WAR REMINISCENCES, CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

 

Captain William Saxton, Co. C, 157th Regiment, New York Volunteers.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, May 16, 1903.

WAR REMINISCENCES.

By Captain Saxton of the 157th Regiment, N. Y. Vols.

BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.

Deadly Work of the Confederate Artillery Upon the Plain Before Mary's Hill—Building a Log House for Winter Shelter—Christmas Day—Too Late for Stuart's Cavalry, but in Time for a Turkey.

CHAPTER 18.

   Sumner's right grand division and part of Hookers were concealed from the enemy by the fog in the streets of Fredericksburg, where they bivouacked during the night without fires.

   The fog that was a shield to our movements was a medium for conveying sound to the Confederates on the hills back of town, and they could hear, if not see, every preparatory move that was made.

   About 11 o'clock on the morning of Dec. 13, 1862, the fog raised and the forward movement began. Gen. Couch, commander of the Second Corps, started Gen. French's division out of town on two parallel streets leading direct to Mary's Hill, the stronghold of the Confederates.

Battle of Fredericksburg.

   Beyond the town and in front of Mary's Hill is a plain, half a mile wide. At the base of the hill runs a sunken road, known as the Telegraph road. On the side next to the town was a solid stone wall four feet high against which earth had been thrown, making it so strong that our artillery made no impression on it. Behind this wall in the sunken road was stationed Gen. Cobb's and Kershaw's brigades, 2,500 strong. Above this road on the hillside, in two tiers, one back of the other, overlooking the town were located Confederate batteries. The chief of the Confederate artillery remarked to Longstreet "We can cover that plain so a chicken couldn't live on it. We can comb it with a finetooth comb."

   As soon as the move began, the Confederate artillery opened a most destructive fire on the advance, and on the town itself. Our artillery replied from Stafford Heights, but the range was so great many shells burst among our own troops as they advanced.

   At the edge of the town our troops encountered a canal whose bridges had been torn up and the men had to cross on the stringers. As soon as they were across they were formed into three brigade lines two hundred yards apart in the order of Kimball's, Andrews and Palmer's and started on the charge. Gen. Hancock followed with his division in the order of Zook's, Meager's and Caldwell's brigades. Howard's division was ordered to connect on their right.

   Across this plain, on which were several houses, gardens and fences which obstructed the move, pushed French's division, brigade after brigade. The cruel artillery mowed great swaths through their ranks as they advanced. Almost to the stone wall they go, when Cobb's brigade rises up and pours into the advancing ranks such a withering fire that they recoil, fall back in the rear of the cluster of houses, reform, and charge again, and again Hancock's division comes on in like manner, charges, falls back, rallies, charges again, and again falls back.

   There was no cheering on the part of our men, but a stubborn determination to obey orders and do their duty.

   About 3 o'clock Longstreet brought up some reinforcements. This movement was mistaken by the Federals. It was reported they were falling back and Humphrey's division of the Fifth Corps was sent in over the same ground that French and Hancock had fought. He was driven back in the same manner that they had been. Human soldiers could not take this position by direct attack so long as ammunition held out.

   Howard had some fighting on the right, and near sunset Getty's division of the Ninth corps was ordered to charge to the left, but was repulsed.

Time to Quit.

   During that afternoon, that plain became so obstructed with the dead and wounded as to interfere with the movement of the troops. Hooker said once during the afternoon: "There has been enough bloodshed to satisfy any reasonable man, and it is time to quit."

   That night was bitter cold and many a poor boy died of exposure.

   The next day, Sunday, the 14th, our troops began digging trenches along the edge of town, our wounded were gotten off, some skirmishing and artillery firing was indulged in on both sides, and on the night of the 15th our troops recrossed the river and took up the bridges.

The Loss in the Battle.

   The Union loss in this disastrous battle was 1,284 killed, 9,600 wounded, 1,769 missing; total 12,653. The Confederate loss was 595 killed, 4,074 wounded, 653 missing; total, 5,332.

