DINGLEY TARIFF BILL A LAW

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, July 26, 1897.

DINGLEY BILL A LAW.

Passed the Senate By a Vote of 40 to 30.

PRESIDENT M'KINLEY SIGNED IT.

Mr. Dingley Presented the President With a Pen Obtained For the Occasion—

Senate and House Adjourns Without a Day.

   WASHINGTON, July 26.—The Dingley tariff bill is now the law of the land. The last step necessary was taken at the White House when the president affixed his signature. The signing of the bill was an interesting event. It had been arranged that the president should go to the Capitol to perform that function, but owing to uncertainty as to the time that the bill would be ready, that plan was abandoned. The members of the cabinet who are in Washington were to accompany the president to the Capitol to witness the event, but were notified of the change in the program and came to the White House and assembled with the president in the cabinet room.

   Mr. Dingley appeared, accompanied by Representative Hager, chairman of the house committee on enrolling bills. Mr. Hager, by virtue of his office, held the tariff bill closely in hand, but not for a moment did Mr. Dingley lose sight of the document which has made his name known in all parts of the world. They were admitted at once into the presence of Mr. McKinley.

   The latter was sitting quietly at the long cabinet table with Secretary Gage, and Attorney General McKenna on one side and Postmaster General Gary and Secretary Wilson on the other. The president arose and greeted Mr. Dingley and Mr. Hager cordially and proceeded at once to the work of approval.

   Mr. Porter turned to the last sheet of the bill and laid the document before the president. He had several pens at hand, the owners of which had begged might be used to sign the tariff act, but Mr. Dingley unexpectedly taking a case from his pocket, produced a beautiful mother of pearl handled pen, dainty enough for a woman's use, and requested that it be used for the signature.

   The president recognized the right of Mr. Dingley, then he laughingly commented upon the diminutive size of the pen. Dipping it deep into the inkwell, he steadily appended his signature to the bill, asked the date and wrote "July 24, approved." and the bill was an act.

   There was a burst of applause, from the spectators. Everyone in the room except the president was standing.

   The president rose and congratulated Mr. Dingley on the successfulness of his long task, and members of the cabinet did likewise. Mr. Dingley acknowledged with thanks the kind words and, after putting his penholder carefully away, left the room and the incident was at an end.

Politicians Desert Washington.

   WASHINGTON, July 26.—There has been a constant exodus from Washington of senators and representatives during the past 40 hours. It began even before the adjournment of congress Saturday night, many members leaving on early evening trains, and it has continued uninterruptedly ever since. Most of the travelers left immediately for their homes, while others have gone to the seaside and mountain resorts. Speaker Reed is still here, but he expects to leave during the early part of the week. Chairman Dingley has started for Maine. The president and those of his cabinet who intend to leave Washington for a vacation will do so in the next few days, so that by the end of the week the city, politically and officially speaking, will be deserted.

WOULD GO TO KLONDIKE.

People Eagerly Seeking Transportation to the Gold Fields.

   SAN FRANCISCO, July 26—The desire of the gold-struck throng to reach the diggings in the Klondike district resembles the craze of Easterners to reach California in the days of '49. There is little or no method in this longing of the masses to reach the Eldorado in the great unknown territory of the Northwest.

   Persons who have had no experience in mining, or have undergone none of the hardships incident to such as will follow a trip to the Yukon country, are clamoring for passage and straining every nerve to secure funds necessary on which to make the trip. Many are making sacrifices in order to visit the land that promises so much.

   More people are anxious to go to Alaska and the Yukon country than can possibly be accommodated at the present time. It is believed by many that the vessels now fitting at San Francisco and destined for Dawson City by way of St. Michael's will never reach the former place. The river begins to freeze about Sept. 10 and it is not possible for vessels leaving San Francisco after August, to reach Dawson City for at least five or six days after the extreme cold has set in.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

The Tariff Bill a Law.

   The conference report on the tariff bill was approved by the senate Saturday, 40 ayes to 30 nays, the majority being exactly the same as that by which the bill passed the senate July 7. Vice-President Hobart signed the bill at 3:40. It was taken at once to the White House, where at 4:06 P. M. President McKinley attached his signature. The Dingley tariff bill by its terms and these official acts, at once became law. As the government does not recognize parts of days, the provisions of the new law have effect from midnight of July 23-24, and all goods entered at ports of the United States July 24 and subsequently are subject to duties as provided in the Dingley law. It is said this is $1,000,000 on imports arriving Saturday.

   The new law is not satisfactory to everybody; no revenue law ever was or ever will be. Its defects are, however, not of principle. It is an American statute, for the benefit of the United States. Therein it differs radically from the law it displaces. It affords reasonable protection for American industries and, if not this year, immediately after the store of anticipatory importations are consumed, will supply the government with moneys to meet its expense.

