 |
| New York State Lunatic Asylum at Utica. |
LIVED LIKE
PRINCES.
ASYLUM
MANAGER A BETTER JOB THAN GOVERNOR.
Finance
Committee of the Albany Senate Gives a Hearing on the O'Connor Bill. Vouchers
of the State Board of Managers Created a Sensation—Superintendent Blumer of Utica
Will Answer the Charges.
ALBANY, N. Y., Feb. 8.—The important hearing
so far of the week was the hearing before the senate finance committee on
Senator O'Connor's bill to abrogate the powers of the state lunacy commission
so far as the auditing of all accounts. Senator O'Connor said that he had
introduced the bill to seek uniform measures to get rid of the friction between
managers of asylums and the commission. He had hoped to please the asylum authorities,
but he had found that this bill did not please them and they wanted the
commission abolished. He was against such abolition entirely and would oppose
it. The commission was necessary, and so he could not favor the Glen bill. The
people did not want the commission abolished, but he did not believe that the
commissioners should have the power to in everything substitute their judgment,
and especially in the matter of the necessary articles.
He could recite things that showed that some
of the forced economy of the commission was causing a return to the county care
system and ill treating the patients by compelling them to do heavy manual
labor. The commission had refused to allow the inmates to use tobacco. No harm
was done and it was inhuman to stop this little pleasure. He believed in the
state care act, but did not believe in its being too arbitrary. The
commissioners should work on a broader plane of charity.
Commissioner McDonald of the lunacy board
then made a statement of their position in the matter and presented a number of
vouchers showing extravagant and some of them were exceedingly entertaining.
He said: "It does not seem to be
generally understood that the superintendents of hospitals and all employes [sic] are
provided with rooms and board free. Each superintendent receives a salary
varying from $4,000 to $5,000 a year and is provided with fine living
apartments. In at least three hospitals expensive houses have been provided for
the superintendent aside from the institution. Each superintendent is allowed
horses, carriages and a coachman, from two to three private servants, his
laundry work and all of his food supplies—in fact there have been practically
no expenses except that for clothing, which he has been obliged to assume personally.
All these allowances bring up
the compensation of superintendents to between $12,000 and $15,000 a year, a
salary greater than the governor of the state or judges of the court of
appeals.
Under the new system of state audit the
greater part of these perquisites are still allowed to the superintendents and
their assistants, but the commission in lunacy has not conceived it to be the
duty of the state to provide these superintendents all kinds of luxuries for
their tables and their houses.
The commission, under the present system,
could not consent to allowing items for supplies of a costly nature, such as
cigars, champagnes, clarets, madeiras, sherries, cordials, game, etc., which
some of the hospital superintendents have heretofore enjoyed at the expense of
the state.
To show what had been the custom up to the
present time, with regard to such purchases, the commissioner exhibited a
number of vouchers obtained from the comptroller's office, which showed that
all kinds of expensive and luxurious articles had been purchased apparently for
the sole use of the superintendent and other officers of the institutions.
Cases of wine, gallons of brandy, fine cigars by the hundred, fancy prices for birds
and game, carriages and harness, bonbons and Roman punch figure in the vouchers
which the state comptroller has handed out for the past two years as part of
the expenditures of the superintendents of three of the state insane asylums.
"When a state board of audit,"
continued Commissioner McDonald, "draws the line at such luxuries and
insists that if bought they should be paid for by the persons using them and
not by the taxpayers of the state, it naturally encounters the determined
opposition of the superintendents of hospitals and their friends."
Dr. Blumer, the superintendent of the Utica
state hospital desired to answer the charges, but wanted some time to do it in.
He asked for postponement, because he believed the charges were slanderous in
the extreme.
The committee decided to have a further hearing
on Thursday of next week.
 |
| Battle of the Alabama and Kearsarge, 1864 painting by Edouard Manet. |
KEARSARGE
WRECKED.
The Reef
Accomplished What the Alabama Could Not Do.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8.—The old corvette Kearsarge
was wrecked on Roncador reef, Feb. 2, while enroute from Port Au Prince. Hayti,
to Bluefields, Nicaragua. The officers and crew were saved. This news reached
the navy department this morning in a cable message dated Colon and signed by
Lieut. Brainard of the Kearsarge, who reached Colon this morning. The Kearsarge
was ordered on January 27 to proceed from San Domingo to Bluefields, Nicaragua,
to protect American interests that were alleged to be endangered by the troubles
between Honduras and Nicaragua. Roncador Reef, on which the Kearsarge is
supposed to have struck, is some two hundred miles to the northeast of
Bluefields. Everybody
on board was saved. The Kearsarge was one of the historical vessels of the
American navy. She, it was, which on Sunday, June 19, 1864, fought and sunk the
rebel privateer Alabama off Cherbourg, France.
