THE HAGUE CONFERENCE WAS A GREAT SUCCESS, FIREMEN'S CONVENTION, AND CHURCH ACTIVITIES

 

William Thomas Stead.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, July 26, 1899.

WAS A GREAT SUCCESS.

Outcome of the Peace Conference at The Hague.

DELEGATES ARE SURPRISED.

It ls the Unanimous Opinion of the American Delegates That This Conference Begins a New Epoch and That the Good Seeds Sown Will Bear Rich Harvest Hereafter.

   THE HAGUE, July 26.—William T. Stead made the following statement in reference to the work of the peace commission:

   "I have seen the American delegates, and they talk freely about the conference, but refused to make a statement about the results before the conference rises. The following, however, may be accepted as a fairly accurate summary of the views they entertain:

   "The conference achieved a great success, much greater than the delegates anticipated, and the result was achieved largely by the amour propre of capable men from all parts of the world, determined to accomplish something worth their assembling together.

   "The result surprised all of them, and the magnitude of the gains is imperfectly understood even by the conference.

   "The establishment of a permanent court of arbitration on the American principle of revision, plus the French declaration of the duty of neutrals to recommend disputing powers to resort to the arbitration court rather than to war, represents vast progress in the evolution of human society. The recognition of the duty to represent to disputants, the desirability of resorting to the arbitration court entails no obligation on the Americans inconsistent with their traditional policy. This is made absolutely clear by the declaration signed by the American delegation, read in full at the conference and entered on the records.

   "Mr. Low was busily engaged, upon the elaboration of the final act recording the work of the conference. Mr. Holls has achieved a position of influence much greater than that of many of the first delegates, and Captain Crozier is much admired for his plucky fight in support of his amendment to the Russian resolution on dum-dum bullets.

   "The relations between the American and other delegates, notably the English, German and Russian, has been extremely friendly. The Englishmen and Americans acted throughout almost like a joint delegation. This was due to no arrangement or direction, but solely because both nations found common ground for defense, common interests, civilization and humanity.

   "The only point on which the English delegates failed to support the Americans was the resolution forbidding the capture of private property at sea. To this the English representatives were not opposed, but the British cabinet being divided the delegates had no instructions regarding the matter, and abstained from taking action.

   "After the arbitration convention is signed it will probably be open to the adhesion of all other powers not represented at the conference on condition that no original signatory of the convention object. This right to blackball any power wishing to join the convention was insisted upon by Italy, in order to prevent the adhesion of the pope, and by England on account of the Transvaal. It is hoped that all the South American states will come in.

   "It is the unanimous opinion of all the American delegates that the conference begins a new epoch and that the good seed now sown will bear a rich harvest hereafter."

 

Queen Victoria.

Queen Victoria's Eyes Improving.

   LONDON, July 26.—Queen Victoria has been undergoing a course of treatment for 10 weeks for her eyes, as advised by Professor Pagenstecher of Wiesbaden with the most successful result. The queen's eyesight is no longer in danger, and an operation will be unnecessary. Her majesty now wears powerful glasses of unusually large size and with black rims, which were ordered by Professor Pagenstecher, and when she is obliged to use artificial light she prefers a shaded wax candle.

 

OIL STOVE THE CAUSE.

FINE OLD FARM HOUSE OF MRS. J. P. PRICE BURNED.

When the Boiler Was Removed the Flame Leaped up—Two Women Powerless to Extinguish the Blaze—Loss Upwards of $2,500—Partially Insured.

   During the noon hour to-day the fine old farmhouse belonging to Mrs. J. P. Price and located on her farm a hundred rods south of the brick schoolhouse and a mile west of Main-st., Cortland, went up in smoke and flame. It was at about 11:45 o'clock that the fire caught. Mrs. Price and the wife of her oldest son, Mr. R. P. Price, who occupies and works the farm, were alone in the home. The younger Mrs. Price was doing a little washing over an oil stove that stood in the woodshed in the extreme rear of the house. She finished and removed her boiler from the stove. The breeze was strong from the west and swept through the shed causing the flame in the stove to leap up and ignite some towels and other cloths that hung on a line above it. In a moment the whole line of cloths was ablaze. Mrs. Price flung a rug over the stove and extinguished the fire there and then threw the stove out of doors, where it was found unharmed and unexploded during and after the fire.

