POLICE OPPRESSION

Lexow Committee Report.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, October 4, 1894.

POLICE OPPRESSION.

IT FLOURISHES STILL IN DEFIANCE OF LEXOW.

Woman Arrested Only Yesterday Upon Refusal to Pay Blood Money to a Policeman—Further Information Regarding the Notorious Max Hochstim and His Relations to the Police—Other Testimony of a Sensational Nature.

   NEW YORK, Oct. 4.—The Lexow investigation was resumed with the full committee in attendance.

   One of the most important points brought out in the day's examination of witnesses was the fact that police extortion has not been stamped out by any means.

   Evidence was produced showing a case of attempted blackmail of a petty character directed against a poor woman whose only cause for persecution was her inability to pay a roundsman $5.

   Those who were fortunate enough to gain admission to the sessions witnessed two scenes decidedly dramatic in their nature.

   Mrs. Urchittel, the Russian woman who was a stranger in the country running a small cigar store, was arrested on the charge of keeping a disorderly house and kept in jail many months, "treated as even the czar of Russia would not treat an American," according to Chief Counsel Goff, was placed on the witness stand. She alleged that her arrest was due to her refusal to pay $50 to the police as tribute money. The woman did not understand the English language and the services of an interpreter were required.

   The testimony of the witness remained unshaken, but the officers who tried to explain away the story could not agree among themselves as to the way the thing happened.

   Mrs. Urchittel's children are still in the orphan asylum, and the lamentations of the woman elicited sympathy from all those who witnessed her examination. Steps will be taken to restore her children to her.

   During her examination she caught sight of Officer Hussey. She claims that the wardman is the author of her woes. Excitedly springing up she started toward Hussey, and in her native tongue demanded her children. It was with great difficulty that she was pacified.

   Had she been able to understand the English language and American customs she must have enjoyed exquisite revenge a little later when Officer Hussey was called on the stand.

   He expected to be called upon to explain away his connection with the case but Chief Counsel Goff indulged in one of those dramatic surprises which he is continually springing upon the New York public.

   Instead of reverting to the events of the past few months Mr. Goff inquired:

   "Now, Hussey, have you just threatened to shoot a man in this courtroom?"

   This interrogatory was answered with a negative. But Officer Hussey grew red and white in the face by turns when half a dozen witnesses testified that he threatened to shoot Norbath Pfeffer, an east side Hebrew employed by Mr. Goff. The witness nearly fainted in the courtroom at the evidence presented against him to show that he threatened to kill Pfeffer.

   He reached for a glass of water and drank it eagerly, intense silence reigning in the courtroom, members of the committee, policemen and strangers all intent upon his replies.

   The scene became a painful one. Hussey told Mr. Goff that he was under the doctor's orders and that it would not do for him to get excited; that it was his family he cared for, not himself.

   With an intimation that he would look into the matter in the future Mr. Goff allowed the witness to go and the painful scene ended.

   Morris Masch of 3 Eldridge street, a cloak manufacturer, was the first witness after recess. He testified that clothing was stolen from his store about Christmas last year. Officers Hussey and Shelvey assisted in finding the thief, but although they made arrests and had a strong case, when it came up in the Essex Market court Masch was not allowed to call his witnesses and the thieves were discharged. Their "pull" had saved them from being sent to jail.

   Mrs. Annie Treyursch told a significant story. The woman supports her family by selling newspapers on a stand at the corner of East Broadway and Rutgers street. She has the permission of the owner of the premises in front of which the stand is located. Yesterday morning Policeman Lynch asked the woman if she paid rent. She answered in the negative. Then the policeman said: "You must pay me $5 or I'll arrest you."

   The woman not having the money declined to pay. Officer Lynch then arrested her and she was arraigned yesterday in the Essex market court and discharged.

   Policeman Lynch was present and was identified as the officer who demanded $5 from her.

   "This is a remarkable case, because it shows the police are still demanding blood money," commented Mr. Goff.

   Joseph Brummer of 600 East Eighty-third street testified he paid Ward Detective Jacob Brummer of the East Eighty-third street station $5 a month when he owned a saloon at 1618 Avenue E. The last payment was made May 19 last. He also paid Excise Inspector Mat Murphy $10 when the other demanded it.

