CARDINAL JOSEPH SARTO, TROLLEY ACCIDENTS, PUBLIC WORKS, CNY FIREMEN, AND COUNTY FAIR

 

Pope Pius X.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, August 4, 1903.

CARDINAL JOSEPH SARTO

Elected on the Seventh Ballot to Head the Roman Catholic Church.

HE TAKES THE NAME OF PIUS X.

Pope is 68 Years of Age and of a Family Noted for its Longevity—Was a Favorite of Pope Leo XIII—Is a Personal Friend of the Italian Government—Belief that his Election will bring Harmony between the Vatican and the Quirinal—All the People Satisfied.

   Rome, Aug. 4.—Cardinal Joseph Sarto, patriarch of Venice, is the successor of Pope Leo XIII. He was chosen to the papal throne on the seventh ballot which was taken this morning. The new Pope announced that he would assume the title of Pius X.

   Pope Pius X is 68 years old. He was born at Riese on June 2, 1835, and was created a cardinal in 1893. He is one of the most learned of the cardinals, and is noted for his liberal views. His charities have gained him the affection of the multitudes in his see. The election at this moment looks like a compromise, as the Pope, as Cardinal Sarto, has taken little part in the politics of the Vatican.

   Upon certain occasions, but these were very few, he has opposed the plans of Cardinal Rampolla, Leo's secretary of state.

   As Pope Pius X it is more than probable that the new Pope will devote himself to the religious affairs of the church and will pay small attention to politics, except to urge conciliation among opposing influences wherever possible. Like Leo, the new Pope has promise of long life. His aged mother is still alive. She lives at Reise, Sarto's birthplace, and she has often been visited at her humble home there by her distinguished son.

Story Told of the New Pope.

   A good story of the new Pope is told here this morning. Just before he started from Venice for Rome to attend the conclave, he was called upon by some friends who extended their good wishes, and hoped that he might be chosen Leo's successor.

   "Oh, no," he smilingly replied. "I will buy a return ticket when I leave Venice."

   Details of the voting are not yet known. It is learned, however, that Cardinals Herrera, Cretoni, Langenieux, Couille, Mocenni and Svampa were too ill to go to the voting chamber.

An Eager Crowd.

   The crowd that gathered in St. Peter's square this morning was the largest that had assembled since the conclave began last Saturday. Fully 15,000 people were there by 10 o'clock and the throng was constantly being augmented. The government promptly increased the number of troops in the square in order to suppress disorder. Intuitively the people seemed to know that a successor to Pope Leo would be chosen. What added to their conviction was the fact that this is St. Dominick's day, the Saint whose shield bears the picture of a dog with a flaming torch in its mouth, and the inscription, "Ignis ardens." From the gossip it was evident that the people had set their minds upon greeting a new head of the Roman Catholic church today. Had they been disappointed, it is likely there would have been disorder.

   At 11:20 a light smoke was discerned issuing from the stove pipe over the Sistine chapel. It was not followed by the heavier puff which was discernible on previous days following a ballot, and immediately it was conjectured that a new Pope had been elected.

Announcement Made.

   Twenty minutes later this feeling was confirmed. The Cardinal Macchi, the secretary of Apostolic Briefs, appeared on the inside balcony of St. Peter's at 11:40 o'clock and made the announcement. Later he gave it to the crowd outside and the people shouted "Who, Who?" The name was not heard by the greater part of the throng. Macchi repeated the words in Italian in a louder voice, saying:

   "Cardinal Sarto, who calls himself Pius X."

   The immense crowd within the church murmured their approbations at the news while the throng outside shouted the name and in this way it passed from lip to lip.

   Following the announcement the throng rapidly increased, the people jamming through the doorways to await the Pope's blessing. Five minutes after the announcement the new Pontiff appeared on the inside balcony of the Vatican and blessed the people.

   Details of the voting are yet lacking but it is known that the usual ceremonies were observed following the election. When the count showed that the necessary two-thirds of the total number of votes cast had been obtained, the doors of the Sistine chapel were opened by the secretary of the conclave, Monsignor Merry Del Val, and the masters of ceremonies were admitted from the Doyden College. The secretary then asked Cardinal Sarto ''Do you accept the election'" and received a reply in the affirmative.

Dons Robes of Pope.

   All the throne canopies were then lowered with the exception of that of Cardinal Sarto. The masters of ceremonies next conducted the new Pope to the robing closet, where he laid aside the robes of a cardinal, and donned white stockings, red slippers, the long white tunic, white girdle, white cap and the red cape of the papal office. He returned to the chapel and was seated on a chair placed on the highest step of the altar where the cardinals approached one by one, kissed the foot and then the hand of the new prelate, and then received the benediction of the new Pope. Pope Pius X was then given the Fisherman's ring, but he immediately returned it for the purpose of having his name engraved on it.

