., has received and accepted invitations from DeRuyter lodge, No. 692, to visit them Saturday evening, Jan. 10, at which time the third degree will be conferred on several candidates from Truxton, N. Y.