A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Daniel Webster.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, July 2, 1897.

PAGE FOUR EDITORIALS.

A Voice From the Past.

   In 1821 the war for the independence of Greece from Turkish rule broke out, and about a year later the independence of Greece declared. The Greeks, however, quarreled among themselves, and a civil war raged during 1823-4. Commencing in 1834, Turkey again made war on Greece and during this whole period, from 1821 and continuing down to the time when the Turks captured Athens on June 2, 1827, the position taken by the European powers in regard to Greece had been almost identical with the position taken by the concert of Europe during the present struggle. Regardless of the position taken by the various governments in regard to the conflict, the interest and sympathies of the people of the Christian world were largely with Greece, as they have been during the recent struggle, and in 1826 this interest became intense and volunteers went to the assistance of Greece from France, Germany, England and America. In January 1824 Daniel Webster introduced a resolution in the House to provide for paying the expenses of a special commissioner to Greece, to keep this government posted as to the situation and to express our sympathy for them in their struggle for liberty. We quote below a part of Mr. Webster's speech in support of his resolution.

   MR CHAIRMAN.—It may be asked, will this resolution do the Greeks any good? Yes, it will do them much good. It will give them courage and spirit, which is better than money. It will assure them of the public sympathy, and will inspire them with fresh constancy. It will teach them that they are not forgotten by the civilized world, and to hope one day to occupy in that world an honorable station.

   Do gentlemen fear the result of this resolution in embroiling us with the Porte? Why sir, how much is it ahead of the whole nation, or rather let me ask, how much is the nation ahead of it? Is not this whole people already in a state of open and avowed excitement on this subject? Does not the loud ring from side to side with one common sentiment of sympathy for Greece, and indignation toward her oppressors? nay, more, sir—are we not giving money to this cause? More still, sir—is not the secretary of state in open correspondence with the president of the Greek committee in London? The nation has gone as far as it can go, short of an official act of hostility. This resolution adds nothing beyond what is already done—nor can any of the European governments take offence at such a measure. But if they would, should we be withheld from an honest expression of liberal feelings in the cause of freedom, for fear of giving umbrage to some member of the holy alliance? We are not, surely, yet prepared to purchase their smiles by a sacrifice of every manly principle. Dare any Christian prince even ask us not to sympathize with a Christian nation struggling against Tartar tyranny? We do not interfere—we break no engagements—we violate no treaties; with the Porte we have none.

   Mr. Chairman, there are some things which, to be well done, must be promptly done. If we even determine to do the thing that is now proposed, we may do it too late. Sir, I am not of those who are for withholding aid when it is most urgently needed, and when the stress is past, and the aid no longer necessary, overwhelming the sufferers with caresses. I will not stand by and see my fellow man drowning without stretching out a hand to help him, till he has by his own efforts and presence of mind reached the shore in safety, and then encumber him with aid. With suffering Greece now is the crisis of her fate, her great, it may be, her last struggle. Sir, while we sit here deliberating, her destiny may be decided. The Greeks, contending with ruthless oppressors, turn their eyes to us, and invoke us by their ancestors, slaughtered wives and children, by their own blood, poured out like water, by the hecatombs of dead they have heaped up as it were to heaven, they invoke, they implore us for some cheering sound, some look of sympathy, some token of compassionate regard. They look to us as the great republic of the earth—and they ask us by our common faith, whether we can forget that they are struggling, as we once struggled, for what we now so happily enjoy? I cannot say, sir that they will succeed; that rests with heaven. But for myself, sir, if I should to-morrow hear that they have failed—that their last phalanx had sunk beneath the Turkish cimeter, that the flames of their last city had sunk in its ashes, and that naught remained but the wide melancholy waste where Greece once was, I should still reflect, with the most heartfelt satisfaction, that I have asked you in the name of seven millions of freemen, that you would give them at least the cheering of one friendly voice.

   After reading the above, who can question what the position of this great Statesman, this lover of liberty and defender of the people's rights would be on the Cuban question, were he alive and in the Senate or House to-day.

Editor of the Democrat:

   In response to your request for an expression of the thought and feeling of the people on the Cuban question, I desire to say that my sympathies are strongly with Cuba. I feel that they should be recognized as belligerents, and that the cruelty and injustice of the Spanish forces should be stopped, and by force if necessary. No, our citizens are not properly honored nor protected there. It seems to me that definite action, or at least a definite position taken by our government at this time, would largely give them proper encouragement and would force other nations to recognize them as well.

   Cortland, N. Y.

   JNO. T. STONE, Pastor of Presbyterian Church.

