BALLOON, DAY FIREWORKS, AND INDIANS

 

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, August 18, 1899.

BALLOON, DAY FIRE-WORKS AND INDIANS.

Greatest Attractions At the County Fair Ever Seen—Program of Races.

   The Cortland county fair will be a hummer. The exhibits will be large, the races will be exciting, and the crowd will be immense. In addition to all the interesting features usual at such exhibitions, the managers yesterday announced the engagement of the greatest attractions ever seen in Cortland.

   First and foremost will be balloon ascensions by the famous Belmont sisters. The most sensational feature of the entertainment will be the descent of a St. Bernard dog in a parachute after the balloon attains a high elevation, making one of the most thrilling exhibitions ever seen. The Belmont sisters will also make daily descents from the balloon in parachutes, and a full-blooded Bantam fowl will also be liberated from the balloon.

   The exhibition of day fireworks will be a brilliant feature each day, being sent up from a huge mortar, showing figures in life size.

   The third attraction will be a band of Indians from the far West, who will daily give an exhibition of the celebrated green corn and other dances in front of the grand stand, with warwhoops and other Indian peculiarities.

   Secretary W. J. Greenman announces the following program of races at the fair:

   The cattle exhibit will be larger than that of the past ten years altogether, and will be in tents. The booths are also ahead of anything in the past, filling the exhibition hall so that fruit, etc., will be shown in a tent 40 x150 feet.

 

 

Fair at McGrawville.

   McGrawville Grange, No. 402, will hold its third annual fair in the village hall at that place, beginning September 14 and continuing until the night of the 16th. Thursday, the first day, will be children's day. Friday will be devoted especially to music, under the direction of J. H. Maricle, and on this day the McGraw special prize will be awarded. An amusing feature of the second day will be the giving of prizes for the handsomest and the homeliest man present. On Saturday a drama will be presented under the management of Mrs. A. F. Taughe. Another feature of the last day will be the awarding of prizes to the holders of the seventh and thirteenth season tickets drawn from a hat.

   The two previous fairs held by this organization have been very successful, and there is every prospect that this will be the best held by that grange.

 

GAVE UP HIS LIFE.

John F. Sheridan Loses His Life While Saving a Comrade—Drowned in Elysium Park Lake.

   A most painful accident occurred at the pond south of Elysium Park, Sunday afternoon, by which a brilliant and promising Cortland lad lost his life.

   John Francis Sheridan, nearly 18 years old, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sheridan who live at the water works, was at the park Sunday afternoon in company with several other lads, and during the afternoon the party went to the pond to enjoy the sport of bathing. The boys disrobed and entered the water, some of them finally taking possession of two boats which were on the pond. At one spot in the pond is a deep hole, and it was at this point that the accident occurred. Three of the boys were in one of the boats, which was capsized by another lad trying to climb over the side. James Dalton, one of the occupants of the boat, sank to the bottom. He came up and immediately sank a second time. Young Sheridan saw his peril, and hastened to Dalton's assistance. As he reached the Dalton boy Sheridan gave him a push towards the shore and immediately sank himself. The other lads called for help, but the Sheridan boy did not rise again, and his body was found an hour later in ten feet of water. Coroner Moore was summoned, but he decided an inquest unnecessary.

 

LIGHTNING'S WORK.

Farmer Killed Near Groton—Barn Burned in Solon—Houses Struck in Cortland.

   The very heavy storm which passed over Cortland Saturday afternoon did more damage in neighboring localities than in the village.

   Near Groton a barn belonging to Clayton Sherman was struck, and the disaster was the cause of much sorrow, owing to the death of Mr. Sherman. When the shower came up Mr. Sherman, in company with a neighbor, entered the barn and seated themselves to await the passage of the storm. Lightning struck the barn, the electric fluid passing down a post, striking Mr. Sherman and killing him instantly. Mr. Sherman leaves a wife and several children. The barn was set on fire, but it was not burned.

