WAR REMINISCENCES CHAPTER 38

 

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

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, October 3, 1903.

WAR REMINISCENCES.

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

THE SECOND DAY'S BATTLE.

Nearly all Day Both Armies Preparing—Confederates are Slow—Confederate General Law Wants Round Top, but is Not Permitted to Seize it and Union Army Gets it—Terrific Bombardment by Cannon—Infantry Then Advances—Union Army in Stronger Position at Night.

CHAPTER 38.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir—The Eleventh and First Corps remained practically the same as they did the night before. Hancock's Second Corps was placed on the left of the Eleventh Corps on Cemetery ridge facing west and on his left was Sickles' Third Corps which extended to the west base of Little Round Top.

   The Fifth Corps, Sykes', formerly Mead's, was massed to the right rear of the Twelfth Corps, near where the Baltimore pike crosses Rock creek. The Sixth Corps was on the road, coming. Through a misunderstanding on the part of General Mead, Buford's cavalry was withdrawn from Sickles' left and marched to Winchester, thirty miles away, leaving Sickles' left flank uncovered with no way to find out what was on his left front except what could be ascertained by his infantry. It was a very serious blunder, and left the Union commander as bad off as was the Confederate in regard to cavalry.

Confederate Position and Plan.

   On the Confederate side, their whole army was divided into three Corps, while ours had seven. Consequently their Corps were a good deal larger than ours. Ewell's Corps faced Slocum's, the Twelfth, and Wadsworth's division of the First and Ames' division of the Eleventh. Hill's Corps extended through the town west, then turned at right angles south along Seminary ridge and faced the troops on Cemetery hill and Cemetery ridge—parts of the First, Second and Eleventh Corps.

   Longstreet's division was being formed for an attack on our left, back of the woods on Seminary ridge mostly concealed from the Union army. Lee here planned to move Longstreet's entire Corps around the Union left and attack its flank, after the same manner as did Stonewall Jackson attack Howard at Chancellorsville, thus throwing his army between Mead and Washington.

   In order to make this move more certain of success he ordered Ewell as soon as he heard Longstreet's guns to attack Slocum on Culp's hill and the troops on east Cemetery hill. For some reason Ewell did not begin this attack until Longstreet's attack was nearly over.

   Pickett's division of Longstreet's Corps was absent at Chambersburg and did not come up till the morning of the third day. On our part, the advance division of the Sixth Corps did not arrive at Rock creek till after 4 p. m. and the rear did not come up till nearly 7 p. m. Only a few regiments of the Sixth Corps were in the fight, consequently the forces of the two armies were about equal. Lee had the longer line, being the outside of the circle. His line was about six miles long. Neither side had cavalry. General Mead, by massing the Fifth Corps in the rear of the Twelfth corps on our right, intended to attack Ewell's left during the forenoon; but upon General Slocum reporting that his front was very unfavorable ground over which to make a successful attack, the plan was abandoned by General Mead and he decided to await Lee's further move.

The Lay of the Land.

   Cemetery ridge after extending south a ways toward Round Top, sinks down into lower ground, and the ridge seems to bend round to the east and then south again. A small stream called Plum Run rises in the valley west of the ridge and runs south along the west bases of the Round Tops. A similar stream rises in the valley east of Seminary ridge called Plum Run branch and unites with the other stream near the west bases of the Round Tops. In the angle of these streams is a rocky knoll called "Devil's Den." This knoll is covered with woods and great boulders, and a low ridge extends from here to the Emmetsburg road on the west. The Emmetsburg road runs southwest from Cemetery hill diagonally through the valley between Cemetery and Seminary ridges, and where it crosses the low ridge above mentioned is the "Peach Orchard" and back of this is the wheat field. There is a cross road running from Peach Orchard south east to the Taneytown road, passing the north base of Little Round Top.

   Hancock's Second Corps occupied a space of about three-fourths of a mile along Cemetery ridge to where it sinks down into the plain. Sickles' Corps, which was only about 10,000 strong, had a longer line along this lower ground.

Danger at Devil’s Den.

   By the withdrawal of Buford's division of cavalry Sickles' left was uncovered, and this wooded knoll around Devil's Den and the low wooded ridge extending across the valley to the Peach Orchard was the source of a great deal of uneasiness on the part of General Sickles.

   He foresaw that Lee could mass a large number of troops back of it out of sight and be prepared to duplicate Stonewall Jackson's move on Howard at Chancellorsville. Sickles went to General Mead to get him to personally inspect this part of the line and have it changed, but General Mead was occupied elsewhere and sent General Hunt, Chief of Artillery, with Sickles. Sickles pointed out the danger of the position and the advantage of seizing this knoll and ridge, but General Hunt declined to assume the responsibility of ordering a change. The pressure on Sickles' pickets became so strong that he decided to assume the responsibility himself and he ordered his Corps to wheel to the left. This threw Humphrey's division along the Emmetsburg road facing west and at the Peach Orchard Birney's division turned a sharp angle to the east facing south along the low ridge to Devil's Den and the west base of little Round Top. This left quite a break between Sickles' right and Hancock's left. It was about a mile from Peach Orchard to Little Round Top. It was 3 p. m. by the time this move was completed and there was a strong pressure on Sickles' pickets in front.

