ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS BANQUET

 

Cortland Evening Standard, March 17, 1903.

THE A. O. H. BANQUET

To Commemorate the Birth of Ireland's Patron Saint.

A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL AFFAIR.

Two Hundred and Fifty Were Present—Enjoyable Reception—Elaborate Banquet Served by Ladies' Auxiliary—A Fine Toast List and Excellent Speaking—District Attorney Dowd the Toastmaster—Officers and Committees.

Taylor Hall Block, Cortland, N. Y.

   Never before did the local division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians meet under more auspicious circumstances than those of last night to commemorate the birth of the patron saint, to recall in song and flowing oratory the valor and chivalry of the illustrious sons of old Erin, to rejoice in the glory of the fatherland and to mourn because of the reverses that came through enforced subjection. Wit and humor and enthusiasm and ardor were rampant.

   The banquet was the sixth that the local division has given, and it is safe to say that it was one of the very best of its kind ever held here. Taylor hall, the banqueting place, presented a remarkably pleasing appearance. Decorations of red, white and blue together with green transformed the hall into a veritable wonderland. The tables were neatly spread and as the guests to the number of 250 came into the room most favorable comments were heard upon the beautiful scene that was afforded.

   The supper was furnished and served by the Ladies' auxiliary of the A. O. H. and was excellent in every particular. At 9 o'clock, after the reception that was held at Empire hall, the guests went to Taylor hall and were seated around the festive board. During the time that the supper was being served, and later in the evening, McDermott's orchestra furnished spirited music that elicited well earned applause.       The menu follows:

Emeralds.                       Shillalaha.                       Hibernian Wafers.

Hot Roast American Turkey with Dressing. Cranberry Jelly.

Oyster Paddies.                         Chicken Salad a'la Shamrock.

                        Creamed Mashed Irish Potatoes.

                                Hot Murphy Rolls.

Killarney Cakes.                             Limerick Jelly.

                                     Fruit.

Colleens.              Blarney Stones.                    Coffee.

   After the inner man had been satisfied beyond any question of doubt, District President James F. Dwyer called for order and gave a hearty welcome to the guests. He then introduced as the toastmaster of the evening, District Attorney Thomas H. Dowd, who briefly stated the object of meeting at this time. He spoke of the significance to Irishmen of St. Patrick's day and spoke of Irish fealty and patriotism and of loyalty to this their country by adoption. He spoke of Ireland as once the leader of the nations of the world, but now a broken remnant of the past. He predicted, however, that in the near future Ireland would be allowed to enjoy her full quota of freedom. He then asked all to stand and join in singing "God Save Ireland." This was heartily sung by the banqueters, led by the Apollo quartet.

The Speakers and Their Responses.

   In introducing the first speaker of the evening the toastmaster said that the person who should respond to the sentiment first given on the list should be one who was born in Ireland and had seen all the phases of Irish life. He then called upon Rev. Thomas Conway of Truxton to respond to the toast, "The National Characteristics of the Irish."

   The most marked characteristics of the Irish people, said the speaker, are loyalty to their religion and allegiance to their country. A great feature of the race is that it is not satisfied with leaving its religion at home, but that it wishes to extend this. "Plant an Irish family in any land and you plant the seeds of Christianity," said he.

   The toast, "The Emerald Isle," which was to have been responded to by Edwin Duffey, had to be omitted, as Mr. Duffey was unavoidably detained from the meeting.

   The Apollo quartet then sang, to the satisfaction of all, "Let Erin Remember the Days of Old.'' The quartet is composed of F. W. Lanigan, J. P. Byrnes, W. P. Walsh and Edward Hillick. Its music was one of the features of the evening.

   James F. Tobin responded to the sentiment "Irish Progress," and in so doing he portrayed the marked advancement, the keen instinct and the social, political and educational qualities of the Irishman. The speaker showed a keen appreciation of the subject which he treated and was enthusiastically received.

   A solo, "Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded," was sung by J. F. Byrnes in his usually pleasing manner.

   Charles B. Dowd, one of Cortland's youngest orators, but one who has been heard here upon a few occasions and who recently won laurels as a member of the Cornell debating team, was the next speaker introduced. His sentiment was "Robert Emmet," and in presenting this he added fresh laurels to his list of achievements. His voice is rich, deep and attractive and he possesses remarkable magnetism. He gave an excellent interpretation of the character of Emmet and was tumultuously applauded for his effort.

