FROM CALIFORNIA.
Ex-Supervisor
Lee Writes of His Fine Western Trip.
We are permitted to publish a letter to Hon.
B. F. Lee from his brother, ex-Supervisor George W. Lee, who is now on an
extended Western trip.
HOTEL WESTMINSTER
LOS ANGELES, Cal., Feb. 21, 1895.
Dear brother and all the loved ones at home:
Conscious of the fact that you are very
anxious to learn as to our well being, I am now seated on the spacious veranda
of this hotel with the mercury sweltering in the eighties here in the shade and
from 100 to 110 degrees in the sun—a difference of about 180 degrees between
here and Chicago. I am glad to say we are well, but are somewhat fatigued by
the protracted journey of about 3,000 miles over mountains and across plains. I
know your anxiety will be heightened by the fact of the great blizzard which
occurred while we were enroute, but luckily for us in the West where it was the
most severest, was so much in advance of us, that our travel was not seriously
impeded. Notwithstanding the fact that the track was buried to a depth of
several feet for miles with sand bars and at other places with tremendous heaps
of snow of which the people in the East have but a faint conception, the track
was cleared so that we arrived in Albuqureque, N. M., nearly on time, this
being our first stop of any length since leaving Chicago.
Here we were met by D. W. Lane at 8 o'clock
A. M. He received and entertained us in a very pleasant and agreeable way and
in a manner which is very becoming to the man. We had not been there long
before we were aware of the fact that his friends here, as in his old home in
the East, were legion. We spent the day here with him, hired a livery and drove
out about three miles into the country to a school of about 300 boys and girls,
mostly Indians and Mexicans, the youngest being eight years old. The school is
maintained by the United States government, no child being received here unless
the parent binds himself to leave said child in school at least three years.
The majority of the pupils seem quite bright, no whipping being practiced for
disobedience. The smaller ones are put on a diet of bread and water and the
larger ones are put under treatment which soon makes them succumb. In addition
to what is taught in our common schools of the East they are taught all kinds
of work. The teachers say these children are very mischievous and require a
great deal of watching.
New Albuquerque contains about 7,500
inhabitants. The height of the town is about 5,000 above the level of the sea,
while the thermometer indicates to-day 60 degrees above zero here. Snow is
plainly visible on the mountains 15 to 20 miles distant. The inhabitants here
are mostly Mexicans and Indians. There are some good business blocks and
dwellings here. Buildings in Old Albuquerque are mostly constructed of mud.
Some of the buildings are 150 years old. They cannot raise anything here except
by irrigation. I saw a farmer out about five miles who said he had to buy all
the water he used and haul it home. I saw many Indians drive in here with their
squaws seated in the aft of a lumber wagon clad in beauty dresses and cloth
shoes. They would always alight from their wagon unassisted.
In Kansas there is considerable snow. Cattle
there have to be foddered. We saw many herds that contained several thousands
of animals. This state has a good deal of level land. The railroad stations
average about 90 miles apart, the houses are scattering, We saw much hay put up
in stacks through this state.
In Colorado the cattle looked better and we
saw but very little snow. We saw but little hay put up and think but little
foddering is done there. We saw many houses built of railroad ties put up
endwise and covered with mud. We saw some herds of cattle in Arizona of 25,000
head. They looked quite good. Grass looked dry and dead, but stock seemed to
feel well and were quite fleshy. Cattle descend from the mountains to the
valleys in the coldest weather. Saw some Mohammedans here. Their complexion is
bright red. The women had pitch on their faces which was put on in strips
lengthwise. They looked funny indeed.
Our next stop was at San Bernardino which is
a distance of about 60 miles. Everything looked fresh and green there. The
temperature was about the same as here. Some oranges are raised there though it
is not so much of a fruit section as Red Lands. We hired a livery out to the
latter place, a distance of 10 miles, a fine drive. It was nice to see the orange
trees loaded with their fruit. While this is their chief product, grapes, strawberries
and other fruits are raised to some extent. We sampled the oranges in several
orchards by the consent of the owners, also strawberries which were very fine.
We went upon Smile Heights, a distance of two miles, a grand place to behold
this. The grounds and buildings are very elegant. It must have cost a vast sum
to fix up and maintain this place. Flowers are in full bloom and ornamental
trees surround the walks and drives. Frogs were peeping joyously on our way
back. This place is only six years old and lies at the upper end of Santa Ana
valley; altitude 1,349 feet; population about 3,000; assessed valuation
$2,000,000. The manufacture of irrigating pipe is the chief one at that place.