Rebels Slow in Preparing.

   On the part of the Confederates it took a long time for Longstreet to arrange his corps out of sight of the Union army. Hood's division which was to be his right division, was not all up until noon and Law's brigade, which was the extreme right brigade, had marched from Guilford, twenty-four miles away, starting at 3 o'clock in the morning.

   General Lee supposed that our left was at the Peach Orchard, and it was his plan to strike a heavy blow with Longstreet's Corps on Sickles' left and crush it. Law's brigade of Hood's division was to lead in the attack and the other brigades were to follow in succession on his left as Sickles' line was forced back.

Artillery Bombardment.

   In order to cover this attack all of the available artillery of Ewell's and Hill's corps opened on Cemetery hill, and where we lay we received the fire from those batteries I had seen planted from the northeast, north, north west and west of town. I never saw the air so full of exploding missiles before nor since. They were bursting all around us, in front and rear, to right and left, over head and among us. We lay flat on the ground, dug our noses a little deeper into the bosom of Mother Earth every time a shell passed near us. The boys said the Johnnies were throwing camp kettles, scrap iron and any old thing they could get hold of at us. The fragments of shell make such peculiar, humming sounds sometimes as they rush through the air. A number of the boys were hit and I shall never forget how one poor fellow yelled when a piece of shell which had lost its forward motion fell toward the ground and struck him on the back. He wasn't injured any, except the bruise from the falling piece of iron; but he thought on the instant that he was mortally wounded. I laughed then and I can't help smiling now as I saw him jump up and rub his back and start for the rear on his hands and feet—yelling at every jump. A good many shells passed just over us and went into the cemetery and smashed the tomb stones as completely as Mrs. Nation with her little hatchet does the show cases and liquor bottles of some Kansas town's joints. When Longstreet's attack commenced this cannonading ceased and Gen. Schurz walked along in front of our division encouraging the men, and when opposite our regiment I heard him say it was the worst cannonading he ever witnessed.

Law Wants Round Top.

   It was after 4 o'clock when Law's brigade moved to the attack and found Sickles' left flank was not at the Peach Orchard, as was supposed, but there turned a sharp angle and his line reached to Plum run. Law could not "envelop" the line as he had been ordered to do, and he halted and sent scouts to Round Top to ascertain were the left of the Union army was. The scouts reported that neither Round Top nor Little Round Top was occupied by the Federal forces, and that behind them was parked a large wagon train. Law saw at once that if Longstreet's whole Corps could be sent farther to his right, both Round Tops could be seized and the Union army compelled to change position. He reported this to General Hood, his division commander, and asked permission to seize these points without attacking Sickles' left front. Hood's orders were to attack and he could not change them. Law protested and Hood called a stall officer and had Law repeat the protest in his presence and ordered the staff officer to repeat it to Longstreet. This was what Longstreet had been urging General Lee to do and he did not feel at liberty to urge the matter further, and ordered Hood to begin the attack from the present position.

The Confederate Attack.

   It was nearly 5 o'clock when Law's troops finally attacked. His two right regiments climbed the slope of Round Top, then turned north down into the valley between the two Round Tops. The other regiments of his brigade and Hood's division struck Ward's brigade of Birney's division at Devil's Den and along the gorge of Plum Run. Here a desperate fight ensued. Reinforcements were sent to Ward's left, which prevented the Confederates from passing between him and Little Round Top for a time, but Ward was finally compelled to give way. Our artillery from Devil's Den knoll poured canister into Hood's advancing columns at short range and inflicted terrible damage. This battery, Smith's, was compelled to fall back with the infantry, leaving three guns in the hands of the enemy; but the cannoneers took away all the ammunition and implements so they could not be used by the enemy against them.

   The Fifth Corps, which was in reserve at Rock creek, was ordered forward to support Sickles and as soon as it could double quick the two mile distance, was thrown into action.

Little Round Top Secured.

   General Warren rode up Little Round Top to get a better view and found it unoccupied, but unless troops could be gotten there at once, part of Hood's division would be upon it and the key to the Union position be lost. He rode rapidly back down the slope and met Vincent's brigade of Birney's division of the Fifth Corps just arriving and ordered them to seize the hill at once. They rushed to the crest just in time to meet the Confederates coming up from the west and drove them back. The two left regiments passing over the hill southward, struck the two regiments of Law's brigade that had just come down from Big Round Top, and, after a sharp encounter, repulsed them. Another brigade of the Fifth Corps was sent to Little Round Top and the position was secure.