Editor Democrat:

   In expressing my views on the Cuban question, permit me briefly to say: I appreciate the caution, and the thoughtful statesmanship, that seek by every legitimate means to prevent our country from becoming involved in war with Spain. I honor the nation that holds sacred its treaty obligations, and avoids as far as possible all international strife. At the same time every drop of my blood tingles with sympathy for unfortunate Cuba, and with unbounded admiration for the brave patriots who are there struggling for liberty.

   I believe our government ought at once to accord to the insurgents the rights of belligerents. They have fairly won the right to such recognition, and I believe they would win their independence also if they only had fair play. Most heartily do I believe, that our government should insist that this war, if continued, should be carried on in accord with the rules of warfare recognized by civilized nations. I endorse the position taken by the DEMOCRAT in a recent issue. It expressed my mind exactly when it said "We believe that this Government should not only give all needed assistance and the fullest protection to our own citizens on Cuban soil, but should protest in unmistakable terms against the barbarous slaughter of wounded and dying soldiers, of innocent women and children and the starving of the 'pacificos' of the island, who have been driven from their homes and plantations by Capt. Gen. Weyler into the guarded towns, where without money they are left to die from hunger to 'exterminate the brood' as Weyler expresses it."

   May the day soon come when Cuba's flag shall wave "O'er the land of the free," as it certainly will, "O'er the home of the brave."

   Cortland, N. Y., June 29, 1897.

   Very respectfully,

   ADELBERT CHAPMAN, Pastor of the First Baptist Church.

SETTING THE GUNS.

Plot About Soldiers' Monument to be Much Beautified.

   Work has been begun under the supervision of J. R. Birdlebough, to mount the two cannon secured by the courtesy of Ex- Secretary of War D. S. Lamont, on each side of the soldiers' monument. The entire plot will be enclosed by a granite coping a foot high and on top of this will be an iron piling. Two pyramids of shells will also be inside the enclosure. This will greatly improve the looks of the lot about the monument.

Married at St. Mary's.

   A quiet wedding occurred at St. Mary's church [in Cortland] on Tuesday morning, when Mr. Arthur J. Meldrim and Miss Elizabeth Brown were united in marriage by Rev. J. J. McLoghlin. After the ceremony the wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride, No. 82 Tompkins-st. Mr. and Mrs. Meldrim took their departure on the 10 o'clock train for New York and other places, and on their return will be at home to their many friends at 44 Union-st.

Cycle Path Progressing.

   But for lack of cinders the cycle path to Little York would have been nearly completed by to-morrow night. It was necessary to send to the Solvay works in Syracuse for several carloads of cinders and thus work has been delayed. Twenty teams were drawing until the cinders gave out. Less than two miles remain to complete the path from Homer to Little York, N. Y.

Will Have a New Home.

   The Old Ladies' Home, which has been conducted by Mrs. E. M. Moore about two miles west of town [Cortland], has so grown in popularity that larger quarters are necessary. Negotiations are about completed, all it lacks is signing the papers for the purchase of the old Fairchild estate, just this side of Port Watson bridge and north of the street. This was built for a hotel many years ago and will, with repairs, admirably meet the requirements of a home for the old ladies. Help in the way of cash or donations of furniture, etc., will be very acceptable to the management. The home will be for any woman of small means who is in need of one.

Death of Mrs. Eggleston.

   Mrs. Asahel Eggleston, mother of Hon. J. E. Eggleston, died suddenly at an early hour on Thursday morning, but at the hour of going to press we had not been able to learn the particulars of her sudden demise. Mrs. Eggleston follows closely after her venerable husband who died a week ago Wednesday, and it is probable that the shock of his death and the anxiety and care consequent upon his long illness was more than she had the strength to endure. At the hour of going to press we had not leaned at what time the funeral services are to be held. Judge Eggleston will have the sympathy of the entire community in his double affliction.

NEIGHBORING COUNTIES.

   CHENANGO.—Dr. Guy of Coventry has decided to move to Harpursville, where he will establish a practice.

   Prof. E. W. Griffith of Cazenovia has purchased a lot at Chenango Lake and will build a cottage there.

   The Clark & Hovey creamery of Bainbridge received fifty thousand pounds of milk daily last week. Next!

   Among the fourth class postmasters appointed recently was C. L. Fuller at South New Berlin, vice M. D Adams, resigned.

   The South New Berlin Gas Co., have contracted to light the streets of that progressive little village with gas at $2.00 per 1,000 feet.

   Canasawacta tribe of Red Men made a visitation to South New Berlin last week, Tuesday night, for the purpose of instituting a lodge in that place.

   The managers of the celebration of the Fourth at Lake Earlville are making arrangements for a large crowd and an enjoyable time. Do not forget. It comes on Monday, the 5th.