   It was announced that on account of illness Patsey Conway of Ithaca was not present to give the cornet solo that was promised. Earl B. Maas, however, furnished a trombone solo in fine style.

   J. David Enright of Syracuse responded to the toast "The Ancient Order of Hibernians." The speaker knew well the subject, and in a very forceful manner gave an insight into the work of the organization.

   E. W. Hyatt of Homer was called upon at this time to speak of the Emerald Isle, the sentiment to which Mr. Duffey was to have responded. The toastmaster said that the speaker had such fertility of imagination that he could tell all about Ireland although he had never visited the country. Mr. Hyatt responded by giving a witty talk and by telling stories, of which he seems to have an endless supply.

   A solo by Wm. P. Walsh, entitled, "Rose of Killarney," was sung in a very pleasing manner.

   "St. Patrick and Ireland" was the subject of an inspiring talk by Francis E. Cullen of Oswego. Mr. Cullen was in Cortland last year and was most favorably received again this year.

   Hon. T. P. Heffernan of Dunkirk was unable to attend the banquet, and the ceremonies were concluded by the singing of "America" by all the guests.

   The banquet was one of the most enjoyable ever held. The speeches were all good and the sentiments expressed were elevating. Plenty of fun and repartee mingled with the rest. Mr. Dowd, as toastmaster, displayed the happy faculty of keeping things moving smoothly and rapidly and of turning jokes freely.

   Much of the success of the evening was due to the hard work of Chairman D. M. Roche of the committee of arrangements, who spared nothing of labor in making the affair what it was.

   The division officers and committee of arrangements and reception committee are as follows:

Reception Committee.

   J.  E. Lonergan, Chas. Corcoran, Thos. J. McAuliffe, Thos. Kane, Thos. Drake, Jas. F. Tobin, Edwin Duffey, Thos. H. Dowd, John McCarthy, P. O. Burns, John O'Donnell, John Lynch, J. L. Hannon, Thos. Allen, Jas. W. Barrett, J. T. Davern, Wm. Gerard, M. T. Roche, Martin Davern, John Hammill, E. C. McEvoy, J. J. Reider,

Division Officers.

   President—James F. Dwyer.

   Vice-President—William P. Walsh.

   Corresponding Secretary—Joseph Dowd.

   Financial Secretary—M. L. Mellon.

   Treasurer—William Kennedy.

   Sergeant-at-Arms—William T. Callahan.

   Sentinel—John Dalton.

   County President—Daniel M. Roche.

Committee of Arrangements.

   D. M. Roche, John Dalton, Timothy Noonan, M. F. Cleary, Wm. P. Walsh, Jas. F. Dwyer, William Kennedy, John F. Dowd, John A. Kennedy, Joseph Dowd.

 

Reception and Dance.

   Mr. R. F. O'Brien will hold a reception and dance in Red Men's hall this evening. All persons holding invitations are cordially invited to attend.

 

Maple Sugar Social.

   The Epworth league of the First M. E. church will hold a maple sugar social at the church parlors Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 8. Music by orchestra. All are invited. Price 10 cents.

 

TWO MONTHS' TRIP, MUST PAY FOR LYNCHING, HE COMMITTED SUICIDE, MEN ARE WANTED, AND A PROPOSED PIANO FACTORY

 

Camp at Losser Creek in Yellowstone National Park: President Theodore Roosevelt, and  John Burroughs forefront, standing.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, March 17, 1903.

A TWO MONTHS' TRIP.

President Will Leave Washington April 1.

FIRST STOP WILL BE AT CHICAGO.

Will Visit Many Northwestern States and Make an Extended Tour of the Yellowstone Park—California and Other Pacific States—At St. Louis Many Speeches.

   Washington, March 17.—The itinerary of the president's Western trip was practically completed and is now in the hands of the railroads for exact determination of the running time of the president's train.

   The party will leave Washington the morning of April 1 and proceed directly via the Pennsylvania railroad to Chicago, arriving there the next morning. April 2 will be spent in Chicago, where he will make an address.

   From Chicago the president will go to Madison, Wis., where on the morning of the 3rd he will address the legislature. Then he will go to Waukesha and Milwaukee, where he will be entertained at a banquet. The trip from there will be to La Crosse, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, Yankton, Mitchell and Aberdeen, S. D., and Edgeley, N. D.

