BIG DAY FOR CORTLAND WHEELMEN

State Fair, Syracuse, N. Y.

Syracuse Herald bike race, September 15, 1894.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, September 13, 1894.

A BIG DAY.

Forty-five Cortland Wheelmen at the State Fair.

   The trip to the State fair which forty-five Cortland wheelmen took yesterday was a most enjoyable one. It was made in the interest of the Hitchcock Manufacturing Co., whose wheels the boys rode as an advertisement.

   It would be difficult to imagine a merrier crowd than these cyclists who left on the D., L & W. 6 o'clock train. The ride was made more enjoyable by their high spirits. The baggage car containing the wheels was switched off at Syracuse and was taken to the fair grounds a half hour after the boys arrived. The wheelmen marched in a body on foot to their headquarters, under the tent of the large Hitchcock exhibit, where ranks were broken and an hour was spent in "doing" the fair.

   The Hitchcock Manufacturing Co.'s exhibit was one of the finest of its kind on the grounds. It consisted of a sample of each of the vehicles which they manufacture, arranged in a tasty manner, which attracted hundreds of visitors. The striping, which was done by Mr. H. J. Risley, was some of the finest on the grounds and the various other parts were in keeping in workmanship. Fifty wheels stacked on one side of the tent set off the exhibit, while a number of wheels were arranged around the center pole.

   After the various buildings had been visited the boys assembled at the tent and rode in a body over the fine four-mile saline boulevard to the city. A short tour of the principal streets was made, after which a scorch [fast ride] was made to the fair grounds. After the various groups and stragglers had arrived at the Hitchcock tent the line was then formed and all marched in a body to the W. C. T. U. dining hall, where dinner was served.

   Promptly at 1:30 o'clock all mounted their wheels and headed by a band made a parade of the grounds, breaking ranks at the grand stand.

   The exhibition drill given by the drill corps of twenty-four wheelmen was one of the finest events of the afternoon. Capt. C. H. Drake gave his orders while mounted on a fiery steed from the salt city. The track was quite narrow, but the wheelmen managed to execute nearly all the manoeuvres on their wheels. It was something entirely new and the frequent cheers of the large crowd proved that it was appreciated.

   Master Harry Hitchcock of Cortland gave an exhibition of fancy riding which brought storms of applause. The audience was more enthusiastic over his trick riding than many of the contested bicycle races. The little fellow is only about 6 years of age, but he is conceded to be the best fancy rider in this section of the state.

   The bicycle races were all good. Jenney'a past illness prevented him from doing his best and Fisher walked off with nearly all the firsts. The Hitchcock wheelmen returned to Cortland on the 6:20 and 11:20 o'clock trains. The latter was a heavy train and did not reach Cortland till nearly midnight. A drunken man by the name of Bennett pulled the bell cord and brought the train to a dead standstill a short distance this side of Preble. As the train did not stop there, he said he wanted to get off and so pulled the cord. The conductor secured the names of witnesses and made arrangements to push the case against the man. There have been a number of accidents from such a proceeding and the law in regard to it is very rigid. The man was let off at Homer and it will undoubtedly be some time before he "monkeys" with the machinery of a train again.

   All reached home without mishap.

THE FIFTEENTH YEAR.

Ladies' Literary Club Begin the New Season Auspiciously.

   The Ladies' Literary club of Cortland has entered upon its fifteenth season of work, its first meeting being held Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the home of the Misses Adams on North Church-st. Its new officers, Miss Sara A. Saunders, president, and Mrs. Lydia H. Cheney, secretary, are instated, and with a most attractive outline of study in the hands of each member, a delightful vista of the year is opened to the ladies. The time will be spent with the personalities and writings of Holmes, Bancroft, Bryant, Willis, Motley, Whittier, Dana, Wallace and song writers.

   Among the business items of yesterday's meeting Mrs. Martha L. Bradford was transferred from the active to the honorary list and Mrs. W. A. Cornish was elected as a member of the club. The names of Miss Clara J. Robinson and Miss Mary E. Trow were proposed for membership, awaiting vacancies in the limited number of the club.

