AMONG THE BIG TREES, FRANCE AND THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE, CORTLAND BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS, TRUXTON, DEATH OF THOMAS SIMS, AND ROBINSON GOLDEN WEDDING

 

President Roosevelt (center) with John Muir and party at giant Redwood tree.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, May 12, 1903.

AMONG THE BIG TREES

President Objected to Signs Bearing Names.

LUNCHEON UNDER REDWOODS.

President Paid Compliments to the Pioneers, the Grand Army and Men of the Naval Militia—Met a Mother of 34 Children—Arrival at San Jose—Anarchist Arrested.

   Santa Cruz, Cal., May 12.—President Roosevelt was given an ovation here. His carriage was driven through an avenue of thousands of school children with waving flags, who for a mile scattered flowers along his pathway. The cheers of the children were taken up by the Pioneers, the Grand Army, Knights of Pythias and citizens.

   On being introduced by Mayor Clark at the court house, the president said: "I thank you for this greeting. I thank you for your esteem. I wish to say a word, especially to the men of the Grand Army and the representatives of the Pioneers, to the men who proved their loyalty in the supreme test of '61 to '65, and to the pioneers who showed patriotism in winning the golden west for their country. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is a pleasure for me to see the men of the naval militia.

   "If there is one thing this country is alive to, it is our navy. We must believe in a first-class navy. We already have a good navy, but we must have a better one. Not only should we have good guns, good conning towers and turrets, but expert men with them. We cannot afford to neglect our navy. We must build it up; we must have the best of fighting ships and the best of men to man them.

   "I congratulate you on the progress made in California. You have a wonderful state. I am glad to see your big trees and to see that they are being preserved. They should be, as they are the heritage of the ages. They should be left unmarred for our children and our children's children, and so on down the ages. Good bye and good luck to you."

   Preceded by the naval reserves and band the president rode slowly up the street in a special train. The big trees were reached in 15 minutes and the party sat down to an al fresco luncheon. Twenty of Santa Cruz's prettiest young ladies waited on the tables. The naval reserves and officers acted as a guard. At the close of the repast the president said:

   "I want to thank you for your courtesy and to say how much I enjoy being here. This is my first glimpse of the big trees. I desire to pay tribute to the associations, private owners and state for preserving these trees, and also to the citizens who acted in cooperation with the state in preserving these wonderful trees. Let me preach to you a moment. All of us desire to see nature preserved. Above all the trees should not be marred by placing cards of names on them. People who do that should be sternly discouraged. The cards give an air of ridicule to the solemn and majestic giants. They should be taken down. I ask you to keep all cards off the trees or any kind of signs that will mar them. See to it that the trees are preserved; that the gift from nature is kept unmarred. You can never replace a tree. Oh, I am pleased to be here among these wonderful redwoods. I thank you for giving me this enjoyment. Preserve and keep what nature has done."

   The president requested that he be unaccompanied in his walk along the trees and President Butler was his only companion. While he was away Secretary Loeb, President Wheeler and others acted on the president's suggestion by tearing down the cards from the trees amid great applause.

   During the luncheon the president was informed that the Spanish beans served at luncheon had been prepared by Mrs. J. N. Gesetterest, who resides near Watsonville, and who is the mother of 34 children. He laughed heartily saying: "She should be made president of some association, I don't know what."

   The Pioneers society presented to the president a silver plate. A tree was dedicated in the president's honor. The president expressed his thanks, but he objected to a big sign with his name on it. He also received pictures of the trees. After a photograph was taken and many had shaken hands with him the train started for this city.

   At 12:50, amid great cheering from the large crowd, the train left for San Jose.

 

ALLEGED ANARCHIST ARRESTED.

Supposed to Have Designs Upon the Life of the President.

   San Jose, Cal., May 12.—Clay Taylor, alias Prof. Plutte, was arrested here for supposed designs on the life of the president. He has served three terms in prison.

   It is alleged that he wrote to the president advising him not to come here. He is also accused of recent anarchistic utterances.

 

Captain John J. Pershing.

Moros Attacked Rear Guard.

   Manila, May 12.—Straggling Moros attacked the rear guard of Captain Pershing's column near Bacolod, Island of Mindanao, Saturday morning, wounding Lieutenant Ruetegies and one soldier. The guard killed all the attackers. The latest reports place the number of Moros killed at the capture of Taraca at three hundred. Brigadier General Summer, commanding the Department of Mindanao, has issued a congratulatory order to Captain Pershing's troops.