   The morning of April 7 he will reach Fargo and that day will visit Jamestown, Bismarck, Mandan and Medora N. D., and Livingston, Mont, and arrive at Cinnabar, Mont., at noon Wednesday, April 8.

Tour of Yellowstone Park.

   Cinnabar is at the entrance of the Yellowstone park. The president's train will be sidetracked there until Friday, April 24. President Roosevelt, accompanied by Secretary Root and John Burroughs, the poet-naturalist of New York, who has been invited to accompany the party on the trip, will make an extended tour of the park escorted by a picked detail of soldiers. Communication will be maintained with president daily during his absence.

   Friday, April 24, the president will leave Cinnabar and after passing through Livingston and Billings, Mont., will arrive at Alliance, Neb., late in the afternoon of April 25. From there he will proceed to Grand Island, Neb., where the party will spend Sunday. Monday, April 27, the president will visit in the order named: Hastings, Lincoln, Fremont and Omaha.

   He will spend the night at Omaha and reach Shenandoah, Ia., early the morning of the 28th after having made a brief stop at Clarinda, Van Wert, Osceola, Des Moines, Oskaloosa and Ottumwa.

   Passing the night on the train the president will arrive at Keokuk the morning of the 29th and on that day will visit Quincy, Ill., Hannibal, Mo., Louisiana, Mo., and Clarksville, Mo., arriving at St. Louis late in the afternoon.

   That night and Thursday, April 30, the president will remain in St. Louis participating in the ceremonies incident to the dedication of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition grounds. He will arrive at Kansas City the morning of May 1 and remain there several hours, visiting Kansas City, Kansas, Lawrence, and Topeka the same day. The night will be spent at Topeka. He will make brief stops next day at Manhattan, Junction City, Abilene, Salina, Ellsworth, Russell, Hayes and Wakeny and arrive at Sharon Springs, Ks., late in the evening.

A Week in California.

   Sunday will be passed at that place. Monday, May 4, the president will visit Cheyenne, Wells, Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Trinidad, Col. He will be in Santa Fe, N. M., and Albuquerque Thursday. The greater part of the next day will be spent at Grand Canyon, Ariz. After a brief stop at Seligman, Ariz., the night of May 6, the president will proceed to Barstow, Cal., arriving there the morning of May 7. Redlands and San Bernardino will be visited and he will arrive at Riverside late that day and spend the night there. May 8 he will stop at Claremont and Pasadena, reaching Los Angeles early in the afternoon, where he will remain until next morning.

   May 9 he will visit Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Sunday, May 10, will be spent at Monterey, Pajaro, Santa Cruz and San Jose will be visited Monday, that night being spent at the last named city. During the morning of May 12 the president will stop at Palo Alto and Burlingame, will arrive at San Francisco early in the afternoon. The remainder of that day and Wednesday and Thursday will be spent in San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley. The president and party will then go to Raymond, where four days will be spent in the Yosemite Valley and Big Tree region. The morning of Tuesday, May 19, the president will enter Nevada, stepping at Reno and Carson City.

   That evening he will return to California for a 14 hours stay at Sacramento. Wednesday he will be at Reddington and Sisson, Cal., and Ashland, Ore. Thursday morning he will spend at Salem, reaching Portland early that afternoon, where he will remain until next morning. From Portland he will go into Washington, stopping at Chehalis, Centralia, Olympia and Tacoma. At Tacoma Saturday the president and the entire party will take a boat trip on Puget Sound, touching at Bremerton and Everett, the trip ending at Seattle late in the afternoon. The special train will be run empty from Tacoma to Seattle.

   Sunday, May 24, will be spent in Seattle. Other Washington cities will be visited May 25 in the following order: Ellensburg, North Yakima, Pasco, Wallula and Walla Walla. Early on the morning of the 26th the president will arrive at Spokane, remaining there for several hours and will stop at Tekoa, Wash., Harrison, and Wallace, Idaho. Next morning he will reach Helena, Mont., and during the day will visit Butte. He will go into Idaho Thursday, stopping at Pocatello, Boise, Nampa, Mountain Home and Shoshone.

   Early Friday he will reach Salt Lake City, remaining there several hours, and in the afternoon and evening will stop at Ogden, Utah, and Evanston, Wyo. Saturday morning Laramie, Wyo., will be reached. At this point the president will leave the train. He will spend this day in a manner suitable to Memorial day and will rejoin his train at Cheyenne. Sunday, May 31, will be passed at Cheyenne.