   The literary program for the afternoon consisted of a "round table" discussion of Oliver Wendell Holmes, which was replete with anecdotes and descriptions of the author, Mrs. Clara H. Banta presented an interesting paper on "Holmes as a College Professor." Mrs. Alice M. Bardwell read amusing selections from "The Autocrat at the Breakfast Table" and Miss Martha Roe discussed Holmes as a poet. In the absence of Miss Halbert, Mrs. Grace Walrad read the musical selection on the program, "Yankee Girls."

   One of the most delightful treats of the afternoon was the reading of a letter from Dr, Holmes himself. It was a relic of former days of the club when in its first year, in 1880, Holmes was the subject of study and in reply to a note of the secretary the poet wrote this letter sparkling with his own characteristic wit and happily turned phrases.

   The meeting for Sept. 20 will conclude the study of Holmes and will be held at the home of Miss Editha Stephens.

George-Johanson.

   About thirty of the most immediate relatives and friends of the contracting parties assembled yesterday afternoon at the residence of Mr. J. B. George at Freeville to witness the marriage of his son, Mr. Edgar F. George of Freeville to Miss Alfhild M. Johanson of Tivoli on-the-Hudson. After the ceremony, which was performed at 4 o'clock by Rev. G. E. Hamilton, an elaborate wedding supper was served. Mr. and Mrs. George left for Tivoli, which they expect to make their future home.

   Mrs. George is matron at the Watts DuPuyster Industrial school for girls. The groom is a brother of Mr. O. K. George of the Western Union Telegraph office of Cortland.

CONVENTION WORK.

SEVERAL AMENDMENTS RECEIVE FINAL ACTION.

Lively Fight Over the Proposition to Place Restrictions On Prison Labor—No Free Rides For State Officers—Length of Citizenship Before Eligible to Vote. Other Measures Passed—Republicans In Caucus.

   ALBANY, Sept. 13.—The result of the work of the constitution convention for the day, so far as the passage of the amendments for the consideration of the people next November is concerned, consists of final action upon these measures by the appended vote:

   Compelling a person to be a naturalized citizen for at least 60 days before he shall be allowed to cast a vote. Yeas 102, nays 64.

   Providing that legislative annual sessions shall open on the first Wednesday in January instead of the first Tuesday after the first Monday as now. Yeas 123, nays, 79.

   Making it a misdemeanor to give to any public officer, or for any such official to take, a railroad pass, free transportation, franking privilege or reduced rates, and granting immunity to corporation officers who give evidence against public officers accepting such passes. Yeas 96, Nays 44.

   Providing that there shall not be any prison labor competition with outside labor, and that no goods shall be manufactured in the state prisons except for the use of state institutions and for the improvement of the prisons themselves. Yeas 91, nays 51.

   Providing for bi-partisan boards of election at general elections in all election districts of the state, cities included, except town and village elections. Yeas, 123; nays, 9.

   By far the liveliest fight of the day in the convention occurred upon the amendment introduced by Mr. McDonald of Albany to prohibit prison labor competition and to allow the prisoners to work only upon such articles as are necessary to the prisons and prisoners themselves or for the inmates of other institutions.

   Up to the time of the taking of the final vote upon the question no politics or animus of any kind was displayed, the members merely contenting themselves with taking sides upon the issue as is done in the case of any other amendment.

   Upon a motion of Mr. McDonough's to report the bill to third reading there was a close vote, and the chairman declared the motion defeated.

   Mr. McMillan of Erie immediately made  a demand for a roll call, and in explaining his attitude scored the members who had voted to defeat the measure for voting against the interests of the working people.

   On the roll call there was a disposition on the part of members to leave the chamber, while others remained yet refused to vote. Some dozen or more members explained their reasons for voting either way, and Mr. Bowers startled the Democrats by signifying his intention to vote against the measure because he did not think it wise to make the prisoners idle.