Favorite of Leo.

   Sarto is the man whom Pope Leo hoped would succeed him. In speaking of Sarto to Father Perosi, Leo said more than a year ago, "Hold him very dear, Perosi, as in the future he will be able to do very much for you. We firmly believe he will be our successor."

   Sarto was educated in the Salesian Institute at Cottolengo. He was always of a serious turn of mind and when a young man his rector said of him that he had "never been a child." For the most of his years he was a parish priest in the province of Venice, finally becoming a bishop. It was then that his high executive qualities and deep learning first became known to the authorities of the church. He brings to his high office the character of most attractive modesty, unusual energy, and fine qualities as an administrative officer and organizer.

May Unite Vatican and Quirinal.

   In many quarters the belief is entertained that Sarto's reign is likely to see the accomplishment of some agreement between the Vatican and the Quirinal. Some years ago he publicly announced his joy when there were strong probabilities of a union between church and state. His statement at the time created a sensation. The late King Humbert was Sarto's personal friend, and graciously acceded to his request to be allowed to assume the title, Patriarch of Venice. King Emmanuel, it is known, is his warm admirer. Crispi, the distinguished statesman, and for years the premier of Italy, whose hostility to the entire Catholic hierarchy is well known, had the highest regard for Sarto and used him as an intermediary in dealing with the Vatican.

   The people generally believe Sarto's election presages peace between the state and church and for this reason his election is everywhere hailed with enthusiasm.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Suburban Trolley Accidents.

   The alarming frequency with which serious accidents occur on suburban and rural trolley lines gives timely interest and pertinency to some suggestions just made in an open letter sent to Governor Bates of Massachusetts by Mr. W. H. Wheeler of Worcester. Mr. Wheeler wants the legislature to see to it, first of all, that no motorman shall be employed on a country trolley line until he has had two years' experience and has besides, proved to a state licensing board that he is able to do the right thing in an emergency as well as to manage his car when no dangers are in sight. Just how the test is to be made is not revealed, and not much would be revealed by prearranged difficulties. Still, something could be done in this direction, and the idea has certain merits.

   In the next place, Mr. Wheeler would have the state pass a law forbidding one rapid transit car to follow another at a less distance than 100 yards, and ordering the equipment of all such cars with a double set of air brakes, so that one could be used in case the other failed. The regulation as to distance between cars, which seems extremely close, could no doubt be enforced, but in the matter of air brake equipment it will be difficult to force compliance while the world and corporations remain what they are.

   Lastly, Mr. Wheeler would have it declared a criminal offense, even when no accident results, to "steal a switch"—that is, for one car to pass the place appointed for meeting another. This nefarious but rather sporting act, he says, is often committed, sometimes with the approval of the passengers, who would rather take large chances than to endure prolonged delays, and therefore he would have rewards offered to those who betray the offenders. One of the essential causes of so many accidents on suburban trolley lines is that they are in reality undersized railroads instead of oversized street car companies and follow the methods of the latter at the great peril of their passengers and the public using the highways over which they pass. While the trolley lines are a great convenience to the suburban and rural population, it is evident that there is still chance for great improvement in their management, particularly in relation to public safety.

 

Judge S. S. Knox.

CORTLAND BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS

Concerns Itself Chiefly With Defective Sidewalks and Drainage.

   A regular meeting of the board of public works was held in the office of the city clerk last evening, those present being Chairman S. S. Knox, F. H. Cobb, C. W. Collins, and C. F. Wickwire, The board was called to order by Chairman Knox and the minutes of the preceding meeting read and approved.

   The following bills were audited and ordered paid:

   Pay roll, $326.78

   S. P. Hull, 44.00

   Fire Commissioners, 22.50

   Jennie A. Kinney, 3.30

   Clara J. Rowland, .25

   Allen & Farrington, 62.00

   Engineering News, 9.00

   Engineering Record, 8.40

   Water works Co., 135.01

   The following sidewalks were condemned and new ones ordered: O. M. Preston, Railroad-st., north side; B. A. Benedict, Schermerhorn-st., west side; H. F. Benton, Railroad-st., south side; Elvira Palmer, Clinton-ave., north side; Eva Bliss, Clinton-ave., north aide; Ann Corcoran, Elm-st., north side; B. A. Benedict, North Main-st., east aide; Mrs. J. F. Loope, North Main-st., east side; Mrs. B. R. Carpenter, North Main-st., east side; Mrs. J. M. Churchill, North Main-st., east side; Mrs. F. M. Johnston North Church-st., east side to be placed on grade; Mary Garvey, Elm-st., north side, to be placed on grade,

   Mr. Wickwire advocates deep ditches on unpaved streets rather than draining where there is so much gravel and dirt. He thought that if the ditches were deeper and kept open the street would dry off much more rapidly.