   East of Cortland, in the town of Solon, Charles Manchester had several loads of oats cut, and observing the storm coming he secured the assistance of considerable help and succeeded in getting the last load in the barn when it was struck by lightning, burning the building and all its contents, except the last load of oats which was hastily run out.

   In Cortland a house belonging to George Allport, located on Broadway, and another on Otter Creek occupied by Bert Adams were struck, but neither were burned.

 

STATE LEAGUE.

Only Three More Weeks—Cortland Sure of Third Place.

   There are but three more weeks of the state league season, and Cortland is sure of landing third, with a fighting chance for second.

   Last week Thursday we lost at Binghamton 2 to 3, Friday, here, we lost to Oswego 4 to 3; Saturday it rained in Cortland; Monday and Tuesday we won at Troy, 14 to 13 in twelve innings, and 15 to 4; Wednesday we met our seventh defeat on the Binghamton grounds, 5 to 7. Yesterday Binghamton was playing here. There are games here the last four days of next week, with Utica, Rome, Albany and Schenectady respectively

   The standing of the clubs Wednesday night was:

 

NECK BROKEN.

George W. Elster of Virgil Falls From a Load of Grain—Fatally Injured.

   A very sad and peculiar accident occurred in Virgil Wednesday afternoon whereby George W. Elster lost his life. It appears that Mr. Elster was at the home of his son, D. B. Elster, who lives about one and one-half miles from Virgil Corners.

   The father and son were drawing oats from a field nearby when suddenly Mr. Elster lost his balance and fell backward from the load, striking upon his head and breaking his neck near the shoulder. When picked up life was nearly extinct. He was a highly respected member of the Baptist church and had occupied the responsible position of deacon for many years. The funeral will be held Saturday at 1:30 P. M. at the church. Burial will be made at Virgil.

 

The Potato Bug's Enemy.

   A press dispatch from Albany Slays: A new bug has been discovered1 here which may have an important bearing upon the future of potatoes. There is a lively looking brown insect which has a murderous sting which it inserts in the back of the potato bug, killing it. Large numbers of these insects are feeding on the potato bugs in all stages of growth and it is to be hoped that this little insect may save the farmer much good time and money which he would otherwise be obliged to spend in sprinkling potatoes with paris green.

 

Mrs. Charles D. Burt.

   WILLET, August 10.—Our community was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Belle Burt, wife of Chas. D. Burt, who passed away Saturday, July 29, at 11 o'clock A. M. after an illness of about two months. She leaves to mourn her loss a husband, who with his family moved here from Lincklaen seven years ago, seven children, the youngest of whom is an infant, and a father, mother, two brothers and one sister.

   Her mother, Mrs. T. Z. Gunsallus of Ehrenfield, Pa., who arrived too late to attend the funeral, has the sympathy of all. She left her home with the expectation of visiting and taking her daughter home with her for a time, when on her journey she received the dispatch announcing Mrs. Burt's death, but did not learn of the burial until she reached Solon.

   Mrs. Burt was a faithful wife and mother, a kind and loving friend and neighbor, and a patient sufferer during her long and serious illness. Her funeral was held at the M. E. church in Willet, July 31, the parlor, Rev. J. B. Wilson, officiating. A large number were in attendance, the music was of the finest selections and the flowers numerous and beautiful.

   Mrs. T. Z Gunsallus was here and visited her daughter last October.

 

HERE AND THERE.

   The next legal holiday will be Labor day, Sept. 4.

   One of the evidences of change in railroading in Ithaca is the ruins of the old trestle that stood along the quarter of a mile slip. Not a stick or timber is now standing. Boating coal from the coal trestles is about ended. It was once an important industry in Ithaca.

   The Dryden Herald last week announced new proprietorship, J. Giles Ford, who has controlled the paper for many years, having sold the entire plant to Messrs. Stilwell & Ross. Mr. Stilwell is a printer and Mr. Ross is a lawyer and what these two professionals cannot concoct isn't worth printing. We anticipate continued prosperity for the Herald under the new management.

