IT WAS A BIG SHOW

Cortland Standard, Tuesday, September 17, 1895.

IT WAS A BIG SHOW.

Buffalo Bill and His Riders Captured the Whole County.

   Rarely if ever has Cortland had so large a crowd of people within its borders as yesterday to see Buffalo Bill. It is estimated that scarcely less than 15,000 people were assembled at the afternoon exhibition. This is by no means guess work, but comes from mathematical computation. The greatest seating capacity of the Wild West show is 20,000 people. In the smaller places like Cortland, only seats for 16,000 people are put up, and that was the number that was actually prepared yesterday. They were arranged on three sides of a rectangle. The unreserved seats upon the two long sides were yesterday packed to their utmost capacity and many people were driven into the reserved seats at the east end who would not otherwise have gone there. The ushers themselves who are accustomed to reckoning upon numbers in this enclosure estimated that there were hardly a thousand unoccupied sittings among the reserved seats, and this opinion would be coincided in by all.

   Barnum himself never attracted such a crowd in Cortland. The total population of the county by the census of 1890 was 28,657. If only the residents of Cortland county had been in attendance it would have shown over half the population of the county on the show grounds, but the numbers were not confined to the county. Every train brought them from many miles away, and the looks of the horses as they came into town in the morning showed that a goodly number of them had had long drives.

   And it was a great show. Though all had their anticipations raised very high we have yet to hear of a single one who was disappointed. It portrays a phase of Western life of which there now exists barely more than a memory. The stage coach attack, the battle of the two tribes, the episode of the settler's cabin, the defence of the prairie schooners are pictures that are now indelibly impressed upon the minds of the younger generation. The ghost dance with its blood curdling incantations sends chills down the back of the spectators as they think of the grim facts so often enacted in very truth upon the prairies. The work of the cowboys was skillful and interesting. It was a marvel to behold their wonderful accuracy with the lasso, their skill in riding, and their persistence in keeping their seats upon the bucking bronchos.

   The congress of rough riders—the Cossacks, Arabs, Gauchos and Mexicans, the United States, German, French and English cavalry companies, and of course the cowboys and Indians—is magnificent in its kaleidoscope of uniforms and in the wild dash of its charge. Nothing like it was ever seen here before. Far down the field the riders line up after the manual has been performed. The unorganized riders are off the scene and only the trained cavalry remains. A trumpet blast and like the wind the whole troop is scouring down with lances fixed or swords drawn pounding like thunder toward the end—straight to the ropes without a pause—then suddenly as if with a single action, the men rein their steeds short and give the cavalry salute of their respective countries. No grander finale could be devised for such a display.

   The most attractive figure of course of the whole is Wm. F. Cody himself. Mounted upon his horse he seems part of the animal. His wonderful shooting was rewarded with unstinted applause. There were other fine shots too. Annie Oakley performed wonders and Johnnie Baker standing on his head loading and firing and hitting the balls every time was a sight that could but rouse the wonder of every one.

   And there was plenty to laugh at too. The Arab acrobats seemed absolutely boneless, made of India rubber. Such tumbling was never seen in a circus here. It was all good and there can be but one Buffalo Bill and one Wild West show.

   And then the wonder came in as one looked at the great city in the fair grounds, the great army of men taking part and thought that in the short space of a few hours it would all have disappeared and that to-day the same thing is being gone over at Norwich, 67 miles away by rail.

Charles T. Ellis Coming.

   Chas. T. Ellis, the sweet singing German comedian, will be the bright particular star at the Opera House on Friday evening when he will present for the first time in Cortland his new play "The Alsatian," an Irish German comedy drama, full of song and refined humor. Mr. Ellis has a number of new and original songs for this play which have met with favor everywhere and doubtless will become whistled upon the streets, as do all popular melodies. Mr. Ellis is a great favorite among our theatregoers, as is manifested by the large audiences which invariably greet him during his annual engagements. He has won the hearts of all by his sweet, sympathetic voice, which reveals such a wealth of pathos that it moves the hearts of his hearers. "The Alsatian" affords him ample scope to introduce his songs and clever dances, and as the public is making a growing demand for them, he increases his collection each season.

THE DRYDEN FAIR.

Wheel Races, Baby Show, Driving Contest, Tug of War—Something Every Minute.

   The Dryden fair will be held next week on Tuesday, Wednesday and

Thursday, Sept. 24, 25 and 26. There will be an attraction every minute during its progress, and the first day will be one of the very best. William C. Hoefler of Geneva, who is reckoned one of the most clever trick riders in the world will give an exhibition in the afternoon of the first day only. If you are fond of a wheel, don't fall to attend the first day. Upon the second and third days ten cents admission will be charged for admission to the grandstand for the forenoon only. In the morning of the second day there will be bicycle races at 10:30 o'clock. At 11 o'clock the wheel race for the county championship will occur. On the third day there will also be wheel races at 10:30 A. M.