   Following close upon Mr. Bowers' explanation came almost as startling a surprise when President Choate from the floor explained his vote against the measure. He said: "I voted against this measure after hearing all of Mr. McDonough's arguments, and all the arguments that were presented so faithfully by the friends of this proposition in committee of the whole and I propose still to vote against it because nothing that they said convinced me that it was right. I have been strongly urged to vote for it on the ground that votes could be obtained for other measures before this convention. I scorn to vote on any such ground as that. I have been urged to vote for it upon the ground that it would gain votes for the party to which I belong. I detest any such argument as that. (Applause.)

   "The welfare and good government of our state prisons is a matter of the highest interest to the whole people. It is far greater than the interest of any class. I say it will be a very great wrong to tie the hands of this state for 20 years so that it cannot accord to the best results of modern science in the conduct and good government of our state prisons and the relations of labor inside to that outside."

   Up to the finishing of the first roll call the measure had 81 votes, 88 being necessary to pass it.

   Mr. Barhite demanded that the absentees be called and insisted that every member of the body inside of the railing should be compelled to vote.

   Nearly a dozen members had tally sheets in their hands while as many more together with the large lobby present, were urging the members who had not voted to place themselves on record.

   Two members, after hearing Mr. Choate speak, changed their votes from the negative to the affirmative.

   As successive ayes were obtained the enthusiasm of those in favor of the bill grew apace, and when the final announcement was made that the measure had received 91 affirmative and only 51 negative votes, there was lusty cheering.

   Mr. Lauterbach's amendment, extending bipartisan election boards to all country districts as well as city boards in general elections, was passed.

   On motion of Mr. Hall the educational article was made a special order on third reading immediately after the disposal of the charities article.

   The judiciary article was taken up with one hour for discussion. Before the time of debate had expired the convention adjourned.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Vive la Republique!

   Twenty-four years ago the 4th of this September the French republic was proclaimed amid tears, misgivings and almost despair. None knew even whether France would be left longer as an independent power. Two days before on Sept. 2, 1870, Napoleon III had surrendered to the king of Prussia at Sedan. In the midst of cloud, storm and darkness the infant republic was born and cradled upon the waves of war.

   Storms have rocked it ever since, yet now the beautiful republic has lasted to within one year of a quarter of a century. The anarchists that hovered like evil birds over its childhood could not kill it. Boulanger tried to ride over French liberty as the picturesque man on horseback and dictator, and he met a miserable death by self-murder. The Panama canal scandal could not shake the republic. Its greatest, best beloved president was assassinated, and France still mourns, but the glorious republic lives on. It is not yet as free as ours, but the cause of civil and religious liberty has been marching forward with steady step for 20 years. The French are notably freer now than they were in 1874.

   One of the brightest promises for the perpetuity of free France is the indication that after all these years the bitter hatred between France and Germany may be extinguished. For the future of our sister in Europe there is bright hope. This September we send our best hopes for her welfare across the sea to her and shout with her, "Vive la Republique!"

The Electrical Kitchen.

   The cost of electricity is all that prevents its immediate utilization in nearly every situation where heat and light are wanted. Undoubtedly early in the twentieth century even farmers' wives will do their cooking by electricity. The wear and tear of life that will be saved in that day is incomputable. Electricians ought to work with all their might and enthusiasm to produce electricity cheaply. Then the marvels related in Bulwer's "Coming Race" will be every day events in all families.

   Electrical kitchens are making their way slowly. A wealthy man in Brooklyn has his house fitted with one. There is in New York city an electrical dining club, where food is cooked in the new way. It is necessary to have the utensils specially made. A contrivance is attached whereby they can be hooked to the wires. Then the button is pressed. The cook learns just what temperature she wants for boiling, broiling, roasting or baking. That temperature is secured by the strength of the current, which may be regulated by a key. The temperature is shown by a thermometer. Then, knowing just how long it will take to cook a given dish, no more watching is required. The cook may go off and play the piano till the time is up.

[Cow Rumor.]

  The cow that gives black milk has got as far as Pennsylvania. We are glad to see she is able still to keep moving, for she must be near 30 years old now.

BREVITIES.

   —Only about a dozen Cortland people went to the State fair this morning.

   —An interesting comparison in the price of butter during the last sixteen years will today be found on our seventh page.

