GRECO-TURKISH WAR VIEWED WITH INTEREST AND BOARD OF EDUCATION

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, April 20, 1897.

WAR VIEWED WITH INTEREST.

Military Officials at Washington Closely Watching Operations.

   WASHINGTON. April 20.—The president and Secretary Sherman were in consultation several times during the day. It is gathered unofficially that they had under consideration a telegram from Minister Terrell at Constantinople regarding the protection of American interests and the protection of Greek subjects which have been intrusted to the minister to the porte. Secretary of the Navy Long was also with the president.

   It has been suggested that the president will probably be called on to issue a proclamation of neutrality, now that war has begun between Turkey and Greece.

   The officials have looked into the precedents in such cases and have concluded that the conditions at present do not require the issue of such a notice.

   The progress of hostilities is being watched with the keenest interest in military circles here. Already there has been a great demand for accurate maps of the scene of the first outbreak and this has been responded to by the military information bureau by giving orders for the preparation of such a map as was issued during the war between China and Japan, a publication of great value to the student of war.

   The war department experts say that Turkey, on paper at least, has one of the most formidable armies in the world, and although it is generally admitted that its strength may not be anywhere near as large as thus set out, still there actually exists a military force beside which that of Greece is absolutely insignificant in numbers.

HARD FIGHTING IN GREECE.

Greek Navy Hastily Left the Piraeus Under Sealed Orders.

   ATHENS, April 20.—It is reported this morning that the Greek force which was trying to bridge the river Arichthos on the Epirus frontier has been driven off by the Turks. The Turks have advanced upon Arta and have been bombarding it since 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Sharp fighting is proceeding on the Epirus frontier. The bombardment of Prevesa, a Turkish position at the entrance of the Gulf of Arta, was resumed at 9 o'clock this morning by the Greeks on both land and sea. It is believed that the town will be reduced during the course of the day. The Greek squadron left the Piraeus at midnight under sealed orders. Several merchantmen have also been hastily armed. Detachments of Greek troops have been hurried aboard.

TO LEAVE CORTLAND.

I. Whiteson to Sell Everything Preparatory to Going to Louisville, Ky.

   Mr. I. Whiteson, who has for many years been identified with the clothing trade in Cortland as proprietor of one of the largest stores in the county, has purchased an immense department store in Louisville, Ky., and will immediately close out his business in Cortland preparatory to going to that city. Mr. Whiteson's new store is located upon one of the principal streets of the city and occupies the whole of a block 90 by 250 ft. in size and four stories high. Three hundred clerks are employed there. The stock carried includes clothing ready made and tailor made, furnishing goods for ladies and gentlemen, ladies' wear, shoes, etc. The opportunity is a grand one for a man of Mr. Whiteson's known business ability.

   Meanwhile he will offer some tremendous bargains here in Cortland. His whole stock including clothing for men and children, furnishing goods, hats and caps, trunks and valises, etc., must be closed out and will be closed out at private sale during the next sixty days. He has on hand everything usually carried in a well equipped and up-to-date furnishing store. His store will be closed entirely on Friday of this week to permit his employees to mark down the stock. Prices will be fixed at fifty cents on the dollar and less, and everything will be sold, as he has no idea of taking anything with him to Louisville.

   One of the facts which caused Mr. Whiteson to hesitate about buying the new store in Louisville and in closing out here was that he must leave his beautiful home on Lincoln-ave., which he built ten years ago this summer and fitted up  with every convenience and luxury. But he determined to sell this along with his other property here. He and his family have also many friends here whom they will regret to leave and who will be sorry to have them go.

   Mr. Whiteson was also the senior partner in the clothing firm of Whiteson & Berwin at Norwich. Mr. Berwin has arranged to buy his partner's interest, so that Mr. Whiteson will close out all his business interests in the East before going to Louisville.

   Mr. Theodore Grant of Philadelphia who prior to 1889 was with Mr. Whiteson here in Cortland, has returned to help him close out his stock here and will  go with him to Louisville.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Teachers for Next Year Engaged—Scale of Wages Adopted.

