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| Elizabeth Avery Meriwether. |
The McGrawville Sentinel, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
WHAT TRIES CONGRESSMEN'S BETTER NATURES.
Office and Favor Seekers—Women Suffragists Press Their Claims and Get "Real Mad" at Opponents.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22.—All sorts of people with all sorts of tempers are encountered in the corridors of the capitol. Many of them are transient sight-seers, but most of them are the congressmen's callers. The Maryland senators and representatives are most in demand because their constituencies are near at hand, and the congressional delegation from the Pacific coast are freest from this kind of persecution. But even they, in common with all other congressmen, think they have a hard time in this respect.
The eastern door of the house of representatives is one of the busiest places in the capitol. It keeps two men running constantly to carry in cards to members from the anxious people outside. It is interesting to stand in the corridors and hear the demands of importunate visitors, and watch the faces of the people standing around there.
A young man from the way-back district comes in. He wants to see his member about a clerkship, but he is modest and stands back fingering his card, and hesitating whether to push into the crowd or not. Then a veteran office-seeker steps up to the door keeper in a business like way and says, "Smith, Rhode Island."
The ladies waiting room is always crowded. There is a woman from the south with her little claim against the government for cotton destroyed. Another wants to have her little son appointed a page in the house, and she is waiting to see the sergeant-at-arms. There are young women and old women who are trying to get places in the departments and female lobbyists who are to get so many hundred dollars for pushing such and such a bill through. Then just outside in the corridor again are scores of men who want office. Some of them came here last March expecting to get a consulship, who would now be thankful for a nine hundred dollar clerkship.
Be thankful dear reader, that you are not dependent on the government for support. There has just been a competitive examination here for post office inspectorships. There were only twenty-five vacancies to be filled, and eight hundred candidates, yearning for the places, presented themselves. Several hundred who passed had no possible chance of getting appointments, so really those who passed were not much better off than those who failed in the examination.
All the past week the senate upheld and criticized the educational bill that passed that body last session, and the house of representatives defended and denounced Fitz John Porter as it has done biennially in every congress for twenty years. The same old evidence and arguments were repeated in both houses over each measure. Nothing seems to have occurred in the interim to change the views of the friends of either question or to modify the objections of opponents. As to the educational bill, it cannot be said that the southern senators are disposed to give their section the benefit of the doubt on the question. The strongest opposition to the measure comes from that section notably, from Senator Morgan of Alabama, although the south would receive the bulk of the proposed appropriation of $77,000,000.
The woman suffragists are here again holding their convention. The representation is fully as large as at any former gathering. In their speeches they tell the same old story. They rant of their wrongs, demand their rights, and declare they will get them yet. They dwell with elation on what they call their victories of the past year, and one of their ablest champions, Mrs. Merriweather, proposes to make an address in reply to Senator Vest's letter stating that he is an "uncompromising opponent." The women say this fair orator is going to annihilate this senator from Missouri.
Apropos of this convention which is being held in All Soul's church, the pastor preached a sermon on women suffrage. He said the question had narrowed down to a single issue, the right to the ballot. He was still in doubt, but it was hard not to favor it when the appeal came from women. He was drawn near the fence, and was looking over, but this fence was one that thoughtful people could not clear at a bound. It was at least a six rail fence. Speaking of women in congress, he said the morals of congressmen were much better when they brought their wives to Washington with them than when they left them at home. "If good women should be elected to congress," he added, "it is to be hoped they will bring their husbands with them. I should be sorry to see them leave their husbands at home to keep house during a two or six years' term."
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| Keator Opera House, Barber block, Homer, N. Y. |
Washington's Birthday—G. A. R.
The principal demonstration indulged in in Cortland county on the occasion of Washington's birthday occurred at Homer last Monday. The spacious floor of Keator opera house was crowded with veterans and their friends who were present to take part in the first annual entertainment and supper given by the Women's Relief corps of Babcock post, G. A. R. Three long tables extended the length of the hall, and were filled many times before the large company were satisfied. Nearly 800 persons partook of supper. The house was handsomely decorated with flags, bunting, stacked muskets and army badges. Over the stage in large letters were the words "Women's Relief Corps," and above this the dates "1732-1886," commemorative of Washington's birthday. To the right of the stage stood the traditional cherry tree. On either side of the stage hung portraits of Martha and George Washington. Booths were arranged about the hall.
