NO MORE NEW LAWS AND "FRED SMITH"

Frank S. Black.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, May 25, 1897.

NO MORE NEW LAWS.

TIME FOR THE GOVERNOR'S ACTION HAS EXPIRED.

Total Number This Year Is 797, as Compared With 1,003 Last Year—Of the 784 Bills Left When the Legislature Adjourned 422 Have Become Laws, 55 Have Been Killed by Local Authorities, 2 Have Been Vetoed and 305 Died a Natural Death In the Waste Basket.

(Bureau of The Standard.)

   ALBANY, May 25.—At last the work of the lawmaking machine has ceased. Governor Black has completed the work of passing upon the bills left in his hands by the adjourning legislature and by the constitutional provision allowing him but thirty days in which to complete this task, all bills now unsigned are dead and have been since midnight yesterday. The legislature adjourned sine die on April 24 and yesterday, May 24, closed the time in which the governor had to act upon measures before him. This was no easy task either, for some bills of the greatest importance were left in the big batch, numbering 784 in all, upon which action had to be taken.

   With the greatest care and attention the governor has gone through the bills left with him in his allotted time, with the result that out of 784 left with him 422 have become laws, two have been vetoed, fifty-five killed by local authorities of cities to whom they were sent and the remainder, numbering 305, were shunted into the waste basket late last evening and died because of lack of action on the part of the executive. The two vetoed bills were the Brackett bill to increase the railroad commission membership, and the Dudley graded inheritance tax bill. The laws signed by the governor since adjournment of the legislature, together with the ones signed while the houses were still in session, brings the total number of session laws of the year up to 797 which is against a total of 1,003 last year.

   This considerable reduction in the number of laws is strictly in accord with the suggestions made in the annual message of the governor to the legislature last January in which he said that altogether too many laws were enacted yearly and that the legislature should keep down the number. The legislature did not keep down the number. On the contrary it increased it, but the governor has succeeded in chopping it down very materially. This great redaction in the number of session laws, at least, will bring forth many words of commendation upon Governor Black.

   Out of the 305 bills that were allowed to die there were many of special general importance, although all of them of the most  important bills had previously been disposed of either by enactment or veto except the White bill providing a uniform charter for the cities of the second class, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and Troy. This bill, as was predicted, was allowed to die without action of  any sort on the part of the governor in spite of the strong influence brought to bear in its favor by three of the cities affected. Governor Black simply did not want the bill for his own city of Troy and that settled it: it was not signed. And not even a memorandum of reasons was filed with the bill which is now one of the many corpses lying by the legislative highway.

   Another bill that was thought to be all right, but which was quickly dropped on the "go" box was Senator Raines' bill amending the blanket ballot law is many important particulars. There was no opposition to this bill in the legislature and it paused without a dissenting vote; yet the governor did not look upon it with favorable eyes for some unknown reason and allowed it to die a quiet death by being smothered.

   The Ellsworth banking bill was a good one to kill and the governor killed it; also by strangulation. This was the bill to allow the superintendent of banks to declare insolvent any bank within his jurisdiction and name its receiver without any process in a court of law. It was opposed by all the banking interests of the state and was bitterly fought m the legislature by many of the most prominent members, led by Senator Brackett. However, the bill went through the legislature, but the storm of protests and petitions which the governor received against the measure finally killed it.

   Senator Brown's bill amending the charities law in relation to binding out children by the state board of charities was another important measure that died in the final bunch of those bills that were untouched.

   Senator Parsons' uniform bicycle ordinance bill is now deceased. This bill compelled a uniformity of all ordinances enacted by cities, towns or villages on cycling and prescribed a sort of constitution upon which all these ordinances should be based and prevented discrimination against cycles and in favor of other vehicles. The bill was generally favored by the wheelmen and passed, by their influence, but was another that the governor saw fit to kill notwithstanding the urgent requests of cyclists.

   Senator Wieman's bill to permit Sunday barbering in the territory of Greater Niagara Falls, as well as in Saratoga Springs, died at midnight for the want of the governor's signature. This was another favored bill that was killed.

   This closes the work of the governor upon bills and completes all the left-over work of the legislature of 1897. With the legislature itself out of the way this disposes of all the work of the season and such terms as "bills," "appropriations" and "meritorious measures" will not be heard again till after Jan. 1 next. C. N. A.

WARSHIP FOR HAVANA.

McKinley May Send One to That Port.

PROTECT LIVES OF AMERICANS.

This Step Will Not Be Taken to Provoke Nor to Irritate Spain Into Hostilities—Notice Will Be Given to the World of Sailing Time.

   WASHINGTON, May 25.—President McKinley now has under consideration a suggestion that a warship be sent to Havana during the coming week.

   No decision has yet been reached, but members of the administration would not be surprised if a naval vessel were ordered to Havana within the next few days.

