SHALL THE GREAT CITIES RULE THE STATE?

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, October 25, 1894.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Shall the Great Cities Rule the State?

   The most valuable part of the proposed apportionment amendment to the constitution is not in the formation of the districts or other details of the apportionment itself, but in the rules which it establishes for the future. The most important of these is the one which provides that no single county shall have more than one third, and no two adjoining counties shall have more than one-half of all the senators.

   Our Democratic friends object to this. That is to say, they are looking forward to the time when two adjoining counties, which contain the two great cities of New York and Brooklyn, will have a population exceeding that of all the rest of the state, and then they expect those cities to elect a majority of both houses of the legislature and thus control absolutely the government of the state.

   Let the people of the interior reflect for a moment what this means. The whole country has stood aghast at the revelations of corruption and iniquity prevailing in these two cities. It is not a new thing which is brought to light either. Back in the days of Tweed the same condition of things existed, and there was one legislature which he and his associates did control, the memory of whose corrupt and shameless transactions is a blot upon the history of the state which can never be forgotten.

   The condition of things disclosed by the Lexow committee shows that history repeats itself, if indeed the evils of the past are not intensified. With such influences in power at Albany no interest would be safe. No party consideration should ever induce the state to permit such control to be fastened upon it, and the time to prevent it is now or never. If once Tammany Hall gets its grip upon the state it will never let go of it.

   Nearly every other state in the Union which contains a large city has adopted stronger restrictions than these. In Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is only permitted to have one-sixth of the legislature, Maryland restricts Baltimore, Ohio restricts Cincinnati and Cleveland, Missouri restricts St. Louis, Georgia restricts Atlanta. There is ten times more reason why we should refuse to let New York and Brooklyn control the Empire state, and the vote in favor of the amendment outside of the limits of these cities, at least, ought to be unanimous.

   Let any person who is acquainted with the quality of the men who are sent to Albany as the representatives of New York City, consider whether he wants the same kind of men to constitute the majority in the legislature. The amendment to the constitution to be voted on this year will make it impossible for Tammany Hall to rule the state, but unless that is adopted the time is not far off when all our laws will be made by its retainers.

Hiram S. Thomas.

A Successful Colored Man.

   Every inhabitant south of Mason and Dixon's line will indulge in a broad grin and say to himself in the words of Mr. Squeers, "Here's richness," when he reads how the white inhabitants of a swell locality in Brooklyn are stirred up like the stormy sea in their minds at the prospect of the advent in their neighborhood as a resident of Hiram S. Thomas, a refined, good looking and thoroughly cultivated colored man. Mr. Thomas has done well in the world.

   First he was a common table waiter, then a head waiter and finally a hotel proprietor on his own hook. In the summer he runs his own hotel at Saratoga Lake.  It is a day resort. The people who go to spend money at Saratoga every summer drive out to Mr. Thomas' Saratoga Lake hotel to get dinners and suppers. Far famed and excellent are the cooking and table service there. One General Molineaux says he has seen as many as 500 carriages waiting in front of the Saratoga Lake hotel for their occupants to finish dining. As many as 1,000 persons sit sometimes at the tables at once.

   In winters Mr. Thomas has charge of the table service at the tremendously swagger Lakewood hotel, New Jersey, where nobody but blue-blooded millionaires and their families are supposed to live. Mr. Thomas has eight children, all of them well educated and brought up accustomed to luxury. If he were white, any neighborhood would be glad to welcome him and his family. But he is part negro.

   Now, without prejudice to the sensitivities of Brooklyn one way or the other, we wish to call the attention of colored people to the fact that there is an excellent opening for them the world over to make fortunes in precisely the way Thomas made his. Colored people, men and women, are better cooks and caterers than white people are. There is no prejudice against colored cooks, caterers or hotel keepers. One would just as soon stop at a hotel kept in first class style by a colored man as by a white man, rather sometimes because of the reputation of colored people for preparing good food.