   Monday the trip homeward to Washington will begin. The only stop that day will be at North Platte, Neb. The president will enter Iowa early on the morning of June 2, touching at Council Bluffs, Dennison, Fort Dodge, Cedar Falls and Dubuque. At the last named place he will spend the night.

   The next morning he will make brief stops at Freeport, Rockford, Rochelle, Aurora, Joliet, Dwight, Pontiac, Lexington and Bloomington, Illinois. The night of June 3 will be spent at Bloomington. June 4 he will visit Lincoln, Springfield and Decatur, Ill., and will arrive at Indianapolis that night.

   Thence he will proceed directly to Washington via the Pennsylvania lines, making only necessary stops and arriving here the evening of Friday, June 5.

   During the trip the president will make many speeches. A majority of them quite naturally will be delivered from the platform of his car, but many of them will be sustained effects of notable importance.

 

TO OPEN 1,000,000 ACRES.

Federal Land in California to be Given to Settlers.

   Los Angeles, Cal., March 17.—The United States, through the Federal land office at Los Angeles, will open to settlers within the next sixty days about 1,000,000 acres of land in California. This land is between Needles and Mojave, and borders the Colorado river. Much of it is valuable agriculturally.

   The prospective throwing open of this vast tract to settlement is the result of a recent decision of the United States supreme court with respect to the famous grant made to the Atlantic and Pacific railroad by act of July, 1866. In the territory which embraces this great tract the Southern Pacific has selection privilege. Authority for the receiving of entry applications for the 1,000,000 acres in question has been received from Washington by the officials of the United States land office at Los Angeles.

  

Guest editorials in March 17, 1903, issue of Cortland Evening Standard.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Must Pay for Lynching.

   The lesson which has been taught Champaign county, O., is one which some other communities may study with profit. It has been compelled to pay $5,500 to the heirs of a man lynched in that county and in addition about $1,000 in court costs and fees connected with the case.

   In 1897 a colored man known as Clint Mitchell was lynched by a mob in the yard of the courthouse in Urbana, a city of about 7.000 people above the average in intelligence and respect for the law. Immediately after the lynching the heirs of the lynched man began a suit against Champaign county for $5.000 damages under a law enacted by the Ohio legislature in 1896. This law requires every county to pay $5,000 to the legal heirs of any person lynched in that county. A favorable verdict was obtained, but the case was appealed from court to court until it reached the supreme court of Ohio, where the verdict for damages has just been affirmed with costs and interest and the constitutionality of the law declared.

   Thus after six years the dignity of the law has been vindicated and the taxpayers of the county made to pay about $6,500 for the satisfaction a mob had in lynching a man and for the inefficiency of the authorities in not controlling the mob. The case is an important one in that it proves that such a law is constitutional and that it can be enforced, at least in one state. A similar law enacted and enforced in other commonwealths might lessen the number of cases brought before Judge Lynch.

 

COMMITTED SUICIDE.

Nathan A. Gardiner Shot Himself Twice With a Revolver.

WAS FOUND DEAD IN HIS SHOP.

Had Suffered from Cancer and Dreaded the Advance of the Disease—Shaved and Went to His Harness Shop—Son Heard the Shots and Found His Father Dead.

   Nathan A. Gardiner, 67 years old, a harness maker of Virgil, N. Y., committed suicide shortly after 9 o'clock this morning by firing two revolver bullets into his body, one in the temple and the other in the abdomen. He died instantly.

   This morning he shaved and then went out to a shop that he formerly worked in. After he had been there a few minutes his son Roy, a lad about 16 years of age who was at the barn doing chores, heard the shots and went at once to the shop. His father was dead when be reached him.

   For some time Mr. Gardiner had been treated for a cancer of the under lip, and it is believed that he considered the malady incurable and that death would be preferable to the dreaded disease. It is understood that he left a note to his family, bidding the members goodbye, and stating that the course he took was the only one left him to pursue. He leaves a wife, the son mentioned, by his present wife, and four children by his first wife.

   The body was allowed to remain where it was found and Coroner E. M. Santee was summoned. It is not known as yet what his verdict is.

 

William Warren Mott.

   William Warren Mott, who died Feb. 23 at his home near East Homer, was born Sept. 2, 1841, at Virgil and was the youngest of twelve children, seven boys and five girls.

