FLEMING TRIAL ENDS

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, June 23, 1896.

FLEMING TRIAL ENDED.

Will Probably Go Into the Hands of the Jury Today.

   NEW YORK, June 23.—The trial of Mrs. Fleming for the killing of her mother, Mrs. Bliss, by poison on the night of Aug. 30, 1895, has ended. The knowledge that it was the final day and that Mr. Brooke would make the opening address to the jury had the effect of attracting an immense throng to the criminal court building.

   The corridors leading to part III of general sessions were thronged with men and women, all pushing and surging to gain entrance. The doors were opened and there was a rush which the officers found difficult to oppose. As soon, however, as the seating room was taken up, the doors were closed and no more were admitted, despite the angry expostulations of many persons who had been in daily attendance for six weeks.

   Mr. Brooke, for the defense, began his address to the jury and spoke until the recorder asked him to stop at 1:48 in the afternoon. The attorney openly charged Dr. Scheele, the expert chemist who testified in the case for the people, with putting the arsenic in Mrs. Bliss's stomach. Assistant District Attorney Mclntyre, for the prosecution, closed the case.

   The recorder had intended to charge the jury last evening, but on account of the excessive heat and the long sessions during the day, the charge was postponed. The case will probably be given to the jury after recess today.

GENERAL WILSON KILLED.

Fell In Battle While Fighting For the Cause of Cuba.

   KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 23.—Advices brought here by messengers from the island of Cuba report the death of General W. W. Wilson, leader of an American expedition which landed in Cuba on Dec. 8 in order to assist the insurgents. General Wilson is said to have been killed in battle near Guantanamo.

   General Wilson with about 18 men, four of whom were graduates of West Point, landed in Cuba early in December last with 200 rifles, 50,000 rounds of ammunition, supply of dynamite, etc. The expedition was fitted out at New York by Americans who are interested in Cuba. General Wilson had seen service in Central and South America and was with General Garza on the Mexican border some years ago.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

The Democratic County Convention.

   The Democratic county convention last Saturday was a decidedly smooth affair. There has never been a similar convention of the party within our recollection where every town was so fully represented by delegates who hailed from the localities which they were credited to. Substitutes were almost as rare as hen's teeth. The delegates all appeared to know what they were sent there to do—and did it without any loss of time, voice or perspiration. Every part of the machine was in perfect, order and every joint and wheel and gear well oiled, and it ground out the most harmonious of Democratic music, pitched to the key of simon pure Clevelandism.

   It was the closing and crowning effort in the political career of Mr. John Courtney, Jr., who has represented the present retiring Cleveland administration in the distribution of patronage and principles to the Democracy of Cortland county during the past three years and over. It was the last Democratic convention which will be held in this county under a Democratic administration in many a year, and it was a political daisy—lacking the modesty.

   As to modesty, it could more properly be typified by the sunflower. It had blossoms all over it, and it "got there" with great energy, celerity and precision.

   As an illustration of the changes of politics it was notable. Only a few years since its manager and master, with a few leading Democrats as his assistants, were laughed at and ridiculed when they took their political fortunes in their hands and attended the "dandelion" convention as representatives of Clevelandism in Cortland county. But Courtney had been an acquaintance of Daniel S. Lamont for many years and took his inspiration from that shrewd manager and thought he saw which way party sentiment pointed. He was as true to Lamont as Lamont has been to the president, and when Cleveland came into office "John" was the trusted factotum of the administration in this bailiwick. That he has distributed the offices shrewdly, judiciously and with a due respect to public opinion, the perfection of his county machine bears witness. It runs without a slip or a creak and registers the will of its manager with unerring precision. It is the handiwork of one of the most conspicuous local Democratic leaders and one of the most successful Democratic organizers in the state.

FRANK E. PLUMB.

Died at Glen Haven, June 21, Aged 42 Years.

   Mr. Frank E. Plumb died Sunday night at 7 o'clock at Glen Haven, aged 42 years. The immediate cause of his death was a shock of paralysis, sustained last Monday night which rendered him unconscious, and from the effects of which he did not rally, remaining in an unconscious condition from that time until his death last night.

   Mr. Plumb was deputy postmaster at the Cortland postoffice, a trustee and valued member of the Universalist church and a highly respected citizen. He was the younger son of Lewis and Phoebe Plumb and was born in Cortland, April 2, 1854. He was a printer by trade and was for many years foreman in the office of the Cortland Democrat.

   On May 11, 1886, he married Miss Pearl M. Rice, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin A. Rice, who survives him. All of Mr. Plumb's life was spent in Cortland with the exception of about two years after his marriage, one of which was spent in Auburn and another as foreman in the office of the Syracuse Daily Journal and as mail clerk on the New York Central railroad.