   Adolph Foster told a tale which threw some light on the peculiar power wielded by the notorious Max Hochstim. Besides being a brute and an intimidator of women he appears in the role of collector of tribute money for the police.

   Foster testified he paid $10 to him for protection for a coffee house. The business was legitimate but Hochstim said he must pay up or he would be in trouble.

   Many other poor east side merchants followed and told how the wardmen had called and sent them to Hochstim who, under threat of persecution, collected the last cent they had. He told one poor follow to "put his wife in hock" to raise money.

   Just what putting a wife in pawn consisted of was not developed, but it was understood that Hochstim wanted to drive the woman to a life of shame.

   John W. Goodwin, a former roundsman of the Fourth precinct, told a sensational story. Sergeant Magun was in the habit of bringing dissolute women in the station house for immoral purposes. When Goodwin protested Magun compelled him to sign a paper in which he resigned from the force. Goodwin wrote "under duress" at the bottom of the paper. The sergeant erased these words.

   Goodwin is now seeking reinstatement and the courts have ordered the police board to try his case.

They Came Toward Cortland.

   Tuesday morning, says the McGrawville Sentinel, as W. J. Pudney started for Cortland after a load of coal, he left his coal shute by the roadside near the paper box factory. On his return when he stopped for the shute, Mr. Pudney found the money till and two drawers that were taken from the postoffice  safe last week, Monday night. He also found the sledge hammer that was missing from F. C. Topping's shop. With the rest was [Postmaster] Mr. Bean's bank book together with other papers of value to him. A coal bill from the office was found in the road near Mr. Wellington's Tuesday morning of last week, indicating that the perpetrators of the robbery must have journeyed toward Cortland.

DOUBLE WEDDING.

At the Home of Mr. and Mrs. J. McAllister at Truxton.

   A quiet double wedding occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. McAllister on Tuesday, Oct. 2, when their daughter, Miss Florence R, McAllister was united in marriage to Mr. James Henry Loomis of Binghamton and at the same time a second daughter, Miss Edith L. McAllister, was married to Mr. Fred Robbins of Truxton, formerly of Cortland.

   At 12 o'clock to the strains of music of violin and organ played by the brides' young sisters, Alice and Blanche, and preceded by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph J. McAllister, the wedding party entered the parlor and took their places underneath an arch of vines and ferns. The impressive ceremony in both cases was performed by Rev. O. L. Warren of Marathon. Hearty congratulations and good wishes followed and then fine refreshments were served. Many valuable as well as useful presents were received.

   At 2 o'clock the two newly wedded couples accompanied by friends left for the train amidst showers of rice and old shoes and all other such blessings as are usually bestowed by kind attendants upon the newly married. Mr. and Mrs. Loomis will make their home in Binghamton and Mr. and Mrs. Robbins will reside in Truxton.

   None but the immediate friends of all parties were present. Those from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Loomis and Mr. Alfred Loomis of Binghamton, Rev. and Mrs. O. L. Warren of Marathon, Miss Libbie Hulbert of Woodstock and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph J. McAllister of Hartford, Conn.

Faded Colors of Seventy-sixth Regiment, New York State Volunteers.

SEVENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.

SEVENTY-FIVE OF THE OLD VETERANS ARE PRESENT.

Election of Officers This Morning—Open Meeting This Afternoon—Next Year at Newark Valley.

   The survivors of the Seventy-sixth regiment are holding their twenty-sixth annual reunion to-day. Many of the business places are decorated in honor of the visiting soldiers. Seventy-five veterans are present, and also a number of the widows and families of the Seventy-sixth regiment. Those in attendance came from Florida, Washington, New Jersey and other places outside of the state. There is not quite as large a number present as at previous reunions.

   The business meeting was called to order at 10:15 o'clock at the Opera House with President A. P. Smith in the chair. Secretary W. J. Mantanye read the report of the last reunion at Homer, which was approved. He also read letters from many absent comrades, including Col. Wainwright, Col. Cool and Col. Halstead, chief of Gen. Doubleday's staff.

   The invitation from Grover Post to attend the G. A. R campfire was received and accepted.

   The report of the treasurer, Maj. A. Sager, showed a balance of eighty dollars in the treasury.

   The annual dues were then paid and the members' badges distributed.

   It was decided to hold the next reunion in Newark Valley in October, 1895.