   Mr. Mott enlisted in the spring of 1861 as a private in Co. E, Thirty-second regiment, New York Vols., for two years, and was in a number of engagements, among them Bull Run, seven days fight, and Antietam. He returned in June of 1863 and was married to Augusta Terpenning, Nov. 16, 1864, at Virgil. Four children were born to them, Mrs. Jessie Osbeck, Mrs. Mina Bell, Franklin Mott and a babe that died when only a few days old.

   Mr. Mott united with the church at Virgil in 1868. He moved to Cortland in 1870 and to East Homer in 1877. He was a member of the grange and had been a member of the I. O. O. F, for twenty-eight years.

   While serving in the army he contracted diseases from which he never fully recovered. On Feb. 18 he was taken with pleuro-pneumonia, from which he died Feb. 23. Rev. H. B. Roberts preached the funeral sermon. The floral tributes were especially beautiful. Mr. Mott was admired and beloved by all who knew him, a man of sterling qualities and noble Christian character. He will be missed by the entire community in which he lived. The mourning wife and children have the heartfelt sympathy of all their friends in this time of trouble.

 

MEN ARE WANTED.

Local Men will be Given Preference Over Outsiders.

   J. E. Davis, president of the J. E. Davis Mfg. Co., which is about to locate in Cortland for the manufacture of piano cases, says that it will be the policy of his company to give preference to local men, as far as they will go, over outsiders in the matter of employment. He will be at the factory of the H. M. Whitney Wagon Co., which is to be the piano case factory, all day Thursday to receive applicants for places. He will require both machine and bench men among the skilled workmen, and also a certain number of unskilled workmen.

 

A PIANO FACTORY

Seems Likely Soon to be Established in this City.

IT WOULD EMPLOY MANY MEN.

May be Obtained through J. E. Davis of the Piano Case Company-Experienced Piano Man and a Capitalist Trying to Get Together.

   It seems quite likely now that Cortland in securing the J. E. Davis Manufacturing Co., which is to make piano cases here in the factory of the H. M. Whitney Wagon Co., have secured two new industries instead of one. The first one is the piano case factory, and the other may prove to be a piano factory itself. If this comes about it will be through the instrumentality of J. E. Davis, the president of the piano case company, though this latter company will be in no way interested in the manufacture of pianos.

   As stated yesterday Mr. Davis is an expert and experienced piano manufacturer, having been in that business for twenty years, in fourteen of which he was an inspector and superintendent. Mr. Davis has a friend in New York who now occupies a responsible place as a practical man in one of the largest piano houses in that city, and this friend has for some months been urging Mr. Davis to go in with him in the manufacture of pianos. Mr. Davis did not wish to do so, as his preference is for the piano case business. This man is possessed of considerable property, but be thinks be has hardly enough capital to start a factory alone.

   Mr. Davis, however, has another friend in Washington, N. J., a capitalist whose wealth is very large. This man sought to obtain stock in the J. E. Davis Manufacturing Co., but none of it was for sale. He is desirous of investing his money in some good business. Mr. Davis has now set about bringing together these two friends of his and he believes that a new piano company will be the result. As a resident of Cortland, as he now claims to be, he is interested in the welfare of the place and will do all he can to locate the proposed concern in this city, and from his relations with both the men be believes be will be successful. If such a company is formed and such a plant established it would mean the employment of probably another hundred skilled workmen at the outset. Mr. Davis does not consider this matter at all visionary, but, in fact, altogether probable.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Everybody wears green today in honor of St. Patrick.

   —The heavy rain last night went far toward settling the ground, and the roads will soon begin to dry up.

   —The Fortnightly club meets tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock at the home of Mrs. F. I. Graham, 10 Lincoln-ave.

   —David College and daughter, Miss Edith College, who teaches at McGraw, expect to move next Monday from Cortland to McGraw.

   —The Taylor block at the corner of Main and Railroad-sts. is getting a fresh coat of paint of a light tint that materially improves its appearance.

   —The new display advertisements today are—Smith & Beaudry, Wall paper, etc., page 5; Hollister Hardware, & Plumbing Co., Hardware supplies, page 7; Perkins & Quick, Drugs and paints, page 5; W. T. Crane, Last call for pianos, page 8; W. W. Bennett, Ranges, etc., page 4; McGraw & Elliott, Drugs and paints, page 6; W. T. Crane, Electric playing piano, page 6; R. H. Beard, Upholstering, etc., page 8; A. Mahan, Pianos and organs, page 6.

