NEW YORK CENTRAL'S GREAT COUP

Empire Express, New York Central & Hudson River R. R.

Cortland Standard, Tuesday, September 24, 1895.

CENTRAL'S GREAT COUP.

Secures Control of All Erie Canal Traffic.

THE PLAN SKILFULLY HATCHED.

So Quietly Was the Big Maneuver Made That Even the Scalpers Were

Unaware of Its Existence Until Too Late to Fight.

   BUFFALO, Sept. 24.—The Express publishes today a leaded three-column article declaring that the [state-regulated] New York Central and Hudson River railroad has secured control of practically all the tonnage that floats upon the [state-subsidized and regulated] Erie canal, and will, therefore, be in a position to control all freight rates on the canal. The scheme is said to have been conceived more than a year ago.

   It was set in operation, it is claimed, on the first day that the canal opened last spring. On the first day the boats were loaded at 2 3/4 cents. On the day following the railroads cut the price to 2 cents from Buffalo to New York. This necessitated the boatmen taking loads at 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 cents or lie idle.

   So shrewdly has the New York Central done its work that until a few days ago nothing could be seen in this but an attempt on the part of the railroads to force the boatmen to go out of business.

   The scheme was a deeper one than that, however. The New York Central saw that it could do better than throw the canal out of business, even if it was possible for it to do so. There would always be a time of year, just after harvest, when the elevators would not be able to hold all the grain for the railroads. Traffic has grown to such great extent that at such times the railroads could not hope to be able to control it unless it should be able to control the canal. So the New York Central company conceived the plan of gaining control of all of the canal boats on the Erie, making itself a vast scalping company, and forcing out all scalpers.

   This, it is claimed, is just what the New York Central has done. In doing it the company has been very careful not to show its hand. It has operated through three well known Buffalo canal men, and through them has gained control of 90 per cent of all the boats on the Erie canal, not a boatman having come into the combine who has not had assurance that the New York Central company is behind the scheme. Assurances of protection to boatmen who have mortgages on their boats held by scalpers have also been given.

   It is stated that every boatman who has come into the combine has signed an agreement to take no loads except such as are given him from the office of the syndicate at 41 West Seneca street. If any boatman should do otherwise he is subject to a fine of $100 for each load so taken. If the fine is not paid he will be expelled from the syndicate and denied its protection and rates.

   The plan on which the syndicate is being worked is said to be a s follows:

   The emissaries of the New York Central railroad warrant the boatmen good rates for carrying grain, and in return the boatmen carry only such loads as are assigned to them by the freight committee, or the New York Central railroad, which dictates to the shippers what they shall pay for the transportation of their grain from Buffalo to New York. In this way they will be able to make their own rates to shippers, secure the shaving which has been going into the pockets of the scalpers in the past, and at the same time do away with the fight between the canal and the railroad.

   So shrewdly is the scheme said to have been worked that even the scalpers were not aware of it until too late to make any concerted effort against it. About the first thing the scalpers knew of the scheme was when they were brought face to face with a schedule of rates for transporting grain that exceeded any rate paid this season so far. At first the scalpers were inclined to laugh at the demands of the boatmen, but they were informed firmly that no loads would be taken out of Buffalo for less than the scheduled rates.

   Then the scalpers were ready for war, but they were too late.

   They hinted that the mortgages on the boats might be foreclosed, but they found that the men who had been hard up the day before were then prepared to pay their interest, or even the principal, if wanted.

   Then the whole thing was sprung upon the scalpers. They were told that if they wanted to ship grain by the canal they could no longer be dictators of rates, but that the freight committee would settle that matter for them.

   This flat applies to all shippers alike. The combine will do all the scalping hereafter, and the individual heretofore known as the scalper will be a thing of the past.

   To show the hold the syndicate has got on the canal traffic, it need only be cited that the scalpers conceded everything demanded in the contract.

Engine No. 999 in Syracuse, N. Y.

WORLD'S RECORD BROKEN.

Another Fast Run on the New York Central R. R.

   SYRACUSE, Sept. 24 —The New York Central R. R. has again broken its record for fast time. This morning a special consisting of three coaches and drawn by Engine 999 left Albany at 6 o'clock and arrived here at 8:12 thus making the run of 148 miles in 132 minutes. This tests the world's record for this distance.