   The board of education held a regular meeting last night and re-elected Ferdinand E. Smith superintendent of schools for the coming year at a salary of $1,400, an increase of $100. The following teachers for the year were engaged: Eleanor E. Miller, Fannie M. Galusha, Ada J. Wallace, Mary E. Williams, Anna May Knapp, Grace Mead, Mrs. Lena V. Keese, Minnie F. Cleary, Ella M. Van Hoesen, Mrs. Jasper E. Perry, Mrs. Clara H. Benedict, Mary J. McGowan, Nettie E. Cole, Mary E. Van Bergen, Lulu M. Day, Mrs. Ora K. George, Ella C. Garrity, Mabel L. Graves, Mary C. Van Gorden, Elizabeth Turner, Anna Flanagan, Mary A. Woodbury. The teachers remain the same as at present, except that Miss Flanagan and Miss Woodbury were elected to fill vacancies caused by the resignations of Misses Jennie May Allen and Anna W. Blackmer, who intend entering Wellesley college the coming fall.

   Miss Flanagan has had several years' experience in teaching in the public schools in Horseheads, and her home is in Cortland. Miss Woodbury also resides in Cortland and graduated from the Normal in January. Superintendent Smith said this morning that the location of the teachers in the various schools for next year had not yet been decided upon, though there will be a few changes. The teachers now in the Central school will probably remain there next year.

   The board last night adopted a scale of salaries for the future. The first year a teacher will receive $320, the second $360, the third $400, the fourth $440, the fifth $480. If a new teacher has taught successfully for three years, this is to be considered equivalent to one year's service here, and the first year will receive $360 instead of $320. This action of the board was taken to encourage teachers to remain for a longer period than they otherwise would perhaps, by making an increase in the salary for each year's additional service.

VILLAGE TRUSTEES.

Large Number of Bills Audited—Board In Executive Session.

   There was a full attendance of the board of village trustees last evening when President Call called to order. But before the bills were disposed of, Trustee Nodecker begged to be excused, owing to sickness in his family. The following bills were audited:

   Street Commissioner's payroll, $118.95

   Homer & Cortland Gas Co., 17.20

   First National Bank, interest, 17.00

   F. A. Bickford, salary, 25.00

   Freight, .25

   Police payroll, 105.00

   W. T. Linderman, feeding prisoners, .62

   The bill of Sager & Jennings of $22.50 for vitriol for use at the engine house was referred to Trustee O'Leary for investigation.

   A petition signed by the following asking for the appointment of Howard W. Beattie as night policeman was read: A. B. Nelson, F. Daehler, B. F. Taylor, J. F. Dowd, C. Townley, D. Bauder, C. H. Warren, Hugh Corcoran, Ollie Ingraham, John Miller, F. W. Collins, A. J. Goddard, N. L. Miller, James Dougherty, M. H. Ray, J. D. Call, J. C. Seager, D. E. Smith, F. L. McDowell.

   The matter of establishing a sidewalk grade for the corner of North Main-st. and Homer-ave. was referred to Trustee Warfield with power to act.

   Chief Barber of the fire department came before the board and asked the board to grant to the recently organized fire patrol police powers at fires. All the trustees were in favor of granting such power, but under the wording of the charter they were not clear just how to grant this authority without making the twenty-seven members of the company special policemen, which would, in the minds or the trustees, give them the power of arrest at all times. The matter was laid over until the next meeting, but the trustees assured Chief Barber that they were perfectly willing to grant the request, only it should be done in a legal way. Some one suggested that the new organization might be designated the Protective Police department of Cortland, but to this Chief Barber objected, saying that the department had had enough of that title. The chief called attention to the hydrant at the corner of Owego and Park-sts., saying that Angell & McFall had built a platform so close to it that there is difficulty in turning a hydrant wrench. The matter was left with the chief. The board then, on motion of Trustee Wallace, with Trustee Nodecker absent, went into executive session.

   The board in executive session transacted no business. Owing to the absence of Trustee Nodecker, no appointments of policemen were made. The board behind closed doors talked about electric lighting, it being a question with them whether they had the power and authority to make a contract with any company for a term of more than one year, as under the charter the money for that purpose has to be appropriated by a vote of the people at the spring charter election.

