FORESTS DESTROYED, GOODSELL-BEDELL BILL, JAPAN COLONIZING, CORTLAND HOSPITAL, AND MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH

 

William Avery Rockefeller, Jr.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, May 22, 1903.

FORESTS BEING DESTROYED.

Engines Sent From Plattsburg and Malone to Save Rockefeller's Preserve.

   Plattsburg, N. Y., May 22.—In response to an appeal from William Rockefeller's representative at Loon Lake for help in fighting forest fires, a fire engine and several hundred feet of hose were sent from here to Rockefeller's park near Loon Lake.

   An enormous quantity of valuable timber and pulp wood is cut and piled along the railroad track which runs through Rockefeller's preserve and with the help of the fire engine it is hoped to save some of it. An appeal for help has also been sent to Malone.

   An official of the Chateaugay branch of the Delaware & Hudson railroad, who made a trip over the line from Lake Placid to this city, says that at no time since May 1 have the forest fires been so active as they are at present. Although they have burned away from the villages, hotels and lumber camps, so that very few buildings are threatened, the forests are being destroyed at a rapid rate.

   Foliage is coming out very slowly on account of the unprecedented drought, so there is practically nothing to check the spread of the flames.

 

Fires of Incendiary Origin.

   Glens Falls, N. Y, May 22.—There is little doubt that many of the fires which in the past few weeks have devastated the great north woods have been of incendiary origin. It has been difficult to detect the criminals, but fire fighters who had been sent from North creek to fight a fierce fire on the western slope of Gore mountain near Second Pond, which lies in the counties of Warren and Hamilton, discovered four fires which were of recent origin. A further search was made and a man was seen who was recognized by the firemen and who fled at their approach.

   Fanned by a wind that was almost a gale, the fire swept the woods in the vicinity of the Chatiemac Club house, burning over hundreds of acres of valuable timber land. This club owns the lake and has a preserve about it. Its membership is composed of residents of New York, Philadelphia and Glens Falls.

   Conservative estimates place the damage to timber and to business during the past five weeks at $2,000,000.

 

Continued Drought in Chemung County.

   Elmira, N. Y., May 22.—Continued drought has caused great damage to crops in this section. The hay crop is practically ruined. The ground is so hard that the farmers require a three-horse team to plow. A heavy rain on Monday was succeeded by hot, dry weather.

 

Benjamin B. Odell, Jr.

GOODSELL-BEDELL BILL

Relating to Hospitals For Consumptives

IS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR ODELL.

Prevents the Location of Such Hospitals by Municipalities or Corporations Without Consent of Supervisors of County and Town Board. Does Not Apply to the State.

   Albany, N. Y., May 22.—Governor Odell has signed the Goodsell-Bedell bill prohibiting the establishment of any hospital or camp for consumptives in any town without the formal consent of the supervisors of the county and town board of the town. With the bill the governor filed a memorandum in which he says:

   "This is a bill to regulate the establishment of tuberculosis hospitals in the various counties of the state by municipalities, corporations, associations or individuals. It seeks to prevent the erection of such hospitals without the consent of the board of supervisors of the county or the town board of the town In which the hospital is to be erected.

   "It does not apply to the state and therefore in no way interferes with the tuberculosis sanitariums which are now under way and which are to be continued as the future policy of the state for the treatment of this disease.

   "Under existing law municipalities of the first class are not permitted to establish such hospitals outside of their own limits in cities or incorporated villages, or in towns without the consent of the local board of health and the approval of the state commissioner of health. This bill substitutes for the state commissioner of health the local board of supervisors of the county and for the local board of health the town board, thus making secure to the localities the same home rule principles which are guaranteed to cities of all classes.

   "Under these conditions it does not prevent the location within the state of hospitals for the treatment of tuberculosis, and but slightly broadens the protection of town and property interests. In thus making provisions for safeguarding these interests there has been no material change from the existing law and unnecessary burdens have not been placed upon municipalities or those who desire to establish such hospitals.

   "The same legislature which passed this bill also authorized liberal expenditures by the state for the establishment of a tuberculosis hospital upon its own ground in the Adirondack region, and proposes to make provision for the care of all patients that may be sent there by the various municipalities.

   "There is no interference with the rights of those who do not desire to take advantage of charitable treatment and who are able to provide from their own means for their care and treatment. I cannot see that any great injury will result to the work which the state and individuals have undertaken. On the contrary I can  see very urgent reasons why the property interests and rights of individuals which are safeguarded in this act should receive the thoughtful consideration of the legislature and the executive.

   "After viewing the bill from all standpoints and consulting with those who are interested in this work, as a matter of equity and justice I have concluded to approve the bill."

 

JAPAN COLONIZING.

Sending Subjects by Every Steamer to Settle in Korea.