 

NEGRO DEPARTMENT STORE.

Chicago Man Writes That He Hears Carnegie and Washington Will Start One.

   Little Rock, Ark., May 12.—Gov. Davis received a letter from Chicago, signed by Julius T. Hirsch, which said:

   "It is the intention, with the aid of Andrew Carnegie and under the auspices of Booker T. Washington to establish in Louisville, Ky., or New Orleans, La., a large department dry goods store, exclusively with colored help, in order to elevate the colored race and educate them in the commercial pursuits of life. Will your Excellency be good enough to give me your view upon this unique enterprise?"

   The governor, in reply, said that he considered the social elevation of the colored race all nonsense. He believed the negro would do much better if let alone and that his natural place is in the field.

 

Guest Editorials.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

France and the Louisiana Purchase.

   There was something almost pathetic in the phrases of Ambassador Jusserand's admirable speech at the dedication of the St. Louis exposition in which he dwelt upon the strenuous part that the French explorers and early settlers took in laying the foundations for the new empire in the west. They found and beat well with their restless feet the path which men of English names and speech were afterward to follow to possess the land.

   M. Jusserand insisted that France got out of Louisiana what was better than a province—a friend. That, however, was only a charming figure of speech, as France and the new American republic were not altogether good friends for some time after the Louisiana purchase. However much we may appreciate the admirable sentiment of M. Jusserand and value the amity of the French nation, the student of history knows that there was not the least sentiment in the transaction by which the imperial domain at the mouth of and to the westward of the Mississippi became American. It was all done in the coldest blood. As ex-President Cleveland said in his St. Louis address, Napoleon would never have sold us Louisiana if the disastrous failure of his Santo Domingo expedition had not prevented him from making a military occupation of the Mississippi colony. He preferred a round sum in millions to a new and very large bill of expense.

   However, we can easily feel the welling up of a certain sympathy toward the French by reason of the picturesque proof which this St. Louis celebration affords of the colonial, the imperial incapacity of both the French and Spanish nations, which has resulted so conspicuously to our profit. M. Jusserand said that his countrymen have never ceased to approve of the treaty of 1803, though we may well fancy that the French must be more than human if they can refrain from a sigh of regret when they think that it is we, not they, who have caused this vast empire to fulfill its destiny.

 

Chairman S. S. Knox.

CORTLAND BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS

Votes to Pave Port Watson-st. from Railroad to Bridge.

MACADAM PROBABLY TO BE USED.

Full Width of Roadway With Brick Gutters and Stone Curbing Asked for—Sewers Voted on Lincoln and Maple-ave. Extensions—Grace-st. Asks to be Accepted—Other Business.

   Au adjourned meeting of the board of public works was held in the city clerk's office last evening. Those present were Chairman Knox, F. H. Cobb, and C. W. Collins.

  Alderman Vern W. Skeele and O. U. Kellogg were present and reported that they found the great majority of the residents and property owners on Port Watson-st. to be in favor of macadamizing the street from the Lackawanna tracks to the Port Watson-st. bridge. All wanted stone curbing and brick gutters the entire length of the street and the macadam to be the entire width of the roadway. It was decided to take no definite action on the matter until all members of the board were present so that no question regarding the validity of the bonds could be raised when they may be offered for sale.

   The residents of Lincoln-ave. presented a petition for a sewer, in which they agreed to connect with the sewer should it be put in. Action on this petition was deferred until the next meeting of the board.

   The residents of Grace-st. presented a petition that the street be accepted as a public street. Superintendent Becker was instructed to tell them that the board would act in the matter as soon as they made some necessary improvements.

   On motion of Mr. Cobb, Superintendent Becker was empowered to have the Climax Road Machine Co. bring a scraper to Cortland to see if it is practicable for use on the city streets.

   On motion of F. H. Cobb, the board adjourned until 1:30 today.

   The adjourned meeting of the board of public works was held in the city clerk's office at 1:30 this afternoon, Chairman S. S. Knox, C. W. Collins, F. H. Cobb and C. F. Wickwire being present.

   Minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved.