   Mr. Coon came before the board and asked for permission to connect with the Port Watson-st. sewer from a lot on Port Watson-st., where he is to erect a house. There is no Y in the sewer at this point, the parties that owned the property at the time the street was paved refusing to make the connection, Mr. Coon owns a house at the corner of Port Watson and Pendleton-sts., and as this is the adjoining lot, the board advised him to connect with the sewer on Pendleton-st., as they were opposed to tapping a sewer, and especially to tearing up the pavement.

   Several residents of Rickard-st. came before the board and petitioned for a cement walk across the swampy ground near the river. They claimed that the high water destroys a board walk and that cinders would wash away with the first freshet. The board will order a cement walk.

   On motion the board adjoined.

 

C. N. Y. FIREMEN

Open Their Annual Convention in the Rain.

A BAD DAY FOR DECORATIONS.

Address of Welcome by President of the Village C. O. Newton and E. W. Hyatt—Response by Frank M. Baker of Owego—All Ready for Business.

   Homer, N. Y., Aug. 4.—The proverbial bad weather for Firemen's convention, was on hand this morning simultaneously with the opening of the convention. It has had but little effect, however, upon the decorations, and with the reappearance of the sun they will present as bright a front as ever.

   The decorations about town are profuse, and a credit to the various owners who thus give the fire ladies a cordial welcome. While all the decorations will not be in place until Thursday, the last day of the convention, the business fronts are covered with flags and streamers from roof to basement.

   Many delegates, including those from Trumansburg arrived last night. Rev. Leonard J. Christler of Auburn, N. Y., came on the 9:13 this morning. A number of delegates arrived on the 9:52. The Homer band attended both trains, and escorted delegates to headquarters.

   Badges bearing the inscription, "Trumansburg 1904" are everywhere in evidence. The Lestershire delegation is also doing its best to secure the next convention and like Trumansburg has many friends and partisans.

The Convention Opened.

   Shortly after 11 a. m. the band escorted the delegates, of whom there were about fifty, to Convention hall.

   After the convention was called to order by President D. S. Mersereau, Rev. J. L. Christler of Auburn, N. Y., offered prayer.

Welcome Extended.

   C. O. Newton, as president of the village, and in behalf of the citizens, extended a cordial welcome to the delegates. He spoke of their tireless services, their obedience to the call of duty whether it consisted in the saving of a rich man's mansion, or a poor man's dwelling. In speaking of the town's advantages, he referred to the pure water supply, saying "You must have noticed it already." This brought down the house.

   At the conclusion of Mr. Newton's address, E. W. Hyatt, in behalf of the firemen, extended a cordial welcome to the delegates, and gave them the freedom of the town. He spoke in glowing term of the services which firemen render their community and his address was heartily applauded.

A Response Made.

   In response, President Mersereau called upon Frank M. Baker of Owego, who spoke at some length upon the obstacles which the association was forced to encounter during the first years of its existence. In concluding, he thanked the town most heartily for its hospitality and good will.

   Rev. M. Christler was then called upon for a few remarks and in a short speech he "made good" with the audiences. He referred to the natural beauties of Homer, and that it was in truth the empire village.

   After a selection by the band, the convention then adjourned until 2 p. m. All the speeches contained numerous jokes and anecdotes, beside a deal of sound wisdom, and held completely the attention of the convention.

Farther Proceedings.

   This afternoon the real business will begin. This evening the delegates will enjoy a trolley trip to Cortland and McGraw, followed by a banquet at the National hotel.

   Tomorrow, the review and exhibition run and drill by the Homer fire department will occur.

   Everyone seems determined to make this convention a success, whether good weather or bad weather attend.

 

William Greenman.

THE COUNTY FAIR.

Secretary's Office Opened in the Garrison Building.

   Secretary W. J. Greenman of the Cortland County Agricultural society has opened an office upon the second floor of the Garrison building on Main-st., Cortland, next to the hair parlors of Mrs. Darby-Turner. These are the same rooms that were used for this purpose in 1900. Apply here for all information concerning the fair which occurs Aug. 25, 26, 27, and 28.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The regular meeting of the A. O. H., which would come on Aug 5, is postponed till Aug. 12.

   —The ladies of the Presbyterian church are asked to meet in the chapel for sewing tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.