   The country has suffered for years from tariff agitation and changes. The history need not now be reviewed. Its lessons have been impressed on the people, who will hail this enactment as a guarantee of rest and security for a period of years. Certainly there will be no change in four years. The experience from the "change" of 1892 showed the people the distressing results of embracing free trade theories, and it is unlikely that departure from the protective principle will be tolerated in the improbable event of Democratic success in the nation in 1900. Changes of schedules there may be as administration demonstrates the wisdom of changes; these were common all through the thirty years of Republican ascendancy up to 1892 and none disturbed values or distressed business. They were changes of details not of system.

   So, whether we be protectionists or free traders we can all rejoice that a stable chart is established by which business operations can be regulated. There is a rest from tariff agitation. The party that enters up in a campaign to disturb the settlement must wait till recent experiences have faded into forgetfulness, if it hopes to escape condemnation as a public enemy.

Electricity in the Air.

   Mr. E. B. Dunn contributes to The North American Review a suggestive paper on atmospheric electricity. He reminds his readers that the atmosphere is at all times charged with this subtle influence, that we draw it in with every breath and that it invigorates us and gives us life. When the electrical pressure of the atmosphere is at the weakest, as at certain hours of the day, then we feel often weak and depressed, and we know not why.

   The same effect is produced when the air is saturated with humidity. In that case the electricity from our bodies passes off into the humid atmosphere, moisture being a perfect conductor, and again we are left without our due amount of this life giving current. That is why in hot, muggy, showery seasons we are often almost miserable enough to commit suicide.

   The most interesting part of the paper, however, deals with the future possibilities of that electricity which the atmosphere holds in inexhaustible quantities. Mr. Dunn emphatically believes the time is near when this limitless store of power, health and light can he tapped, drawn upon at will and stored for the use of man. He says:

   Several experimenters are already employed in devising a plan for gathering and storing atmospheric electricity, and I am confident from the progress already attained in this line that it will not be many years before atmospheric electricity can be properly stored and utilized, taking the place of all lighting, heating and motor power employed at the present day.

   The possibilities and uses to which this power may be applied are innumerable. I expect to see it used in every house in as simple a manner as gas or water, so that it shall be within the reach of the poor as well as the wealthy.

   The earth and atmosphere were given to us for useful purposes. The earth has responded to many of our wants, and now, as science progresses and we are becoming more enlightened, the possibilities of atmospheric qualities and quantities are open for experiment.

Negro Question Troublesome.

   MILWAUKEE, Wis., July 26.—The negro question has caused strife and secession in the Trinity Evangelical church here. Some months ago the pastor, the Rev. George Hertz, married David Breed, a colored horse doctor, to a white woman, a member of the German congregation. Meetings were held during the last week, at which the minister was denounced for his action and these culminated yesterday in the secession of half of the congregation from the church. The secessionists met and organized a new church society. The cornerstone of its doctrine is anti-miscegenation.

Rain Destroys Crops.

   SYRACUSE, July 26.—The recent heavy rains did a vast amount of damage to the farmers of Central New York. The principal sufferers are in the towns of Sullivan, Madison county; Pompey, Cicero, Manlius and LaFayette, Onondaga county. It is estimated that crops to the amount of $600,000 have been destroyed. Reports show that nine bridges were washed away in various places.

HEAVY CLOUDBURST

Near DeRuyter—Great Damage Done to Growing Crops.

   A heavy cloudburst northeast of DeRuyter Saturday afternoon did many thousands of dollars damage to growing crops in two valleys. The water came with a rush down the line of the Lehigh Valley railroad, doing damage to oats and corn, to what hay was not cut, and carrying away what was already cut and yet lay in the fields.

   Two small washouts are reported on the Lehigh Valley tracks, but traffic was not delayed.

   It seems that the Otselic valley, too, suffered considerable damage. It is reported that a large reservoir dam near Georgetown, Madison county, gave way and the whole body of water went with a rush down the Otselic river, flooding the flats as far as Willet, in many places under two feet of water. Great damage to crops that lay in the way of the flood is reported from this section.

Steamer Empire State at Long Sault Rapids.

THE EXCURSION SATURDAY.

Enjoyable Trip Reported by All Who Went to the Islands.

   The total number of those who west on the excursion to the Thousand Islands Saturday was a little less than 500, and all report an exceedingly pleasant trip. There were two small showers while the party was at the islands, but they did not mar the pleasure of the day.

   On arrival at Clayton, the party boarded the steamer Empire State and went to Alexandria Bay, making a short stop at Thousand Island Park. A stop of an hour was made at the Bay, and then the trip around the islands was taken. This extended to Gananoque, on the Canadian shore, where a stop of one hour was made before returning. At 8 o'clock in the evening the celebrated searchlight excursion among the islands took place, and at 10:15 the excursionists boarded the train for home which reached Cortland at about 3:30.

   The members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, under whose auspices the excursion was made, desire to publicly thank all for their patronage, also the railway officials and employees for their uniform courtesy to all.