   Dec. 16—We of the reserve corps, who had arrived on Stafford Heights the night before, put up our tents and dried our clothes. Had inspection of arms in the afternoon, and received orders to be ready to march at a moment's notice. Struck tents and waited till after dark, when the order was countermanded and we were directed to be ready to march at 6 o'clock the next morning. Pitched tents again, not wishing to lie out in another rain storm.

   Dec. 17—Our regiment started on the back track at 6. Snowed hard part of the time. We camped about a mile from Stafford court house. John Ford rode up shortly after halting; he had been taken prisoner, had just been exchanged and had joined the Tenth cavalry the day before and was now on his way to join his company on picket.

Building a Shelter.

   Dec. 18—Marched at 8. Went about four miles and camped in some woods on Accokek creek. At once, notwithstanding we were so worn out, we went to work to secure some logs for a shanty. Four of us form a partnership, Oscar Courtney, LeRoy Dyer, Orson Strobeck and myself. Two soldiers sleeping together are called "bunkies." Orson Strobeck is my bunky and Courtney and Dyer are bunkies. We gather a few logs and saplings. One stands guard to keep them from walking away while the rest work. We don't know how long we shall be here, but we want to be shielded from the inclemency of the weather whether our stay is long or short.

   Dec. 19—When we awake in the morning we are so lame and sore and stiff we can hardly move; we limp and halt about like a man of eighty with the rheumatism. Oh! for a few days of rest. Thank fortune. We will not have to drill or march today. If we only had an axe we could work at our shanty. There are only one or two axes for a company and they are awfully dull, and we have to wait our turn for them. Some of us have procured small hatchets and we are in clover.

   Dec. 20.—Company C went out on picket two miles from camp, but fortunately one of us does not have to go and we leave him "to guard the stuff."

   Dec. 21, Sunday.—Coming back from picket we secure a few boards from an old barn, which we carry to camp to build the gable ends of our "mansion." We are especially careful to save all the nails we can find for this is the only means we have of obtaining these much needed articles.

   Dec. 22.—Found a few pieces of brick, the ruins of an old house a mile from camp, which we bring in our arms for a fire place and chimney for our mansion. We also find a few stones for the same purpose,

   Visited an old church on the top of a hill in the woods back of our camp.

A Virginia Mortar Bed.

   Dec. 23.—All four of us partners work on our mansion, two as carpenters, two as masons. We dig a hole in the ground near the creek and make a mortar bed. Virginia soil is particularly well adapted to this purpose. We carry the mortar to our site on a piece of board and construct a fire place and chimney from the few pieces of brick and stones we have collected. When these are exhausted, we substitute small sticks, laid up cob house fashion, and we plaster them "within and without." We copy after Virginia houses and our fireplace and chimney with a small door occupy one entire end, the chimney being wholly on the outside. We build up the sides and the other end of our mansion with the logs and poles we have secured. Our ridge pole is about six feet high. Over this we stretch our four pieces of shelter tent buttoned together, and have a room seven feet long, six feet wide and three feet high at the sides, sloping upwards to six feet at the ridge.

   Dec. 24—Company C went on picket. All the sergeants are not needed and I stay in camp and board up the gable end of our mansion and make a door. When this is completed, I wash and mend some clothes.

Using a Housewife.

   Most of the soldiers before leaving home have been furnished by a thoughtful mother, sister or lady friend with a "housewife," one of the most useful and handy articles found in a soldier's knapsack. I have it still. A strip of morocco leather about three inches wide and six inches long, on the side of which are pockets for thread, thimble and buttons and a place to stick needles and pins. This is rolled up into a small roll and tied or buttoned, and when a soldier has to sew on a button, close up a rip, or put on a patch, all he has to do is to unroll his housewife and his implements are before him. Blessings on the loved ones who provided him with this handy outfit.

   Dec. 25, 1862, Christmas.—What are the friends doing up North? We are practicing target shooting.