   E. D. Avery is having the Avery House in Earlville improved materially with paint. The large barn will also be painted. When completed, this will make a decided improvement to this already popular house.

   The report of the building committee of the Oxford Board of Education shows a total appropriation for the new school building of $22,305.00. All the work has been completed except grading, and the committee has a balance on hand of $488.99.

   Train 33 on the O. & W., a mixed freight and coal, threw a car off the track a mile and a half below Norwich last week Wednesday morning. A broken wheel caused the accident. The Delhi train going north was delayed about an hour and the New York train going south was delayed fifteen minutes.

   In May, 1850, the "Lady Suffolk" of a light packet class was put on the Chenango canal to run daily between this place and Norwich, connecting here with the Erie railroad, and at Norwich with a stage line to Utica. Capt. S. S. Stevens was the skipper, and made the run from Norwich at 7 A. M. to connect with the evening train for New York.—From old notes in Binghamton Democrat.

   TOMPKINS—A few days ago two Ithacans caught five hundred perch at Union Springs,

   Thursday, June 17, was the fortieth anniversary of Ithaca's great flood.

   The postoffice at Speedsville was burglarized recently and $16 worth of stamps taken.

   The Cornell University Summer School will open on July 5 to continue until August 14.

   The date of the reunion of the old residents of Trumansburg has been fixed for August 18th and 19th, 1897.

   At the recent Commencement of Cornell University which was the 20th annual, four hundred and thirty-two degrees were conferred.

   Cornell University's trustees have voted permission for the establishment of a Cornell cadet company in connection with the National Guard of the state.

   The Hon. William Sulzer of New York will be the principal speaker in Ithaca on Labor Day, Monday, September 6. It is expected that he will also address the Bimetalic Union at Library Hall in the evening.

   Tuesday morning, June 22, Mr. Meriman of New York city arrived at the

George Jr. Republic, where he will be in charge of the work, etc., in place of

"Daddy" W. R. George this summer. Mr. George is to be an every day citizen and will study the work thoroughly as a citizen.

   Some idea may be gained as to the large business done at the milk station at Freeville, when it is known that the pay roll for the month of May amounted to upwards of $1,500. About 7,000 pounds of milk are now shipped daily, and the product of the station has about doubled since owned by A. J. Flowers & Son of Philadelphia. John Shaver is still in charge.

   The Dryden Herald says: "The life of a public officer in Dryden Village has been far from a pleasant one during the past few weeks and months, and the dissensions over various subjects have finally resulted in the announcement of the resignations of Dr. Allen as president and Mr. Munsey as one of the trustees of the village. The treasurer's office being still vacant for the reason that the latest appointee has not yet presented his bond, it begins to look as if Dryden would be without a village government."

HERE AND THERE.

   Two large coal boxes for sale. Suitable for a hallway or outside. Enquire at this office.

   McGrawville will celebrate the Fourth July to-morrow. A big time is expected.

   The mission bands at the Presbyterian church held a picnic at Cortland park on Monday.

   Perkins & Co. of the City drug store sells Paris green. See their new advertisement this week.

   Burgess, the clothier, has something new to say in a change of advertisement on our eighth page

   C. F. Brown will give away fire crackers to the boys who trade at his store. See his new ad. on this page.

   Eighty-three dollars were received at Happy Bill Daniels' concert for the benefit of the Cheningo church.

   The dry goods stores of Cortland will be closed all day on Monday, July 5th, by agreement between all of the merchants of this place.

   The clerks of Cortland and the bartenders will pick nines and play a game of ball for the benefit of the hospital some time next week.

   The Ellis Omnibus and Cab Co. have just finished and shipped two fine jobs. A large omnibus went to Ilion and a wagonette to Bristol, R. I.

   At a meeting of the local board of the Normal, it was decided to establish a kindergarten department in the school, to be ready at the opening of school next September.

   The Ithaca Democrat says: "The excellent entertainments at Renwick [Park] are well patronized." The same attractions appear here at the Park, and should be better patronized.

   The meeting of the board of managers of the Hospital Association for July will be held at the Hospital on Tuesday next, July 6, at 3 P. M. Members will please notice the date of the meeting. A full attendance of the board is desired.

   P. J. Mahoney of the Jamestown Construction Co., which laid our Railroad-st. pavement, was in town last week. He voluntarily fixed the sink at the corner of Church-st. The company's contract requires them to keep the pavement in repair for five years and they are doing it.

   "The Fourth," or the 3d, will be a great day at Old DeRuyter. The races bid fair to prove unusually good. The owners of five running horses have indicated their intention to participate, while entries in the trotting races arrive almost daily. Two good nines will cross bats on the diamond.

