FRANCE CLAIMS A BIT OF CHINA AND WOMAN'S LOVE

Find Hai Nan at left-bottom of map.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, December 30, 1897.

FRANCE CLAIMS A BIT.

Seizes Hai-Nan Island as Her Share of China.

ISLAND IS RICH IN MINERALS.

China Consented to Russian Occupation.

   SHANGHAI, Dec. 30.—It is reported here that the admiral of the French fleet has hoisted the French flag on Hai-Nan island. The Chinese offered no opposition. Hai-Nan island is off the south coast of China and separates the gulf of Tonquin from the China sea. It has an estimated area of 12,000 square miles and a population of 1,000,000 Chinese, exclusive of wild tribes in the interior.

   Some of the mountains in the center rise above the snow line. It has several large rivers. The coasts are generally rocky, but the west coast is low and the south coast has some good harbors. Timber is a principal product. This is sent to Annam, Siam and Singapore. Other exports are rice, sugar, wax, pearls, coral, salt and a little gold and silver. Its capital is Kiong-Choo, a populous city on its north coast.

CHINA CONSENTED.

Granted Russia the Right to Occupy Port Arthur.

   BERLIN, Dec. 30.—The Tagliche Rundschau [Berlin newspaper] declares that Russia and China have been negotiating for many months; that China consented last October to a temporary Russian occupation of Port Arthur, and that England, hearing of this, demanded a cession of the isles at Hong Kong, a strip of coast opposite Kow-Loon and the mouth of the River Canton; but knowing that France also wanted compensation, England suggested that she should take Hai-Nan Island.

NEWS FROM THE ORIENT.

Action of the Powers Over China Cause Excitement.

   VICTORIA, B. C. Dec. 30.—The officers and passengers of the steamship Victoria, which is just in from the Orient, say that all is excitement on the other side of the Pacific. The people in all walks of life expect that there will be a clash among the great powers over the seizure of different ports of China.

   The fleets of each nation have been massed in readiness, either to fight or make a show. The German admiral, in his proclamation to the residents of the districts seized by Germany, advises them to continue their peaceful vocations, and warns them that any breaches of the law will be punished.

   Nine Chinese bandits who took part in the murder of a Chinese priest at Yen Chau Fu, which Germany gave as cause for the seizure of Kiao-Chau bay, have been apprehended and much of the plunder recovered.

   There were 89,427 cases dysentery throughout Japan this year up to Dec. 9, 22,310 of which proved fatal.

   There was quite a lot of excitement in Shanghai last month over the tightness of the money market and shortage of silver, which resulted In the failure of a native bank with liabilities of $100,000.

WHITECAPS.

Attempt to Correct the Balm Brothers Ends In Abe Balm's Death.

   OTTUMWA, Ia., Dec. 30.—Whitecaps have been at work in Lee county near West Point, and as a result one man is dead, and a spirit has been aroused in the neighborhood that threatens trouble.

   Abe Balm and his two brothers are well-to-do farmers living near West Point. Not far away lived their father in abject poverty. When the old man died a few days ago it was claimed he had starved to death and the alleged cruel treatment of the sons was generally denounced.

   After the father was dead the sons refused to pay the expenses of his burial or even to see the body. This so enraged the neighboring farmers that a mob of about 30 citizens marched to the home of the Balm brothers and called for Abe, the eldest. Abe stepped to the door, and, seeing the crowd outside, retreated into the house before the mob could lay hands on him. He called to his brothers and all three opened fire on the visitors from the door of the house, inside of which were Abe's wife and children. The mob returned the fire and after the smoke had cleared away it was found that Abe had been mortally wounded. He died in a few moments.

   The brothers have sworn out warrants against seven neighbors charging them with murder. Many of the farmers say they will not countenance the arrest of their neighbors.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Woman's Love.

   There is nothing like it in heaven or earth and it is a good thing there is not.

   Martin Thorn, convicted of one of the foulest murders in history and now awaiting execution in Sing Sing, is deluged with love letters and frantic offers of sympathy from sweet, tender and refined women. The writers say he is a lovely man, and a dear, put upon victim, so he is, and they know the killing and subsequent butchering of the body of Guldensuppe was all the fault of that nasty Mrs. Nack. Although a witness swore that Thorn confessed the fiendish crime to him, a crime so terrible that we have refrained from hurting our readers' sensibilities with any close reference to it, yet these loving and tender women who write slushy letters to the slayer blame the whole affair on Thorn's accomplice, the woman. Is it because she is a woman they do so?

   None of this scribbled slopping over of morbid emotion is given to Thorn by the prison warden, who knows his business and is disgusted with the writers. If Thorn received the correspondence, he would undoubtedly feel himself exalted into a stage hero.

   It seems as if women have not yet been sufficiently kicked and beaten and choked and shot by brutal men. Many of them want more of it, much more of it apparently, before they will be satisfied to make heroes of just plain, good men who never butcher anybody or commit highway robbery.