   The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

   President—Dr. W. J. Burr of Newark Valley.

   First Vice-President—O. Dickinson of Newark Valley.

   Second Vice-President—D. R. Montgomery of Dryden.

   Third Vice-President—Thomas Simms of Altamont, Fla.

   Fourth Vice-President— Dr. E. A. Mead of Moravia.

   Secretary—L. Davis.

   Treasurer—A. Sager.

   Comrades A. Sager, S. M. Byram and M. Edgecomb were appointed a memorial committee to report in the afternoon and also to designate the speakers.

   The treasurer was authorized to pay for the Opera House and band.

The meeting was then adjourned.

   After partaking of a sumptuous and elaborate dinner at the Cortland House, served in Mr. Bauder's inimitable style, the visitors listened to an inspiring concert outside by the City band. A short parade was then made in the following order: Cortland City band, sixteen men; Grover Post, G. A. R., thirty-nine men; Seventy-sixth regiment, sixty-five men.

   Ranks were broken at the Opera House, where the program as published in yesterday's STANDARD is being carried out as we go to press.

   The Woman's Relief Corps will serve the refreshments at the G. A. R. camp fire to-night, which will occur at 8 o'clock.

Pettis Family Reunion.

   On Wednesday, Oct. 3, about twenty-five of the relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin M. Pettis assembled at their home near South Cortland for the annual visit of the Pettis family. The day passed all too quickly and the guests departed for their various homes which were in Cazenovia, Syracuse, Ithaca, Cortland, Etna, McLean and Groton City. The ages of the nine oldest ones aggregated 675 years, the oldest one being nearly eighty-three and the youngest sixty-nine. The reunion was a very enjoyable one.

HOMER DEPARTMENT.

Gleanings of News From Our Twin Village.

   The confectionery, fruit and cigar stock of Karl Dillenbeck has been placed on sale in the south half of the U. S. express office on the corner of Main and James-sts. Mr. Dillenbeck will occupy these quarters temporarily while the damages caused by fire in the former quarters are being repaired and the insurance claims adjusted.

   Miss Frank Pierce leaves town this evening to attend the wedding of a friend in Ann Arbor, Mich.

   Mrs. George Daniels and Mrs. O. B. Andrews entertained a large number of lady friends at tea from 5 until 6 o'clock this evening at the residence of the former on North Main-st.

   A large number of invitations to the dance at Brockway hall this evening have been accepted and it is expected that a large number of people will be present. Valentine's celebrated harp orchestra of Rochester has been engaged to furnish the music.

   Mr. Frank H. Nichols, the proprietor of the Hotel Windsor, has exchanged his lease of that hotel with Mr. George McChesney of Syracuse for a house and lot in that city. Mr. Nichols and his wife have been in charge of this hostelry since last May and have conducted it in a very creditable manner. It is to be hoped that the new proprietor who takes possession to-day will continue to sustain the enviable reputation of his predecessors. Mr. William Berry will be retained as clerk and the other employees will remain in their present positions with but few exceptions.

   The Truxton Actives will play the pickup nine of this village next Saturday afternoon at the Academy grounds. Sylvester and Buckley will compose the Homer battery and a game of as much interest as those which have preceded is expected.

BREVITIES.

   —Mr. G. F. Beaudry has secured the agency of the Hitchcock Manufacturing Co.'s wheel.

   —The installation of Rev. B. B. Knapp as pastor of the Presbyterian church at Marathon will occur on Friday evening.

   —Contractor Deloyia's gang of sixteen men yesterday broke all previous records by laying 351 feet of sewer on Union-st.

   —Mrs. Emma G. Allen died at Polkville yesterday of hemorrhage, aged 26 years. The funeral will be held at 2 P. M. Saturday. Burial in Cortland Rural cemetery.

   —Messrs. Yager & Marshall, proprietors of the Fair store, yesterday sold their branch store at DeRuyter with its stock of goods to A. R. Mason, for several years principal of Whitney's Point Academy.

   —Considering the weather the Grace church social at the home of Mrs. A. P. Smith was well attended, about fifty sitting down to supper. Tables were invitingly spread in the parlor and sittingroom. Twelve dollars were realized.