New
Trial Asked For Prendergast.
CHICAGO, Feb. 8.—Affidavits in support of
the motion to grant a new trial to Prendergast, the assassin of Mayor Harrison,
have been filed. Arguments are to be heard Feb. 14. The affidavits show that
the principal grounds on which a new trial will be asked, are that juror A. C.
Murray was well acquainted with Mayor Harrison, whereas he stated on
examination that he knew him only slightly, and because the jury was allowed to
separate on election day.
PAGE
TWO—EDITORIALS.
The
Latest Outrage.
"Whom the Gods would destroy they first
make mad"—and the maddest act of the Democratic majority in either house
of Congress thus far is the announcement made by the Democratic members of the
Senate Finance committee that they will not give hearings on the tariff bill.
This determination of the majority is contrary to the understanding that has
existed. Mr. Jones of Arkansas admits this, but since the bill passed the
house, he says: "Mr. Voorhees and others of the committee have concluded
that extensive hearings are wholly unnecessary. The committee, at least its
majority, do not care to listen the essays on political economy.''
The hearings before the house committee have
been mere pretences, but the business interests of the country have been
assured that when the bill came to the senate every one feeling aggrieved would
have a chance to be heard, that the bill would be treated deliberately and
carefully. But all this is now to be changed. Under orders doubtless from the
White House the cuckoos in the senate are to make the attempt to force the
Wilson bill through that body at the earliest possible moment.
We were promised that when the silver
purchasing clause of the Sherman law was repealed all trouble would be over.
Now the cry is that once get the Wilson bill passed and uncertainty ended and
all will be well. We shall see. It may be that the countless protected
industries whose throats it is proposed to cut by this bill will spring to
their feet and be livelier than ever when the cutting is done, but such a
result would be contrary to all human experience. The people of the United
States, if the Wilson bill becomes a law, will simply have to wait till 1897
for full relief from the damage done t hem by Democratic rule.
HORSELESS
CARRIAGES.
A Paris
Journal Offers Cash Prizes For a Novel Competition.
The plucky little Petit Journal of
Paris—little in size only, for its circulation is great—which sent bicycles
into fashion through its prize matches, now offers a large temptation to
ingenious skill. In the year 1894, on June 1, there will be a competition for
the best carriages to wheel without a horse—for the economical accommodation of
paterfamilias and his family. Steam, electricity, gas, petroleum, anything, in
fact, giving power and speed with safety, will be tolerated—and all nations
will be welcomed. The jury will be composed of the staff of The Journal, with a
suitable number of engineers thrown in.
Each carriage must hold four persons. It is
intended as an offset to the egotism of the cycle. The carriage must be of easy
management and not costly on the road. The trial trips will be made on good
roads from Paris to Mantes, Paris to Dreux, to Bauvais and so on. Fifty kilometers
in three hours is the speed required. Anything more will be admired, but not
paid for. No luxury of fitting up will influence the decision. Rapidity,
security, economy and safety are the watchwords.
Ten francs is the cost of admittance, and
this fund goes in any case to the Caisse du Secours of The Petit Journal. This
is merely done to prevent useless presentation. The prizes are 5,000 francs,
2,000 francs, 1,500 francs, 1,000 francs and 500 francs. The list of
competitors will be closed on the 30th of April next.
HOMER
DEPARTMENT.
Gleanings
of News From our Twin Village.
Probably the prettiest afternoon wedding
which ever occurred in Homer was that of Miss Emma Dresser of this town and
William Dixon of Brooklyn, at the Congregational church yesterday afternoon.
Rev. E. C. Olney performed the ceremony and Mrs. Margaret Foster, a niece of
the bride, played the organ. The church had been beautifully decorated under
the direction of Mrs. Winifred Rice and Mr. Al Smith. At each side of the choir
arose a column of evergreens extending nearly to the ceiling of the church. The
choir rail was trimmed with a network of evergreens, over a background of
white, surmounted by potted hyacinths. The posts on either side of the pulpit
platform were decorated with evergreens and calla lilies.
The desk had been removed and the front of
the platform was artistically arranged with enormous potted ferns. The front of
the platform was banked with evergreens and potted plants, the color effect of
which was very pleasing. The platform and the broad stairs leading to it were
covered with white fur rugs.
The organist played some fine selections and
promptly at half past 3 o'clock the bridal party entered to the strains of the Tannhauser
wedding march. The ushers Messrs. J. Deloss Heberd, Al Smith, Frederick C.
Atwater and Chas. S. Pomeroy preceded the bride who leaned upon the arm of E.
