MAHAN'S SIXTEENTH MUSIC FESTIVAL IN CORTLAND

"House divided into dress circle, parquet and balcony. House on ground floor and occupies the whole block. Width of stage from wall to wall, 64 feet. Depth of stage from curtain line 30 feet. Height to gridiron 36 feet. Curtain opening 30 x 30 feet. Large variety of scenery. Good supply of hose connected to fire hydrant on stage at all times. Possession given June 21st, 1890."

Looking west, Cortland Opera House on north side of Groton Avenue.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, May 16, 1890.

Mahan's 16th Music Festival.

   Mr. Mahan has the arrangements all completed for the coming Music Festival. The number of excellent artists engaged, the great variety and high grade of music to be given cannot fail to make the Festival of 1890 one of the best that has yet been held in Cortland. The indications from all quarters as well as our own immediate vicinity are that the chorus will be the largest since 1885, which was the year the oratorio ''Creation" was given.

   This year in the last concert, Rossini's grand work the Stabat Mater will be given by the chorus. Dickinson & Beman's orchestra, and the eminent vocal soloists engaged with especial reference to their adaptability to this great work. The Stabat Mater will only occupy a portion of the programme on Friday evening, the rest of the programme to consist of miscellaneous selections.

   The afternoon concerts this year will be of a similar grade to those of the evenings. On the first afternoon Thursday, June 5th, will appear the entire Chas. F. Higgins Concert company, grand chorus, orchestra, and other fine attractions, which will make one of the finest concerts of the series.

George Kennan.

George Kennan in Cortland.

   On Monday evening, May 26th, Cortland people will be favored with an opportunity to see and hear, at the Opera House, one of the most remarkable men now before the public. George Kennan's varied experience and severe hardships have been equaled only by those of the great explorer, Stanley. The latter has braved the African jungle and the savage inhabitants, both human and brute, while the former, in the course of several trips, has spent a number of years in the coldest, most desolate parts of Siberia. He has made the most searching investigations into the Russian political exile system, has visited nearly all the exile prisons, and has conversed with many of the prisoners.

   One great question with him was how should he carry the notes of his trip and the letters which were entrusted to him by prisoners to friends at home. The fact that he had any communication while there with the exiles made him at once an object of suspicion to the authorities. He was kept under the strictest surveillance, and several times was on the point of being searched.

   The finding of letters from the politicale in his possession would have meant for the writers the most terrible punishments, and for him the confiscation and destruction of all his papers, and very likely the loss of life itself. In the parts of that country far remote from civilization accidents (?) could easily happen and the loss of a single life, if for the advantage of the government, would be of small moment. He might possibly have declined to receive the letters, but how could he refuse to bear this, perhaps the last message ever to be sent to the dear ones at home, especially after he had obtained from these same prisoners all the information he desired? Several times he had to destroy the letters entrusted to him to avoid bringing the writer and himself into serious difficulty.

   The lecture which Mr. Kennan will deliver in Cortland will be upon "The Mines of Kara." This deals with one of the most wretched stations of the prison system, and is one of the most popular lectures of his course. Because of recent atrocities at that very place, which are attracting the attention of all nations, it will be doubly interesting.

   Tickets will be on sale at Wallace's book store on Monday, May 19th. Admission 50 and 75 cents. Holders of general admission tickets may get them reserved at Wallace's by paying twenty-five cents extra.

Item.

   Mr. H. Wilson Blashfield. as assignee of about one hundred claimants, farmers of Homer and Scott, brought suit last Thursday, through attorney Franklin Pierce, against the Empire State Telephone Company for trespass in setting poles and cutting of trees, on the several farms, for the accommodation of the company' wire.

Better Quarters Needed.

   The matter of leasing or buying a building or site upon which to erect a suitable structure to be used exclusively for police Justice Court, police headquarters and a lockup for the detention of plain drunks, tramps, or those temporarily held in conformity with section 6 of title V, laws of New York, chapter 342 passed 1889, relating to power and duties of police Justice and policemen of Cortland, is occupying the attention of the authorities.

   There are several reasons assigned in support of changing from the present method of using the hall of our corporation and fire department for police business. The county jail is some distance remote from present headquarters and the fact, that in the near future, we may find ourselves in sudden want of a suitable site has been the means of having a site looked up on a central street. It is suggested that No. 12 West Court street could be obtained at reasonable figures and without great outlay there might be a few cells arranged in the rear brick portion. Remarks are still in order.

Capsized.

   Friday forenoon Trustee John Hodgson and three or four other gentlemen were exercising their horses upon the Kellogg training track and Mr. Hodgson being slightly in the rear was awaiting a favorable opportunity to take the lead; presently the time arrived, a gap loomed up between the two leaders which the Hodgson horse speedily closed and was about to let others take his dust as the pole horse suddenly veered from its course at some obstacle, just in time to lock wheels with and overturn Mr. Hodgson's rig; still holding to the reins the trustee from the fourth ward was dragged for some distance.

   His condition was reported as very unsatisfactory in the evening and naturally citizens were discussing the situation the following morning, when to the happy surprise of all Mr. Hodgson appeared upon the streets, remarking to all anxious inquirers, as he felt of his court-plastered features, that it would not do for him to be shut up indoors. The DEMOCRAT extends congratulations on his escape from supposed serious injury.