MAGELSSEN UNINJURED, MONASTIR, NO CHANGE OF PLAN, TEACHERS, RAY W. HOLLENBECK, DRYDEN FAIR, AND CORTLAND FAIR CLOSED

 

John Leishman.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, August 29, 1903.

MAGELSSEN UNINJURED.

Vice Consul at Beirut Fired at Without Effect.

ERROR IN MISREADING CIPHER.

Local Turkish Officials Expressed Regret and Promised to Exert Themselves to Make Arrests—Minister Leishman Suggested That American Naval Demonstration Be Made.

   Washington, Aug. 29.—A decidedly new turn in the case of United States Vice Consul William C. Magelssen at Beirut, Syria, who was reported to have been assassinated last Sunday, developed last night when it became known that the report was incorrect and although Mr. Magelssen had been shot at he had not even been injured.

   This information came to the state department in a dispatch from Minister Leishman at Constantinople. The dispatch from the minister was communicated at once to the president at Oyster Bay.

   Its contents were extremely gratifying to the officials of the government here as it relieved the situation of its extreme tension and leaves the way open for an amicable and peaceful adjustment of the incident.

   Acting Secretary Loomis declined to make public the text of Minister Leishman's dispatch but he gave a summary of its contents, which show that Mr. Magelssen had been shot at by some person at the time unknown to the officials but that he had not been hit.

   The local Turkish officials were prompt to express their regret at the occurrence and were exerting themselves to apprehend the would-be assassin but thus far had been unsuccessful.

   The minister's dispatch also said that Consul Ravndal had reported to him that some of the foreign consuls located at Beirut had reported to their governments that the situation at that place had become exceedingly unsafe, that this condition of affairs had existed for some time and that something ought to be done to relieve the tension.

   The opinion was expressed that the attempted assassination of Magelssen probably would bring matters to a focus. Minister Leishman in one of his dispatches to the department suggested that conditions were such that it might be well to have some American naval demonstration in Turkish waters.

   Reports also have come to the government from the missionary interests of threatened destruction of their property at Harpoot, and because of this Admiral Cotton will be probably allowed to proceed to Beirut.

   Acting Secretary Darling received a cablegram from the admiral dated Villafranche, saying that he had left that place with the cruisers Brooklyn and San Francisco for Genoa on the way to Beirut.

 

MONASTIR CORRESPONDENCE.

Details of Attack on American College at Harpoot.

   Boston, Aug. 29.—Mail advices from Monastir give details of the murder of the Russian consul, saying that on the day of the assassination several women observed five armed Turks in the quarters at the guard house and when the shooting occurred one Turk asked another "What is the matter?" One of the five armed men replied: "A dog was killed," after which the five men went away.

   The vali received the remains and remarked that the consul was to blame for using his revolver on the policeman.

   When the body of the consul was brought to his home it was found that he not only had been shot but that his head had been crushed in by a blow from a policeman's rifle.

   Detailing the interview of Hilim Pasha with Madame Rostkovsky and the offer of $40,000 to the widow by the Turkish authorities the account says Madame Rostkovsky replied, saying:

   "The blood of my husband cannot be paid for by Turkish money. Give the check back to your master and if he does not know what to do with it tell him to give it to his soldiers who have received no pay for so many months. Here are the decorations which the sultan bestowed on my husband and myself. I return them through you."

   As far as the American board is advised the attempt to burn the American college, the date of which is not known, resulted in little damage, as the building was of stone. The fact that the attempt was made, however, is viewed as evidence of the hostility of the Turks towards civilizing influences and an increasing daring in their attitude towards the United States. 

   The situation in eastern Turkey as presented by the board officials is that when demand was made last December that American institutions in Turkey be granted the same concessions as those of other governments, promises were considered a sufficient answer by the Turks. The promises were not kept and the matter was not pushed which, it is blamed, encouraged the Turks last June to seize H. Tenekejian, a native teacher in the mission schools, on a charge of sedition. He was kept in confinement, and the American board appealed to the state department.

