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| Frank Moss. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, June 1, 1899.
INQUIRY UNDER WAY.
Mazet Investigation Committee Renew Its Work.
SOME SENSATIONAL EXCHANGES.
Counsel Frank Moss and Police Captain Price Lost Their Tempers—Charges of False Swearing Made and Emphatically Denied—Methods of Issuing Concert Licenses.
NEW YORK, June 1.—Counsel Frank Moss and Police Captain Price lost their tempers at the Mazet inquiry and afforded Chairman Mazet an opportunity to interfere several times. Captain Price accused Counsel Moss of permitting a witness to swear falsely against him and the former police commissioner emphatically denied this. There were numerous sensational exchanges between the two.
The remainder of the day was taken up with an investigation of statements concerning alleged abuses at the Tombs prison, concert hall licenses, and their methods of issuing, the question of whether the Dewey theater had complied with the regulations of the police and building departments of the city; whether other resorts in the Tenderloin district were being conducted according to the form of the law and whether certain individuals had or had not attempted to buy their way into and secure positions on the police force.
Mrs. Sheedy was put on the stand. She said that Policeman Dugan told her he had a roundsman who wanted to be made a captain, but that it would take $7,000. Policeman Dugan's wife told her that Hart was a brother-in-law of President York of the police commissioners and that "there would be no fear of her money when she put it up." The witness did not know whether Mrs. Dugan's statements were true.
Mrs. Sheedy stated that Dugan spoke about asking other officers for money and that he had done that business for many years, handling thousands and thousands of dollars, therefore she was not to make such a fuss about $400.
Dr. O'Sullivan elicited the fact that Dugan was appointed a roundsman by Former Police Commissioner Roosevelt.
Regina O'Brien, the wife of Detective Sergeant O'Brien was then called. She had introduced a young man named Cornelius Cunningham to James J. Hassett, a collector of insurance, because Cunningham wished to get on the police force and Hassett had said he might be able to help him.
Cunningham took the stand and swore Hassett said he could put him on the force for $400, and that he would have to pay him $200 down. Cunningham said Hassett told him he had his "influence" with a lawyer who had "a great pull with President York." He gave Hassett the $200 and got a receipt. That was in April, 1898, and his application was filed in August he met Hart, to whom Hassett told the witness he had turned over the money. Hart asked him for $50 more to "push the thing along." He got his examination paper, which Hassett told him to bring to him so that he could "fix it with the examiners." Later Hassett told him that Hart had gotten into trouble. Then he had Hassett arrested, and he was held in police court for trial.
The receipt from Hassett for the $200 was put in evidence by Mr. Moss.
The witness testified that Hart had told him that the $20 had been given to Lee Phillipps, secretary of the civil service board.
Cunningham related his examination by the grand jury regarding his charge against Hassett. He had told the jury all the facts in the case, but they had not asked to see the receipts. He had also told them that Hassett had sent a man to his house and asked Cunningham to withdraw the charge, saying that he was willing to pay the money back.
Detective Sergeant O'Brien was called. He testified that Hassett had told him that he had paid the money to Hart.
O'Brien said that he had not reported the matter to the police authorities or arrested Hasset or Hart, but had notified the insurance company which employed Hassett that he was a thief. He never saw Hassett again.
Police Captain Dimond was called and asked regarding the Dewey theater, owned by Timothy D. Sullivan, which is in his precinct. He had never found that this theater was unsafe. He had reported favorably upon the theater for a renewal of license. Mr. Moss then introduced a document from the building department showing that the theater stood disapproved by the body.
George J. Kraus, general manager of the Dewey theater, was brusque in his replies to Mr. Moss and Chairman Mazet told him not to be impertinent.
Police Captain Price was put on the stand. After answering in a way a number of questions asked him, he was allowed to deny in toto the testimony given against him at a previous session by Simon Butner, proprietor of the Broadway Garden. He described Butner's evidence as false in every particular. Captain Price said that Mr. Moss had let a man testify falsely against him.
Mr. Moss then examined Captain Price as to the methods he employed in closing up Butner's place. Captain Price denied that he knew of the existence of protection over disorderly resorts. Mr. Moss questioned him closely about several alleged resorts in his precinct. He had arrested about 2,700 women in his precinct in the last seven months. Only 30 of these were discharged. Mr. Moss said that this number was only a small fraction of the total that were doing business in Captain Price's precinct. The witness said he did not know anything about that.
He maintained that there had been no pool rooms running in his precinct since last August. Mr. Moss told the witness that he would require him to give further testimony and the committee adjourned.
THE NEW BICYCLE LAW.
A UNIFORM ORDINANCE FOR NEW YORK STATE.
The Collins Bill Signed by Governor Roosevelt Last Wednesday Which Regulates Bicycle Riding in Corporations—Provisions of the New Act.
Governor Roosevelt last Wednesday affixed his signature to Assemblyman Collins' uniform bicycle ordinance bill, which is of special interest to Cortland people, as the village board has recently enacted ordinances along this line.