   Berlin, May 22.—The Frankfurter Zeitung announces that Japan has responded to Russia's move against her in Korea by announcing her intention of sending 150 male and seventy-five female Japanese colonists to Korea by every mail steamer. Forty steamers a month ply between Japan and Korea. Such action by the Mikado's government would accordingly mean the sending of 10,000 subjects to Korea every month.

   Russia's move, mentioned in the above dispatch, was announced in a dispatch to Berlin on Wednesday last. According to dispatch, the Russian government had forced the Korean officials to command Korean children to attend Russian schools, threatening death to all parents who permitted their children to attend the Japanese institution. Other regulations equally as glaringly anti-Japanese in tenor were reported as having been issued.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Self-Governed a Year.

   Wednesday marked the close of Cuba's first year as an independent government. May 20, 1902, Thomas Estrada Palma was inaugurated president of the new republic. The Cubans had come to the trial of self-government through years of hardship, suffering and bloodshed. They had that for which they had contended, independence. What would they do with it?

   They started well, putting their best foot forward in calling to the presidency a man of large natural capabilities, whose years of residence in the United States and study of its forms of government particularly fitted him to guide the affairs of Cuba. The people, too, had had the advantage of a two to three years' object lesson in good government, in the temporary administration of affairs by officials appointed by the authorities at Washington. They had seen order restored, industries revived and sanitation applied to the plague-breeding spots of the island to the eradication of fevers and great reduction of the death rate. Taking the reins of government from hands that had proved fit to handle them President Palma and those associated with him have adhered closely to the models set. In the matter of public health they close the first year of their administration with a death rate for the past twelve months of 21.19 per thousand, a fraction below that of the city of Washington, against an average per year of 41.95 for the thirty years ending with 1900. In the very important matter of conserving the public health Cuba is fully entitled to the commendation, well done, at the end of its first year of self-government.

   It was freely predicted the essay at self-government in the island would prove a failure. The people were said to be incapable of it. There was a strong party favoring annexation to the United States. There were Spanish dissidents. Indolence was said to be the people's characteristic. Confronted by the devastation of revolution, and encouraged by interests that counted on profit from annexation, an early application to come under the government of the United States was predicted by many and desired by more. Instead, the year has quieted annexation sentiment. The republic of Cuba has taken root and thrived. Despite the failure of the United States to keep its pledges industry and commerce have prospered the people. The great crops of the island, sugar and tobacco, are almost restored to record proportions. Other markets have taken at profit what the United States declined, or repelled by refusing the virtually promised tariff reduction. The present sugar crop is estimated at 900,000 tons; the largest in the history of the island was that of 1894, 951,000 tons. If the tobacco falls short in any respect it will be due to weather conditions. The planters and workers have done their part.

   The government has been well administered. But for the labor trouble in Havana good order bas prevailed. Life is safe. Property is respected. The habit of industry is growing. The national treasury has paid all obligations and reported at the opening of the present month a balance to the credit of the government of $2,699,000. A year, as the Elmira Advertiser truly says, in practically of little account in the life of a nation, as a test of government, a trial of a people's ability to take care of themselves, but it is this to Cuba's credit, that whatever it does show is altogether to the credit of the young republic.

 

CORTLAND HOSPITAL.

Graduating Exercises to be Held May 27—Eight Graduates.

   The graduating exercises of the nurses of the class of 1903 at the Cortland hospital will occur at the hospital on the evening of Wednesday, May 27, at 8 o'clock. There are to be eight graduates: Marie Reville, Emma Briggs, Pearl Fish, Ester Young, Minnie M. Palmer, Nellie Scott Bryam, Gladys A. Jenkins, Grace G. Young, Mabel Eighmey Miller and Ellen Webb Hayes.

 

MEMORIAŁ DAY.

Excursion Rates from all Stations to Cortland on E. & C. N. Y. R. R.

   For the opening of the Trout Park at the Cortland Junction on Decoration Day the Erie & Central New York R. R. will sell round trip tickets to Cortland at one-way fare. An opportunity is thus afforded to attend the Memorial services at Cortland cemetery.

 

To Rent.

   The middle store in the Standard building, including half of a story above, formerly occupied by C. F. Baldwin's grocery store. Store is 90 feet deep, with high, dry cellar, good elevator, furnace, shelving, counters, etc., Rent reasonable. Apply at Standard office.

 

MEMORIAŁ BAPTIST CHURCH

Outgrowing its Accommodations—Plans to Build Larger.

   The Memorial Baptist church is rapidly outgrowing the size of its edifice and that organization has arrived at the conclusion that some improvements are necessary to keep pace with the rapidly increasing membership and attendance. Since the pastorate of Rev. J. C. Auringer began last December, the church has been crowded, especially at the evening service. Several times the house has been so full that people have been turned away. The Sunday school is crowded for room, especially in the primary department. The attendance in this department has increased from fifteen or twenty to about fifty, while the attendance in the senior department averages upward of 115 each Sunday.