   Thus the case has stood since June, Mr. Tenekejian being still in confinement; and the American board expresses the belief that, fearing nothing, the Turks with growing fanaticism did not hesitate at setting fire to the college building.

   Knowledge of these facts, emphasized by the cablegram announcing the growing danger, have prompted the board managers to do everything possible to gain the attention of the state department and of the president himself.

 

Theodore Roosevelt.

NO CHANGE OF PLAN.

President Says European Squadron Will Continue to Beirut.

   Oyster Bay, Aug. 29.—President Roosevelt was informed last night of the incorrectness of the report that Vice Consul William C. Magelssen at Beirut, Syria, had been assassinated.

   The president expressed gratification that Consul Magelssen had escaped without injury from the assault of the would-be murderer. He announced, however, that no change at present would be made in the plans of this government and that the European squadron would continue to Beirut. It can be said that the president and Secretary Hay both regard it advisable because of conditions to have American war vessels in Turkish waters.

   For several hours President Roosevelt and Secretary Hay were in conference at Sagamore Hill. They discussed every phase of the Turkish situation. At the conclusion of the conference Secretary Hay announced his intention of going immediately to Washington.

   The fact that Secretary Hay considers his presence in Washington necessary at this time indicates the serious view he takes of the Turkish situation, as he had not expected to return to Washington for several weeks.

   The secretary arrived here from New Hampshire at 12:20 p. m. He left Sagamore Hill about half past 4 o'clock.

   At 11 o'clock last night a telegram was received from Acting Secretary of State Loomis at Washington communicating the text of a cablegram from Minister Leishman at Constantinople, relative to the inaccuracy of the report of Consul Magelssen's assassination.

   Minister Leishman explains that the error occurred in deciphering a telegram received from Consul Ravndal at Beirut.

   It can be said to be the purpose of President Roosevelt to afford American citizens in the disturbed provinces of Turkey all the protection possible. For that reason and for others which may develop in a short time the decision is reached that no change at this time will be made in the orders to the European squadron.

 

TEACHERS WIN STRIKE.

Compel School Board to Grant Advance in Wages.

   The schoolteachers in Adams township, Champaign county, O., went out on a strike three months ago for higher wages, and the matter has just been settled by the board of education agreeing to give the teachers what they asked. The board has only been paying $40 per month for teachers, and the teachers in a body, with the superintendent, informed the board that they would not teach any more unless they were given a raise of $5 per month.

   The board at first refused to grant the demand. The schoolteachers were well organized, and they prevented any applications from being filed with the board for the positions, which was unable to get other teachers. At a recent meeting the board was compelled to give the striking teachers $45 per month.

 

Elihu Root.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Secretary Root's Retirement.

   Little can he added to the admirable statement of Secretary Root's great service to the country embodied in President Roosevelt's letter accepting the secretary's resignation.

   Secretary Root came to the cabinet of President McKinley at a period when our operations in the field during the Spanish war had shown the limitations of our military organization, and when a statement of ability was needed to define our relations with the new territory acquired by the treaty with Spain and with the liberated island of Cuba. All of the new possessions and the island of Cuba were under control of the war department, which for a time exercised both military and civil authority. The transition from complete military control to almost complete civil control has taken place and has been guided by Secretary Root. He has established new precedents in dealing with new conditions. In all, he has shown constructive statesmanship of the highest order. After accomplishing the work of pacification and the establishment of civil power, the defects in our army organization were remedied.

   Secretary Root has shown the highest patriotism and a thorough knowledge of the basic principles and purposes of our government in the settlement of the questions relating to new possessions. Having mastered these questions as they arose, Secretary Root claims the privilege of retiring to private life. He certainly deserves an opportunity for rest, and will retire from public service after the arbitration in London of the Alaska boundary comes to a close. It is to be hoped that his great abilities will not be permanently lost to the government and the nation.

   His successor in the war department has been trained to the work before him through intimate association with the retiring secretary in the conduct of Philippine affairs. And there is every assurance that Governor Taft will continue the administration of the war department in the same spirit as his predecessor.

 

Ray W. Hollenbeck.

