WASHINGTON LETTER, NEW EDITOR AND FATAL ACCIDENT IN HOMER

William McKinley.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, December 31, 1897.

WASHINGTON LETTER.

(From Our Regular Correspondent.)

   WASHINGTON, Dec 31, 1897.—Up to this time the most marked feature of the Congressional recess in Washington has been the unconcealed anxiety of the administration, as to the probable action of certain Senators when Congress gets together again and the attempts made to cajole them with patronage and promises into doing as Mr. McKinley desires, or into doing nothing and keeping quiet.

   The two principal causes—the minor ones are too numerous to mention—of Mr. McKinley's anxiety are finance and the treaty for the annexation of Hawaii. He wants the treaty speedily ratified and he wants the silver Republicans to keep quiet and not attempt to carry out the intention announced by some of them of forcing Mr. McKinley's hand by compelling him to come out in the open and declare himself to be in sympathy with the outspoken efforts of Secretary Gage to secure legislation to strengthen the gold standard, or else to declare in favor of the restoration of bimetallism, which he has along led them to believe he favored.

   The senators who have been put in the doubtful column on the annexation question and the silver Republican Senators can have anything at Mr. McKinley's disposal in the way of patronage, if they will pledge themselves to do as he wants them. The effect of this cajolery of Senators cannot he told to a certainty until the questions effected get up in the Senate. Soon after the debate on the annexation treaty opens it will become apparent whether any of the "doubtful" Senators have become advocates of annexation, and the explanation that Senator Wolcott, who is regarded as the leader of the silver Republicans, has promised to make of his trip to Europe in behalf of international bimetallism about the middle of January, will probably indicate the attitude of the silver Republicans, at least one of whom has told Mr. McKinley in plain words that unless he muzzles Secretary Gage the silver Republicans would publicly repudiate the financial policy of the administration.

   The Navy Department will re-establish the Marine Guard at Pensacola, Fla., which was discontinued a few years ago, a detachment of United States Marines having left Washington Sunday for the Pensacola station.

   It is practically certain that nearly all the Democrats in both branches of Congress will vote for a bill providing for the publication of a complete list of those drawing pensions from the Government and the amount they draw, which Commissioner Evans says he will have introduced when Congress resumes work. In fact, it is difficult to imagine any good reason why the vote in Congress should not be unanimous for such a bill. The publication would serve several good purposes and could not possibly injure any honest and deserving pensioner. Some of the G. A. R men are opposing the idea and are trying to work up sentiment against it.

   Representative Rhea of Kentucky whose seat is being contested by Dr. Hunter, the Republican who thought he had a cinch on the Senatorial toga that was captured by Deboe and who in that connection was charged with bribery and some other little things of that sort, isn't at all afraid of being unseated, notwithstanding the big Republican majority in the House. The evidence in favor of Mr. Rhea was overwhelming before Dr. Hunter virtually acknowledged that his claim to the seat was not a valid one by accepting the position of Minister to Guatemala and Honduras. The contest has not been abandoned, but the hope of getting an allowance for lawyers' fees and other expenses is probably the only reason that it has not been.

   The money pull with the present administration has once more been demonstrated. Although there were several men with the strongest sort of political endorsements after the office of United States Marshal of the District of Columbia Mr. McKinley decided to give it to Mr. Aulick Palmer, who knows all about club and social life in Washington and Newport, but who has never even learned the a b c's of politics. It is an open secret that the appointment was given to Palmer because the place was requested for him by Cornelius Vanderbilt, who was one of the largest individual contributors to Boss Hanna's sixteen million dollar campaign fund.

   Representative Bailey of Texas is spending his Christmas with Ex-Representative Sibley of Pennsylvania, and as both men are close friends of Mr. Bryan there is believed to be more in the visit than holiday recreation. Both gentlemen are prominent in Democratic councils, and although Mr. Sibley is at present out of public life, it by no means follows that he will remain out. He has ability of a high order and his devotion to Democratic principles as interpreted by the Chicago platform is unquestioned.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

Our Leave-taking.

