Cortland
Evening Standard, Tuesday, May 4, 1897.
INTERESTING RELICS FOUND.
Statements
of Liquor Tax Receipts For the Year 1710.
ALBANY, May 4.—State Comptroller Roberts, in
his search for Revolutionary papers which have been almost hidden for a century
in the state house, has come across some ancient documents which are the oldest
he has yet found and which are pertinently interesting at this time, insomuch
as they relate to excise accounts received by the state, then a colony of Great
Britain, between the years 1710 and 1768.
The excise returns for a year dating from
1710 for the entire colony amounted to £392 6s, less than $2,000, which is
exceedingly insignificant when compared with $11,000,000 returns on the
trafficking in liquors in 1896.
Another old document, dating back to 1715,
showing the duty paid into the state treasury on negro slaves.
An interesting paper found at the same time
is an account for the services of Philip
Livingston, as a delegate in congress from 1777 to 1778, a total of 198 working
days, at 34 shillings a day, the aggregate being £336 12s.
Still another paper shows that the remains
of General Montgomery, who fell in the attack on Quebec in the French and Indian
war in 1787, is buried in St. Paul's
churchyard in New York city, and accompanying this is a bill from one Jacobus
Myers for carting the monument for General Montgomery's body to the churchyard.
Fish for
the Hudson River.
ALBANY, May 4.—The state fish and game
commission has began the work of stocking the Hudson river with pike by putting
100,000 of the small fish in the Hudson river near Waterford. While the pike is
a destructive fish to smaller breeds, it is believed that it is the proper food
fish with which to stock the Upper Hudson.
 |
| Walter Wellman. |
OUR INTEREST IN CUBA.
Spain's
Task of Subjugation Seems Hopeless.
SENTIMENT
FAVORS INTERFERENCE.
Although
the Hot Weather Puts a Stop to Military Operations, American Capital There Is
Suffering a Terrible Loss—Vast Riches of the Island.
WASHINGTON, May 4—(Special. 1)—Now that
another summer is upon us and nothing tangible has been accomplished toward
putting an end to the rebellion in Cuba, a great many public men here are
saying the time has come for the United States to interfere in a quiet way,
under the surface, I believe
the sympathy for Cuba is stronger than it ever was before. It is not as
demonstrative as it once was, not so likely to break out in resolutions and
denunciations, but there is a more general recognition of the hopelessness of
Spain's task. Coupled with this I find a realization that the interests of the
people of the United States are beginning to suffer. We have in the past
enjoyed a large trade with Cuba. If the island were at peace, we should have a
large and growing trade now. Cuba is naturally a customer of ours. We buy the greater
part of her products, and if trade relations were normal, or were encouraged by
closer political connection, we should find in the fertile island a fine market
for our agricultural products and our manufactured articles.
Prostrate Business.
Hitherto commercial influence has been paramount
in suppressing interference on the part of this government with the Cuban
rebellion. Whenever congress has shown any disposition to take up the Cuban question
business men and financiers and the representatives of large interests have
brought an influence to bear in the other direction. They do not want war or rumors
of war. They want peace and prosperity. So far they have managed to choke off
everything of a tangible nature suggested in Cuba's behalf. At last the tide is
beginning to turn. Even business men are beginning to perceive that if Spain
ever reasserts dominion over Cuba it is going to take a very long time to do
it. Years will probably elapse before there is even a semblance of peace there
under Spanish rule. Meanwhile the commercial interests of the United States are
suffering and must continue to suffer. Spain, as is well known, maintains Cuba
simply as a place to pension off her politicians and as a market for her wares.
She contrives a tariff which forces the Cubans to buy in Spain,
while Spain buys where she can get things the cheapest.
The coming of the summer has practically put
a stop to military operations in Cuba for several months. This means another period
of delay. American capital invested in Cuba is suffering a terrible loss. Trade
is paralyzed, and many business men are forced into bankruptcy. The revenues of
the United States government are curtailed on account of the diminution of tobacco
imports. Citizens of this country are thrown out of employment on account of
the disturbed state of our trade relations with Cuba. The question which conservative
and cautious statesmen are asking now is how much longer will it be fair to
permit this state of things to continue? Is Spain entitled to indefinite time in
which to assert her authority? If a foreign power can govern an American
province only by the sword, if the people are so much opposed to her rule that
permanent peace is impossible, if one rebellion is sure to be followed by
another, if present trade disturbances are only precursors of more of the same
sort in the future, is it not time to give serious consideration to the
question what our duty to ourselves and to humanity is?