STRANGLED TO DEATH.

Formerly of the Almshouse, Later at Rome Custodial Asylum.

   George Owens, a Cortland county inmate of the Rome Custodial asylum, strangled to death over a piece of bread on Saturday. He was 47 years of age. Like a great many idiots his teeth were very poor and he had always been fed on soups and soft food. Saturday morning he stole a good sized piece of bread, and smuggled it into the ward, where he was confined. The bread was 8 or 4 inches long and about as wide. He tried to swallow it and it stuck in his windpipe.

   Coroner Nock deemed an inquest unnecessary.

   Owens had been nearly all his life an inmate at the county almshouse, and was transferred to Rome Oct. 5, 1896, by Superintendent of the Poor O. P. Miner.

BREVITIES.

   —Two tramps were discharged from police court this morning, and started to count the railroad ties between Cortland and Binghamton.

   —In Justice Kelley's court this morning the case of Driseoll vs. Henry Goddard and Thomas Carr was adjourned to April 30 at 10 o'clock A. M.

   —The case of M. J. Peck against O. D. Moore is on trial before Justice Dowd and a jury to-day. The action is brought to recover damages for alleged injury to a house belonging to plaintiff and occupied by defendant.

   —New advertisements to-day are—D. McCarthy &Co., Men's Dept., page 4; A. H. Burgess, Spring Clothing, page 8; Warren, Tanner & Co., Dress Goods,  page 6; W. J . Perkins, paints, page 4; C. F. Brown, Hawkeye Camera, page 8; Angell & McCall, Boston Baked Beans, page 6; Baker & Angell, Shoes. page 6.

   —The Elmira Gazette tells of an exciting race Saturday night between passenger trains on the Lehigh Valley and Erie roads between Owego and Waverly where the two roads run parallel. The Lehigh Valley had the lighter train and won, drawing entirely away from the Erie train, while the passengers on the former train beckoned to those on the other to come on intimating that they were too slow.

 

BIG BATTLE RAGING AND BREWER WINTER HOME IN FLORIDA

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, April 19, 1897.

BIG BATTLE RAGING.

Fierce Conflict Between Turks and Greeks.

HORDES OF TROOPS ENGAGED.

Turkish Troops Gain Partial Possession of the Milouna Pass.

Greeks Descending Towards the Valley Encountered Four Battalions of Turkish Troops, Who Drove Them Back and, at the Point of the Bayonet, Rescued the Force Garrisoning the Turkish Blockhouse, Which the Greeks Had Encircled—The Battle Still Continues Along the Whole Pass, Over 20,000 Men Being Engaged—It Is Impossible to State the Number of Killed and Wounded—Turks Destroyed Two Pieces of Greek Artillery and the Greeks Captured an Entire Battery From the Turks—Three Greek Officers of High Rank Were Killed—Large Body of Greek Troops Are Marching Against Menesse and Brisk Firing Is Heard Along the Line as Far as Arta—Turkey Gives Notice to All Greeks Within Her Border to Leave Within Two Weeks, and Also Recalls Her Consuls and Subjects.

   FOOT OF MILOUNA PASS, April 19.—A fierce battle raged in the pass all night long. The Greeks who entered and descended toward the valley encountered four battalions of Turks, who drove them back, and at the point of the bayonet rescued the force garrisoning the Turkish blockhouse, which the Greeks had encircled before entering the pass.

   Neshad Pasha, commanding the Fifth division, occupy Mount Parna with a great force, while Hairi Pasha, commanding the Sixth division, prepared to enter the Tchaishan pass, and Haidar Pasha, with the Fourth division, occupied the Milouna pass.

   Before dawn Edhem Pasha rode out to direct the disposition of these divisions.

   A general engagement ensued. The battle still continues along the entire pass, over 20,000 men being engaged. The combat turns on the possession of the Greek blockhouse, which was most obstinately defended. Several vigorous attacks were made by the Turks without success, but finally about 9 o'clock, by a magnificent dash, they took the blockhouse at the point of the bayonet.