   A meeting was called for last Wednesday evening to discuss the situation and its remedy—more room. It was unanimously decided that the welfare of the church and its growing condition demands more room, and that, too, immediately.

   The following committees were appointed:

   Building committee: Rev. J. C. Auringer, chairman, J. V. Chatterton, W. J. Moss, Thomas Harkness, Jr., John B. Smith, J. H. Ullshoefer and George T. Lester.

   Finance committee: Rev. J. C. Auringer, chairman, John S. Miller, I. Dan Lester, Albert H. Allport, Chas. B. Thompson.

   A meeting of the building committee will be held Monday evening, at which time the extent of improvements and plans will be discussed.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The H. C. Hall circle, No. 439, P. H. C., will meet this evening in John L. Lewis lodge rooms.

   —Cortland Commandery, No. 50, Knights Templar, will hold its annual conclave and election of officers this evening at 8 o'clock.

   —Syracuse university will next fall start a daily paper to be called The Orange. It will be devoted to the interests of the university and be a record of daily occurrences.

   —The new display advertisements today are—The New York Store, Dry goods, etc., page 6; Opera House, "Moving Pictures," page 5; Warren Tanner & Co., New shirt waists, page 8; Bingham & Miller, Straw hats, etc., page 8.

 

DISASTEROUS FIRE AT ST. HYACINTHE, PRESIDENT AT OREGON, MANCHURIAN MUDDLE, FOR THE JEWISH SUFFERERS, FLORAL TROUT PARK, AND PONY AND DOG SHOW

 

Ruins after fire at St. Hyacinthe, Quebec.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, May 21, 1903.

HUNDREDS HOMELESS.

Disastrous Fire at St. Hyacinthe, Quebec.

SEVEN FACTORIES DESTROYED.

Three Hotels and 250 Houses Burned. Two Steamers and Hose Brought From Montreal—Practically Everything Burned to the River's Banks. Students Did Good Work.

   St. Hyacinthe, Que., May 21.—A fire which broke out shortly after noon in the shoe factory of Cote Brothers destroyed that and half a dozen other flourishing industries, and 250 houses, leaving nearly a quarter of the city's population sitting homeless last night amidst heaps of furniture. The loss is placed at $400,000.

   Nobody knows how the fire started. When it was first noticed it had secured a firm grip upon the Cote factory. The wind was blowing half ą gale at the time and the buildings in the immediate vicinity were of such a character as to fall easy prey to the flames.

   The local fire department did its best, but the water pressure was poor, and it was not long before the fire had gotten entirely beyond its control. Then word was wired to Montreal for help, and two steamers and a supply of hose made the run of 36 miles in 44 minutes, the Montreal men being actually at work an hour and a half after they received instructions to leave their stations.

   Their coming was opportune, for by this time the fire had worked its way up to St. Antoine street and was attacking the finest business blocks of the town situated on the Market square. Through the efforts of the Montreal men the Market building and the buildings on the other side of the square were saved.

   By this time, 3 o'clock, the water supply was practically exhausted, and the flames were burning in a score of places. People were practically dragging the furniture from their homes and chaos reigned supreme, except when here and there a semblance of organized effort had been made by the priests to check the progress of the flames.

   A large body of students from the St. Hyacinthe college did particularly good work under the guidance of their teachers. In the end, however, the flames burned everything which lay in their path.

   The burned district is practically the same as that destroyed in 1876. The River Yamaska flows through the town in the shape of a letter "V." St. Antoine street runs along the top of this ''V" and practically everything south of that street was burned.

   Beside Cote Brothers' Shoe factory, the industrial establishments burned include: Hudon & Allard, machinists, the Duplessis Pegging and Sewing company, C. A. Hamel & Co., Lussier Brothers, J. Girouard, J. Mathiew &  Co.; The Frontenance, Union and Ottawa hotels were also burned.

 

President Theodore Roosevelt.

PRESIDENT IN OREGON.

Did Little Speaking in Mountain Districts.

SPOKE AT DUNSMUIR AND SISSON.

Said He Left California a Better American—Necessity of High Standard of Virtue in Average Citizen—First Stop in Oregon at Ashland—At Portland Tonight.

   Ashland, Ore., May 21.—President Roosevelt completed his tour of California and entered upon the last stages of his long trip which is to end at Washington, June 5.

   His journey has been through the mountainous region about Mt. Shasta, where the towns are few and far between and consequently he has been called upon to do but little speaking.

   The president made his longest speech of the day at Dunsmuir.

   "I think I can say," he said, "that I came to California a pretty good American and I go away a better one. I pity no man because he has to work. If he is worth his salt, he will work. I envy the man who has a work worth doing and who does it well. It is the fact of doing the work well that counts, not the kind of work as long as that work is honorable.