   The next term of county court begins September 25.

   The Cortland county fair is less than two weeks away.

   The absence of bicycle lanterns continues to enrich the village treasury.

   Tramps and victims of anti-license have been numerous in police court the past week.

   The Cortland Union Bee Keepers' annual picnic will be held at Cortland park next Thursday.

   The work of laying the last coat of asphalt in Lincoln-ave. is progressing rapidly.

   The village assessors have completed their work, and the assessment roll is ready for inspection.

   With customary enterprise the DEMOCRAT will issue a daily edition during the Cortland county fair. You will want one for it will have all the news.

   The D., L. & W. employees all received their pay in checks Wednesday, the first time in the history of the road that payments have been made in this way.

   The residents of Harrington-ave have applied for the construction of sewer connections, their petition being endorsed by the board of health.

   There is much rejoicing among the small boys, the middle-aged, the old men, young girls and misses over the announcement that Cortland is to have another circus.

   The Wallace Bros. have recently put up three new bill-boards, one on the corner of Pendleton and Railroad-st., another near the Lehigh Valley depot, and the third near the entrance to the fair grounds.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

   Richard Croker has returned from England and publicly declares for Bryan. This effectually puts a stopper on the Augustus Van Wyck boom.

   The Philadelphia Times is authority for the statement that General Alger is enjoying himself in the country, and has already got so he can look a cow in the face without getting red.

   William C. Whitney is quoted as saying "There is not a better man in the country to advise the president than Elihu Root." Almost any good man can give good advice but the trouble is few men follow the advice given. So far as the president is concerned he is more likely to lend his ear to Uncle Mark Hanna than to Secretary Root or any one else.—Syracuse Telegram.

   Gen. Otis's censored dispatches do not conceal the illustrative fact that the latest fighting, in which our loss was three killed and thirteen wounded, took place within ten miles of Manila. It is disclosed also that "the insurgents have taken the aggressive" on the railroad near Calumpit, and likewise four miles west of Malolos—both the scenes of some of our inconclusive victories several months since.

 

Elihu Root.

Washington Letter.

(From Our Regular Correspondent.)

   WASHINGTON. D. C, August 14, 1899.—The reports of the daily press throughout the country as to the epidemic of yellow fever at the National Soldier's Home at Hampton, Va., have proven to be grossly exaggerated. Owing to the prompt and energetic measures taken by the authorities the disease appears to be fully under control, and an epidemic character really at no time prevailed. Official report to Surgeon General Wyman reports no new cases and if the favorable temperature prevails, the now pending cases are expected to run a satisfactory course. So far there have been 42 cases, eleven of them resulting in death. The situation at the Home and immediate vicinity is considered satisfactory. The exaggerated reports cast so recklessly abroad are much to be regretted.

   It appears probable from developments during the past few days in the war department that Secretary Root has in contemplation an army of quite 40,000 men for the Philippines. While Mr. Root has been at the head of the department only a brief time, the trend of his efforts has been, it is alleged, wholly in the direction of an increase in the available forces in the East. The belief is growing in army circles that Secretary Root has in mind a plan practically matured to make Geo. Otis' available force at least 40,000 men.

   The number of enlistments in the new volunteer army have now reached a total of 9,068. Secretary Root has made a favorable impression in official circles here. What especially impressed the officers who welcomed their new chief was the business-like manner in which he went about things. It was noticed, however, that the new secretary has no present intention of "downing Corbin" as some persons have urged him to do. At the same time it appears that Gen. Miles is to receive every consideration. There can be, however, no change in the department personnel. The heads of the bureaus cannot be disturbed by any secretary unless by assent of the President and congress. The incompetent must continue to block progress until old age removes them to the retired list. It is the system that needs revising and Secretary Root understands the situation.