   The Forty-fourth New York (Charlie Bowen's regiment) held the center of Vincent's brigade, and he told me afterward of the desperate fighting there, and the rapidity with which they threw up a line of breastworks from the loose stones around. This regiment lost 111 killed and wounded during its defense of Little Round Top. The balance of the Fifth Corps was sent to Sickles' assistance as fast as it came up, along the line to Peach Orchard. General Hood on the Confederate side was soon wounded and his division turned over to General Law.

   The angle at the Peach Orchard was furiously attacked and after a continued fierce struggle was broken and the Union troops forced back. Sickles was severely wounded near Trostle house and suffered the amputation of one leg. His line was forced back from the advanced position he had taken.

Union Position Stronger.

   Williams' and a part of Geary's division of the Twelfth Corps were taken from Culp's hill and sent to the left. The weary Sixth Corps was arriving and was massed in the rear of the Fifth Corps back of Little Round Top. A division of the Second Corps was sent to assist the Third. Desperate fighting continued till dark, but Longstreet had only succeeded in forcing the Union line back in a stronger position, The assault, so far as accomplishing that for which it was intended, was a failure. Both sides had lost heavily, but the Union side had now a stronger position than before.

How Did Any Escape?

   As we lay on Cemetery hill and listened to the roar of the cannon and the roar of the musketry I could not help saying to myself, "Oh, the lives that are being given up!" When the musketry fire first commenced I was reminded of popping corn in a corn popper. It commenced slowly, then increased, then grew faster and faster until the popping blended into one continual roar. Oh! It was awful. When we thought that with each of these reports was carried a leaden bullet toward some human being, the great wonder was that any escaped alive. The fighting was not over yet and the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York had yet to take another part. It was after sundown before Ewell got ready to attack the Union right. Then he sent forward Johnston's division to attack Culp's hill and Early's division to attack east Cemetery hill. W. S.

 

SUNDAY FILLER: ELON MUSK INTERVIEW

 

DAMAGING TESTIMONY, AIRSHIP ABOVE CORTLAND, BANDIT AND SOCIETY, MRS. JOHNSON, WICKWIRE-HEDGE WEDDING, AND FACTS ABOUT PEPSIKOLA

 

James H. Tillman.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, October 3, 1903.

DAMAGING TESTIMONY.

Witnesses Swear to Tillman's Threats Against Gonzales.

ADVISED TO FIGHT ANTAGONIST.

Witness Testified Defendant Said That Would Not Do Because He Was Lieutenant Governor, but That He Would Snuff His Light Out—Gonzales Made No Demonstration.

   Lexington, S. C., Oct. 3.—A vast amount of testimony was taken in the trial of J. H. Tillman, nearly 20 witnesses having been on the stand. In addition to this the reading of the editorials in The State was concluded. The prosecution has progressed rapidly toward the conclusion of its side of the case. Several prominent witnesses gave sensational testimony as to the threats made against the life of Gonzales by Tillman.

   C. J. Terrill, the editor of a newspaper at Johnston, S. C, was asked to state whether he ever had heard James H. Tillman make any threats against Mr. Gonzales.

   After stating that he had and in answer to questions saying that it was on the streets of Edgefield just before the beginning of the campaign of last summer, witness continued: "We were walking along and I spoke to Mr. Tillman about his health and his improvement from his trip and he made the remark that he was going to run for governor and was going to be elected and if that—referring to Mr. Gonzales with several pretty severe oaths, attacked him like he had been doing he was going down there and kill him like a dog. I remonstrated with him about that. I told him I thought it would be wrong in principle and in every way and said the best thing he could do if Gonzales had given him any insult or cause for anything like that was to go down and tackle him man to man and give him what he thought was needed. He said no, that he was going down there and give him no more show than he would a mad dog."

Heard Reported Threats.

   "Did you at any other time hear him make a threat?" the solicitor asked.

   "Yes, sir," witness replied.

   Mr. Terrill then said that it was on a train going to Columbia and that O. D. Black was present.

   "Black and I were talking and Colonel Tillman came in and I introduced him. I said: 'Colonel, this is Mr. Black, do you know him?' He said: 'Oh, yes; I know Black.' The conversation went on to general topics, until presently he referred to what he called the 'Gonzales matter.' Speaking to Black he said: 'Black, old boy, I am going to do what I said about that old fellow. I am going to put an end of his way of abusing me, slandering me; I am going to put a stop to it.' I don't quite remember his exact words."

   On cross examination Mr. Terrill was questioned as to his feelings toward the defendant. He said he wrote one article against his candidacy, but that he never wrote anything against him as an individual.

   Dr. E. C. T. Adams testified that he had had several conversations with J. H. Tillman in relation to some of the articles written by Mr. Gonzales and to the race for governor.

   "Did you advise him as a friend in that matter?" was asked. The witness replied:

   "I told him that if he wished to be governor of South Carolina he would have to fight Mr. Gonzales; that the men who were supporting him expected him to defend himself."