   On motion of Mr. Cobb, seconded by Mr. Collins, it was decided to lay sewers on Lincoln-ave. and Maple-ave.

   The bids are to be advertised for in the official papers and will be received by the board of public works until the hour of 8 o'clock p. m. May 25, 1903. A deposit of $100 will be required with each bid.

   On motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Cobb, the board adjourned to the residence of Mr. Duffey, the other member of the board, who was ill and confined to the house.

   At Mr. Duffey's house, on motion of Mr. Cobb, seconded by Mr. Wickwire, a resolution was passed to the effect that that part of Port Watson-st., from the Lackawanna railroad tracks to the bridge should be paved. A public meeting was called to be held in Firemen's hall on the evening of May 25 at 8 'clock at which time the pros and cons will be discussed.

   The board then adjourned until the evening of May 25.

 

D. A. R. ENTERTAINED

By Mrs. A. P. McGraw at Her Home in the Corset City.

   Monday, May 11, marks one of the red letter days in the history of Tioughnioga chapter, D. A. R.  Through the kindness of Manager Duffey of the Traction company a special car conveyed the party to McGraw, where the chapter was entertained by Mrs. A. P. McGraw at her very pleasant home. Thirty-two members were present and after an interesting program, the wants of the inner woman were fully satisfied by a delicious supper. Music and conversation with a jolly trip home closed the end of a happy day for the D. A. R. of Cortland.

 

TRIP TO CALIFORNIA

To be Taken by Three Residents of Cortland and McGraw.

   Dr. H. C. Hendrick of McGraw and H. F. Benton and A. D. Blodgett of this city expect to start tomorrow morning for California. They go on the 9:10 train on the Lehigh Valley railroad to Elmira, thence to Harrisburg where they will join the Pennsylvania railroad's special excursion to the Presbyterian general assembly at Los Angeles. Their trip takes them from Chicago over the Santa Fe route with a side trip to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado river in Arizona, and a stop will be made over Sunday and Monday at that point. They arrive at Los Angeles on May 20 and have from that time till June 2 at their disposal in California. Dr. Hendrick is a delegate to the general assembly and will attend the meetings, but the other two will devote the time entirely to sight seeing [sic] and following out their own pleasure. On June 2 they leave San Francisco for home, coming over the Central Pacific R. R. to Ogden, Utah, then south to Salt Lake City, where a stop will be made. From that point the trip takes them upon the Denver & Rio Grande route over Marshall Pass and through the Royal Gorge of the Arkansas river to Colorado Springs, Denver, and thence east. They expect to get home June 12.

 

TRUXTON’S BUDGET

The Town Board of Assessors Organizes for its Work.

NEW PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL.

Judson Osterhout and Daughter in a Runaway—Arbor Day Exercises—A Bunch of Personal Items.

   Truxton, N. Y., May 11.—Great preparations are being made for the Memorial Day exercises which will be held here Saturday, May 30. Former District Attorney Edwin Duffey of Cortland will deliver the address. The Truxton Cornet band will furnish music. It is expected that a małe quartet will be present and sing.

   The board of education has engaged Harry B. Dickinson of Homer as principal of the Truxton High school for 1903-4. Mr. Dickinson is a member of the present graduating class of the Cortland Normal school.

   The town board of assessors composed of Thomas L. Goddard and Frank I. Gates, a Democrat and Charles Jarvis, Republican, recently met and organized. Thomas L. Goddard was chosen chairman. No better selection than that of Mr. Goddard could have been made. He is a prominent farmer, a taxpayer and is well qualified for the position. The first work of the board was to assess the new telephone line which has been built through this town by the Empire State Telephone company.

   Ernest Hall was arrested in Union Valley last week by Constable P. J. Dwyer on a warrant sworn out by James Albro of Cuyler, who charged him with taking several articles of household goods to the amount of nearly $60. He was taken before Justice of the Peace Michael McGraw who discharged him as Albro failed to appear against him.

   Mr. Judson Osterhout and little daughter Ruth met with quite a serious runaway accident one day last week. They were returning from Cuyler and when but a short distance from home the wagon ran over an endboard which lay in the road. When the wheel struck the board it tipped up in such a manner as to overturn the wagon, throwing the occupants out. The horse was frightened and ran. The little girl was uninjured. Mr. Osterhout struck upon his face, which was quite badly cut and bruised. The wagon was badly broken.