   ◘ A few years ago vital statistics cranks were worrying themselves over the problem of what would become of the white man in the south when the negro, with his astonishingly high birth rate, should root out the superior race. Now the same statisticians are troubled in their minds as to what shall be done to keep the negro race itself from extinction in the United States, since its death rate is shown to be double that of the white man, while its birth rate is steadily declining. Some people are never happy.

He Had a Scheme.

   One day this week a stranger appeared at the residence of D. D. Atwater, 76 Homer-ave., and wished to get board for ten days. He did not like to stop at the hotels; rather board in a private family. He seemed willing to pay $10 for the ten days' board. He represented that he had a son loading a [railroad] car of apples in Syracuse to ship to Cortland for sale, and he was here to dispose of the apples. He remained over night, and after dinner the next day came down town to look after some business matters, and did not return. No one has heard of the arrival of the carload of apples and the prospective speculator is probably in a new field.

Charges Cruelty to Animals.

   Constable Goldsmith yesterday arrested Bert Flanders on a warrant sworn out before Justice Kelley by Liveryman F. H. Maricle, charging him with cruelty to animals. Mr. Maricle alleges that on Dec. 7 the defendant had in his possession a team of horses belonging to the plaintiff, and left them unprotected in the street in McGrawville during a storm. Overdriving is also charged. At the request of counsel for the defendant, John Courtney, Jr., the matter was held open until 3 o'clock this afternoon.

Fisk Jubilee Singers.

   The original company of Fisk Jubilee singers was organized in 1871. They thrilled America and all Europe with their unique and wonderful singing. Although that original company has entirely changed in personnel during the past twenty-six years, yet the present troop is the legitimate successor of the original and the only Fisk Jubilee singers entitled to that name. They have not permitted their musical work to fall below the original high standard. They preserve the real folk songs of the South and are not to be confounded with other companies who unworthily use their name. They have sung before the greatest of earth, and enraptured the multitudes with the sweetness and richness of their voices and their soul-stirring harmony.

   They will sing at the First Methodist church on Tuesday evening, Jan. 11.

Enjoyable Dancing Party.

   Mr. Charles C. Wickwire gave a most enjoyable dancing party last evening at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Wickwire on Tompkins-st. Music was furnished by the Susan Tompkins' Harp orchestra of four pieces. Very nice refreshments were served.

   The guests were Misses Bessie Benedict, Louise Wallace, Maud Kinney,
Mabel Brewer, Mary Atkinson, Elizabeth G. McGraw, Anna Winchell, Mabel Fitzgerald, Jane Humes and Fanny Mantanye, and Messrs. Harry Wickwire, Earl Newton, Louis Hulbert, W. T. Yale, Charles S. Mead, W. H. McGraw, LaBre Ingraham, C. P. Dunbar, G. R. Harrington and Alexis Mahan.

FOR THE GEORGE REPUBLIC.

Fifty School Desks Donated by the Randolph McNutt Co.

   Frank Hirsch, the-vice-president, and James Westervelt, the speaker of the house of representatives of the George Junior Republic, were in Cortland to-day after twenty school room desks for use at the republic school. The desks were second hand and were stored at the armory building. They had been in use in some of the neighboring district schools, and were donated to the republic by the Randolph McNutt company of Buffalo, for which L. F. Stillman of Cortland is a traveling salesman.

   Mr. McNutt heard Superintendent W. R. George of the republic make an address at the recent meeting of state superintendents of schools at Canandaigua in which reference was made to the need of desks, and Mr. McNutt at once offered fifty desks to the republic free of charge. The total number of desks in use at the republic will be over seventy.

VISITED THE POOR.

W. C. T. U. Makes Its Annual Visit to the County House.

   The annual visit of the W. C. T. U. to the county almshouse was made Wednesday, Dee. 29. It was a matter of universal regret that the Rev. Geo. H. Brigham, who for a number of years has been the cheer and inspiration of these gatherings was not able to be present. But our God who always supplies all our needs, gave us a grand substitute in the person of Rev. J. T. Stone, who delighted, cheered and edified all. The program was as follows:

   Singing—Coronation.

   Responsive Scripture Reading from the White Ribbon Hymnal.

   Prayer Rev. J. T. Stone.

   Christmas—Part of the Contata given at the Central school last Friday, Misses Annie Shermerhorn, Grace Squires, Mary Topley, Catharine Colgan.

   Remarks, Rev. J. T. Stone.

   A few earnest kindly words from Mr. O. P. Miner, the retiring superintendent of the poor. Mr. A. D. Kingsbury, who is also about to transfer the work and office of keeper to other hands, voiced the thanks of all concerned for the visit.

   Closing Responsive service.

   Singing—God Be With You Till We Meet Again.

   Distribution of Presents.

   Hand Shaking and Greetings.

   Grateful acknowledgment is made of the liberality and generous discount of all dealers of whom purchase was made; the gift of the pretty packets by F. H. Cobb, also the gift of some beautiful cards by McKinney & Doubleday.