   —The new display advertisements today are—A. S. Burgess, Clothing, page 8; W. W. Bennett, Asphalt roofing, page 5; Warren, Tanner & Co., Oriental draping, page 6; First National Bank, Steel vaults, page 6.

   —The monthly business meeting and social of the Christian Endeavor society of the First Baptist church will be held at the home of Miss Etoile Gillette, 117 Tompkins-st., Wednesday evening, Aug. 5.

   —This will pass for a rainy day. There has hardly been a let up in the steady down pour since 6 o'clock this morning. Scarcely a dozen people are seen upon the streets and the gutters are rivers of rapidly flowing water.

 

GENERAL CLAY'S WILLS, DANGEROUS X-RAY, RUSSIA AND SCANDINAVIA, FIREMEN COMING TO HOMER, AND CURIOUS PEOPLE

 

General Cassius Marcellus Clay.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, August 3, 1903.

GENERAL CLAY'S WILLS.

Dora Clay Brock Produces Another That Provides For a National Park.

   Lexington, Ky., Aug. 3.—The Herald says:

   Another will of General Cassius M. Clay, executed March 28, 1901, a year after the one to be offered for probate today in Richmond, has been produced by Dora Clay Brock, the former child wife of General Clay. The instrument is in General Clay's own handwriting and sealed on the back with his private seal ring in green wax.

   Sections 1 and 2 appoint Dora Brock his former wife, and two others, selected by her, as executors and gives them one-half of the proceeds of certain sales. The Whitehall lands and fixtures of 360 acres, shall remain intact as the property of the United States "in trust for the inhabitants of this earth."

   His coal mines in Clay county, Ky., are to be formed into a company and worked for the use and benefit of the funds and needs of the Whitehall park and to pay all legacies and debts. The 360 acres of his son, Green Clay, deceased, are to be sold and the proceeds go into the Whitehall park reserve fund.

   Sections 5, 6, 7, and 8 give Dora Brock $10,000 in bonds and bequests to employees. All other property, personal and real, goes into the Whitehall park reserve fund.

   Another section provides that the works of art in his house, including the portrait of emperor and empress of Russia given by their majesties with their autographs and seals, shall remain there forever. The bust of this legator in marble on a verde antique marble stand by the great sculptor Joel Todd Hart is to be placed in the Corcoran gallery at Washington, or other gallery as the executors elect.

   Manuscripts, five volumes or more of memoirs, the material for Icarus written by the legator, are to be given to the Association of American Authors in New York for publication and copyrighted, one-half of the proceeds to go to Dora Brock and the other half to the society.

   The other will, dated May 12, 1900, will be probated today and it was for her protection in that will that Dora Brock retained J. M. Norwood, to whom she told that she had an unopened envelope that General Clay gave her, with the admonition that it was to be kept until after his death. It turns out to be the last will.

   Colonel James Scott has since been retained to assist Mr. Norwood.

 

BAŁKAN DISTURBANCE.

Conflict Between Turks and Bulgarians on Plain of Philippi.

   Constantinople, Aug. 3.—Isolated conflicts continue to occur in Macedonia. Last Friday a Turkish patrol which was pursuing the authors of a dynamite outrage, fell into an ambush laid by the Bulgarians near Drama, which is close to the famous plain of Philippi where Brutus and Cassius were defeated, and seven Turks and three Bulgarians were killed.

   The Porte, however, announces that before long the 40,000 troops now in Macedonia will be disbanded.

   It is stated that as a result of inquiry by Austrian and Russian consuls into the recent events at Salonica, Austria and Russia will demand the dismissal of the chief of the police of Salonica.

   Reports from Armenia tell of rather serious disturbances, similar to those which preceded the trouble of 1894. Several conflicts between Turks and armed Kurds on one side and Armenians on the other, resulting in losses on both sides, have occurred.

 

Thomas A. Edison.

THE DANGEROUS X-RAY.

Terrible in the Hands of Inexperienced Operators.

   Orange, N. J., Aug. 3.—Thomas A. Edison the inventor, says that the X-ray has no commercial value because it means death to any one who continuously uses it, and that he has abandoned researches in the line of commercial utility for the X-rays.

   Said "Wizard" Edison yesterday: "No, I don't want to know anything more about X-rays. In the hands of experienced operators they are a valuable adjunct to surgery, locating as they do objects concealed from view, and making for instance, the operation for appendicitis almost sure. But they are dangerous, deadly, in the bands of the inexperienced, or even it the hands of the man who is using them continuously for experiment. There are two pretty good object lessons of this fact to he found in the Oranges [New Jersey]."

