Sunday, May 17, 2020

ADMIRAL JOHN WORDEN AND BIG FIRE IN TULLY



Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, October 19, 1897.

ADMIRAL JOHN WORDEN.
Famous Commander of the Monitor Is Dead.
SIXTY-THREE YEARS OF SERVICE.
Worden Was One of the Old Line Who Helped Make Our Navy Famous.
Death of Well-known Emerson W. Keyes in New York City.
   WASHINGTON, Oct. 19.—Admiral John L. Worden, retired, died in this city. He commanded the Monitor during its engagement with the Merrimac in Hampton Roads during the late war. In 1885 he was retired with the full rank and pay of an admiral, the only instance of the kind.
   Pneumonia was the immediate cause of Admiral Worden's death. He was 89 years of age, and up to last Saturday was in very good health. Then the disease from which he died developed rapidly.
   Admiral Worden was one of the few remaining heroes of that old regime which made the United States navy so glorious in its achievements. For nearly two-thirds of a century he was a naval officer, having been appointed a midshipman from Fishkill, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1834, over 63 years ago. He was born at Sing Sing, N. Y.
   His career was full of exciting incidents, and his name long ago became a synonym in the navy for all that meant honorable devotion to duty under the most trying circumstances.
   After the war Admiral Worden's principal service was as superintendent of the naval academy from 1869 to 1874, and as commander of the European squadron from 1874 to 1877.
   The last years of his life were spent in comparative retirement, though he kept up to the last a lively interest in affairs.

EMERSON W. KEYES.
Was Well-known in Educational Circles of the State.
   NEW YORK, Oct. 19. —Emerson W. Keyes, chief clerk in the office of the superintendent of public instruction of Brooklyn, died in that city from a complication of diseases. He had occupied the position which he held for 15 years, and was one of the best known men connected with educational affairs in the state.
   Mr. Keyes was born in Jamestown, N. Y., June 30, 1828, and graduated from the State Normal school at Albany 20 years later. In 1851 he became an instructor in the Cortland academy in Homer, N. Y., and afterwards taught for a time in the public schools in Hudson, N. Y.
   In 1857 he was appointed deputy superintendent of the state department of public instruction, and after serving seven years in that position was appointed superintendent of the department, which position he filled for a year, and was appointed deputy superintendent of the banking department of the state of New York.
   He was admitted to the bar in 1868. He was the author of several volumes on educational and banking subjects.

FOREST FIRES RAGING.
Many Acres of Cayuga County Timber Destroyed.
FARMERS PRAYING FOR RAIN.
Flames Which Have Been Ravaging the Forests Near Austin, Pa., Finally Brought Under Control After Doing About $250,000 Damage.
   AUBURN, N. Y., Oct., 19.—The northern part of Cayuga county is ablaze with forest fires, which have been raging for the past two days, and nearly all the timber in the vicinity of Red Creek, Lowville, Sterling and North Victory has been destroyed. Many farm houses, barns, hay stacks and animals have been burned.
   The farmers are fighting the flames night and day. But as there has been no rain in the vicinity since last July the parched condition of the ground and the muck in the swamps make their efforts almost futile.
   Trenches are being dug along the Lehigh Valley railroad by section men to protect that property, and land is being plowed up as rapidly as possible in the hope that the progress of the destructive blaze can be checked until rain comes.
   The heaviest losers are Charles W. Eddy and Sexton Smith. Mr. Smith's woodland, which extended three miles through the villages of Red Creek and North Victory, is destroyed. He also lost a sawmill and a barn. Mr. Eddy lost about 12 acres of valuable beech and maple timber.
   The village of North Victory is completely enveloped in dense smoke and it is impossible to go through the town, as the flames are still raging  fiercely one and one-half miles south of the village of Sterling.
   Over 300 acres of woodland, controlled by a Michigan firm, have also been destroyed.
   The damage done so far cannot be estimated, as all the losses are not known and the fire is still raging. If rain does not come soon there will be great loss of property.