   "To the true American nothing can be more alien than the spirit either of envy or of contempt for another who is leading a life as a decent citizen should lead it. In this country ,we have room for every honest man who spends his life in honest efforts; we have no room either for the man of means who in a spirit of arrogant baseness looks down upon the man less well off, or for the man who envies his neighbor because that neighbor happens to be better off.

   "It is a perfectly trite saying that in no country is it so necessary to have decency, honesty, self-restraint in the average citizen as in a republic, for successful self-government is founded upon the high average citizenship among our people; and America has gone on as she has gone because we have that high average of citizenship. We need to keep up that for the lack of which nothing else can atone in any people, the average standard of citizenship. In our life what we need is hot so much genius as the ordinary, commonplace, every-day qualities which a man needs in private life, and which he needs just as much in public life."

   The president also spoke at Sisson [Mt. Shasta, Ca.] and at Montague.

   He was greeted by 6,000 people as his train pulled into Ashland, where he made his first stop within the confines of Oregon. He made a 15-minute speech for the first time. He spent the night traveling and arrived at Salem this morning. Three hours were spent in the capital and the president delivered an address from the state house steps.

   Governor Chamberlain will accompany the presidential party to Portland where they will spend tonight.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The Manchurian Muddle.

   The proceedings of Russia in Manchuria continue to provide the principal topic of international importance. It is not yet settled that the Russian demands which began the present excitement were ever officially presented. This, however, has ceased to be a matter of much importance in view of later developments. Russia may or may not have made demands upon China the granting of which would mean the virtual cession of Manchuria. Whatever the exact nature of her desires in this direction, she has shown that she is in a position to enforce them against the opposition of the rest of the world. Whether Newchwang [Yingkou] has been "reoccupied" or "re-evacuated," attention has been called very forcibly to the fact that Russia has more than 10,000 troops in the neighborhood and controlling the whole Liaotung peninsula and is in practical control of the situation.

   The interests of the United States in Manchuria are purely commercial and yet political. The volume of foreign trade at the port where Russia is now asserting supremacy has doubled in five years, reaching a total of $40,000,000 last year. The value of Russian imports is less than 2 per cent of the total, while the value of America imports is more than 35 per cent. Seven-eighths of the trade of Newchwang is in the hands of England, the United States and Japan, which may be regarded as a sufficient explanation of their concern in the efforts now being made to give Russia exclusive control of the only point of ingress into the Manchurian market.

 

FOR THE JEWISH SUFFFERERS.

Ira Lowe Circulating a Subscription Paper to Aid Them.

   Ira Lowe, cutter for T. P. Bristol the merchant tailor at 9 Railroad-st., Cortland, is circulating a petition in this city in aid of the Jewish sufferers from the Russian outrages at Kisheneff and it is being numerously signed. He will send this money to Syracuse, N. Y., to be added to the subscription that is being made there. Any who would like to add to it without being solicited can do so by calling on Mr. Lowe at Mr. Bristol's store.

 

Floral Trout Park sketch, courtesy Cortland County Historical Society.

FLORAL TROUT PARK

Sold to J. Boone Who is Making Many Changes.

   J. Boone of Syracuse has bought the old Floral Trout park which was opened and fitted up about thirty years ago by H. C. Blodgett, and which for many years was the popular picnic resort of the vicinity. In those days the ponds were full of trout and hardly a day passed in the summer season without there being a more or less numerous crowd in attendance. In recent years the park has been closed up and since the death of the owner it has been for sale.

   Mr. Boone is to make quite a number of changes in the place. The ponds and water courses have been cleaned out and the water level raised. The trees have been trimmed, the old evergreen maze cut down, etc.

   In addition to the sea lions which arrived from California on Tuesday Mr. Boone will have some sea turtles, alligators, swans, gold fish, etc. The dancing pavilion is to be enlarged to twice its natural size. There is to be a museum of curiosities, including miniature coal and gold mines in operation, cage of monkeys, tame animals, etc, Three tennis courts are being laid out, etc.

   A bar room is being built in the southwest corner of the grounds. Mr. Boone intends to take out a beer license, but will sell no intoxicating drinks on Sunday. He has a large collection of stuffed birds in cases and many other attractions.

 

Move for Early Closing.

   A petition is being circulated among the various store keepers by members of the Clerks' union asking them to close at 6:15 four nights in the week, or each evening except Monday and Saturday. Provision is made in the petition for keeping open every evening during Thanksgiving week and during the month of December. The great majority of the merchants are in favor of the movement, thinking that the clerks, many of whom have to be at work early in the morning, are entitled to their evenings while the merchants themselves will also have their evenings free and that without any injury to their trade.

 

Thomas Simms.