   The Greeks are still defending their positions on the summit of the hill. At the present moment four battalions of Mendukh Pasha's division are advancing to the frontier positions already taken. The Turks are fighting like lions, the Turkish artillery doing splendid execution under the command of Riza Pasha.

   A correspondent says: "I regret to have to announce the death of Hafiz Pasha at Milouna. The battle is still undecided, but the Turks, without calling up the reserves, have taken almost the whole pass. It is impossible to give details as to the losses. It saw many groups of wounded men, but they were mostly on the heights. Ambulances have been sent to bring them in. I cannot say whether the Turks intend to advance on Larissa."

PROTECTION FOR BALL PLAYERS.

They Are Not Pleased With the Changes In Contracts.

   CINCINNATI, April 19.—That there is to be some kind of an organization next season for the protection of the players there is no longer any doubt. The great majority of the players in the National and Western leagues are dissatisfied.

   The changing of the contract dates has been the bone of contention this season. The players claim that the change in the contracts, which does not begin pay until April 15, and holds them under contract until Oct. 15, is an injustice.

   It is held that while the players are expected to report just as early in the spring for practice, they are not reimbursed until one week before the season starts. In the fall after seasons close the revenue of exhibition games, which formerly went to players, now goes to the club.

   Being shifted from one club to another without being consulted is not to the players' liking, and it is claimed that the salaries are being reduced yearly.

Suicide at Volney.

   OSWEGO, N. Y., April 19.—Edward Bell, an engineer, aged 64, committed suicide with paris green at his home in Volney. He was father of Mrs. Carrie Parkhurst, who was twice tried and finally acquitted of poisoning her husband two years ago.

FOR A WINTER HOME.

Mr. Edward H. Brewer Bought an Orange Grove in Florida.

   Mr. Edward H. Brewer, who with his family has spent the past two winters in Florida, finds that sunny climate so beneficial to his health that he has taken the first steps toward providing for himself a winter home in the orange state. He has just bought an orange grove there of 28 acres containing 1,500 trees that are upwards of twenty years old. This grove is located on the east side of Lake Osceola and has a splendid water frontage of 1,000 feet. This place is called the College grove, and is considered one of the finest orange groves in Orange county, Fla. Before the last freeze it was valued at $28,000. At the time that the freeze came on $1,500 worth of grape fruit and 3,000 boxes of oranges were all ready for shipment and were destroyed.

   Mr. Brewer writes home in a personal letter to a friend that he is now superintending the clearing out of the grove and that pruning, cutting and budding are in progress. He will probably stay there till about May 15 before starting for Cortland. It is quite probable that he will build a winter home there before long.

   It seems likely that Mr. Brewer will come home this spring in better health than he has enjoyed for a number of years. It will be remembered that he got up from his bed last fall after a severe illness and had to be assisted in dressing and in getting to the station to take his train. Within a week from the time he reached Florida he telegraphed home an order for four Stearns bicycles for himself and members of his family and he was ready to ride as soon as the wheels reached him. He has been out of doors nearly all winter and the air and climate have done wonders for him. His many friends in Cortland will be very glad to hear of the good news.

AGAINST THE SHERIFF.

Referee Waters Hands Down His Decision in the Hitchcock Matter.

   In the suit of Adam Hilsinger, sheriff of Cortland county, against the Salt

Springs National bank of Syracuse, N. Y., to recover $1,400 fees and expenses claimed by him for attaching and preserving the personal property of the Hitchcock Manufacturing Co., under a warrant of attachment in an action by the bank against the Hitchcock Mfg. Co.; the referee, Louis L. Waters, Esq., of Syracuse, to whom it was referred by Hon. P. B. McLennan, justice of the supreme court, has made his report against the sheriff.