   Mr. Frank J. Westcott has just placed in the mammoth store a self-measuring oil tank, which is a great improvement over the old-fashioned can. It was manufactured by S. F. Browser & Co. (Inc.) Fort Wayne, Ind.

   Mr. Frank J. Westcott has sold one of his fancy black team to E. H. Brewer of Cortland.

   Mr. Will Atkinson has bought a fine bay roadster of Bell Bros.

   County Clerk Otis D. Patrick of Cortland was in town Thursday.

   Supervisor and Mrs. W. R. Woodward were in Cortland Friday.

   Mrs. Frank F. Poole of Lincklaen is the pleasant guest of her daughter.

   Walter Dwight has leased the Lee house on Prospect-st., and will soon move there.

   Arbor Day was observed at the High school Friday afternoon. The following program, which was well rendered, was given:

 

 

DEATH OF THOMAS SIMS.

Former Resident of Cortland Passes Away in Florida.

   Word has been received in Cortland of the death at Altamont Springs, Fla., on Sunday, May 10, of Thomas Sims, formerly of Cortland. Mr. Sims had a shock of paralysis early in March and since that time his strength has gradually failed. His age was about 72 years. He is survived by his wife and by the family of a deceased son.

   It is nearly twenty-five years ago that Mr. Sims left Cortland to go to Florida. He expected then to stay but a short time, but the climate was so beneficial to his health and the culture of oranges in which he engaged was so attractive that he decided to make that state his home. He has always retained his old time interest in Cortland, and during all these years has been a constant reader of The Standard, sending north now and then a comment upon some change or improvement in the place which he had noted. He was still at the time of his death the owner of the block on Main-st., Cortland, occupied upon its first floor by J. H. Mills, the tailor. He was always anxious to see northern friends who visited Florida, and Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Kelsey of this city were for several weeks in the early part of this last winter the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Sims.

 

THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING.

Former Residents of Cortland County Now in Illinois.

   The Danville, (Ill.,) Press of May 9 contains the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Robinson, formerly of Cortland county, together with a two-column account of the celebration of their golden wedding on the previous day. Mr. Robinson was born in Virgil, May 31, 1830. The Press says:

   At 16 he was apprenticed in the office of the Cortland American. In that paper he worked three years and here his ability as a writer manifested itself in numerous poems evincing exceptional ability which appeared from time to time under the pseudonym of "Cortland Minstrel" in The American, DeRuyter Leader, McGrawville Express and others and were very widely copied in the local and in some instances the metropolitan journals. At 16 he wrote a "Carrier's Address" and printed it himself, which was justly considered a remarkable feat both in workmanship and elegance of fancy for youth of his years, and this was the beginning of a long and varied career as a litterateur.

   In 1849 the gold fever struck him and he went to California and was unusually successful in mining. In 1853 he returned to Virgil and married Miss Minerva Price, and together they sought a home in Iowa, since which time that state and Illinois has continued to be their home.

   Their old friends in this county will be glad to know of their prosperity and good health.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The A. O. U. W. will hold a regular meeting this evening. There are several candidates to be initiated,

   —A special meeting of the hospital board will be held at the home of Mrs. Julia E. Hyatt tomorrow at 3 p. m.

   —The Fortnightly club will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 p. m. with Miss Cornelia L. Brown, 15 Reynolds-ave.

   —The new display advertisements today are—First National Bank, Banking, page 6; Hollister Hardware Co., Refrigerators, etc., page 7; A. Mahan, Huntington pianos, page 7.

   —Cortland Chapter, No. 194, R. A. M., will confer the Royal Arch degree at its regular convocation Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock. After conferring the degree light refreshments will be served.

 

CAPTAIN PERSHING'S SUCCESS, SHERIFF STOPPED LYNCHING, OPEN DOOR AT ELLIS ISLAND, CORTLAND PARK, FOR A NEW PARK, AND APPENDICITIS CASES

 

Captain John J. Pershing.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, May 11, 1903.

CAPTAIN PERSHING'S SUCCESS.

No Further Fighting After the Capture of Taraca Forts.

   Manila, May 11.—Capt. Pershing and his column have returned to Camp Vicars, Mindanao, from the expedition through the country east of Lake Lanao. The column experienced no opposition after the fighting at Taraca [Tarlac]. The prisoners captured at Taraca took the oath of allegiance and were released.