   A spotlessly clean, attractive hotel or eating house, with also spotlessly clean waiters not too avaricious in the matter of tips and such food as few know so well as the black cook how to prepare, would be an immediate success anywhere.

HIRAM MCKAY ARRESTED.

DEPUTY EDWARDS CAUGHT HIM AT OWEGO.

He Tried to Escape When Arrested for Grand Larceny, but the Officers Were too Much for Him.

   As a result of some sharp detective work, Deputy Sheriff James Edwards has landed Hiram McKay in the county jail. He was arrested upon a warrant charging him with grand larceny.

   On Tuesday Deputy Edwards located his man in Owego. He went to that place, but as young McKay knew him he obtained the assistance of Officer Thurston and Deputy Sheriff Rodman. McKay was found at J. L. Bentley's hotel where he had been accompanied by a young woman. They had registered as "Eddie A. White and Wife, Wilkes Barre, Pa." Officer Thurston arrested McKay, but the woman had departed the previous evening. She had borrowed five dollars from Landlord Bentley and had given him an order for ten dollars upon Miss Maria Broughn of Union.

   As McKay and the officers were leaving the hotel and reached the steps, McKay said that he had left his overcoat. Officer Thurston turned back to get it, leaving the prisoner in charge of Deputy Rodman. McKay made a break for liberty and ran up North-ave. to the coal pockets. The officers gave chase. McKay fell and was captured before he could rise again. He was then turned over to Deputy Edwards.

   A search of his person revealed among other things an unsigned check for three dollars, three dollars in cash and a silver fruit knife, the edges of which had been ground to a dagger like sharpness. It was enclosed in a homemade sheath. As McKay and his "wife" had stopped at the hotel since Friday, his rather unceremonious departure left a few days' board bill unpaid.

   An unmailed letter in McKay's handwriting addressed to a Cortland young man was also found in his pocket. It said among other things that "Deputy Edwards is after me, but has not got me yet. I had this mailed from Oswego as a bluff. If you see it is too hot for you, go to Great Bend and I will hang around the depot till you come, or, if you get there first, wait for me. You had better come, as I have got money for you and each a girl." It was signed, "The man that quarreled with you over five cents."

   The robbery of which McKay is accused was committed July 12, when about one hundred dollars' worth of jewelry was taken from the Fair store.

   McKay is a bright young man, but of late he has been addicted to bad habits. He is well-known in this section. His mother is Mrs. W. T. Smith of 100 Clinton-ave., and all deeply sympathize with her. Young McKay is thought by some to be a kleptomaniac. He is heir to a number of thousand dollars.

   McKay was taken before Justice Bull at 1 o'clock this afternoon. He waived examination and was held for the grand jury which does not convene till January. He did not ask for bail and was returned to the jail. A STANDARD reporter saw him there this afternoon and in answer to the question if he desired to make a statement he referred him to his council [sic], Attorney John Courtney, Jr. The latter told the reporter that he did not care to make a statement.

Quilts to go to Rome.

   A special meeting of the Woman's Foreign Missionary society of the Homer-ave. church was held in the church yesterday afternoon. The time was passed in tying and piecing quilts to be sent to the orphanage in Rome, Italy.

   A little boy, one of the first to join the Junior league, pieced one of the quilts, but has since been taken to his home above. The quilt was given to the ladies by the mother with quivering lips and falling tears, but rejoicing in the thought of the good it may do the little orphan girl in foreign lands who is being educated by this society.

   Another, a red and white album quilt was given by the Junior league. The name of every member of the league is to be written on the white blocks with indelible ink.

TWENTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY.

Lincoln Lodge Celebrates With an Entertainment and Supper.

   Lincoln lodge, I. O. G. T., last night celebrated the twenty-ninth anniversary of its organization by a free supper and an appropriate entertainment. There was a large attendance. The following was the program:

   Duet, The Misses Jones.

   Selection, Miss Cora Monroe.

   Song, Mr. Charles Robbins and the Hamlin family.

   Reading, Mrs. Taft.