Chauncey M. Depew.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

   Chauncey Depew is right to be pleased over the fact that the distance a crack French train travels in 16 hours at a cost to each passenger of $78, can be made in America in 10 hours at a cost of $25.

   Attorney General Hitchcock decides that a party which polled 10,000 or more votes last fall can have a column on the blanket ballot. This lets in the socialist labor ticket.

   Two explorers have found in some ancient Egyptian ruins a yacht shaped almost exactly like the Defender and Valkyrie, even to the immensely elongated, overhanging bow and stern above the keel. It was evidently a racing yacht, and the peculiar point about it is that it is at least 3,000 years older than the beginning of Christianity. We have not invented and discovered everything, we of the nineteenth century.

   Centenarians are becoming so common that they attract little attention any more. But now since we must apparently live a century let us plan ahead to keep ourselves young and handsome and spry and useful to the very day we round the stakeboat at the 100 year turn.

   London Lancet, speaking of the story circulated by the veracious cable correspondent to the effect that the baby Duke of York was a deaf mute, asks,

"Do our go ahead American cousins expect a child to speak nowadays as soon as it is born?"

   The way to get taken care of is to take care of yourself.

   In the course of the autumn and early winter there ought to be school children's parties formed to visit the Atlanta exposition in all localities where it is convenient for them to do so. They will learn more than they would in a week's class instruction. They will learn it, too, by the natural method of object lessons. The exposition will be an epoch in the lives of many of them.
   Special railroad rates will be made for school parties, and special care for their comfort will be taken at Atlanta. The Thanksgiving holidays would be a good time for them to visit the exposition.

The Free-Trade Sand-baggers.

   The Louisville Courier-Journal speaks of the "great blessings to the country" that have followed the enactment of the Wilson-Gorman law, and argues that still greater prosperity would ensue if the Democratic platform promises of 1892 could be fulfilled to the letter. The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle takes occasion to remind the Courier-Journal that the hard times came with the advent to power of the tariff smashing Democracy, and that the improvement did not begin until a series of overwhelming Republican victories gave assurance that the assault on home industries could go no further. It also reminds its free-trade contemporary that the present standard of wages and volume of business are much below those that prevailed while the policy of protection was in full swing.

   The case is like that of a man struck in the back with a sand bag. He is disabled and takes to his bed. Meanwhile the sand-bagger is arrested and imprisoned. After a time the victim begins to improve. His constitution is strong. he gradually regains strength, and eventually is able to attend to his business after a fashion, although still in a bruised and partly crippled condition. Thereupon some idiot exclaims: "behold the benefits of sand-bagging! This man was flat on his back a month ago. Now he is able to stand up and walk. Turn the sand-bagger loose. He is a blessing to the community."

   For obvious reasons the victim would not take this view. Yet it is quite as sensible and logical as the position of those who claim that Democratic tariff reform is a good thing, and that we want more of it, on the ground that it has not totally wrecked our home industries and that there has been some recovery from the prostration caused by its deadly assault, This country wants no more blows from free trade sandbags. It is picking up now because the tariff thugs are bound hand and foot, and it will take care that they remain in a condition of powerlessness to renew their murderous attacks.

DEPARTMENT OF GOOD GOVERNMENT.

   I believe that the saloonkeepers of Cortland should literally and strictly obey the law and sell no intoxicating liquor until such time as they can induce a majority of the people to vote for license. If they do not do this as law abiding citizens, then as president of the village, I consider it my duty to prosecute such misdemeanors,

   F. W. HIGGINS, President.

EXCISE MATTER IN VARIOUS PLACES.

   A short time ago the editors of "The Outlook" sent letters of inquiry concerning Sunday excise laws and their enforcements to correspondents in five cities of the United States which were thought typical in these matters. The following three questions were asked:

   1. Are the Sunday excise laws enforced in your city?

   2. What is the attitude of civil magistrates toward their enforcement?

   3. What is the attitude of the municipal reform organizations?

   The Outlook printed these replies in full. A brief summary of them may interest readers of The STANDARD.