   Ray W. Hollenbeck died yesterday afternoon at the home of his aunt, Mrs. Harry Williams, 2 miles east of the city, aged 26 years. He leaves two brothers, Fred Hollenbeck and Glenn Hollenbeck, both of Cortland.

   The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and the interment will be in Cortland Rural cemetery.

 

One of the Dryden Fair buildings. 

THE DRYDEN FAIR

Will be Held this Year September 15, 16, and 17.

   The dates for the Dryden, N. Y., fair this year are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 15, 16 and 17. Liberal premiums are offered in every department, amounting to $5,000 in cash and a long list of valuable specials. The grounds and exhibition halls are electric lighted and evening carnivals will be held. Many high class attractions have been secured for both afternoons and evenings.

   The special attractions will be the best ever given in Dryden. Among them will be the Flying Moore troupe of aerialists; Signorina Ell Salto, the marvelous European flexible equilibrist; Mons. Mordo, the wonderful balancing trapeze artist from Germany; M'lle Annette in her silver wire act and others.

    Some of the most valuable special premiums will be a $125 corn harvester for best herd of stock; $65 New Home sewing machine for best display of bakestuff; $65 Singer sewing machine for finest sofa pillow; $50 Standard sewing machine for best lady's white petticoat; $50 Ithaca gun for trap shooting contest; $50 bicycle to winner of bicycle race; $30 bicycle to the most graceful young lady rider; $35 fur coat for best single turnout exhibited on track, driven by owner's wife or daughter.

 

THE CORTLAND FAIR CLOSED.

A List of Some of the Special Premiums Awarded.

   Notwithstanding the fact that rain fell without ceasing all day and that the grounds were in an indescribable condition on account of the rain and mud, about 2,000 people were on the fairgrounds yesterday afternoon.

   Many of them were present looking after their exhibits and packing them up for removal; others were present through necessity, but the great majority were visitors present out of the desire to see everything that was going on. Much interest was shown in the way the prizes were awarded and this accounts to quite an extent for the number that braved the storm. The fair house was filled most of the afternoon.

   The Corset City band furnished music throughout the afternoon to the enjoyment of those who crossed the sea of mud this side of the grandstand.

   Owners of live stock, poultry, etc., and many exhibitors began removing their property from the grounds during the day. Most of the live stock has been removed by this time but it will be necessary to keep some of the tents up for a few days.

   The grounds were flooded this morning, there being a veritable lake where the poultry tent stood.

The Prize Piano.

   The entrance prize, a Merrill piano, donated by Chase & Smith and by the society, went to Daniel Bryant.

Some of the Special Premiums.

   A few other special prizes were awarded as follows: Silk waist donated by M. A. Case for the best 5-pound package of butter, Mrs. T. A. Burlingham of McGraw.

   A. S. Burgess' prize of a pair of shoes to the man producing the heaviest potato went to C. H. Munson of Cortlandville. Mr. Munson is to send a bushel of potatoes to the St. Louis exposition. A representative of the State Agricultural society was upon the grounds and it is at his request that Mr. Munson is to forward his produce to St. Louis. Mr. Munson also won the prize of $2 offered by B. F. Taylor for the best bushel of potatoes.

   B. H. Wheeler won the suit case offered by Burgess for the heaviest apple.

   C. E. Humphries of McGraw won the suit of cloths offered by F. Daehler for the best 5-pound pail of butter.

   The Sterling range offered by W. W. Bennett for the largest variety of bread, biscuit and rolls went to Mrs. Calvin Priest.

   The Red Cross range offered by the F. D. Smith Hardware Co. to the lady having the best and most complete exhibit of bread and cake went to Mrs. A. N. Starr.

   The half barrel of flour offered by C. A. Moore to the lady exhibiting the best loaf of bread made from Harter's flour went to Mrs. M. J. Dickerson, and for the best loaf from Ceresota flour to Mrs. E. B. Nash.

   Mrs. F. L. Burnham won the barrel of Big Jo flour offered by the Corner grocery for the best loaf of bread from that flour.