   Dec. 26.—Drilled. Our chimney smokes so badly we have to tear it down and "reconstruct" it.

Captured a Turkey.

   Dec 28.—About 9 p. m. our company fell in with five others and marched all night in the direction of Dumfries, then turned to the left around the town, the object being to intercept some of J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry, who had made a raid on Dumfries the evening before and captured twenty-five wagons and 200 prisoners. We were two hours too late for the cavalry, but my bunkie got a part of a turkey and some corn meal. We slept that night at Dumfries with nothing over us but our blankets and the night was very cold.

   Dec. 29.—Started back to camp, where we arrived at 4 p. m. Had boiled turkey and cornmeal mush for supper and slept in our mansion.

   Dec. 30.—It rained at intervals, but we drilled.

   Dec. 31.—Ordered to muster for pay, but we went on picket instead.

   W. S.  

 

 

 

ONE THOUSAND VICTIMS, CAUSE OF OUTBREAK, JAPAN AND RUSSIA, ANDERSONVILLE PRISON, NINTH GRADE EXAMS, CITY BASEBALL, AND MRS. HUBBARD

 

Kishinev pogrom, bodies in the street.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, May 16, 1903.

VICTIMS REACH 1,000.

Sixty-Five Killed In Russian Anti-Semitic Riots.

SOCIETY TOOK PART IN LOOTING.

Over 300 Victims Maimed or Crippled For Life—Damage to Property $510,000—London Jewish Paper Charges Russian Government With the Responsibility—News Suppressed.

   London, May 16.—The victims in the Kischineff massacre number 1,000, according to the latest information received by the Jewish Chronicle of London.

   Of these at least 65 were killed, and more than 300 maimed or crippled for life. The damage to property is estimated at 1,000,000 rubles (about $510,000).

   The Jewish Chronicle says editorially:

   "We charge the Russian government with responsibility for the Kischineff massacre. If Europe does not on the present occasion disassociate itself from the leprous taint of this barbarian power it writes its humanity down a sham and its civilization as organized hypocrisy.

   "The cardinal fact of the whole tragedy is that the massacre was organized and abetted by Russian authorities. The killing and pillaging was done under cover of the troops and the police. During the two days the massacre lasted the governor did not leave his house. Telegraphic communication with St. Petersburg was stopped.

   "All the participants in the slaughter—who were chiefly imported hirelings—wore red shirts. An eyewitness is quoted as saying: 'The police and troops formed circles in the center of which the slaying and looting was going on, the police pointing out the houses of the Jews to the mob.

   "The newspaper Weschod of St. Petersburg was suppressed for printing the facts.

   "Jew baiting is now spreading throughout southern Russia, stimulated by stories of so-called ritual murders. The judicial inquiry into the massacre is not intended to disclose the facts, but to smother them up."

 

CAUSE OF OUTBREAK.

Result of Agitation by Anti-Semitic Newspapers.

   St. Petersburg, May 16.—The outbreak at Kischineff was the direct result of the inciting of the anti-Semitic papers in Bessarabia.

   The mere plundering, although it has beggared thousands of wealthy people, pales before the fiendish crimes committed in those parts of the town that were inhabited by the poor Jews.

   The survivors are sorrowfully exploring the wreckage of their homes and property for the bodies of lost relatives. The walls of the houses are splashed with blood and brains.

   When the miscreants had stolen everything of value they then, in cold blood, set about murdering and maiming women and children. The hospital mortuary presents an unusual spectacle. The bodies of the dead had been mutilated with indescribable barbarity.

   The Viedomosti reports: "Where the mobs were thickest were men and women of Russian society, persons in gloves and clean linen and with intelligent countenances. The riots were no surprise, but were well organized."

   The Novosti, a non-Jewish paper, says: "While the plundering of large warehouses was in progress, women belonging to the 'better' class appropriated the contents, which they made up into parcels. The suffering is unparalleled."