   "There is only one Alger" was displayed on two immense banners at the reception given to Ex-Secretary Alger upon his return to Detroit. This inscription stated the situation in a nutshell. If there had been more in the past eighteen months, it is painful to imagine what would have become of the country. One Alger demoralized the army. Several of them would have shaken the foundations of the government and reduced the country to a state of chaos. The people outside of Detroit regard the existence of only "one Alger" as a merciful dispensation of Providence. This Republic has to carry many burdens, heavily weighted as it is, it has still managed to keep above water. With the tribe of official Algers increased, however, its burden would become greater than it could sustain. There is national rejoicing over the fact, that there is "only one Alger." Now that he has retired to private life, let us hope his species will become extinct as a factor of American government.

   The reception accorded to Gen. Alger in Detroit was also remarkable for the utterances of Gov. Pingree. The governor has been acting as mouth piece of Gen. Alger and saying what the latter thinks but refrains from uttering. Through Pingree's receptive and agile mouth he can anathematize Mr. McKinley and hold him up in contempt. Gen. Alger will find Gov. Pingree a valuable medium for expressing his views of those who have relegated him to the dullness of a provincial existence at Detroit, after allowing him to taste the joys of official power at Washington. Mr. Alger will have an excellent opportunity to get "even" with the administration who made a scapegoat of him. He has not had his money's worth if he was, as it is asserted, a heavy contributor to the purchase of the Republican election of 1896.

   As for the Philippines, there is no doubt that an entirely new deal in the matter of leadership and policy must take place soon. General Otis clearly does not grasp the situation, or doesn't know how to deal with it. He has not men enough under his command, and he is responsible for that condition of affairs, for the president has accepted his advice and judgment in the premises. Unfortunately he seems to continue to do so. Gen. Otis should be set aside at once. Mr. McKinley will have to be forced to the step by public pressure. There is plenty of better material in our army to take the place of the implacable Otis.

MORE ARCTIC HISTORY, EMERALDS INCORPORATE, AND FAMILY REUNIONS

 

Walter Wellman.

Walter Wellman standing on deck of airship.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, August 18, 1899.

MORE ARCTIC HISTORY.

Walter Wellman's Expedition Has Been Heard From.

SOME NEW ISLANDS DISCOVERED.

Hitherto Unknown Regions Explored and Important Scientific Work Done—A Grim Story of Arctic Tragedy. The Explorer Badly Injured—Details.

   TROMSOE, Island of Tromsoe, Norway, Aug. 18.—Walter Wellman and the survivors of the Polar expedition led by him have just arrived here on the steamer Capella, having successfully completed their explorations in Franz Josef Land. Mr. Wellman has discovered important new lands and many islands.

   The expedition brings a grim story of Arctic tragedy. In the autumn of 1896 an outpost called Port McKinley was established in latitude 81. It was a house built of rocks and roofed over with walrus hide. Two Norwegians, Paul Bjoervig and Bert Bentzen, the latter of whom was with Nansen on the Fram, remained there. The main party wintered in a canvas covered hut called Harmsworth House at Cape Tegethoff on the southern point of Hall's Island, latitude 80.

   About the middle of February, before the rise of the sun to its winter height, Mr. Wellman with three Norwegians and 45 dogs started north. It was the earliest sledge journey on record in that high latitude.

   On reaching Fort McKinley, Mr. Wellman found Bentzen dead, but Bjoervig, according to promise, had kept the body in the house, sleeping beside it through two months of Arctic darkness. Notwithstanding his terrible experience, the survivor was safe and cheerful.

   Pushing northward through rough ice and severe storms, with a continuous temperature for ten days between forty and fifty degrees below zero, the party found new lands north of Freedom Island, where Nansen landed in 1895. By the middle of March all hands were confident of reaching latitude 87 or 88 if not the pole itself.