IN CHICAGO.

   1. The city ordinances make no distinction between Sunday and other days in excise matters. The only provision is that saloons must be closed from 12 midnight until 5 A. M. But in the center of the city saloons are closed at midnight only when, in the opinion of the proprietors, there is not trade enough to "justify" (!) their being kept open.

   There is, however, a state law which directs that no saloon shall be kept open on Sunday, and provides for a fine of not more than $200 for violation of this law. It has been settled by judicial decision that it is the duty of the city police to enforce this law. And yet on Sunday practically every saloon in the city is open.

   2. Mr. Badenock, chief of police, says: "I do not believe public sentiment desires the enforcement of the Sunday excise law, and I will not attempt to enforce it."

   3. Mr. Ralph M. Easley (is there anything in a name?), the secretary of the

Civic Federation of Chicago, says in substance:

   "The Civic Federation is a cosmopolitan body, and contains in its membership the better element of all classes. We have before us so many things that all our own members agree are evils, that we have not taken up the Sunday closing question because it involves a good many collateral matters, into which we are not ready to go." He offers many excuses and clearly shows that his organization is afraid of the question.

   There are, however, many individuals and organizations already pressing this reform to the front. While they have not yet produced any marked results, their following is on the increase.

IN PHILADELPHIA.

   1. "Sunday closing of the licensed saloon is an accomplished fact." This does not mean that there is no liquor sold on Sunday. Under the Brooks high license law, which went into effect in 1887, a class of illicit saloons has sprung up. There is no accurate knowledge as to how many of these "speakeasies" there are, but it is certain that there are several hundred of them.

   By the way, this is rather bad for the chief argument in favor of high license: i. e., that under it the licensed saloon keepers will themselves prevent illegal selling on the part of others.

   2. Mayor Warwick has made no official declaration on the subject, but at the last meeting of the law and order society, at which Dr. Parkhurst spoke, the mayor presided and expressed himself in sympathy with its aims and objects. The mayor appoints the director of public safety, and he, in turn, appoints the superintendent of police. Both of these officers are believed to be doing their best. But there is much trouble experienced in getting the police roundsmen and constables to do their full duty. Doubtless here lies the difficulty in suppressing the "speakeasies."

   3. The city law and order society deserves a large share of credit for whatever good has been realized.

   On Thursday this summary will be continued [in the Cortland Standard].

BREVITIES.

   —There were four pleasant picnic parties at the park last evening.

   —There will be a special meeting of the Y, M. C. A. directors to-night at 8

o'clock,

   —The regular meeting of the [Fire Department] Protective Police occurs to-morrow night at 8 o'clock.

   —Mrs. Sarah Scullens, who is ill with typhoid fever, was this afternoon transferred from the Ives block to the hospital.

   — The youthful wonders, Harry Hitchcock and Fred Beaudry give exhibitions of trick riding and a quarter mile race at the Dryden fair to-morrow.

   —Mr. F. M. Quick has broken ground for a new house which he will erect this fall on Harrington-ave. The contract has been let to N. P. Meager.

   —The Wesson-Nivison Mfg. Co. have just closed a contract with a Rochester jobbing house for 20,000 pairs of wood bicycle rims, shipment to commence at once.

   —Crowds of people have been seen today headed for the Dryden fair. More will undoubtedly go to-morrow and Thursday. The weather is perfect for the exhibition.

   —The shelves in the Grand Union Tea store are being removed. Stands will be used in their stead for the display of goods. A newly painted sign also adorns the front of the store.

   —The Case of The Village of Cortland against Anna Bates charged with violation of the excise law which was to be tried in police court today, was adjourned to Oct. 8 at 10 A. M.

   —Mr. and Mrs. A. D, Randall are rejoicing over the arrival of a girl baby born yesterday. "Alph" has not weighed the addition, not yet having found the proper scales for the work but has promised to report soon.

   —At the recent missionary meeting of Cazenovia district, Central New York Conference, held in Homer, Miss Mary Oday was elected corresponding secretary of the home society and Mrs. Geo. W. Edgcomb treasurer of the foreign society.