   The privilege is claimed of adding to this report that, however well fitted the successors of Superintendent Miner and Keeper Kingsbury may be, it is to be deeply regretted that political alternative demands the change. Moral: when the right of suffrage is granted to the other half of the citizens of this commonwealth good men and efficient officers, doing honest, acceptable work in the position to which they have been elected shall stay there, if they can be prevailed upon to do so.

   ONE OF THOSE WOMEN.

BURNED AT NOON.

Tenant House Near East River—Narrow Escape of James Wood.

   The little tenant house on the Abbott place north of the county house and almost across the street from W. J. Bean's was burned at noon to-day and James Wood, the occupant, narrowly escaped cremation. The fire was discovered by people passing along the street, and at almost the same time by Mr. Bean's family. Mr. Bean and others threw open the door of the house and found Mr. Wood asleep on the bed. He was roused with difficulty and was hustled out of the house. Only a few articles of furniture from the lower floor were saved before the roof fell in. The house was probably valued at a few hundred dollars and it is not known yet whether or not there was any insurance upon it.

   The origin of the fire is unknown, but the people in that vicinity think Mr. Wood must have dropped a match before he went to sleep upon which the fire was not entirely extinguished [sic].

   Mr. Wood, who lived alone, is upwards of 90 years of age. He had three sons in the army, two of whom were killed and he is dependent upon a pension which he draws on their account.

LADIES' LITERARY CLUB

Discusses the Famous Greek Orators and Historians.

   The Ladies' Literary club held its regular meeting yesterday with Mrs. J. L. Watrous. The subject of the day was "The Greek Orators and Historians." The program was opened by a talk upon "Oratory in Greece" by Mrs. N. H. Gillette. This was followed by a paper on "Demosthenes" by Mrs. D. L. Bardwell, which in the absence of the writer was read by Mrs. Welland Hendrick. Mrs. C. P. Walrad read a paper upon "The Trio of Greek Historians—Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenophon." Miss Marguerite Force gave two readings, the first, "The Retreat of the Ten Thousand;" the second, "Croesus." The program closed with selections from Aspasia by Mrs. A. G. Henry. The next meeting will be with Mrs. C. P. Walrad on Jan. 12.

THE FORTNIGHTLY CLUB.

Edgar Allen Poe and Eugene Field Discussed Yesterday.

   The Fortnightly club held a profitable meeting yesterday afternoon with Miss Elizabeth Turner at her home, 98 Tompkins-st. The club devoted the time to the study of Edgar Allen Poe and Eugene Field. Mrs. George P. Hollenbeck gave a very interesting paper on the personality of Poe, and Mrs. F. I. Graham discussed the same author's prose works. The peculiarities of Eugene Field were considered by Miss Grace Mead. Dainty refreshments were served by the hostess. The next meeting will be held Jan. 12 with Miss Celia Hinman of 55 Tompkins-st.

THE A. O. H. BALL

Was Held Last Night, and Was a Success.

   The third annual ball of division No. 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians was held last night in Taylor hall, and was a grand success from every point of view. The hall was decorated with the national colors, and with the insignia of the order. The floor was crushed [protective covering placed on floor—CC editor], and the music furnished by McDermott's orchestra never sounded better, and a company of nearly 300 dancers never enjoyed themselves better. The supper was served by eight members of the order dressed in white duck suits, and was pronounced very fine. It was prepared under the direction of Mrs. Kate L. Kennedy. For the success of the ball, credit is due the following committees, who had it in charge:

   General—Henry Corcoran, J. T. Davern, M. T. Roche, M. F. Cleary, Thomas Buckley, James McDermott, George McAuliffe, Daniel Roche, Charles Corcoran, James Johnson, Joseph Dowd, John Lanigan, Frank Kane, John Kennedy.

   Reception—M. F. Cleary, Charles Corcoran, J. A. Maxwell, J. H. O'Leary, P. T. Carmody, J. F. Dowd, Joseph Ryder, John Kennedy, Martin Davern, Hugh Corcoran, William, Kennedy.

   Floor—M. T. Roche, James McDermott, James Johnson, Frank Kane, John Mellon, George McAuliffe, William Meldrim, James Dowd, Daniel Roche.

   Cloakroom—Frank D. Dowd, J. T. Davern, Henry Corcoran, John Ryan, M. J. Kane, Thomas Butler, W. T. Galvin, James McNally.

   Ticket—James Kelley, Thomas Welch.

   Door—Morris Ducy, Thomas Kernan.

BREVITIES.

   —The program of Christmas music rendered last Sunday at the Presbyterian church will be repeated on the coming Sunday.

   —The regular meeting of the board of managers of the Hospital association will be held at the hospital next Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock. It is hoped there will be a full attendance.

   —Saturday will be New Year's day and a legal Holiday. The hours at the postoffice [sic] will be from 7 to 10 A. M. and from 6 to 7:30 P. M. The carriers will make one complete delivery. The money order department will be closed all day and the last mail will close at 7:30 P. M.