   Among the Moros killed in the Taraca forts were nine dattos and one sultan. The moral effect of this fight will be far reaching and it is doubtful if there will be any further hostility to the Lake Lanao country.

   Captain Pershing estimates the population of Taraca at 30,000 and that of the district at 100,000. He says the population of the Łake Lanao district has been underestimated.

   Four natives have been found guilty of the murder of three American marines at Olangapo, Subig Bay, last September, and have been sentenced to death.

   The Ladrone situation seems to have materially improved. In Albay province it is still unsatisfactory, but the other districts which recently have been disturbed are quieter.

 

SHERIFF STOPPED LYNCHING.

Mob Attempted to Get Three Negroes From County Jail.

   Fremont, O., May 11.—Mob violence which was threatened in this city as the result of the killing of Otto Kischke, as alleged, by one of three negroes, has subsided. The three negroes are in the county jail at Norwalk.

   From 1 o'clock until 4 o'clock Sunday morning the jail building was surrounded by the angry crowd, calling upon Sheriff Mason to deliver the prisoners. For an hour or more he stood on the front steps of his residence and admonished the crowd to be quiet. He said he had taken an oath to do his official duty and do it he would, and would shoot the first man who made an attempt to break down the jail door and enter the building.

   For fear of further trouble the mayor ordered every saloon in the city closed.

   The negroes gave their names as Wheeler Kimbro, Walter Stratton and Lorenzo Martin. Martin and Stratton had loaded revolvers in their possession.

   The story of the tragedy is that the negroes, who were in the street, were offended at a question of Mrs. Albert Gommell as to who they were. Mrs. Gommell was on her way home with her husband and children. Kischke, the victim of the bullet, was living at the Gommell house, which was in the vicinity of the affray, and when he came to the door to see what the loud talk was about a bullet struck him in the stomach, inflicting a fatal wound.

 

Guest editorials.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Our Open Door at Ellis Island.

   According to figures furnished by the immigration officials in New York, approximately 100,000 persons passed through the Ellis Island station into the United States during the month of April. A majority of these came from that portion of the continent of Europe lying below a line drawn from extreme northeastern Russia to the tip of the Spanish peninsula. This includes the Hungarians, the Italians and representatives of the Balkan nationalities. They are not the highest class of people, many of them not to be reckoned as desirable additions to the United States citizenship, yet apparently they are standing the tests which are now being applied under the amended immigration laws. Indeed, the immigration act of the last congress, approved March 3, does not appear to have had any deterrent effect upon the inflow of foreigners, although the full statistics are not yet available to demonstrate the workings of the new statute.

   Save for the exclusion of the Chinese, against whose admission specific objections have been raised with good reason, the United States has never sought to discriminate against nationalities or races. The doors are wide open in this regard, with the one exception noted. There is no educational or intellectual test. No person can now enter who is an idiot, insane, epileptic, a pauper likely to become a public charge, a professional beggar, afflicted with a loathsome or dangerous contagious disease, has been convicted of a felony or other crime or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, a polygamist, an anarchist, a believer in the overthrow by force or violence of the government of the United States or of all government or of all form of law or the assassination of public officials, a prostitute, a procurer for immoral purposes or under contract for money inducement to enter for the purpose of accepting employment.

   In view of the present record breaking inflow of foreigners, vast numbers of whom while falling just within the scope of our immigration requirements, are concededly far below the standard of American citizenship, it is pertinent to ask, can the United States long continue to healthfully digest and assimilate such great numbers of European humanity?

   ◘ A German army officer beat his wife because he felt that there was no other way to vindicate his honor as a soldier after she had told him he was too big a coward to beat her. The world appears to be getting new ideas every day about the honor of a soldier in the German army.

   ◘ There is a lingering and well defined fear that something may happen at any time to change Russia's innocent intentions with regard to Manchuria.

   ◘ In kissing those Iowa babies President Roosevelt at least demonstrated the courage of his convictions.

   ◘ Anyway, the Earl of Yarmouth is likely to make quite as good a husband as he did an actor.

 

Cortland Traction Park at base of Salisbury  hill near Tioughnioga river.

THE CORTLAND PARK

To be Opened Soon and Many Attractions Booked.

