Saturday, June 10, 2017

TRUXTON UNION SCHOOL AGITATED



Truxton Central School was built in the 1930's.
Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, April 10, 1894.

TRUXTON.
   TRUXTON, April 9.— Messrs. A. R. Bryant & Co. opened their store in the Sumner block, Thursday, April 7, with a new stock of goods. Mr. A. R. Bryant has long been one of Truxton's most popular business men and Mr. Edward Woodward, the other member of the firm, was formerly a resident of this place, but for the past few years he has been engaged in the mercantile business in Kansas. His old friends are glad to see him back. The new firm have our best regards and that they will meet with success is assured.
   Miss Julia A. Baldwin begins her school to-day.
   The school in the Pelham district begins to-day with Miss Grace Holden of McGrawville as teacher.
   The village school began this morning with a fair attendance. Prof. Irving D. Sears has charge of the senior department, Miss Martha Van Hoesen of the primary.
   Mr. Ancil Albro has rented the meat market of Mr. L. L. Schellinger. Mr. Albro will begin work at once repairing and remodeling the building. One part of the building will be fitted for a barber shop, the other part for a market.
   Messrs. Westcott & Stanton, who recently moved into their new store, have added a fine assortment of new goods.
   Mr. A. Albro has moved in the Hackett building. He is going to fit the front of it for an ice cream parlor.
   Mrs. Jay W. Dutton of Cortland was the pleasant guest at Hotel Baldwin last week.
   Word was received here last week of the death of Mr. Sanford Haight of Huntly, Ill., after a very short illness. Mr. Haight was born here and was a former resident of this place. He was uncle of Mrs. Wm. Beattie and Mrs. Elizabeth Rowley of this place.
   We think it is our duty to say just a word about the forming of a union school here, a question which has been agitated by many for the past few months, but which seems at present to have been abruptly dropped for the lack of energy and the co-operation of those who should be interested in the matter. While there are a large number who are in favor of it, there are still a few who are against it, failing as they do to see the advantage of it. It seems that those who object to the forming of a union school, do so on the ground that it would raise the rate of taxation; but more misconstrue the object of the paper that has been presented them for their signature, believing that by signing it they declare themselves in favoring of forming a union school. Such is not the case. The object of the paper is for the purpose of calling a special meeting at which time it will be determined by vote whether a a union school shall be formed or not. A gentleman from Albany connected with the Regents department will be present and explain the advantages of such a school and he will answer any and all questions that may be asked in regard to it. Thus an opportunity is offered to all to get all the information necessary before voting for or against the proposed school. Before this meeting can be called it is required by law that in the districts to be included in the school fifteen voters in each district must sign the call for the special meeting. In districts where there are not fifteen voters, the signature of every voter must be obtained.
   The proposition that has been advanced is that a union free school be formed here comprising the Pelham, Kenney, Wicks, Crain's Mills, West Hill and village districts. By uniting these districts a union school could be formed that would be a credit to the town and would provide an institution for the advancement of education. It would be the means of raising the standard of education and would not only be a benefit to those who are now attending the district schools, but it would increase the advantage of those who are compelled to attend school away from home. With all these advantages a union school would make but little if any difference in the rate of taxation.
   We trust we have fully explained this matter and that when this paper is presented to you that you will sign it, then go to the meeting and learn the advantages of the union school. Find out whether your taxes will be higher or not. Whether it would be more profitable to pay tuition and board and send them away to school. Then if your conscience tells you to vote for a union school, vote for it. If not, vote against it. Show your interest in the matter by doing one or the other. We have every facility for as good a school as there is in the state of New York. Those interested in the union school think this matter over carefully. What we want is more energy, perseverance, and the hearty co-operation of the people, and we trust when the next term opens we shall have an institution of which every person may well be proud and that will hereafter be known as the Truxton Union school. 
   Yours for a union school, CRAZY PAT. [local correspondent]