Leaving San Bernardino we went to Riverside,
a distance of six miles, a very nice place; population 1,000. We again
chartered a livery and drove into the country and spent a half day. We saw one
orange orchard which contained 80 acres. The general average is from four to
ten acres. In the past they claim this has been very remunerative and brings in
lots of wealth.
Arriving here we were met by Frank Clark and
wife who extended to us their usual hospitality. No rain has fallen here for
some time. The weather is fine. The nights are a little cool and one needs
scarcely as much clothing as in [New] York state. We went by railroad from here
to Santa Monica, a distance of 18 miles. Frank's folks went with us. We passed
the Soldiers' Home, saw them march in full uniform, a very nice sight. Cattle
and horses were grazing all along our journey. Grass looks as fresh and green
as the last days of May in York state. E. H. and I went to a place called
Palms, a distance of 7 miles. He looked at some property with a view of buying.
He is now negotiating with another party in this city. I think he will
purchase. This is a very lovely city of about 80,000 inhabitants and,
everything considered, this is the finest place we have yet struck. We all went
out reconnoitering west of here two miles where they were boring for oil. From
30 to 40 wells are there. This oil is not distilled, but is used for fuel. I think
I will leave Los Angeles soon for San Francisco and perhaps may go to Yosemite
Valley. Thence we shall go to Salt Lake City, thence to Denver, Col., where we
expect to meet Messrs. Perry and Maybury, formerly of Cortland.
Will write again soon. Love to all,
GEO. W. LEE.
PAGE
TWO—EDITORIALS.
The
Republican Ticket.
No one can claim that the makeup of the
Republican village ticket nominated yesterday afternoon is not above the
average of village tickets. Were it not for the citizens' movement there would
not be the slightest doubt of a handsome majority for every name on the ticket.
The reasons advanced for the nomination of a citizens' ticket can be claimed to
apply only to the offices of president and trustees, and we believe that the
enforcement of law will be just as safe in the hands of the Republican nominees
for these offices as in those of the citizens' nominees. More than this, we
believe that the voters of this village will have to choose between the regular
Republican and Democratic nominees. The citizens' ticket will command
comparatively few Democratic votes. By far the greater part of the strength of
the citizens' ticket will be drawn from the Republican ranks, and it will not
take a defection of many hundred votes to put the Democratic ticket first in
the final count. Do the supporters of the citizens' ticket want this? Do they think
that with a Democratic president and two Democratic trustees the law will be
any better enforced or the interests of temperance any better advanced than
with the Republicans in power?
In order that the voters of this village may
understand just how the Republican nominees for trustee stand on the questions
involved in the citizens' movement we this morning called on Messrs. Smith and
Reid and asked them for a statement for publication. Mr. Smith said he was a
straight Republican and had not sought the nomination. If elected he should try
to do his full duly. He did not think the trustees had a right to use moneys
raised for other purposes to prosecute liquor sellers. If the people of the
village chose to vote an appropriation for such purpose, he considered that
they had a perfect right to do so, and if any large number of citizens
petitioned to have a special election to vote on such an appropriation he
thought the opportunity ought to be given them. The will of the people in this
respect ought to govern. If there was any danger that inserting the item asked
for to raise money for this purpose in the regular list of appropriations would
cause complications and lead to an attempt to have the entire tax levy declared
illegal—as was claimed—he thought the trustees did right in not inserting it.
But this objection would not apply to a special appropriation voted for at a
special election. If the majority of the people were in favor of voting such an
appropriation he believed they should be allowed to do so. If the appropriation
were afterwards declared illegal, that would settle the matter. If no question
were raised about it or it were declared legal, it would then be the duty of
the trustees to obey the directions of the charter in the expenditure of the money
so raised. He did not believe in illegal liquor selling. Liquor would be sold,
however, and he believed the real question was how it could best be restricted.
He had been solicited to run as a license excise commissioner but had refused.
He thought that the district attorney was at present the proper officer to
prosecute for the violation of the liquor law, and that if facts and evidence
were submitted to that officer he would present them to the grand jury. Any
citizen has the right to submit such evidence.
Mr. Reid said he had been a lifelong
Republican and had been urged to take the nomination and had not sought it. He
endorsed heartily the platform on which Mr. Smith placed himself.
