ELEVEN MILES OF TRACK

Train near McGrawville, N. Y.

Fast mail train at Cincinnatus, N. Y.

Pink line on map shows Erie & Central New York R. R. between Cortland and Cincinnatus, N. Y.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, December 17, 1897.

11 MILES OF TRACK.

E. & C. N. Y. R. R. HAS REACHED EAST FREETOWN.

First Freight was Carried There Yesterday—Regular Trains Will Begin Running Beyond Solon Next Week.

   The Binghamton Board of Trade are still agitating the subject of an electric road from that city up the Otselic Valley.

   Hon I. T. Deyo was appointed to ascertain if any railroad corporation had acquired rights in that section that would conflict with the proposed electric road. He reported at a meeting last Tuesday night and from that report an uninformed person would gather the idea that the E. & C. N. Y. R. R. is a nonentity. The report says this [is] the only company that could interfere and, after outlining the original line of the road and the line as amended and changed by several acts of the [state] legislature say,

   Work on the Cortland end of the road has recently been revived, and about four miles of track has been laid from Cortland eastward and the contract let, as I am informed, to complete the road as far as Cincinnatus, N. Y.

   The law about railroad maps is then taken up and the report apparently shows that this road has not fully complied with the requirements. Mr. N. A. Bundy, promoter of the E. & C. N. Y. R. R., was interviewed by the DEMOCRAT and states that all the necessary matters in this line have been done.

   We think that it would be quite an interesting trip for the Binghamton board of trade if they would come to Cortland and in a body [and] purchase tickets over the E. & C. N. Y. R. R to East Freetown. Track is now said beyond that depot, which is over eleven miles from Cortland, and the first freight was carried there yesterday. Regular trains will begin running there next week. They have been running to Solon for two months.

   Beyond East Freetown the Binghamton gentlemen would see something besides a line on a map. Over two hundred men are engaged in road building, and Mr. Bundy informs us that they expect to run trains to Cincinnatus before February 1st, 1898.

William McKinley.

WASHINGTON LETTER.

(From our Regular Correspondent.)

   WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 1897.—The man who would have predicted the present condition of the Washington end of the Republican party a little more than a year ago, when it had just elected a President and a majority of the House, would not have been given credit for sound judgment, even by the bitterest enemy of that party. In fact, it is now difficult for one not in Washington to believe the extent of the disruption of the party. Nothing can better illustrate this than the attitude of the Republicans in Congress towards the recommendations made by Mr. McKinley's message. Not a single one of them has the support of anywhere near the solid Republican vote in either branch of Congress. Mr. McKinley asked indirectly, Secretary Gage directly, for the retirement of the greenbacks, but if the Democrats and Populists refrain from voting, it is doubtful whether a bill providing therefor could pass either branch of Congress; Mr. McKinley's Cuban policy is constantly and openly assailed by Republicans; he asked for the immediate ratification of the treaty for the annexation of Hawaii, but not a move has been made in that direction in the Senate, and abandonment of the treaty is looked for; he defended the civil service law, and one-half of the Republican members of the House are openly engaged in an effort to break down that law. In fact, everything is tending towards a restoration of the Democratic party to power, and the once boasted solidity of the Republican party, which was for years its most noted trait, has gone, apparently forever.

   The House Banking and Currency committee is laboring hard to produce a financial bill, but it is only another case of "Much ado about nothing," as there are about as many different opinions in the committee as there are members, and each opinion is represented by a bill framed by its owner. It has been said that Czar Reed, in selecting this committee, chose men whom he knew would never agree to a bill, and it looks that way.

   Representative Sullivan of Mississippi, in his speech against the payment of pensions to wealthy men quoted extensively from Gen. H. V. Boynton's recent arraignment of the injustice of the pension law as now administered, because he endorsed what that gentleman had said and knew that nobody could raise any question of Gen. Boynton's right to criticize. Although the pension bill passed by the House carries an appropriation of more than $141,000,000, something like $2 for each man, woman and child in the United States [sic]. It was rushed through the House in an hour or two and every amendment proposed by Democrats was voted down. Representative Dingley's remark that of every $5 paid out by the government $2 went to pay pensions and fifty cents to pay interest on the public debt, although probably not made for such a purpose, ought, in view of the probable pension deficit of $10,000,000 in the next fiscal year, and the announced desire of the administration to increase our bonded indebtedness, to cause many persons to put on their thinking caps.

   It is practically certain that at the caucus of the Democrats of the House to be held this week, it will be decided to make Cuba a party question, and to use every opportunity to attempt to get the Senate resolution declaring for the recognition of Cuban belligerency, adopted by the House; also that the caucus will declare the party opposed to each and every financial recommendation made by the administration. It is not likely that the caucus will say anything about the silver question. The position of the party is too well known to need any new declaration in favor of silver. The caucus will probably declare against the annexation of Hawaii, either by treaty or legislation, and it may also declare against the enactment of the bankruptcy law, but there is doubt about the latter action, as there are some strong advocates of the bankrupt law among the Democrats, and others who doubt the wisdom of trying to make it a party question.