   Inquiry of B. A. Benedict, one of the attorneys, brings out the following facts: The matter was first brought before Judge McLennan upon affidavits, last November, and Judge McLennan made an order allowing the sheriff $1,000. The Salt Springs bank then made application to the judge for a rehearing on the ground that the facts had not been fully presented. A rehearing was ordered and the matter was referred to Mr. Waters as referee, with the result above stated. The trial of the case occupied eight days, and has attracted not a little interest, both in Syracuse and Cortland. The referee's decision in favor of the bank is upon the ground that the Second National bank of Cortland and other execution creditors, who levied upon the property one day ahead of the attachment, were liable for the sheriff's fees and expenses, instead of the Syracuse bank. The case was tried by W. C. Crombie, Esq., for the sheriff, and by B. A. Benedict, Esq., for the Salt Springs National bank.

   A STANDARD man called upon Mr. Crombie to inquire what would be the next step in the proceedings. Mr. Crombie was not then prepared to state. He had not yet received official notification of the decision, but had heard, unofficially that the decision was against the sheriff.

A young Maj. Joseph Cleary.

M. F. Cleary in 1899.

Brother of M. F. Cleary.

   The [state] senate has confirmed the nomination of Maj. Joseph P. Cleary, chief of police of Rochester, and brother of M. F. Cleary of Cortland as one of the trustees of the Soldiers' Home at Bath, to succeed Col. H. S. Greenleaf, who has been incapacitated from serving by illness. This is a high compliment to Maj. Cleary, and one which his friends will agree has been well deserved. The position is an honorary one, and the duties are so light that he can perform them without in any way neglecting his responsibilities as the executive head of the police department.

   Maj. Cleary's fine war record, his prominence among Grand Army men, and his excellent standing as a citizen and official, all combine to make him eminently eligible for the honor now conferred upon him.

PURCHASING IOWA HORSES.

Knows What He Wants and Won't Take an Unsound Horse as a Gift.

   The Weekly Post of Nashua, Ia., under date of April 8 says:

   F. N. Harrington of Cortland, N. Y. shipped a carload of horses from Nashua this morning, the horses going to the great market at Buffalo, N. Y. The load consisted of twenty-one head of young horses, averaging in weight from 1,100 to 1,600 lbs., and good judges of horseflesh tell us it was the finest lot of horses ever sent out from this point. The horses were purchased in the vicinity of Bassett and Nashua. Mr. Harrington knows what he wants and buys it at good prices, and you couldn't make him a present of an animal that wasn't sound in every particular. The horses were carefully groomed, shod in front, and put in market condition before being loaded. They were received at Anse Hartman's barn, and Albert Hills pilots Mr. Harrington about the country in search of horses. Mr. Harrington will return from New York inside of ten days prepared to buy every horse that suits him.

HOMER.

Gleanings of News From Our Twin Village.

   HOMER, April 19.—The Easter services held in the various churches yesterday were very elaborate. At the Baptist church a very interesting sermon was preached by the pastor, Rev. J. A. Hungate, and the musical program furnished by a large chorus of male voices assisted by Miss Emma Litz, who sang a fine solo, was very creditable.

   The exercises at the Methodist church were very nice and special Easter musical selections were rendered.

   The large auditorium of the Congregational church was filled at both services. Particularly fine music was furnished by the regular quartet choir assisted by a large chorus. In the evening exercises were given by the children of the Sunday-school and each child did very nicely.

   So elaborate a program had never before been rendered in the Calvary Episcopal church as was listened to yesterday. A vested choir of fifty voices furnished the music which was of a very delightful character. At all the churches the floral designs and decorations were extremely beautiful and showed good taste on the part of those who had charge of this work.

   Mr. Horace K. Smith and Duane Hayford, both of Syracuse, were in town on business this morning.

   Miss Oliver of Hacketstown, N. J., is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Brockway.

   Word was received Saturday of the death at Brooklyn of Lorenzo Miles at the age of 92 years. Mr. Miles was the last survivor of a large family at one time living on the corner of River and Albany-sts. in this place.

   A unique window display is shown in the shoe store of Bennett & Starr. The background is made by a small rustic fence entwined with vines and in the foreground is a hen with her brood of chickens.

   Mr. Louis Clark, who has been visiting at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Clark, returned to his home in Syracuse this morning.

   Mr. Jesse Fox of Ithaca spent Sunday in town.