   Not one single Jewish shop or dwelling escaped. These Jews were the wealthiest, most cultured members of the community, numbering 60,000 souls. They would have been well able to defend themselves had not their fears of impending attacks been allayed by the assurances of the vice governor of Bessarabia, so they took no precautionary measures.

   The shops are still closed, these Jews having now but one occupation— hospital and cemetery. In the buildings where bread is being distributed are hundreds of Jews without shelter and almost naked.

 

Benjamin B. Odell, Jr.

CLOSING UP LEGISLATION.

Governor Signed the Bailey Speed and the Barber Examining Bills.

   Albany, N. Y., May 16.—Governor Odell practically finished up legislation by vetoing 100 bills and signing 34. He still has in his hands several bills of importance, including the L'Hommedieu railroad bill on which it is understood he will write a special veto.

   The governor signed the state barber examining bill, reversing his judgment of a few days ago. This practically completes a larger chain of labor bills signed by Governor Odell than ever signed by any previous governor.

   The governor signed the Bailey bill regulating the speed of automobiles at various speeds in various localities and compelling the issuing of a license by the secretary of state. This bill is the one at first approved by the automobile interests and afterward repudiated by them. The governor approves it in the interest of the general public not automobile owners.

   The governor also approved of the bill of Assemblyman Morgan to extend the life of the commission to examine into delays in the administration of justice in New York city.

   In addition to the 100 bills vetoed the governor has in his hands 72 bills vetoed by mayors over which he has no jurisdiction.

   The laws now number 636 and they will not be increased over two or three.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

Japan and Russia.

   The stories that come from the East of unusual activity in the Japanese army and navy are doubtless true enough, but the inference drawn by the correspondents that war between Japan and Russia is imminent is probably unwarranted. Japan, though she has long regarded war with Russia as among the inevitabilities of the near future, has plainly shown an indisposition to force hostilities until she can be sure of the active aid of Great Britain, and Great Britain is evidently not eager to go to war with Russia over the Manchurian question. A successful war with Russia would immensely increase Japan's strength and prestige in the far East and would be a step toward the fulfillment of Japan's purpose to make Japan and China strong enough to defy the Western powers and to proclaim and enforce the doctrine of "The Orient for Orientals." This result Great Britain, with all its objections to the extension of Russian domination in the East, can scarcely be anxious to bring about.

   ◘ An automobile parade occurred in Binghamton today, and the value of the machines that appeared in the line aggregated $89,000. Why not have such a parade in Cortland? Many people would like to see all the Cortland automobiles together and have an opportunity to compare their appearance. Cortland is decidedly an automobile city and has an unusually large number of machines for its population. If some one will take the initiative all the others will doubtless all be glad to fall into line. The Standard will publish the call any time any one will issue it.

 

ANDERSONVILLE PRISON

And Cake and Ice Cream at G. A. R. Hall Next Tuesday Evening.

   Andersonville prison and ice cream and cake, a strange combination indeed, but it will be combined at G.A.R. hall in this way on Tuesday evening, May 19, at 8 o'clock. At this time Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Kellogg will give a geographic account of their late visit to the site of this vile prison pen where about 14,000 Union soldiers died for lack of food, shelter and sanitary privileges.

   Ice cream and cake will be served by the ladies of Grover Relief Corps, after the story is told, for a nominal sum. Admission free. The public is invited.

 

CITY BASEBALL LEAGUE

Elects its Officers for the Season and Transacts Business.

   A meeting of the managers of the various teams in the city baseball league was held in the Y. M. C. A. rooms last evening. Routine business was transacted and the following officers elected:

   President and Treasurer— Physical Director C. H. Kimble of the Y. M. C. A.

   Assistant Treasurer—M. T. Roche.

   Vice-President—Ira Dexter.

   Recording Secretary—Mr. Ashcraft.

   Supervisor of Field—Mr. Dexter.

   It was unanimously decided to ask Daniel Reilly to act as umpire together with Mr. Davis.

   The regular meetings will be held the first Monday evening of each month. All the teams were reported in good condition and competition promises to be keen.