At 8 o'clock the stage programme was given in this order: Address of welcome, Comrade Myron Wooster; song, Miss Newton; tableau, "Ye Olden Time;" song, "The Vacant Chair;" series of tableaux of army life, "The Court-martial," "March to the Place of Execution," "The Prayer," "The Execution," "The Reprieve," "The Colored Troops Fought Nobly," "Hold my Canteen;" song, "Marching Through Georgia;" recitation, "Searching for the Slain," Miss Mable Brown; song, "The White Army Bean," Comrade Amos Avery of Groton; song, H. L. McElheny; tableaux, "The Three Graces;" song, "Let me Like a Soldier Fall," H. L. McElheny; tableaux, ''The Goddess of Liberty;" song, "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground."
Following this several impromptu speeches were made by Comrades Sagar, Place, Carpenter, Tompkins and others. The gathering broke up at a late hour. More than a hundred old veterans from out of town were present, most of them being members of the seventy-sixth regiment, and hailing from Cortland, McGrawville, Marathon, Whitney's Point, and Truxton. A handsome sum was taken for the library fund of the Relief corps.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
A SEASONABLE suggestion was offered last week by the Cortland News relative to an equalization of the supervisors' board. It says: The vote in this town on Tuesday, of over 1,900, raises the question if Cortlandville has her rightful share in the legislation of the affairs of the county. She only has an equal voice with towns which poll less than three hundred votes. Cortlandville also pays nearly as much in taxes as Cincinnatus, Cuyler, Freetown, Harford, Lapeer, Marathon, Preble, Scott, Solon, Taylor, Virgil and Willett combined, and yet when it comes to apportioning the taxes in the different towns in the county these have ten votes to Cortlandville one. This is not justice and should be remedied in some way. This town at least should have one supervisor to each election district, or four in all, which would even the matter up to a certain extent, but would not even then give her a representation on the board equal to her population, or property valuation.
We would also suggest that it would be much more convenient to vote at the poles at each election district instead of all having to go to Cortland every town meeting. It is not only inconvenient but an expense to many of our villagers to travel to Cortland to simply cast a vote. Many of our villagers could step over to the local polls when they would feel hardly able to hire or beg a ride. True we have some truly patriotic citizens who might have been seen plodding their way afoot town meeting day, but such ambition is not patent to all. Giving us a supervisor to elect would privilege us with a local polls.
[Corporation] Proceedings.
A special meeting of the village trustees was called by the board and convened at Fireman's hall, Wednesday, February 24, at 1 P. M. Present, L. Warren, E. H. Clark, N. W. Smith and Charles L. Kinney, trustees.
The president being absent, motion was made and carried that L. Warren act as president pro tem.
L. Warren in the chair. A resignation from President F. W. Perrott being presented it was motioned and carried that it be accepted.
After examining a summed up report of the village treasurer which will be detailed later, it was motioned and carried that we recommend to be raised $100 to be added to the balance in the treasurer's hand which is to be used for streets and crosswalks or other necessary expenses.
Motion was made and carried that we recommend to be raised $25 by tax for rent of Fireman's hall and $75 for street lights and lighting.
Motion was made and carried that we recommend to be raised $20 for printing 100 copies of the "Act of the Incorporation of the Village of McGrawville," as only one copy of the same is known to be in existence.
Mr. Elwood of Taylor Center appeared and entered complaint and asked for some reimbursement for injuries received by his daughter's stepping her heel through a hole in a sidewalk in front of M. G. Smith's house on South street one Wednesday afternoon in December which resulted in spraining her ankle so badly that she is still unable to use her foot at all. She attended school the next day but the pain grew and assumed a severe nature. She had no medical attendance till the next Monday after she had been taken home but had applied liniment here at her boarding place.
Motion made and carried that Charles L. Kinney and L. Warren confer with Mr. Elwood and learn the most reasonable condition in which he will settle the matter.
Motion was made and carried to adjourn till this evening at 7 P. M.
F. S. BERGGREN, Clerk.
Adjourned meeting was called to order at 7 P. M., Wednesday, all being present.
The committee reported that the matter with Mr. Elwood could not be arranged to their satisfaction and it was left open. A committee was then appointed for a formal investigation into the cause and probabilities of the extent of the injury received by the girl.
Motion to adjourn to the call of the president.
F. S. BERGGREN, Clerk.
CORTLAND ITEMS.