   "What answer did he [make] to that?" was next asked.

Would Snuff His Light Out.

   The witness replied: "He said 'that won't do, because I am Lieutenant Governor and will be impeached, but you boys need not worry, for, by —, I will snuff his light with this.'"

   The witness said further that on one occasion they were in Colonel Tillman's room reading an editorial from the State when Mr. Tillman said: "He can call it mock theatricals if he wishes to, but I will make it the —— tragedy that ever happened in South Carolina."

   Regarding occurrences at the time of the shooting State Senator Thomas Talbird testified that he saw Mr. Gonzales approaching. Gonzales had on an overcoat and his hands were in his pockets. Witness testified that Mr. Tillman said: "Good morning," or "how are you," and a moment later, "I got your message." Then he caught sight of a pistol in Tillman's hand and that moment it snapped. The witness said he threw up his hands and cried: "This must stop." Gonzales called out: ''Here I am; finish me."

   The witness saw Tillman later at the police station and Tillman asked him as to Gonzales' condition. Tillman told him subsequently he did not shoot again for fear of hitting witness, and because he (witness) had thrown up his hands and said: "This must stop."

   D. W. Aiken, representative in congress from South Carolina, told a similar story in regard to the shooting and like Senator Talbird said he had not seen Gonzales make any demonstration.

 

AIRSHIP ABOVE CORTLAND.

Left Binghamton this Morning Bound for Syracuse.

   Binghamton, N. Y., Oct. 3.—Two adventurous young men left here this morning at 8:50 o'clock in Captain Carl Myers' gas balloon, in the attempt to make a long distance amateur record. They are George T. Tomlinson and William H. Shackford, both of Syracuse,

   In a few minutes the airship was at an altitude estimated by Captain Myers as about one mile, and slowly moving northward, and they maintained that direction until they were lost in the distance. The balloon when last seen was near Chenango Forks, eleven miles [north].

   It is the design of the party to land at nightfall, making as long a trip as possible before that time. It is under stood Tomlinson will write an account of his trip for a Syracuse paper. He has had considerable experience as an aeronaut. Shackford is a tailor and this is his first trip through the air.

   Accompanying them were three carrier pigeons, belonging to Captain Griffith of Syracuse. These pigeons will be released at various points along the route and will return to their home in Syracuse carrying accounts of the voyage. The distance from Binghamton to Syracuse is eighty miles.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The Bandit and Society.

   The Van Wormers, three of whom have met the death of felons, were bandits who had terrorized a large section of country in Columbia county before they shot their uncle, Peter A. Hollenbeck, to death and met the justice of the state.

   In many ways these lawless young men reminded the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle of the infamous Loomis gang that terrorized Oneida and Madison counties for thirty years, or until 1866. They had their dwelling near a great swamp in the town of Sangerfield and hid their booty there, and in their own buildings. Frequently they put stolen animals in the barns of neighbors to cast suspicion on them. The officers of the law hunted the young men and women of the family for years, but did not succeed in bringing them to justice. Complainants were few because those who complained were quite sure to suffer loss through the burning of buildings. It was not until the Loomises had murdered an aged man for his money after the return of the veterans in 1866 that justice overtook the bandits. The veterans fresh from the field, knew how to treat such people. About 300 men went to the Loomis farm as a volunteer posse, and when the leader of the gang came out to fight, he was shot dead. His brother was hanged, but afterward cut down by a relative while the posse was destroying every vestige of the buildings and the stored plunder. That summary execution ended the operations of the gang. The last one died a few weeks ago, having led a quiet life since his brother was hanged.

   In the case of the Van Wormers the power of the state for the protection of society was exercised in an orderly way, a way much to be preferred to the posse execution of the Loomises. Society must protect itself with firmness. That is the lesson of the hour.

 

MRS. JOHNSON SATISFIED.

Came to Look up Her Husband, but Went Away Again.

   Mrs. George Johnson (colored) of Montrose, Pa., formerly of Cortland, came to Judge Dougherty in police court yesterday with a tale of woe. She said that she and her husband, George Johnson, lived here for several years in peace and contentment; that last summer she had stomach trouble and, being afraid of prolonged illness, went to Montrose, Pa., to the home of her mother. Johnson sent her $2 a week regularly until a few weeks ago, when the remittance stopped. He also sent her most of the furniture and she was looking for him to arrive with the remainder. As she heard nothing from him she came to Cortland Monday and found him living with another woman. She swore out a warrant for non-support, but Johnson was not to be found.

   She said that she would be willing to return to Montrose, but did not have the money. She also wanted to get the remainder of her furniture. She was advised to get a lawyer and have him levy on her property, provided she could prove it to be hers. Charity Commissioner Bushnell promised to furnish her with a ticket to Montrose and she went away apparently satisfied.

 

To Build a New Barn.