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
It Doesn't Look Right.
   There was one occurrence at the hearing before the town and village boards last Saturday on the question of granting a franchise for an electric railroad which does not look right. It was this. When Mr. Suggett asked Mr. Page whether he would bind himself not only to pay the 10 per cent agreed to be paid on the options taken from small stockholders of the horse railroad company, but also to pay them the other 90 per cent and thus take their stock at par, Mr. Page said he would not. Why he would not, unless the 10 per cent is all that is intended to be paid and the stock not taken, is a question which the small stockholders are now asking themselves, and with reason.
   We are frank to say that we think Mr. Page made a mistake in taking such a position. He has stated publicly, personally and through the columns of The STANDARD that he would buy every share of the stock of the horse railroad company at par, if the owners would sell. Some of the smaller stockholders now claim that there is an agreement between the Scranton people and certain of the larger stockholders in the horse railroad company and their friends, whose stock is substantially in a pool, that every cent of the purchase price of this pooled stock shall be paid before its owners will vote to increase the stock of the horse railroad company, previous to passing control of the road over to the Scranton people, and that after this is done the stockholders outside of the pool will get no pay, the stock will be watered, the road mortgaged and the stock rendered worthless. We are unwilling to believe that any of our citizens would be parties to such an agreement, or that Mr. Page, after his public statements, would lend himself to it. But there certainly is no reason why he should not agree squarely in writing to take the stock of all the stockholders in the horse railroad company and pay par for it, and we hope he will do so. Neither he nor those claimed to be in the pool in the horse railroad deal can afford to do otherwise, and the town and village boards should insist that such an agreement be made before granting any franchise which will place these small stockholders at the mercy of any one. It is the duty of these boards neither to assent to, nor be a party to, nor make possible the carrying out of any scheme which will do injustice to any one who has put even a hundred dollars into the building of the horse railroad, which has been of such benefit and convenience to our village.
   The Scranton people agreed in writing to buy the plant of the Cortland and Homer Electric company in case control of the home railroad was secured. Why should they object to making a similar contract with the small stockholders of the horse railroad company? The options they have taken bind the stockholders but no one else, Ten per cent would be a small payment to make to keep these stockholders quiet till it was too late to help themselves.
   We want this electric road to go through. We want everything connected with it done fairly and squarely. We own no horse railroad stock and don't care how much more than par any of the horse railroad stockholders get for their stock, but we don't propose to be a party to any "freeze out" or other wrong to any one who has a penny invested in the horse railroad company.  Mr. Page can put all trouble at rest by making a contract such as suggested above, or the large stockholders in the horse railroad can take the stock of the smaller ones off their hands at par and put it in the pool along with their own.

   After the above article was in type Mr. H. L. Bronson, attorney for Mr. Page, happened to call at The STANDARD office and we called his attention to it. Mr. Bronson then made the following statement concerning it: "I do not think the article reflects the sentiments of any considerable number of holders of the stock of the Cortland and Homer Horse Railroad Co. Of the 800 shares of capital stock of this road Mr. Page now holds options on all but about 30. These options are all written substantially alike and the same percentage has been paid on all. Not one of the persons giving an option has expressed any dissatisfaction with the arrangement made.''
   Mr. Page has stated repeatedly that he would buy all the stock offered at par, if he builds the road. This should be sufficient. Business men of the character and standing of Messrs. Page & Hand should not be assumed as dishonorable. The refusal of Mr. Page to bind himself to pay the other 90 per cent, on stock upon which he has already paid 10 per cent was not only proper but the only answer he could make.
   Until he has obtained satisfactory franchises from town and village he will not bind himself to take any person's stock in large or small blocks. No such contract has been made and none will be, at present, with any person.
   I have no doubt that had Mr. Page been asked to do so, he would have been willing to bind himself to take and pay par for every share of stock in the horse railroad company, provided he secured the electric franchises he asked for. Otherwise he would want none of the stock whatever and would prefer to forfeit what he has paid rather than take control of a horse railroad which he does not care to run."