   With this issue of the DEMOCRAT terminates the connection with this paper, of the one [Mr. Collins] who has had editorial charge of it since the sudden and lamented death of the former editor and proprietor. Called unexpectedly to assume duties to which we were an entire stranger, coming not from the ranks of journalists of either great or small renown, but coming from the office of a manufactory, the duties and responsibilities of the position have not been without their full measure of care; for to attempt to follow one so well known to the press of the State for many years, was not an easy task even for one not a novice. It has been our desire to maintain the reputation of the DEMOCRAT as far as was in our power, and through its columns to defend and work for the interests of the people and the party which the DEMOCRAT represents, as we have understood them, and to keep the paper what it had been in the past, clean, honest and a welcome visitor to the homes of its many readers and subscribers.

   This has been our desire, to this end has our effort been directed, and in whatever degree we may have failed in our purpose [it] has been from lack of ability rather than lack of effort. Our connection with the DEMOCRAT has been of much longer duration than was anticipated at the beginning, and in retiring from our editorial work we do so to again enter the ranks of business, rather than attempt to win either fame or fortune in the world of letters.

   We desire, however, to express our appreciation of the many kind and encouraging words which have come to us from readers of the DEMOCRAT during the year, our regret being that our labor was not more deserving of them.

   As we shall be followed by one of riper experience in newspaper work, we feel sure that the friends and subscribers of the DEMOCRAT will extend the same kind consideration and encouragement, should either be needed, that has been accorded to us, and that at no time shall the only Democratic paper in the county lack for friends or a liberal support and patronage.

   [Mr. Frank W. Collins, who has been the editor of the Cortland Democrat since the death of its editor and proprietor, Mr. Benton B. Jones, last December, closes his connection with the paper with the close of the year. He will be succeeded by Mr. Fay C. Parsons, who is the son-in-law of Mr. Jones, and who has been brought up in that office and knows the details of all its operations. Mr. Parsons has for years done more or less of the local work upon the paper, so that he is well fitted by experience to undertake his new duties. The STANDARD wishes him the best of success.—Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, December 31, 1897.]

   ◘ The year 1897 is closing with some bad failures, which look as though the advance agent of Prosperity was still some little distance ahead of his show. The dispatches of last Friday morning brought the news of the failure of the Chestnut-st. National Bank and Chestnut-st. Trust and Saving Fund company of Philadelphia, of which a fuller account appears in our dispatches on the first page. On Christmas eve, the well known wholesale hardware house of Bradford, Kennedy & Son's of Syracuse was closed on judgments aggregating over $40,000. Mayor McGuire of Syracuse who was connected with the firm for years and only recently retired from the firm, gave among other reasons for the failure: "The great shrinkage in values in metals during the past six or seven years, bad collections and failures in trade." Tuesday's dispatches announce the failure of one of the oldest and largest bicycle firms in the trade, the Overman Wheel company of Chicopee Falls, Mass., who manufacture the "Victor" wheels and employ while running full 1,500 men. Tuesday's dispatches also announce the failure of the King-Reynolds company wholesale grocers in Indianapolis, Ind., with liabilities of $220,000. Democrats as well as Republicans are quite anxious that the present administration shall deliver the goods which they contracted to deliver when placed in power. Present "prosperity'' is not quite satisfactory to the people in spite of the repeated assurances of the Republican press that it is here.

MASONS AT HOMER.

CORTLAND FRATERNITIES VISIT BRETHREN IN HOMER.

Occasion Was St John's, the Evangelist's Day—Service in Calvary

Church—Sermon by the Rector—Banquet in New Rooms Followed.

   Homer lodge, No. 320, F. and A. M., attended the services of St John the Evangelist's day, at Calvary church in Homer on Monday evening on the invitation of the rector, Rev. L. J. Christler. About sixty members of Cortland Commandery, No. 50, K. T. and others of the Masonic fraternity in Cortland accepted the invitation of the Homer lodge to accompany them to the services. Two special cars carried them to Homer in time for the services which began at 8 o'clock.