   Mrs. George Barrows of Groton won the sewing machine offered by M. L. Decker for the best chicken pie.

   Mrs. Calvin Priest won the barrel of Baldwin's Best flour offered for the best loaf of bread from that brand of flour.

   The Stewart range [stove] offered by Cramer & Spencer for the five largest apples, pears, and potatoes went to Fred Per Lee of McLean.

   Five pounds of baking powder offered by Perkins & Quick for the best layer cake went to Mrs. Calvin Priest.

   These are but a few of nearly 200 special premiums which were offered by Cortland's business firms.

Prize Bees.

   Dana B. Denison came in for a lot of premiums for his exhibit of bees and honey. He secured first and second premiums on Italian bees, first and second on Carniolan bees, second on black bees, second on beeswax, first on case of Clover honey, second on case of basswood honey, second on light extract honey and first on dark extract boney.

   The Peck furniture house was awarded the prize for the most attractive and best decorated booth in the fair building.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The Republican county convention will be held in Taylor hall Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 2 p. m.

   —The new display advertisement today is—C. A. Moore, H. C. Poultry food, page 6.

   —Rev. James Rain, who has recently accepted a call to Riverhead, L. I., will preach his farewell sermon at the union service in the Congregational church tomorrow evening.

   —The regular monthly meeting of the board of health, which was to have been held at the office of the city clerk last evening, did not materialize, two members of the board, Chairman W. A. Stockwell and Dr. E. M. Santee, being present. Several members are out of town and the rest failed to show up.

   —The board of assessors of the city of Cortland will meet in Fireman's hall, Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 10 o'clock a. m. to hear and determine all complaints in relation to the city assessments and to review the same. The assessment rolls may be examined at the office of the city clerk until that time.

 

DEMAND REPARATION, MOTIVE UNKNOWN, THE LAW'S DELAY AND LYNCHING, AND LAST DAY OF THE CORTLAND COUNTY FAIR

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, August 28, 1903.

DEMAND REPARATION.

For the Murder of Vice Consul Magelssen at Beirut.

ORDERS FOR EUROPEAN FLEET.

Minister Leishman at Constantinople Ordered to Demand an Investigation and Punishment of the Murderers—Attempt to Burn College at Harpoort—Anxiety For Americans.

   Washington, Aug. 28.—Prompt and vigorous action is being taken by the United States government to secure the punishment of those persons implicated in the assassination of United States Consul William C. Magelssen at Beirut, Syria, Sunday.

   Minister Leishman, at Constantinople, who reported the fact to the state department, has been instructed by the state department to demand a thorough investigation and the punishment of those involved in the crime, and the European squadron, consisting of three warships, has been ordered to proceed immediately to Beirut to support the demands.

   This latter measure was determined upon as a result of conferences which have been held over the telegraph and telephone with the president at Oyster Bay. The latter felt that no time should be lost.

   The president's determination to lose no time in getting the squadron to Beirut was also due in part to information received by Acting Secretary Loomis of the state department from the president of the American board of missions at Boston indicating that an attempt had been made to burn the Euphrates college building at Harpoort and that there was great anxiety for American residents.

   Acting Secretary Loomis cabled to Minister Leishman to make immediate demands for the protection of all Americans at Beirut and to prevent any attack on the college.

   Admiral Cotton, who was directed to hold his squadron in readiness to proceed at a moment’s notice to Beirut, cabled the navy department as follows, under date of Nice, France:

   "Cable just received. Machias at Genoa for coal. Brooklyn has seven days, San Francisco six and a half days coal at 10 knots. Cannot exceed that speed with Machias. If squadron going west should coal at Marseilles if east at Genoa.

   "COTTON."

   Admiral Cotton's instructions are to sail at once.

   Acting Secretary Loomis received a remarkable cablegram from Minister Leishman last night in which the latter states that he had called at the Turkish foreign office at Constantinople that evening and the minister of foreign affairs emphatically denied knowledge of the assassination. He also attempted to discredit it.

   The department does not attach sufficient importance to Minister Leishman's last message to cancel the order for the squadron to sail.