McGRAWVILLE.

Crisp Local Happenings at the Corset City.

   Arrangements for the great New Year's day excursion to the terminus of the E. & C. N. Y. R. R. are completed and A. P. McGraw is now engaged upon the difficult problem of how many gallons of oysters, hundreds of cakes, etc., it will require to feed an unknown number of hungry excursionists. There will be enough.

   F. M. Hammond, superintendent of Thos. P. Taylor's, Bridgeport, Conn., factory, is in town on business connected with his local factory.

   Earl Leach is spending the Holidays with his parents at Killawog, N.Y.

   There will be a watch meeting on Friday night from 11 to 12 at the Presbyterian church.

EASTERN WAR CLOUDS AND THE GILLETTE SKIRT CO.

Yashima.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, December 29, 1897.

EASTERN WAR CLOUDS.

Japan's Fleet Equipped and Eager For the Fray.

WILL BACK ENGLAND'S DEMANDS.

Will Surely Oppose the Russian Occupation of Port Arthur—British Forces

Return From Khyber Pass—Panama Canal Comes to Light Again.

   LONDON, Dec. 29.—A special dispatch from Shanghai says: It is reported that a Japanese fleet of over 30 warships is waiting near Goto island, outside Nagaski, fully equipped for war and only awaiting instructions. This includes the Yashima and the Fuji, two of the finest vessels in the Japanese navy, and the Chen-Yuen, that was captured from China.

   The Japanese fleet, it is understood, is acting in close touch with the British squadron under Vice Admiral Sir Alexander Buller, commander-in-chief of the China station. Japan will certainly oppose a permanent Russian occupation of Port Arthur.

   The sudden dissolution of the Japanese diet was owing to the war spirit.

It is expected that the Japanese fleet will attempt to prevent the landing of reinforcements from Odessa for the protection of the Russian transasiatic railway in Manchuria.

COMPLETELY PACIFIED.

British Forces Return Victorious From Khyber Pass—Operations Suspended.

   LONDON, Dec. 39.—A dispatch from Peshawar says: The British columns have returned from Khyber pass, after punishing, with slight opposition, the Zakka-Khels in the Bazar valley. Military operations on the frontier are now concluded. Every Afridi and Orakzai valley has been visited. It now appears that the enemy's loss has been more severe than was at first believed and out of all proportion to its possible fighting strength. Their trade with our centers for the necessaries of life has been closed and their autumn tillage prevented. The complete submission of the Orakzais is now accomplished.

Panama Canal Looms Up Again.

   PARIS, Dec. 29.—At the half-yearly meeting of the Panama Canal company a report was read, holding out the prospect of some definite scheme being submitted toward the end of next year. The report mentions the United States Nicaraguan commission and promises full facilities and a hearty welcome to the commissioners when they visit the Panama works. It expresses the conviction that the United States congress and the American people will eventually accept the Panama scheme.

Japanese Ministry Resignation.

   WASHINGTON, Dec. 29.—The Japanese minister has not yet been advised of the resignation of the entire cabinet, and he feels that while the resignations may have been tendered, the emperor will not accept them until it becomes apparent that an entirely new cabinet under Marquis Ito can be framed. Ito has been in private life much of the time since his notable achievements during the China-Japan war and it is not believed he is ready to return to the cabinet. He is strong with all parties, however, and has the people behind him so that he may again assume the premiership if the emergencies demand it.

Walter Wellman.

PLENTY ON THE YUKON.

Evidence That the Miners Need Not Suffer For Food.

THE WHALERS WELL SUPPLIED.

Walter Wellman's Advices Indicate That the Proposed Government Relief Expeditions Are Wholly Unnecessary—Statehood For Alaska Is Not Far Off.

   WASHINGTON, Dec. 29.—(Special.)—According to the best information obtainable here, those American citizens who are spending the winter in the far north, and for whose relief Uncle Sam is moving with characteristic energy and generosity, have probably had a pretty good holiday season after all, and are not in danger of starvation. In these dispatches I have repeatedly pointed out a probability that both the whalers at Point Barrow, in the Arctic sea, and the miners along the Yukon are able to take care of themselves. Now comes evidence in support of this theory. Two men who recently returned from Dawson say there is no danger of starvation among the minors. Although coffee and sugar may run out, there is food enough in the country of one sort or another to last till the opening of navigation in the summer. As there are 1,000 tons of provisions at Fort Yukon—the highest point the steamers were able to get last fall on account of low water—it is inconceivable that any of the miners should starve, for it is no difficult matter for them to travel the 200 or 300 miles between their camps and the Fort Yukon supply station. Americans who venture into the goldfields are not the men to sit down and starve when there is plenty within reach by means of a snowshoe journey of two or three weeks.

