LIGHTS ALL NIGHT

Main Street, Cortland, N. Y. See arc light dangling over Main and Court Streets in upper middle-left of this 1899 photo.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, February 12, 1897.

ALL NIGHT LIGHTS.

THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CORTLAND WILL HAVE THEM.

The Cortland & Homer Electric Company Have Made a Proposal on Which Seems to Meet With Favor.

   At the last meeting of the board of trustees the matter of having our streets lighted all night, every night in the year was discussed. It is an acknowledged fact that all night lights and lights every night are equal to an incalculable amount of police protection in addition to our present force. The police have frequently complained that they are at present greatly handicapped by the too often complete darkness of the town.

   The Electric company have made a proposition to furnish the every night lights from dusk to dusk for thirty cents a light per night. There are now sixty-nine lights in use, and the village pays for them annually $5,000 and about $100 additional for gas. The additional expense, therefore for all night, every night lights would be only $2,555.50. At 30 cents per light the expense would be $109.50 each per year. If their proposition be accepted, the Electric Company will have to go to quite an additional expense for extra equipment of their plant and they would ask for an extension of the existing contract, but this should be readily granted by the tax payers in view of the fact that $109.50 per light each year is a very moderate price when the number of lights is taken into consideration The city of Rochester with over 2,100 lights pays $105 per light, and Binghamton pays $120 for each light.

Penal Code Violated.

   John Howard, who runs a restaurant on Port Watson-st., was arrested by Chief Linderman on a warrant sworn out before Justice Mellon, on complaint of E. S. Fitzgerald charging him with violating section 290 of the penal code of the state of New York. This section forbids selling or giving any kind of liquor to a person really or apparently under 16 years of age. Howard gave bail and his trial was set for Feb. 11. At that time the case was adjourned to Tuesday March 2.

Washington Letter.

(From Our Regular Correspondent.)

   WASHINGTON, Feb. 8th, 1897.—Senator Tillman has got out his pitchfork again, and he is going to use it if the republicans try to throw out the electoral vote of South Carolina on the protest that is going to be made by Murray, the negro member of the House from that State, when the House and Senate meet this week in joint session to count the electoral votes. Senator Tillman said on the subject: "If McKinley is going to be inaugurated on the 4th of March, the joint Convention has got to count the vote of South Carolina. If the republican party wants to make an attack on the constitution of the state, it must make it on some other ground or in some other manner than by endeavoring to prevent the counting of her vote. I wish to go further and express my preference for seeing Mr. McKinley President rather than to see the Presidential function exercised by Secretary Olney, as it will be after the 4th of March, if the effort is made to deny South Carolina the right to vote."

   The following significant language was used by Representative McCall of Mass., who is a republican and Chairman of the Election committee which has charge of the contested election cases from South Carolina in this Congress: "It is true, apparently, that the election laws and constitution of South Carolina disbar a large proportion of the population from voting, but it seems to be the illiterate ones who are disfranchised. There is a question in the minds of many intelligent men whether this is not a wise plan if constitutionally enforced and carried out according to law. A full generation has passed since the colored men were enfranchised, and I do not know how long they can expect us to coddle them and fight to secure their electoral rights, while they neglect to learn to read and write."

   Nobody was surprised when the Senators who have been pushing the Nicaragua Canal Bill decided to give up the fight. At no time during the present session has the bill had the slightest chance of getting through the House, even if passed by the Senate. It could have been passed by the Senate notwithstanding the protests of Nicaragua, but it could only have been done by a protracted fight which would have resulted in preventing action by the Senate upon other legislation.

   Senator Daniel has made a point against the arbitration treaty which may result in arraying the silver senators solidly against its ratification. The point is that if the United States should adopt the free coinage of silver while that treaty was in force, England could put in a claim for the difference between the value of principal and interest of American debts held in England, under the new system of a double standard and under the present single gold standard, and if a majority of the arbitrators happened to be gold men would probably get a decision in favor of the claim.

   A marked feature of the contested election cases decided last week by the House was that the democrats who held the seats were upheld by the republican majority. The democrats so honored were Representatives Swanson of Va.; Kendall of Ky., and Price and Boatner of La. Tom Watson's contest has been decided by a committee against him and in favor of Representative Black, and will this week be decided the same way by the House.

   Canada has sent two members of its ministry to Washington to offer liberal trade concessions in exchange for duties in the new tariff bill that will not shut out Canadian agricultural products, but it looks as though they would just as well have remained at home so far as accomplishing anything goes. The republicans have already agreed to a schedule of rates on agricultural products that raise the duties to such an extent that it will bar out Canadian products.

   The Washington Post has been having fun with Secretary Morton. Its latest hit is too good to be overlooked: "Thee Post is under obligations to Hon. J. Sterling Morton for his most valuable report on 'Tape Worms of Poultry.' By the keen employment of that twin screw and double expansion logic for which the head of the Agricultural Department is so noted, the writer is able to show that this pest which is annoying to farmers and adding to their mortgages is due directly to the constant agitation of the financial question by irresponsible persons who do not agree with the present administration."

