HIS LAST JUMP

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, August 21, 1891.

HIS LAST JUMP.

A Parachute Leap to a Watery Grave—An Aeronaut's Death—Tangled in the Ropes.

(From the Syracuse Courier, Aug. 17.)

   Ten thousand people yesterday afternoon went to Pleasant Beach to see Prince Leo and De Ive give an exhibition in high cable walking and parachute jumping. The tight cable walking performance by Prince Leo went off smoothly and was looked upon with awe by the surging mass.

   After that the parachute jump was to take place. It took a long time to inflate the balloon and the anxious crowd waited until after 6 o'clock to witness what was billed as a phenomenal performance. When the balloon was filled De Ive prepared to make the ascent. The balloon with De Ive and his parachute ascended most gracefully and by its beautiful upward journey called forth remarks of high admiration from the crowd.

   After ascending about 1,000 feet De Ive pulled the valve-string of the balloon, and the balloon and its passenger, with its parachute began to descend in a perpendicular line to the earth. No breeze was blowing, and the descent was perfect. The parachute, with its occupant, was attached to the balloon, and by the descent of the latter the folds of the parachute were most satisfactorily forced open. When about 500 feet from the lake's surface De Ive cut his parachute loose from the balloon and began his awful descent. His parachute worked well, and led him straight but with moderate speed until he struck the water.

   Still clinging to the trapeze bar of the parachute the performer splashed into the water and then began his struggle for life. With one hand he beckoned the steamer M. P. Brown, which had been detailed to his rescue. Speedily the steamer and many small crafts went to the spot when he struck. Simultaneous with the beckoning of his hand, the multitude on the shore could plainly observe the man struggling in the water.

   It was apparent that De Ive had become entangled in the ropes of his parachute and was struggling for life. He only kicked a moment or two before he sank. The jumper was a good swimmer and had great confidence in his ability to control himself in the water. The conclusion is drawn that he became entangled in the ropes of the parachute and drowned.

   The struggle for life was a fierce one, and it drove the crowd wild to see the boats make what seemed only slow progress toward the drowning man. One theory is that he struck the water with his stomach, and the breath was partly knocked out of him. Ten thousand persons on the shore held their breath at the exciting rescue. And when the crowd learned that the performer had gone down to his death, they turned into sorrow the enthusiasm which a few minutes before had thrilled their hearts.

   When the boat was within 100 feet of him, De Ive went down. The floating parachute was pulled in and the boats returned to the dock. Undertakers were telephoned for and soon grappling hooks were being dragged about the lake for the unfortunate man. He went down in about 50 feet of water at a point 500 feet from the shore and midway between the Pleasant Beach Dock and Lake View Point. His ascension performance in air and descent was a marvel of grace and thrilling beauty.

   Previous to the ascent, his fellow performer, Prince Leo, cautioned him not to forget to wear his life preserver which he was accustomed to wear whenever he made his leaps. But De Ive had become so used to his daring work and was so confident of his swimming ability that he replied: "No I don't need the preserver; I can swim the whole length of the lake if necessary."

   Professor De Ive was about 35 years of age and an Englishman by birth, having been born at Manchester, England. He was single and had no relatives so far as known. His real name was James Buckingham. He was a professional aeronaut of nine years' experience. He had been a parachute leaper since that machine was invented about four years ago and had made over 400 leaps. June 14 last, at Chippewa lake, Ohio, he came down so rapidly that he sprained one ankle very badly and had to hobble on crutches. July 4 he was scheduled to go up and when the day came threw away his crutches and ascended with his lame leg, made the parachute leap and landed safely.

   He had been in company with Prince Leo for about a year. Together they called their concern the American Balloon and Parachute Company. They had their book filled with engagements and were doing a good business.

   The surviving aeronaut, Prince Leo, has taken turns with De Ive in jumping from the parachute. He is only 18 years of age and is regarded as the youngest aeronaut who ever floated through space. He has performed in the air all his life. Last season he made 16 leaps at Ontario Beach, and has made about 300 leaps in all.

Onondaga Lake Resorts: http://www.syracuse.com/empire/index.ssf/2015/07/a_search_for_the_lost_resorts_of_onondaga_lake.html

HERE AND THERE.

   Large crowds of people have attended the [trotting and pacing] races throughout the week.

   The Hitchcock band will play at the Trumansburgh fair, Sept. 16th and 17th.

   The law imposes a penalty of $25 fine for shooting a heron or crane at any season.

   The public schools of Cortland village will open for the fall term, Monday, August 31st, at 8:15 A. M.

   The Republicans of this village hold their caucus to select delegates to the Senatorial convention this afternoon.