   The Orlando, (Fla.,) Sentinel Reporter of May 15 says:

   Mr. Thomas Simms, one of our oldest and most highly respected citizens, passed over the great divide at 2:30 o'clock p. m. Sunday, May 10, at tbe age of 72 years, 2 months, and 1 day. He was stricken down with paralysis on the 24th of February, and has been a great sufferer most of the time ever since—but he became unconscious the last few hours and passed away as quietly as an infant—going to sleep without struggle. His wife, and daughter, Mrs. Campbell, and grandchild, were at his bedside when he passed to that "home from whence no traveler returns."

   Mr. Simms was born on mid-ocean on March 9, 1831, while his parents were crossing from Scotland to settle in America. His parents settled in Newburg, N. Y. Mr. Simms was a painter by trade, and was engaged in that business twenty-five years in Cortland, N. Y., where he accumulated considerable property. He enlisted in the Seventy-sixth N. Y. regiment during the civil war, and was promoted to lieutenant. His health became impaired from exposure, and he was honorably discharged from the service for disability. He returned to his home, but in the shattered condition of his health he could not stand the rigors of that climate, and in 1875 he came to Florida and settled at Altamonte on the shores of the beautiful Lake Orienta, where he has resided ever since. He was passionately fond of flowers and gained a wide reputation as a floriculturist. He was of a modest and retiring disposition, a kind and loving husband and father, and a congenial and obliging neighbor. He is survived by his devoted wife and daughter, Mrs. Campbell, both of whom have been in constant attendance at his bedside during his last sickness.

 

Gum Case Raided.

   The gum case in front of C. F. Thompson's grocery store was torn from its place at the front of the store at an early hour yesterday morning and taken into the alley at the rear of the store and there broken open. What money there was in the case had been taken out the evening before, but about $5 worth of gum which was in the case was taken. [Cortland Police] Night Captain Baker heard a noise down in that direction, but thought nothing of it. It was no doubt the noise made by rending the box from its fastenings on the wall.

 

THE PONY AND DOG SHOW.

Last Exhibition Tonight at the Tent on Elm-st.

   Darling's pony and dog show exhibited to well pleased audiences in the tent at the corner of Elm and Pomeroy-sts. yesterday afternoon and evening, and a third exhibition was given this afternoon, the last occurring tonight at 8 o'clock. The reputation of former appearances in Cortland was fully sustained. Ponies and dogs manifested almost human intelligence in the various tricks, while the clowns were as funny as ever. The admission is 25 cents.

 

Masterson-Cudworth.

   Fred I. Masterson of 38 Pendleton-st. and Lola Cudworth, the very youthful couple who left town on May 12 unbeknown to their parents and whose whereabouts have since been the cause of much comment and conjecture, returned to Cortland on the milk train last evening looking happy and contented. When interviewed this morning at the home of Mr. Masterson, the happy couple stated that when they left Cortland they proceeded at once to the home of the young man's uncle, E. E. Clineburg of Lindsey, Steuben Co., where they were married. They will make their home with the groom's mother, 38 Pendleton-st., Cortland.

 

BREVITIES.

   —There will be a special service at Grace Episcopal church tonight in observance of Ascension day. The services will include evening prayer and sermon. Every one invited.

   —The new display advertisements today are—M. A. Case, Ribbon sale, page 6; Haight & Freese Co., Stocks, etc., page 6; G. H. Wiltsie, Dry goods, page 5; McGraw & Elliott, Kodacks, page 6.

 

DISMISSAL OF RUSSIAN GOVERNOR, FOREST FIRES RAGING, PERSHING OF MINDANAO, ADDITIONAL TEACHERS, REV. A. M. BROWN, AND COMMON COUNCIL

 

Survivors of Kishinev pogrom in front of hospital.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, May 20, 1903.

DISMISSAL OF GOVERNOR.

Jews Had Warned Him of Intended Riots and Asked Protection.

   London, May 20.—The Times' St. Petersburg correspondent in a dispatch dealing with the dismissal of Governor Raaben of Kischineff says the conduct of the governor in allowing by his inaction the anti-Jewish riots to develop into a massacre is all the more incomprehensible because he had assured the Jews, who warned him and appealed for protection, that every precaution had been taken to suppress disorder. Yet the work of murder, outrage and devastation was allowed to proceed without hindrance and the Jews were told that nothing could be done for them.

   The Kischineff massacre, continues the correspondent, has shown that the local authorities cannot always be trusted to protect the Jews, yet in a recent circular Interior Minister Von Plehve laid down that Jewish clubs of self-defense could not be tolerated.

   Many Russian papers have done everything in their power to excite hatred against the Jews and even now are allowed to say that the Kischineff massacre served the Jews right and to urge still further repressive measures against them. No corresponding freedom of speech is allowed to defenders of the Jews.