   General Manager Duffey of the Cortland County Traction Co. was at the park this morning making arrangements for its opening for the summer season. Notwithstanding the fact that negotiations are in progress for the establishment of a new park on Little York lake, the old park will be conducted this summer and run in the best manner possible. The park is all to be cleared up within a few days. A new deer park is to be built. An engagement is probably to be made with the Ithaca band for a week this summer and other attractions will be arranged for with the idea of making the last season at the old park the best in its history.

 

Little York Lake Pavilion and Park opened in 1906.

FOR THE NEW PARK.

More Land Desired—The Prospects for a Trolley Franchise.

   President Frank Battles of Philadelphia, of the Cortland County Traction Co., was in Cortland Saturday and with General Manager Duffey [and] drove over the whole line of the proposed extension of the trolley line to Little York. Both the east and west routes were inspected. Nothing definite, however, can be decided upon till Highway Commissioner Knapp of the town of Homer renders his decision in the matter of the franchise which has been asked for. There are advantages upon the east road not possessed by the west road, and vice versa. At the hearing upon the franchise matter last Friday the commissioner reserved his decision. This afternoon he has been looking both routes over with Mr. Duffey and a decision is hoped for this week.

   The Cortland County Traction Co. is hopeful of securing a franchise upon either one road or the other as opposed to the Syracuse parties who also asked for a franchise, for the latter at the hearing were unable to show that they had an idea of bringing a road from anywhere or extending it to any place. It seemed to be just a proposition to secure a franchise on Friday to cross the town of Homer and at the Preble hearing on Saturday to cross the town of Preble. But these people seem to have no connection with either of the trolley roads of Syracuse and have nothing to offer either the town of Preble or the town of Homer in the way of building a road or of giving service.

   If Cortland gets the franchise active preparations for building will be begun at once with the idea of having the road fully constructed and the new park fully equipped for the next year.

   Mr. Battles was deeply impressed Saturday with the desirability of securing more land upon the Wilbur tract at Little York to form a larger park, and steps looking toward this end will be undertaken at once.

   The shore line along the Wilbur tract is remarkably fine for the purpose desired. The bottom is gravel and free from large stones and from weeds, while the slope is gradual. There will be a fine place here for a bathing beach, which will undoubtedly be one of the attractions of the place when the park is fitted up.

 

APPENDICITIS CASES.

Three Cases at the Hospital Within a Week.

   Dr. S. J. Sornberger this morning at the hospital operated upon Lee Miller for appendicitis. The patient is 20 years old and lives with his parents on the Harrion Wells farm on the top of the hill east of the park. He was taken to the hospital at 11 o'clock last night in a serious condition, the disease being of but three days' standing, but very acute. The operation was performed this morning, Dr. Sornberger being assisted by Dr. Ver Nooy and Dr. Carpenter. The patient is doing well.

   This makes the third operation for appendicitis which Dr. Sornberger has had at the hospital within a week.

   One of the others is W. H. Gilbert, whose case has already been noted and who is doing well, and the third is Harry Taintor, a boy who lives between Cortland and McGraw. In this case Dr. Sornberger was assisted by Dr. M. R. Smith of McGraw and Dr. F. S. Jennings of Cortland. This patient is also well on the road toward recovery.

 

Fifteen Cent Supper.

   The Ladies' Aid society of the Universalist church will serve a 15-cent supper at the church next Wednesday evening, beginning at 5:30 o'clock. In addition to the usual excellent bill of fare, which the society is noted for serving, strawberries and cream will also be on the list, and included in the above price.

 

An Ice Cream Tent.

   C. L. Sykes, lessee and manager of the Commercial House, is putting up a tent on the hotel grounds with the intention of utilizing it for a sort of summer garden. The tent is 40 by 60 feet in size and fills the entire space at the rear of the hotel. There will be a canvas covered entrance from the street, where the driveway now is. Nothing but ice cream will be served in the tent. There will be a musical entertainment and other amusements when practicable. Mr. Sykes states that he is going to cater to the best class of people and no hilarity or boisterous actions will be tolerated. He is to open and be ready for business the last of this week.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The funeral of Mrs. Eliza Bangs who died in Santa Ana, Cal., May 1, will be held at the Congregational church in Groton at 2 o'clock p. m. Tuesday.