 

PIANO CASE FACTORY, WOMEN DISSATISFIED, THE SHIPS AND THE MEN, A. O. H., AND KIEHL CASE ENDED

 

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, March 16, 1903.

PIANO CASE FACTORY

To be Located at once in Cortland Under Certain Conditions.

TO OCCUPY THE H. M. WHITNEY FACTORY.

Cortland must raise $4,000—Contract signed by all the parties with money paid as a Forfeit—No backing out by any one if Cortland fulfills—Will employ from 150 to 200 Skilled Workmen at the outset—Contracts in sight that will keep 500 men busy—Company ready to begin putting in machinery as soon as the money is pledged in Cortland.

   At a late hour Saturday evening the contracts were finally signed by all the parties concerned by which Cortland is to secure a new industry that promises to be a great benefit to the place and to employ at the outset from 150 to 200 skilled workmen, This is conditional upon the raising in this city the sum of $4,000 to assist the new company in locating its plant here.

   The industry is the J. E. Davis Manufacturing Co. of Washington, N. J., manufacturers of piano cases. The members of this company are J. Edward Davis, George R. Davis and Joseph A. Lundy. The company is capitalized at $150,000. Mr. J. E. Davis has been for twenty years in the piano business and is an expert piano manufacturer. For fourteen years he was an inspector and superintendent in one of the largest piano factories in the country. Four years ago he organized the Washington Manufacturing Co. of Washington, N. J., for the manufacture of piano cases. Mr. Davis was the practical man of the company. They built up a large and flourishing business. But there is a scarcity of lumber in the vicinity of Washington and a necessity for long shipment by freight to secure the lumber. Consequently Mr. Davis sold out to his partner and organized the new company. Mr. George B. Davis is now with the Needham Piano Co. and is a practical man there. A third brother who is not to be in this company is the superintendent of the Needham Co., so it is apparent that the Davises are a family brought up in the piano business. Mr. Lundy, the third member of the company, has had a large furniture factory in Washington and is an expert cabinet maker. His factory was burned out, and instead of rebuilding it he has become a member of the new piano case company.

Elmira Wanted the Industry.

   Elmira has sought to secure the company and the three gentlemen went there and looked over the ground. The Elmira board of trade offered to secure for them the plant of a company that had gone out of business and the price was agreed upon between the two parties, but then it appeared that the property could not be delivered under ninety days, while the projectors of the new plant want to take possession at once and start the business. Then a certain other section of Elmira made an offer of money and land for the plant, and the whole offer amounted to upwards of $10,000.

Cortland Takes a Hand.

   It was at just this stage of the game that Mr. F. D. Smith, secretary of the Cortland board of trade, heard of the project and wrote and telephoned to Mr. Davis. He promised that parties would come to Cortland and see what could be done here. The three gentlemen arrived in the city Friday night and were met by the representatives of the local board of trade. All day Saturday the matter was under consideration and negotiations were in progress, but at the time The Standard went to press, nothing definite had been reached and there was no certainty that a favorable result could be arrived at. Along in the evening, however, the matter was finally closed up.

Whitney Plant Considered.

   The gentlemen were favorably impressed with Cortland from the outset and there was an additional consideration that tipped the scales here. If the splendid plant of the H. M, Whitney Wagon Co. could be obtained a factory would be ready for business just as soon as machinery could be placed. If the concern was to go to Elmira it meant a wait of ninety days for one factory building, with extensive and expensive repairs to be made or almost as long a wait as that till another factory could be put up. For this reason the gentlemen were willing to accept a less sum than the offer of Elmira if the Whitney plant could be purchased. A price was finally agreed upon between the new company and Mr. Whitney by which the company will acquire the large three-story brick factory with all its appurtenances and the large frame storehouse with the land upon which it stands, thus squaring out the lot and including all the property up to and adjoining that of the H. F. Benton Lumber Co.

The Contract Signed.

   A contract was drawn by Kellogg & Van Hoesen and signed by all the parties and a first payment upon the plant was made. This, however, is all contingent upon the raising of $4,000 by the board, though in case of the failure to do so the payment already made acts as a forfeit. But the board of trade is confident that the business men will respond as promptly as they did for the Sidney Novelty Co.

   There is, however, this difference between the two propositions. In this instance only $4,000 need be raised; in the case of the Sidney Novelty Co. there was a call for $15,000. In this instance a binding contract has been drawn and signed and money paid; in the other it was all a verbal promise.

