A VERY HOT CAUCUS

William H. Clark.

Rufus T. Peck.

Photo from Grip's Historical Souvenir of Cortland.

Judge A. P. Smith.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, August 30, 1895.

A VERY HOT CAUCUS.

CROOKED WORK CHARGED.

Charges of Bribery and General Rascality Freely Made—The Great Moral Reform party in a Big Row

—Everybody Guessing as to the Result.

   If evidence has been heretofore wanting to prove that "For ways that are dark and for tricks that are vain, the Republican politician is peculiar,'' the republican caucus held in this village last Saturday furnished bushels of it. No one of average intelligence can hereafter entertain a reasonable doubt that the Great Moral Reform party, as it is managed in Cortland, can give Tammany Hall points and skunk them at their own game. The opposing forces were led on one side by W. H. Clark, W. J. Mantanye, T. E. Courtney, county clerk E. C. Palmer, Enos E. Mellon, John C. Barry and a few of the lesser lights and on the other by A. P. Smith, R. T & C. T. Peck, H. L. Bronson, N. L. Miller, R. C. Duell and others. The first named are supposed to represent the Platt wing of the party and the other gang is said to be with the Reform(?) element of the organization.

   Any one [sic] could plainly see for some days previous that there was trouble brewing. The first named parties held a caucus of their friends in the office of Mr. Mellon early in the week and elected four delegates whose names were to be presented to the caucus for ratification. Tickets containing the names of these four persons were printed and enclosed, together with a circular, in every copy of the Daily Standard on Thursday. This, it must be admitted, was not a very shrewd political movement, as some of the recipients took it as a direction that they were expected to vote that ticket, which many of them resented. The tickets and circulars were also placed in envelopes and personally delivered to the very large number of republicans who do not take the Standard.

   The polls were opened at 2 o'clock and remained open until 8 P. M. Trouble commenced almost as soon as the chairman of the town committee called the caucus to order. The Clark—Mantanye faction had requested the town committee to select the chairman from one of a list of several very respectable citizens, which request was denied, and when the chairman nominated Ex-Judge A. P. Smith for chairman, considerable dissatisfaction was manifested by the C. & M. faction. The chairman of the committee then proceeded to nominate two secretary's and two ballot clerks. The Clark—Mantanye faction strenuously objected on the ground that all four of the parties named belonged to the Smith—Peck—Bronson faction and an unseemly wrangle was indulged in. In fact pandemonium ruled the roost for several minutes. Hot words passed and for a time it looked as though a fist fight would result. Hon. R. T. Peck finally poured some kerosene on the troubled waters by moving that one secretary and one ballot clerk be given to the opposition forces which motion was carried.

   The caucus then proceeded and balloting for delegates to the county convention commenced. The Smith—Peck crowd charge that the Clark—Mantanye gang corralled over a hundred Democrats and voted them solid for their side, while the Clark—Mantanye party make a similar charge against their opponents. An examination of the poll list kept by the secretaries of the caucus proves pretty conclusively, that a considerable number of voters, who have heretofore claimed to be Democrats, voted at the caucus. Not being present all the time, it is impossible for us to say which side benefitted the most from these votes. It is quite probable that both sides availed themselves of as many of these disreputable votes as possible, and where all were willing to take every vote they could get; it is hardly fair to presume that some illegal or improper votes were not cast for each set of delegates. The DEMOCRAT dislikes to believe that there are an hundred Democrats in the city that have so little respect for themselves as to offer to vote in a Republican caucus.

   Both factions felt the necessity of placing the best men possible in nomination and this they did, hoping they would win on account of their popularity. The Clark—Mantanye ticket had these names upon it: Theodore H. Wickwire, H. T. Bushnell, Jas. Porter and Francis J. Cheney. The first named is a very popular citizen, the second represents the Methodist church, the third the workingmen and the last the Good Government people. It was indeed a pretty strong combination. The Smith—Peck ticket was made up as follows: Edward H. Brewer, A. H. Watkins, J. B. Kellogg and Charles F. Brown representing the manufacturing interests, the business interests and the Methodist and Baptist churches. It will be seen that the Republicans of Cortland are not averse to mixing business and church affairs. In fact, politics and religion, so called, always enter largely into their caucus calculations, and one faction evidently thought it well to leaven the entire loaf by putting in a pinch of the Good Government and Normal school for condiments.

   But "The best laid schemes o' mice and men, gang aft a-gley" and the saying proved true in this instance as the last named ticket was chosen by a vote of 388 to 411, and the Smiths and the Pecks and Bronson and their followers proceeded to celebrate the event while Clark and Mantanye retired to their tents and sorted over a very extensive list of swear words that had became somewhat rusty for want of use. The Standard announced in an editorial on Monday that the defeated delegates would make a contest for seats in the convention on diverse and sundry grounds. The Smith and Peck party claim that the opposition ticket was badly weighted by the support of Clark and Mantanye and this is undoubtedly true. They claim also that Eggleston will be nominated for county judge, Frank P. Saunders of this place for member of assembly and they expect that R. T. Peck will have the delegates for senator.