   J. J. Albro, whose big barn at South Cortland was struck by lightning and burned with all its contents on the evening of Sept. 10 will rebuild and has about decided that the new barn shall be 36 by 60 feet in size, not quite as large as the former one. He has already built an addition to one of the barns that was saved. Mr. Albro had less than half a ton of hay left after the fire with which to keep his large herd of cows through the winter, but he has sold* a few and has arranged to secure feed to keep the others along. The loss, however, was a pretty severe one.

 

Milking Machines.

   Milking machines are now being used in several large dairies in Madison county. It is said that one operator is able to milk about thirty cows in a little over one hour, and it is claimed the cows do much better than when milked by hand, as the action is steady and does not in any way hurt or disturb them. The operator sits between two cows, which are milked at the same time, and works a pump not unlike the foot pumps used in inflating a bicycle tire.

 

                                              WICKWIRE-HEDGE.

    A Pretty October Wedding in Brooklyn Which Interests Cortland.

   The Brooklyn Eagle of Friday, Oct. 2, says: Among yesterday's brides was Miss Sophie Hedge of Dean-st.  Miss Hedge's wedding, solemnized in Brooklyn and the bride herself a Brooklyn girl, proved of much moment and was a remarkably pretty affair. The ceremony occurred in the New York Avenue M. E. church, at 9 o'clock, and a small ceremony followed at the home of Miss Hedge's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Hedge, 1,251 Dean-st.

   Miss Hedge married Theodore H. Wickwire, Jr., of Cortland, N. Y., and an interesting feature of this bridal is that the new Mrs. Wickwire will move into a new house of much attractiveness in Cortland, especially built for her bridegroom and herself. The honeymoon, it appears, is to be a novel one, Mr. and Mrs. Wickwire, Jr., automobiling. Whether they will make their entire bridal trip in the bridegroom's Winton touring car is not stated, but at least they started away in it.

   Miss Hedge's sister, Mrs. Cortlandt Godwin (who was Miss Sara Hedge) was matron of honor, and four Brooklyn girls served as bridesmaids: Miss Mary Welles, Miss Blanche Harkness, Miss Elizabeth Brenner, Miss Jessie Watson. The best man was T. J. Gaines, Jr., of Manhattan, and Cortlandt Godwin, Jere Wickwire, Charles C. Wickwire and Glover Beardsley, the latter of Auburn, served as ushers.

   The ceremony was performed with the double ring service by Rev. John Timothy Stone, pastor of the Brown Memorial church of Baltimore, Md., formerly the pastor of the bridegroom in the Presbyterian church in Cortland. The church, which is new and very handsome, looked unusually attractive on this occasion with its altar banked with palms, while the bridal party stood under a beautiful floral arch during the ceremony. A pretty feature was introduced in the entrance of the bridesmaids, at first through the two side aisles, who came together at the front and then turned again in the center aisle toward the doors to meet the bride as she came in upon the arm of her father. When they had met her about midway of the aisle they turned back and preceded her to the altar.

 

More Facts About Pepsikola.

Why Mr. Chas. F. Brown Recommends it to his Customers for Dyspepsia.

   ''I have sold many so-called dyspepsia cures since I have been in business," said Mr. Chas. F. Brown to a representative of this paper, "but I must say that nothing has ever given such universal satisfaction as Pepsikola.

   "I had heard that druggists in other cities were having a large sale for it, and as the manufacturers authorize me to guarantee it to cure dyspepsia or refund the money, I was very glad to secure the agency for Pepsikola.

   "My success with this remarkable remedy has caused me to wonder,'' continued Mr. Chas F. Brown, "as the demand for it has made a new record in my store."

   No one need have dizzy spells, sick headache, biliousness, nervousness, loss of appetite, sour stomach, coated tongue, restless nights, or any other symptom of indigestion and dyspepsia if they will use Pepsikola.

   It is also a splendid nerve tonic, it improves the general health, puts on firm, solid flesh, and if you are run down or emaciated it will almost surely increase your weight from five to twenty pounds. You take no chances in purchasing a 25-cent box as Mr. Chas. F. Brown will hand you the money right back over the counter if it fails to do as claimed. [Paid ad.]

 

BREVITIES.

   —The new display advertisements today are—Geo. H, Wiltsie, Underwear, etc, page 6.

   —The funeral of the late Mrs. O. H. Reynolds will be held at her home, two miles south of Cortland, on Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock.

   —The Christian Endeavor society of the Presbyterian church will hold its consecration service tomorrow afternoon at 5:30 instead of the usual hour.

   —The annual Normal [school] reception will be held in the Normal parlors next Saturday evening and will be under the auspices of the Philamathean society.

   —Tomorrow being the first Sunday in October the hour for evening service changes in all the churches from 7:30 to 7 o'clock, and the young people's meetings which precede are correspondingly earlier.