   It seems likely, too, that this industry will prove the more desirable of the two, for the company will employ from 150 to 200 men at the outset, and nearly all of them must be skilled and high priced cabinet makers and joiners and finishers. There will be little unskilled or cheap labor about the whole.

   Mr. Davis says there is a great call for piano cases and he has contracts in sight that will soon call for the employment of 500 men and keep them busy the year around. There are very few piano case factories in the country.

   One of the reasons which makes Cortland so desirable a point for this new company is the fact that lumber can be secured near here. Much maple, beech, birch, and chestnut is used in the interior structure of piano cases, and this is within reach in Cortland. Last year the Washington Mfg. Co. used 2,500,000 feet of this lumber, and Mr. Davis expects to use double that amount the first year in Cortland.

To Canvass for Subscriptions.

   The board of trade will tomorrow morning begin a canvass of the city to secure subscriptions for the $4,000. They hope the business men will receive them as cordially as they did in the canvass for the Sidney Novelty works. They hope they may not have to spend more than a few minutes with each person, as they are themselves busy men, and they want to get this closed up at once.

Demand for Houses.

   If this company is to come to Cortland bringing with it all the skilled employees they will need, there will at once be a large demand for houses. As one of the gentlemen was riding about the city Saturday he said to a member of the board of trade that he had not seen much evidence of houses to rent here and asked how this would be. He was told that there were not many surplus houses. "But," he persisted, "I don't see any. Won't you point out to me the next house we pass that you know can be rented?" It proved to be some time before a house was passed, but before he left town Saturday night a house was found that he could obtain for himself if he should come to Cortland.

Board of Trade Wide Awake.

   It should be noted that the new board of trade is wide awake and looking for opportunities. It is to be hoped that a ready response may be made to the solicitors for this company and that within a very few days the conditions may be fulfilled so that the positive announcement can be made that the company is coming. It may be added that the board of trade already has another promising project under advisement, though it is not yet quite time to make any public announcement concerning it.

 

WOMEN DISSATISFIED.

Assistant Board of Managers Wanted Fuller Removed.

   Binghamton, N. Y., March 16.—Following the decision of the board of managers of the Susquehanna Valley home to retain Superintendent Fuller and discharge Caretaker Watson, against whom charges of cruelty were made, the assistant board has published statements disagreeing with the action of the managers.

   The assistant board is made up mostly of Binghamton women of prominence and wealth, five of its members attended every hearing of the investigation and heard all the evidence. They now announce that they reported to their associates that the charges of cruelty and negligence were fully proved by the evidence and that the assistant managers adopted a report on Feb. 26 asking that Messrs. Fuller and Watson be immediately removed.

   The assistant board is merely advisory and has no real power. Its report was received by the president of the board of managers and was withheld from the board, it is asserted, until last Wednesday evening and then presented only when it could no longer be kept from the members.

   Members of the assistant board express themselves as indignant at the decision of the male board. They claim that it is contrary to the evidence.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The Ships and the Men.

   In asking congress for the authorization of the building of three battleships and one armored cruiser at a cost of $17,000,000 the naval appropriation committee has made a modest request and one which the country will generally be inclined to regard as reasonable. Apparently the committee was not much influenced by the discussion about a wholesale increase of the navy precipitated by the extremely remote contingency of a war with a European power or powers growing out of the Venezuela incident, but rather acted in adherence to the policy of steady and systematic additions to the nations offensive and defensive force on the high seas in conformity with the steady growth of the nation in prestige, population and wealth. The need of the country of a strong and well equipped navy is generally recognized, though there is no necessity of feverish haste and extravagant outlay in its immediate expansion.

   In connection with the authorization of new war vessels is the provision for increasing the facilities of the Naval academy at Annapolis, for which an appropriation considerably larger than heretofore is asked. The faculty of the institution is to be strengthened, and the number of cadets is to be doubled. This will give to each senator and representative an appointment every two years. Two steel training ships and a brig are also to be built, so that the training of men to man the new war vessels now being constructed will be conducted to the best advantage. The additional appointments double the opportunity of admittance to the academy and should result in a much greater range of candidates and materially increase the interest of young America in the navy as a career.

 

Trolley waiting to cross tracks after Lackawanna train leaves Cortland depot.

NEW AGENT APPOINTED

To Represent the Lackawanna Railroad in Cortland.