   Acting Secretary Darling and Captain Cowles of the bureau of navigation were in conference.

 

MOTIVE UNKNOWN

In Absence of Any Specific Information.

   Washington, Aug. 28. In the absence of any specific information or of any of the details of the assassination of Vice Consul Magelssen, the state department is at a loss to ascribe a motive. The theory generally accepted is that he was slain by some criminal, who possibly added a personal grudge to the reward held out by his religion for the slaughter of one Christian.

 

TOWPATH FORBIDDEN.

Special Order by Mr. Boyd Requiring Automobiles to Keep Off.

   Albany, Aug. 28.—Superintendent of Public Works Boyd has issued special orders forbidding the running of automobiles on the canal towpath.

   The recent fatal accident near Fort Plain, by which Mr. Spaulding of New York was drowned in the canal while driving his auto along the path, has emphasized the matter because there was discovered upon the body of Mr. Spaulding what purported to be a "permit'' authorizing him to make use of the towpath, the only condition being that "speed should not exceed 20 miles an hour."

   Not only was the permit spurious but Superintendent Boyd has not been able to identify the person assuming to have authority to grant the use of the canals for such purpose. The permit was issued by "W. S. Andrus" and was dated at Syracuse.

 

David J. Brewer.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The Law's Delay and Lynching.

   In a significant utterance on the alarming prevalence of mob rule and lynching and the remedy therefore Justice Brewer of the United States supreme court renews his suggestion made some years ago for the doing away with appeals in criminal cases. He points out that for a hundred years there was no appeal from judgment of conviction in criminal cases in our federal courts and no review except in a few cases, two justices sitting. A difference of opinion on a question of law was certified to the supreme court. In England, he observes, there is no appeal in criminal cases, although a question of law may be reserved by the presiding judge for the consideration of his colleagues.

   Justice Brewer's recommendation is a tacit recognition of the fact that the courts are in part to blame for the spread and prevalence of the lynching mania. The constitutional right to "a speedy trial" which is guaranteed to the accused by the constitution inheres also to the public, which is the accuser. Courts are sometimes overruled and brushed aside by mobs for the reason that speedy trials are not granted. Frequently judges show too much tenderness for the criminal, even when his guilt is clear, and too little for the public, which has been wronged in the person of the criminal's victim.

   Criminal prosecutions fail in their main purpose and are comparative failures when judges regard the courts as agencies for the punishment of criminals and not for the prevention of crime. Justice, to have any deterring effect, must be swift as well as sure. The present administration of criminal law gives too much scope to the skilled criminal lawyer. It is most difficult and expensive to convict a criminal who can raise the money to pay the cost of carrying on a long and tedious legal controversy over the "points" which a criminal lawyer of the first rank can always discover and raise in his client's favor, altogether independent of the question of his guilt.

   It is hardly probable that appeals in criminal cases will ever be altogether abolished, nor is it clear that they ought to be since judges are fallible, but appeals should be greatly restricted and made very much less common.

   It is apparent that there is urgently needed a judicial reform that will permit the machinery of justice to move with greater celerity and sureness.

 

William Greenman.

LAST DAY OF THE FAIR

A Steady Downpour of Rain Interferes with Closing Program.

THURSDAY WAS THE DAY FOR PEOPLE.

A Big Success Notwithstanding Two Rainy Days—A Fine Balloon Ascension—Exciting Races—McGrawville Grange Wins Tug of War—Large Crowd Witnesses the Fireworks—Baby Show Today—Most of Today's Events Declared Off.

   This is the last day of the Cortland county fair and a cold, wet, gloomy, disagreeable day it has been. Rain began falling at an early hour this morning and continued, almost without interruption, for a greater portion of the day. There was nothing of importance doing at the grounds this forenoon. Everything was drenched. Contrasted with yesterday the grounds presented a scene of desolation. The great crowds seemed to have melted away during the night, the attractions of the midway were practically closed, the merry-go-round lacked its merry crowd, the numerous venders of various merchandise were no longer crying their wares, visitors in the buildings were lacking, the dining tents were no longer a scene of activity, the special events for the day, the races, the balloon ascension and others were declared off, and altogether the scene was in marked contrast to that which the grounds presented on Wednesday and Thursday.