   —The Young Peoples' society of Christian Endeavor of the First Baptist church will hold their monthly business meeting this evening after the prayer-meeting. A full attendance is desired as a matter of special interest will be considered.

   —The service preparatory to communion next Sunday will be held this evening at the Presbyterian church at 7:30 o'clock. At the conclusion there will be an election of two elders and one deacon to supply the places of those whose terms of office expire.

   The ladies of the Congregational church will hold their regular monthly missionary meeting Friday afternoon. Prayer-meeting at 8 o'clock. Subject, "Our Work; How May it be Made Known to Us.'' The usual ten-cent tea will be served from 5:30 to 7 o'clock, to which all are invited.

   —Mangang's Opera House orchestra of Cortland, assisted by Mrs. Mangang, will open the season at the Dryden opera house, Oct 11, with a grand concert. The soloists from the orchestra will be: Fred Graham, flute and saxaphone, Mr. Conway, cornet, Mr. Maas, trombone. The program will include classical and descriptive music given by the full orchestra.—Dryden Herald.

An Opportunity for Public Spirit.

   For four years past the ladies of the Cortland Hospital association have supported and managed this institution till it has come to be recognized as a public necessity and a public blessing. The frame house on Clayton-ave., which has been rented for hospital purposes, was never well suited to them, but was the best that could be had and paid for. As the value of the institution has become known, demands upon its accommodations have increased until it is now absolutely unable to meet all these demands even poorly. For some time past the ladies have been looking about for larger and better quarters, and they have finally obtained the offer of the old Messenger, or Benham house, on Main-st. at a figure which they hope to raise the funds to meet.

   The lot is very large and the house is admirably adapted to the purposes of a hospital. It is built of brick and the walls are so thick that it is almost impossible for sound to pass from one room to another. There are twenty-two rooms in the house, exclusive of halls and closets, and there are an abundance of the latter. All of the rooms are well-lighted and many of them are unusually large for a dwelling home.  There are four stairways in the building and it is possible to use different parts entirely independent of the others.

   Upon the north side of the house is a little room which was built on as an addition and which is almost entirely separated from the main building. It is specially well lighted and would be just the place for an operating room.

   The house is in thorough repair, and almost the only thing necessary to fit it for immediate and convenient use would be to put in steam or hot water for heating and to pipe it for city water.

   There is no other house in town which in location, in size, in arrangement, and in convenience would be so well adapted for the purposes of a hospital.

   The proposition to buy the place meets with special favor from the ladies of Homer also, as the property is situated on the street railroad line and can be quickly and easily reached. The ladies believe that if the citizens of the two villages can be made to see and appreciate as they ought the value and importance of this purchase, the money to make it will be promptly forthcoming.

   The project of asking for $500 or $1,000 donations, with the condition attached that certain rooms shall be named after the donors, or after some relative as a memorial, has been broached and has been met with considerable favor. This is in line with the custom prevalent in many cities of endowing beds in the hospitals in memory of the donors. But aside from this, there ought to be at instant and deep public interest shown in the purchase of this place. The difficulties and embarrassments with which the ladies have met in sustaining this much-needed public hospital have been far greater than any one not having actual knowledge of them would suppose.

   The institution has been supported by constant and self-sacrificing effort, is to-day doing more good than ever, is free from debt, though without property or endowment beyond a very small amount, and is dependent upon voluntary contributions for its support. The labors of its managers deserve recognition, and all that is asked is that the association be placed in position where it can continue its good work under more favorable circumstances, and in a building suited to its needs. The mere statement of the case ought to be all the plea that is necessary in order to obtain a hearty and generous response. Pledges and donations for the end in view may be made to Mrs. F. O. Hyatt, the president of the association, who will also be glad to furnish any information which may be desired.

Sherman-Underwood.

   The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Harlow E. Underwood of East Scott, N. Y., was the scene of a very happy event on Wednesday, Oct. 3. The occasion was the marriage of their youngest daughter, Miss Adda B. to Rev. Brant C. Sherman of Scott, N. Y. At the noon hour the bridal couple entered the parlor, where Presiding Elder M. P. Blakeslee impressively performed the ceremony which made them husband and wife. Immediately following, the wedding dinner was served, which was both bountiful and dainty. The bridal presents were very beautiful and many were useful as well as ornamental. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman took the evening train for Syracuse, Rochester and Niagara Falls.