   —Mrs. Mary R. Francis Darby, wife of Nathan P, Darby formerly of Cortland, died at her home in Moravia on Thursday, Oct. 1. Her age was 63 years. Prayer will be offered at the house at 8 a. m. Monday. The funeral will be held at the church at 1:30 p. m. Monday.

 

TARIFF REFORM, AUTOPSY, A HORRIBLE DEATH, DR. WALSH, DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES, AND RECEPTION AND BALL

 

Arthur J. Balfour.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, October 2, 1903.

FOR TARIFF REFORM.

Premier Balfour Outlined His Policy In Speech at Sheffield.

BREAK FROM FISCAL TRAD1TIONS.

Controversy of 1846 Between Protection and Free Trade Inapplicable to Conditions in 1903—Asks For Power to Use Counter Tariffs—Drops Idea of Food Tax.

   Sheffield, Eng., Oct. 2.—The artillery drill hall, in which Premier Balfour made his tariff reform speech last evening, was packed by an expectant audience long before 8 o'clock, the hour at which Mr. Balfour was announced to begin speaking. An overflow meeting in Albert hall was also crowded, while thousands unable to obtain seats joined those inside the halls in patriotic songs and cheering.

   Mr. Balfour arrived shortly before 8 and was given an enthusiastic reception. He rose to speak at 8:05 p. m. and announced at the outset that he intended to confine his speech to tariff reform, which he said had come prominently to the front owing to the growing uneasiness among men of varied opinions. Mr. Chamberlain's speech in May, he added, would not have produced the effect it did if it had not fallen on ground already prepared, and the threats against Canada for granting preference to Great Britain brought home the helplessness of this country to deal with such a situation. Tariff attacks could only be met by tariff replies.

   This statement of the premier was greeted with prolonged cheering.

Wall of Hostile Tariffs.

   Continuing Mr. Balfour said that for 50 years England had watched in silence the building up of a wall of hostile tariffs against her. Even her colonies were building up a system of protection which, when it reached its natural conclusion, would make it as hard for the United Kingdom to export goods to her colonies as to export goods to the United States and other protected countries.

   For the present state of affairs, Mr. Balfour remarked, he did not know of a cure. The evil had gone too far; but he knew of a palliation.

   A nation depriving itself of the power of bargaining, Mr. Balfour pointed out, could never make a good bargain.

   Mr. Balfour did not think the country was ripe for the taxation of food; but the evils of food taxation had been exaggerated beyond what reason and logic justified. He advised the Unionist party that to tax food would be against public opinion and not within the limits of practical politics. He had given the topic his best thoughts and he was firmly convinced that his policy harmonized with the best traditions of the party and, as leader of the party, he meant to lead it.

Example of America and Germany.

   "I confess," proceeded Mr. Balfour, "that when I heard criticisms upon American and German policy, which caused those great industrial nations to accompany their marvelous commercial expansion with protective duties which must have thrown a most heavy burden upon the consumer, I feel that they have a retort to which I at least have no reply. They may well say that although protectionist they have established permanent free trade within the limits of their own country, where everything which can hamper production or limit the increase of wealth has been abolished by their patriotism and foresight, and they may well ask us whether we in the British empire can point to a similar picture and whether our vaunted free trade includes those great self-governing colonies which we proudly boast are to be the great buttresses of our empire in the future.

   "Free trade is indeed an empty name and a vain farce if it is a fact that foreign nations are setting themselves to divert our industries, exclude our manufactures and limit the international play of supply and demand. There has been a development of which Cobden and his contemporaries never dreamed—the development of the trust system under protection. The phenomenon is so new that I dare scarce venture to prophesy what development it is likely to take, but you may be absolutely sure that in the alliance of trusts and tariffs there is a danger to the capital and enterprise of this country which acts and reacts not mainly upon the capitalist, for he is at liberty to go to those regions where his industry will be looked after, but it will fall with its heaviest weight upon the artisan and the labor classes which are incapable of protecting their interests against such a calamity.

   "Is it common sense that we, the greatest commercial nation, should come forward and say 'we want to arrange treaties with you but we have nothing to give you; nothing to withhold from you. We throw ourselves upon your mercy and consideration.'

   "Did any man ever hear of successful negotiations without a nation having something to give which in case of necessity it might withhold? My fundamental and essential request to you tonight, to which the rest of my speech is subsidiary and accidental, is that the people of this country should give to its government that freedom of negotiation of which we have been deprived, not by force of circumstances or by the pressure of foreign powers  but by something I can only describe as our own pedantry and self-conceit.''

   Proceeding to deal with the questions of how the freedom he desired was to be used, Mr. Balfour thought that the question was rather unreasonable. No minister could say how the navy was going to be used in a few years hence. One can only say it is necessary to have a great navy in case of need.

   "In my judgment," continued the premier, "It is equally necessary that this country should have its command of those instruments of negotiation for which I am pleading. The German states illustrate how a fiscal union had preceded and strengthened a political union, but as far as our colonies are concerned we have been content to see fiscal divisions growing up which no man of sober judgment can contemplate without disquiet."