L. Stone, Esq. The groom entered from the north side door, accompanied by the clergyman.
The ceremony took place upon the pulpit platform. The bride wore a traveling
dress of brown cloth.
During the ceremony the organist played
Annie Laurie which was succeeded by the merry strains of the Mendelssohn
wedding march, as the happy pair left the church. Among those present from out
of town were Dr. Thos. Dixon, brother of the groom from Brooklyn; Mr. and Mrs.
W. L. Earle, and Mr. and Mrs. A. Van Bergen of Tully; Misses Helen Shay and
Maude Fitzgerald, Mrs. H. L. Smith, Mrs. J. S. Barber, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph
Hibbard of Cortland; Miss Emma Crofoot of Preble and Mrs. F. A. Van Iderstine
of Brooklyn. The bride and groom left for their wedding journey on the 4:28
train on the D., L. & W. R. R. amid a shower of rice. They will make their
future home in Brooklyn.
Dr. Thomas Dixon of Brooklyn entertained the
best man and ushers of the Dixon-Dresser wedding at a dinner at the Mansion
House last evening. Those present were Dr. Thos. Dixon, Messrs. E. L. Stone, J.
D. Heberd, Al Smith, F. C. Atwater, Chas. S. Pomeroy, Lester P. Bennett, and
Wm. H. Foster.
In Health Officer Dr. J. W. Whitney's annual
report to the board of health he states that there have been during the year
ten cases of diphtheria, two cases of scarlet fever in mild form, one case of
measles and twenty-five cases of typhoid fever, mild in most cases. He has made
a thorough examination of the sanitary condition of the corporation and
recommends but few changes. The report shows that Dr. Whitney has been a
faithful and fearless officer and he deserves great credit.
 |
| Cortland Hospital. |
The
Hospital Election.
At the meeting of the board of managers of
the Hospital association held at the residence of Mrs. M. E. Doud yesterday
afternoon, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
President—Mrs. F. O. Hyatt.
Vice-President—Mrs. W. H. Clark.
Secretary—Mrs. F. J. Cheney.
Treasurer—Mrs. Jerome Squires.
The nurses' registry will be opened at once
at the hospital, 33 Clayton-ave. All nurses wishing to enter their names are
invited to do so as soon as convenient. An annual registration fee of $1 will
be charged. Any one wishing the service of a nurse, by consulting this
register, can learn what ones are at liberty and where they may be found. This
will be of mutual convenience to nurses and those wishing to employ them.
The physicians of the town have agreed to
give their services free to any and all patients who are not able to pay over
$5 per week for their care at the hospital.
Marathon
Department.
The phonograph entertainment given by Prof.
Lyman H. Howe of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Monday evening was very fine and nearly
all new pieces. The sermon of the Prodigal Son given by Rev. T. C. Edwards of
Kingston, Pa., was very plain indeed. Another sermon was given by Artemas Ward.
The pieces were all well received. At the close Miss Meta Myers repeated a
recitation and Master Willie Stevens gave a mouth organ solo and both were well
reproduced. The professor tested the speed of the phonograph which is a great
improvement over the one he had here last spring. This no doubt is his last
visit to this village as he is to visit mostly larger towns hereafter.
Mrs. Wm. Smith, who has been visiting her
son, Dr. R. L. Smith, went to Cortland on Saturday to visit at Mr. Colwell's.
The donation which is to be given Rev. O. L.
Warren occurs this (Wednesday) evening at the Baptist church and it is hoped
will be well attended.
Mr. Grove Brown, who has been here on a vacation,
has gone to Dunkirk, N. Y., and will work for the Marathon Climax Road Machine
Co.
Mrs. Sherman L. Woods has received the
insurance from the Masonic Life Insurance Co. on the life of her husband.
Hon. O. U. Kellogg of Cortland was in town
Tuesday
Marathon Odd Fellows visited Center Lisle
lodge on Monday evening.
Struther's superb stereopticon entertainment
will be given at the M. E. church on Tuesday evening, Feb. 13. Over one hundred
splendid paintings will be exhibited upon an immense canvas 26 feet square by
means of a pair of the latest improved and powerful stereopticons. There will
be over 30 views of the principal events in the life of Christ from the manger
to the throne, also battle scenes, tower of London on fire, landscapes, home
scenes, and a great variety which will please all classes of people. The
program will be enriched with appropriate song service. The entertainment is
pronounced by the clergy and press to be one of the most beautiful, refined and
elevating ever given on canvas. All scenes are in colors and presented with
fine dissolving effect.
A Broken
Tire.