NOW UNDER CONTROL.
Nelson Run, Pa., Forest Fires Subdued. Goodyears' Loss Heavy.
   WELLSVILLE, N. Y., Oct. 19.—The forest fires at Nelson Run, near Austin, Pa., are now under control. Twenty million feet of hemlock logs and 25,000 cords of bark have been consumed, resulting in a loss to C. W. & F. H. Goodyear of $200,000.
   The fire at Cabin Hollow was prevented from going into Barn's Brook by the work of 50 men, thus saving 5,000,000 feet of logs and many tons of bark.
   No camps were burned and loss of property outside of the Goodyears' is very small.
   Over 1,000 men were engaged in the fight.
   There was no insurance on the logs or bark.

Oil Well Rigs Burned.
   BRADFORD, Pa., Oct. 19.—The forest fires on all sides of this city are raging with increasing vigor. It is estimated that 5,000 acres have been burned over in the vicinity of Rice Brook.
   At Chipmunk five oil well rigs have been destroyed.
   The reservation between Riverside and Chipmunk has been fire-swept. It is impossible to estimate the loss.

Youghiogheny Region in a Blaze.
   CONNELLSVILLE, Pa., Oct. 19.—All the Upper Youghiogheny region is in a blaze, caused by the extensive mountain fires raging in hundreds of places.
   Across the Youghiogheny from Connellsville, Limestone Hill is a slope of fire and south of the town the fiercest fires for many years are eating up the shrubbery, endangering homes and destroying hundreds of fences and barns.

Forest Fires at Middletown.
   MIDDLETOWN, N. Y., Oct. 19.—Forest fires in the woods have destroyed the standing timber and fences. Flames at the Twenty-fourth Separate company rifle range buildings were extinguished before the buildings were destroyed. The damage can hardly be estimated.
   So many fires are burning in so many different localities that it is hardly probable that the flames can be extinguished without rain.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
Get Together!
   It is time that the breach in the Republican party in this county was healed. The old apportionment to the [Cortland] county convention, and the lack of all rules and regulations, led to all kinds of fraud and corruption, and divided the party several years ago, resulting in the defeat of nearly the entire Republican ticket one year and of the Republican nominee for county judge the next year.
   This year again frauds and corruption were the outcome of the robber apportionment, and the system finally broke down, and several days before the county convention assembled it became evident to all careful observers that the convention this year was to be the last that would ever be held under the old apportionment and lack of rules and regulations. 
   The party was split in the strife. Great irregularities and confusion and corruption marked the primaries. These were inseparable from the system, and were its natural products. The STANDARD for fifteen years has warned the Republicans of this county, in season and out of season, as to what the ultimate end would be. Each of the two opposing factions charges the other with corruption. The facts indicate that both were more or less guilty. But it was the bad system—or lack of anything which might properly be called a system—in our primaries and representation in conventions which was the worst culprit. It offered a premium on fraud, and finally perished, as it ought, from its own inherent rottenness.
   The regular Republican county convention met the situation bravely, and with a wisdom born of the emergency, and with patriotic energy, adopted resolutions providing for fair caucuses and conventions, and appointed a committee to prepare a new plan of apportionment and make rules and regulations for the guidance of the party in the future.
   The apportionment and rules and regulations prepared and unanimously agreed on by the committee were promptly adopted by the regular Republican county committee, and are now the law of the party. This apportionment is eminently honest and just, and the only criticism it is open to is that it favors the smaller towns at the expense of the larger. But as the larger towns do not complain at this, it cannot be urged as an objection to the apportionment, especially as the concession to the smaller towns is not unreasonable. No man who means to be decently honest and just will oppose this new system when once he sees it in operation.
   The convention which gave the authority for this new system having been declared regular by the state committee and by Mr. E. C. Palmer, clerk of the county, the only legal authority in the county to decide upon the question, it follows that the new plan of organization and apportionment is also legal and binding upon the party and upon all its members.
   Thus the cause which led to the old corruptions and divisions having been removed, there is no longer any reason why the party should not be reunited. It should get together under this honest reorganization.
   It should be remembered that next year a state convention, a congressional convention and a senatorial convention are to be held. Every Republican in the county should get into line in order that his influence may be felt in these conventions. No one should want to stand aloof from them and stand one side while important nominations are being made. The congressman and senator for this district are both anxious to see the division in this county healed—as are Republicans all over the state. Guarantees having been given that future primaries and conventions will be fair and honest, there is nothing to justify further division.
   But it is said to The STANDARD that there exists a determination to punish certain persons who are charged with being prominent in committing frauds in the past. What good can come of punishing individuals for resorting to unfair practices, when the cause that led to the offences has been removed? Besides, if all the persons active in our local politics—on the side of either faction—who have been guilty of irregularities under the old system are to be punished, there will be only a small contingent left to do the punishing. The wrongs were not all on one side. They were not confined to either faction. They were the outgrowth of the system which offered a premium on irregularities and fraud. It was the system which was to blame, more than individuals.  Revenge and spite are neither a wise nor a sufficient basis for political action.  They are the most ignoble impulses of human action.
   Republicans of Cortland county! Get together! How much better will any of you feel to see some of our county offices filled by Democrats, or a Democrat representing the county in assembly, through your determination to have a whack at some nominees you don't like. You will all have to act with each other in the future—both sides—unless one or the other faction goes over to the Democrats to stay. Then why not get together now? We have Republicans enough for one great, strong party, but not enough for two. Think of the future! Get together!