The Collins law regulates the use of bicycles, tricycles and similar vehicles and requires uniformity of ordinance concerning these throughout the state. It gives to the several cities, town boards in towns and villages, power to pass ordinances regulating the use of these vehicles within their limits in accordance with provisions stated in the bill. These provisions are made with a view to doing away with the present ordinances throughout the state which vary so much in different places that a rider going through different towns and counties is at loss to know whether he is violating the law or not. In some places a bell is required; in others a whistle. In some the speed is not regulated and in others a cyclist may ride only so fast.
The new law provides that ordinances shall be passed to require all bicycles, tricycles and similar vehicles, when ridden on public highways, streets, avenues, walks or public places, to have attached thereto or carried therewith a light of such illuminating power as to be plainly seen two hundred feet ahead, and to be kept lighted between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise; but this section shall not apply to any rider whose light has become extinguished or who is necessarily absent from his or her home without a light when going at a pace not exceeding six miles an hour, when an audible signal is given as often as thirty feet are passed over. It also makes it legal to pass ordinances to require riders of all such bicycles, tricycles or similar vehicles to give an alarm by bell, whistle or otherwise which may be heard 100 feet distant when about to meet or pass other vehicles.
The rate of speed at which it may be lawful to ride bicycles and similar vehicles may also be regulated.
This bill further provides that the authorities may regulate or prohibit the riding of any bicycles, tricycles or similar vehicles upon the sidewalks within the limits of any city, town or village; except that no city, town or village shall have any power to prohibit the riding of any bicycle upon any sidewalk within the limits of such city, town or village, when such sidewalk shall have been or shall be hereafter constructed solely at the expense of wheelmen or cyclists, by and with the unanimous consent of the officers having jurisdiction therein, unless the road or street in front of such sidewalk is paved with some smooth and permanent pavement like asphalt or brick, and maintained in a condition suitable for the use of cycles.
The term "sidewalk" as used in this act means any sidewalk laid out as such by any city, town or village or by the owners of the abutting lands which is reserved, by custom, for the use of pedestrians, and which has been especially prepared for their use, but not including footpaths or portions of public roads lying outside of the thickly settled parts of cities and towns which are worn only by travel, and are not improved by the public authorities, of by the abutting owners.
It is also made lawful to provide that every person violating any such ordinance shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $5 for each offense, and in case of non-payment of such fine, by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one day for each dollar of such fine, at the discretion of the court or magistrate. No city, town or village, shall have any power to make any ordinance, by law or regulation, respecting the use of bicycles or tricycles, except as provided in this act; and except as provided in this act, no ordinance, bylaw or regulation heretofore or hereafter made by a city, town or village in respect to bicycles or tricycles shall have any force or effect.
Death of Mrs. Mager.
Shortly before The STANDARD went to press this afternoon word was received that at 1:40 o'clock Mrs. G. J. Mager had been released from her earthly sufferings and passed away. For years she had been afflicted with an incurable disease and her sufferings have been beyond measure. Her age was 51 years 10 months and 1 day. The funeral will be held at the family residence Saturday at 3 o'clock with burial in the Cortland Rural cemetery. A more extended obituary notice will be given later.
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| Cortland Hospital. |
HOSPITAL NOTES.
Gift of New Bedsteads—Some Other Articles Now Needed.
The iron bedsteads in the men's ward, a legacy from the old Normal school dormitory, that have done duty since the opening of the hospital have been replaced by four new iron bedsteads of the most approved hospital pattern, two of them the gift of Rev. J. M. Benedict at one time Rector of Grace church, and two others from Messrs. Beard & Peck. None but the patients and the nurses who have been compelled to work in a most uncomfortable position over the low, wide beds can fully appreciate the improvement in comfort, but all who visit the room can see the change in its appearance wrought by the pretty, white bedsteads.
Like Oliver Twist a hospital is certain to want more and now if some kind friends would add a chiffonier or two, a stand for each bedside and a few chairs the furnishing of the ward would be quite complete. If one who is not a resident here, but only a casual visitor, is so much interested in the hospital as to volunteer to aid it, may we not hope that those who are receiving its benefits will become infected by the contagion of his generosity and finish the work he has begun?
The gift from Mrs. O. A. Houghton of a standard irrigator furnishes the operatingroom [sic] with a very useful and much needed article.
The private rooms are full and have been for a long time with other patients waiting for vacancies. Including ward cases there are now twelve patients in the house.
Last Show of the Season.
The Burrill Comedy company supporting the emotional actress, Laura Hulbert, will commence a week's engagement at the Cortland Opera House Monday, June 5, and will present a repertoire of New York successes. This is without a doubt one of America's foremost repertoire organizations. Miss Hulbert, the leading lady, has for many years been connected with Mr. Frohman's attractions and this is her first season with a cheap price company, but the performances are equal to any of the $1.50 attractions in which she has appeared. The company is composed of twenty acting people and a lot of stage hands, such as carpenters, electricians, etc., as the company carries a [railroad] car of special scenery. The costumes of Miss Hulbert are very beautiful. Clever specialties are introduced by Geo. E. Fisher, comedian; the Bowers comedy sketch artists, Edith Atchinson, soubrette; Nellie Edwards, singer and dancer; and little Jennie, child actress. The play Monday night is the famous society drama entitled, "The Diamond Ring."