   Then began a succession of disasters. Mr. Wellman while landing the party fell into a snow covered crevasse, seriously injuring one of his legs and compelling a retreat. Two days later the party was roused at midnight by an ice quake under them, due to pressure. In a few moments many dogs were crushed and the sledges destroyed. The members of the expedition narrowly escaped with their lives, though they managed to save their precious sleeping bags and some dogs and provisions.

   On Mr. Wellman's condition becoming alarming, as inflammation set in, the brave Norwegians dragged him on a sledge by forced marches nearly 200 miles to headquarters, arriving there early last April. Mr. Wellman is still unable to walk and will probably be permanently crippled.

   After reaching headquarters, other members of the expedition explored regions hitherto unknown, and important scientific work was done by Lieutenant Evelyn B. Baldwin of the United States weather bureau, Dr. Edward Hofma of Grand Haven, Mich., and Mr. A. Harlan of the United States coast survey. The expedition killed 47 bears and many walruses.

   Mr. Wellman and his companions found no trace in Franz Josef Land of the missing aeronaut Professor Andree.

   The Wellman expedition, headed by Walter Wellman, an American newspaper man, who had already passed eight months in the Arctic regions, left Tromsoe on June 26, 1898, for the purpose of exploring high latitude, and after stopping at Solombolo near Archangel, sailed for Franz Josef Land on the ice steamer Fridtjof, loaded with scientific instruments, dogs, sledges and provisions.

   While at Archangel the governor of that place refused to allow the Fridtjof and a Spanish ship to sail the same day, asserting that he feared an outbreak between the crews of the two ships, although the Spanish vessel was a trader and the armament of Mr. Wellman's steamer consisted only of a harpoon gun.

   On Aug. 30 of last year the Fridtjof arrived at Tromsoe, Norway, and reported that Mr. Wellman had landed an expedition at Cape Tegethoff, establishing also a supply house at or near Cape Flora (lat. 80).

   This was the last definite news regarding the undertaking and some anxiety had been felt as to the fate of Mr. Wellman and his associates. Mr. Wellman, who is a native of Ohio and was formerly a well known Washington correspondent, has always been interested in the literature of Arctic exploration, and in 1893 he attempted to reach the North Pole. His ship, the Bagngald Jarl, was crushed in the ice. In the present expedition he planned to push forward into the northern part of Franz Josef Land, which had been explored as far north as 82 degrees.

 

TRADE WITH CHINA.

United States and Japan Will Soon Supply the Market Entirely.

   WASHINGTON, Aug. 18.—The state department has received a valuable report from the United States consul at Chefoo, showing the great strides made by American trade throughout China. It is in line with the views expressed by President Schurman since he returned from the Far East, and gives much additional information as to how this American trade must be directed if it hopes to continue control of the markets of China, as against Germany, Russia and Japan. Summing up from numerous tables, he says:

   "It will not be long at this rate before the United States and Japan will supply the market entirely, unless we are shut out when Germany and Russia get their ports in order."

   He shows that American trade in China increased throughout the list of articles, except kerosene. Japan's trade also showed marvelous strides, and Japan now sells considerably more than one-third of the entire foreign imports. The consul says this should give food for thought, as Japan is beginning to be a formidable competitor, not only of the United States, but of all Europe and of Great Britain.

 

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Profit Sharing in Street Railways.

   The Columbus, O., Traction company has just completed the first quarter's operations under a profit sharing arrangement with its employees, and the results appear to be very satisfactory. The usual quarterly dividend was paid to the shareholders of the company, they receiving 1 per cent on the par value of their stock, while the employees or those who had served a year or more get 1 per cent on their yearly earnings. As these earnings average $650 the average dividend paid to labor was $6.50. This is the equivalent of an average increase in the wages of 7 cents a day—not a large increase, it is true, but not infrequently the refusal of employers to grant an increase, not much, if any, larger than that has resulted in disagreeable complications, sometimes in strikes. The street railway company in Columbus is not a large or rich concern as compared to many traction corporations throughout the country; but, like most street car lines, it pays, and its employees may reasonably expect a continuance of their quarterly dividends. If other traction companies which are richer than this Columbus concern were to imitate its example, they would have less trouble with their men. But, with hardly an exception, street railroad companies are opposed to sharing their profits, no matter how large they may be, with either their employees or the municipality or with their patrons by giving them lower rates of fare.