   One of the victims of X-rays referred to by Mr. Edison is Clarence Daly, who has operated the X-rays for Mr. Edison for several years. Daly was a strong, healthy man, but today he is a physical wreck. Cancer broke out on both arms, one of which was amputated and four fingers of the other band had to be removed. His face is wrinkled and his hair has fallen out.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Russia and Scandinavia.

   The remorseless policy of absorption adopted by Russia in Finland is bearing fruit in Sweden and Norway, where the progress of events is being watched with indignation mingled with apprehension.

   George Brandes, the celebrated Swedish novelist and poet, writing in the Aurore of Paris on the political situation in Scandinavia, refers to the improved relations between Sweden and Norway after an estrangement that lasted for twenty years. The cause of the change of feeling in the two countries is, he says, Russia's oppression of the Finlanders. "It is necessary to bear this fact in mind to realize the stupidity of the fratricidal quarrel. At last the country understands that the real danger threatening it comes from the east and that it is a tragic burlesque to leave the frontier toward Russia exposed while that between Sweden and Norway is bristling with cannon. The fate of Finland has disconcerted and revolted public opinion in Scandinavia. The banishment of the best class of Finlanders has shown that arbitrary Russia does not recoil before anything."

 

Homer Band on Main Street, 1891.

FIREMEN COMING.

The C. N. Y. V. F. A. at Homer Three Days This Week.

THE PARADE DAY IS THURSDAY.

Decorations Engrossing the Attention of the Whole Town—Program for the First Two Days—The Line of March—A Great Day Promised for Homer.

   Homer, N. Y., Aug. 3.—The finishing touches are being made today all over the town in preparation for the Central New York Volunteer Firemen's convention which opens tomorrow. The arch is a veritable work of art, one of the most beautiful ever put up at a convention of this association. Two decorating companies are in town, and doing business rapidly. It is important that not only all business places, but all residences as well, shall be appropriately decorated, especially those along the line of march.

The Parade.

   The grand parade will occur Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The various divisions will form on North Main, Water, Clinton, Elm, and Wall-sts., and the line of march will be as follows: South on Main to Cayuga, west on Cayuga to Williams, north on Williams to James, through James to Main, north of Main to Clinton, through Clinton and Warren to Main, south Main to Copeland-ave. and counter march to Clinton-st., where the line will be dismissed.

The Program.

   Following is the program for Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 4 and 5.

Tuesday Morning, Aug. 4.

   10:30—Deiegates assemble at the Mansion House, (association headquarters), and will be escorted to Convention hall in Keator block by Homer band.

   11:00—Convention called to order. Music by Homer band. Prayer by Rev. L. J. Christler. Address of welcome by C. O. Newton, president of village, and by E. W. Hyatt for local firemen. Response by President D. S. Meresereau. Music by band. Convention business.

Tuesday Afternoon.

   2:30—Convention called to order for business session.

Tuesday Evening.

   6:30—Trolley for delegates to Cortland and McGraw. Upon return of trolley party, a banquet will be given the delegates at the National Hotel.

Wednesday Morning Aug. 5.

   9:00 —Morning session at Convention hall.

Wednesday Afternoon.

   2:00—Directly after the close of the convention will take place the following: Annual inspection of Homer fire department. Exhibition drill of Triumph Hose Co. No. 1. Exhibition run by Orient Hook & Ladder Co. Exhibition of Tioughnioga Hose Co. No. 2, at which time they will lay 150 feet of hose, making six couplings and breaking five couplings. Ball game on Academy field between All-Cortland and Homer [baseball] nines.

 

Salvation Army Notice.

   Captains Rutledge and Singleton of the Salvation Army will give a series of illustrated lectures in neighboring towns this week illustrating the work of the Salvation Army. The dates and places are as follows: Aug. 4, Willet; Aug. 5, Cincinnatus; Aug. 6, DeRuyter; and Aug. 7, Truxton.

 

Ithaca Band, Patrick Conway Leader (front and center).

A WEEK OF MUSIC.

Ithaca Band Completes a Successful Engagement.

   The Ithaca band completed a very successful week's engagement at the [Cortland] park Sunday afternoon and returned home last night. From the musical point of view all that is needful to be said is that it was the Ithaca band that played, and that tells the whole story. From the financial standpoint it may be said that the Traction company was at a very large expense to secure this band and took a risk on weather in arranging for a week's concerts. The weather was cool part of the time and not altogether auspicious for drawing out a crowd and yet crowds did go, attracted by the splendid music, and the attendances were larger than during the week last year, and last year the management was satisfied, so that this year it is more than satisfied.

   In fact, it is so well pleased with the way the public has responded to its efforts to furnish a satisfactory attraction that it has arranged with the band to return for one more day, on Friday, Aug. 21, when two concerts will be given. This will be just before the band goes to Philadelphia for a week's engagement at Willow Grove, Fairmount park, and the band will then number fifty pieces and include several extra soloists engaged for this special occasion. With such a band it would seem that all the music lovers of the vicinity would be present to enjoy the programs.