 

Ninth Grade Examinations.

   The following schools and teachers in the First commissioner district of Cortland county have been appointed to conduct the ninth grade examination on June 9 and 10, 1903.

   Cincinnatus, Dist. 5, Charles W. Storing.

   Cortlandville, Dist. 5, Bessie Morgan.

   Cortlandville, Dist. 11, Vann H. Smith.

   Cortlandville, Dist. 17, Mary E. Edwards.

   Freetown, Dist. 6, Rachel L. Brown.

   Harford, Dist 1, Harriet E. Pollard.

   Harford, Dist. 6, Gertrude I. Baird.

   Lapeer, Dist. 7, L. Grace Jones.

   Marathon, Dist. 6, L. Leroy Reed.

   Virgil, Dist. 2, Ina Shevalier.

   Willet, Dist. 1, Mabelle E. Jepson.

   Willet, Dist. 2, Beata F. McMahon.

   Tuesday morning, arithmetic, spelling; afternoon, geography, writing, drawing.

   Wednesday morning, English, reading, civics; afternoon, history, physiology.

   A standing earned in the regents' examination may be applied toward the work required for a ninth grade diploma. Pupils who hold a ninth grade diploma issued by the department of public instruction will be given free tuition in any High school in this state.

 

Haymakers' Parade and Dance.

   The annual dance and parade of the Haymakers was held last evening. The parade was headed by Chief Haymaker Thomas Kernan in a "Rube" costume. Following him was the Cortland City band of about twenty pieces; next in line were a number of haymakers in costume; then a mowing machine, hayrake, land roller and truck. The truck was utilized for carrying haymakers not in the line of march. Not least in the parade were two "bicycles" ridden by prominent haymakers. One of these "wheels" was manufactured and ridden by F. A. Dunn (assisted by others).

   The dance was well attended, a number being in costume. All report a very enjoyable  time.

 

MRS. JOHN HUBBARD.

Much Loved Resident of Blodgett Mills Passes Away.

   Blodgett Mills, N. Y., May 16.—Mrs. John Hubbard departed this life at midnight May 15, after seven days' illness from typhoid pneumonia. The funeral will be held at the house Monday, May 18, at 2 p. m. Rev. W. P. Garrett of Flemming, Cayuga Co., a former pastor of the M. E. church at this place, is expected to preach and interment will be made in Cortland Rural cemetery.

   Minnie Adelaide Wheeler was a daughter of Charles Wheeler and Susan Haughton and was born in McGraw, Feb. 10, 1846, where her childhood days were passed. Minnie was an apt pupil, having every advantage of education that was afforded at McGraw and Lockport, where she lived with an aunt for some years. She became a much sought for teacher, having taught for ten terms in her home district and more than twenty terms in all.

   She was married to John Hubbard of Cortland, July 20, 1877, and came here to live at once, Mr. Hubbard having purchased the house and lot and store situated near the D., L. & W. depot and here she has spent all her married life. Always active she was ever doing something for some one all the time and no one could be more missed than she.

   She is survived by her husband and her niece and adopted daughter Mrs. Minnie Dodd of Binghamton, and her sister Mrs. Antoinette Saunders of Homer and Mrs. Marcia Adeline Salisbury of Cortland, all of whom were with her during her last illness. Everything that love could suggest or skill devise was used to save the life that was so much loved.

   Mr. Hubbard has been a partial invalid for a number of years, and upon him the blow falls with terrible force, and may the sustaining grace of Almighty God be with him in this hour of trial. * * *

 

BREVITIES.

   —The new display advertisements today are—Darling's Dog and Pony show, page 4.

   —There will be a special meeting of the L. O. T. M. Monday night at 7:30 sharp in the K. O. T. M. club rooms.

   —Rev. J. C. Auringer, pastor of the Memorial Baptist church, will tomorrow exchange pulpits with Rev. W. H. Dickens of Killawog.