Cuba's Vast Riches.
If it should ever come about that Cuba
attains a free government, either under independence or by means of annexation
to the United States, Americans will find in that island many opportunities for
trade, investment and activity. It is one of the richest islands in the world,
and its resources have not been developed to a fifth part of their limit. About
as large as the state of Pennsylvania, and infinitely more fertile, Cuba is
capable of supporting a population twice as great as that of the Keystone
State. Yet the present population of Cuba is less than a third that of Pennsylvania.
Although settled more than 50 years before the United States, there are still
in Cuba 13,000,000 acres of primeval forests which have never heard the echo of
the woodsman's ax. Those forests contain mahogany, logwood, redwood, ebony,
lignum vitae and caiguaran, the last named being reputed more durable in the
ground than iron or steel.
It is said by good authorities that if all
the land in Cuba suitable to the growth of the sugar cane were devoted to that
purpose, it might supply the whole western hemisphere with sugar. As it is, great
quantities of sugar are brought over from Germany. In Cuba half the sugar
ground that is supposed to be under cultivation is wasted by bad methods. The
coffee fields are only experimentally developed. Cuba will have a great future
as a coffee producing country if political peace can be secured for any
considerable length of time.
Its Mineral Ores.
The vast riches of a mineral nature which
repose in the Cuban mountains are little understood by the world at large.
Copper was mined in Cuba before Columbus discovered America, and there is
pretty good evidence that this metal was carried across the straits of Florida
for barter with the continental Indians before Europe knew or dreamed there was
an America. Professor Sanders of
the Academy of Sciences at Philadelphia has recently made an analysis of copper
found in the mounds of Florida and also of ancient copper found in Cuba, and
has found them to be identical. The copper deposits of eastern Cuba offer a
promising field for capital.
Cuba contains some of the best iron ores in
the world. Already there is a large exportation, an American company having a
great plant near Santiago. But peace and development might build up a still
greater industry. In southern Cuba is a vast deposit of manganese, an ore which
is indispensable in the manufacture of steel. Most of the manganese used in the
United States at this time is brought all the way from the Black sea. An
American company did endeavor to improve the manganese mines in Cuba, but was
driven out by the insurrection.
Men who have traveled in Cuba on business say
the commercial development of the Island, with peace and security, would be one
of the marvels of modern times, and that the United States would gain
infinitely more advantage therefrom than any other nation. WALTER WELLMAN.
A GOSPEL
WAGON.
Rev. A.
S. Orne and Family Who Travel About Holding Religious Meetings.
Just before noon to-day the attention of
people who happened to be on Main-st., Cortland, was attracted toward a large
covered wagon being drawn by one horse up through Main-st. The driver was a
woman. On top of the wagon standing on edge was a board having on one side the
motto, "Stop Sinning" and on the other, "Seek Salvation."
Passing along the walk opposite the wagon was a man apparently 55 years of age,
who appeared to have some connection with the strange wagon. He was accosted by
a STANDARD reporter and in reply to a query, said that he was Rev. A. S. Orne,
and that himself and family were traveling about the country holding gospel
meetings. His family consists of a wife and two children. They eat, sleep and
travel in this one wagon. They originally came from Virginia, but their
headquarters now are in Syracuse, which place they were anxious to reach as
soon as possible. They have been on the road holding gospel meetings from the
wagon in the towns and villages for over a year; have traversed New England,
and in a few days start toward Buffalo, on their way to Chicago and California.
Mr. Orne said they travel as an independent family, being sent out by no church
or religious society.
ALL NIGHT LIGHTS.
PROBABILITY
THAT CORTLAND WILL HAVE THEM JULY 1.
Board of
Trustees Appointed a Committee Last Night to Procure a Contract
—
Thirty-two Cents the Price—Trustee Nodecker's Attempt to Dismiss
Chief of
Police Linderman and Officer Gooding—Other Matters.
The board of village trustees last night did
considerable talking on various subjects, and transacted not a little business,
by far the most important of which was the authorizing of a contract with the
Cortland & Homer Electric Co. for an all night street lighting service.
MR. BERGHOLTZ'S PROPOSITION.
In accordance with a previous resolution of
the board, Superintendent F. P. Mooney of the Cortland & Homer Electric
company was present and introduced Mr. H.