 

THE ARMOR PLATE HOLD UP OF UNCLE SAM

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, April 17, 1897.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

The Armor Plate Hold-up of Uncle Sam.

   The federal government and the manufacturers of armor for war ships are now deadlocked. The government has heretofore paid $563 per ton for reforged nickel Harvey armor and furnished in addition the nickel, which costs about $20 a ton—making a total cost to the government of $583 per ton. Two companies have been making this armor under contract with the government—the Bethlehem (Pa.) Iron company and the Carnegie company, which have built special plants at great cost for this particular service. It was the policy of the government to secure the production of the armor at home, and hence bids for the service were limited to two or three home companies and the element of competition was thus practically eliminated.

   It began to appear that the government was paying an exorbitant price for its armor, and accordingly the secretary of the navy was requested by congress a year ago to inquire into the cost of making the armor. This investigation was accordingly undertaken by Secretary Herbert, but at the outset he was met by a flat refusal from the Carnegie and Bethlehem companies to reveal what they termed their business secrets. Accordingly the secretary proceeded as best he might. Government inspectors stationed at the works were asked to hand in estimates of cost; the inquiry was extended to foreign countries, and other sources of information were examined.

   It appeared in the first place that an understanding evidently existed between the American and European makers of armor respecting the maintenance of uniform prices, and hence the European end of the inquiry shed little light on the problem. It was found in the next place that the government had already within four years paid to the American companies a sum of money sufficient to cover the costs of their plants and pay a profit on the investment at that. It next appeared from the individual estimates of cost of production furnished by several government inspectors on the ground—estimates that were singularly uniform—that the armor was being produced at a cost for labor and material and losses in manufacture of about $198 a ton. This cost includes all expenses save allowances for maintenance of plant. Making the liberal allowance of 10 per cent on the value of the plant as a maintenance charge, Secretary Herbert reached the conclusion that armor for which the government was paying $563 per ton could be profitably produced by the companies for $256 per ton, the government furnishing the nickel.

   He was partially confirmed in this estimate by the fact that the Bethlehem company had furnished similar armor to the Russian government at $249 per ton and provided the nickel itself, and also transportation to Russia. As the nickel cost $20 and transportation and insurance charges could not be less than $4 a ton, the Bethlehem company was making armor for Russia at a charge of $225 a ton when it was getting $563 from the United States government. But the Bethlehem company insists that it was doing the work for Russia at a loss in order to secure a European market.

   Well, the final recommendation of the secretary to congress was that the government ought to deal most liberally with the American contractors. It was highly desirable that the armor plants should be maintained and it was not desirable that the government should go into the business itself. Hence if congress was to fix a maximum price to be paid for armor the figure should not be made unduly low. He concluded that, all things considered, a maximum price of $400 a ton would not be too high, the companies hereafter to furnish the nickel. This would be a reduction of $183 from the prices at present paid.

   Congress, however, at the last session fixed the maximum price at $300 a ton, and under this decree bids for 8,000 tons of armor now needed by the government were lately invited. No bids were received. The Carnegie and Bethlehem companies were silent. The Illinois steel company made the only response and this was to assist the government under certain conditions to erect a plant of its own at South Chicago. But the secretary of the navy has no authority to proceed to build a government plant. Hence a deadlock. The government needs the armor. Its war ships now being built or authorized must soon be deserted half-finished upon the stays unless the armor is duly provided. The only two armor plants in the country are under private control and cannot be made to budge. Congress must retreat from its $300 maximum price or authorize the purchase or construction of a public plant.

   One thing alone is clear. The attitude of the Carnegie and Bethlehem companies has been reprehensible. If $300 a ton is a profitless or losing price they had abundant opportunity to prove it. They need not have given away their business secrets save as respects alone the cost of production. They could have shown their books and vouchers, and the demonstration would have been conclusive. They refused to exhibit anything and this was in itself confession of exorbitant charges. Their present attitude suggests an attempt to sandbag the government. Probably congress named too low a figure, but under the circumstances and in view of the attitude of the two companies the action of congress was natural. It is not to be the unquestioned privilege of any concern, after government has thrown to it a practical monopoly in a great quasi-public work, to extort from the public treasury what it pleases.