 

PROBABLY A CORTLAND MAN.

Smothered by Smoke in a Freight Car at Troy.

   TROY, N. Y., Aug. 18.—A man supposed to be William Shaughnessy was smothered to death in a freight car in this city this morning. The car was loaded with hay, which caught fire. It is supposed that the man was asleep in the car. Shaughnessy was formerly a United States soldier and resided in this city.

   The man in question is supposed to be a son of Michael Shaughnessy, a stove moulder at the works of the Cortland Howe Ventilating Stove Co., and the young man used to be a moulder there. The son was 23 years old and unmarried. He left Cortland five months ago and worked for a few weeks in Syracuse and then went to Troy and was there last heard from a few weeks ago. He had been a volunteer in the United States service, but his regiment was mustered out before going to the front.

   The family came to Cortland from Troy and have lived here about eleven years. The young man's mother is dead and he has only one brother, Michael, who works on a farm near the village. The father's first intimation of the death of his son was when a STANDARD [reporter] went to him this afternoon to inquire into the matter.

 

Died in Scott.

   Mr. John Sheehy, aged 64 years, died Thursday afternoon at his home in Scott. The cause of death was cerebral apoplexy, Mr. Sheehy is survived by his wife, three sons, Messrs. Thomas Sheehy of Yonkers John Sheehy of Scott, Al Sheehy of Cortland, and two daughters, Mrs. L. D. Ellis of Washington-st., Cortland, and Miss Florence Sheehy of Scott.

   Funeral services will be held at the home in Scott at 8 o'clock to-morrow morning and at St. Mary's church, Cortland at 10 o'clock. Burial at Cortland.

 

M. L. Cleary.

Firehouse, Emerald Hose Co., Cortland, N. Y.

THE EMERALDS INCORPORATE.

Capital Stock $6,000—1,200 Shares—The List of Directors.

   ALBANY, Aug. 18, (Special.)—Papers incorporating the Emerald Stock Co. of Cortland, N. Y., have been filed with the secretary of state. The capital stock is $6,000, divided into 1,200 shares. The object of the company is to transact a general real estate business. The directors are M. F. Cleary, Henry Corcoran, B. H. McNiff, John F. Dowd and Daniel Reilly.—C. N. A.

   A STANDARD reporter this afternoon called upon Mr. Cleary to seek further information in regard to the incorporation. Mr. Cleary verified the facts above noted and said that this action indicated no change of purpose or of place on the part of the Emerald Hose Co. It was still to remain a hose company and would strive to do its duty to the best of its ability. But the company had within a few weeks paid off the last cent of its indebtedness and now owns its building and site, its furnishings and equipments free and clear, and the incorporation is for the better protection of its property for the benefit of the present members of the company.

 

THE GRANGERS' EXCURSION.

Special Train of Nineteen Coaches for Oswego.

   The grangers' excursion to Oswego this morning is by far the largest excursion leaving Cortland this season. Nineteen coaches besides the baggage car composed the special train which left the Cortland station at just 8 o'clock. The train started from Killawog and had eleven coaches all pretty well filled when it reached Cortland. Eight cars were added here and it looked as though the train would be crowded before reaching Tully, where the last stop for passengers was to be made. There were nearly 900 people on the train when it left Cortland. The number sold at the stations from Killawog to Cortland was as follows: Killawog 74, Marathon 212 full tickets, 18 children's tickets; Blodgett Mills 70, Cortland 507 full tickets, 20 children's tickets. At Homer 107 tickets were sold, at Little York sixty-five and at Preble it is said that a crowd of at least 150 people were waiting to take the train. Standing room was at a premium when the train left Homer, and before it got away from Tully it must have been crowded almost to suffocation.