   Should Mr. Page bind himself, as Mr. Bronson thinks he would have been perfectly willing to do, to buy all the horse railroad stock at par provided he secures and accepts electric franchises from the town and village, we believe that this would satisfy every stockholder in the horse railroad company, and not only this but that they would turn in and help in securing the franchises. We can see no reason why Mr. Page should object to so bind himself, and this would end the matter. All reports concerning Messrs. Page and Hand are highly favorable to them, yet small stockholders in the horse railroad company cannot be blamed for wishing a contract under which a "freeze out" would not be possible.

COMMONWEAL AT BROWNSVILLE.
The Army About to Begin the Long Tramp Across the Mountains.
   BROWNSVILLE, Pa., April 10.—Visitors  arrived in this historic town by the scores for the express purpose of catching a glimpse of the army of peace. No desertions have been reported and only two recruits showed themselves.
   The announcement that no foreigners need apply for admission to the army has deterred several who are in sympathy with the move from making application. The men are in excellent spirits and stepped out briskly on the march to Uniontown.
   In his order No. 12 Marshal Browne announced that after Camp Dalzell at Laurel Hill tonight the mountainous trip of 70 miles will begin, and the fare will consist of hardtack and coffee, with ham for supper.
   He scores the state militia, and compares their lawlessness on a march to the peaceful progress of the army of peace. He petitions the men to guard carefully Congressman Dalzell's property and to be watchful of the mountaineers, who are a hospitable people, but a dangerous class when imposed upon.
  
Trouble Tor the Commonweal.
   UNIONTOWN, Pa., April 10.— There are troublesome times ahead for the commonweal, if the signs of the times point aright.
   Cyclone Kirkland, the astrologer; Jasper Johnson, the sable color bearer, and Weary Iler, the commissary, were absolutely refused re-admission into the army because of their having been exhibited in Pittsburg [about 1894 the 'h' in 'burgh' was dropped by the U. S. postal service--CC editor] dime museums.
   The three men arrived in town and visited camp, where they were cheered and a demand made by the men for their reinstatement.
   Johnson and Kirkland made speeches, in which they expressed fealty to the cause. The temper of the men were shown in their expressions and actions. The unknown, who had charge of the camp, announced that he favored the reinstatement of the men, but would have to refer the case to his superiors.
   The meeting between the officers was spirited and the unknown was turned down.
   A special order was then issued by Carl Browne, denouncing the presence in the army of any museum freaks and irretrieveably [sic] deciding against the three men. The exact action to be taken by the men cannot be ascertained, but Cyclone Kirkland asserts that he will organize a new commonweal, in which women may join.

Captain Primrose's Band Released.
   WASHINGTON, April 10.—The band of men brought here by Captain Primrose were arraigned on charge of vagrancy.
   Captain Primrose, a small man with black hair, black eyes and sandy moustache, who wore a black flannel shirt, carried a felt hat in his hand and had on clothes badly frayed, gave minute details of the journey of the party to Washington.
   Judge Kimball rendered his decision, releasing the men from custody on condition that they obtain work or, failing in this within a reasonable time, leave the city.
   The men were at once taken to a lunch room where food had been arranged to be furnished them by Mrs. Belva Lockwood and Mrs. Annie L. Diggs of the Topeka (Kan.) Advocate.
   The men stopped in the Typographical Union temple where sleeping quarters have been offered them for the week.

France and China.
   PARIS, April 10.—The government has received advices from China that the Chinese at Hsianfiu, in the province of Shen-Si, have burned the French mission at that place and maltreated and imprisoned the French missionaries. The government has demanded an explanation, an apology and compensation.