Bergholtz of Ithaca, who submitted some propositions for lighting for the board's
consideration. He said the company would furnish an all night service of 69
lights at 30 cents per night provided a five-year contract was made. President
Call said that the board was of the opinion that it had not the right to make
such a contract for a longer period than its term of office, and Mr. Bergholtz
said that for one year, the price would be 32 cents instead of 30. He said that
the expense of changing to the all night service would be considerable. Double
carbon lamps of 2,000 candle power, would be put in. The first cost of all
changes would be $8,000 or $9,000. He made the further proposition that since
the board could not contract for more than a year, the company would, in case
the contract be renewed by future boards for at least five consecutive years,
make a rebate from the 32-cent rate, so that the village will have paid during
the five years only the 30-cent rate. Half of this rebate would be made in 2
1/2 years, and the remainder at the end of five years.
Mr. Bergholtz said that this would mean an
all night incandescent light service for those who desire it. The company would
furnish incandescents for the fire department at one-third of the regular rate.
He said that it would require from thirty to forty-five days to make the change
in machinery for the new service, and that the company would make the first
contract for a short term, expiring next March. The company would also ask for
a perpetual franchise to string wire and set poles in the village.
Trustee O'Leary inquired what would be the
cost per light of incandescents of 16-candle power for alleys and lanes, and
Mr. Bergholtz said that it would be about $24 per year for each lamp.
On motion, the proposition of the company was
accepted, and Trustee O'Leary and the clerk were authorized to have a contract
for the same drawn up for submission to the board and to the company.
If there is no hitch in the proceedings, it
is probable that Cortland will have electric lights all night by July 1.
TO PURCHASE FIRE HOSE.
H. W. Zeliff of New York, representing the
Gutta Percha Rubber and Mfg. Co., appeared before the board and made a
proposition to furnish hose for the fire department at 80 cents per foot.
Chief Barber, who was present, said that the
department has now 2,800 feet of good serviceable hose, and that it should have
4,000 feet. He would advise the purchase of 500 feet at once. Trustee Warfield
said that H. J. Lewis of Cortland, an agent for fire hose, desired to make a
proposition, when the board decided to purchase, and the matter was put over
for two weeks.
BILLS ORDERED PAID.
The following bills were audited and ordered
paid:
Street commissioner's payroll, $204.15
W. B. Landreth, surveying, 3.00
Martin & Call, coal, 15.00
F. A. Bickford, salary, 25.00
Police force payroll, 113.75
W. J. Moore, health officer, 28.00
H. M. Kellogg, supplies, 9.85
F. Hatch, salary, 33.33
Electric Light Co., 417.65
COMPLAINTS AND PETITIONS.
Under the head of complaints and petitions,
Trustee Nodecker called attention to a crosswalk on Hubbard-st., where there was
a loose flagstone. He did not see why the street commissioner did not put more
men at work instead of putting them off. He had understood that the street
commissioner had said he would do no work in the Third ward. The board ought to
instruct him what to do, but this had not yet been done. He would like to know
who is instructing the street commissioner where to work.
Trustee Warfield replied that the street
commissioner was supposed to know enough and have enough common sense to know
where work is needed. He said at this time of the year the street commissioner
had always looked after the cleaning up of the streets on his own account, but
that when new grading was needed, it was brought up in the board and ordered.
He did not have the time to follow up the street commissioner and investigate
every individual thing that is done or that should be done. He was willing to
trust to that officer's judgment.
Trustee Nodecker said he did not know where
the commissioner had been working this spring.
The clerk was authorized to purchase from P.
A. Loomis of Tyner a carload of flagstone for use in building crosswalks.
A communication from the Protective Police
asking that the $100 appropriated to the
company be turned over to the hospital, but the board did not see its way to
donate to donate to the hospital at the present time and no action was taken.
Trustee Nodecker said that he thought the
company had lots of cheek. Furthermore, h e would like to see the receipt for
the payment of the $100 appropriation to the Hitchcock Hose Co. in 1895. He had
been told by a member of that company that the company only received $25 of that amount. Clerk Hatch
produced the record showing when this was paid, and this seemed to satisfy Mr. Nodecker.
A petition from the Madison Woodruff estate
was received asking for the return of an alleged erroneous tax of $40 in 1896.
The board could not see its way clear to refund this, as it would be virtually
a review and correction of the assessment roll, which is expressly prohibited
by the charter.
Trustee Nodecker inquired as to who is
responsible for the defects in the Railroad-st. pavement. Mr. Warfield said
that the bonds for five years fully covered that and that the bondsmen of the
construction company which put down the pavement were reported to be worth half
a million dollars.