   Over fifty tickets were sold at McGraw and a number from that place took the special train. Quite a number from the Lehigh Valley and from the E. & C. N. Y. came to Cortland and took the regular 9:20 train.

   The excursion train arrived safely at Oswego at 11:40 o'clock with nearly 1,400 passengers on board.

 

THOSE BICYCLE CASES.

Some Plead Guilty, Some Stand Trial—Police Justice Thrown from Wheel.

   The following arrests were made last night for alleged violation of the bicycle ordinance: Abraham Weatherwax, E. C. Palmer, B. L. Bentley and a boy by the name of Geer. Mr. Bentley and Mr. Palmer appeared this morning and pleaded not guilty. Mr. Palmer demanded a jury trial which was denied and both cases were set down for 2 o'clock this afternoon. Mr. Weatherwax was obliged to be out of town, so his case as well as that of Geer was held open.

   Mrs. C. S. Martin, whose case was set down for hearing last evening at 8 o'clock, pleaded guilty to the charge and paid a fine of $1.00.

   Wm. A. Dunn, who was arrested for riding on a sidewalk on Port Watson-st., was discharged as it was proved that the street at that point was not in a suitable condition for riding. Police Justice Davis could then more readily accept evidence on the point as he had himself been thrown from his wheel while trying to ride along the street at that point only a short time before.

   At 2 P. M. William Schouten, who was arrested Wednesday night, appeared and produced evidence that he was necessarily away from home without a light when the arrest occurred. He was discharged. The court heard evidence in the cases of Messrs. B. L. Bentley and E. C. Palmer, and dismissed.

   Mrs. Carrie Smith, whose hearing had been set down for 2:30 P. M., appeared by her attorney, John Courtney, Jr., and upon satisfactory evidence that Mrs. Smith was not able to appear in person the case was adjourned until to-morrow afternoon at 2 o'clock.

 

Lydia A. Hammond Strowbridge, M. D.

HAMMOND FAMILY REUNION.

At the Home of Dr. L. A. Strowbridge in Cortland.

   The 24th annual reunion of the Hammond family was held at the home of Dr. L. A Strowbridge, 20 Monroe Heights, to-day, and as is to be expected upon such occasions, was a very pleasant affair. More than seventy members of the family were present, including from a distance Dr. Allen and Miss Mary Allen of Rockford, Prof. and Mrs. Wilber Saxton of Sanitaria Springs, Mr. and Mrs. Howard D. Hammond and daughter, and Mrs. Edminster of Brooklyn, and Mrs. Mabel Lankton of New York city.

   Dinner was served on the lawn beneath the trees in the rear of the house, and after the dinner a short business session was held, at which the following officers were elected:

   President—S. S. Hammond of Freetown.

   Vice-President—Henry Hammond of McGraw.

   Secretary—Mrs. L. A. Strowbridge of Cortland.

   Registrar—Mary Allen of Richford.

   Treasurer—Samuel Hammond of McGraw.

   Executive Committees—S. S. Hammond, Henry Hammond, Mrs. L. A. Strowbridge and Samuel Hammond.

 

BEEBE FAMILY REUNION

Held Yesterday at Home of Garrett P. Rockwell of Taylor.

   The annual reunion and picnic of the Beebe family was held yesterday at the old Beebe homestead, the present home of Mr. Garrett P. Rockwell of Taylor. Over sixty members of the family were in attendance and the occasion was one long to be remembered. Tables were spread on the lawn and a most sumptuous dinner was served. The day was pleasantly spent in a social way, and in renewing old friendships. Relatives from a distance who were present included: Mr. and Mrs. George N. White and Mrs. Ellen Wire White of Marion, Ia., Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rockwell of New York City, Mrs. Sarah Fish Stickney and Mrs. Lewis Rogers of Whitney Point, Frank L. Rogers of Johnstown, N. Y., Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Wright and daughter Charlotte of Binghamton, Dana B. Neal of Albany, Alonzo Beebe of Fairport, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Clark and Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Kenyon of Cortland.