   Concerning the question as to whether it was intended to reverse the verdict of the great case of free trade vs. protection of 1846, his answer was that the controversy of 1846 was of no interest to the present generation and was utterly inappropriate to 1903. He said:

   "Our grandfathers fought the battle in view of the actual situation. I ask the nation today to follow their example and not be misled by musty debates. The second question is 'do you desire to reverse and alter the fundamental fiscal tradition which has prevailed for two generations?' My answer is 'yes, I do.'"

 

AUTOPSY ON VAN WORMERS.

Brains Showed No Signs of Deficiency or Degeneracy.

   Dannemora, N. Y., Oct. 2.—The autopsies upon the three bodies of the Van Wormer brothers were made with great care, that upon the body of Burton being begun first. The autopsies were performed by the official physicians, Dr. Ransom, the prison surgeon; Dr. Carlos M. McDonald, who was present at the request of Prison Superintendent Collins, and Dr. Edmond A. Spitzka, the brain anatomist. Dr. McDonald said after the autopsies: "The operative part of the work was done by Dr. Spitzka. He remains at Dannemora for an exhaustive study of these three brains. The results will be published later with illustrations."

   "The results of the autopsies were entirely negative, so far as concerns pathological or diseased conditions, for the brains and other bodily organs of these young men were entirely normal, exhibiting no physical aspects unusual in well formed, well developed, well nourished young men in a state of health. The brains showed no suggestion of degeneracy, deficiency or defect.

   "In a word there was nothing in the physical aspects discoverable in these autopsies to differentiate these young men as criminals. But the results of Dr. Spitzka's minute study of the brains will undoubtedly be of great value in the field of brain anatomy."

   The bodies of the three Van Wormers were taken to Kinderhook by the noon train out of Plattsburg today, and will reach Kinderhook about 6 p. m. The expense of transportation of the bodies will be borne partially by Warden Deyo and Rev. Father Belanger. Father Belanger received yesterday from three little brothers in New York city three religious pictures and three medals for the Van Wormer brothers. They were withheld because it was feared they would affect the young men. On each of the three pictures were written a few words of cheer.

   Regarding the voltage of the current used, State Electrician Davis said last night: "A current of 1,820 volts was first applied for seven seconds. I then lowered it to 200 volts for two seconds, then sent it up, then again lowered it to 200 volts for the balance of the minute, then I threw it back up to 1,820 volts and immediately cut it off entirely."

 

CREMATED BODIES.

Considered Merchandise When Sent at Postal Rates.

   Washington, Oct. 2.—Third Assistant Postmaster General Madden has received a request for information as to the postage rates on cremated bodies. Mr. Madden, after due deliberation prepared a ruling to the effect, that cremated bodies should be classed as merchandise and should pay the regular rate of one cent for four ounces.

   As a result of his decision, four air tight tin canisters, containing the cremated remains of a family shipped from New York to San Francisco were forwarded from the Washington post office where they had been held up pending a determination of the postage rates for the journey.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Dispatch from Berlin.

   A dispatch from Berlin to The New York Sun says that Professor Von Behring, who discovered the diphtheria serum, believes that he has solved the problem of securing immunity from consumption by inoculating human beings with a harmless tuberculosis serum which can be obtained from cattle. It was to be expected that in the warfare against bacterial invasion, and in fighting disease germs with enemies of a milder character, the tuberculosis which has proved so great a foe to the human race would not be overlooked. Professor Von Behring agrees that tuberculosis is not inherited, but is not of the opinion of Professor Koch that bovine tuberculosis can not be transmitted to human beings. He thinks that, especially in the case of infants, milk from tuberculosis cows is the chief cause of the spread of consumption. The progress of the attempt to provide an anti-toxin for pulmonary tuberculosis will be viewed with the utmost interest by physicians and by the general public, for hitherto no specific has been found that in resisting the inroads of the disease will aid the tonic effect in general of pure air and wholesome diet and surroundings.

 

A HORRIBLE DEATH.

Fay Barber Drawn Into a Threshing Machine.

LEG GROUND INTO MINCE MEAT.

Tried to Cross the Cylinder Feed Box While it Was in Motion on the Ryan Farm in Spafford, N. Y.—Drawn in Clear up to Body—Cylinder Had to be Removed to Extricate the Body—Victim Lost Consciousness at Once and Died Very Soon.

   Fay Barber, son of Frank Barber of Scott, N. Y., one of the owners and operators of Barber Brothers' threshing machine, met with a horrible death just before dark last night in the town of Spafford. The machine was in operation on the farm of Patsy Ryan in Spafford. Young Barber attempted to cross from the feed board over to the other side of the machine while it was going. In some way he slipped and one leg was caught in the rapidly whirling cylinder. He was drawn in clear up to the body and until he could not get any farther and the cylinder was clogged. The leg was literally torn to bits. As quickly as possible the machine was stopped, but the body was so wedged into the machine that the cylinder had to be removed to get him out. This took quite a little time. The unfortunate victim was conscious only long enough to murmur the words, as the men began to work over him, "Get me out."