   The concert last Saturday night was a most delightful one. The crowd was very large and highly enthusiastic. Encores were the rules and double encores frequent, while there was even one triple encore. The program was a superb one and every number was a gem. The band responded graciously to the demands for more and it seemed as though the hearers would never be satisfied.

   The car service was excellent and the great crowd was quickly brought home after the music was at an end.

 

To Exhibit on the Fair Grounds.

   W. D. Coxey, one of the advance men of the Barnum & Bailey circus which exhibits on the fairgrounds in Cortland next Monday, Aug, 10, was in Cortland on Saturday making arrangements for the show. The circus will arrive in Cortland Sunday morning from Elmira, coming over the Lackawanna railroad.

 

CURIOUS PEOPLE.

A Most Curious Collection of Living Human Beings.

   Probably the most extraordinary collection of strange human beings ever seen together since the creation of the world is the stupendous one now with that wonderful amusement institution, the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth. It is almost a certainty that Noah never had their prototypes in his Ark, nor for that matter can their duplicates be found in any country today.

   Among this curious and most remarkable gathering is the bearded lady who, besides possessing a fine, long, silky beard and moustache, has a head of hair which reaches to the ground. The lion-faced boy has been likened to a skye terrier, for his hirsute attributes are of such a wonderful kind as to cover his nose, cheeks, and all parts of his face, the fine long hair descending therefrom to a length of several inches. The Korean twins is, or are, also a very wonderful freak as they represent two persons in one—being really himself and his brother, both so attached to each other by nature as to be absolutely inseparable. They are marvelous curiosities as they are bound together in a similar way to what the Siamese twins were. Then there are the giant, midget, sword swallower, Albino dislocationist, Herman, the extraordinary contractionist and expansionist, Tripp, the armless wonder, the human pincushion, marimba players, telescope man and many others.

   The foregoing are but a few of the many living wonders in this department of the show. There are two huge menageries, three herds of elephants, droves of camels, and five hundred horses. There are tents which cover twelve acres of ground, the largest seating 15,000 visitors, with every seat in it having a new foot rest. There are half a thousand performers, including equestrians, acrobats, athletes, gymnasts, clowns, aerialists, specialists, contortionists, experts, jugglers, riders, and others whose varied performances on the ground, in the air, on stages, in the rings and on the bare backs of running horses, make up the largest and most extraordinary series of exhibitions ever beheld. It has been the pride and boast of the people for fifty years past, and has traveled in all countries and demonstrated its immeasurable superiority to all civilized peoples. To travel the monster show from city to city requires eighty-six railroad cars, each nearly 60 feet long. The cars are the property of the show and were built from plans especially designed for the purpose, and are quite as much a curiosity as every other one of the many departments of this truly gigantic affair. It will all be here on Monday, Aug. 10, and will show at the Cortland county fairgrounds.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The meeting of the Woman's Relief Corps will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock sharp. A large attendance is desired.

   —The new display advertisements today are—C. F. Brown, Pure ground ginger, page 4; S. Simmons, Pre-inventory sale of clothing, page 6.

 

SUNDAY FILLER: FRANK SINATRA

 

WAR REMINISCENCES CHAPTER 29

 

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

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, August 1, 1903.

WAR REMINISCENCES

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

MORE ABOUT CHANCELLORSVlLLE.

The 157th Regiment in Reserve Annoyed by Rebel Sharp Shooters—Entire Army Finally Retreats—Effort to Fix the Responsibility for the Defeat of the Union Army in this Battle.

CHAPTER 29.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir—I will now return to my diary and not attempt to describe the battle of Sunday, May 3, 1863. How Hooker called Pleasanton and Sickles from Hazel Grove at daylight, thereby surrendering the key to the Union position on the account of its higher ground. How Stuart at once occupied it and placed thirty pieces of artillery and shelled Slocum's Corps and the new line out of their works by their enfilading fire. How the battle raged from daylight till 11 a. m. How Hooker himself, leaning against a pillar of the Chancellor house, was stunned by a shell from Hazel Grove and for an hour the Army of the Potomac was without a head. How the woods caught fire and many a poor wounded boy was burned, being unable to get away. How Hooker was compelled to contract his line still further, fortifying the whole length, his right and left resting on the Rappahannock [river].