HIS BIRTHDAY.
Mr. Charles Wheeler Surprised By His Friends.
   Yesterday was the thirty-ninth birthday of Mr. Charles Wheeler and a number of his many friends thought that it ought to be celebrated. They accordingly met at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Stevens at 9 Water-st., and at about 8 o'clock all marched in a body to Mr. Wheeler's home at 47 Park-st.
   Mr. G. Richards had preceded the delegation and had succeeded in keeping Mr. Wheeler at home till the guests arrived. When they did take possession of the house the host's surprise was so complete that he was almost speechless. The evening was spent very pleasantly in games and music. Before refreshments were served Mr. William Covert, on behalf of the guests, presented by an excellent speech Mr. Wheeler with a fine oak rocker. The recipient remanded in a few words of thanks and the remainder of the evening passed off most pleasantly. Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Stevens deserve a great deal of credit for the success of the affair, as they were the instigators.
   Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Avery Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. E. Woodworth, Mr. and Mrs. H. Potter, Mr. and Mrs. D. Fralic, Mr. and Mrs. G. Lester, Mr. and Mrs. B. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Camp, Mr. and Mrs. D. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Dorr Wright, Mr. and Mrs. D. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. G. Richards, Mr. and Mrs. W. Covert, Mr. and Mrs. J. Palin, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Griswold, Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding and Mr. George Petrie.

A New Directory.
   Mr. Samuel Parsons has commenced the canvass for his "Directory of Cortland County," which, as heretofore, will contain a general and classified business directory of Cortland, Homer, Marathon and McGrawville, and also a directory of all the towns of Cortland county which will give residents' names, number of acres owned, and postoffice address. Mr. Parsons has with him efficient and experienced canvassers and promises the people of the county the best directory ever published in this locality.

Hospital Needs.
   Owing to the crowded condition of the hospital it has been found necessary to provide additional accommodations for patients and nurses. This has been done by securing rooms in an adjoining house. The increased demand for rooms means an increased demand also for furnishings and there is urgent need of pillows, pillow-cases, sheets and towels. Two mirrors and two small stands are needed and if any one has these to spare they will be gladly accepted and called for if desired.

BREVITIES.
   —Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Smith informally entertained a few friends last evening at their pleasant home on Argyle Place.
   —Mr. Fred I. Graham, the talented musician, is arranging a medley march for the Cortland City band in which will be introduced several of Prof. W. B. Leonard's popular songs.
   —An orange tea will be served tomorrow night at the Universalist church by the Ladies' Aid society. Strangers are cordially invited to be present. Tea served from 5:30 until 8 o'clock,
   —Arbor day comes upon Friday, May 4. The new manual is just issued by the department of public instruction of the state of New York, and The STANDARD is in receipt of a copy.
   —Mrs. Boynton Graves died at 2 o'clock this morning aged 78 years. The funeral will be held from the residence of her daughter, Mrs. DeForrest Hakes, 69 Maple-ave,, at 10 A. M. Thursday.
   —Supper will be served at the Memorial Baptist chapel Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 o'clock. The receipts will be devoted to the library fund. All are invited. Supper will be ten cents.
   —Mr. S. N. Gooding has just completed a forty-foot addition to the barn of Mr. Albert Hollenbeck of Virgil. This makes his barn 100 by 26 feet and one of the most commodious barns in Cortland county.
   —A force of men are at work blowing down the old Normal walls. Gun cotton is being used and it is exploded by means of an electric battery. A large number of curious people watched operations on Saturday.—Oneonta Star.
   —An order has been issued by the United States express company in accordance with which all their drivers will wear a neat blue uniform with brass buttons, The local drivers have sent in their measure and their suits are expected to arrive soon.
   —The Junior league of the Homer-ave. church will give a very interesting literary entertainment at the church tomorrow night. The central feature will be a representation of the "Babes of the Nations." The admission is only five cents.
   —The Grand Union Tea Co.'s store is resplendent with a complete renovation inside and out. The interior is especially attractive, all the woodwork being finished in red and gold bronze. Three large elegant Japanese paintings add not a little to the appearance.
   —A patent has been granted to Dr. G. A. Tompkins on an apparatus for manufacturing cast aluminum dental plates. Dr. Tompkins is now nicely settled in his new office, the Dr. Hughes place on North Main-st., and has one of the neatest, most convenient, commodious and well appointed dental offices in town.
   —Elder D. A. Ball of the Seventh Day Adventist society has read the Bible through twenty-six times and is now on the twenty-seventh. He is holding meetings in the W. C. T. U. rooms. The subject for this evening will be "Evidence Given the Jews Concerning Christ's First Advent."
 

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