   Meanwhile the blaze had run along the line and had got into the woodwork which was as dry as tinder. A pail of water stood conveniently by, and Mrs. Price dashed it upon the fire, but to no purpose. The shed was full of dry kindling wood and of dry wood such as is usually found in that part of the farmhouse of any thrifty and forehanded farmer, and the blaze spread with great rapidity.

   It was apparent in a moment to both the ladies that the house was doomed, for the strong west breeze would sweep the flames right across the body of the house, as it stood on the west side of the street. Mrs. Price ran across the street and shouted "fire" to her husband who was at work nearly a half mile away at the extreme eastern end of the farm. He heard the call and saw a volume of smoke rising above the house and started at once in that direction at top speed.

   When he reached the house he was out of breath. He ran around it and discovered that the woodshed was even then almost entirely gone. His first object was to save certain valuable papers which were put away in a bureau drawer, and he succeeded in taking nearly all of the drawers of that piece of furniture out of the house before the smoke drove him from the room. Help had arrived by that time and the furniture was quickly removed from the other lower rooms. Scarcely anything was saved from the upper rooms. Mr. and Mrs. John Luker had a few rooms up stairs [sic] and lost all their belongings. There were three large storerooms up there filled with the furniture and personal effects of Mrs. J. P. Price, which she had not had occasion to use since the death of Mr. Price and since she gave up housekeeping, though her parlor furniture still occupied the parlor and was all saved. But all that above was destroyed, much to her own regret and that of her children, for among it were many valuable pieces of furniture and various articles, each having a history and significance of its own, many of which they could place no money value upon.

   But by this time the fire was out of the roof and sparks were rising high and were sweeping across to the barns the other side of the street, and there was great danger that these too would burn. A line of men took their stations along the ridge pole and a bucket brigade passed water to them from the barn well, so that the roofs were kept soaked till the danger was past.

   By 1 o'clock the whole building was down, though it resisted the flames to the last. It was a one and one-half story house built sixty years ago or more at a time when they put timbers into a house. All the frame was of hard wood hewed out and pinned together. The partitions were all solid with two inch plank so that the fire could not get inside of them, but had to burn them up bodily and wholly to get from one room to another. The house though old had been kept in good repair, having been recently repaired on the inside to a considerable extent. The house and the farm had been in the possession of the Price family since 1861. The house was a comfortable and cozy looking farmhouse, standing on a corner under the abundant shade of some towering maple trees, some of which are badly damaged by the flames, and with a handsome old orchard in its rear. The family feel very badly at its loss.

   It is only possible so far to get an approximate idea of the loss. Mr. Price thinks the house could not be replaced for $1,500. There was an insurance of about $1,000 or $1,200, Mr. Price could not tell which. It had formerly been $1,500, but had been reduced a year or two ago, and he did not remember just to what degree. He also carried an insurance of about $500 on his household furniture and effects. One of the policies was with the Several Counties Insurance Co. and the other with the Grange. Mrs. J. P. Price also had a small amount of insurance on her goods. Probably the total value of the goods destroyed was not less than $1,000. Mr. and Mrs. Luker had no insurance on their goods, and their loss will be a few hundred dollars.

   Mrs. R. P. Price was considerably burned about the hands in her efforts to extinguish the flames, but Dr. Strowbridge says that with the exception of one burn on the third finger of the right hand they are all surface burns and will not prove serious. Both of the ladies who were in the house when the fire started are suffering from the effects of the nervous shock and are feeling quite ill at present.

   The three sons of Mrs. J. P. Price and the one daughter are Messrs. Richard P. and Charles H. Price of Cortland, H. W. Price of Oswego and Mrs. Elmer E. Williams of Homer. All but Mr. H. W. Price were present this noon before the house had burned down.

 

FIREMEN'S CONVENTION.

Low Rates to Ithaca on Aug. 1 and 2—Good for Return to Aug. 4.