President Tisdale said he had no pledges to
make. His record was before the people. In the only case of a violation of the
excise law which had been brought to his notice during the past year and
evidence offered, he had instituted proceedings and would have carried them
through had not the parties
who offered to furnish the evidence decided that it was insufficient, and asked
that the proceedings be discontinued. If elected, he proposed to perform the
duties of the office to the best of his ability and to see that the law as he
understood it was promptly and efficiently enforced.
From
Another Republican.
To the Editor of the Standard:
SIR—The communication in The STANDARD of
yesterday, headed "From a Republican," abounds in such bitter
vituperation and with so many epithets that, with thoughtful Republicans it
must react upon itself. Its misstatements, however, may mislead some. Arguments
and facts, not vilification, are what good Republicans desire.
First misstatement—"The citizens' movement
is premature." When on earth then could it be mature? When licenses
were granted the laws were outrageously violated. Since liquor selling has been
illegal the saloons have been in full blast. Private citizens have spent
hundreds of dollars trying to enforce the law, and their efforts were opposed
by men all of whom are now crying out against the citizens' ticket. For a year
past, in public meetings, by committees and in public prints, the Republicans have
been admonished that, unless the village board made some attempt to enforce the
law, there would be a citizens' movement. Had these citizens waited till the
Republican convention met, and the Republicans still refused to heed their desire,
there would have been but one day for them to appeal to the citizens and get
their nominations filed. Premature indeed!
Second misstatement—"A ticket to oppose
the Republican ticket." It is well known that most earnestly and sincerely
the Republicans were invoked to favor a board of trustees who would pledge
themselves to enforce the law against the saloons, and had they yesterday nominated
a president in favor of this, Dr. F. W. Higgins would have withdrawn his name
in favor of such nominee.
Third misstatement—"Columns of
denunciations." The call for the convention here referred to was less than
three-quarters of a column and not one word of denunciation in it except of the
liquor sellers who are defying law; every other word was respectful.
Fourth misstatement—"Delegates had been
chosen." Not one delegate had been chosen. It was not a delegated
convention.
Fifth misstatement—"Private
caucuses." They were simply meetings of those who were meeting to sign the
certificates required by law.
Sixth misstatement—-"Noted political
crooks and chronic disturbers,"etc. The STANDARD'S own reporter said of
the convention in his printed report, "It consisted in large degree of
many of the most solid business men of the place."
Seventh misstatement—"Having organized
a new party." That is utterly false. The official certificate settles the matter.
Every man expects to stick to his party, but you may rest assured that after
election there will be organized a new Republican league that will not do the
bidding of the saloon.
Eighth misstatement—"Not eligible to
help make nominations for the Republican party." Is it possible that men
who have all their lives voted the Republican
ticket are not eligible to do this? Is it possible that because they wanted to
get their party to endorse all the Republicans on this citizens' village ticket
they must be denied their vote? That is all they sought to do, and yet they
were cast out. Expecting this the attempt to claim a vote was made in but two
wards.
Ninth misstatement—"Enforcing the
excise law. Village officers have little to do with that." The village
charter explicitly says of the president: "It shall be his duty to see
that laws of the state applicable to the village are faithfully and impartially
executed; to institute prosecutions in the corporate name for violations
thereof." Of the trustees it says they shall have power to make ordinances,
"to prohibit all gaming and the selling of intoxicating liquor contrary to
law."
Tenth misstatement—"Policemen cannot
sit in barrooms." Why can't they? Isn't there any room or are the seats too
hard? Other men can sit there and even boys.
Finally, "If they did (sit in barrooms)
no break of law would occur in their presence"!! Correct! Admitted! So after
all, this earnest "Republican" does believe that the president can
stop this constant and defiant lawlessness. All he has to do is to keep a
trustworthy policeman in every saloon. The expense might be heavy at first, but
the outlaws would soon shut up for lack of business, and once shut up a single
policeman could keep them so. Capital plan! "I thank the Jew for the word!"
It concedes the whole point of the citizens' ticket.
