MAY HASTEN A CRISIS

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, April 3, 1895.

MAY HASTEN A CRISIS.

Venezuela Concedes Territory Under Dispute.

AMERICANS SECURE THE GRANT.

This Action Regarded at Washington as a Practical Declaration of

Her Rights—Great Britain's Action Now Awaited With Interest.

   FARIBAULT, Minn., April 3.—Donald Grant, a wealthy contractor of this city, W. H. Fisher, late manager of the Duluth and Winnipeg railroad, and J. A. Bowman, a Grand Rapids (Minn.) banker, have just returned from Venezuela, where they obtained a concession of land at the mouth of the Orinoco, running 125 miles south and from 15 to 50 miles east and west. It is rich in minerals, mahogany, rosewood and dyewoods.

   They also have the right to mine asphalt on a small island near Trinidad.

   The syndicate will invest a good deal of capital in working the concession and Mr. Fisher is to be the manager.

A FAR REACHING ACTION.

Venezuela's Concession to Americans May Prove of Vast Moment.

   WASHINGTON, April 3.—There is a great deal more in the news from Faribault of the grant of a concession by Venezuela at the mouth of the Orinoco than is indicated in the dispatch. This concession may be more or less famous in the history of the diplomacy of the United States and Great Britain.

   The concession is well calculated to bring to an acute stage the most troublesome diplomatic question before the state department and one which has caused the administration more real concern than the Allianca affair, the late Guatemalan-Mexican dispute and other international episodes.

   The concession is in the heart of the territory now in dispute between Venezuela and Great Britain, and Ambassador Bayard for some time has vainly attempted, in accordance with a resolution recently adopted by congress, to persuade Great Britain to submit the whole dispute to arbitration, Great Britain being willing to arbitrate only beyond what is known as the Schomberg line.

   There have been intimations that the administration, in the event of a physical conflict over the disputed land, will deem it necessary in the enforcement of the Monroe doctrine to follow up the moral aid it has tendered Venezuela with more substantial and potent assistance. The fact that citizens of the United States now, by this concession, are thrust, so to speak, between Great Britain and the United States, will considerably increase the measure of this country's responsibility.

   Senor Andrade, the Venezuelan minister at Washington, when seen concerning the Faribault paragraph, said that he had no official confirmation of the grant of the concession, and added that he does not doubt its correctness, as it is in line with reports that such concessions would be made.

   The land included in the concession, he said, is the vital point of conflict between Great Britain and Venezuela. The Orinoco is the great commercial artery of South America, running far inland, through Venezuela, Brazil and other countries. Whoever controls the mouth of the river, Minister Andrade said, will control this great commerce.

   Great Britain has taken possession of Punta Barina, at the mouth, which is to Orinoco what the island of Gibraltar is to the Mediterranean. She has also equipped a naval station on Trinidad island, just off the mouth. Her claims embrace both banks of the stream of the mouth. It is part of this important strategic territory that Venezuela grants the United States citizens. The concession near Trinidad island is believed to be the island of Patos. It is very near to the British naval station and particularly rich in asphalt.

   The present concession is the most emphatic declaration of ownership Venezuela has made since 1884. In that year, a concession was made to Messrs. Fitzgerald and Turnbull, citizens of the United States, of part of this Orinoco territory.

   It was about to be operated by a United States company, known as the Manoa company, when Great Britain entered such an emphatic protest that Venezuela cancelled the concession.

   Since then the conflict between Great Britain and Venezuela has been waged through diplomatic channels; now Venezuela reasserts her rights, and turns them over to United States citizens.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Abraham Gruber's Case.

   We quote the following from the Syracuse Journal of April 2, regarding a gentleman who is very well known to many people in Cortland and who used to spend his summers at Hotel Raymond at Little York before Tully became such a famous summer resort and he took up his summer residence there:

   New York has a little lawyer, and he is a bright, brisk and tonguey fellow. He is cheery, witty, and very clever. Whoever has been at Tully Lake park in the summer, during any of several recent seasons, has met Gruber and been impressed with his qualities.

   Gruber has warm friends in the Park colony, and many others in town here where he sometimes passes a few days. He is a good story-teller, sings a good song, indulges in rhymes occasionally, is fond of sports, and is an exceedingly pleasant companion. He is reputed a keen, successful lawyer, who has made his way handsomely among the big practitioners in the metropolis. He has a prosperous appearance, and people take an instinctive fancy to him.

   Mr. Gruber was a delegate from New York City in the Republican state convention held at the Alhambra a year ago last September. He was a new and unknown member. But Gruber got interested in a question that divided the House, and he made a little speech that made Gruber a man of mark from that hour. He was an innocent among politicians. He didn't know how he got to this convention, and from the quaint, sharp things he said at the expense of politics and politicians, he evidently didn't expect ever to be sent again. He pleased the delegations and sat down amid a roar of applause.