   —The new display advertisements today are—First National Bank, Bank accounts, page 7; Opera House, "Bo-Peep," page 5; G. B. Wiltsie, Dry goods, page 5; C. F. Brown, Paint brushes, page 5; Bingham & Miller Spring suits, straw hats, etc., page 7.

 

POST OFFICE INVESTIGATION, COAL SITUATION, NEW TELEPHONE LIST, AND THOUGHT TO BE INSANE

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, May 9. 1903.

RELIEVED FROM DUTY.

Superintendent Machen Gets "Leave of Absence."

PENDING P. O. INVESTIGATION.

Inspector Fosnes Ordered to Take Charge of Free Delivery System. Allegations of Collusion With Manufacturers— General Wynne Charges Insubordination.

   Washington, May 9.—The investigation of the affairs of the postoffice department which has been dragging along for two months, took a sensational turn when, by order of Postmaster General Payne, August W. Machen, general superintendent of the free delivery system and one of the most widely known government officials in the United States, was relieved from his duties and Postoffice Inspector M. C. Fosnes was designated to take charge of that place. The change took effect this morning and at the time that service passed under the control of the office of the fourth assistant postmaster general. Heretofore it has been under the jurisdiction of the first assistant.

   The action was taken on the recommendation of Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Bristow, who is directing the investigation of the affairs of the department, that the transfer of Mr. Machen's bureau to his jurisdiction and its administration by a postoffice inspector would expedite the investigation. In ordering the change the postmaster general gave Mr. Machen "leave of absence until the investigation is concluded."

   Mr. Machen promptly acquiesced in the decision of the postmaster general, taking occasion to say in doing so that he courted the fullest investigation of his official conduct. Mr. Machen has been under fire ever since the investigation began. Charges of various kinds have been preferred against his bureau, including allegations of collusion with letter box manufacturers in the furnishing of boxes to postoffice [sic] patrons, particularly on rural mail routes, the furnishing of advance information regarding the selection of routes and the appointments of carriers.

   There also has been a conflict between Mr. Machen and First Assistant Postmaster General Wynne ever since the latter assumed office. Mr. Wynne charges Mr. Machen with insubordination.

   Mr. Machen came from Toledo, O., in 1893, and qualified as superintendent of the free delivery service on May 6 of that year. Since then the office has grown to immense proportions and the rural free delivery mail service has been introduced and extended to all parts of the country.

   Mr. Fosnes is one of the best known inspectors in the service. He is a native of Norway, where he was born in 1851, and his home is in Des Moines, Ia. He is best known in connection with his investigation of the postal frauds in Cuba. On the sensational dismissal of E. G. Rathbone, Mr. Fosnes was appointed director general of posts of Cuba, assuming that office on June 23, 1900, and holding it until May 20, 1902, when the United States sovereignty on the island ceased.

   Ex-Representative Loud of California, who was chairman of the house committee on postoffices and post roads, has spent much time during the past two or three days in conference with Postmaster General Payne, First Assistant Postmaster General Wynne and Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Bristow. Mr. Loud and Mr. Machen have been at odds officially for nearly two years and it is believed that the counsel of Mr. Loud has figured in the late developments.

 

Guest Editorials.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The Coal Situation.

   The figures giving the coal production of last year show the effect of the big strike. There was a reduction of nearly 30,000,000 tons in the quantity of anthracite mined and an increase of almost 20,000,000 tons in bituminous. The scarcity of the harder variety of coal gave a great impetus to the use of the softer fuel, and there are many indications that the advantage which bituminous coal won may be retained, since a large number of consumers have learned how to burn soft coal to their own satisfaction and with economy. Thus it may turn out, remarks the Troy Times, that the unwisdom of the anthracite strike will be emphasized by a decrease in the demand for the harder coal.

   Another result of the strike and of the dissatisfaction shown in some quarters with the award of the commission is the fear expressed of more trouble which may prevent the public from securing promptly a sufficient supply of fuel. Accordingly there is a rush business at present. The Philadelphia Press, noting the situation, says:

   From the way orders for anthracite coal poured into the coal offices yesterday it was shown that the dealers and the consumers do not intend to be caught napping again, and if another fight between the operators and miners takes place they will be in a better position as far as a supply of fuel is concerned. All the large companies were besieged by dealers, and the latter in turn received more orders for immediate delivery than ever before.