Mr. Nodecker then spoke of the tar joint in
the center of the street and said that some one had been experimenting with
some one else's money. Mr. Warfield replied by saying that the bonds covered
the tar joint too, and that it was there simply as an expansion joint, to
prevent upheavals in the pavement, and that it was no detriment to the
pavement, though it does not protect the edges of the brick as does the cement.
The Main-st. cobblestones were then
discussed, and it was the unanimous opinion of the board that crushed stone
should be put on to fill up the holes if there is no paving in prospect.
ATTEMPTED REMOVAL OF POLICEMEN.
Mr. Nodecker
brought up the matter of the police force, and wanted to know if it was good
enough at present. President Call suggested that this was a matter for the
board to decide, and Mr. Nodecker said that he did not seem to have much to say
in police matters. "Do you have some one you want to put on the
force?" asked President Call. Mr. Nodecker replied, "I am like the
rest of the boys, I have no axes to grind, they have already ground theirs.
There are two men who ought to come off from the force, Chief Linderman and
Officer Parker, and I make a motion that Gooding be dismissed." Mr.
Wallace inquired what the charges were against Officer Gooding, and Mr.
Nodecker replied, "Same charges as against Jackson, you know what they
are." The motion was not seconded, and a motion for adjournment prevailed.
Soon to
Put on a Relief Force To Run Nights.
The Gillette Skirt Co. finds that its skirts
are meeting with remarkable popularity and the demand for them is far in excess
of what they are able to turn out with their present force. Forty-one machines
are now in constant motion during the working hours of the day and about fifty
hands are employed. Agents are sending in orders from every side, the bulk of
them aside from those in New York state coming from New England, Ohio, Indiana
and Michigan. In Minnesota agents are beginning to work, and one party has just
asked for the exclusive right to Colorado. The company finds itself five weeks
behind its orders and the orders are not only coming steadily but are daily
increasing. It has been found needful at present to decline to accept more
agents.
In order to meet the needs of the case, Mr.
Gillette, the president and manager of the company, has advertised for forty experienced
machine hands or dressmakers to form a relief force to work from 6 o'clock P.
M. till midnight. The work would be continued all night for the present if
power could be secured, but the power comes from the Cortland & Homer
Electric Co. and its engines are stopped at midnight. The village board of
trustees has just entered into an agreement with the Electric
company to furnish all night lighting for the village and that will necessitate
the continuance of the power all night. This will be ready for operation before
July 1, and after that possibly all night work at the skirt factory can be
inaugurated.
But Mr. Gillette informs us that in his business
night work does not pay from any point of view if it can be avoided. It is more
difficult to secure help for night work and the cost of operation is greater.
Consequently, if when July comes the business still continues to increase and
gives promise for the future which will warrant it forty new machines will be
put in and an effort will be made to keep up with orders by day work only.
There is room enough in the present quarters for the additional machines, and
this will be by far the most satisfactory way of solving the problem.
The way in which this concern has boomed
from the very start is not only a convincing proof of the popularity of the
skirts produced but a strong tribute to the excellent business ability of the manager,
Mr. Gillette.
BREVITIES.
—Grover post, No. 98, G. A. R., will meet
to-morrow night at 7:30 o'clock.
—New display advertisements to-day are—D.
McCarthy & Co., Shop by Mail, page 8; C. F. Brown, Spray Your Fruit Trees,
page 7; I. Whiteson, Clothing Sale, page 6.
—The cannon and howitzers for the Cortland
Monumental association arrived yesterday morning over the D., L. & W. R. R.
from New York, and will soon be placed in position at the soldiers' monument.
—Nathan Darling died at his home in Blodgett
Mills last night at the age of 59 years. The funeral will be held to-morrow at
1 o'clock P. M. from the house and at 2 o'clock from the M. E. church in Blodgett
Mills.
—As Memorial day this year falls on Sunday,
exercises incident to that day will be held in Cortland on Monday, May 31, at 2
o'clock P. M. The memorial sermon is to be preached before the G. A. R., W. R.
C. and S. O. V. on Sunday evening, May 30, in the First Baptist church by the
pastor, Rev. A. Chapman.
—The Ladles' Home Mission and Church Aid
society of the Presbyterian church will have a sociable at the home of Mrs. W.
H. Clark. 31 Prospect-st., to-morrow evening, and all the members of the church
and congregation are cordially invited. Mr. David Wesson has kindly consented
to exhibit some stereopticon views at this time.
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