   Gruber then evidently was outside the breastworks, but he didn't stay outside a very long time. He talked himself into somebody's good graces, and that somebody was the much-talked-about boss, Tom Platt. It is evident that little Abraham was taken in and that he has stayed in. At least we so infer from the fact that the New York Tribune devotes a whole column-leading editorial to Abraham Gruber. The little lawyer is a member of a Good Government club, pays his dues and thus keeps his membership, and goes on promoting the cause of good government in his own way.

   But he is attached to Mr. Platt and does effective service for the leader he admires and follows.  Some of the Good Government club want to be rid of Gruber and they invite him to get out. But Gruber will not gratify them, and The Tribune takes up the case and goes for Gruber in the same style it has lately gone for Platt. The Tribune would have Gruber turned out, but Gruber thinks he has done nothing to merit this distinction from his good government associates. Gruber sticks and the club does nothing more than in a mild manner to remonstrate against his associating with Platt.

   The offence may be rank, and smell to high heaven, etc., but Gruber's olfactories are not in that manner affected. He doesn't take the hint of these friends to get out, nor does he desert Platt. All we feel at liberty to say to Abraham Gruber at this time is that he is expected to act up to his conscience—as far as any lawyer has that article and can act up to it; and that as soon as the pleasant weather comes on, he cannot do better than to come up to Tully Lake park, where he always is welcome, and where he never fails to have a first-rate time. Clarence Brown and George Leonard and the rest of the Syracuse boys who frequent that resort, will give Gruber a hearty welcome and together they will have a rollicking time of it, regardless of Good Government clubs, Tom Platt and the New York Tribune.

A MAGNIFICENT CONCERT.

The Temple Quartet and Miss Davis Delighted a Large Audience.

   The Temple Quartet of Boston and Miss Fay Davis gave one of the finest entertainments of its kind at Normal hall last night which Cortland has been privileged to listen to in a long time—it may almost be said since the last appearance of the same quartet here four years ago. Since that time, however, the personnel of the quartet has been changed, so that Mr. Webber, the second tenor, is the only one of the four who has been heard here before. But it has been a change for the better, and the quartet is now stronger than ever.

   It seems as though all the good things which it is possible to say of any quartet had been said of this one, and that there is nothing new to be added. Every one who has heard them knows how fine are the individual voices, both in quality and in compass, how perfect is the harmony, how excellent the shading and expression, how clear the enunciation, how wonderful the ensemble singing, so that in unison passages it seems as though there was but a single voice. The enthusiasm of the audience last night was unbounded and every single number on the program except the last was encored, in one case a triple encore being called for and given. The program was an admirable one and was intensely enjoyed by all.

   This was the, first appearance in Cortland of Miss Fay Davis, the reader, and she captured her house at the first number by her easy and graceful manner and by the high degree of excellence of her impersonations. Her selections were varied in character and style and she showed an equal ability in every line. Among the lady readers who have been in Cortland Miss Davis has few superiors if indeed any equals.

   This entertainment was the last in the Normal course. It is to be hoped that the management of next winter's course will try to book this same company for a return engagement.

CORTLAND COUNTY NEWS.

Things Seen and Heard in Villages and Hamlets About Us, and Items From All Over the County.

   TAYLOR, April 1.—A. K. Bennett having secured the services of an experienced workman, Mr. Ed Hilsinger, is now prepared to do all woodwork jobs that may come in connection with his blacksmith shop. Glad indeed are we all for this new enterprise.

   Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Wire, Monday, March 25, a daughter.

   Mrs. Huttleston of Delphi is stopping with her daughter, Mrs. Isaiah Baldwin.

   At the business meeting of the Epworth league held last Wednesday evening for the election of new officers A. S. Anderson was elected president, Miss May Rice, vice-president, Mrs. A. S. Anderson, secretary, A. H. Bennett, treasurer.

   Messrs. Addison and Andrew Jennings of Killawog were guests at Artemas Wire's, recently.

   Mrs. Amy Butman has returned to this place after a protracted absence.

   Mr. A. S. Anderson, our enterprising painter, is having plenty of work these days. He is just starting in life and as his painting is very nicely and quickly done any one having wagons or cutters which they want repainted will do well to patronize him.

   Mrs. Wm. Seacord of Truxton and Arthur Neely of Solon visited at Edwin Hoag's Friday night.

   Quarterly meeting services were held in the W. M. church Saturday and Sunday. Rev. Mr. Guernsey of Killawog was present and conducted them.

   Some of our farmers are making sugar these days which they are selling for from 7 to 10 cents per pound. Some have contracted their syrup for 60 cents per gallon.

   Miss May Rice is visiting a week with relatives west of Cincinnati.

   What an advantage it would be to our town if we could have sidewalks. This muddy weather it is almost impossible for ladies to go in the street especially in the evening on account of the walking. We understand the lumber has been offered to build them by parties living near the village. It seems as though the business men and others might be interested enough in the matter to build them as long as they can have the lumber free of costs.

   The M. E. society of this place will hold a meeting at the church on Tuesday evening, April 9, and every one is requested to bring 25 cents which he or she has earned by working with their hands, and to tell their experience in earning it. The money will be used for missions.

   GALATIA, April 2.—Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith of Marathon were calling at E. W. Gibb's on Saturday last.