   In 1889 he returned to Cortland and resumed his work in the Democrat office where he remained until Mr. B. B. Jones was appointed postmaster, April 1, 1894. Mr. Jones appointed Mr. Plumb deputy postmaster and he has had immediate charge of the Cortland postoffice until failing health compelled him to discontinue active work. About two weeks ago he went to Glen Haven for treatment for neuralgia and there suffered the shocks of paralysis from which he died.

   Mr. Plumb as a member of the Universalist society has been for years a most conspicuous figure. His work as leader of the choir has been invaluable. His own voice has ever rendered the most satisfactory service and taking charge of the choir at a critical time, he has given such consecrated labor and interest that a continual improvement in the church music has ever been made.

   For years there was hardly a service which did not find him in his accustomed place, willing and anxious to do what he could to help the church and during the last few months of illness his absence has been felt by all. The last service rendered was at the memorial of the G. A. R., when he sang the solo "Peace I Leave with You, My Peace I Give Unto You," will long be remembered as a parting benediction.

   His position in the church cannot be filled. His father and mother were both members of this church, his mother for more than fifty years being an active, consecrated and true-hearted Universalist.

   Mr. Plumb was also a trustee of the society and has ever maintained such a consecrated attendance to the religion of his faith that the whole society will miss him as a leader and large-hearted, honest, upright, active member of the parish.

   The funeral will be held at his late home, 37 Charles-st., Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

BREVITIES.

   —The case of The People vs. James A. McWhorter in Justice Dickinson's court to-day was again adjourned to July 9.

   —New advertisements to-day are—C. F. Brown, queen sherbet, page 6; G. O. Whitcomb Co., granulated sugar 5c. a lb., page 6.

   —Mr. Willard Story of Homer, a graduate of Joiners' Business college, has accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Wesson-Nivison Mfg. Co.

   —There will be a meeting at the Republican League rooms to-morrow night at 8:30 o'clock to organize a McKinley and Hobart marching club. Every Republican is urged to be present and join the club.

   —Mrs. Ella R. Whiting, wife of Mr. Jerry Whiting, who lives on the Wickwire farm on the McGrawville road, died this morning at about 8 o'clock. Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been completed but will be announced tomorrow.

   —The club run of the Congregational church bicycle club to Little York last evening was a very delightful affair. The roads were in fine condition and about twenty members of the club were out. Another club run is being arranged for Friday night.

   —The families of C. Cotton and Charles Hicks, with the Misses Mary and Eleanor McKean, Olive Bishop of Governeur, Bessie Brown and Miss Kittie Dusenbary of Cortland picnicked at the Trout park on Friday, and found it a delightful place yet to spend a warm day.

   —The wire drawers of the Wickwire Brothers' mill had a clam bake in the Randall woods on South hill last Saturday afternoon. J. O. Reid was the cook and he served clams in all styles, as well as many other substantials and delicacies. They had a fine time and give Mr. Reed the credit of being the king of caterers.

   —The Students and graduates of Joiners' business college will picnic at the park Thursday afternoon. After supper at the park they will return to the rooms in the Wickwire building, where McDermott's orchestra will furnish music for dancing. The college closes for the summer on Friday after a very successful year's work.

   —Orris Hose Co. will hold a special meeting at 9 o'clock this evening to take action in regard to attending the funeral of Frank E. Plumb, who was an honorary member of the company. The honorary members are requested to meet with the active members to-morrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock to attend the funeral in a body.

Steamer Glen Haven.

GLEN HAVEN.

   GLEN HAVEN, June 22.—Steamer Glen Haven sails over the lake Skaneateles and is hailed with delight by the guests of the sanitarium. It is a most delightful trip of sixteen miles under command of Capt. Tucker and Engineer Fennon, whose genial manners render it very enjoyable.

   Among the late arrivals at the hotel are Mr. and Mrs. Bagg of Utica, Mr. and Mrs. Olmstead, Mr. and Mrs. John Sherman of Syracuse, Mrs. A. L. Colwell, Mr. James V. V. Colwell of New York.

   Mrs. Perry and children of New York City arrived Thursday.

   Mr. and Mrs. Wescott of Homer occupy their cottage at Pine Knoll.

   Mrs. Daniel Burdick of Cortland is the guest of Miss Haring at Home Rest.

   Miss Anna Whiting of Cortland spent Sunday at Home Rest.

   Dr. Bradford and wife of Homer spent Sunday with L. W. Porter and family at Glen Haven.