   Still no one will criticize congress or the energetic secretary of war for desiring to make assurance doubly sure by sending in a relief expedition. If new supplies are not actually needed, no harm will be done, at any rate, and the forwarding of these relief trains will afford the world a lesson in the watchful care which Uncle Sam exercises over his citizens, wherever they may be.

Relief Expedition Unnecessary.

   One of the readers of your paper, who has just returned from Alaska, writes me a most interesting letter. He says he is familiar with the conditions which exist up there, and that there is no need of a relief expedition either for the miners or the whalers. He points out that at Dawson, which is in Canadian territory, there is a sort of governor general, with autocratic powers, in the person of Major Walsh. Up to date be has made no report to the Dominion government of starvation or danger in the Yukon region, which he would be very likely to do if there was any peril.

   My correspondent writes:

   "I have recently returned from the Mackenzie river, and the Hudson Bay company had information from the traders on the lower river in November that the whaling fleet were gathered, as usual, at Herschel island and were so well supplied with provisions as to be in a position to trade with the natives at prices against which the overland traders could not compete. If this was the case, surely the whalers do not require aid by a tugboat (which will never reach them) or by a reindeer caravan from St. Michael's (which, in my opinion, will never get as far as Point Barrow). As for the Yukon miners and the effort to relieve them by reindeer from Lapland, I believe the steamers will be able to get up the river to Dawson before the reindeer trains cover half the trail from Dyea to the goldfields."

Interest in the Arctic.

 

   It is considered not at all improbable that in a few years Alaska will be admitted as a state. Next year 200,000 or 300,000 people are expected to rush to the goldfields. Some will go to stake out claims, others to trade and speculate, and the latter are pretty sure to make the most money. If the Alaska gold deposits are as rich and widespread as they appear to be, then the future of that territory is a bright one. It is likely to soon have a population of a quarter of a million souls, and this will be in part a permanent population unless the gold plays out. Those who are familiar with the territory say the greatest gold discoveries are yet to be made, and after the pan mining era then comes the use of machinery. This latter will go on for many years. So we may expect to see Alaska a state before long, and here in Washington we shall soon have the pleasure of interviewing "the senator from Alaska."

Permanent Improvements.

   Although it is true the richest gold diggings are now on Canadian soil, it is said by men who have traveled through the region that in the future the most promising and most permanent mining industries, those which employ machinery for extracting the precious metal, are likely to be on the American side of the boundary line. Already it is pretty certain there will be a railroad into Dawson City by next fall, and a telegraph line is to be run in early in the summer. With a great fleet of steamboats upon the rivers, a railroad, a telegraph line and many newspapers, Alaska will soon begin to hold her head proudly and demand admission to the sisterhood of states.

   WALTER WELLMAN.

N. H. Gillette, first photo, top. Operators and sewing machines in Wells' building, second photo, top. New factory building, bottom photo.

THE GILLETTE SKIRT CO.

A BOOMING INDUSTRY ENLARGING ITS BUSINESS.

Now One Year Old—Review of the Year—Nothing Succeeds Like Success—More Machines to be Added—The Offices Crowded off the Working Floor, Now Located Down Stairs.

   The Gillette Skirt company, which has proved to be one of the booming industries of Cortland, is just a year old. It is a living exemplification of the old maxim that nothing succeeds like success. When it commenced operation a year ago it started six machines. From the outset it was evident that the management had struck a popular chord and that an article was being produced which appealed to the feminine eye, to a woman's sense of comfort and which possessed excellent wearing qualities. The demand for the Paris skirts was immediate, and it has proved to be continuous and growing.

   Scarcely had the first skirts been put upon the market before the call for them became such that it was needful to increase the number of machines in operation and the number of operatives until the quarters in the McFarlan building had reached their limit. Then a second set of operatives was employed and the machines buzzed far into the night. In March the factory was moved to the commodious Wells building, where the entire third floor was secured and where the number of [sewing] machines was increased to forty-one.

   Even with the force then possible of employment it has part of the time been necessary to run over time in order to keep up with orders. Still the demand continues to increase and it is with difficulty that the company can furnish the skirts fast enough. A number of new machines are soon to be added to the factory and in preparation for the placing of them several changes have been required in the arrangement.

   The offices have been crowded from the third floor down to the second, where a fine suite of rooms has been obtained in the northeast corner of the building. The private office of Mr. N. H. Gillette, the president and manager of the company, is at the center of the building overlooking Clinton-ave. The general business office and the reception rooms are in the corner of the building and along the east side and are splendidly lighted. All are to be nicely finished and furnished, and will be equipped with the most convenient and practical working furniture.

   The old offices on the third floor have been utilized for a stockroom and the removal of stock from its former position has made it possible to secure room for the additional machines. Ten new skilled hands have been added in the last month, and more will be needed with the arrival of the new machines.

   The trade now touches almost the entire United States and is constantly widening out to cover the territory more completely and more thoroughly. It also includes parts of several foreign countries. The styles now in process of manufacture have proved very popular, but the management is constantly alert to keep up to date. Several new styles are soon to be added. A new feature will be a short flannel underskirt made in soft colors and in stripes and prettily trimmed with lace.

