MILLIONAIRES IN PERIL AND CORTLAND COUNTY ODD FELLOWS

George M. Pullman

Philip D. Armour.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, December 17, 1895.

MILLIONAIRES IN PERIL.

Infernal Machines Mailed to Armour and Pullman.

CONTAINED A HIGH EXPLOSIVE.

Mail Carrier Saw a Man Place One of the Boxes on a Letter Box.

One Arrest Was Made, but Merely on Suspicions.

   CHICAGO, Dee. 17.—A bold conspiracy to assassinate George M. Pullman and Philip D. Armour has just come to light and every effort is being made to apprehend the perpetrators of the plot.

   Two packages were received at postal station L, of which William H. Hanlon is superintendent, directed to P. D. Armour and George M. Pullman respectively, and the packages were finally turned over to Postoffice Inspector Stewart for inspection.

   They proved to be infernal machine which, had they reached their destination and been opened without suspicion by the men for whom they were intended, would have probably blown them into eternity.

   The packages were taken up by Collector Philip Kirkwood of postal station L. One of them he found on the mailbox at Wabash avenue and Fourteenth street and the other at Wabash avenue and Twenty-first street.

   The second machine was laid on the box just as Kirkwood approached it to make his collection. He saw a man of rough appearance lay a package on the box and walk away. When he reached the mailbox he found the package to be similar to the one he had picked up at Fourteenth street and addressed in the same handwriting. Each package weighed about 24 ounces and the poorly scrawled addresses were alone enough to attract the attention of the carrier.

   The postal authorities were already on the lookout for suspicious packages for Mr. Armour, as a stranger had notified attaches of his office that an infernal machine was on its way to Mr. Armour through the mail.

   He claimed to have overheard an exposure of the conspiracy from two men talking in an alley. The employes of Mr. Armour did not place much reliance in the story, but informed the postal officials of what they had been told.

   A similar visit was paid Mr. Pullman Sunday night, presumably by the same person, who took the trouble to inform Mr. Armour's people. Mr. Pullman had already retired and did not see the visitor, who appeared very much worried and anxious to see the millionaire in person. He delivered his message, however, without seeing Mr. Pullman, and left a card with his business address. This Mr. Pullman declined to make public, as it might be the exposure of a valuable clue. The man who gave the warning is said to have been a metal polisher named Owens, but this has not as yet been entirely confirmed.

   Mr. Pullman made an effort to locate the owner of the card, but in this he was unsuccessful. He dispatched a confidential man to the place of business specified on the card, but was told the person of the name it showed was absent, being an outside man and seldom at the headquarters of the firm.

   The dangerous character of the packages has been established without a doubt. A trial test of their contents was made, and this proved that the packages contained an explosive, in force akin to dynamite. The packages were about 8 inches long, with 3-inch ends. They were wooden boxes, each containing a drawer. Matches were so arranged inside as to be ignited by the friction with sandpaper, which was glued to the box above the drawer, when the latter was pulled out.

   The boxes were well supplied with the explosive, but in the bottom was placed a piece of lead pipe several inches long.

   The arrest of Albert Reaser was made on the strength of the statements made by Collector Kirkwood, who said that the man whom he saw place the package on the box resembled a man whom he had seen arrested last summer for throwing stones at Mr. Pullman's windows. He was under the impression that the men were one and the same, and Reaser, who was the stone thrower, was at once brought in.

   He denies in the strongest manner that he sent the packages through the mail.

Dairymen Selling Their Cows.

   KINGSTON. N. Y., Dec. 17.—The serious effects of the extended drought during the summer and fall are now becoming more manifest than ever in the dairy sections of Delaware county. It is estimated that during the last three months over 10,000 cows and yearlings have been sold at a great sacrifice. The situation in Orange county is not much better. Most of the stock was choice grade or thoroughbred, mainly Jersey. Fifteen dollars a head is said to have been the average price. Already many of them are sick of their bargain and want to buy back some of the stock, as prices recently have advanced materially.

The Industrial Edition.

   The delivery of The STANDARD'S long delayed Industrial Edition to subscribers therefor began to-day, and will be completed as rapidly as possible. The edition includes 48 pages profusely illustrated, besides a cover. It speaks for itself and we do not care either to commend its excellence or apologize for its defects. The work was thrown upon our hands by the parties who began it, and we have made the publication much larger and more beautiful than was originally contemplated. It is the first attempt to illustrate some of the many attractions of Cortland, and in this we think it will be found at least partially successful.

   Since it was undertaken our job department has been crowded with other work which must be done, and this has contributed to make still longer the delay necessitated by the enlargement of the original plan, and the more than doubling of the number of illustrations. Delays and mistakes in shipping paper, failure to have cuts finished when expected, and just about every other hindrance which a job printing establishment is liable to also did their share to put off the day of publication.