Miss Julia Angel of East Virgil is visiting friends in town.
Many persons about town are sick, some of whom are confined to their beds.
Jim Carl, arrested for selling liquor Sunday, appeared before Justice Bouton last week and the case was adjourned until March 4.
Hard time for O'Neil to get bail; yet Father Sheridan with his $100,000 can get there in good shape after a little time to go to Montreal and return.
The Syracuse Philharmonics will present Gilbert & Sullivan's Mikado at the Cortland Opera house to-morrow, Friday evening. They furnish their own orchestra.
Fannie Windman has given up her school at Gloversville and returned home because of poor health, not having fully recovered from a severe sickness of last summer.
James Baker, a tramp, who was sentenced by Justice Bouton to ninety days in Onondaga penitentiary, was accompanied to his three month's home Thursday last by Officer Shirley.
Mrs. M. Mattecks, a sister of Tom Buttons, died here last Sunday. She had been in the village some time for treatment. The body was taken to West Hartland, Conn., for burial.
The annual ball of the Water Witch engine company will occur at Taylor opera house to-morrow evening. The hall will be decorated with flags and bunting and the floor crashed.
Prof. A. O. Palmer, the scientific optician stopping at J. C. Gray's jewelry store, is still very busy. He will remain all this week. His practice increases as the importance of his work is appreciated.—Adv.
Invitations are out for the marriage of Gertrude M. Wright to William P. Robinson, to take place at Walton, N. Y., March 9. We believe it to be our worthy citizen of the book store business who intends bringing a fair bride into our beautiful village.
County court and court of sessions convenes next Monday, Judge Knox presiding. Quite likely a goodly number of the criminals now in jail and out on bail will be tried, as several indictments ought to be disposed of and save the county the expense of keeping persons in jail at the rate of fifty cents per day.
"Pete" Jackson died Tuesday. He is the colored man who has kept the stables in the rear of the Dexter house for many years, and is better known throughout this county than any other colored man living within its limits. He made his will recently giving his wife—a white woman—all his property, something like $2,000 to $2,500. Pete had many friends here and was quite a sport in his way.
CORRESPONDENTS' HARD CHAIR.
To the Editors McGrawville Sentinel:
I agree with you, Busy, and I also disagree with you; you should have your days at home understood by all your acquaintances. I for one wouldn't want to come the second time unasked, if I chanced to find you once with everything in order. I had a great deal rather company, welcomed or unwelcomed, would come when everything is in order rather than one of those disorderly days when one has so many irons in the fire. God never put us in this world just for our own selfish purpose and I think those days are the happiest in which we give pleasure to others, even unwelcome guests. I like company, baby and all. I heard a lady whom I esteemed highly once remark "I don't like children, and I detest babies." I had rather she had struck me a blow. I believe when one is in a group of innocent little ones they are as near Heaven as they'll ever get in this world.
Our latch string is always out, and the very best house or larder affords is at the disposal of friends, aunts, and cousins, if coming in couples, or coming by dozens; when their friendship, love, and hearty good-will written on the pleasant faces. But from accommodation company good Lord deliver us; those who take the less of two evils, hospitality or hotel bills. I had once an old uncle of blessed memory, head deacon in the Methodist church and living next door to the parsonage. How clearly I can recall the dear old man with the warm sunshine gleaming through the windows of the village church and lingering most lovingly on the big silk bandanna, and bald head bowing benignly at the minister, sometimes in approbation, sometimes in sleep, but I digress—every colporteur and Bible agent made his house their home, and the ministers' families invariably lived there for days while getting settled next door in the "manse."
Oftentimes a minister's wife would carry to extremes her prerogative of never being found at home and her guests would make out their visit with dear old brother Phillips all of which he enjoyed, but it was tedious to the Marthas of the household. And there's the city relatives who remember their dear country cousin once a year, they much prefer the Thousand Islands or the sea shore but the pocket book can't stand that strain, and the children's health, say nothing of style, render the country air imperative; they hope your hens lay well, as ham and eggs are so delicious, and dear Charley is so fond of maple syrup. They consider the tired horses at their disposal day and night, they like our pressed ferns, autumn leaves and specimens, and get them. We admire one of the painted plaques or banners with which their walls are covered curiosity shop style, but don't get it. Our own firesides are too pleasant to leave to spend a week with such friends during the gay winter season and sometimes country cousins are de trop.