BIG FIRE AT TULLY, N. Y.
Seven Business Places Wiped Out Last Night.
   One week ago this morning the people of the village of McLean found a large share of the business portion of the village in ashes. This morning the people of Tully viewed much the same sight in their own town. Early last evening fire was discovered over Topp's shoe shop on Main-st., and in a few hours one entire corner was wiped out by the flames which spread rapidly as all the burned buildings were of wood. The fire department worked with a will, and by the most strenuous efforts succeeded in saving Hotel Slayton, located across the street, which was in flames two different times. Other nearby buildings were saved only by hard work.
   The business places burned are Topp's shoe store, the Tully Times' plant, Mrs. Burgess' bakery, Brown & Co's., meat market, the postoffice, Butler & Co., groceries, and F. C. Hayford, hardware. The loss will run into the thousands.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.
Business Transacted in Regular Session Last Night.
   The board of education of the Cortland Union Free school district No. 1 held its regular meeting last night at the superintendent's office. The superintendent reported that the amount of money to come to the district from the regents department is $461.92 of which $292.93 is to be placed to the credit of the library fund. L. F. Stillman, president of the board, was chosen delegate to the state convention of school boards, and the superintendent was instructed to attend the state meeting of school superintendents, both of which conventions meet Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week at Canandagua.

MCLEAN.
   McLEAN, Oct. 18.—Mrs. Philip Welty and daughter Elizabeth leave for their home in Martinsburg, Va., to-morrow.
   Miss Jennie Fitts, who has been ill so long, is still confined to her bed.
   Pieces of burning shingles and sparks were found a mile distant from the fire on Monday evening. Our cemetery was literally covered with sparks and burning pieces.
   Rev. F. M. LaBar spent Sunday at Fleming. Rev. H. H. Baldwin occupied the pulpit here.
   Mr. Marvin Dutcher whose house was burned on Monday night has moved into Robert Lamont's house.
   Mr. James Foot and son of Cortland were in town on Saturday.
   Mr. and Mrs. William Waters visited friends in East Lansing on Thursday and Friday.
   Herbert Davidson was at home over Sunday.
   Mr. Henry Hubbard and wife of Cortland were calling on friends in town on Thursday.
   Miss Alice Stone of Buffalo is visiting friends in town.
   Miss Caroline Howard spent last week with her aunt in Dryden.




BREVITIES.