   The report that Czar Reed is in sympathy with the fight on civil service reform, because he recognizes in it a means of lessening Mr. McKinley's chances for a re-nomination, was partially confirmed by the attendance at a caucus of Republican representatives called to consider ways and means of fighting the present civil service law, and bring about its modification or complete repeal. In view of the absolute control Mr. Reed has over the Republican members of the House in about everything else, is does not seem likely that as many as seventy-two of them could have been persuaded to take part in this movement unless they knew that Mr. Reed had no objection to it. The average Democrat has never favored the civil service law, with its one part real reform to nine parts of the most arrant humbuggery, so it will not be surprising to see them vote with the Kicking Republicans, if their kicking goes as far as a vote.

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   Rome, N. Y., is to have a $65,000 high school building.

   An oil company was incorporated at Ilion Saturday, Dec. 4.

   Over 1,000 barrels of oil are sold by the Standard company at Sidney per month.

   At E. J. Albro's recent sale of cattle in Cuyler, eleven went at an average of $25.60 each.

   N. L. Stillman of Brookfield has been appointed photographer of Dannemora prison at a salary of $25 a month.

   The village of West Winfield has contracted with a stock company of local capitalists to light the village with gas.

   Polly Karskaden, aged 102 years, died at her home in Ulysses last week. Her husband was in the war of 1812 and she has drawn a pension for many years.

   A beet sugar plant is to be established in Auburn. Farmers in that vicinity have pledged themselves to devote an aggregate of 300 acres to the cultivation of the sugar beet next season.

   Mrs. McKinley has a corn hat, which recently figured in a big corn carnival at Atkinson, Kan. It was made by Mrs. H. J. Cusack, of Atkinson. The corn, owing to a special treatment, looks exactly like ivory.

   Some unprincipled party placed the odor sacks of two dead skunks in the cold air box to an Otego house. The furnace carried the odor all over the house and the inmates were nearly crazy for two days before the trouble was located.

   In the matter of pedigree, the 18 year old prince, who is the heir to the throne of Japan, seems to hold the lead. He is the last male descendant in the order of primogeniture of a dynasty which has reigned 2,000 years and traces its origin to a female incarnation of the sun.

   The performance of a Boston engraver tn inscribing the Lord's prayer on the head of a pin is one of the achievements which, while it has no practical value, shows how exquisite at times is human skill. In this case it is said that with the aid of a powerful glass every letter is distinctly defined, and the prayer can be read as easily as if it were in display type.

   Mrs. Cyrus Strong has presented the city of Binghamton with a ambulance of modern pattern. Rubber tires will be used on the wheels. Both the exterior and the interior will be of the finest finish and the interior will b« upholstered in the best possible manner. It will contain implements that surgeons can at once properly care for all critical emergency cases.

   There is a little East Syracuse girl who is rapidly causing her father's hair to assume the color of the driven snow. The other day she looked up at him from between his knees and asked "Papa, was it a wise person who said 'the good die young?'" "Yes," said the musing man, I guess so." "Well," she went on, after thinking it over some time, "I'm not so much surprised about you, but I don't see how mamma ever managed to grow up."—East Syracuse News.

   Some geographical maps recently obtained by the Syracuse, Skaneateles and Moravia Railroad company from the survey department at Washington, give some interesting figures in regard to the altitude of this region. These are some of the heights above sea level: Moravia, 741 feet; Jewett Hill, 1448; Dresserville,  1288; Sempronius, 1700; Summerhill, 1600; Kelloggsville, 1423; Scipio, 1204; Above Glen Haven, 1840; Fitzpatrick farm, Niles, 1621.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

   The treatment of the Cuban question in the President's message contrasted with the treatment of the Cuban question in the Republican national platform is another illustration of the familiar truth that "platforms are made to get in on, not to stand on."—New York World.

   Can this be the President who was to shake the stuffing out of Spain before you could say Jack Robinson? Nevertheless, Mr. McKinley has a Cuban policy. It is to wait. Let Spain try to prevent Mr. McKinley from waiting, if Spain wants to get into trouble.—Albany Argus.

   For further fruits of our foreign policy we refer readers of the DEMOCRAT to our news dispatches of the 13th inst. on our first page. Germany is now getting anxious to dictate terms of some kind to us, the same as she did to Hayti and seems to [have] no doubt of her ability to do so.

   No wonder Emperor William jumps at the chance to bully Hayti. It isn't every day he finds somebody of his size.—Albany Argus.