   The pronounced success of this company has led others in other localities outside of Cortland county to believe that there was nothing to do to make a like success but to make skirts of some kind, and several unsuccessful attempts to follow the example of the Gillette Skirt Co. have been made by new concerns during the past year. Though this company is but a year old, its success goes far back of that in point of time. Mr. Gillette, the manager, has been in this line of business for twenty years and over, and his long experience has led him to judge accurately what the ladies want in the skirt line and how to satisfy them in every particular. It has enabled him also to decide as to material, and as to all points of manufacture, and his large acquaintance with the trade has made it possible for him to put his manufactured goods on the market in the best manner and at the minimum of expense, for all manufacturers know that at the present time every margin must be cut close by reason of the large competition, and that it is not a question of how much a man or company can make, but how much he can save in the details that marks the measure of his success.

   The STANDARD has already mentioned the fact that the increasing business has made it needful for Mr. Gillette to move his residence from the suburb in McGrawville to Cortland itself, where he can be nearer his office, and that he is now located at 20 West Court-st. It is a cause for the village to congratulate itself, not only that it numbers among its industries such a well established and flourishing concern at the Gillette Skirt Co., but that it also includes among its residents Mr. and Mrs. Gillette, who were prominent in social and literary circles in their former home in Brooklyn, and who have come to be recognized for their genuine worth during their shorter residence in this county.

Frank Young Better.

   Frank Young, the 12-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilford Young of Truxton, who was accidently shot by his older brother Fred on Christmas day, is rapidly recovering and is reported as able to sit up. The injuries were not as serious as at first reported.

SECURED A PATENT.

Mrs. A. D. V. Mills has Invented a Home Laundry Bucket.

   Mrs. A. D. V. Mills was yesterday notified that a patent had been granted her on a home laundry bucket. It is a galvanized iron pail of about sixteen quarts capacity with one side flat and sloping. The sloping aide is corrugated forming a washboard. It is just the thing for doing small laundry work, as it combines washtub, washboard and water pail, and is of convenient size for use, and can be placed on the stove for heating water and is fitted for a thousand and one uses well known to every housewife. These pails are to be manufactured in Cortland and will be on sale on and after Jan. 1 at the store of F. D. Smith. The selling price will be $1.

Gave a Whist Party.

   Miss Jane Humes gave a very pleasant whist party last evening at her home, 57 Greenbush-st. Very nice refreshments were served. The lady's prize, a handsome vase, was won by Miss Grace Dunbar, and Mr. Louis Hulbert won the gentleman's prize, a beautiful silver drinking cup. The guests were Misses Grace Mead, Cora Wells, Elizabeth G. McGraw, May Duffey, Grace Dunbar, Louise Wallace, Bessie Benedict, Mabel Fitzgerald, Anna Winchell and Mabel Brewer, and Messrs. Charles S. Mead, Charles W. Barker, Hubert R. Maine, Charles C. Wickwire, Harry Wickwire, Earl Newton, William T. Yale, Louis Hulbert and G. Harry Garrison.

BREVITIES.

   —A mothers' meeting (north) will be held Thursday, Dec. 30, at 3 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Bentley, 22 Woodruff-st.

   —The new iron bridge over the Tioughnioga river at Rickard-st. is complete with the exception of a few plank, which will be laid in a day or two.

   —Mrs. F. D. Smith and Mrs. W. R. Cole delightfully entertained a small company of friends last night at a very elegant 6 o'clock tea and during a social evening that followed.

   —The next party in the winter series under the auspices of the St. Vitus club will be held In Taylor hall Friday night, New Year's eve. McDermott's orchestra will furnish the music.

   —A Maryland man choked to death on a piece of Christmas turkey. So far as known this is the first death on account of the Turk in Maryland or any other state in the Union.—Binghamton Herald.

   —Taylor hall is to-day in the hands of the decorators in preparation for the third annual ball of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, which is to be held there this evening. The supper is to be served in Empire hall. McDermott's orchestra will furnish the music.

   —The Lehigh Valley freighthouse at Geneva and five freight cars, two of which were loaded with furniture, were wholly destroyed by fire yesterday morning. The house was full of valuable freight. Building and contents were valued at $5,000, covered by insurance. The origin of the fire is unknown.

BERING SEA AGREEMENT DECLINED AND MRS. GREY INSTEAD OF MRS. BOUTON

Lord Salisbury, Prime Minister of United Kingdom.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, December 28, 1897.

AGREEMENT DECLINED.

England Refuses to Enter Bering Sea Alliance.

MEETS DISFAVOR IN CANADA.

Bomb Exploded In a German Theater In Olmuts—Germans Do Not Fear a Tariff War

 With the United States—Russian Vessels Sail For China.

   LONDON, Dec. 28.—Lord Salisbury has written to United States Ambassador Hay, in response to America's latest proposals in the Bering sea controversy, her request that Great Britain should enter into an agreement with the United States, Russia and Japan to stop sealing.