   Mrs. J. L. Woods is sick again. Dr. Trafford is in attendance.

   William Richardson is gaining slowly.

   E. W. Gibbs boiled sap for the first yesterday.

   Horace Hall is the father of a little girl.

   Mrs. E. Gridley recently visited friends in Cortland. Her father, Mr. Stevens, returned with her, remaining a few days.

   Mary Flavin is teaching school near Harford. It is her first term.

   Robins made their first appearance here on Sunday.

   The safest way of traveling nowadays is to go on foot. We saw one team shoveled out this morning.

   Henry Martin is agent for washing machines.

   WEST HOMER, April 1.—The funeral of Mrs. John Selover was held at the home of her son, Addison Selover, on Monday last. The deceased was an old resident, having for the last few years made her home with her children. Mrs. Selover's health for the last few years has been quite poorly. Her mind became impaired a little time before she died and heart failure suddenly ended her life.

   Mr. G. N. Van Bensohoten went to Cortland last Monday to be treated at the hospital by Dr Higgins for an ulcer which appeared on his eye ball. Fears were entertained that he might lose his sight, but later developments are encouraging and hope takes the place of fear.

   The season for sugarmaking is here, but the entire absence of the material to make sugar with is lacking.

   Mr. Selover, our trustee, has engaged Frank Barker from Homer, a Hamilton student, to teach our school the coming term.

   The Sodus Alliance speaks through its Alton correspondent in unqualified praise of Rev. Mr. Dunham of Summerhill who has been holding revival meetings at that place and meeting with wonderful success.

   West Homer factory is being repaired by the laying of a new floor and other necessary repairs. It will start up in a few days as soon as the repairing is finished.

   LITTLE YORK, April 2.—School commences next Monday under the supervision of the popular teacher of last term, Miss Maud Wakefield.

   We learn that Fred Graham is to take the place of Lew Hopkins in running the blacksmith shop.

   Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Rogers have moved into the house lately vacated by Lew Hopkins' family.

   Mr. John Roe died last week at the home of his son, John Roe, Jr. Funeral at Preble on Sunday.

   The oyster supper at Mr. Bennett's on Thursday evening next for the benefit of Rev. A. C. Smith promises to be a very enjoyable affair. Vocal and instrumental music is to be a prominent feature of the entertainment for which all the best of our home talent will be secured.

A Generous Offer Accepted.

   At the last regular meeting of the Woman's Auxiliary it was unanimously voted to accept with hearty thanks the generous offer of the Tisdale Milling Co., made through Mr. T. L. Corwin, of all that the ladies can sell of the first day's output of their newly fitted mill, amounting to one hundred barrels of flour, less the cost of the wheat, and free delivery of the same.

   It is expected that the mill will be in running order about May 1. With their new machinery the Tisdale company will produce some of the best flour on the market.

   A committee has been appointed from the Auxiliary to solicit orders. It is hoped the family flour barrel will be empty about that time and that a liberal response will be given the solicitors, as it is all for the benefit of the Young Men's Christian association.

BREVITIES.

   —Mr. Thomas Leach has thirteen Plymouth Rock hens which laid 278 eggs during the month of March. This record is hard to beat.

   —The funeral of Harrison Crandall will be held from his late home on Clinton-ave. at 2:30 P. M. to-morrow afternoon and at the Universalist church at 3 P. M.

   —The east side mothers' meeting will be held in the reading rooms on Thursday, April 4, at 3 o'clock. Subject, "Faults and Errors." All ladies and especially mothers are invited.

   —The Neal Dow club of the Normal will have a genuine 1895 maple syrup festival in the W. C. T. U. rooms on Thursday, April 4, from 8 to 10:30 P. M. Two tickets will be sold for 15 cents.

   —Mrs. J. A. Graham and Mr. F. I. Graham pleasantly entertained a small company at their home Monday evening from 8 till 11 o'clock. Music was the chief diversion. Some very fine refreshments were served at 10 o'clock.

   —The Amsterdam Democrat was upon March 29 turned over to the ladies of that city who published a woman's edition of twenty-four pages for the benefit of the city library. The paper is well edited.

   —The Coventry (England) Standard of some time ago speaking of Dr. Powell said "His oratorical power is unsurpassed by any lecturer now on the English platform." Hear him at the Universalist church next Monday night.

   —The Auburn Advertiser, one of the best of our exchanges from adjoining counties, is out in advance of Easter in a new bonnet, dress, and all the other typographical "fixins" which go to make up a handsome and up-to-date newspaper. Such an evidence of prosperity in these hard times speaks well for the popularity and enterprise of our contemporary, and we offer the compliments of the season thereupon.

Vital Statistics.

   Health Officer Moore gives us the following facts for the month of March:

   Total deaths 8—males 3, females 5; social condition—single 1, married 6, widowed 1; nativity—United States 7, Ireland 1; ages—under 10 years one, between 20 and 30, two, 30 and 40, one, 60 and 70, two, 70 and 80, two; causes of death—consumption 3, cancer 1, heart disease 2, disease of the brain 2; births 10—males 3, females 7; marriages 6.