   The question now confronting the government is whether the Carnegie and Bethlehem companies shall be permitted once more to name their own prices, or whether the government shall go to manufacturing armor on its own account. The government already manufactures army rifles and most of the army and navy and coast defense armament. It would be no great step to proceed to the manufacture of its armor plate. If we are to extend or even maintain the navy there will be a constant demand for armor; and if the private plants in question are forever to sit in dubious secrecy over their operations and probable extortions, the sooner the government goes to making its own armor the less trouble there will be evidently.

   Congress should consequently repeal its maximum price limit of $300, and then authorize the secretary of the navy to invite new bids—coupling with that authorization however, the authority and means to proceed to buy or build a government plant if in the judgment of the secretary the bids are unreasonable. Light enough has now been shed on the cost of armor production to enable the secretary to judge whether the bids are reasonable or not. This course will remove from the Pennsylvania companies a possibly unfair limitation upon price and at the same time arm the secretary with power to prevent extortion.

   ◘ In a letter printed in Thursday's New York World, Thomas G. Alvord, Jr., its correspondent in Cuba, says that fully 200,000 pacificos are now starving in the fortified towns, Weyler, in pursuance of his policy of extermination, having driven under pain of death, all persons living on farms into the towns. They have no money to pay rent or buy food, so they have built bark houses in alleys and low spots, where they are dying of disease, or starving to death at the rate of 100 a day.

   There is plenty of food in the country, for the soil yields quickly an over abundance, but the pacificos are not allowed to go to their old homes and bring back something to eat. When they ask the Spaniards for food they are told there is not enough for the troops. Among those who have been forced into the towns are hundreds of Americans, for nearly all those of that nationality on the islands were engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Alvord says that many specific cases of the starvation and ruin of American, citizens were reported to Secretary Olney by United States consuls, but he suppressed the reports.

New French Ocean Cable.

   WASHINGTON, April 17. — The French embassy here is actively assisting the French Telegraphic Cable company in efforts it is making to lay a new cable from Brest, France, to Cape Cod, Mass., which shall take the place of the old cable laid 18 years ago.

Trout Season Opens.

   KINGSTON, N, Y., April 17.—Large numbers of fishermen went on the Ulster and Delaware train into the Catskills Friday fully equipped for catching trout. Many journeyed up into the mountains and were whipping the gamey streams at sunrise, but owing to the high water and cold weather indifferent success is reported. The Beaverkill, Drybrook and the Esopus and its tributaries were the favorite streams.

Large Catch of Trout.

   MIDDLETOWN, N. Y., April 17.—Andrew H. Jackson, a millionaire real estate agent of New York city, fished in Sand Bar creek near Mountaindale in company with Jacob Gunther, one of the most experienced fisherman in this city, and secured 142 trout, weighing from a quarter of a pound to one pound and a half each. This is considered one of the best catches made in years.

Catalogue Just Out.

   The new catalogue of Syracuse university is just out and it is a little volume of 208 pages. Upon its outside cover is a facsimile of a tablet taken from ancient Syracuse and its time is supposed to be 388 B. C. The catalogue shows the names of 125 people among its corps of instructors and 1,135 student s in the university. The catalogue contains a large amount of interesting descriptive matter aside from that usually found in such a publication, and also contains fine half tone cuts of the buildings.

THE CORTLAND DAIRY CO.

To Start a Delivery Wagon for Supplying Cortland Customers.

   The Cortland Dairy company are now receiving about 6,000 pounds of milk a day at their new milk depot near the junction of the Lehigh Valley and D., L. & W. railroads. On Monday of next week their new delivery wagon will be put upon the streets carrying a full supply of fresh creamery butter, cheese, buttermilk, skim-milk, sweet cream and everything pertaining to this, line of household necessities. The wagon will be in charge of Mr. Ambrose Delaney who formerly conducted a similar business and is well known all about town. Mr. Delaney has recently returned to Cortland to live and will devote his entire time to looking after the interests of the new delivery wagon.

Dressmaking.