   Although the general belief is that the trouble which now exists between the mine laborers and the operators will soon be settled, there is a feeling that it will not be long before another disturbance breaks out. The manufacturers who use hard coal were the most anxious yesterday, and they were the main seekers for a supply as speedily as possible. The coal officials do not look for any protracted shutting down of the mines, but it is said that the leading officials are determined to make all the miners as well as the laborers abide by the award of the strike commission.

   This may be solely a local manifestation, but it shows there is much concern and apprehension in the public mind. It certainly is to be hoped the country is to have no repetition of last year's unpleasant experience. It was supposed all possibility of that was done away with by the reference of the disagreement to the Anthracite Strike commission. If there is widespread fear of another cessation of anthracite mining and consequent scarcity of hard coal it is not strange that many persons are planning to use bituminous coal or other forms of fuel.

 

A NEW TELEPHONE LIST

Just Issued for the Home Telephone Company—1,421 Names.

   The Cortland Home Telephone Co. has just issued a new list of names. It is, of course, the largest list yet put out, for the number of subscribers is constantly growing. There are found in the Cortland exchange 1,063 names, in the Homer exchange 207 names, in the McGraw exchange 59 names and on farm lines 92, making a total of 1,421 subscribers.

   All of these may be reached by any subscriber without extra charge, and in addition, the list mentions 164 places in the vicinity that may be called upon the toll lines.

   This is a wonderful exhibition for a place the size of Cortland, and especially, too, when one considers the brief time in which this system has been building and expanding. And the limit is far from being reached either, since every telephone added to the list becomes an incentive to other people to become subscribers. It is believed that the time will not be far distant when almost every house in Cortland, Homer and McGraw will have a telephone, and when every farmer out in the country will consider a telephone an absolute necessity, and not a luxury.

   The subscribers appreciate good service, and they are receiving it and that is one of the reasons why the system grows so rapidly. But at the same time every one should remember that an operator at a switch board with 100 lines upon it often finds a half dozen or more calls coming at the same moment and not all can be served on the instant, so that if there is a delay of thirty seconds in answering a call it doesn't mean negligence or carelessness on the part of the operator. Those who have occasion to use the telephone most are perhaps the ones to appreciate most highly the uniform courtesy and watchfulness of the operators at the central offices. Mistakes in getting the wrong persons are quite as likely to be due to the carelessness of the subscriber in making his call as to the operator.

   Manager Bennett is to be congratulated upon his energy and persistence in pushing the company's business and upon the excellent assistants with whom he has surrounded himself in the office, and the good service which is given.

 

Purchased a Building Lot.

   H. M. Whitney has practically completed the negotiations for the purchase from W. R. Huntington of a building lot from the Randall estate. The lot is on the south side of Port Watson-st. at the southeast corner of what will be the continuation south of Church-st., Cortland. The lot has a frontage on Port Watson-st. of 162 feet.

 

THOUGHT TO BE INSANE

One of the Murderers of Detective Harvey in Syracuse.

   Charles Wilson, who is now serving a life sentence in Auburn state prison having been convicted jointly with his brother Lucian, or "Dink" Wilson of murdering Detective James Harvey in Syracuse eight years ago, is now believed to be on the verge of insanity and is likely to be transferred to Matteawan [prison].

   The murder excited tremendous interest at the time, and the older brother was electrocuted for his share in it.

 

Tully Lake Park Hotel.

BREVITIES.

   —McDermott's orchestra furnished music for a large party at Tully lake park last evening.

   —The Primary and Junior union will meet next Tuesday at 7 o'clock in the chapel of the First Baptist church.

   —Engineer Farrington of Syracuse was in Cortland today doing some work for Superintendent of Public Works E. L. Becker.

   —The Syracuse law school baseball team arrived in Cortland this morning and is playing the Normals at Athletic field this afternoon.

   —At the Sixth district dental convention in Binghamton yesterday Dr. J. H. Cowan of Cortland was made chairman of the committee on ethics for the coming year and Dr. M. B. Ingalls of Cortland was continued as a member of the committee on illegal practice.

   —The graduating class at the Oswego Normal school will number fifty and seven of these already have obtained positions, according to the Oswego Times. The June class at the Cortland Normal will number about eighty, and thirty of these have already obtained positions, and a dozen more are right on the point of engagement.