   The best is none too good for our friends in Greene, and we note with satisfaction the following as evidencing their growing refinement of taste, their reaching out, as it were, for the higher and better things in life. "An occasional hand organ man from Sunny Italy passes through our town, enlivening our citizens with the strains of "After the Ball," and similar melodies. They have the usual monkey accompaniment and take high rank in their profession. Greene has none but the best, and a poor hand organ, or a bad monkey, are not tolerated in our midst. We relegate them to the rear—fire 'em out."—Greene American.

Homer Band on Main Street.

HOMER.

   HOMER, June 29.—Mr. Lester Bennett is visiting his parents here for a few days.

   A band concert was given on Main-st. last Saturday evening.

   Mr. Carroll Potter is home from school, visiting his parents a few days.

   Rev W. A Robinson of Middletown is visiting at Mr. C. A. Skinner's.

   Mr. Henry Skahan and Harry Newcomb spent the week fishing at Otisco.

   Mrs. Eugene Johnson and daughters are spending several weeks in the Adirondacks.

   Miss Fannie Merrill of Syracuse is in town to spend the summer with her parents.

   Rev. L. J. Christier left for Syracuse on his wheel this morning to spend several days.

   Much enthusiasm was caused here among Cornell students over their victory at Poughkeepsie last Friday.

   Miss Florence and Mr. Benjamin Johnson of Albany are visiting at the home of P. C. Kingsbury on Main-st.

   Miss Ina Hurlburt who has been teaching at East Orange, N. J., is home to spend her summer vacation.

   The wedding of Mr. Fred V. Bennett and Miss Sarah Bedell will occur at the Congregational church Wednesday.

   Mrs. F. A. Van Iderstein and daughter, Alice, and son Harry of Brooklyn, are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Bennett.

   Mr. Levi Adams, manager of the Homer band will play with the Baker-Severson band of Binghamton on the Fourth of July.

   Dr. J. H. Robinson, who has been spending a two weeks' vacation in Trumansburg has returned home and will be at his office as usual.

   The wedding of Mr. Walter Burroughs and Miss Nina Gilbert will be held at the home of the bride's parents on James St., Wednesday evening.

   The Volunteers of America have opened a barracks in the Sherman block on N. Main-st , where they are holding meetings every night in the week.

   Mr. Byron Maxson, Miss Blanch Bedell and Miss Bessie Brown are riding new Patee bicycles which they have just purchased of Emmett Wilimarth.

   Dr. Chas. H. Jones, who was formerly a dentist here and lived on Clinton-st., has moved to Cortland, where he has entered into partnership with Dr. Smith.

   Mr. Clarence Torry has accepted the position of clerk in the Central hotel, formerly held by William Pickens, who has gone to work for Geo. Brockway.

   About thirty couple attended the commencement hop held at Brockway hall last Wednesday evening. McDermott's orchestra of Cortland furnished excellent music.

   They have constructed the cinder path about three miles north of this village and if the cinders hold out by next Saturday it will be completed to Little York and ready for wheelmen.

   Saturday evening Miss Jennie McDonald was riding her wheel on Main-st., she met Frank Lucy and as he went to turn out he lost control of his wheel and they collided breaking her front wheel and injuring the frame.

   The Homer Stars were defeated by a picked nine from Moravia and Auburn at Moravia last Saturday. Notwithstanding their defeat they hit the ball well, although the opposing battery were professionals. A return game will be played here some day this week.

   Frank Bliven fell from his bicycle a short distance from Warren-st., Monday evening. Clarence Wilber found him unconscious and carried him to his home on Main-st., where he soon revived. Frank said the last thing he could remember was taking a fall, then all was blank to him.

   The Congregational Sunday school will run a picnic to the Cascade on Owasco Lake, Friday, July 2d. The route will be by way of street car to Cortland, then taking Lehigh Valley railroad to the lake. The trip includes steamboat ride around the lake. Round trip tickets 70 cents Cars leave Homer at 8 A. M.

   A small wreck occurred at the coal yard trestle last Saturday. There were two large coal cars and one empty in the building and, moving one just outside the door, the brakes were set but the wheels slipped along as easily as if there were no brakes. About half way between the building and the main switch there is a safety switch so that if a car starts it will not run on to the main track. The men at the brakes seeing they could not stop their motion jumped just in time to save their lives as the first car left the track entirely and tipped clear over throwing about thirty tons of chestnut coal into the grass and bushes. The front truck of the second car went down the bank but the car did not tip over. A gang of white "Dagoes" proceeded to shovel 30 tons of pea coal from the remaining car into the empty one and they looked like "Darkeys" when they had finished. At 12:30 P. M. the wrecking train came from Syracuse and in about an hour had the cars back upon the track.