ERIE & CENTRAL NEW YORK RAILROAD AND WASHINGTON LETTER

Pink line on map represents the track of the Erie & Central New York Railroad between Cortland and Cincinnatus, N. Y.

The Cortland Democrat, April 30, 1897.

THE E. & C. N. Y. R. R.

POSSIBILITY THAT THE ROAD WILL REBUILT THIS SUMMER.

Contract for Building will Be Transferred—The Only Obstacle is Right of Way—This Will Soon be Removed.

   Mr. Nathan A Bundy of Philadelphia has again been in town for a little more than a week, in the interest of the Erie & Central New York Railroad, and we are glad to be able to report the possibility of this road now being put through, as far as Cincinnatus, during the coming summer.

   Mr. Bundy has completed arrangements with the G. F. Mellin Construction Company of New York for the transfer to them of the Otselic Construction Company’s contract, upon condition that the undisputed right of way is obtained, and a certain sum of money is raised by the E. & C. N. Y. R. R. company. If these conditions are complied with, the G. F. Mellin Construction Company are prepared to commence work at once and complete the road, having made all necessary arrangements for floating the bonds and securing the money needed for the work. The New York bankers who have agreed to take the bonds, have sent their expert here to investigate and report as to the probable cost of construction, and also as to the probable business of the road, for the purpose of finding out whether the proposed road will be a paying investment, and the bonds secured by it be good. We understand that they were perfectly satisfied on both of these points, and that it was on the favorable report of the expert representing the banking interests, that the Mellin Construction Co. have agreed to undertake the work on the conditions named.

   It will be seen that the only obstacles now in the way of pushing this long talked of railroad to completion is the obtaining the right of way, and the raising of a certain sum of money, and we are credibly informed that the sum necessary to be raised is not so large as to at all discourage those interested in raising it. While there may be some difficulties to overcome in obtaining an unobstructed right of way, it is hoped that in this also the company will be successful. If this road is completed, as now sums quite possible, it will not only open up to Cortland some of the richest farming country in the county, but will make accessible to us valuable blue stone, as well as flagging stone quarries.

THE TEACHERS' RECEPTION.

Visiting Teachers Entertained at the Central School.

   Supt. Ferdinand E. Smith and the teachers of the various ward schools gave a reception at the Central School on Tuesday evening, in honor of the visiting teachers who have been in attendants at the teachers' institute, now in session at the Normal. On entering, one found that the school building had been almost transformed by the work of the decorating committee. The lower and upper halls, also the superintendent's office were handsomely decorated with flags, bunting, palms and flowers, and so tastefully had all been arranged that it was hard to realize that one had not been ushered into an elaborately decorated parlor, rather than a school building.

   At the head of the stairs, Superintendent and Mrs. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Stillman, Misses Ella M. Van Hoesen and Elizabeth Turner received the guests as they arrived.

   In the Superintendent's office, which was beautifully decorated, light refreshments were served by some of the fairest of Cortland's teachers while from the opposite end of the hall McDermott's orchestra discoursed sweet sounds, and added to the pleasure of the occasion. Nearly all of the teachers from the different ward schools were present, beside a large number of the teachers in attendance at the institute. In addition to these were the members of the Board of School Trustees and their wives, members of the Normal faculty, Archibald C. McLachlin, A. M. of Albany, conductor of the institute, Miss Gratia L. Rice, state instructor in drawing, and Charles E. Fitch, institute lecturer and member of the Board of Regents. The evening was a most enjoyable one to all present.

   The First District Institute which is now in session is proving most interesting and helpful to the teachers of the district, and is in charge of conductor A. C. McLachlin. Those in attendance have been fortunate indeed, in having as lecturer the Hon. Chas. E. Filch of Rochester.

WASHINGTON LETTER.

(From Our Regular Correspondent.)

   WASHINGTON, April 26th, 1897.—The chief pie distributor [President McKinley] and his assistants having gone to New York to take part in dedicating the monument to Gen. Grant, the pie hunters who hadn't the money or the railroad passes to accompany them are taking a rest. About half of Congress has also gone, as it was also previously agreed that the House and Senate should meet to-day and Thursday only to adjourn.

   It is becoming apparent that the administration is preparing to let down some of the civil service bars to the office pastures. Mr. McKinley has been talking over the matter with the civil service commission and two of his cabinet—Gage and Wilson—have publicly advocated modifying the Civil Service Rules as applied to their departments.