   The real fun will be witnessed at the county convention.

Train at McGrawville.

THE FIRST SPIKE.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END.

The First Spike of the Erie & Central New York Railroad Driven on Tuesday—A Banquet in Honor of the Event Follows.

   At 1:45 last Tuesday afternoon, the first spike on the new Erie & Central New York Railroad was driven by Mr. Jas. S. Squires at the point where the road turns in on the E., C. & N. road in this village. It was expected that the work of track laying would commence on Monday but the E., C. & N was delayed a little in putting in the frog and this work was only completed a few moments before the spike was driven. The DEMOCRAT stated last week that the ties for the road had arrived. This was a mistake; they were expected the day the paper went to press, but they were delayed in transit and did not put in an appearance until Wednesday of this week, when nine carloads arrived at the E., C. & N. station and these will be run out on the new road by a construction train as fast as they are required. Mr. Bundy expects to have the culverts between the junction and the river finished this week, and track-laying will commence in earnest on Monday next.

   There was a good crowd of citizens present when the first spike was driven home by Mr. Squires, with seven good sturdy blows of the sledge. Mr. I. H. Palmer announced that Mr. Squires had been selected as the man to drive the first spike, because he was a member of the board of directors when the first charter of the road was secured in February 1870, and that he had been the treasurer from that time until the present, and was the only member of the present board of directors who had been a member of the original board.

   The Groton Bridge Co. has promised to deliver the bridge to cross the Tioughnioga river by Sept. 10, and by that time the track will be laid to the river and the material for the bridge can be delivered on the ground.

BANQUET AT THE MESSENGER HOUSE.

   In response to invitations issued by the Otselic Construction Co. by its president Mr. Bundy, the spacious dining room of the Messenger House was filled with friends of the enterprise to partake of a supper given by the company on Tuesday evening. The supper was all that could be desired and when the guests had done ample justice to the six or seven courses provided, cigars were passed around and Mr. Bundy gave a short history of his connection with the enterprise. He stated that the company's object in giving the supper, was that its officers might become better acquainted with the people interested in the road. Heretofore himself and engineer Messerole had come to Cortland and after transacting their business, they had returned to their homes without meeting but very few of our citizens. He then called upon Mr. Palmer who gave a detailed history of the efforts heretofore made to build the road and the present situation of affairs. He summed up by saying that the road would be built now and that the Construction Company was in a situation to push the enterprise.

   He also gave a history of the obstacles that Mr. Bundy has met and successfully overcome in his efforts to build the road. While at times they seemed to be insurmountable, Mr. Bundy had never faltered in his efforts and had performed an almost incredible amount of work. The courage and indomitable perseverance with which he had prosecuted the work entitled him to all the praise that it was possible for our citizens to give him, and had finally, after many months, of doubt and failures almost innumerable, brought success. Mr. Palmer said he hoped and believed that the citizens of Cortland would now come to his assistance and encourage him in every way possible. There were still some obstacles to overcome and they would be more easily disposed of, if the citizens along the line felt disposed to give Mr. Bundy a strong and hearty support.

   Impromptu speeches were also made by Messrs. W. D. Tisdale, J. E. Eggleston, R. Champlin, F. W. Higgins, P. H. McGraw, W. H. Clark, C. T. Peck, W. M. Messerole, B. A. Benedict, H. Duffey and B. L. Webb, all pledging their individual support in furtherance of the project. All testified to their belief that the road would be a great benefit to Cortland and the towns through which it passes and that it would be a paying enterprise. Nearly every speaker commented on the fact, that Cortland's citizens had lacked the enterprise to take up the work for so many years, and had left it to a stranger to see the benefits to be derived from the road and push it to completion.

   At last Cortland people seem to be inspired with confidence that the road will surely be running to Cincinnatus before snow flies, and the doubts that have filled the minds of hundreds who were anxious to see the enterprise a success, have been dispelled. Every person present at the supper seemed to be enthusiastic over the prospect, and we doubt not that all will lend a helping hand to Mr. Bundy and his associates.

Anthorax in the State.

   ALBANY, Aug. 26.—The State Board of Health reports that anthorax is prevalent among a great many cattle in this State. It is possible for human beings to contract the disease, and in such cases it is always fatal. The existence of anthorax and the extent of its prevalence are being brought to light through the investigations of the committee of the Board of Health appointed for the purpose of putting an end to tuberculosis. The jurisdiction of this committee however, does not reach beyond tuberculosis, in accordance with special legislative provision, and the matter will have to be referred to the Agricultural department.

ANOTHER STAR FOR OUR FLAG.

The 45th One Will Represent the State of Utah.

   WASHINGTON, Aug. 27.—Another star, the forty-fifth, is to be added to the flag. The new star will represent Utah, and the order for its addition to the national colors was issued by Secretary Lamont to-day. The star will be placed to the right of the fourth row from the top.

   The order for the addition of the star is accompanied by one changing the size of the colors. Heretofore the standard of the colors has been six feet by five. The new order makes the regulation size five feet, six inches, by four feet, four inches. The order provides for the new colors to be issued to all infantry, artillery and the battalions of engineers and also for new standards for all cavalry. The new flags will be very handsome. They are to be made of the finest American silk and their cost will be considerable.