   On account of the central New York firemen's convention at Ithaca on Aug. 1, 2 and 3 the Lehigh Valley R. R. will sell tickets from Cortland to Ithaca and return at the low rate of 60 cents. Tickets good going on Aug. 1, 2 and 3 and all limited for return passage to Aug. 4 inclusive. On Aug. 3, parade day, in addition to regular trains which will themselves carry special cars, there will also be special trains both ways. Consult Lehigh Valley ticket agent for further particulars.

 

FOR THE FIREMEN.

FORECAST OF EVENTS AT ITHACA AUG. 1, 2 AND 3.

Judges in Band Contest and Horse Races Appointed—Convention to be Held in the Court House—Many Special Prizes are to be Presented—Line of March.

   The following is from the Ithaca Journal of Tuesday and will give Cortland county firemen an idea of what to expect at the convention at Ithaca on Aug. 1, 2 and 3, and what special prizes may be competed for by local firemen:

   A large meeting of members of the firemen's general committee was held in the common council chamber last night, Chairman Cole presiding.

   The committee on finance reported $1,275 collected and $598 promised.

   The committee on music reported the selection of E. M. Treman, W. Grant Egbert and H. E. Dann as judges in band contest.

   The judges on hose race will be C. E. Courtney, Instructor Lannigan and E. P. Andrews; time keepers, F. A. Cobb and L. P. Smith.

   Six teams were reported entered for the hub and hub race, and as many for the hose race.

   Ex-Chief Cole was made chairman of a committee of judges for awarding special prizes and authorized to appoint his colleagues on the committee.

   The chairman appointed Charles C. Garrett, Charles E. Treman and Frank H. Romer a committee to select the convention hall. They reported the selection of the courthouse after a few minutes' consultation with Supervisor T. S. Thompson who is a member of the committee entertaining the delegates.

   H. L. Haskin and Alderman Tree, the committee on speaker and minister for welcoming firemen at convention and opening prayer, reported that the mayor would be invited to deliver the address of welcome.

   The decoration committee awarded the decoration contract to Rothchild Bros.

   It was decided to start for the clambake at Atwaters 1:30 P.M. Tuesday and return at 11 P. M. to Renwick.

   A grand concert by the Ithaca band with thirty-two pieces will be given Wednesday night at Renwick [Park].

   Metal badges for delegates and ribbons for committeemen were ordered by the committee on badges.

   The reception committee will be Chief Ives and Assistant Chiefs Sullivan and Burns.

   The local firemen's exhibition will take place after the parade. Fire alarm 27 will be struck. No. two's horse hose cart will answer and be followed by No. two's steamer for a fire on Seneca-st. Tornado Hook & Ladder company No. 3 will make a run and place ladders against the McWhorter block on Cayuga-st.

   Neriton Chemical will put out a fire between State and Seneca on Cayuga. Sand and asbestos will be used on the pavement to protect it from the fire that will be built there.

SPECIAL PRIZES.

   The committee on special prizes reports that the following had been given:

   A. A. Stephens, umbrella rack to fireman with biggest nose.

   G. M. Van Order, derby hat to homeliest firemen in line.

   A friend, one gallon of whiskey to largest visiting steamer company.

   Cayuga Hose No. 1, a $20 easy chair to team making slowest time in hose race.

   Eureka Hose No. 4, a $25 Ithaca calendar clock to finest appearing company in line.

   C. J. Rumsey & Co., asbestos globe fuel lighter to youngest fireman.

   Louis D. Neill, frame and picture to fireman with handsomest wife.

   Rothschild Bros., fine silk umbrella to biggest dude in parade.

   Seamon Bros., handsome tie to handsomest fireman.

   B. F. Sidcum, one pair pants to leanest fireman in parade.

   P. Rascover, shirts to fireman with largest neck.

   Sprague Steamer company No. 6, pair of $3 shoes to the fireman having the largest foot.

   L. A. Campbell, picture and frame to tallest foreman.

   The Bool company, a rocker for the oldest fireman in service in line.