   The excursion was a success from every point of view, and no little credit is due the committee of arrangements, which consisted of J. F. Dowd, Charles Corcoran, T. Noonan, Charles O'Leary and Wm. Kennedy.

DESTROYED BY FIRE.

Spring House at Richfield Springs Burned to the Ground.

   The Spring House at Richfield Springs, one of the oldest and most famous summer hotels in America, the property of Thomas R. Porter of Utica, was burned to the ground Sunday morning before daybreak. The loss is estimated at $200,000; the insurance was $73,000, of which $59,000 was on the building and $14,000 on the furniture. The fire was so well held in cheek by the firemen that every one in the hotel escaped uninjured, although much valuable personal property was destroyed.

   The fire originated in the laundry which occupied the basement under the

diningroom and kitchen in the old part of the building. The $50,000 bathhouse in the Spring House park, a few feet west of the hotel, was not damaged. The hotel will probably be rebuilt.

Non-Support Charged.

   Albert Knapp was arrested Saturday by Constable Goldsmith on the complaint of his wife, Mary Ann Knapp, charging him with non-support. At the request of Frank Sears, by whom Knapp has been employed, and on the promise of the defendant to be present on the day appointed for the hearing, Justice Kelley continued him to the custody of the officer until Aug. 7 at 2 P. M. to which time the case was adjourned.

Fun for Everybody.

   Prof. Gentry and his great combination of highly educated ponies and dogs appear in this city under their waterproof tent on Railroad-st. opposite the D., L. & W. depot, Wednesday of this week. Performances will be given at 3 and 8 P. M. There is perhaps no other entertainment in the United States that is as pleasing to ladies and children as the one Prof. Gentry gives with his ponies and dogs. The clergy indorse it, superintendents of schools indorse it, and no parent who loves his family will deny them the privilege of witnessing this entertainment. It is strictly moral and refined amusement. These little animal actors, over fifty in number, give an entertainment that is beyond belief and must positively be seen to be appreciated. They do everything but talk. The admission is very low: Children, 10 cents; adults, 20 cents.

BREVITIES.

   —The publication of the Syracuse News which was suspended last week will be resumed to-day. The paper will hereafter be run on the co-operative plan.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—A. S. Burgess, Clothing, page 8; Case & Ruggles, Winding Up Odd Lots, page 8; Stowell, Great Bargains, page 4.

   —William D. Tuttle received a telegram Sunday forenoon announcing the death in Massachusetts of his cousin, Charles D. Morey, a formerly well-known resident of Fairfield, Herkimer county.

   —A special communication of Cortland lodge No. 470, F. & A. M., will be held tomorrow night at 8 o'clock to arrange for attending the funeral of E. B. Lincoln at Truxton Wednesday morning.

   —We publish to-day on the third page the first installment of the new tariff in the form of a detailed and exact statement of the new rates of duty, showing wherein they differ from the old. Many important changes will be noted. The first column shows the rate under the new tariff hill, the second column the rate under the [former] Wilson law.

   —A Providence dispatch to the New York Tribune says that the name of Professor Benjamin Ide Wheeler of Cornell university, an alumnus of Brown, is being unofficially mentioned in connection with the presidency of Brown university vacated by E. Benjamin Andrews, because of the latter's advocacy of free silver in addition to free trade.—Ithaca Journal.

EDWIN B. LINCOLN.

   Mr. Edwin B. Lincoln died yesterday afternoon at his residence on Madison-st. after several years' illness with Bright's disease at the age of 69 years. Mr. Lincoln was formerly a resident of Truxton, where he conducted a general store. The funeral will be held Wednesday at Truxton, at 11 o'clock, preceded by a prayer at the house in Cortland at 9 o'clock. Mr. Lincoln was a member of Cortlandville lodge, No. 470, F. and A. M., which lodge will go to Truxton on the 9:48 A. M. train Wednesday to attend the funeral.

PAGE EIGHT—TOWN REPORTS.

   TRUXTON, July 26.—Mr. Patrick Comerfort, a farmer residing about a quarter of a mile from this village, was quite badly injured Thursday. He was going to the lot after a load of hay and when crossing the Lehigh Valley R. R. track the reach of the wagon dropped down and stuck into the ground. Mr. Comerfort, who was standing in the wagon, was thrown out. In falling he struck his side on the draw bolt, and was thrown heavily to the ground. He got up and walked a short distance to his home where he grew gradually worse. Dr. H. I. Van Hoesen was called and found the injured man suffering great pain. He is confined to his bed. But the physician thinks he will be able to be out in a few days.

   Emmett Card of East Homer was arrested by Officer Stone Friday night for public intoxication. He was taken before "Judge" Lazell who fined him $3 which he paid.

   The price of milk has been raised to 1 3/8 cts. per quart.

   Miss Jennie D. Wicks who has been visiting relatives in Binghamton has returned home.

   CRAZY PAT [local correspondent.]