   The Cortland county soldiers and sailors will hold their annual reunion and basket picnic at Little York to-morrow.

   George W. Scott, of Belmont, Allegany county, will address the [Farmers] Alliance picnic at Virgil, this afternoon, in M. Ballou's grove.

   The Emeralds of Cortland defeated the Rockbottom club of Binghamton on the fair grounds, last Saturday afternoon, by a score of 24 to 3.

   The Good Templars will have an excursion over the E., C. & N. to the Thousand Islands, Monday, Aug. 24th. Four dollars for the round trip and tickets are good for ten days.

   Messrs. John H. Day and Julius Whiting have leased the pottery building on Groton avenue, and are putting in evaporating machinery. They expect to do a large business.

   Justice Bull sentenced one John Doyle to sixty days at Syracuse, and "Chris" Sheridan to a like period at the county house, at the regular hearing in police court, Wednesday morning.

   In another column will be found an advertisement of the Broome County Agricultural Society, giving a partial list of the attractions for their county fair which will be held at Whitney's Point, Sept. 1st, 2d, 3d and 4th.

   Weather being favorable, there will be an open air gospel temperance meeting, corner Main and Court streets, Sunday, Aug. 23d, at 3:30 P. M. Otherwise the service will be held as usual at W. C. T. U. headquarters.

   The Prohibitionists have elected the following delegates to their State convention to be held next month: E. M. Van Hoesen, G. N. Copeland, W. A. Morse, A. B. Henderson, Jno. McAllister, Rev. B. F. Weatherwax, C. F . Cobb, Geo. Alport, Dell June, C. B. Hitchcock, Jno. A. Loope.

   Last Monday, while the little three-year old daughter of James Taylor was playing with other children near a pile of lumber on Railroad avenue, a heavy plank fell from the pile and struck the child on the left ankle, breaking the bones square off. Dr. Bennett was called and reduced the fracture.

   Wednesday, Aug. 26th, at Floral Trout Park, will occur the annual basket picnic of the Patrons of Husbandry of Cortland county. An address by the Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, of Elmira, is announced. Good band music and other attractions are sufficient to ensure a liberal patronage and enjoyable day's vacation.

   In the session laws of 1891 is an act which says: "Every person or corporation if they swing or suspend a scaffolding or staging from an overhead support more than 20 feet from the ground or floor, the same shall be deemed improper unless such scaffolding shall have a safety rail rising at least 34 inches above the floor of such scaffolding."

   The first day at the Elmira Inter-State fair will be Firemen's day; the second, Grangers' day; the third, Red Men's day; the fourth, Grand Army day; the fifth, Odd Fellows' day; the sixth, which will be Sunday, the Rev. DeWitt Talmage will be present and preach; the seventh day will be devoted to the A. O. U. W., and the eighth day will see some splendid races and a stock parade.

   Last Thursday afternoon, a barn in the rear of Dan Donohue's saloon in Homer was discovered to be on fire. The department was soon on hand and extinguished the flames after the roof had been burned off. At about 12 o'clock P. M. of the same day the Loomis barn near the stables of the Mansion House was totally destroyed by fire. It is believed that both fires were incendiary in their origin.

   Lincoln avenue is to be put in better shape for travel. The centre of the street raised with a view of better drainage. The work is commendable and much needed.

   A. E. Reese, who was a guest at the Messenger House, received six homing pigeons last Saturday from Geo. Metzgar, of Watertown. The birds were liberated Sunday morning, and all started together in the direction of their home.

   Thousands of people, when drying their faces after washing, wipe them downward; that is, from forehead to chin. This is a mistake. Always wipe upward; from the chin to the forehead—and outward—toward the ear. Never wipe any part of the face downward.

   Autumn fads are blossoming with the extending of the evenings' length. "Guessing parties" are now rife. The young men in "our set" receive the following from the young ladies: "Party in 'our set' this evening. Guess where, and come there." The hunt for the correct location begins at 8 o'clock.

   On Monday, August 24th, the E., C. & N. will run an excursion train to the Thousand Islands for the I. O. G. T. Train leaves Cortland at 9:46 A. M. Fare for the round trip $4.00, and tickets are good for ten days. This will probably be the last excursion to the Thousand Islands this season, and those who contemplate making the trip should take advantage of this opportunity.

   The act of the Legislature passed last winter says the Supervisors may establish and maintain a workhouse for the confinement of persons convicted within the county, where the crime is one to be punished by imprisonment in the county jail, "and may provide for the employment therein of all persons sentenced thereto. Any court may sentence a prisoner to such workhouse instead of to the county jail."