   Great Britain declines to enter into such an agreement. Lord Salisbury says, in substance, that he has communicated with the Canadian government, which has the foremost interest in the sealing question, and that Canada is unwilling to become a party to such an arrangement as is proposed by the United States. Therefore, England, continues Lord Salisbury, whose interest is but slight, would not be justified in acceding to the proposals. Lord Salisbury's answer emphasizes the policy of England not to interfere in Canada's foreign relations.

Bomb Exploded In Theater.

   OLMUTZ, Moravia, Dec. 28.—A bomb made of gas piping and filled with powder, was exploded in the German theater. Little damage was done, but the incident has caused great excitement among the German residents.

No Fear of a Tariff War.

   LONDON, Dec. 28.—Despite the suspension of tariff negotiations between the United States and Germany, which has created great uneasiness there, a Berlin correspondent says it is not believed in Berlin that a tariff war will result.

Russian Vessels Sail For China.

   ODESSA, Dec. 28.—It is reported that two first-class cruisers, with a large number of extra marines, have been ordered to join the Russian squadron in Chinese waters.

Insurgents Leave the Philippines.

   MANILA, Dec. 28.—The insurgent chief, Aguinaldo, with 36 other insurgent leaders, embarked at Socal for Hong Kong. They are accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Primo Rivera. Aguinaldo and the insurgent chiefs are emigrating to China under an arrangement agreed to by Marshal Primo Rivera, governor general of the Philippines, when the peace conditions were signed on Dec. 16.

   In the document of surrender, which bore the signatures of Aguinaldo, Lianera and other insurgent chiefs, the signatories asked a free pardon and money with which to emigrate to China. Both conditions were agreed to by the governor general who, in compliance with their request for a personal guarantee, assigned Lieutenant Colonel Primo Rivera to accompany them to Hong Kong.

James G. Blaine.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

   ◘ In 1889 Secretary of State Blaine took the position that Bering sea was a mare clausum, or closed sea—in other words, private property belonging to the United States. This country therefore, according to his claim, had the right to seize British or other vessels catching seals in those waters during the closed season in the United States. Great Britain rejected this claim, and it was submitted to an arbitration commission, which decided against us. The United States had already seized a number of British schooners engaged in seal catching outside of the international three mile limit agreed on as the line beyond which a country has no jurisdiction over its shores. The decision involved, therefore, the result that the United States would have to pay damages to the British sealers.

   President Cleveland and the English minister, Sir Julian Pauncefote, agreed on $425,000 as a sum which would cover the damages. Congress, however, refused to pass the bill authorizing the payment of the money, declaring the amount too large. A commission was then appointed to fix on a sum. It has reported that nothing less than $464,000 will be sufficient. Congress should have let well enough alone.

Old Comrades Meet.

   Mr. Henry Hayes of Athens, Pa., who has been spending a few days in Cortland with Mr. William Forest, was a fellow comrade of Mr. R. J. Lucas for a period during the civil war. They were both members of the Fourteenth N. Y. Infantry and were confined in rebel prisons at the same time. Mr. Hayes was captured at the battle of the Wilderness and was taken to Andersonville prison. Mr. Lucas was made prisoner at Petersburg and was imprisoned at Salisbury, N. C. After being released they again joined their regiment at Annapolis, Md., in 1865. The present meeting was their first since the close of the war and the adventures of their army life were revived and recounted. The recalling to mind of these experiences furnished a fund they did not exhaust while visiting together in Cortland.

Wedding at Taylor.

   A quiet home wedding took place in Taylor Tuesday evening, Dec. 21, at the residence of the bride's parents at 6 o'clock, when Miss Stella Cotton of Taylor, and Mr. Geo. F. Coy of Symrna were united in marriage by the Rev. E. E. Benson. After the ceremony refreshments were served, and those present enjoyed a pleasant social time.

   As a church and community we shall feel deeply the loss of Miss Cotton from our midst. Practically all her life has been given to the church as organist and leader. She has been correspondent of this paper a great many years. Mr. Coy of Smyrna—where they will reside-is a well-to-do farmer and all their friends unite in wishing them a happy life.

   E. E. B

Mrs. Keech Dead.

   Mrs. Charles A. Keech of Harford died yesterday at her home. The funeral will be held Thursday. The deceased was an only sister of Mr. Robert Purvis of Cortland, and was about 60 years of age.

Mrs. Gray Instead of Mrs. Bouton.

   Through a misunderstanding and indefiniteness of telegrams, the report came to The STANDARD yesterday of the death of Mrs. John Bouton in Englewood, Ill. It now appears that Mrs. Bouton is alive and well, but the lady who died was Mrs. Ogden Gray, mother of Mr. Ed P. Gray, formerly of Marathon. The interment was made at Marathon yesterday. Mrs. Bouton, who is still living, is the mother of Mrs. Ed P. Gray.

