MUST READ AND WRITE

Arriving at Ellis Island.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, December 18, 1896.

MUST READ AND WRITE.

Restrictions to Be Placed on Immigration.

BILL PASSED BY THE SENATE.

Printed Slips Containing Extracts From the Constitution Are to Be the Test of Eligibility to Land at the Ellis Island Station.

   WASHINGTON, Dec. 18.—The senate passed the immigration bill with a new section providing that the exclusion shall not apply to persons arriving from Cuba during the continuance of the present disorders there.

   The strength of the bill was greater than had been expected, the final vote being 52 to 10.

   As passed the bill amends the immigration laws so as to exclude from admission to the United States all persons over 10 years of age who cannot read and write the language of their native country or some other language, but an admissible immigrant, over the age of 16 years, may bring in with him, or send for his wife or parent, or grand parent, or minor child or grand child, notwithstanding the inability to read and write.

   For the purpose of testing the ability of the immigrant to read arid write, as required by the foregoing section, the inspection officers shall be furnished copies of the constitution of the United States printed in numbered uniform pasteboard slips, each containing five lines of the constitution printed in the various languages of the immigrants in double small pica type.

   These slips shall be kept in boxes made for that purpose and so constructed as to conceal the slips from view, each box to contain slips of but one language and the immigrant may designate the language in which he prefers the test shall be made.

   Each immigrant shall be required to draw one of these slips from the box and read and afterwards write out in full view of the immigration officers the five lines printed thereon.

   The slip shall be returned to the box immediately after the test is finished, and the contents of the box shall be taken up by an inspection officer before another drawing is made.

   No immigrant failing to read and write out the slip thus drawn by him shall be admitted, but he shall be returned to the country whence he came at the expense of the steamship or railroad company which brought him, as provided by law.

   The inspection officers shall keep in each box at all times a full number of these pasteboard slips, and in the case of each excluded immigrant shall keep a certified memorandum of the number of the slip which the immigrant failed to read or copy out in writing.

   The Cuban section added to the bill provides that the act shall not apply to persons arriving in the United States from any port or place in the island of Cuba during the continuance of the present disorders there, provided that such persons have heretofore been inhabitants of that island.

   An amendment by Mr. Elkins, proposing a $10 head tax on immigrants coming in other than American ships, occasioned considerable debate, and was finally tabled, as were several other amendments.

   The immigrant measure now goes into conference, as the bill passed is a substitute for the Corliss-McCall bill passed by the house.

In the House.

   The house passed the third of the regular appropriation bills (that for the support of the army) and entered upon the consideration of the legislative, executive and judicial bill. The latter bill carries $21,669,369, or $36,399 more than the law for the current year. Fair progress was made. It is expected that this bill and the military academy appropriation bill will be passed before the holiday recess.

   The house committee on Indian affairs authorized a favorable report on the bill introduced by Representative Sherman of New York, providing for the abolishment of the offices of commissioner and assistant commissioner of Indian affairs and to create in their stead a board of Indian commissioners of three members.

   Representative Burton of Ohio has introduced a joint resolution directing the president to conduct negotiations with Great Britain to secure, if possible, the abrogation of so much of the treaty of 1817 as forbids the building of warships on the Great Lakes.

Erie Canal at Syracuse, N. Y.

RIOTING ON THE CANAL.

Striking Laborers Take Things by Storm.

SERIOUS CLASH NEAR SYRACUSE.

Property Smashed by the Irate Italians Who Demand More Wages—Contractors Obtain Police Protection to Carry on the Work.

   SYRACUSE, Dec. 18.—The second strike within two days on the Erie canal improvement work has occurred in and west of this city. Soon after going to work in the morning about 100 men employed by Contractors McDonald & Sayre of New York in the western part of the city, most of whom were Italians, quit work and demanded $1.50 a day, instead of $1.20, as they have been paid. This was neither granted nor positively refused. The men wanted money right away, and not getting it, they started westward along the canal, arming themselves with clubs and picks.

   The first gang of men they met was another section in the employ of McDonald & Sayre. These men were intimidated by those already aroused and were obliged to quit work also, part of their number joining the mob. Those who did not sympathize with the strike dared not return to their work.

   The men marched along the canal, sweeping everything before them. They broke down stagings, smashed wheelbarrows, threw tool boxes in the canal and appropriated a lot of new pick handles for weapons.

   The mob gradually added to its numbers. It marched along to the territory where Dunfee & Co. of this city have the contract and induced their men to quit work also.

   Some slight altercations occurred with foremen and a report was afloat that a foreman was killed, but it could not be verified.

   When last heard of the strikers were near Jordan.

   Contractor McDonald said that he expected to employ new men and set them to work at once, as his foreman told him that many of the men who had left the work only did so from fear. Dunfee & Co. will do the same.