   Some surprise was expressed by Ohio men who were not inside the game, so to speak, when Judge Day of that State, who was preparing to go to Cuba as a special Commissioner, allowed himself to be nominated First Assistant Secretary of State. They knew that Judge Day had resigned two judgeships, both paying more salary than any of the Assistant Secretaries get, and that he wasn't exactly the sort of man who would care to be anybody's assistant. Well, he is to be Sherman's assistant only in name. So far as the matters he will handle are concerned, he will be Secretary of State, and if Mr. Sherman, who is giving visible evidence that he feels his age, gets tired of the worry and resigns, the portfolio will be given to Judge Day. What Mr. Sherman thinks of this programme would be interesting reading, but unless he concludes to add another volume to his 'Recollections," the public will have to be content with guessing. Had Sherman not been in Hanna's way in the Senate, he would never have been made Secretary of State, and he would not be persuaded to withdraw it should he tender his resignation

   Senator Foraker won his fight against Bellamy Storer of Ohio without having to ask for votes in the Senate to reject his nomination to be Assistant Secretary of State. Storer was nominated Minister to Belgium instead, and Foraker has no objections to his going there.

   Had 22 members who were present but did not vote, supported Representative Bland’s appeal from the decision of the Speaker, refusing him recognition to offer his resolution calling upon the Attorney General for information as to what steps had been taken to protect the interests of the government in relation to the sale of the Union Pacific Railroad, the Speaker would have been defeated, as the vote stood 87 for sustaining the Speaker and 75 against. Such a close call as that ought to convince Mr. Reed that he has got to be a little careful or he will get a heavy throw down some day.

   The death of Judge Holman of Ind., so closely following that of ex-Senator

Voorhees, another distinguished son of the Hoosier State, is deeply felt by the old timers in Congress. Notwithstanding his fame as an objector to bills carrying appropriations he believed to be unnecessary, no member of the House had more personal friends. That he valued the good will of his associates was strikingly shown several years ago. He was very poor and when approached by a publisher with a liberal offer, he decided to write a book covering his personal reminiscences during his long membership in the House, and actually began the preliminary work. About that time John Sherman's book was published, and when he saw the antagonism that was thereby aroused, he concluded not to write a book. When remonstrated with he said: "I cannot do it. Every book of reminiscences that comes out only makes trouble for the writer. He is bound to say something, even if he is innocent of any mean intention, that will cause heartburnings and misunderstanding. I must not let the end of my life be clouded in such a way."

   Senator Jones of Arkansas said, speaking of the future of the gold Democrats: "Some will remain in the Republican party and the others will return to us. It is too early yet to predict what proportion will renew their allegiance to Democratic principles, but I think a very considerable number will. Those who are willing to support Democratic principles will be welcomed back. We shall be glad of the assistance of any man who believes as we do and votes with us that is sound Democracy. The gold Democrats may not be permitted to vote at the primaries in some places, but that is a local matter determined by local sentiment. Generally speaking the Democrats who left the party last year, because of the money question, will be permitted to identify themselves with the organization again, if they will support our platform."

Cortland Opera House was located on Groton Avenue next to the Cortland House.

Roland Reed.

   Mr. Roland Reed will be at the Cortland Opera House on Saturday, May 1st, presenting for the first time here his latest and most successful play "The Wrong Mr. Wright," which has made a most emphatic hit wherever it has been presented. The story is intensely interesting and highly amusing. The principal players meet first at a hotel in Old Point Comfort. Sites, who hails from San Francisco, is in pursuit of a clerk who has robbed him by forgery of $50,000, and for whose arrest he has offered a reward of $5,000.

   In an economical effort to save this reward he has traveled to Virginia. To hide his identity he assumes the name of Mr. Wright and the first complication arises on his meeting a nephew and niece, who are spending a few weeks at the same place. He takes them into his confidence.

   A far more serious complication arises on the arrival of Henrietta Oliver who has been employed by the detective agency to try to catch the defaulter. She has learned that he has assumed the name of Mr. Wright, and she immediately picks Sites out as the man for whom she is in search. But Sites becomes enamored of Henrietta. His whole manner changes. From being mean and close, he becomes liberal almost to extravagance. He sends her flowers in abundance, but she never forgets that he is the thief.

   Out of this grow puzzles and situations. She finally causes his arrest, but he proves that he is Sites. Then he chooses the "fin de siecle" detective for a wife. Another love match culminates too, and then the curtain falls for the last time in front of a mirthful, reorganized stageful of players.

   Mr. Reed has a splendid role in Sites and the balance of the company including Isadore Rush all have merry characters. In the cast are Chas. Coote, Holbrook Blim, Sheridan Tupper. Chas. S. Abbe, Julian Reed, John H. Bunny, James Douglas, Mary Myers, May Monte-Donico and Alethea Luce. Seats now on sale at Candy Kitchen. Prices 50c., 75c. and $1.00.

Edison's Projectoscope.

HERE AND THERE.

   Our dry goods stores now close at 6 o'clock except Saturday.

   Don't fail to see the exhibitions of Edison's projectoscope in C. A. A. hall to-night.

   Mr. Chas. Howe has purchased the Lake View House at Cincinnatus Pond, which will be opened as a summer resort.

   The Normals won the first base ball game of the season from the Ithaca High school team. Score 34 to 27. Comment unnecessary.