   None of these incidents will I describe. Neither will I describe how Gen. Sedgwick on the left wing drove Early from Fredericksburg Heights and pressed on to join Hooker. How Lee detached some of his army from before Hooker and forced Sedgwick back on the river around Banks ford, reoccupying Fredericksburg himself. How Sedgwick finally recrossed the river at Banks ford and joined Hooker at United States ford and the army occupied the quarters they started from ten days before.

157th Held in Reserve.

   Sunday, May 3, 1863.—The Fifth Corps came up at daylight and we, the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York, marched back toward the United States ford. We lay down in the woods on the east side of a small hill. Soon after daylight the battle was resumed with all its fury. There was a continual roar of artillery and crash of musketry. We lay where we could hear the whole of it, and the suspense was awful. We were ignorant of how the battle was going, and after our severe drubbing the night before we were very apprehensive. Prisoners and wounded men kept going by. I sat down and wrote in my diary of the events of yesterday, breathing a prayer to God for victory. The woods caught fire and many a poor wounded boy who could not get away was burned to death.

   Near 11 o'clock the firing ceased. We moved into some breastworks the Fifth Corps had thrown up at 4 p. m. and stayed there until 11 p. m. Then moved again and lay down in the woods till morning. The whip-poor-wills came out and sang "Whip-Poor-Will," "Whip-Poor-Will" and I thought it the most doleful sound I ever heard.

Rebel Sharp Shooters.

   May 4, Monday.—At daylight we formed in line of battle and moved to the brow of the hill back of us, expecting an attack. Rebel sharp shooters annoyed us a great deal. Our men replied when they could see anything to shoot at. We discovered they were trying to plant a battery in front of us, and we cleared off the brush so our artillery could get the range. We soon drove them away. Moved half a mile to the right and were not again disturbed.

   May 5, Tuesday.—Cleared off the brush in front so the sharp shooters could not creep up on is. They annoyed us continually. The bullets whistled over our heads pretty lively. An aide, riding by in front of our regiment, had his horse killed under him.

   Toward night it began to rain hard and rained all night. No tents were allowed up or fires lighted and we passed the whole night in the mud leaning against a tree, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing.

Whole Army in Sight.

   May 6, Wednesday.— Before daylight we were ordered to fall in and move down toward the river. As soon as it was light we saw that the whole army was in motion. It was still raining and very muddy. When we arrived at the bill overlooking the river about a mile way, I had an opportunity of seeing more soldiers than at any other time during the war, with probably one exception. Saw nearly the whole Army of the Potomac. They were moving down that hill and across the bottom land in three long columns as far back and in front as you could see. We crossed the Rappahannock at the United States ford. Saw several of the Seventy-sixth New York boys. Marched to our camp at Oak Grove where we had left our nice log houses we had never used. Stopped there and the word went round that we were to remain. We went to work fixing our tents over them for roofs and getting ready to enjoy them and at 3 p. m. were ordered to march on. We arrived at our old camp near Stafford Court House at 9 p. m., having been absent ten days.

   LeRoy Cole, who still belonged to Topographical engineers, at Gen. Schimmelfennig's headquarters had gone on ahead and built a fire in the fire place of the palace [small shack built by soldiers—CC ed.].

   The Palace Co. was broken up forever. My bunkie, Strobeck, and Dyer's bunkie, Courtney, were wounded and afterwards transferred to the invalid Corps. Co. C. had its proportion of the seventy-nine killed and wounded of the regiment. I have not a complete list of the casualties; but so far as I now remember they were: W. S. Cooper, Arthur H. Fox, Levi W. Loomis, Oscar Courtney. Orson Strobeck, J. P. Smith and W. W. Chapel were wounded. There were some others, but I cannot now recall them.

More About the Eleventh Corps.

   I have already devoted more time to the Eleventh Corps at Chancellorsville than I intended; but the flood of evidence has so accumulated that I cannot refrain from shedding some more light of truth upon that battle. From the first, abuse and obloquy have been heaped upon that corps without stint or measure. Newspapers, generals, historians, all have taken a liberal hand in its abuse, until as Major Huntington says: "Truly it is easier to fight battles than to dig out lies about them, after they have become firmly imbedded in history." We may be almost ready with Sir Horace Walpole to exclaim: "Read me anything but history for I know that is false!"

Question of Responsibility.

   Who was responsible for the failure of the Union army at Chancellorsville?

   Gen. Hooker says: "It was the giving way of the Eleventh Corps that lost me my position." True—but what Corps of 9,000 men could have held that position? Gen. Sickles says: "The failure of the campaign was due to the giving way of the Eleventh Corps." Partially true again. But whose fault is it that that small Corps remained in that exposed position all that long Saturday "with no entrenchments worth speaking of?" Gen. Howard, the Eleventh Corps commander says: "The disaster was due to the bad conduct of the Eleventh Corps." Gen. Howard also said later to the committee on the conduct of the war: "I never did have any confidence in the Eleventh Corps."