   The vested choir opened the services and the Rev. Amos Watkins of Grace church, Cortland, read the Episcopal ritual. The sermon by the Rev L. J. Christler was appropriate to the occasion and was thoroughly appreciated by the audience.

   After the church services the masons repaired to the handsome new rooms of the Homer lodge in the Brockway building. Here a banquet was held with an elaborate menu. Impromptu toasts were responded to by Dr. James M. Milne, principal of the Oneonta Normal school, Prof. Charles Van Tuyl of Hamilton and Attorney George S. Sands of Cortland. The special cars brought the Cortland gentlemen home about 12 o'clock.

ALLEGED FALSE IMPRISONMENT.

Mrs. Maggie Hunt Wants $5,000 Damages of the Police Justice.

   Last spring [Cortland] Police Justice Mellon sentenced Mrs. Maggie Hunt, formerly Miss Carpenter, to the Western House of Refuge for a term of five years. She was charged with being a frequenter of an alleged disorderly house conducted by Ann Hunt. After serving nearly two months Mrs. Hunt was released on a writ of habeas corpus procured by Attorney E. C. Alger from the county judge of Orleans county on alleged irregularities in the commitment An action has now been brought by Mrs. Hunt through Attorney Alger in the supreme court to recover damages in the sum of $5,000 from Police Justice Mellon for false imprisonment.

Arrested for Stealing.

   Manager M. W. Giles of Stowell's bargain house has had considerable trouble with light fingered people, mostly women, in his store and has had his suspicions of several individuals. Last Friday one of his clerks informed him that a visitor had taken a set of Christy knives without paying for them. Mr. Giles says that he accused the woman of having the knives but she denied it. He then lifted one corner of the cape she wore and saw that she had the knives in her hand. When asked for her address she gave a number on Homer-ave., but a little boy with her corrected her saying "No, mamma, it's No. 50."

   Mr. Giles swore out a warrant for the Mrs. Mary Alexander charging her with stealing the three knives. She was arrested by Chief Linderman on Monday. Her husband was out of town and she thought she had better have counsel. Her story was that she had no intent to steal, but took the knives thinking they were some she had purchased in another store and had laid them down while looking at the display in Stowell's.

   The matter was held open until Monday evening when Mrs. Alexander appeared with W. D. Tuttle as counsel. He moved for her discharge on the grounds that the facts alleged in the warrant did not specifically state the intent of the accused and therefore did not constitute a crime, and the Police Justice granted the motion.

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   A man who rode an ass from New York to San Francisco in payment of an election bet, has arrived in the latter city. Both asses are well.—Exchange.

   In Rochester more families in each one hundred own their own homes than in any other city in the United States.

   The Lenox Celery Co. shipped four cars of celery from Canastota Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 1 and 2.

   Colgate library has come into possession of a valuable manuscript of St. Jerome written in 1490.

   A new 20 horse [power] boiler is being placed in Meldrim Bros. cheese box factory at Truxton.

   A beet sugar factory is to be established at Batavia, and 4,300 acres are under contract.

   Oneonta officers have captured a gang of thieves, and received over a wagon load of plunder stolen from nearby towns.

   After Jan 1, 1898, bicycles cannot be ridden on the sidewalks of Baldwinsville, according to a recent ordinance of the village fathers.

   The great bridge at Montreal, 7,000 feet long, to accommodate two railroad tracks, two trolley lines and two footpaths, is to be erected by American contractor and made of American material.

   An exchange is of the opinion that there are more lies told in the sentence, "I am glad to see you," than in any other words in the English language.

HERE AND THERE.

   Skating is fine at Cortland park rink.

   The Normal school opens next Tuesday after the holiday vacation.

   Case & Ruggles are having a special sale. See their new advertisement.

   The St. Vitus dancing club hold a New Year's party in G. A. R. hall tonight.

   The Quality club will meet with Mrs. G. J. Mayer, 26 Lincoln-ave., this evening.

   Perkins & Co., druggists, have a new ad this week. They want your prescription work.

   Cortland merchants all report a fine trade for a few days just proceeding Christmas.