   —Nine candidates took the third degree in the O. U. A. M. last night.
   —Regular communication of Cortlandville lodge, No. 470, F. & A. M, this evening.
   —The Ladies' Literary club will meet with Mrs. G. H. Smith, 6 East Main-st. to-morrow afternoon.
   —The Fortnightly club will meet with Miss Anna L. Clarkson at 42 Church-st. to-morrow afternoon.
   —The board of village trustees did not hold its adjourned meeting last evening, owing to the absence of a quorum.
   —All candidates for the C. A. A. handball team are requested to meet in the clubrooms at 7 o'clock Monday evening.
   —There will be a meeting of the board of trade on Wednesday evening at 7:30 o'clock at the office in the Wallace building.
   —On Saturday night, Oct. 23, the attraction at the Opera House will be Katie Emmett in "The Waifs of New York."
   —The decision of the glove contest in C. A. A. hall last night between Eddie Daly of Baltimore, Md. and Tommy Kelly of Rochester was given to the former in the fourth round.
   —New display advertisements to-day are—C. F. Brown. Perfumes, page 6: D. McCarthy & Co., Dress Fabrics, page 7; A. S. Burgess, Shoes, page 8: Opera House, "The Waifs of New York,'' page 5; Case & Ruggles, Situation in a Nutshell, page 6.
   —It is a glorious day for the Solon excursion upon the occasion of the opening of the first eight miles of the E. & C. N. Y. R. R. On the train leaving Cortland at 12:30 this noon 103 tickets were sold at Cortland, 150 were sold on the 2:30 train and more will doubtless go at 4:30. The country districts are yet to be heard from. It is understood that all McGrawville and Solon turned out.

Harford Mills.
   HARFORD MILLS, Oct. 18.—Dr. B. D. Harrington, who has been spending his vacation with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Harrington, returned to his duties at the King's county hospital last Thursday.
   Mrs. John Barron and children of Sayre, Pa., are visiting at W. J. Tarbox's.
   Mrs. Stephens and daughter Minnie of Eaton, N. Y., are visiting at David Wilcox's.
   Mr. Egbert Rockefellow who has been visiting friends in Ohio returned last Thursday, his brother William accompanying him.
   Our cheese factory closed Oct. 15 for the season.
   An agent of the Standard Oil Co. was in town last week and purchased a part of L. A. Gardner's lot near the railroad for the purpose of erecting an oil station here.
   Miss Nellie Pitts of Buffalo is spending some time with friends in this place.
   Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Harrington were in Ithaca on Friday.
   Several from this place attended the dance held hi Allen Tyler's barn on Friday night. All report a good time.
   Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hines and daughter Ettie are visiting their daughter, Mrs. Chas. Freer, in Blodgett Mills.

McGRAWVILLE.
Crisp Local Happenings at the Corset City.
   Mrs. David P. Ayres, agent for the A. P. McGraw Co.'s skirts, left this morning for Binghamton.
   Master Henry Clark of Syracuse is visiting his grandmother Mrs. Gretta
Galpin.
   The STANDARD reporter is under obligations to the McGrawville Paper Box Co. for specimen of their work both in boxes and book-binding. Also to Peter McLane for a good supply of Meacham sweet apples.
   Miss Bessie Dennison of Norwich commenced work in the Thos. P. Taylor paper box factory Monday.
   John D. Gutchess, Jr., is the first victim to have his linger clipped in the Taylor box factory.
   McGrawville has a big head to-day caused by the trains which are flying through. The corset factory shut down this afternoon in order that the employees might have a chance to visit classic Solon.
   Arthur G. Benjamin is in Syracuse hospital for an operation upon his ear.
   Stillman Holden is suffering from a shock of paralysis. Mr. Holden is one of our oldest and most respected citizens and it is hoped may speedily recover.
   Mrs. Elias Underwood and son of Cattaraugus county have been visiting friends in this vicinity.
   Mrs. H. M. Kingman is in Cincinnatus for a few days.
  About noon Monday while Rev. N. S. Burd was riding a wheel on West Main-st. he fell, fracturing his arm. Dr. M. R. Smith reduced the fracture.
   L. Parsons is suffering from an injured knee sustained while jumping from the N. Y. C. train in Syracuse on Saturday night. He had attended the burial of a friend in Brewerton and prepared to spend the night there while his assistant F. R. Morey had come on to Cicero to visit relatives. A telegram was sent calling him to take charge of the funeral of Mrs. Pike and leaving his hearse he caught the train for home which happened to be behind time. At Syracuse he took a flying leap from the Central train which was also late in order to catch the D., L. & W. and was lucky enough to catch the rear just as it was leaving the depot. Mrs. Parson's brother, Asa Kinney, drove the hearse next day to Cicero and picked up Mr. Morey with whom he returned and is spending a few days here.
 
 

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