   R. R. Speirs of Bangor, Pa., has been appointed as Lackawanna station agent in this city, and arrived today to begin his new duties. The retiring agent, Mr. W. E. Buck, came to Cortland nearly two years ago from Washington, N. J., and has made one of the most efficient and accommodating agents the Lackawanna railroad has ever had in this city. He has been very popular with the shippers, and the freight shipments to and from Cortland have shown a remarkable increase during Mr. Buck's administration.

   The passenger department has also shown a marked increase in traffic and Mr. Buck has proved a valuable man to his company, and has always been pleasant and accommodating to the public. It is to be hoped that he will receive the promotion he has earned.

   Mr. and Mrs. Buck have resided at 10 Madison-st. and will leave in Cortland a host of friends who will wish them success when they remove to their new home.

 

DEATH OF MELVIN HOPKINS.

Nearly All His Life a Resident of Cortland County.

   Mr. Melvin Hopkins died very suddenly yesterday at his home, 70 Maple-ave., aged 70 years. Mr. Hopkins had been ill from grip nearly all winter, but was thought to be improving during the last few days.

   Mr. Hopkins was born in Homer and has always lived in this vicinity with the exception of six years that he spent in Virginia, going to that state in 1876. He has resided in Cortland for the past 15 years. In 1855 be married Miss Lucretia H. Silcox of Five Corners, N. Y., who survives him. He is also survived by three sons, Messrs. E. J. Hopkins of Cortland, George M. Hopkins of Homer and Eugene A. Hopkins of McLean.

   The funeral will be held from the house tomorrow at 2 o'clock and from the Universalist church at 2:30.

 

THE A. O. H. BANQUET

To Occur at Taylor Hall Tonight—List of Speakers.

   The annual banquet of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will be held this evening at Taylor hall. About 300 guests are expected to be in attendance.

   A reception will be tendered the guests from 8:15 to 9 o'clock in Empire hall, after which all will assemble at Taylor hall for the banquet. The reception committee is made up of Messrs. J. E. Lonergan, Charles Corcoran, Thomas J. McAuliffe, Thomas Kane, Thomas Drake, James F. Tobin, Edwin Duffey, Thomas H. Dowd, John McCarthy, P. O. Burns, John O'Donnell, John Lynch, J. L. Hannon, Thomas Allen, James W. Barrett, J. T. Davern, William Gerrard, M. T. Roche. John Hamill, Martin Davern, Edward C. McEvoy and J. J. Reider.

   District Attorney Thomas H. Dowd will be the toast master, and this insures a lively time from the opening of the feast of soul that is to follow the feast for the inner man. The speakers of the evening will be Rev. Thomas Conway of Truxton, Hon. T. P. Heffron of Dunkirk, Francis E. Cullen of Oswego, J. David Enright of Syracuse, and J. F. Tobin, C. B. Dowd and Edwin Duffey of Cortland. The Appllo quartet will be present and furnish music. McDermott's orchestra will also be on hand to add pleasure to the evening. Aside from this Messrs. J. F. Byrnes and William Walsh will sing solos and Mr. Patsy Conway of Ithaca will favor the company with several cornet solos.

 

KIEHL CASE ENDED.

Onondaga County Grand Jury Fails to Find an Indictment.

   The Onondaga county grand jury in Syracuse on Saturday failed to report an indictment against Maude Kiehl or her mother, Mrs. Fenner. Twenty-three witnesses were sworn. It would appear now as though the two ladies might have no further difficulties since two district attorneys and two grand juries in two separate counties have passed upon this case, and have failed to find an indictment.

   The charge against the two ladies was being connected with the death of Adam and William Kiehl in the town of Preble, Cortland county.

 

BREVITIES.

   —A regular meeting of Grover Post, G. A. R., will be held this evening at 7:30 o'clock.

   —A regular meeting of the W. R. C. will be held at 2:30 sharp tomorrow afternoon.

   —Mrs. Jennie R. C. Vose this morning sold her house and lot at the corner of North Main and Madison-sts. to Mr. N. J. Peck for $6,000.

   —Cortlandville lodge, No. 470, F. & A. M., will confer the second degree in full form at its regular communication Tuesday evening at 7:30 o'clock.

   —The new display advertisements today are—C. F. Brown. Pure drugs, etc., page 4; Warren Tanner & Co., Lace curtains, page 6; G. H. Wiltsie, Dry goods, page 8.

   —The regular meeting of the Political Equality club will be held at the home of Dr. L. A. Strowbridge Tuesday at 3 o'clock p. m. Please note change of time.