   Keator & Wells have just finished one of their finest trucks for DeHart & Lester, egg buyers of Moravia. It is o beauty and will be shipped next week.

   To-night is your last opportunity to witness the reproduction of moving figures as shown by Edison's latest projectoscope at C. A. A. hall, a continuous performance lasting three hours.

   The Pecos tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men was instituted here last week, Thursday night. The sixty charter members were initiated by a degree team of twenty-five men from Elmira.

   Miss Carrie D. Halbert has leased the studio formerly occupied by the late Miss Covil and solicits the favor of her patrons. Term will begin May 10.

For further information inquire at...Lincoln-ave.

   Should the pleasant weather continue and the repairs at Cortland Park be sufficiently completed, it is probable that the Traction company will run cars to the park to-morrow afternoon and Sunday. Last year cars began making regular trips April 18. The thermometer registered 91 degrees in the shade and a week of hot weather followed.

   The Raymond House at Little York will open for the season's business May 1st. This popular resort is too well known by the people of Cortland to need any extended notice. It is sufficient to say that the genial host will be glad to again welcome all of his old friends and many new ones as well, promising to all the same courteous treatment to which they have become accustomed when visiting Little York.

   The Fortnightly Club gave a very pleasing and enjoyable entertainment at the residence of Mrs. T. H. Wickwire on Tompkins-st., on Wednesday evening, for the benefit of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Y. M. C. A. The club gave the play of "The Chaperon,'' nearly every member of the club taking part. The play was well staged by the ladies, and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience who filled the entertainment hall on the third floor. The Ladies Auxiliary will net a very comfortable sum from the entertainment and are indebted once more to Mrs. Wickwire, also to the ladies of the Fortnightly Club.

TOWNS.

   SCOTT, April 27.—Calvin Eddy is very poorly, and thought to be in a decline.

   The roads have been quite bad but are now getting better.

   We learn that the cheese factory is expected to start May 3d.

   Irving Grinnell has hired to Francis Maxson for the season.

   A few warm days and a good rain makes the grass jump, but some snow banks still show themselves on Sempronius hills.

   Will the correspondent at East Homer tell us, in his items, where Uberto Burnham is living if alive? He was an old friend of ours.

   Wallace Gordon of Spafford was buried the 23d inst. He was a youngerly man and thought to have had heart trouble and cancer in the stomach.

  Will Whiting and wife of Skaneateles, Archie Whiting of Connecticut and H. Ward Childs of Syracuse attended the funeral of their grandfather last Monday.

   Mrs. Laura Butts has returned from Massachusetts, where she has been staying with her daughter through the winter. Her daughter and husband came home with her

   Died in Scott, April 24, of old age at the home of his son-in-law James

B. Spencer: Anson Lord Whiting, familiarly known as 'Squire Whiting,' aged 90 years and 2 months. The deceased was born in Kent, Litchfield Co., Conn., Feb. 24, 1807, and at the age of 5 years came with his parents to Spafford,  passing through "Scott Corners," then known as "Babcock Corners." At about 22 years of age he married Nancy Burdick and settled in Scott where he has lived until called away by death. Five children were born to them of which three of them, H. I. Whiting, Mrs. James B. Spencer and Mrs. Leland Griffin still live and reside in the town of Scott. Two sisters of his father's family survive him, Mrs. Nash, living near Syracuse, N. Y., and Mrs. Ballard, cousin by marriage to the late Horatio Ballard, living in Michigan. Mrs. Whiting died about 20 years ago. The deceased was held in high esteem by his fellow townsmen, having in his younger days been elevated to offices of trust by the people of the town. By great industry and frugality, he had accumulated quite a property, quite a portion of which he had given away to his children some years since. While he was a man who wanted what was due him, at the same time his word was considered as good as his note. He had been a member of the S. D. B. church in good standing for about 65 years. In politics he was a republican, and never missed voting until within two or three years. Funeral services were held at the S. D. B. church on Monday, April 26th, the pastor Rev B. F. Rogers officiating. Burial in the old church yard.

   NORTH SOLON, April 19.—Mr John McChesney is working for A. L. Shular on Sunny Side farm.

   Miss Maud Bingham will resume her studies at the Cortland Normal [School] this week.

   Mr. Charles Smith of Binghamton has been visiting for sometime at the home of John Warren, Esq.

   Our many industrious farmers are very busy with the spring plowing, and the September gale left them plenty of fence building.

   A mystery that cannot be solved, "who corresponds for the DEMOCRAT from North Solon." Violets peep up with the early spring.

   Anyone having news in that they would have appear in the North Solon column can send them to McGrawville addressed Violet, they will receive attention.

   Mrs. Maggie Mark is suffering with the mumps and her son, Mr. Charles Mark has also been entertaining the same fashionable disease. Some think they are "Western mumps."

   Maricle & Johnson's grocery wagon superintended by Albert Briggs of McGrawville made its first trip through our neighborhood Monday. This is a great convenience for our housewomen. VIOLET.