   The Pravo, the leading legal review, has been warned for an article mildly reprehensive of the anti-Semite attacks and the laxity of the administration where Jews are concerned, while the author of the article was censured personally by the minister of justice.

   In justice to the Russian people, however, says the correspondent, it should be pointed out that there is no sympathy on their part with the riots. The whole liberal press has expressed horror thereat and many clergy, including Father John of Kronstadt and Bishop Jitomir, have denounced them from the pulpit.

 

Help For Kischineff.

   Berlin, May 20.—The Russian government's reply to Ambassador McCormick regarding the latter's inquiry about the acceptability of American relief for the suffering Jews at Kischineff was read by the Jewish committee here with interest, as being the only official utterance' yet made on the question of foreign contributions.

   The German foreign office has not acted in the matter, nor has the Russian administration raised any obstacle to the transmission of funds collected in Germany.

   The Commercial Disconto bank, one of the forwarding agencies, has been informed that its collections are now being distributed at Kischineff, through a business firm there, without hindrance. In all about $50,000 has been raised in Germany for the Kischineff relief work.

 

FOREST FIRES RAGING.

Heavily Wooded Sections of Three Counties Ablaze.

BAD SITUATION IN NORTH WOODS.

State a Larger Loser Than the Lumber Companies— Hard to Get Men to Fight Fires—Fishermen and Campers Cause Most of the Fires—Pulp Mills Handicapped.

   Glens Falls, N. Y. May 20.—Reports received at the office of lumber companies here who are heavy Adirondacks land holders say that the conditions throughout the woods is critical, by reason of the extended drought. There is hardly a township in the heavily wooded sections of Warren, Hamilton and Essex but what is ablaze.

   The state is a heavier loser than the lumber companies for the reason that the latter's fire fighting force is better organized. The fire wardens are heavily handicapped in securing men.

   A large portion of the population of the woods where the fires are burning the fiercest is a roving one, and as the money to pay for fighting is not available until next February it is difficult to secure the force that is needed and in many instances the wardens make but little effort to stop the fires.

   One of the worst fires that has been reported so far this season started yesterday on Baird mountain northeast of Luzerne and has already burned over a tract of country six miles long and a mile wide. Fire wardens of three towns are directing the fight but it has passed practically out of their control.

   George R. Finch of Finch, Pruin & Co., who are one of the heaviest holders in Adirondack lands, says fishermen and campers are responsible for half of the fires that devastate the north woods yearly. "It takes an expert to put out a camp fire in the woods," said Mr. Finch. "The ground is covered with a thick blanket of dried decayed vegetation that resembles punk. A man may think his camp fire is out and a few days later it will work up, perhaps a couple of hundred yards from the place where it started."

   The Hudson river is the lowest that it has been in years. A half dozen of the big lumber drives are hung up on the shoals between the Boreas river and Glens Falls. The supply of logs in the big boom, which is used as storage for the lumber and paper companies, is running low and unless the drought is soon ended the paper and lumber mills will be seriously handicapped in their operations.

 

Captain John J. Pershing.

PERSHING OF MINDANAO.

How an Army Officer Won the Friendship of the Moros.

   With the suppression of the recent uprising of the Moros, under the sultan of Amparugano in the Tarara country, Captain John J. Pershing, U. S. A., who since last October has been Uncle Sam's representative in the Lake Lanoa district, island of Mindanao, has again demonstrated his skill as a soldier as well as peacemaker.

   Since his first defeat of the Moros last fall Captain Pershing has worked to gain the confidence of the natives of Mindanao and with the most pronounced success. Some months ago he was appointed datto of lligan by the sultan of Mindanao upon the request of the latter's own subjects.

   lligan is the chief town of the Lake Lanoa district, and as datto Captain Pershing dispenses justice to the Moros. In power he is supposed to be second to the sultan and subject to his command—that is, so far as it does not conflict with his duty to the stars and stripes. Captain Pershing has virtually been the civil as well as the military ruler of the district, and the chiefs, who hold him in the highest esteem, have consulted him daily. Almost every conceivable kind of business, private as well as public, has been taken to him for adjustment.

   Last fall when General Davis, commanding the department of Mindanao and Jolo, sent Captain Pershing to lligan he selected one of the most efficient officers in the service. Captain Pershing has taught the Moros that they had a different kind of people from the Spaniards to deal with. He has fought them to a finish when fighting was necessary and by fair and upright treatment has won the friendship of all but a few. Now his influence is so strong that he makes periodical expeditions about the district with a mere handful of men. At one of the recent outbreaks in Mindanao he held the north lake Moros out of the trouble solely by his influence.

   Captain Pershing is a Chicago man with an exceptionally brilliant army record. He is a West Pointer of the class of 1886 and served through the Geronimo campaigns with distinction.