   The following officers were elected: Pres., Lucien Cotton of Earlville; vice-pres., Charles T. Neal of Lincoln, Neb.; sec'y and treas., Mrs. Olivia R. Kenyon of Cortland.

   The reunion next year will be held at the same place and the date will be the third Thursday in August.

 

Prohibition Nominations.

   The Prohibition party county convention has made the following nominations for the offices to be filled at the fall election:

   For Member of Assembly—Lewis S. Hayes of Cortland.

   For County Treasurer—Thurlow Blackman of Homer.

   For School Commissioner:

   First District—Mrs. Mary Blackmer Bentley, Cortland.

   Second District—Mrs. Clara Van Buskirk of Preble.

   The convention was enthusiastic and harmonious and the party will conduct an active campaign throughout the county.

 

Many Grapes This Year.

   The grape crop of this, the greatest grape growing state in the Union, is reported as the largest ever known this year. There are 14,000 acres of grapes in the Hudson river section, 30,000 acres around Cayuga, Seneca and Canandaigua lakes, and the Chautauqua region will ship 5,000 carloads.

 

Building a Barn in Taylor.

   Contractor and Builder Dudley G. Corwin of this village has been awarded the contract to erect a large barn 30 by 65 feet and a silo 10 by 24 feet in size, on a farm owned by the Hon. O. U. Kellogg, in the town of Taylor near Solon pond. The work of erecting the buildings began last Monday morning, and is under the personal supervision of Martin Miller and R. D Graham, two well-known and experienced carpenters of Cortland.

 

Frost In Taylor.

   Last Monday morning frost injured buckwheat on the farm of J. N. Whitney, on the low lands in Taylor Valley near Taylor.

 

THE MILK PROBLEM.

Record of Further Progress as Told by Secretary H. T. Coon.

   The American Agriculturist contains the following from H. T. Coon of Little York, secretary of the F. S. M. P. A.:

   The executive committee of the Five States Milk Producers' association is now in New York City pushing the work to completion. I have received very encouraging reports from them and we now have every reason to believe that the work will soon be successful. The members of the committee are now in need of data to present to the New York parties in order that all the details of the plan may be worked out as fast as possible. Many of the required facts I have obtained through the various letters sent out, but part of the sections have failed as yet to report in full. Before this issue of The Agriculturist reaches you I shall have sent out more than 300 letters which it is of the utmost importance should be answered as soon as possible. The information gained at this time is most important to our committee and I trust all will be very prompt in replies, as much work must be done in tabulating the same before it can be forwarded to New York.

   Our committee are faithful in their work and we must not embarrass them in the least by neglecting any part of the work assigned us. The central officers of the F. S. M. P. A. are much encouraged by the manner in which our farmers are supporting them. It is a long pull and a strong pull, but if we continue to all pull together, even the dealers themselves admit we must eventually win [higher prices for raw milk].

 

BREVITIES.

   —There will be a private dancing party at the [Traction Co. or Riverside] park this evening.

   —There will be no services at Grace Episcopal church on Sunday.

   —McDermott's orchestra plays tonight at a grand reception and dance at Genoa.

   —A Hamilton man realized over $275 from one acre of early peas shipped to New York market.

   —In our McGraw letter to-day occurs the account of a remarkably brilliant society wedding in that place last night.

   —New display advertisements to-day: W. A. Stockwell, Equitable Life Insurance Co., page 8; Bingham & Miller, page 7.

   —Remarkably hot days and cool nights seem to be the order of things now, but the ground does need rain very much indeed. The dust is getting to be unbearable.