Now, Mr. Editor, the inevitable "machine
politician" may be in this movement, but he is very few and of little influence
beyond his vote. The whole movement and especially the leadership is by a large
body of intelligent, worthy citizens who are seeking a way to lessen the shame
and corrupting power of the saloon in Cortland. Other plans have failed,
license, prosecution by private citizens, popular remonstrance, appeal to a
Republican board, appeal to the political parties—these have failed. In heaven's
name let us do one thing more, elect a board pledged against the law-defying saloon—the
thing that ought to have been done long ago. How can any citizen be opposed to the
saloon and yet fail to support this movement for the closing of the saloon and
the saving to our people the $50,000 now annually spent in Cortland for strong
drink.
ANOTHER REPUBLICAN.
BREVITIES.
—The D., L. & W. vestibule was a quarter of an hour late this
morning, having been delayed by the fire at Homer.
—A regular meeting of the directors of the
Tioughnioga club will be held at the club parlors this evening at 7:30 o'clock.
—Mr. C. F. Thompson received yesterday 20,000
trout from the Caledonia hatchery to stock the streams in this vicinity.
—The Fortnightly club meet this evening with
Miss Mary H. White, 58 Port Watson-st. A special program has been prepared.
—Willie Hyde of South Cortland fell on the
ice Sunday and cut his nose so badly that several stitches had to be taken in
sewing it up.
—The Blumenberg Concert Co. which appear at
the Opera House Friday night will give one of the choice musical entertainments
of the season.
—The regular meeting of the Y. M. C. A.
Camera club has been postponed until some night next week on account of the
[Mr. Madison Peters’] lecture at the Normal to-night.
—Milk is bringing only two cents a quart in
Groton, and our correspondent writes that the price will probably fall to one
cent before June.—Ithaca Journal.
—There will be a total eclipse of the moon
on Sunday evening, March 10, beginning soon after 8 o'clock. It will be visible
throughout the United States.
—The Cortland Howe Ventilating Stove Co. has
started its works again for the season of 1895 after the usual winter shut down
for inventory, repairs, etc.
—We shall have to beg the indulgence of our
subscribers for a few days for the lateness of getting out our papers. It is due
to the accident which befell our press. Repairs will very shortly be completed
and then late hours will be done away with.
—Mrs. Eliza A. Churchill, aged 88 years,
died yesterday at the home of her daughter on the back road to Homer. She was
the mother of Conductor James M.
Churchill. The funeral will be held at 2 P. M. to-morrow from the residence of
her daughter.
—Our Homer letter will he found on the
fourth page to-day and perhaps for a day or two longer until we are able to use
our Cox press again which was damaged by the fire Monday night. The letter is full
of interest to-day containing the details of the fire there this morning and of
the caucus last night.
HOMER
DEPARTMENT.
Gleanings
of News From Our Twin Village.
Mrs. W. N. Brockway and Mrs. P. R. Thompson
were among the Homer people in Syracuse to-day.
Judge A. P. Smith, Emmet F. Jennings and E.
B. Richardson of Cortland were among the passengers on the trains this morning
that left the cars to watch the fire in this village.
Fire was discovered in the shops of the Homer
Wagon company's plant at a few minutes before 10 o'clock this morning. The
alarm was immediately rung, but by the time the firemen arrived the flames had
eaten their way along the rafters of the blacksmith shop and were increasing in
force and volume. Hose 4 arrived considerably in advance of the other companies
and attached both shutoffs to the hydrant at the corner of James and Cortland-sts.
The fire was then confined to the blacksmith shop and for about an hour it was
uncertain as to whether the firemen would be able to keep the flames from the main
shop. The fire gained great headway under the tar paper roof which proved a
great hindrance to the efforts of the firemen.
The fire is supposed to have caught in the
north gable of the blacksmith shop and presumably from the heater which was in
constant use. This is the third time that flames have attacked this plant
within a year and its happening at this time of the year is very unfortunate,
as the firm have many unfilled orders which were in process of construction for
this season's trade. The loss cannot be exactly estimated at present, but will
be about $5,600.
The plant and stock were fully insured. The
fire occurred at a little before the time when the express train is due from
the north and when it arrived it was detained about twenty minutes, as there were
two lengths of hose laid across the tracks. During this time the passengers had
ample opportunity to leave the train and observe the progress of the fire which
many did. When the flames were somewhat subdued a length of hose was detached
and while the other was suspended in the air by means of a ladder and poles the
train was drawn under it and continued its journey south. The 10:06 train from
the south which arrived later was also detained about twenty minutes. Coal
train, No. 38, and the milk train were afterwards delayed several minutes for
the same cause.
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