   —At the entertainment and dance given at Groton Oct. 4 at Nye's opera house by the Catholic society, the following Cortland people are on the program: Misses Maggie and Gertie Lanigan, Nellie Mulligan and Mr. Frank Lanigan.

   —Rev. C. Orris Dantzer, missionary to deaf mutes in the diocese of western and central New York, will hold a service for deaf mutes this evening at 7:30 o'clock in the guild room of Grace church. All deaf mutes in Cortland and vicinity are cordially invited to be present.

   —Prof. Ernest Ritter, who was last June appointed professor of mathematics at Cornell university, died yesterday at the government hospital on Ellis island in New York bay. He was on his way from Germany to assume his new duties and landed in New York about a fortnight ago, where he was at once taken down with typhoid fever.

   —The argument upon the dissolution of the injunction obtained by Mr. W. R. Randall and others against the Erie & Central New York R. R., which was to have been heard to-day before Judge Walter Lloyd Smith at Cooperstown has been postponed by consent of both parties until Saturday, Sept. 28, at the chambers of the judge at Elmira.

   —Emerald Hose whose fair begins Oct. 4 have decided to present "The Darktown Brigade" with entire local talent. The first rehearsal was held last night. The rehearsals are under the direction of Mr. B. D. Hakes. The management are much encouraged by the large list of donations already received and predict a highly successful fair during that week.

   —A lumber wagon with an empty hayrack belonging to Mr. J. Graham, the milkman, had a lively run down Tompkins-st. at 4 o'clock this afternoon. The wagon was strung to pieces by striking trees. In front of the residence of C. F.

Wickwire they tried to go both sides of a tree. The harness was stripped off them and one horse was stopped there and the other was caught on Union-st.

   —The hospital box at the Messenger House was opened this afternoon and the donations made to it since Sept 1^st were taken out, amounting to $61.22. The box is usually emptied at the end of the month, but Landlord Ingraham notified the ladies of the hospital association that it appeared to be nearly filled and they acted accordingly. Among the donations was one $20 bill, and other liberal contributions. The money comes at a most opportune time, and the ladies wish to express their sincere thanks both to those who have so generously contributed, and to Mr. Ingraham and his employees, who have interested themselves so greatly in behalf of the box.

THE SEWER MATTER.

Difficulties are Settled and Work is Progressing.

   The difficulties over the completion of the sewers seem to be at an end and work to-day has been resumed. The sewer commissioners were in consultation nearly all day yesterday. At about 6 o'clock a conclusion was reached and Judge S. S. Knox, chairman of the board, gave to a STANDARD reporter the following official statement: ''The sewer contractors have abandoned their contract. The Surety company has been notified of the fact and the sewer board will complete the work under its own supervision."

   As the question which had been foremost for the past few days in the minds of the Italian laborers was the six weeks' pay which they had not yet received, the reporter inquired who was to pay them for this time. Judge Knox said that he had nothing to say regarding this just yet. The sewer board would guarantee them pay from this time forward. He would say nothing more than is quoted above.

   The men are all at work to-day under the supervision of Peter Scott, who has been a superintendent this season for the contractors. Mr. Scott told a

STANDARD reporter this afternoon that there were about 2,700 feet of sewers yet to be laid and he thought the work could all be completed in three weeks. The portion remaining is all upon North Main and Madison-sts. Mr. Scott also said that sewer connections would be made at any time and that applications for the same could be filed at once with him.

   The whereabouts of Contractor Doe are unknown. Some of his men made a fruitless search for him yesterday and it is thought that he has left town.

STRUCK ON HIS HEAD.

Dr. Neary Thrown From His Wagon and Badly Shaken Up.

   Sunday night as Dr. P. M. Neary was driving from Truxton where he had been on professional business his horse stumbled and fell to the ground. As he was going quite rapidly at the time the sudden stopping of the horse threw the doctor over the dashboard and to the ground with great force. It was very dark and he had no chance to save himself, so struck on the head and right shoulder. The skin was torn from the right cheek and the shoulder was badly sprained and the doctor is quite lame from the accident. Neither the horse nor the wagon were injured, but it took three men to get the horse loose as he became tangled in the harness. The doctor wore a heavy wool hat and to that fact he attributes his escape from serious injuries about the head.