But, thank Heaven, all are not like this, there are those we knew and loved in the long ago, to whose coming we look forward with delight, and whose presence is as cheering as the birds of spring. Stop me somebody, this chair don't sit so hard after all. I'm not used to writing, but I am to talking, and I got so interested in the subject I thought I was talking. Some one else take the Chair on the subject while I make my first and last bow to the readers of the SENTINEL.
MATRON, MCGRAWVILLE, Feb. 24.
To the Editors McGrawville Sentinel:
Thanks. I'll take the Hard Chair for a few minutes—if no gentleman is occupying it. I wouldn't in that case for the world, because I'm an old mai- maiden lady [sic] I mean and it makes me blush just to think of it. But I'm not a maiden lady from necessity; oh dear, no. I've had lots and lots of offers. Why, J. C. U. R. actually proposed seven times. Poor fellow, I did pity him so.
But if there's anything that makes me downright mad it's to have a man—I won't say gentleman, because they 'aint—ask me my age. If you'll believe it, an old widower with ten children asked me how old I was, and what do you think I did? I first up and slapped him right in the mouth till all his false teeth jingled and his wig lopped over one ear. Wasn't he mad though, too? I think 'twas about as much my finding out he wore a wig as any thing. I was most sorry I done it afterwards, because my niece Sally most died a laughing. I thought she would die but after I'd slapped her on the back and throwed water in her face, she revived enough to sit up and gurgle out "served him right," and I thought so, too.
Oh, Busy, I felt awful bad when I read your letter. Now, I shall have to give up that visit I intended to make you next summer after my rheumatiz' wore off. You know even children have that now-a-days. But if I only wasn't a poor lone woman I'd go to St. Paul to the ice carnival next August even if I did not have a special invitation. I know L'etoile would be glad to see me. But what a funny name if you're a lone woman like myself, Miss L'etoile, I'd change it to something more civilized; Jones, Brown, or Smith for instance.
That's right, Comorant, stick to your native country whatever you do. I must close or I fear this will fill too large a space in either the Hard Chair or the waste basket.
OLD MAID, SOLON, Feb. 24
To the Editors McGrawville Sentinel:
We read with interest the letter from Busy. She asks ''Why will people not let us choose our own visiting days?" If they would realize this fact we could have more hours for rest and more pleasant hours to spend with our visitors. We have seen some homes continually in an uproar, others quiet and peaceful. Home should be made a. pleasant shelter, one where we can think of enjoying a repose not to be found in the ceaseless routine of business hours. Home should be made pleasant for the children.
Further we advise, keep your children off the streets. Entertain them at home so they cannot find more pleasure in the saloons, and spread before them good moral reading. When this is done we shall have less drunkards in our land and less unhappy homes. Well, we will have to stop for this time as, we begin to think of a great waste basket and sign ourselves
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| Daniel S. Lamont |
EDITORS' EASY CHAIR.
—The wind of Saturday blew us some more snow.
—M. G. Smith has resumed work in the corset factory here.
—Mrs. O. A. Kinney is in Rome where she is doctoring a cancer.
—Mrs. Clinton Borthwick of Marathon visited friends here last week.
—Miss Emma Brooks of Cortland is stopping with friends in this place.
—Read M. D. Holden's business card in another column of to-day's SENTINEL.
—Farmers are getting their sugaring utensils ready for a season of work in the woods.
—Some men will work harder to get a divorce than they ever did to support a family.
—Colonel Daniel S. Lamont of Washington stopped over Sunday with his parents in this place.
—C. M. & W. L. Bean have still a few Hubbard squashes which they will sell at one cent a pound.
—We learn that several from this place are to attend the Gilmore concert at Syracuse this evening.
—Bean & Andrews of our village, have a man who wants one hundred of their new patent spring buggies.
—Tully claims to have the first colored justice of the peace ever elected in the state of New York.
—Eugene Morris and wife of Cuyler visited at her father's, J. C. Thompson, in this place on Friday last.
—The fourth of a series of hops given by the J. G. F. club will be held in Hammond's hall next Thursday evening.
—Frank Porter and wife of Cuyler recently visited at the home of her parents, J. C. Thompson, on Center street.
—Miss Jennie Warren who has been stopping for a few days with friends in Syracuse returned home Tuesday evening.
—Harlow Hollister has secured a job in the Wickwire works, Cortland, and moved his household goods to that place Monday.