   The swearing in of Senator Kenney of Delaware, which the most radical of the republicans had not cheek to object to, after the Committee on elections had refused to reopen the DuPont claim, makes a full Senate of ninety members. There will probably be a break in the ranks again after the 4th of March, either on account of no successor being selected to Senator Blackburn or because of a deadlock in one or more states which have not yet elected Senators.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

The Question of License.

   On Tuesday next the citizens of this town will vote upon the question of license or no-license, and for the first time under the provisions of the Raines law. We are aware that on the question of license, we shall differ in our views from a considerable number of our citizens. We have no desire, therefore, to attempt to force our opinions upon any one, but shall present a few facts and figures for the thoughtful consideration of the people, leaving them to act on this question as their judgment and consciences may dictate after a study of the figures which we present.

   No one questions the fact that men should be temperate in all things, and that measure or policy which will promote temperance, as regards the use of liquor in any community, ought to be supported as advancing the welfare of all the people, and being in the interest of law, order and the moral standing of a community. If the people believe that under no-license, less liquor has been sold in the past or will be in the future, and that men who were sober, industrious and worthy citizens during the no-license years of 1893, 1894 and 1895, became drunkards, shiftless and unworthy citizens under license in 1896 they should, by all means, vote for no- license.

   We simply mean this, that regardless of theory as to right or wrong, the man who says he wishes to vote from principle should support the policy which shows by its results that it increases respect for law, order and good government, and tends to promote sobriety among the people.

   What do the records of the Police Court show as bearing on this question? We find that during the no-license years of 1894 and 1895 the arrests were as follows: In 1894, 161, in 1895, 164 and during the license year of 1896 the number of arrests was but 95. This record shows a decrease of 69 in the number of arrests as compared with the year 1895 or 42 per cent less.

   These figures must show one of two things, a large decrease in the cases of public intoxication or a terrible loss in the efficiency of our police force, and this question we submit to the people for their judgment. There is another subject to be considered in connection with the question of license, which is the bearing which it has on our rate of taxes. We mention this last, because we believe that a question of expediency or dollars and cents, should always be subordinate to a question of right, but when considered in connection with the question as to whether no-license [tends] to the moral improvement of the community, it may have an important bearing upon the question.

   Our tax rate for the year 1895, according to the report of the Board of Supervisors, was .02046 or about 2 cents and 1/2 mill on the dollar of assessed valuation. As no licenses were granted the town had no rebate from that source to decrease its tax levy.

   Owing to the fact that this town is largely at the mercy of the out-lying towns of the county on the question of equalization, the assessed valuation of Cortlandville was, as we figure it, raised to an amount equal to $191,950, but notwithstanding this fact our tax rate for 1896 was, according to the Supervisors' report, .0179 or about 1 3/4 cents on the dollar of assessed valuation.

   Although the report of the Board of Supervisors does not give the exact amount received from licenses alone, we find upon investigation that this amount was substantially $4,600 and had our tax levy not been reduced by this amount our rate would have been .02076 instead of .0179. To put it in another way, the tax on an assessment of $1,000 was $17.90, if our tax levy had not been reduced by the receipts from licenses, the tax on an assessment of $1,000 would have been $20.76. Now, if liquor has been sold year after year, regardless of the fact that the people had voted for no-license, did not the people who voted for no-license really vote into the pockets of liquor sellers from $4,000 to $5,000 a year which last year they had to pay, and which was saved to the rest of the people. If this result had been reached only by a lowering of public morals, and an increase in drunkenness and crime, then we certainly would not consider the question of taxation for a moment. If, on the other hand, we find coupled with the above result a decrease of 42 per cent in the number of arrests, as shown by our Police Court records, then we believe that the question is worthy of careful consideration.

   The Raines law was designed as a purely party measure, and it will without doubt serve the purpose for which it was framed, but it is not without its redeeming feature.

   In towns where licenses are granted, we believe that its provisions and restrictions will give to the local authorities better control of the liquor business than the old law, but in towns which vote against the granting of license, we are not so sure of the satisfactory working of a law which was intended as a purely political measure, and to control the liquor vote.

HERE AND THERE.

   Town meeting next Tuesday.

   C. F. Brown has a new advertisement this week.

   Druggist W. J. Perkins has a timely change of advertisement this week.

   W. W. Bennett, agent for the great Sterling ranges, has a new advertisement this week.

   The examination of Daniel Kernan, who was arrested last week for alleged violations of the Raines law, is set for to-morrow before Justice Kelley.

   There will be a meeting at the opera house Monday evening at which the clergy and others will discuss the license question to be voted upon Tuesday.

   G. J. Mager & Co. are continuing to offer great bargains in slightly damaged goods at their fire sale. See their advertisement in its usual place on our fourth page.