   During the afternoon, however, many people went to the grounds and while many features of the previous days were lacking and the rain continued most of the time, the place presented a scene of activity scarcely to be expected.

   Notwithstanding all this, the fact that the fair has been one of the most successful ever held by the Cortland County Agricultural society in all its history can not be gainsaid. The results have again demonstrated the wisdom of the liberal policy of the management and point conclusively to the fact that the Cortland County fair stands second to none in point of general excellence, attendance and attractive features.

   The marked success of the fair is in no small measure due to the well directed efforts of the secretary, W. J. Greenman. With a corps of able and well trained assistants the preliminaries have been well arranged and all the details in connection with the fair have been kept well in hand. To his able generalship must be attributed the remarkable growth of the fair and the increased interest in the event which have marked his administration.

   President F. H. Sears and Treasurer Charles F. Brown have likewise been untiring in their efforts to bring about the results which have been so satisfactory to all concerned,

Thursday's Record.

   Wednesday was a record breaking day so far as receipts were concerned—more tickets being sold than on any single day in the history of the society, though Thursday's crowd was larger on account of additional season and family tickets. The number of season tickets sold reached nearly 2,300.

   The weather Thursday was all that any one could ask for. The day was comfortably cool and slightly cloudy, yet not enough to threaten rain. The grounds were in excellent condition and the attractions at their best. The attendance was even greater than on Wednesday. It is the opinion of some of the men connected with the management of the fair that there were more people upon the grounds yesterday than ever before in the history of the Cortland county fair. All seemed happy and contented. It is worth one's time to attend the fair simply to notice the people there. Some are present out of curiosity, others to see their friends, and talk over the events of the year, others to see tbe exhibitions and are in search of new ideas and ways of putting them in practice. It is a cosmopolitan crowd. People are present from every walk in life and every one goes away knowing more of the mass of humanity than he did before attending a county fair.

Some More Exhibits.

   There are several fine exhibits which have not been before mentioned in these columns. Among them it that of J. B. Kellogg in the fair house. This booth, which is handsomely trimmed and decorated, is filled with an excellent array of ladies' furnishings, including suits, shirtwaists, dressing skirts, furs, etc.

   Another exhibit in the building that has not previously been mentioned is that of V. W. Hoxie of 32 Owego-st., Cortland. It consists of a novel display of lamps which generate their own gas. These lamps are manufactured by the Standard Gas Lamp Co. of Chicago and the exhibit, on account of its extreme novelty, was the center of considerable interest.

On the Grounds.

   In the enclosure formed by the track one found several fine exhibits. Keator & Wells had a large tent where they were showing a splendid line of their wagons and carryalls.

   The Cortland Implement company had one of their Advance manure spreaders on exhibition and commanded considerable attention.

   L. R. Lewis exhibited samples of the Perfection milk cooler and farmers' wonder feed cooker and farm boiler.

   The farmers' exchange were showing a number of hand-made farm wagons and a Blizzard ensilage cutter with blower attached.

   The Danford Chemical Co., S. D., Ballard agent, was displaying the Waston steel sprayer for fruit trees and potatoes and "Bug Death," an insect exterminator manufactured by them. They had potatoes, where "bug death" had been used on exhibition, contrasted with others where Paris green had been used. Mr. Ballard also showed a fine line of harnesses, robes, whips, blankets, etc., and two kinds of stock food.

   G. S. Cady of Moravia also had a number of wagons on exhibition. Among them was a coal wagon which attracted some attention.

The Driving Contest.

   The J. B. Kellogg driving contest came off yesterday. There were thirteen entries and there were some especially fine turnouts among them. Perley Dickinson, the starter in the races, acted as judge and a very efficient judge he was. The first prize, consisting of a tailor made suit valued at $15 was awarded to Miss Dora Reagan of Blodgett Mills.

The Balloon Ascension.