   McDonald & Sayre have asked for police protection from the city and a squad will be on hand to see that the workmen are not interfered with. No raise in wages is probable, as the contractors claim that they can get all the workmen they want at present prices.

   Contractor McDonald said that none of the men had come to him with requests, although he would have given them a hearing.

   Dunfee & Co. have asked police protection from the county offices for their work which is outside of the city.

   Deputy Kratz investigated the field of battle and decided that the interference of a sheriff's posse was unnecessary, although Sheriff Austin is prepared to organize one at the first outbreak of violence. Some of his deputies will remain on the scene in an effort to protect the contractor's property outside of the city.

   Over 300 men are now out.

OUR VILLAGE CHARTER

Regardless of Defects Is Said to Be "One of the Best in the State."

   Counselor B. T. Wright has lately received from John B. Squire, an attorney of Buffalo, who resides at Lancaster, one of the suburbs of that city, a request for a copy of the charter of Cortland village. Mr. Squire is one of a committee to prepare a village charter for Lancaster. He says to Mr., Wright, "In correspondence with the legislative librarian I am informed that the revision commissioners who have been through many special acts in preparing general law for the incorporation of villages suggested that the charter of Cortland, chapter 342 of laws of 1889, is one of the best in the state."

   This opinion from an expert in that line will be a matter of interest to some Cortland people who feel that we have far outgrown our charter and who are agitating the subject of a city charter. Doubtless our charter has its defects. Perhaps some of them could be overcome by proper amendments.

   In this connection the words of Rev. N. B. Remick, D. D., pastor of the North Presbyterian church of Geneva, who is well known in Cortland, may be timely and of interest. Geneva is agitating the subject of a city charter, and Dr. Remick writes upon that subject in the December number of a little publication, Light and Life, of which he is the editor. Without expressing our agreement or disagreement with his sentiments or with the possibility of their application to Cortland, it can certainly be said that his words, which are as follows, afford food for thought:

   We believe Geneva should retain a village form of government. For this reason: As the law now stands, nothing can be done without submitting the matter to the vote of the people. To be sure this causes what seems to some progressive spirits a vexatious delay. A conservative people move slowly. But, on the other hand, it prevents us from running headlong into debt. In a city government, the common council or board of aldermen often take the reins into their own hands, and despite the protests and interests of the municipality, vote extravagant expenditures and poverty. They drive away manufacturing and other interests that would contribute to the well being of the community. Besides, a city government creates a larger number of salaried officials, many of whom are worse than barnacles upon a ship. The addition or multiplication of servants in a home often make it less and less a home; the happiest one's we have seen being where there is only one or two, or none at all. Likewise the increase of public servants is often an increase of trouble and expense and sorrow. Geneva has done well as a village, and is making improvements fast enough. Keep down the taxes and cost of living and you will draw hither not only desirable manufacturing interests but also desirable residents. We would rather be a large, economically managed, moderately progressive village, than a small, debt-ridden, extravagant and decaying city.

Surrogate's Proceedings.

   Nov. 30.—In the matter of the estate of Mary A. Sheffield, late of Homer, N. Y. Final account filed, accounting had and executor discharged.

   In the matter of the estate of Nellie Phillips, a minor, letters of guardianship granted to Frank E. Maycumber.

   Dec. 7.—In the matter of proving the will of E. Venette Stephens, late of Cortland, N. Y., will admitted to probate and letters testamentary issued to C. P. Walrad. Order granted to publish notice to creditors to present claims.

   Dec. 7.—In the matter of the estate of Polly Andress, late of Cincinnatus, N. Y., letters of administration issued to James Andress.

   Dec. 8.—In the matter of the estate of Sarah N. Persons, late of Cortland, N. Y., order granted to publish notice to creditors.

   Dec. 9.—In the matter of the estate of Deland Ellsworth, late of Cincinnatus, N. Y., letters of administration issued to Samuel S. Beckwith.

   In the estate of Lyman Peck, deceased, receipts on final settlement filed and executor discharged.

   Dec. 10.—In the matter of the estate of David M. Vunk, late of Virgil, N. Y., letters of administration issued to Mary M. Vunk and Merton L. Vunk.

   Dec. 14.—In the matter of proving the will of Matthias W. Frize, late of Freetown, N. Y. will admitted to probate and letters testamentary issued to Eliza A. Frize.

   Dec. 15.—In the matter of the estate of E. Venette Stephens late of Cortland, N. Y., inventory filed.

   In the matter of the estate of Hiram Reas late of Cortland, N. Y., deceased, petition for probate of will filed, citation issued returnable Feb. 19, 1897.

A Frog Orchestra.

   In the window of the drug store of George I. Watson may be seen a full frog orchestra, also a frog singing class. All are on the banks of a pond surrounded by moss and trees. The window makes a very pretty appearance.

TOWN OF SCOTT.