   The baby show under the auspices of the Thrice-a-Week New York World will be Thursday afternoon. The judges will be Hon. E. C. Stewart of Tompkins county, Hon. Epenetus Howe of Tioga county and Hon. Wilber Holmes of Cortland county. The mothers need not be afraid of the assemblymen, but the assemblymen had better look out for the disappointed mothers.

   Beard & Peck's ladies' driving contest for the $25 chamber suit will be an attraction of Thursday. The tug of war with the officers of the Newark Valley fair will occur on Wednesday afternoon. The Newark Valley athletes won from the Dryden fair [athletes] at Newark Valley, and now an effort will be made to recover the laurels.

   There will be horse races every day. Entries to the horse races close Sept. 20. Entries to the bicycle races close Sept. 21. There will be something to attract and please all the time. Come the first day and stay through. Reduced rates on the Lehigh Valley and E., C. & N railroads, Head for a premium list and learn all about the fair.

   S. G. LUPTON, President.

   J. B. WILSON, Secretary.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

   ◘ It is only a question of time when freight wagons in cities will be propelled by gas, electricity or petroleum. In New York already one leading department store is adopting delivery wagons moved by petroleum. The principle of small, quickly succeeding explosions of the oil is the one adopted for driving the machine. One cent an hour to each wagon is said to be the expense of the vehicle. When it is considered that such delivery wagons for one department store will take out of the crowded streets of New York not less than 50 horses, with their stables, their noise, danger and uncleanness, it can be computed what gain there will be to the health and comfort of a city when these animals are removed from its streets altogether. A stable in a city is so objectionable that it brings down the rental of buildings in its vicinity. If petroleum explosions can be adapted to propel yachts and light hauling wagons, they can certainly be arranged to move heavy trucks. Then one of the worst nuisances of a crowded city will be done away. Horses will be relegated to pleasure carriages and to travel under the saddle, where they belong.

   ◘ If St. Paul and Minneapolis would mutually agree to split their differences, unite, call themselves Minnepaul and go on to glory as one, they would at once be one of the most influential big cities in this Union.

   ◘ Stanley's rule for Africa is, Don't drink spirits. It is a good rule for America as well.

Mark Twain.

Mark Twain's Debt Paying Tour.

   In the heroic resolve to spin from his brain the money necessary to wipe out a great accumulation of debt Mark Twain has two notable examples. One was Sir Walter Scott, who, when an old man, undertook to pay and did actually pay to the last farthing a load of debt under which the hearts of most men 30 years younger would have quailed. The strain killed him, however. The other example is that of brave Susan B. Anthony in our own country. When The Revolution, a suffrage paper established by herself, Parker Pillsbury and Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton failed, it was $16,000 behind. That sum Miss Anthony took on herself to pay. Thirty years ago $16,000 was as much as $30,000 would be now. There were not so many people in the country to go to lectures, and the facilities for getting about were much poorer than they are now. Yet Miss Anthony persevered in her heroic endeavor till the last dollar of the obligation was met and she walked the earth a free woman.

   Success will certainly attend the great American humorist, all the more as he has the best wishes of civilized mankind with him. Through Australia, India and South Africa he will go—wherever people have laughed till they cried over the "Innocents Abroad" and "Tom Sawyer." Then next year he will come home and tour his own country. In four years he expects to have met all his obligations, after which, at the age of 64, says Mark," I can make a fresh and unencumbered start in life." 
   Good luck attend him wherever he goes!

Susan B. Anthony.

Susan B. Anthony Seriously Ill.

   ROCHESTER, Sept. 17.— Miss Susan B. Anthony was seized with a fainting spell in Ranger & Whitmore's photograph gallery, and for a time those who were present were seriously alarmed. Miss Anthony was about to sit for a photograph when she began to feel pains. Medical assistance was immediately procured, and after restoratives were administered she recovered consciousness and was taken to her home. Miss Anthony's health has been slightly impaired for the past year, owing to the constancy of her labors. Several months ago she decided to resign from actual duties in connection with the woman suffragists, in order that she might recuperate. Physicians think that with proper rest and treatment she will fully recover her health.

Armenians Appeal to the Press.

   NEW YORK, Sept. 17.—Jerant Mesrob Kiretchjian, general secretary of the Armenian Relief association, with the approval of J. Bleecker Miller, chairman of the executive committee, and C. H. Stout, treasurer of the association, has issued an appeal to the press of the United States. He compliments The Sunday World for its enterprise in securing the publication last Sunday of the detailed story of Mr. Howard and asks for assistance for the suffering Armenians.