—We understand Messrs. Warren & Johnson have quite a large order for their buggies to be handled by men in the wagon stock trade.
—The Presbyterian society offer for sale their large box wood stoves which they have removed to substitute for furnaces. Apply to the trustees.
—A branch office of the telephone line that runs from Cortland to Cincinnatus has been stationed at the drug store of C. A. Jones, on Main street.
—The ladies of the Presbyterian church will give a maple sugar festival at Association hall March 4. Tickets fifteen cents. All are most cordially invited.
—M. C. Bingham has just received a fine line of Ladies' and Gents' collars and cuffs, also a splendid assortment of Ladies' and Gents' Hosiery very cheap for cash.
—George Mericle and wife who were recently married in Taylor, have rented rooms in the Gilbertson block, Main street. They commenced work in the corset factory yesterday.
—Look for a change in the advertisement of the Evans Branch Gallery in next Thursday's SENTINEL. They are making some fine work and invite a personal inspection of the same.
—The New York Weekly World, the best paper for news in the United States, and the SENTINEL, one of the best county news papers, will be sent to anyone one year for $1.70 in advance.
—Two double heating coal stoves can be bought very reasonably of P. H. McGraw. One is nearly new. They can each heat six common sized rooms three above and three below.
—Our citizens have never had so good an opportunity of being attended by a strictly scientific and competent optician as now. Prof. Palmer has proven himself an able man as many can testify.
—The Cortland county lodge of Good Templars will be held with Crystal lodge of East Homer,Wednesday, March 3. It is expected one or more teams will go from here to accommodate members who wish to attend.
—I. O. Dunbar of East Freetown and Willis Holmes of this place have traded real estate. Mr. Dunbar takes immediate possession while Mr. Holmes, we understand, has rented his farm in Freetown and will remain here for the present.
—Charles Edwards and wife, Fred Morey, and Miss Minnie Mudge, who have been employed in P. H. McGraw & Son's corset factory, left Monday morning for Scranton, Penn., where they have accepted positions in the Scranton corset factory.
—The Moravia Valley Register came to the front last week much improved and finely printed on a new cylinder press. Good work brings forth good returns, and we wish Brother Kenyon a continued success with his enterprising sheet.
—On Friday evening of this week, February 26, at Association hall, the Mission band of the Presbyterian church will offer for sale paper flowers, fans, plaques, baskets and other unique designs. Also pop corn and candy. All are cordially invited.
—The Marathon Independent of February 24 says: Monday afternoon while Clark Burgess and one of Lee Johnson's sons were scuffling in Johnson's market, Burgess nearly severed the two first fingers of his left hand on a large meat knife young Johnson had been using.
—In the Hugh O'Neil case at Cortland which lasted a week the jury finally found him guilty of arson in the third degree and he was sentenced to five years at hard labor in Auburn prison. We understand the case is appealed and he is hunting for bail.
—At the regular meeting of Centennial lodge of I. O. of G. T., held February 17, the following delegates were elected to attend the county lodge to be held with Crystal lodge at East Homer, March 3: F. G. McElheny, F. C. Kinney, A. E. Seymour; Alternates, Mrs. M. Boynton, Miss Anna Graves, Mrs. F. E. Wright.
—Thomas Johnson will sell at auction on the Sylvanus Smith farm, two miles west of Freetown Corners on Saturday, February 27, at 10 A.M., twenty-four dairy cows, six heifers coming two years old, Durham bull, Jersey bull, black mare coming four years old, churn, milk can and wagon, mowing machine, harness, drag, plow and other articles. A. B. Gardner auctioneer.
—The Ladies' Aid society of the Presbyterian church held a mum sociable at Association hall last Thursday evening which proved both musing and financially successful. Dr. H. C. Hendrick proved the most liable to a lapsus lingue and a prompt depositor of fifty cents. A. P. McGraw next spoke and dropped a quarter, and others were soon brought to conversational terms. All who attended enjoyed the entertainment very much.
—Two weeks ago the first of a series of prayer meetings for young ladies was held at Mrs. F. E. Wright's on which occasion Miss Matie Moore led the meeting; last week it occurred at Mrs. F. S. Berggren's with Mrs. Myron Bingham leading, and to-morrow evening the meeting is to be held with Miss Clara Powers' who will also be leader. Young ladies from all denominations and all others are cordially invited to attend these meetings. The only object being to derive good from them they should receive a hearty encouragement from the community.
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