   Song, The Hamlin family.

   Cornet Duet, Messrs. Cook and Robinson.

   Song, Mr. H. H. Robinson.

   Harmonica Solo, Mr. Burt Hamilton.

   Reminiscences of the past twenty-nine years, Dr. L. A. Strowbridge.

   Solo, Miss Hattie Hamlin.

   Selection, The Hamlin family.

   Duet, The Misses Jones.

   Selection, The Trenton Quartet, Messrs. Crisp, Luther, Scammel and Edwards.

   Dr. Strowbridge is the only charter member of the lodge at present, and her remarks were very interesting indeed, especially those regarding the early history of the lodge. As a whole the entertainment was very enjoyable.

  

A Test Case.

   Messrs. Wilson and Edward Wallace, two brothers of Summit Station, Onondaga county, are under arrest for cruelty to animals in dehorning and maiming cattle. The practice of dehorning cattle has become very common of late and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is to make this a test case, The trial next month will be awaited with much interest by owners of cattle.

HOMER DEPARTMENT.

Gleanings of News From Our Twin Village.

   "Uncle Tom's Cabin" will never grow old and is now better than ever as presented by the Markoe Co. It will be played here in the opera house Saturday evening. Prices, 25, 35, and 50 cents.

   A bloody fight took place on Main-st. yesterday, at a little before 1 o'clock in the afternoon, between a father and son. Lew Rood was driving out of the lane between Andrews' grocery store and Murphy's saloon, when his father Giles came along. Giles grabbed Lew's horse by the head and at about the same time Lew jumped to the ground. Which man struck the first blow it is impossible to say, but they were coming thick and fast from both sides in short order. No officer was in sight and, although there was quite a group of lookers on, no one thought it worth while to interfere and the battle raged for several minutes. In the meantime Giles was giving vent to numerous paternal remarks and Lew reciprocated with expression of filial love and reverence. The men pounded each other until they were tired when Giles made his escape. Lew wanted to follow, but was restrained by the bystanders. Both men were terribly battered. The dispute was over the horse which Lew was driving. Giles claims that Lew had stolen it from him and Lew claims that he had a right to it, as he has supported his father's family for some time while the old man was out of work. Giles is about 55 years old and Lew is about 22.

   Mr. Jackson Burdick, who is on the road selling medicine, is at home for a few days.

   Mr. Hiram Freeland is calling on friends in town.

   Mr. and Mrs. G. R. H. Thorne and Mr. W. K. Thorne of New York are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Schermerhorn on South Main-st.

   Rev. E. W. Hitchcock, who has been at his home here since Friday, is in Syracuse for the day. He has just returned from an extensive trip through the West. While in Indianapolis he was a guest at the home of ex-President Harrison.

   Mrs. P. A. Tyler is in Syracuse for the day.

   Mrs. P. A Tyler wishes to announce to her friends and patrons that she has so far recovered from her recent illness that she is now able to look after the interests of her business. The ladies will find it to their advantage to call and see the special values she now has in millinery goods. She is this week adding some extra bargains to her already very complete stock. Remember the place. Second floor, Postofffice block.

Krag-Jorgensen rifle.

The New Army Rifle.

   The new rifle which has been adopted in the United States army weighs only eight pounds and will kill a man at a distance of two miles. With the use of smokeless powder it is said that the man would be killed before he heard or knew of the report. The bullet is to be of nickel or steel.—Hardware.

CREDIT ATTACKED.

Chicago Banks are Going Back on the City.

   NEW YORK, Oct. 25.—A special from Chicago says: The credit of the city of Chicago has been attacked by a syndicate of local banks which recently advanced $600,000 as a temporary demand loan in anticipation of tax collections. Several of the banks asked immediate repayment. Comptroller Ackerman complied and now there is no money on hand to meet the October pay roll. Since the resolution was passed by the finance committee, casting a cloud upon the authority of the comptroller to borrow money, the banks have made constant demands on the city for repayment. Up to date $300,000 has been returned.