 

ADDITIONAL TEACHERS

And General Increases of Salaries at the Cortland Normal School.

   The last legislature having made a large special appropriation for increase of teachers' salaries and the employment of additional teachers in the overcrowded Normal schools of the state, the local board of the Cortland Normal at the meeting held yesterday afternoon voted a general advance in pay to the teachers, and also provided for the employment of additional critics, one in the Primary and one in the Intermediate department, and of a physical and athletic instructor for the young men, who should also assist in teaching in the science department. Miss Ella Freeman of Blodgett Mills was chosen as an assistant teacher, her work to be mainly in the department of English. All of the above to be subject to the approval of the Department of Public Instruction. A committee of three was also appointed to consider a location for an athletic field for the use of the students of the school, for which the board has had assurances that money will be provided. The board also inspected the new baths and the building generally.

 

Historic Presbyterian Church of McGraw, N. Y.

REV. A. M. BROWN

Installed as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church

AT THE VILLAGE OF MCGRAW, N. Y.

On Tuesday Evening, May 19—Sermon by Rev. H. B. Stevenson of Auburn—Charge to Pastor by Rev. W. W. Weller of Geneva—Charge to People by Rev. Robert Clements of Cortland.

   The installation services held at the Presbyterian church, McGraw, last evening were of an impressive character in every respect. At this time Rev. Andrew M. Brown was instituted pastor of that church through the formalities conducted by the Presbyterian committee. The order of service was as follows:

   Voluntary, Vocation and Orchestra, Hymn No. 1004.

   Scripture Reading, Matt. Vii, 1, 20, Rev. F. W. Huff.

   Prayer, Rev. J. L. Gillard, Hymn No. 366.

   Sermon, Halsey B. Stevenson, Auburn, N. Y.

   Vocal Solo, Jerusalem, Henry Parker, Miss Olive Gager, Ithaca, N. Y.

   Moderators Questions, 1st to pastor,  2nd to people.

   Prayer of Installation, Rev. John Alison, Moderator, Binghamton Presbytery, Deposit, N. Y.

   Anthem, Bless the Lord, Double Quartet Choir.

   Charge to Pastor, Rev. W. W. Weller, Geneva, N. Y.

   Charge to People, Rev. Robert Clements, Cortland, N. Y.

   Hymn No. 918.

   Benediction.

   The music both instrumental and vocal, showed careful preparation and was an inspiration to all. The solo of Miss Olive Gager of Ithaca was especially appreciated. Miss Gager's naturally fine soprano voice is admirably developed. She is under the training of Summer Salter of Ithaca.

Sermon of Installation.

   Rev. Halsey B. Stevenson of Auburn in his opening remarks said: When I was a student in Auburn Theological seminary twenty years ago a professor told me one day that he had an opportunity for me to preach at the church at McGrawville, which at the time was without a pastor. But at the date mentioned I had an appointment at Mexico, N. Y., and could not come, so Mr. Schoon was sent. And there was no chance for anyone else after Charley Schoon came here. Since then you have bad other ministers of the very best character, among whom was Rev. E. H. Dickinson. There is scarcely a man I ever met that I could call an angel out of heaven like him. Mr. Stevenson referred to personal acquaintance with the late Rev. E. J. Noble and the loss of the church in his death, God makes no mistakes, and I am sure in this occasion we are doing his bidding.

   Mr. Stevenson's text was from Matt vii, 7—"Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you."

   In brief this sermon on prayer was as follows: Let us all wait for Jesus that he may instruct us. In considering the Beatitudes and Christ's whole instruction to his disciples we see that Christ intended that his followers should pray, just ask. Am I really a Christian if I do not pray and if I am not willing to follow his example? For a Christian to pray is to live. "Ask and ye shall receive,'' is strong language, so pertinent that it implies, "Ask and ye shall certainly receive." Jacob came to his great blessings in answer to prayer. Prayer brings blessings! A very simple truth.  Will you keep it in mind? It may be that there are those here who have been called upon to pass through trial in some way. To all such there is relief at hand. Prayer brings blessings. Times of prayer and times of conversion go hand in hand. It is the history of all churches. Why does not everyone pray? Someone says "my experience in receiving does not agree with the bible promises. We are only to do the asking and God in his great wisdom will do the giving. Let us keep asking. "That is the spirit of this text. Go through the Bible and find ample instruction how to pray and what to pray for.