   If the step be taken it will not be for the purpose of irritating or intimidating the Spanish forces, nor to provoke them into hostilities. The sole purpose will be to protect the lives of American consuls and citizens.

   If a warship be dispatched on this errand the order for her sailing will be published, so that Spain and the world may know just what her duties are.

RUIZ INVESTIGATION.

Commission Reconvenes at Guanabacoa Visiting the Afflicted.

   HAVANA, May 25.—The Ruiz investigating commission—the Congosto-Lee commission, as the Spanish official censor calls it—reconvened at Guanabacoa today.

   United States Consul Brice of Matanzas, who came here on Saturday in response to the request of Consul General Lee, has returned there accompanied by General Lee, Mr. Calhoun and Mr. Fishback.

   With Consul Brice they have personally visited the destitute of Weyler's policy of reconcentration in the suburbs of Matanzas, at Jacaro and in other towns and villages along the railway line from Havana eastward.

   Mr. Calhoun intends taking various other trips into the interior during the coming week.

   Captain General Weyler is at Placetas.

County Sunday-school Teachers.

   The annual meeting of the Cortland County Sunday-school Teachers' Primary union will meet in the First Baptist church, Cortland, May 29, at 3 P. M. The regular lessons for the month of June will be taught by Miss Emily Lamont, Mrs. A. W. Edgcomb, Mrs. A. D. Ellsworth and Mrs. A. Chapman. Officers for the ensuing year will be elected and such other business as may be deemed necessary will be transacted. A full attendance is urged as this is probably the closing session until after the summer vacations.

   MRS. MINNIE P. STARR, Sec.

A CLEVER FORGERY.

CASHED A CHECK WHICH PROVED TO BE SPURIOUS.

A Stranger, "Fred Smith," Presented a Check to Morehead Brothers Which Purported to Bear

 C. W. Stoker's Signature—Police Working on the Case.

   A well-dressed stranger went to the grocery store of Morehead Brothers, 22 Railway-ave., last evening at about 7 o'clock, had a twelve-dollar check cashed and disappeared. Morehead Brothers now have in their possession a worthless piece of paper, and are out just twelve dollars. The check is a forged one and is not worth the paper it is written upon.

   Mr. Robert Morehead, the senior member of the firm, informs us that he was sitting on the steps in front of the store at 7 o'clock last night when a well-dressed young man approached and inquired if he would cash a small check. In reply to queries, the stranger said that the check was made by C. W. Stoker for $12; that he had been working for Mr. Stoker as a clerk, and it was given him as a balance of wages. The stranger appeared very anxious to get the money on the check as he said he wanted to go away on the next train to Ithaca at 7:36. Mr. Morehead went inside and cashed the check, and the stranger departed toward the Lehigh Valley station. The check was dated May 24, 1897, was for $12, and was made on the First National bank of Cortland. It was made payable to Fred Smith, and was indorsed by Fred Smith.

   Soon after the departure of the stranger, Mr. Morehead became suspicious that all was not right, and soon learned that Mr. Stoker had not recently had a Fred Smith in his employ, and became satisfied that the check was fraudulent. In company with a friend he hastened to the railroad station, and in going through the train, which was about to pull out, saw a man whom he partially recognized as the one to whom he had paid the money. The stranger occupied a seat with a young lady. Mr. Morehead pointed out the couple to the conductor on the train and asked him to wire back where they left the train. He could do no more than that as he was not sure that this was the right party and he certainly had no warrant for his detention. Word soon came that they had left the train at Ithaca.

   The body of the check appears to be in the handwriting of a lady. The indorsement on the back of the check appears to correspond in writing with a name on the registry book at the St. Charles hotel, "Fred Smith, Syracuse." Yesterday morning at 10 o'clock a stranger went to the St. Charles hotel and represented that he was going to work for J. C. Seager, the coal man. He wanted to engage board and wanted to pay a week's board in advance, for which he presented the check that Morehead Brothers cashed. Proprietor Dowd found some excuse for not cashing the check, and the stranger has not been seen at the hotel since.

   The same check was last evening presented to M. H. Ray of the Arlington hotel near the Lehigh Valley station by presumably the same person who claimed, as before, that he was going to work for J. C. Seager. Here, too, he wanted to pay a week's board in advance, and presented the check in payment. Mr. Ray very shrewdly told him to turn the check over to Mr. Seager, and bring back a receipt for the amount of a week's board. The stranger departed and has not since been seen by Mr. Ray. He probably went directly from the Arlington to the store of Morehead Brothers.

   Mr. Morehead describes the stranger as a young man about 24 or 25 years of age, 5 ft. 8 in. tall; weight 140 pounds; dark complexion; black hair, smooth shaven, wearing dark clothes and a black felt hat. The blank check which was filled out is one of the form that has not been in use at the First National bank in two years, which goes to show that it was secured some time ago. The blank was not one cut from a check book. The police are working on a clue, but will say very little about the matter.