   We send out over 7,000 copies, nearly all of which are already subscribed for, thanks to the energy and excellent management of Mrs. Esther Johnson and the ladies of the hospital board and Y. M. C. A. Auxiliary. The remaining copies will be sold at 25 cents each—at which price all would have been placed, had the proportions to which the publication has grown been foreseen. But a fair opportunity was given everyone to subscribe, and a fair warning was several times repeated in The STANDARD that those who did not subscribe need not feel disappointed if, after the edition was issued, they failed to get a publication worth a dollar for ten cents. So there is no reason for complaint. The extra copies are limited in number, and the forms will not again be put on the press, so that all who desire copies at 25 cents each should secure them at once.

   Half of the gross proceeds of the sale, as we have already announced, go to the Cortland Hospital.

   Subscribers to the Industrial Edition cannot obtain their papers by calling at the STANDARD office. We have not the subscription books, and subscribers will have to wait till our delivery agent reaches them, which will be very soon. Single copies, however, at 25 cents each can be had at this office.

VESTA LODGE.

CELEBRATES ITS TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY.

Officers of Grand Lodge Present—Open Meeting at Opera House—A  Banquet and a Ball.

   Vesta lodge, No. 255, I. O. O. F., celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its founding yesterday with most appropriate and interesting exercises.

   At 3 o'clock P. M. the Opera House was filled to the doors with Odd Fellows from all the surrounding country. The exercises of the afternoon were presided over by Rev. M. J. Wells of Cortland, a member of Canastota lodge, No. 204. The Daughters of Rebekah and the Star of the East lodge occupied seats in the body of the house. Daniels' orchestra furnished music. After an overture by the orchestra Mr. Wells introduced Past Grand G. E. Ingraham who gave a brief history of Vesta lodge which was established twenty-five years ago with seven charter members of whom four are now living, namely, Chauncey Genung and Isaac M. Seaman of Cortland, George Sperry of Hamilton and P. W. Chaffee of McGrawville. The first named, Chauncey Genung, is the only member who has been in continuous membership since its organization. The total membership of the lodge at present is 205. From it have sprung John L. Lewis lodge, No. 587, and McGrawville lodge, No. 320.

   This was followed by music by a quartet composed of Messrs. George W. Long, F. A. Brainard, T. H. Dowd and E. N. Sherwood.

   Grand Master Alfred A. Guthrie of Albany was then introduced and he gave a stirring address on the work of the order. He said that its peculiar work was toward fraternity, beneficence and charity. He contrasted the isolation in which nations once lived with the fraternity now existing between them and said that odd fellowship rendered isolation impossible. Something is accomplished when a man becomes interested not only in himself but in his neighbor. The benevolence of odd fellowship is far beyond comprehension. Twenty-five years ago only $28,000 were expended to help the brothers and their families, lift them to their feet, hold them erect, and help them to carry themselves. Last year in this state $286,060 were expended for this purpose. There are many charitable institutions in existence, but their work cannot hold a comparison to the charitable work done through odd fellowship. Odd fellowship brings men near to one another and inculcates the most sublime of creeds, the fatherhood and brotherhood of man.

   At this point Past Grand Chauncey Genung was called forward and Grand Master Guthrie presented him with a beautiful veteran's jewel of gold and silver in recognition of his twenty-five years continuous membership. Mr. Genung responded in very feeling terms.

   Grand Warden Hiram M. Olmstead of Corning then made a few remarks, followed by Grand Secretary John G. Deubert of New York who spoke in a humorous vein for a short time.

   A duet was sung by Mrs. Bean and Mr. Long. Grand Chaplain Rev. J. Barton French of Syracuse then began in a happy and humorous vein and followed with a rousing address on the principles of odd-fellowship. Frank E. Trautman of New York, chairman of the finance committee, made a few remarks. This was followed by a duet by Messrs. G. W. Long and D. J. Chadwick.

   The Odd Fellows adjourned to the banquet hall in Vesta lodge rooms. Here a fine supper had been prepared under the direction of Messrs. E. E. Price and C. B. Roethig. There was plenty to eat and the boys did full justice to the tempting food set before them. Every one was very enthusiastic in his praise of the Vesta boys for their generous hospitality. The exact number of those who sat down to the banquet could not be obtained, but it was estimated by those in charge that over 450 plates were served. The committees in charge are entitled to many thanks for the numerous courtesies shown representatives of the press both during the afternoon and in the evening.

   After the banquet a session of Vesta lodge was held, also a special session of the grand lodge. The grand lodge degree was taken by seventy-three candidates, Past Grand G. E. Ingraham in behalf of John L. Lewis lodge in an excellent speech presented Vesta lodge with an elegant silver water pitcher and goblet. Then Mr. L. E. Blackmer in behalf of Bright Light lodge, No. 221, presented them with a beautiful onyx stand.

   In the evening occurred the grand Odd Fellows' ball which was largely attended. Daniel's full orchestra furnished fine music for dancing which was indulged in until a late hour. The floor committee did everything in their power to enable every one to have a good time and they succeeded admirably.

   The present officers of Vesta lodge are:

   Noble Grand—C. B. Sperry.

   Vice Grand—Willard Gilbert.