   —The Ithaca band has closed a contract to play a week's engagement at Willow Grove park, Philadelphia, which is said to be one of the finest parks and the most popular summer resorts in the country.

   —Tomorrow will be observed in both the First and the Homer-ave. M. E. churches as the anniversary of the Epworth league. Special services will be held in both churches, details of which will be found in the column of Sunday notices.

   —The first games in the series to be played in the city baseball league are being played at Athletic field today. The game between the Skagways and A. O. H. was called at 2 o'clock and between Wickwires' and the Papermill at 4 o'clock.

   —Physical Director Kimble of the Y. M. C. A., who is the manager of the local league of baseball teams, has been distributing today to the business men of the city some very tasty and convenient little schedules of the games for May and June.

 

GENERAL MILES' REPORT, MABINI DEAD, SOUTHERN WHITE MAN, DEPREDATIONS, NOTHING REMARKABLE, A WEDDING AND A DEATH

 

Lt. General Nelson Miles.

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, May 15, 1903.

GENERAL MILES' REPORT.

Numerous Requests For Documents in Full.

   Washington, May 15.—Secretary Root and a number of other officials in the war department have received a circular letter from Mr. Herbert Welch of Philadelphia, which also has been mailed to a number of private individuals, in reference to the report of Lieutenant General Miles.

   Mr. Welch desires that letters be addressed to the president, Secretary Root, Adjutant General Corbin, Judge Advocate General Davis, Assistant Adjutant General Hall and Assistant General Ennis, asking them to make public for the information and guidance of the country the full report of General Miles regarding affairs in the Philippines.

   He suggests that they "especially request that the report of Major Hunter into the facts of the whippings of Filipino prisoners of war for the purpose of extracting information from them," be included in the publication. He says he has been unable to get a copy of the report from the war department.

   Secretary Root referred the circular letter he received to Judge Advocate General Davis.

   The war department has made public the letter of Adjutant General Corbin to General Miles, answering one sent to Secretary of War Root Wednesday, regarding the publication of General Miles' report. The adjutant general tells to whom the report was given and encloses copies of the reports which were furnished the press.

 

Apolinario Mabini.

MABINI DEAD.

Former Filipino Minister Died of Cholera at Manila.

   Manila, May 15.—Mabini, the former minister of foreign affairs of the Filipino government, died of cholera at midnight. He was attacked with the disease on Tuesday last.

   Since his return from Guam, Mabini had lived in seclusion. Captured correspondence of the Rizal province insurgents showed Mabini had been in communication with them but the letters were not of a seditious nature.

   The Filipinos and Americans generally regret the death of Mabini but there will be no demonstration at his burial on account of the nature of his disease.

   Mabini, who was at one time president of the Filipino supreme court, surrendered to the American forces in December, 1899, but he persistently refused to take the oath of allegiance and was deported to the island of Guam.

   On February 26 last Mabini and Ricarte, a former Filipino general, were brought to Manila from Guam. Mabini took the oath of allegiance the same day on board the transport Thomas, but Ricarte refused to do so and was placed on board the steamer Gaelic and sent to Hong Kong,

 

Forest Fires in Fulton County.

   Gloversville, N. Y., May 15.—Forest fires are raging fiercely about 25 miles north of this city and are within four miles of Canada lake, a summer resort with several large hotels and numerous cottages. Over 6,000 acres have already been burned and nearly 100 men of the township are fighting the flames day and night.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

A Southern White Man.

   Judge Powell of Lincoln county, Miss., cannot be regarded as one of those Southern white men with an irrational prejudice against the negro. "I confess, gentlemen," he said in an address to the grand jury, "that I can't understand this foolish hostility to the negro. He is here without his consent, and here undoubtedly he must remain in large numbers. He has been eliminated by our constitution and laws from all political control. He asks not for social recognition. He only asks the poor privilege of working for his daily bread in peace, and to indulge the hope that the coming years may bring something better to his posterity." He went on to say that the white race has all the offices from governor to constable and that the negro is simply a creature of Southern mercy. "It strikes me," he added, "that for us to oppress where we should protect, to debase where we might lift up, is unmanly and unworthy of the proud race to which we belong. . . . Stand by the nobler traditions of your race, and let it be understood once and for all in Lincoln county that no man or set of men are so powerful that the strong arm of the law cannot reach them, or so lowly that the broad shield of the law cannot protect them."