BREVITIES.

   —Rainfall Oct. 24, .45 inches.

   —Senator David B. Hill will speak at the Opera House Saturday afternoon, Nov. 3.

   —Be sure and go to the harvest supper and concert to-morrow night at the Universalist church.

   —Rev. H. K. Samuelian of Constantinople, Turkey, will occupy the last half hour at the Homer-ave. church prayer-meeting to-night.

   —The Democrats hold a mass meeting Saturday night in Taylor hall. DeForest Van Fleet of Ithaca and M. Z. Havens of Syracuse are the speakers.

   —The Bible class of about thirty young ladies taught by Prof. Louis Higgins in the Homer-ave. Sunday-school will give a ten-cent oyster supper next Monday evening in the church,

   —The Union Veteran legion assembly tonight will be a public memorial service for Comrade James D. Wilmarth, the first member who has died since the organization of the Cortland encampment.

   —Mrs. Celistia Salisbury died this morning at the house of her son, Nathan P. Salisbury, on the hill east of Cortland. Her age was 88 years. The funeral will be held at the house, Saturday morning at 11 o'clock.

   —Next Friday evening the Merry Bachelors will receive their friends in Empire hall from 8 till 9 o'clock. The balance of the evening will be given up to tripping the light fantastic, for which Conway's orchestra will furnish music.

   —Judge Gerrit A. Forbes of Canastota, one of the justices of the supreme court in the Sixth judicial district, is a lover of fine horseflesh. He has recently purchased Maid Thorne and Richard E., two fine bred horses of good trotting stock from parties in Watkins.

   —The Woman's Christian Temperance union will hold their regular meeting on Saturday, Oct. 27, in their rooms, 12 West Court-st., beginning promptly at 2:30 o'clock. The first half hour will be a service of prayer; then after a brief business session the time will be occupied by the members in presenting items of interest on temperance work in any part of the world. All members and visitors are invited to bring one or more short items to relate or read.

   —A newspaper has at least 5,000 readers to 1,000 subscribers. A merchant who puts out 1,000 hand bills gets possibly 300 or 400 people to read them. The hand bills cost as much as a good advertisement in the home newspaper. All the women and half the men and boys read the advertisement. The merchant who uses the newspaper thus has 4,500 more readers. There is no estimating the amount of business that advertising does bring to the merchant, but that each dollar invested brings a good return there can be no doubt.—Exchange.

   —The Ithaca Journal says: Of the twenty-two players in the Cornell-Princeton game last Saturday, not one was hurt so that a substitute was required. The fact is significant. It shows that under the present rules, football, if properly played, is not a dangerous game. It is only when improperly played by teams from small colleges and so-called "scrub teams," that the element of serious danger comes in. In the Cornell-Princeton game not a blow was struck on either side. That again is as it should be. The more that teams like Princeton and Cornell give an example of genuine football playing, the better it will be for the game.

Parker-Huson.

   A very happy wedding took place Wednesday evening at Blodgett Mills at the residence of Mrs. Julia Hollenbeck. It was the marriage of her granddaughter, Miss Irene M. Huson to Frank C. Parker of Blodgett Mills. A large circle of relatives and friends from Cortland, Homer, and Blodgett Mills were in attendance. The rooms were prettily and tastily decorated with ferns, autumn leaves and potted plants. Miss H. Louise Burt played the wedding march and at precisely eight o'clock the bridal couple preceded by little Miss Kate Hatfield carrying a basket of cut flowers, and Master Earl Hollenbeck with a bouquet entered the parlor and paused before an arch prettily decorated with autumn leaves.

   The ceremony was performed by Rev. John D. Barnes of Upper Lisle, a former pastor of the Blodgett Mills church. After congratulations were extended dainty refreshments were served. The bride's cake was an elaborate affair and was a gift of Mr. Richard Welch of Cortland, who made it. The cake weighed forty pounds and was eighteen inches high and was beautifully ornamented. The bride was becomingly attired and looked very pretty.