   On the third day of the battle of Gettysburg after Gen. Lee had ordered Longstreet to charge the Union lines, as Pickett came back from that charge crushed and almost annihilated, Gen. Lee said: "It was all my fault, it was my mistake." Whoever heard the commander of the Eleventh Corps, either in speech or voluminous writings, admit that he ever made a military mistake much less at the battle of Chancellorsville?

New Light Throw In.

   I will now give some facts that have come to light within the last thirty years and upon thorough examination both by Col. Hamlin, the Eleventh Corps historian, by the editor of the Acme Haversack, and others, are proven to be absolutely true without the shadow of a doubt. The reader may accept each statement as the verity of truth itself.

   I will give these quotations without comment and each reader can form his own conclusions as to where the blame for the failure of the Union army ought to rest.

   In the afternoon of May 1, the day before the battle, Gen. Sickles, under Gen. Hooker's orders sent Gen. Graham's brigade of Birney's division of the Third Corps to reinforce the Eleventh Corps. Howard met Graham half way from the Chancellor house and Dowdall's. "Where are you going?" asked Howard. "To Dowdall's Tavern." "Perhaps you mean Todd's Tavern." "No! Dowdall's." "This cannot be, there must be some mistake about this, my (Howard's) headquarters are there." "I don't know anything about that," replied Graham "Such are my orders." "That cannot be," replied Howard, "I would send my compliments to the whole rebel army, and invite them to attack me in my present position, and if it were not out of compliment to Gen. Sickles I would order you back."

Col. Carmichael's Testimony.

   Our colonel, then major, James C. Carmichael stated in writing in June that he and Col. Lackman went on picket the night before the attack, heard Jackson's preparation and went to Corps headquarters and gave information and received the reply, "You are new troops and more frightened than hurt."

   Col. Lee of the Fifty-fifth Ohio, later lieutenant governor of Ohio, of McLean's Brigade of Devans' division on the right says: As early as 10 a. m. we could see troops on a high point to the south east moving. I went at once to the Hatch House (Talleys') where McLean and Devans both had their headquarters, and reported to McLean, my superior officer."

   McLean said that the supposition was that Lee's army was in retreat. I found old man Hatch and showed him the troops moving and told him he must inform us on what road they were moving and its connections. At first he could see no troops, but I told him I knew he could and that he must tell truthfully on what road. At first he refused, but when I told him his person and property were in our hands and that he had got to do it, be consented and I found a spot in the door yard free from grass and marked out a diagram of the roads and their connections and I found that they led to our right. I showed this diagram to McLean and he reported it to Devans and Devans to Howard.

Officers Incredulous.

   Col. Lee says further his officer of the picket sent him a messenger at 1, another at 2, another at 3 p. m. that the enemy was moving with infantry and artillery across his flank. He went with the messenger to McLean and Devans (both in the same house) and gave them the information. Devans did not believe it and said: "If anything of this kind was going on I would be informed from Corps headquarters." Devans said to Col. Lee: "It is not worthwhile to be scared before you are hurt."

   The officer of the day of Devans' division reported to him that a large force of the enemy was in his rear, but Devans did not believe it.

   In the afternoon Capt. Dilger, commanding Battery 1, First Ohio, (our brigade battery) under Gen. Schurz' orders accompanied by an orderly, rode up the pike and found Von Gilsa very much disturbed who urged him not to go beyond the lines, but he passed on to Lucket's farm a mile from Von Gilsa and ran right into the rebel army and was cut off from retreat. He was pursued by the rebel cavalry, narrowly escaping capture. He finally found a road to the north into the United States ford road and late in the afternoon arrived at Hooker's headquarters and reported what he had seen. He was advised to go to his own Corps and tell his yarn there. He rode rapidly to Howard's headquarters and reported, but they would not believe it, and he was given to understand that he had no business out on the flank scouting. He was positively told that Lee was retreating and that Barlow's brigade with Gen. Howard had gone south to fall on the enemy.

   Our brigade commander, Gen. Shimmelfennig, sent out Maj. Schleiter of the Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania to reconnoitre. He soon returned with the information that he had found the enemy in great force and heard the Confederate officers giving commands. Major Schłeiter reported the same at Corps headquarters and was laughed at.

   Some cavalry went out on the pike late in the afternoon and reported to Gen. Devans that he could go but a little way as he met a large body of infantry, Gen. Devans replied impatiently: "I wish I could get some one who could make a reconnaissance for me." The captain replied: "General, I can go further, but I cannot promise to return." W. S.