Turkey Succumbs to the Powers.

   ST. PETERSBURG. Sept. 17.—From a good source it is learned that the porte has accepted the demand of the powers with regard to reforms in Armenia.

Watching Alleged Chinese Actors.

   WASHINGTON, Sept. 17.—The 200 Chinese admitted into this country at Ogdensburg, N. Y., before the treasury department's instructions directing the collector not to allow them to enter until the case could be investigated, will not be lost sight of. An officer of the department will keep a sharp outlook for them at Atlanta, and if it develops that they or any of them are not actors, etc., as represented to the collector, they will be arrested and deported.

BREVITIES.

   —The men of the Universalist church will serve a chicken pie supper at that church to-morrow night.

   —Yesterday was high water mark in the history of traffic on the electric cars, and 14,783 fares were registered.

   —Two small boys bought clothes lines at the fair store this morning to make lassos to imitate the feats of Buffalo Bill's Mexicans.

   —There are many inquiries to-day for the words of the song sung yesterday by the nine Cossacks as they came into the arena in the Wild West show.

   —A new crosswalk is to-day being laid over Tompkins-st. between the STANDARD and Squires buildings. Some remarkably fine stone are being used.

   —Don't forget that to-morrow night is ladies' night at the Tioughnioga club. Miss Lillian Terry will sing. Each member is requested to be present with lady friends.

   —The funeral was held at 2 o'clock this afternoon of Michael, the seven-months old son of Mr. and Mrs. James Ray, who died yesterday morning of cholera infantum.

   —The 80th birthday of Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton will occur on Nov. 12 and the advocates of woman's suffrage are making extensive preparations for its proper celebration.

   —All the small boys in town are now trying to give the Indian war whoops heard yesterday in the Wild West show. Several were seen this morning with chicken feathers on their heads.

   —Eugene W. Bates has sold his grocery on Groton-ave. to Mr. E. O. Dean of Mapleton. Mr. Dean was formerly a clerk with Mr. Bates and expects to take possession Wednesday, Sept. 25.

   —Mr. and Mrs. Geo. French of 40 Crandall-st. gave a party for their son Leroy last Saturday afternoon, it being his eighth birthday. A few of his little friends were invited and a good time was enjoyed by all.

   —The contract with the Cortland City band to give concerts at the park which expired last Saturday, has been extended as long as the weather will permit and the next concert will be given at the park to-morrow night.

   —Pickpockets were on hand yesterday at the show and relieved George W. Davenport of his pocketbook which contained one dollar. Miss Jalana Freeman of 70 Railroad-st. also lost her pocketbook, but fortunately it contained only a few cents.

   —Mr. Patrick Dempsey, proprietor of the Tioughnioga poultry farm, won nine first prizes and six second prizes in his different varieties of poultry at the Cortland county fair. Last week at the Oswego county fair he won five first prizes and one second prize on six entries.

   —A lady dropped her jacket through the seats yesterday afternoon at the Wild West show. Her escort slipped down to get it, but saw a boy snatch and make off with it. The young man followed in hot pursuit, but the boy mingled in the crowd and disappeared from sight, and the lady is now short an eight dollar jacket almost new.

   —The police did their work well yesterday in keeping the streets passable and the crowds moving. Ten arrests were made for public intoxication and all were disposed of last night, some paying their fines and others going to jail. The police were very vigilant in their duty and to them is due the credit for the general good order which prevailed.

   —Mr. M. G. Johnson had a small piece of Rural New Yorker No. 9 potatoes which has turned out pretty well. He dug them yesterday and it took him 58 minutes to perform the task. When he picked them up he found that he had 15 bushels of marketable potatoes and a half bushel of small ones. At that rate a man could do a pretty good piece work in a day.

   —Though the. Wild West show has gone its results remain behind it. Mailing Clerk E. J. Hopkins and a three-year-old colt and a saddle were the center of a group of spectators in M. H. Kingman's livery yard at about 1:30 o'clock this afternoon. The colt tried standing first on one end and then on the other in the most approved broncho style, and then settled down to business and concluded to yield to Jay's persuasions who petted and stroked him until he was convinced that his rider meant no harm. He is a handsome little animal.

   —The Baptist church of Norwich has not yet got over its strife. Two factions are contending for the control of the church and the management of its affairs, and much bad blood has been engendered. Sunday this took the form of actual violence as to whether or not a Sunday-school should be held. The superintendent attempted to conduct opening exercises and his opponents undertook to sing him down, so that not a word could be heard. Then they tried to pull him off the platform and the sheriff and a deputy were called to put an end to the rumpus. The school then dispersed.