   Police Justice Mellon was interviewed just before The STANDARD went to press and informed us that, notwithstanding all reports to the contrary, no information had been lodged with him upon which to base a warrant for the arrest of any one, no warrant had been issued, and Chief Linderman had not gone to Ithaca to-day or to any other place in search of the guilty party, but is in town attending to his business and has received no authority or instructions to go elsewhere in search of any one.

United American Mechanics.

   The order of United American Mechanics held its regular meeting in G. A. R. hall [Main Street, Cortland] last evening. Four applications for membership were received and one application for re-instatement. There were also eight applications for the funeral benefit department and two for the straight life $1,000 insurance department. A phonographic entertainment under the direction of Mr. E. A. Chubb added to the enjoyment of the occasion. The organization now numbers nearly one hundred members and is in a flourishing condition.

Cortland County Pomona Grange.

   The second quarterly meeting of Cortland County Pomona grange is to be held in Good Templars' hall, Cortland on Thursday, June 3 at 10 A. M. The program is as follows: Reports from subordinate grange, memorial services, recitations, essays and discussions of subjects pertaining to the interest of the farmer, etc., etc. A good attendance is desired.

   N. F. WEBB, W. M.

   J. D. F. WOOLSTON, Sec.

BREVITIES.

   —The county Y. P. S. C. E. convention will be held at the First Baptist church in Cortland on June 15.

   —An order has been placed with Fletcher & Bangs for seating the Grand Army room with eight settees.

   —The dedication of St. Stephen's Catholic church at Marathon takes place next Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. Bishop Ludden of Syracuse and other dignitaries will be present and participate.

   —Mr. John N. Elmore, who has been at the Cortland hospital for about two years, died last night of old age. He was 85 years old. The remains will be taken on the 12:27 P. M. train to-morrow to Elmira, his former home, for interment.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—D. McCarthy & Co., White Goods, page 7; G. F. Beaudry, Bicycles, page 6; Warren, Tanner & Co.. Dry Goods, page 4; Bingham Bros. & Miller, Dress Suits, page 8; C. F. Brown, Paint, page 5: Baker & Angell, Shoes, page 4; Second National bank, Report, page 4.

   —In the summary of the ball game in The STANDARD yesterday the names of Cortland and Canandaigua were misplaced in a few of the first papers printed. The mistake was noted and corrected, but we refer to it because the people who saw those papers of course received an erroneous impression of the result, though the outcome was made plain in the introduction to the item and also in the detailed score.

McGRAWVILLE.

Crisp Local Happenings at Corset City.

   Following are the advertised letters remaining in the postoffice at McGrawville, N. Y., May 24, 1897: Miss Alice Allen (2), Mrs. S. C. Bingham, Miss Mary H. Wells. Persons calling for above will please say "advertised." M. C. Bean, P. M.

   George Pudney, Arthur Norcott and W. E. Rooks left Monday morning for the wild and woolly West. Their plans have not been made known, but it is supposed that gold is what they are seeking as they are all anti "free silver." Their destination is Colorado.

   Mrs. George Sutliff has returned home much improved In health.

   F. W. Perrott of Toronto, Ont., has been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Maricle for the past few days.

   John D. Gutchess, Jr., now wears a "castor oil" smile.

   Miss Libbie Topping left this (Tuesday) morning for a visit in Binghamton.

   Those who miss the entertainment to be given at the Presbyterian church this (Tuesday) evening will regret it for never before has the poetical genius of our village had a chance to show itself as at that time. The entertainment will consist of the poetic thoughts of the women of the church and congregation and the floral decorations will represent a symbol: "There's pansies that's for thoughts," "Borne on Pegasus' wings."

TRUXTON.

   TRUXTON, May 24.—Union memorial services will be held at the Methodist church next Sunday, May 30. Rev. Mr. Haskell will preach the sermon in the morning.

   Mr. and Mrs. R.J. McAllister of Springfield, Mass., are spending a couple of weeks with their friends here.

   The entertainment given by Prof. Weldy's class in music and the school was very good and well attended. Receipts of the evening were over $40 and many were detained at home by the rain.

   Miss Sophia Watson has returned home, improved in health.

   Mr. Louis Sampson and Mr. Howard Drake of Cortland spent last Thursday night with friends here and attended the entertainment given that evening.

   The furniture factory has been closed for the past two weeks to make some needed repairs, and the employees have improved their vacation in many ways. Mr. J. Law made a visit of one week away and E. W. Schellinger and family visited in DeRuyter.

   Mr. and Mrs. Fred Robbins and daughter of Cortland are spending a few days with friends here.

   Mr. O. D. Patrick is having a fence built entirely around the land belonging  to the old firkin factory and will use it for a pasture. TRUTH.