   That laughable Cortland favorite, "Eight Bells," is the attraction at the Opera House next week Saturday evening.

   The annual dance of the Ancient Order of Hibernians was held in C. A. A. hall Wednesday evening and was a very pleasant affair.

   A. V. Smith of Cortland has been granted a patent on a milk can for delivery purposes. By its use the last pint in the can may be dipped out.

   Superintendent Costello of the fire alarm system is distributing in business places some large revised cards showing the location of fire alarm stations.

   William Sheridan, who plead guilty to assault in the third degree before Police Justice Mellon, is serving a four months' sentence in Onondaga penitentiary.

   The regular meeting of the board of managers of the Hospital association will be held at the hospital on Monday after noon next at 9 o'clock. It is hoped there will be a full attendance.

   The new time table of the E & C. N. Y. R. R. including East Freetown station to which trains now run regularly will be found in the usual place. Track laying is now going on in the town of Cincinnatus.

   Mr. Edward Allen, who has been connected with the bicycle department of the Remington Arms Co. at Ilion, expects to go on the road for the company the coming season at a handsome increase of salary.

   The annual election of officers of the Loyal Circle of King's Daughters will be held at the home of Mrs. S. Rindge, 57 Main-st., on Friday, Dec. 31, 1897, at 2:30 P. M. A large attendance is earnestly requested.

   Dr. Nathan Jacobson of Syracuse was in town Monday to perform an operation at the hospital on Mrs. Mary Whalen of Truxton for the removal of an ovarian tumor. He was assisted by Drs. Sornberger, Dana and Higgins of Cortland. The operation was very successful, but as the tumor removed weighed 18 pounds and grew in six weeks, it is feared another may form.

   Joshua D. Bliss died at his home on Groton-ave., Wednesday morning, at the age of seventy-five years. He has suffered from rheumatism many years and a rheumatic fever was the immediate cause of death. He was born in Groton and resided there until 1880, when be moved to Cortland, which has since been his home. He is survived by a widow, a daughter Rosee, and a son Walter. The funeral will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock.

HOMER.

   HOMER. Dec. 28.—Mr. Ward Manley of Binghamton spent Christmas with his family.

   Mr. Nelson Watrous who has been visiting friends in New York City has returned home.

   Very interesting Christmas exercises were held at the different churches Christmas Eve.

   Mr. Leon Carley of Syracuse spent Christmas at the home of his father Mr. C. C. Carley.

   A large number of young people from here enjoyed the skating at the Cortland Park ice rink on Christmas day.

   Mr. Harry Quick left for Auburn Monday morning where he will be employed in the tailor department of his uncle's clothing house.

   The death of Leander Smith, aged 89 years, occurred at his home on Clinton- st., last Sunday at 11 o'clock. The cause of his death was old age. He is survived by a widow and three daughters, Mrs. James H. Clark, Mrs. Joseph Peckham and Mrs. Earl Fowler. The funeral services were held from his late residence Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

   A very sad accident occurred in our village Thursday, December 23. Master Albert O'Donald, aged four years, son of Edward O'Donald, left his home shortly after dinner with his sled. After a short time his mother missed him and began to search around the neighborhood, but was unable to find any trace of him. Some one said he had been seen down by Albany street bridge. So she went down there but could not see him. She, with the neighbors, began a search in the vicinity of the river and found his sled on the northwest side of the Albany street bridge but did not see the boy. Then they thought maybe he was in the river, and Mr. Frank Wood took a boat and went down the river, but did not see him. He went to the shop and got the father who with Eugene Kirk rowed down the river, but with no success. As they were coming back Kirk thought he saw him in the bushes back of the old vinegar factory but his father thought it was a clump of bushes. As they drew nearer Mr. O'Donald saw that it was his boy and sprang from the boat to rescue him. When his body was taken from the water it was badly bloated and black in the face showing that he had been in the water a long time. The mother of the child was waiting on the bridge for the return of her husband and when she saw her little son she was nearly frantic. He was taken to his home on Caraway Hill. His funeral was held from the residence of his parents on Saturday, December 25.