   An exchange says "Late, but frankly, a Republican President acknowledges that the Republican financial legislation of the last thirty-five years is unsound, unsafe, and ought to be reformed altogether." That's right, that is a true statement and no Republican can dispute it. Republican administrations in the past, under false promises to the people, are responsible for the present conditions. Let the present administration continue to bear the responsibility and the burden rather than shift it to the people.

CINCINNATUS, N. Y.

   CINCINNATUS, Dec. 13.—Miss Neva Gage of Taylor spent Saturday with Miss Pearl Fish.

   Mrs. Hannah Hayes of Cortland is spending a few weeks with friends in town.

   Commissioner N. L. Miller of Cortland visited each of the rooms in our school one day last week.

   We understand that Rev. O. L. Cooper of State Bridge has purchased the Shipman house at Lower Cincinnatus.

   Messrs. Floyd and Ollie Hakes with their wives are in Binghamton, called there by the death of Mrs. Hakes' father.

   Mr. Dwight Foster received news this morning that his brother, who has been an inmate of the Binghamton State hospital for the insane, was dead.

   The school entertainment given in Halbert's hall last Friday evening was greeted by a crowded house. The exercises were of the highest order and did the teachers and pupils credit. The receipts were about $32.

   It is hoped that George C. Clinton will be greeted by a good audience in Halbert's hall next Monday evening, Dec. 21. He gives a lecture, subject: "Robert Burns, the Plowman Poet." This is the third number of the course of entertainments.

   Rev. P. D. Perkins is meeting with great success in the revival meetings which he is holding at Brackle M. E. church, twenty-three are seeking the Savior. After the regular service in the M. E. church here Sunday evening, an after service was held in which three raised their hands for prayer.

TAYLOR, N. Y.

   TAYLOR, Dec. 12.—A wedding is reported to have occurred in this vicinity recently.

   Mr. Maynard of Texas Valley was in town Friday.

   F. E. Jordan and wife visited her aunt in Solon last Thursday.

   Mrs. Edgar Burlingham is seriously ill, Dr. Kcnyon attends her.

   Born to Mr. and Mrs. Hobart Sutliffe, Thursday, Dec. 9, a daughter.

   Some of C. H. Amerman's people have been ill during the past week.

   Charles Calkins and wife have hired to Frank Feeter to work next season.

   The receipts at the church entertainment at the Center Friday evening were $14.

   Orrin W. Newell of Earlville is visiting his sister, Mrs. A. H. Jordan, for a few weeks.

   Mrs. Nancy Wavle of Solon is stopping with her daughter, Mrs. Frank Skinner, for a time.

   Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Jordan spent a part of last week with their daughter in

Cincinnatus.

   Harley Sargent has bought the Weeks' farm consisting of 78 acres. Consideration, $1,000.

   Mrs. Elizabeth Humphries has purchased Charles Lotridge's house and lot.

Consideration, $400.

   Some one took the trouble to cut the hoisting rope, attached to the flag pole, one night last week.

   Milford Henry and wife of Cincinnatus have bought the old Thomas Brooks farm near Union Valley containing 43 acres. Consideration unknown but is near $600.

HERE AND THERE.

   The St. Vitus club held another party of their winter series Wednesday evening.

   "Happy Bill" Daniels is conducting dancing schools in several towns about the county.

   The present officers of our [Cortland] fire department have all been renominated for the coming year.  

   The Syracuse Journal, one of the oldest papers in central New York,  has gone into the hands of a receiver.

   The Loyal Circle of King's Daughters will meet with Mrs. Coburn, 50 Union- st., Friday, December 16th, at 2:30 P. M.

   Dr. A. J. Leamy, optician, has reopened the office of the late Prof. Rittenhouse in the Samson building. He is an optician of experience.

   The Cortland Athletic association have issued invitations to a roast pig and game dinner to be served in the club rooms Jan. 1, 1898 at 8 P. M.

   Mrs. Jessie L Hatfield has been granted an absolute divorce by Justice George F. Lyon of the Supreme court from her husband Louis I. Hatfield.

   We would call attention to the list of officers chosen by different societies and organizations for the coming year, which will be found on our third page.

   Griffith's cafe in the DEMOCRAT building now has a professional chef in charge of the kitchen in the person of Mr. Will Payne. He has been a hotel chef for years.

   Among the patents granted by the Department last week to residents of this vicinity are the following: H. S. Ayres, McGrawville, plaiting device for sewing machines and E. E. Barney, Groton, typewriter.

   Our townspeople already begin to feel the good effects of granting a long term franchise to the Cortland & Homer Electric company for on January 1 they will reduce their meter rates for incandescent lights.

   Nearly 27,000 copies of the Syracuse Evening Herald are now being printed, while the actual paid circulation is over 25,000. This is by far the largest circulation ever attained by any 2 cent evening paper in the State outside of New York city. The Herald is certainty enterprising and up-to-date in every respect.