   Utah will not attain statehood until the fourth day of next July, but all the flags hereafter contracted for and issued will contain the star heralding the admission of that territory into the union of States.

NEIGHBORING COUNTIES.

   CHENANGO—William Wilber of South New Berlin, aged 91, suicided by cutting his throat Thursday.

   Tuesday morning of last week Dr. A. M. Coats, of New Berlin, was called to the farm owned by Warren Myers, in Columbus, to investigate an epidemic which had broken out among the fifteen cows on the place. Three of the cows had died, after a sickness of not more than twelve hours. Dr. Coats decided that the deaths were due to anthrax, a germ disease, resulting from swampy pastures which have been dried by the drouth. Precautions were taken to prevent the spread of the disease.

   MADISON—E. R. Ackley of East Hamilton has killed 216 woodchucks this season, a good record for a man of 72 years.

   The leakage in the Morrisville water mains is so great that enough water is wasted to supply the whole village. There is said to be plenty of water, however.

   A change of school district clerks in Chittenango led to the discovery of an apparent shortage of $231.74 in the tax recently collected. The books and the collector's receipts have disappeared, giving the affair a very mysterious look.

   Mame, daughter of John Smith of Manlius, was taken to the Ogdensburg insane asylum Thursday. Her hallucination is a murder she claims to have witnessed at Cazenovia lake five years ago; she says that she and one Frank Crandall of Syracuse, then working in Cazenovia, were about to take a boat ride when one Charles Lee appeared, stabbed Crandall, tied his hands together, weighted his body and threw it into the lake. Lee then choked her and threatened her life if she ever told what she had seen. Three weeks ago she claims he re-appeared and again threatened her, causing her present violence. Her story is being investigated.

   TOMPKINS—A Loyal Temperance Legion has recently been organized at McLean.

   The Ithaca Journal says: "Fair week will be crowded with 'attractions.' The list includes the fair, which continues four days:  Sells' circus, 'Shore Acres,' at the Lyceum, Buffalo Bill's 'Wild West,' and a political convention."

  

HERE AND THERE.

   The city schools open for the fall term next Tuesday.

   Buffalo Bill's Wild West in Cortland on Monday, Sept. 16th.

   The full term of the Homer Academy opens next Tuesday.

   Burgess, the clothier, has a new advertisement on our last page.

   The Marathon Brass Band has been incorporated with 22 members.

   The next term of the Normal School opens next Wednesday, Sept. 4.

   The Cortland County fair will be held Sept. 10, 11, 12 and 13. Be sure and attend.

   The republican county convention is to be held in Taylor Hall, Cortland, Friday, Sept. 6th.

   Cooper Brothers of this place shipped a carload of the improved Cummings' potato diggers to Presque Isle in Maine last Monday.

   Tickets for opera house entertainments this season will be sold at the Candy Kitchen instead of at McKinney & Doubleday's as heretofore.

   Mr. J. W. Daniels has again taken possession of the livery stable on Orchard-st. which he sold to Mr. Bowker some months since. He will keep nothing but first class rigs and will let them at low prices.

   Ice cream and cake will be served at the W. C. T. U. rooms on Saturday evening, August 31st, from 7 until 9 o'clock. We are prepared for a liberal patronage.

   The theatrical season opened at the opera house in this village Wednesday evening. Charles E. Blaney's comedy entitled "A Baggage Check" was presented to a fair audience. It was good.

   We acknowledge the receipt of a communication from Harford signed "Pluck," containing news items. It requires considerable pluck to expect the publisher of a respectable paper to publish anything from an anonymous source. The correspondence would have been published had the writer given us in a separate note his or her correct name. It doesn't require much pluck to sign an anonymous name.  

  

TRUXTON.

   Miss May Marble of Phoenix is visiting at A. R. Bryant's.

   Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Way of Buffalo are spending a few days as guests of L. N. Hare.

   Austin L. Pomeroy died at the residence of P. J. Vincent in Crain's Hills last Friday, and was buried Sunday. Mr. Pomeroy was born in Coleraine, Mass., in the year 1812, and came to Truxton with his father in 1816. He followed the trade of cabinet maker in this place for many years and was known far and wide as a genial whole-souled fellow whose word was as good as his bond. He leaves one son Howard H. Pomeroy of Cortland and one daughter, Mrs. Ardale Bryant of DeRuyter to mourn his death.

   There is to be a crack game of ball here next Saturday between the fat men and "slivers'' as the lean men are facetiously called. The game is to be played after the method in vogue before the war, and will, no doubt, draw a big crowd. The heavy weights are Leeman Calkins, Howard Buell, William Baldwin. C. H. Webster, R. R. Stewart, J. J. Miller, Jud Osterhout, James Galvin, W. R. Woodward. The lean men are Jud Bosworth, James L. Goddard, Thomas Dodd, Burdett Pierce, A. L. Lansing, H. C. Smith, George Atkinson, F. I. Woodward, Wm. Atkinson.