   Such language from a Southern white man and a judge indicates clearly enough that the negro is not without white friends in the South. Of course it indicates at the same time that the negro is not treated with the fairness that he is entitled to both as a human being and as a citizen of the United States. But if all the Southern whites agreeing with Judge Powell were to unite in the demand that he makes, a decided improvement could be effected. It is with such men that Northern sympathizers of the negro should co-operate in every way possible to put an end to the wrongs that his language discloses.

   ◘ Danish criminals sentenced to quit Denmark have been barred out of the United States. As a consequence they are going to Canada. That [country] is taking measures to protect herself. The Montreal Witness says of this method of banishing criminals: "We have had a recent instance among ourselves of a sentence of banishment from the province of Ontario. That sentence did not determine whether Quebec or the state of New York was to be Ontario's penal colony. The choice was left to the culprits who, as it happily happened, preferred breaking through the immigration breastworks of the United States to simply crossing into Quebec, which had and could have no law to prevent their coming." The fact that these criminals crossed to New York may be news to our authorities.

 

DEPREDATIONS ON THE HILL.

Windows in the House of Edward Murray Were Stoned.

   Austin  Stevens of Stevenson-st., Cortland, was awakened at an early hour this morning by some one knocking upon his door. On opening it he found Edward Murray, the old colored man who lives on courthouse hill. The old gentleman was trembling from fright and told Mr. Stevens that some one had been shooting through the windows of his house and he was afraid that he would be killed. Mr. Stevens took him in for the remainder of the night and this morning went up to Mr. Murray's house and found the windows and even the sash broken and a number of large stones upon the floor. It was also found that other depredations had been committed on the hill and that different ones had seen two men around there and that a call had been sent to the police station for an officer but that no one responded to the telephone, all probably being out on duty. It was thought to be the work of a couple of intoxicated men, but any one who would willfully alarm and injure a harmless peaceable old man like Mr. Murray ought to be apprehended.

 

TO PROTECT TREES.

A Device to Keep Worms from Climbing up the Trees.

   John C. Seager of this city is handling a device which is claimed to be the best yet invented, for preparing the destruction of fruit and shade trees by insects. For many years, experts and scientific men in this country and Europe, have endeavored to find some way of protecting trees from the encroachment of these pests, and many different devices have been manufactured, and used with more or less success— some very expensive, and most of them unsightly.

   This device which consists of a simple band of metal placed around the tree with serrated edges and perforations extending outward and downward is both inexpensive and sightly. The manufacturers of this device feel confident that, in this simple band of metal, they have secured a device which, when properly adjusted to the tree, will absolutely prevent all climbing and creeping insects from getting up the tree and into the foliage.

   It does not take an expert to place this band on a tree; and, when once on, it serves as a sure barrier in the path of every insect that crawls.

 

M. F. Cleary in volunteer fireman's uniform.

NOTHING REMARKABLE ABOUT IT.

Potatoes and Tomatoes Grew Together Many Years Ago.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir—A few weeks ago I read in your paper that the Minnesota Experiment Station had made a great discovery after long and patient efforts in growing tomatoes and potatoes on the same vine.

   This week The Standard states that one of the plants is on exhibition in St. Paul with several well developed tomatoes nearly ripe, while the roots are putting forth potatoes. The phenomenon, as the article states, was produced by grafting a tomato vine on a potato plant.

   Now, Mr. Editor, I cannot see any phenomenon about this grafting of a tomato on a potato since both belong to the same family. Fifty-five years ago, when an apprentice, this was nothing new to us and we did not think it a phenomenon. This reminds me of a story I once heard of a Christian a few years ago who struck a Jew because he killed Christ and the Jew told him that it happened about 1,900 years ago. "Well," said the Christian, "I just heard it last Sunday."