   —The new Pullman coaches are now being run on all the E., C. & N. passenger trains and add greatly to the comfort of the passengers.

   —About thirty Cortland people attended the Tompkins county fair to-day. The E., C. & N. are selling round-trip excursion tickets, which include entrance to the grounds for $1.25.

   —Mr. Deloyia's gang of Italians at the outlet of the sewer broke the record yesterday for laying pipe. Two hundred ninety-two feet were laid. This is the biggest day's work the firm have done since they began work.

   —The store of E. E. Green and the postoffice at Otisco Valley were totally destroyed by fire at about 5 o'clock Wednesday morning. The cause of the fire is not known. Everything was lost, including all the postoffice records, supplies and undelivered mail.

   —Cortland people found an old friend in charge of the exhibit of Leiter Brothers of 304 and 306 South Salina-st., Syracuse, dealers in pianos, organs and musical instruments, in the person of Mr. Charles Mee, who has been kept busy all through the fair playing for large crowds.

   —The regular meeting of the Woman's Christian Temperance union will be held in their rooms, West Court-st., Saturday, Sept. 15. The consecration service will commence promptly at 2:30, conducted by Mrs. J. S. Squires, after which important business will be transacted, followed by reports of the annual county convention held at Cincinnatus Sept. 5 and 6.

NEW SEWER CONTRACTORS.

Mr. Nicholson Sells Out to Doe & Deloyia.

   A change has been made in the firm of Doe, Nicholson & Deloyia, who are putting in the sewers. Mr. Nicholson, who had charge of the Port Watson-st. gang of men, has sold his interest in the firm to the other two partners, who expect to finish the job. Mr. Nicholson has been so ill that he could not work all the time and be has also been called to his home at Port Huron, Mich., by illness in his family. He became rather discouraged and sold his interest to the other members of the firm.

   Mr. Nicholson is a man, like the other members of the firm, whom it is a pleasure to meet. During his short stay here he has made many friends, all of whom greatly regret his departure. Mr. Flint of Jamestown will act as foreman of Mr. Nicholson's gang. He comes to Cortland well recommended and will undoubtedly sustain the reputation of the firm. The firm will hereafter be known as Doe & Deloyia.

A STRAW RIDE.

Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Hart of McLean Royally Entertain.

   There was a straw ride to McLean last night and a company of Cortland people were most royally entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Hart at that place. The party started in two wagons at 6 o'clock and arrived at their destination a little before 8 o'clock. Mr. and Mrs. Hart were assisted in their entertaining by Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Losey of Groton. The house is large, and the first floor rooms open into each other in a manner very convenient for a large company. It was a very informal affair, and there was no end of fun. There was fine music, both vocal and instrumental, and at the sound of the latter, some of the company found it utterly impossible to keep their feet still. As there was no regulation that they should [not] do so, for a short time the light fantastic was indulged in. There were hammocks on the broad piazzas, and after one couple had been occupying a single hammock for a considerable time, their friends took pleasure in sending them a lantern, so that they should not get frightened in the darkness.

   As no one had procured bouquets in advance for the singers, various products of the farm were brought into requisition, and one performer was presented with a cabbage head, while another received a half bushel of tomatoes.

   Elaborate and delicious refreshments were served. Four guests developed most wonderful appetites, and two of them are said to be quite prostrated today by overeating.

   It was nearly 1 o'clock when the loads reached Cortland, happy but tired. The company was composed of the following: Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Puder of Savannah, Ga., Mrs. S. W. Sherwood, Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Waters, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. P. Hollenbeck, Misses Belle and Maud Fitzgerald, Miss Minnie Fitzgerald of Chicago, Misses Cornelia A. and Mary H. White, Misses Cornelia L. Brown, Grace K. Duffey and Julia Sugerman, Miss Lillian Tyson of Savannah, Ga., and Miss [Rubie] Kline of Binghamton, Messrs. T. P. Bristol, O. A. Kinney, F. L. McDowell, H. A. Dickinson, A. A. Freeman, Edwin Duffey, Frank Jepson and Edward Beach.