   On Saturday next, on the Driving Park in Marathon, there will be a running race, 1/2 mile heats, best 3 in 5, open to the world. The following horses have been entered: Dennis Foley's "Irish Maid;" Morris Reagan's "Shamrock;" John Barry's "St. Patrick," and Michael Reagan's "Faug-a-ballah." As there is considerable strife between these horses, an interesting contest is expected.—Marathon Independent.

   The Epworth League, of the Homer Avenue M. E. church, will hold a picnic at Floral Trout Park, to-morrow (Saturday). Conveyances will leave the church soon after 10 A. M., going direct to the grounds. Dinner will be served at the Park at 15 cents per person. A grand time is assured. Tickets at Kellogg & Curtis', Sager & Jennings', W. B. Stoppard's and Watkins Bros.' store, and at the grounds.

William H. Clark.

PAGE FOUR/EDITORIALS.

   The New York Tribune of last Saturday contained an article on the Hoose case signed by Wm. H. Clark. It is almost a fac simile of an article that appeared in the Syracuse Journal the evening previous without any signature whatever. Evidently the Tribune lacked confidence in Mr. Clark's ability to tell things as they were and concluded to put his name to the article so there could be no question about the responsibility. In the article our neighbor describes himself as "William H. Clark, ex-member of the Republican State Committee, editor of 'The Cortland Standard' and president of the Cortland Howe Ventilating Stove Company." The other members of the six [Local Board of Education members—CC editor] are similarly described. In the article published in the Syracuse Journal Mr. Clark says, "Public sentiment is not with the doctor. Superintendent Draper and the Local Board have acted discreetly and conservatively, and their leniency has been taken advantage of by Dr. Hoose. Sentiment is with them."

   To test the question as to whether public sentiment is with the Local Board or not, we suggest that Mr. Clark have his name put on Peck's ticket for" delegates at the Republican caucus this afternoon and, if he is elected, we will admit that public sentiment is with the Local Board. A much more satisfactory test however, would be for the president of the Local Board to take the Republican nomination for member of Assembly this fall. The result would give the exact sentiment of the public as regards himself and Supt. Draper. It would be an interesting test and we hope it may be tried.

  

    Hon. R. T Peck, who is a candidate for the Republican nomination for State Senator, has represented this county in the Assembly for the past three years. He has been at great pains to oppose the Erie canal and has advocated the disposition or abandonment of the same, hoping thereby to gain the friendship of the farmers while serving the railroads. If the farmer would consult his own interests, he would favor keeping the great waterways of the State open and in good order for all time to come, as their existence is a continual counterpoise to the grasping selfishness of the railroads. This is pretty plainly shown during the season when the canals are closed, the freight rates being greatly increased by the railroad companies. With the canals abandoned there would be no end to their rapacity and the farmer who dwells in the interior of the state would suffer as well as those who reside along the line. The railroads would increase the rates on all farm products and this increase would have to be deducted from the price paid to the farmer for his produce. The railroad companies are anxious to have the "old ditch" as they call it, abandoned, because they believe that they would be even more prosperous than now. The trifle that it costs the farmer to maintain the canals now, would be but a bagatelle when compared with the amount that would be filched from the farmers pockets in increased freight rates. Study your own interests and do not permit railroad magnates to put a chain about your necks. Farmers do not want the canals abandoned and when Hon. R. T. Peck undertakes to make them believe such a movement is in their interests, they should remember that he is working for the great corporations and against the farmer.

   The Tully Times, of last week, gravely announces that it despises a liar and then adds that "We support men and measures on their merits, and support Mr. Peck and advocate Cortland County's claims because we are convinced that Mr. Peck is, by far, the best qualified man in the field." If the Times really believes what it says, its ignorance is brought into fearful prominence in order to preserve its reputation for truth telling. Mr. Peck has been a candidate for office three times previous to this fall and it is a little singular that the Times has not discovered until now, that his qualifications for office are so remarkable.

   Speaking of independent papers about the only genuine article of the kind in these parts is the Marathon Independent, edited and owned by a Democrat. It never expresses an opinion on party questions or candidates but gives all the news in its bailiwick and has been successful financially and enjoys the respect and confidence of the entire community.

   There is another class of independent papers, so called, which support such candidates as will contribute towards the relief of a demoralized bank account and are dumb as an oyster in coming to the assistance of a candidate whose pocketbook has been crushed. Our neighbor will surely pardon us for suspecting that the Times belonged to the latter class of independent journals instead of the former. We submit that the situation might have mislead even a more acute observer of political events than the editor of the DEMOCRAT. The DEMOCRAT begs leave to assure the Times that it also despises a liar.