   Haying rented the rooms in the Van Bergen block recently occupied by Miss Dora Miller, Miss L. P. Fertig desires to call the attention of all those interested in dressmaking that she is prepared to do first class work and will be pleased to receive a call from those wishing any work in her line. She employs none but competent assistants and guarantees her work to give perfect satisfaction. Her rooms are situated in the rear of the second floor of the Van Bergen block, 100 Main-st.

BREVITIES.

   —Edward Stilson's residence has been connected with the telephone exchange.

  —Grant Weeks was given a suspended sentence of 59 days by Police Justice Mellon this morning for public intoxication.

   —A return game of handball will be played in the Y. M. C. A. rooms Monday night between the C. A. A. and Y. M. C. A. teams.

   —New advertisements to-day are—Bacon, Chappell & Co., Black Dress Fabrics, page 8; F. E. Brogden, Ice Cream Soda, page 7.

   —On account of Miss C. A. Covil's ill health her pupils' recital which was to have been given next Wednesday evening will be postponed.

   —Contractor Frank Groat is to-day placing a partition across the rear of the drug store of F. E. Brogden, separating the main store from the prescription department.

   —Mr. J. G. Bussing has purchased from Mrs. C. A. Lansing the house on Port Watson-st., formerly belonging to the Benjamin Sinton estate, and has taken possession.

   —Last evening Messrs. R. Paul Higgins and C. Ray Lord with the Misses Anna L. Clarkson and Bertha E. Weeks were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Marshall at a delightfully served 5 o'clock tea.

   —China has sent to Cornell university to secure a graduate of the agricultural department to conduct and manage a model experimental farm in that country. The salary offered is $3,000 per year.

   —A meeting will be held in Empire hall at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, April 18, to make final arrangements for instituting a Red Men's tribe. Those wishing to join the order are cordially invited to attend.

   —All friends of the Cortland hospital who may care to do so are invited to attend the Easter services there to-morrow afternoon at 4 o'clock. An address will be made by Rev. John T. Stone, and a quartet will furnish music.

   —Bear in mind the special Easter service for men at the Y. M. C. A. rooms Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Address by Prof. J. E. Banta. Special instrumental and vocal music. Souvenir offering of the Woman's Auxiliary to every man present.

HOMER.

Gleanings of News From Our Twin Village.

   HOMER, April 17.—A very large number were present at the Easter social given in the parlors of the Baptist church. The managers of the affair wore large bonnets of a unique design which together with other Easter novelties were offered for sale. At about 6:30 the congregation was called to order to listen to Scripture reading by Rev. J. A. Hungate and a prayer by Rev. J. B. French of Cortland, after which supper was served. The supper was an unusually good one and one which was greatly enjoyed by every one present. At the beginning of the supper hour a prayer was offered by Rev. F. A. S. Storer.

   On Thursday evening of next week the members of the vested choir of the Calvary Episcopal church are to give a musical entertainment. It is thought that it will be given in the Keator opera house, although it has not been definitely decided.

   Mr. George McAuliff, who has been confined to his home on James-st. by illness, is again able to be about.

   The condition of Mr. Charles Scudder, who sustained an injury which resulted in an internal hemorrhage while employed in Brockway's Carriage works, has greatly improved.

   The trout season opened yesterday in a way that would satisfy the most devoted disciple of Izaak Walton. The local crack fly throwers were out in force and not a few returned with well filled baskets, in addition to the usual well stretched yarns about the monsters that were lost off the hook. Notable among the successful ones were Charles Northrup, a veteran who is said to "bully terror'' with a rod, who captured twenty-five with not a mean specimen among them, and Will Davis who brought home six, averaging nearly a pound each. These latter were splendid beauties in reality and their fortunate captor after disposing of his finny treasures for a good round sum was quite the lion of the hour.

   Mr. Charles Barber of New York City is the guest of his sister, Mrs. E. B. Hinton on Clinton-st.

   There will be special Easter services at the Baptist church both morning and evening, Sunday, April 18. The subject of the morning sermon will be the "Significance of the Resurrection" and that of the evening sermon "Life Beyond Life."