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.