   Dr. Barker was summoned from Spafford, but before he arrived the life had departed.

   Mr. Barber was 22 years of age. He is survived by his parents and three brothers. He was unmarried. It is reported that he had $1,000 life insurance in the Maccabees of Cortland, with an extra allowance of $50 for funeral expenses.

 

Death of Mrs. Reynolds.

   Mrs. O. H. Reynolds died at 7 o'clock this morning at her home two miles south of this village on South Hill. Her age was 86 years, 11 months, 28 days. Time of funeral will be given tomorrow.

 

Death of Mrs. Bentley.

   Mrs. Mary Scott Bentley aged 24 years died at her home 27 1/2 North Main-st., at 2 o'clock this morning after a year's illness from cancer of the stomach. She leaves no relatives besides her mother, Mrs. A. Scott of this city [Cortland]. The funeral will be held from the house Sunday morning at 8 o'clock. Interment will be made at Cardiff, N. Y.

 

Dr. Walsh's New Office.

   Dr. James Walsh will next week open an office at room 8 in the Burgess building, Cortland. This room is up one flight of stairs and is next the office of District Attorney Dowd. His office hours will be from 1 to 4 and from 7 to 9 p. m.

 

Democratic Primaries.

   The Democratic ward caucuses of this city are called for Wednesday evening, Oct. 7, from 7 to 8 o'clock. Five delegates will be elected in each ward to the city convention which is to be held in Fireman's hall on Thursday evening, Oct. 8, at 8 o'clock.

   The First ward caucus will be held at Grant's grocery, 109 Homer-ave.; the Second ward at Fireman's hall;  the Third ward at Potter's barber shop, 118 Main-st; the Fourth ward at Pierce's cigar store, 27 North Main-st.; Fifth ward at Dexter House, 3 Main-st.; Sixth ward at Emerald Hose building, Church-st.

 

RECEPTION AND BALL

Given by Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Call on Their Thirtieth Anniversary.

   The spacious hall and parlors of Dillon Brothers' Dancing academy were last evening the scene of one of the most delightful, and enjoyable as well as brilliant social functions which has been held in Cortland in a long time. The occasion was a reception and ball given by Mr. and Mrs. Duane E. Call of 46 Tompkins-st., celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of their marriage. The fact that this was the thirtieth anniversary of their wedding day was not announced in the invitations and was not made known to the guests until their arrival at the hall last evening. Two hundred and seventy-five invitations had been issued and more than two hundred guests were present.

   The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion with a profusion of golden rod and hydrangeas, and many favorable comments were heard upon the transformations which have recently been wrought in the surroundings and how well adapted the academy is for such an event as took place there last night.

   The guests were cordially welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Call, Mr. and Mrs. T. K. Norris, the latter being the only daughter of the hosts. Misses Josephine Patrick, Frances Call and Ruth Schellenger performed the duties of ushers and directed the guests to dressing rooms. Cards and dancing were the order of the evening.

   Hollenbeck's orchestra of seven pieces furnished excellent music for dancing and played through the evening. There were many of the old fashioned dances upon the program, which was entirely informal, and these were greatly enjoyed, especially by the older guests. At 11 o'clock very dainty refreshments were served.

   The anniversary feature of the occasion added to the interest and enjoyment of the evening, and the bride and groom of thirty years ago were heartily congratulated by the guests, not only upon the completion of thirty years of married life, but upon the success of last evening's reception in honor of the event as well.

   The ceremony of thirty years ago was performed at the home of the bride in Truxton by Rev. John Long, at that time pastor of the Presbyterian church in that place. The wedding was a very quiet one, none but members of the family being present.

   Among the guests from out of town who were present last evening were: Mr. and Mrs. William Hardy, Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Tallett and Harry Blanchard of DeRuyter; Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Carley, Mr. and Mrs. George A. Brockway, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fassett and Miss Porter of Homer and Mrs. Morse of Greene.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The editor of the Marathon Independent offers to make the very safe bet of a cookie that the next sheriff of Cortland county will be from Marathon, N. Y.

   —The Cleveland minstrels which appear at the Opera House tonight made an excellent parade this noon. There were two bands and they played well. One of them was composed of colored boys.

   —The new display advertisements for today are—L. & K. Freeman, Millinery display, page 5; Bosworth & Stilman, Treadeasy Shoes, page 6; Morse Clothing Co., Men's Furnishings, Specials, page 6.

   —The Cortland Science club will meet at the Hatch library tomorrow evening at 8 o'clock. The speaker will be Dr. F. D. Reese and his theme will be "Toxine and Antitoxine." The review of the last paper will be given by N. H. Gillette.