   SCOTT, Dec. 15.—Mr. and Mrs. Elam Clark returned last Monday from their wedding trip to Minnesota, after more than two weeks' absence.

   Mrs. P. O. Brown seems to have lost the use of her vocal organs somewhat as she can only talk in a whisper.

   There seems to be a little more probability of starting a creamery in town, as quite an additional number have come into line in the past few days and the desire for one seems to be increasing daily.

   The mild weather last week gave farmers an opportunity to plow, which several improved, but the ground is frozen too hard this week, but there is no snow.

   The Barber Brothers are buying large lots of poultry for shipping to New York for the Holiday season.

   Most of our day laboring men are cutting wood. There was so much timber blown down during the heavy windstorm a few weeks ago that the owners will give most any share of the wood to have it cut, for what little money they have will have to go for taxes as they are nearly double this year what they have been for the past two or three years. The collector's notices are out and his demands are imperative.

Emerald Hose Election.

   The annual election of officers of Emerald Hose company occurred last night and resulted as follows:

   President—M. F. Cleary.

   Vice-President—Edward Fitzgerald.

   Foreman—W. J. McAuliffe.

   First Assistant—C. E. Shirley.

   Second Assistant—J. D. Kiely.

   Recording Secretary—J. A. Nix.

   Financial Secretary—M. B. Burns.

   Treasurer—Henry Corcoran.

   Property Clerk—J. W. Couch.

   Pipeman—A. J. Lucy.

   Assistant Pipeman— Emmett Cleary.

   Trustees—M. F. Cleary, Henry Corcoran, B. H. McNiff.

   Representative on Board of Engineers— Edward Fitzgerald.

BREVITIES.

   —A Mr. Dillon of Cortland is endeavoring to organize a dancing class here.—DeRuyter Gleaner.

   —New advertisements to-day are—H. G. Stone, Merry Christmas, page 8; F. E. Brogden, Molasses Candy, page 6.

   —There was a large company of skaters at the rink last night and a fine time was enjoyed. The ice was in the finest condition possible.

   —The C. A. A. gave the first of a series of boxing contests last night to a good sized crowd. Four bouts were on the program and furnished considerable entertainment for the audience.

   —We are just finishing in the STANDARD job rooms the handsomest calendar which we have ever issued—and our readers know that this is saying a good deal. Our carrier boys will distribute them in Cortland, Homer and McGrawville as usual.

   —A milkman in a neighboring village has hit upon a novel plan to increase the demand for milk. He presents each one of his customers with an enormous pumpkin occasionally when in season, and of course a large quantity of milk is needed to convert them into pies.

   —An exchange gives the following wholesome advice: In writing for publication always read over your items before sending them to the publisher. By so doing a great many errors which creep into newspapers would be avoided, and the editor escape some cussings for other people's mistakes.

HOMER.

Gleanings of News From Our Twin Village.

   HOMER, Dec. 18.—The Winter Whist club will meet this evening at the home of Miss Annie Daniels on North Main-st.

   Last night was held the last of the revival meetings which have been conducted in the Methodist church during the last three weeks. They have been very successful.

   George A. Brockway and wife have just returned from a business trip to

Chicago.

   The Ladies' Literary society will entertain some of their friends this evening at the home of Miss Sarah Pomeroy. A very pleasant time in anticipation.

   What might have been a serious runaway was narrowly averted yesterday afternoon.

   As Dr. Wade, the veterinary surgeon, was driving along North Main-st., his horse became frightened at the electric cars and shied to the side of the road.  One of the wheels gave way and the doctor was thrown out, but managed to retain his grasp on the lines, preventing the horse from running away. After righting the wheel he drove on, having suffered no injuries beyond a few bruises on the face from coming into contact with the frozen road.

   Dr. F. R. Thompson, who has been confined to the house this week, is rapidly recovering and will soon be able to return to his duties.

   Among those in Syracuse to-day are Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Carley and George W. Lason.

   The merchants are displaying their Christmas goods. Shepard's window is attracting a great deal of attention and C. R. Merrill & Co. promise to outdo themselves in anything they have before displayed in the matter of window dressing. George W. Ripley has put in a line of the Fisher patent hand sleds.

   The young people are taking advantage of the skating these fine moonlight evenings, and the ice is covered with skaters.

   The appeal in the case of Robert L. Eldredge vs. Russell Oakes will be argued before Judge Eggleston in chambers to-morrow morning. Edward W. Hyatt appears for the plaintiff and William J. Smith for the defendant.

   The football team has received word from Marathon postponing the game.

   An article in regard to the football game with McLean last Saturday appears in the McLean items of the Cortland Democrat this week, which is at the best unfair. Our boys won the game on their merits and are to be congratulated on winning the game against such heavy odds.

   Examinations are being conducted at the academy to-day.

   D. B. Coon of Homer came up Saturday to try his luck at partridge shooting.—DeRuyter Gleaner.