   Respectfully,

   M. F. Cleary

 

HITCHCOCK-WOODBURY.

A Pennsylvanian Seeks a Bride in the Empire State.

   Miss Mary Alida Woodbury of Cortland and Andrew B. Hitchcock of Knoxville, Pa., were married last evening at the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. Walter V. Palmer, 4 Madison-st., Cortland.

   Rev. Robert Clements, pastor of the Presbyterian church, performed the ceremony, which took place at 8:30 o'clock in the presence of nearly sixty of the relatives and friends of the bride and groom.

   The parlors were made more than usually attractive with the simple, yet very pretty and effective decorations of a profusion of apple blossoms of pink and white, pink and white carnations, white roses and smilax.

   Edwin C. Woodbury, a brother of the bride, and PerLee Smith, a cousin, were the ushers, and the guests were very cordially received and greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Palmer. Miss H. Elizabeth Turner played the wedding processional from Lohengrin as the bride and groom, unattended, entered the parlor. Miss Turner also played softly during the ceremony "Hearts and Flowers." The bride was gowned in a handsome wedding dress of white silk voile over white taffeta silk and carried a large bouquet of bride roses. At the conclusion of the simple yet impressive ceremony which included the use of the ring, a very elaborate wedding supper was served under the direction of Caterer E. E. Price.

   In the matter of presents the bride was very generously remembered. These included articles of solid silver, cut glass, china and other articles useful and ornamental. To each of the ushers the groom presented a gold stick pin with appropriate setting.

   Throughout the evening delightful music was rendered by Darby's orchestra.

   The bride is well known in Cortland where she has made her home for a number of years and where she has a host of friends. She is a graduate of the Cortland Normal school in the class of '97 and since her graduation has been a popular and eminently successful teacher in the city schools. The groom is a prosperous business man of Knoxville, Pa., and is serving his second term as member of the Pennsylvania state legislature from Tioga county.

   Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock left on the 11:48 train for a short wedding trip. They will be at home to their friends after July 16 at Knoxville, Pa.

   Among the guests from out of town who were present at the wedding were: Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Woodbury, parents of the bride, from McLean, N. Y., Mr. and Mrs. F. J. PerLee, Miss Mary PerLee and Mrs. H. C. Howland, also of McLean, Miss Grace PerLee of Syracuse, Miss Bertha L. Butler of Homer, and Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Palmer of McGraw.

 

Death of E. A. Pender.

   The death of Elihu A. Pender occurred at his home, 47 Clinton-ave., at 6 o'clock last evening, after an illness of about three months. Mr. Pender was born in the town of Homer, Oct. 6, 1839. At the outbreak of the civil war he was in the regular army. At the expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted in the First New York veteran cavalry, serving with distinction to the end of the war, attaining the rank of Lieutenant.

   Aug. 12, 1864, he married Miss Elizabeth Robinson of Milton, Pa., who with two daughters, Mrs. L. M. Morse of Cortland, and Mrs. J. W. Calhoun of East Venice, and one brother, David B. Pender of Grant, Mich., survives him.

   Mr. Pender was a member of the First Baptist church and of Grover Post, No. 98, G. A. R. which will conduct the funeral. The funeral, which is to be private, will be held from his late residence at 2:30 p. m. Saturday. Interment at Homer, N. Y.

 

BREVITIES.

   — The new display advertisements today are—G . H. Ames, Patrician Shoes, page 6; H. Kingsley, Clairvoyant, page 6.

   —Mrs. John Hubbard of Blodgett Mills died at 2 o'clock this morning after a week's illness from pneumonia. The funeral will be held Monday at 2 o'clock. A further notice will be published later.

   —John Bristol, the carrier on R. F. D. No. 2, from the Cortland postoffice, has a very neat new wagon with canopy top, and white canvas sides bearing in black letters the number of his route.