Family Reunion.

   A family reunion was held at the home of Charles Wight, Sr., in the town of Taylor on Christmas day, there being present the entire family and grandchildren, viz.: Charles H. Wight, wife and son Glenn; Ernest D. Wight, wife and daughter Louie; Thomas H. Wight, wife and son Ward; Misses Abigail and Fannie Wight; their daughter, Mrs. J. D. F. Woolston and husband.

   A Christmas tree well laden with many nice presents for the grandchildren was one of the enjoyable features of the day, after which the whole family gathered around the festive board and did ample justice (some did more) to a roast turkey that had been appetizingly prepared for the occasion. The remainder of the day was spent in social converse and relating family reminiscences of many years.

Wilson's Company Last Night.

   The Frederick H. Wilson company opened a week's engagement at the Opera House last night in "Paradise Regained,'' a piece that is new here. To say that the company made a hit would be putting it mildly for it is far above the average repertoire troupes. The piece was played in a manner that would do credit to any metropolitan attraction. Minnie Barrie in the character of Ruth Hedges was one of the sweetest characterizations noted this season. James Durkin and Stewart Anderson, who played the parts respectfully of Frank Rollston and Old Man Hedges were to be specially commended, Mr. Anderson being particularly fine.

   The specialties introduced by the company were taking and refined [sic]. Robert Harris in illustrated songs sang "Just Behind the Times," and received two encores. Little Bessie followed with coon impersonations and gave a very strong imitation of the southern darky.

   The hit of the evening was made by Baby Florida and Alex Turner in their military sketch which so enthused the auditors that they had to respond to several encores.

   The motograph gave several fine animated pictures, the Black Diamond express being specially good. Of the drama it must be said that it fulfilled all promise. The piece is new, the story well told by capable people who are enthusiastic and painstaking. The continuous performance is a new feature and keeps the interest up to the last.

   To-night the company presents "A Noble Outcast," a four-act romantic drama and, as an inducement, the management will sell any down stairs reserved seat tickets, if purchased before 6 o'clock, for 20 cents. The specialties, drama and motograph are all new.

BREVITIES.

   —Miss M. Louise Myers very pleasantly entertained several invited guests at her home, 95 North Main-st. last evening.

   —The Fortnightly club will meet to-morrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with Miss Elizabeth Turner, 93 Tompkins-st.

   —The Ladies' Literary club will meet to-morrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with Mrs. J. L. Watrous, 26 Clinton-ave.

   —The STANDARD is indebted to Mr. Martin W. Boone of Galesburg, Ill., for copies of the papers of that stirring city showing a list of some of the improvements during the past year.

   —Mr. and Mrs. Robert Purvis were summoned to Harford yesterday by the death of Mrs. Charles A. Keech, sister of Mr. Purvis. Funeral will be held from her late home Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock.

   —Willard state hospital is the largest institution of its kind in this country and possibly in the world. Its present inmates number 1,123 men; 1,153 women; total, 3,276. Employees number about 470.—Ithaca Journal.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—Warren, Tanner & Co., clearance sale, page 8; Case & Ruggles, great reduction, page 6; Stowell's, five days clearance sale, page 8; T. P. Bristol, tailoring department, page 4; C. F. Brown, if you need a nurse, page 4; Wilson Comedy company, repertoire this week, page 6.

   —There will be a meeting at 1 o'clock to-morrow afternoon at the home of Mrs. J. L. Watrous, 26 Clinton-ave., of the board of managers of the Woman's Riverside Home. All interested in the Home whether members of the hoard or not are cordially invited to be present.

   —Over fifty Cortland Masons attended the St. John's day services in the Calvary Episcopal church, Homer, last night, and were afterwards guests of Homer lodge in the elegant new lodge rooms. The Cortland people made the trip in two special cars, and speak very highly of the treatment accorded them by their brothers in Homer. A more complete account of the service will be found in the Homer letter.

South Cortland.

   SOUTH CORTLAND, Dec. 27.—Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson and daughter attended Mr. Dickinson's sister's funeral in Freetown last Tuesday.

   Mrs. Sykes of Syracuse has been visiting her aunt Mrs. Fayette Cole.

   Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Sanders entertained friends from Cortland Christmas.

   Mr. and Mrs. Whiting spent Wednesday in McLean on business connected with the Elm Tree House which has come into their possession again. He has rented the property to Mr. Monroe Thomas until the first of May, hoping by that time to sell the same otherwise he will move there.

   Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bosworth spent Saturday with relatives in town.

   Mr. and Mrs. Dudley and son and daughter spent Sunday with Mrs. Dudley's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Whiting,

   Mr. and Mrs. R. Niles spent Christmas at Mr. Fred Lonsberry's near Cortland.

   Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Freer of Virgil and Mr. and Mrs. Byron Lyon of Cortland spent Sunday at Mr. Walter Wilcox's.

   There will be no preaching service next Friday evening.

   Grange meeting next Saturday evening: let there be a full attendance.