   The balloon ascension Thursday afternoon was one of the events of the day and one of the most successful ever give by Prof. Hutchinson. There was scarcely a breeze stirring and the balloon went almost straight up to a height of more than 2,000 feet. It was in full view of all the people in the grand stand and was a pretty sight as it floated gracefully from its moorings.

 

The Human Bomb.

   At the signal from Prof. Hutchinson, the fuse was lighted by the aeronaut and the explosion of the bomb was distinctly heard by the thousands of spectators. The parachute opened and the young man floated to the earth landing near the West road to Homer. The balloon came down in the field between the fairground and the West road.

   The parachute is 41 feet long, so that the occupant of the bomb has to fall 41 feet before the parachute straightens out and then from 200 to 300 feet more of rapid earthward motion follows before the parachute opens and performs its life saving function.

   The balloon is made of the very best unbleached sheeting of which it takes 1,100 yards. Prof. Hutchinson always carries two or three of these balloons for emergencies that often arise.

   The parachute is made of 70 yards of half bleached muslin of the best quality, very light but tightly woven. The bomb is made of willow and cloth, the inner casing of papier mache coated with glue. When the explosion takes place, the inner casing bursts, the outer part opens and the aeronaut and parachute drop out.

   The explosion is made with ordinary gun powder to which the aeronaut touches a lighted cigar when he hears the report of Prof. Hutchinson's gun.

The Fireworks.

   The fireworks, which were given at the fairgrounds last evening, were witnessed by a crowd which numbered well into the thousands.

   Several thousand people remained on the grounds from the afternoon while many came for the fireworks alone. The grandstand was filled as far back as one could go and still see the display, while on the grounds every available board, box and place of advantage was occupied.'

   The fireworks were excellent. First came a salute from three 9-inch shells followed by a dazzling display of colored lights which changed color five times. Then came a flight of twenty-five rockets containing Pain's latest tints and electric effects. Three batteries of mines were next set off and a discharge of bombs followed. Rockets, showers, fountains, bombets and aerial novelties followed each other in rapid succession. The set pieces and some special displays were very good.

   The display was among the best ever seen in this part of the state and the management is to be congratulated upon the excellency and success of this feature of the fair. The Cortland City band furnished excellent music and added to the enjoyment of the occasion.

The Tug of War.

   The tug of war contest between teams from granges in the county for the corn harvester offered by the Cortland County Agricultural society and the D. M. Osborne Co. was won by the team from the McGrawville grange.

   There were four entries and the teams were made up as follows:

   Cortlandville: Ralph Hatfield, Leo Letts, Ed. Stevens, Uriah Cobb.

   Homer: Benj. Rice, Fred Finch, Homer Jones, Claude E. Landphier,

   Marathon: P. Francis, S. Hammond, George Reagan, Preston Conrad.

   McGrawville: Frank Dunbar, Will King, Will Reaks, Rufus Rowe.

   The first pull was between McGraw and Cortland and McGraw won. The second between Homer and Marathon resulted in favor of Homer. Then the two winning teams went at it to decide the supremacy. The combined weight of the Homer team was 670 pounds while McGrawville tipped the scale at 855. Homer put up a strong pull but lost to the McGrawville giants by 1 3/4 inches.

The Baby Show.

   There were twenty-four entries in the baby show this forenoon for the set of dishes offered by the Fair Stores of Cortland and Homer for first and one ton of coal by Maxson & Starin, second. The first was awarded to the child of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Totman of McGraw, the second to Mr. and Mrs. Bradley J. Lane of Cortland.

Fair Notes.

   Secretary Greenman closed yesterday six places of attraction on the midway which were found doing business contrary to the rules of the society.

   Very few cases of picked pockets were reported for so large a crowd. A man in the grandstand lost $20 Thursday afternoon and some other smaller amounts are reported.

   [Thursday horse racing events omitted—CC ed.]

 

BREVITIES.

   —The new display advertisements for today are—G. H. Wiltsie, Last days of anniversary sale, page 6; Opera House, "The Merchant of Venice," page 5; R. W. Mitchell, The best meats, page 5.