A broken tire on one of the drive wheels of
the engine caused an accident to the 9 o'clock passenger train on the Lehigh
Valley R. R. Thursday morning about a mile south of this place, which might
have had very serious consequences. The train was running at full speed, but on
account of the down grade there was not much steam on at the time, and although
the engineer and fireman jumped for their lives when they found their engine
and cab apparently going to pieces, the accident itself caused the setting of
the air brakes and brought the train to a standstill. One side of the engine
and cab were pretty badly wrecked, but the engineer and fireman, who landed in
a snowbank, were not much hurt and after making temporary repairs brought the
train to this station to wait for another engine.—Dryden Herald.
Train wheel:
Normal
Notes.
There have been 121 candidates for admission
to the Normal this term, which is an unusually large number for a spring term.
Of these, nineteen presented credentials which entitled them to admission
without examination. One student comes by transfer from the Albany Normal, one
by transfer from the Oswego Normal, six have high school diplomas, five have
second grade teachers' certificates and six have third grade teachers' certificates.
The other 102 took examinations, and 48 of these succeeded in passing them and
are entitled to admission. Of the unsuccessful candidates, some have failed to
pass any of the subjects required, and others have failed in a single subject
and can try a new examination in the same subject at the proper time and may
yet succeed in getting in. Of these 67 who are entitled to admission, 42 have
already entered and signed the contract book. This contrasts favorably with the
first two days of the term one year ago when 21 new students were entered.
The old students are rapidly returning for
work. The total enrollment of the school for last year was 392. As compared
with that, about 390 have already been enrolled in the present term and not all
of the old students are back yet and not all of the new ones are entered, while
the total enrollment for this year so far is 450.
Classes were organized this afternoon and
lessons were assigned, and regular recitations will begin to-morrow morning.
BREVITIES.
—The Y. M. C. A. bathrooms again in running
order.
—Mr. Alex Mahan yesterday placed an upright
piano in the Cortland Wheel club rooms.
—The bicycle team of the Cortland Athletic
association began training yesterday afternoon.
—The Protective Police have changed their
place of meeting from the John L. Lewis lodge room to G. A. R. hall.
—The regular assembly of the Union Veteran
legion occurs this evening at 7:30
o'clock. There will be business of importance.
—It is requested that the graduates of the
Loyal Temperance legion meet at the W. C. T. U. rooms Friday, Feb. 9, at 3:30 P.
M.
—Arthur White was taken to the State
Industrial school at Rochester yesterday for stealing $5 from his father, Mr.
George White.
—The three chairs which were ordered by the
court for the clerk, crier and deputy-sheriff, were placed in the court house
this afternoon.
—Mr. J. E. Joiner, for the past year a
teacher of bookkeeping and penmanship in Dakins' Business college of Syracuse, is
about to open a school here.
—The regular meeting of the Loyal circle of
King's Daughters will be held at 32 Groton-ave., Friday, Feb. 9, at 2:30 P. M.
—For the first time the four organizations,
the G. A. R., Woman's Relief corps, Sons of Veterans and Grange, which occupy
G. A. R. hall, are all draped in mourning.
—The night choir of the Methodist church,
which is composed principally of young gentlemen Normal students, will spend the
evening with Dr. L. H. Pearce at the parsonage Saturday evening,
—The Alpha Chautauqua circle will meet next
Monday evening, Feb. 12, with Mrs. Seamans, 82 Port Watson-st. As it is time
for election of officers, it is hoped that all members will try and be there.
—The Marathon Independent very truly says: A newspaper suppresses a good many
things for the sake of innocent parties and the good name of the town, but
generally receives very little credit or thanks.
—The classes of Miss Minnie Perrine and Miss
Lena Jepson in the Baptist Sunday-school
were very pleasantly entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haskins, at their home
beyond South Cortland last Tuesday afternoon.
—Easter Sunday this year will be the 25th of
March, as it was in 1883, and only three Easter Sundays in the nineteenth century
have been at an earlier date: March 22, in 1818, and March 23 in 1845 and 1856.
The latest date of any Easter Sunday in this century was April 25, 1886.
—A
delegation of twelve members, together with the colonel of the Union Veteran
legion, of which E. M. Seacord is adjutant, attended the funeral of Mrs. Seacord
yesterday. A committee consisting of Capts. L. Wightman, Geo. E. Ashby and Lucius
Davis was appointed to report resolutions at the meeting of the encampment this
evening.
—Fifty members and friends of the Cortland
Wheel club assembled in their rooms last evening and enjoyed another of the
popular club smokers. It was President
S. H. Strowbridge's treat and the appetizing clam chowder, which was placed
before each guest was disposed of in short order. Messrs. Dell Kingsley and
George and Herbert Murphy furnished some excellent banjo, guitar and piano
music. Henry Clay pipes were also in order.
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