   There is no relation more tender than the love of a father or mother for the child. We like to have our child come and ask for things he thinks he needs, and we delight to give. This same law of nature is seen out among the animals and birds. Not long since while walking with a friend in the woods I saw this illustrated. A pair of woodcock were seen to fly laboriously, instead of in their usual quick manner and we noticed they had taken their young in their claws, thus endangering their lives to protect their little ones. According to divine teaching God rejoices to answer prayer offered in the name of his Son. "Seek and ye shall find." Put forth your own exertions to answer your own prayers. Seek power from on high, and as you do you will be energized to lead many souls to salvation. "Knock and it shall be opened unto you." We shall be let into the secret of his presence. The fellowship of the Infinite Father shall be opened unto you, as you knock. A soul in the very presence of the Living Father! Christ sets us many examples of entering into the immediate fellowship of the Father. Even in those last moments are recorded his saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Secret prayer is not enough. First, you need the prayer meeting to aid you in your secret prayers. Second, following the Master's command when be said, "Therefore whatsoever you would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto him."

Charge to the Pastor.

   Rev. W. W. Weller of Geneva in delivering his charge to the pastor spoke on "The Duties of a Christian minister in this 20tb Century." The Christian church rests upon four great facts: The Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ. We may differ in many ways, but it is necessary in order that we may carry out the high calling of God that we bold fast to these all important four facts. This is a new age, charged with immense possibilities. The present is all the past focalized.

   Every century brings its changes and its own problems to be solved. The Bible never changes. It is a book of principals. It is the duty of a pastor to present these truths in a manner to be readily accepted. The method of presentation changes and these truths must be adapted to the condition of the community at the present time. A minister reaches the dead-line when he fails to keep in touch with the needs of the present time. In personal work find the need of a man and present to him the great truth calculated to strengthen him. An eminently successful pastor has said that the two important requisites of a pastor are lungs and legs; and that reading his Bible in the forenoon and doorplates in the afternoon will so enable us to so conduct ourselves and study our people that we can put ourselves into their inmost hearts. Confidence in a pastor will command the respect of all for his greatest spiritual demands. People are looking to us to exemplify the truth we proclaim.

   "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him," "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever."

Charge to the People.

   In delivering his charge to the people of the church Rev. Robert Clements of Cortland in his usual pleasant manner called their attention to the necessity of standing by their pastor. He said, as you look back there is nothing but sweetness and I know you are going to be loyal to your pastor and to the church so long as you remain here, and be with him faithful, loyal, loving stewards. Stand right by him nobly and hold up his hands in every wise movement. If he is guilty of anything you think is wrong, don't tell all the neighbors first, but talk it over with him privately. It takes two to be friends. The pastor is human and if you put a wall of ice between you, it isn't fair to expect him to furnish all the sunlight to melt it down. You will be a friend to him, and I will guarantee he will be the best friend to you in this community. Pray much, asking that God may bless him in your community and make him a power to win the unsaved. Study the Word of God and you will find it easier to help him. Be loyal to your church. Ask him to offer prayers in your homes, so that he will not be in doubt that you really want him there. Encourage him in every way so that you may journey on together conquering, and to conquer for Jesus Christ and His sake.

 

COMMON COUNCIL.

Damage Claims Against City—Trout Park Concert Garden.

   The regular semi-monthly meeting of the common council was held at the office of the city clerk last evening, those present being Mayor Brown and Alderman E. R. Wright, Vern W. Skeele, C. E. Ingalls, George F. Richards and R. S. Pettigrew.

   The council was called to order by Mayor Brown. E. E. Mellon was present as attorney for various people residing below the Lackawanna railroad who filed a claim on Aug. 5, 1902, that aggregated about $12,000 against the city for damages resulting from high water and floods. Mr. Mellon asked the council to take action on the claims at this meeting. Mayor Brown stated that the matter had been referred to the city attorney and that as he was not present the board was not prepared to act advisedly.

   Alderman Richards moved that the matter be referred to the city attorney and that it be brought up at the next meeting. After some discussion the motion was unanimously carried.

   Mr. Mellon said that he did not wish to cause trouble for the council, but that they might be compelled to act in the matter before their next regular meeting. The sentiments of the council was to the effect that two weeks could make no great difference or the prosecuting attorney himself would in the past have been more urgent in the matter and that they as a board would not act in the matter until the city attorney had advised them. The matter had not received their attention before, as they were not looking for trouble.

   Alderman Skeele brought up the matter of the place of amusement to be conducted at the old Trout Park.

   Alderman Richards and others were opposed to it, saying that at present we have a clean city and that such places as they supposed this might be are ordinarily but a place for people to congregate and that probably no good could come from it.

   On motion, the matter of conducting a public garden, concert hall, or place of amusement in connection with the sale of intoxicating liquors was referred to the city attorney.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The Cortland Automobile Co. has just ordered $9,000 worth of Rambler automobiles. They are expected to arrive at the rate of one or two a week.

   —President Harris of Amherst college will preach the sermon to the graduating class at the Oneonta Normal school this year.

   —The new display advertisements today are—Hollister Hardware Co., Refrigerators, page 4; Buck & Lane, Refrigerators, page 6; Perkins & Quick, Paints, page 8.