   Recording Secretary—W. M. Turner.

   Permanent Secretary—L. A. Bloomer.

   Treasurer—E. H. Stockwell.

   Chaplain—Chauncey Genung.

   Warden—Irving Townsend.

   Conductor—George E. Butler.

   R. S. N. G.—C. B. Roethig.

   L. S. N. G.—Charles Robinson.

   R. S. V. G.—C. F. Brainard.

   L. S. V. G.—Charles Deremer.

   R. S. S.—Christopher Wadham.

   L. S. S.—Charles Hicks.

   Inside Guardian—Charles Saxton.

   Outside Guardian—J. D. DuBois.

   Trustees—C. B. Roethig, Henry Lewis and Charles Dunn.

   The committees in charge of the anniversary celebration are:

   General committee—C. B. Roethig, Ezra Stockwell, Chauncey Genung, Lewis A. Bloomer, E. N. Sherwood.

   Grand Officers Reception committee—District Deputy Grand Masters G. E. Ingraham of Cortland, Wilson Blashfield of Homer, Hobart Cummings of Preble, M. R Tyler of Dryden, Charles Warren of McGrawville, William Esmay of Marathon.

   Reception committee for visiting Odd Fellows—Thomas B. Button, F. M. Quick, George Butler, R. B. Eddy, Edward Butterfield, C. B. Wadham, H. L. Hartwell and O. A. Brazie.

   Committee in charge of ball—Joseph Dalton, John Warwick, John Olds, Warren Olds, Thomas Ashworth and Frank Hilligus.

HISTORY OF VESTA LODGE.

   The history of Vesta lodge as read by Past Grand G. E. Ingraham was as follows:

   Some time prior to Dec. 15, 1870, seven Odd Fellows petitioned the grand lodge of the state of New York to establish a lodge of the order in the village of Cortland, which petition was granted and on Dec. 15, 1870, Vesta lodge, No. 255 , was instituted by D. D. G. M. E. Perkins of Binghamton and the following officers were duly installed:

   N. G.—Isaac M. Seaman.

   V. G.—H. M. Kent.

   Secretary—Gideon Wright.

   Warden—O. Hulse.

   Conductor—A. Sager.

   The following were admitted as ancient Odd Fellows: Oliver Hitchcock. George S. Holden, Richard Lambert, S. M. Benjamin and M. J. Grady; by initiation, John J. Taggart, P. W. Chaffee, John D. Frederick, J. W. Benjamin, Delos Sanders, L. Dexter, George G. Sperry, Chauncey Genung and C. E. Gilbert. Of the names mentioned above four are now members of the order, and but one, Chauncey Genung, has held continuous membership in this lodge. He has held his membership in Vesta lodge, No. 255, since Dec. 15, 1870, to the present time. Brother Isaac M. Seaman is now a member of John L. Lewis lodge, No. 587 of Cortland; George G. Sperry is a member of Tuscarora lodge, No. 669, of Hamilton, N. Y.; and P. W. Chaffee is a member of McGrawville lodge, No. 320.

   The first rooms occupied by Vesta lodge independently were dedicated July 20, 1870 in the building known as the old Squires block and the exercises were attended by visiting members from Yorkshire,  Ithaca, Syracuse, Binghamton and other places and many were unable to gain admission. P. G. M. William H. Barnes of New York presided, assisted by W. W. Powers of Marathon as grand chaplain and Brothers Blashfield of Homer, Wilbur of Preble, Hickey of Marathon, and Stewart of Ithaca as grand heralds. Isaac M. Seaman was noble grand at this time.

   The present rooms were dedicated Nov. 26, 1885. The rooms were formally set aside for the use of the order and the keys delivered by the grand master to the noble grand, Chauncey Genung. Addresses were made by Grand Master James Goodwin of New York, Grand Secretary James Terwilliger, J. S. Barber, H. L. Gleason and Rev. J. Barton French then of Homer. Supper was then served to about 500 Odd Fellows and invited guests. A grand ball was held in the evening, at which the grand master and other officials participated. This closed one of the most important events in the history of Vesta lodge.

   Feb. 28, 1883, A. P. McGraw, S. A. Parker, E. C. Palmer, F. S. Berggren, C. B. Warren and G. H. Case withdrew from Vesta lodge for the purpose of establishing a lodge in McGrawville which was instituted May 4, 1888, by D. D. G. M. C. B. Roethig and staff.

   July 8, 1888, L. T. White, G. W. Lansing and E. J. Hopkins and others to the number of seventeen withdrew and established John L. Lewis lodge, No. 587, the second lodge of the order in Cortland.

   Vesta lodge was instituted Dec 15, 1870, with seven members. It has now 205 members. From it has sprung McGrawville lodge, No. 320, with a membership of 81 and John L. Lewis lodge with a membership of 136.

   In 1871 Vesta lodge was in debt something over $1,000, since which time it has cared for its sick, relieved its distressed, buried its dead, paid this debt and now has over $1,000 cash on hand and its offsprings are in a flourishing and promising condition.