SIDEPATH COMMISSION.
McGraw Path to be Finished—The Marathon Path.
The sidepath commission held a meeting last night and decided to begin to-morrow morning the completion of the sidepath to McGraw, the balance of the subscriptions in that place having been almost entirely paid. This path can be completed in less than two days.
The residents of Little York and Preble and the intervening territory have already contributed $150 in cash and donations of labor and material, and the work of extending the path from Little York north will begin next Monday.
Marathon is anxious for a sidepath and the riders of that place have already taken a number of licenses and subscribed some money for one. It was voted to use all the money subscribed by Marathon and all paid in for badges from Marathon wheelmen to the construction of a sidepath from Marathon north toward Cortland, letting it go as far as it will and completing it to the intersection with the McGraw path as soon as the money can be spared for the purpose.
Dr. Santee was appointed a committee of one to confer with the Tompkins county commission to decide upon a route between Cortland and Ithaca.
Over 1,500 badges have already been sold in this county and more are going daily.
The course of the committee on arrests for violation of the sidepath law was commended and the committee was directed to continue its course.
The commission calls attention to the fact that $25 reward is offered for the arrest and conviction of any one who willfully throws, drops or places or causes to be thrown or placed on any road, highway, street or public place any glass, nails, pieces of metals or other substances which might wound, disable or injure any animal, this being a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of $500 or one year's imprisonment or both. The commission notes the fact that while this is aimed directly at the likelihood of injuring animals the same act will also injure bicycles. It is a misdemeanor in any case and the punishment will follow just as surely for injuring bicycles as for animals.
A STRAP BROKE.
Runaway and Upset Followed—One Horse Died.
The Groton Journal says: Saturday afternoon J. W. Jones and G. M. Townley drove to Cortland, the team comprising a horse belonging to each. When near Hopkins' greenhouses in starting the team upon a trot Mr. Jones' horse began to kick and run breaking the neck-yoke strap letting the tongue to the ground where it caught, breaking it and letting the team loose. Mr. Townley, who was driving, was thrown out but uninjured. Mr. Jones remained in the wagon. The team ran a short distance going either side of a tree, tearing them apart and throwing the horses with great violence. Mr. Townley's horse was severely injured; Mr. Jones' escaping without injury. The wagon was but slightly injured, the harness quite badly. Mr. Townley's horse was taken in charge by veterinary Stevens, but its injuries were of such nature that death ensued on Monday. The parties were very fortunate in escaping uninjured.
A Change in Officials.
Mr. J. A. Maxwell, who for the past five years has been the efficient and courteous superintendent of motive power for the Cortland & Homer Traction Co., has presented his resignation to take effect at once. He is undecided as to his future plans, but will probably leave Cortland and in case he does, both he and Mrs. Maxwell will take with them the best wishes of a host of personal friends in Cortland.
Mr. Maxwell's successor is A. A. Benn of Zanesville, O., who will be the master mechanic for the Cortland & Homer Traction Co. and the Cortland & Homer Electric Co.
To Pave Port Watson-st.
A petition is in circulation and is being very largely signed to pave Port Watson-st. from Main-st. to the D., L. & W. [railroad] crossing. The promoters of the scheme express their confidence in their ability to secure enough frontage to insure a pavement. They call attention to the bad condition of the street in spring and fall, and say that now that the water of Tompkins-st. is all to be sent down Port Watson-st. instead of being taken to Court-st., as it was before the Main-st. pavement was put down, the street will be worse than ever before. The petition is being vigorously pushed.
BREVITIES.
—Gov. Roosevelt signed 741 bills passed by the legislature, and seventy-three were left to die.
—-The large new street sprinkler which is used on the Main-st., pavement was driven on the scales yesterday when filled with water and tipped the beam at 8,860 pounds.
—A regular meeting of Cortland lodge, No. 354, A. O. U. W., will be held in the lodgeroom, G. A. R. hall, to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock sharp. There is one candidate to initiate.
—The semi-annual convention of the Groton town Sunday-school association will be held at Groton on Friday, June 9. There will be both a morning and afternoon session. An interesting program has been prepared.
—New display advertisements to-day, are—McCarthy & Sons, Furniture, page 8; Hobbie, Big salary paid ladies, page4; Opera House, Burrill Comedy Co., page 5; Bingham & Miller, Prices that surprise, page 8; Model Clothing Co., Cycling outfit, page 4.
—The paper by Rev. W. H. Pound upon
"Abraham Lincoln" before the University
Center on Monday night proved to be one of the most interesting and valuable of
the year. Mr. Pound gave a remarkably strong and clear analysis of the
character of Lincoln and very vividly portrayed incidents of his life.
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