   Mr. W. M. Peck, formerly of Groton but now of this place, and Mrs. Lydia Grover of Freeville were married yesterday morning at the home of the bride in Freeville.

   The farmer's institute will be held in C. A. A. hall next Tuesday and Wednesday. A very interesting program has been prepared. The public are cordially invited to attend.

   On election day there will be a meeting for prayer at the W. C T. U. rooms from 12 until 2 o'clock. All who desire the overthrow of the liquor traffic are earnestly desired to be present.

   Deputy County Clerk H. T. Bushnell has been appointed by the surrogate as a commissioner to manage the estate of Mr. Isaac S. Samson, who was recently adjudged by a jury as a incompetent person.

   A number of Cortland dairymen who have organized as the Cortland Milk Union will immediately begin the erection of a milk depot near the junction, having leased the necessary land. They have a market in New York.

   Two milk wagons belonging to Chas. Antisdale and John Parks started down Main-st. Wednesday morning to make an independent delivery. The Parks horse collided with the barber pole at Railroad-st. corner and fell. The other stopped at command a little farther down. Loss, forty quarts of milk.

   James H. Kellogg camp, S. O. V., will celebrate defenders' day, the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, in their hall this evening. Dr. F. J. Cheney and Rev. E. B. Gearhart will deliver appropriate addresses and a program laid out by the National headquarters, S. O. V., will be presented. It includes fine literary and musical selections.

SCOTT.

   SCOTT, Feb. 9.—Our thaw has caught cold and so have some of the people.

   Riley Knapp, who has been quite sick, is improving.

   Alvah Clarke has been visiting his sister Minnette in DeRuyter.

   B. L. Barber had his hands quite severely burned recently.

   S. J. Barber has sold his Jersey yearling to E. W. Childs for $27.50.

   Franklin Pratt of Little York was in town last Friday in the phosphate business.

   Another license was taken out in this town last week in the interest of the Blue Eagle hotel.

   We learn that Fred Bierce has been engaged to teach the north village school for the next term.

   Charley Morgan Babcock has been in town from Cortland visiting old friends. He is as comical as ever.

   Mrs. Hull, widow of Wm. Hull, has fallen down stairs and hurt herself quite severely but no bones are broken.

   Albert Babcock of this town has taken the job of building a house upon a lot in or near Syracuse for Lovinus Tinkham, also of this place.

   Ernest L. Barber's name has been substituted in place of B. F. Rogers as candidate for justice of the peace, the latter having declined.

   Mrs. Will Norton luckily escaped recently from a serious disaster. She fell in a faint and overturned a large lamp which she had in her hand lighted. She was alone.

   Four tickets are to be voted in Scott at town meeting, viz.: Town, for and against license, for and against a lock-up, and for and against appropriating $25 for Decoration  expenses.

   Merchant C. C. Clarke has just opened a keg of codfish which he proposes to sell 10 lbs. for 25 cents. No; we mean ciscoes. Here is a cheap chance to feed the brain for our citizens.

   We presume no one will forget the dates of the two donations. The one at the M. E. church the 10th inst., and the one at the S. D. B. church the 17th. Oysters will be served on both occasions.

   It looks some as though Preble wasn't much of a town while Scott pays between $3,000 and $4,000 taxes this year. Preble only pays between $400 and $500. Preble must be a dreadful dead town.

   Sixty invited guests gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Whitcomb on Wednesday evening, Feb. 3. A sumptuous repast was indulged in and a general good time had. It was held under the auspices of the G. A. R.

   Old Mrs. Griffin of Sempronius, aged 88 years, was buried last Monday by the undertakers of this place. She was the mother of Mrs. McConnell of this town, and also of the late Lavalette Griffin, who recently died from injuries received from a bull.

   Edward Peck has been sick for a number of days with the mumps and is under the doctor's care. Menzo Grinnell is afflicted with the same malady, and we hear that old Mr. Durock Smith of Sempronius has the mumps and is over 98 years of age.

   A large crowd attended the entertainment at Roche's hall given by the Knights of Pleasure club on the evening of Feb. 4th. The play was well rendered and the music fine. Receipts outside of dance, some over $30. They are billed for Preble this evening.

   About 4 o'clock Sunday P. M., the tenement house of Francis Maxson was discovered to be on fire. It was occupied by Mr Laroux and his two little boys, but at the time the father had just gone on an errand to a neighboring house but saw the fire before he reached his destination and returned. The wind was blowing quite a breeze at the time and the younger boy came near being burned up so dense was the smoke and so rapid the flames. They escaped with the clothes they had on and two other coats. Everything else in the house was burned. Mr. Laroux worked by the day and had just laid in a supply of eatables, enough to last through the winter, but everything was swept away. Mr. Maxson had considerable property stowed away in the building, such as a set of carpenter's tools, sap can and buckets, two stoves and some nice furniture, etc. Two dogs, two squirrels and a bird were burned. There was no insurance on either house or contents. The loss is severe on both parties and sympathy is expressed by all. The cause of the fire is unknown.