   Lent & Moore, a large mouth organ to the fireman who can blow the hardest on a testing machine.

   Sam Livingston, a pipe to the shortest fireman.

   Charles Colegrove, box of cigars to shortest foreman.

   David McGaugh. one case of mixed wines to heaviest visiting fireman.

   John Nadge, one box of cigars to largest visiting company.

   Treman, King & company, a good hammock to laziest fireman in the line.

   Rescue Steamer No. 2, $30 silver water pitcher and goblet to company coming farthest to the parade.

   Torrent Hose No. 5, prize for the team making the fastest time in hose race.

   Neriton Chemical company No. 9, $6 silk umbrella to the tallest fireman in the line.

   Leroy James, a pair of russet shoes for best drum major.

   F. H. Atwater, 50-pound sack of flour to fireman with largest family.

   Osborn, ten pounds homemade candy to the largest visiting company, to eat on the way home.

   Caswell & Rappleye, box of cigars to the fireman who sleeps least.

   The convention is called for 11 A. M., Tuesday, Aug. 1.

   The mayor and common council will probably review the parade from the balcony of the New Ithaca; the visiting chiefs and delegates from the reviewing stand at the west side of DeWitt park.

   It was the general opinion of the firemen present that about forty-five different companies would take part in the parade, and possibly more. Three companies and a band will attend from Moravia.

   Room No. 36 in the New Ithaca will be the headquarters of the chief and assistant chiefs of the Ithaca department and for visiting chiefs and ex-chiefs of the departments.

   Delegates and visiting firemen will engage their own quarters in the different city hotels.

LINE OF MARCH.

   Line will form on Buffalo-st. between Aurora and Cayuga-sts. at 2:30 P. M. Thursday, Aug, 3; move on Buffalo to Plain, to Green, to Tioga, to Seneca, to Cayuga, to Lewis; countermarch to Seneca, to Fulton, to State, to Aurora, to Buffalo, where line will be dismissed.

 

Cortland City Band 1898.

Cortland City Band Will be There.

   The Cortland City band is entered and will participate in the band contest at the Central New York firemen's convention in Ithaca next week, and will surely make a grand hustle for the prize. All the old players are in line and the band is rehearsing nightly under the leadership of Mr. George C. Murphy. The band will have twenty-two pieces, and will accompany the Cortland department to Ithaca.

 

THE FIRST BAPTIST PICNIC

Was a Success and All Had a Fine Time.

   The First Baptist picnic at the [Cortland Traction or Riverside] park yesterday was a success in every way. Every one had a good time and about 400 people were there. Those who went on the trolley ride numbered 250. The main events were the disposition of the dinners, and the athletic sports. In the first number every one seemed to be a winner, and in the contests the winners were as follows:

   Tub Race—Mrs. Wilson's class, Merton Gates.

   Potato Race—Girls of Miss Brooks' class, Miss Lena Peck.

   Potato Race—Boys of Miss Carver's class, Robert Foley,

   Clothespin Race—Iva Buell of Prof. Cleaves' class.

   Throwing Ball—Arla Hubbard of Mrs. Chambers' class.

   Tug of War—Won by single men against married men, distance 18 inches.

   Leap Frog Race—Messrs. Stoker and Tamlin of Mrs. Wilson's class.

   Leap Frog Race—Messrs. F. R. and A. C. Smith.

   50-yard Dash—Irving Williams of Mrs. Gillett's class.

   Sack Race—Harry Rindge of Miss Ellsworth's class.

   50-Yard Dash—Denera Cotton of Miss Carver's class.

   Three Legged Race—J. C. Muir and Arthur Smith,

   Running High Jump and Broad Jump—Denera Cotton.

   Throwing Ball—Amy Gale of Mrs. Beardsley's class.

   Throwing at Tree—Miss Clark of Mr. Baldwin's class.

   Running Race—Ella Melvin of primary department.

   Pitching Quoits—N. P. Walsworth and E. M. Van Hoesen of the Little Samuels.

   Throwing 12-pound Hammer—Almon Sanders.

   The baseball game between the Baracas and the members of Mr. Howell's

Bible class was won by the latter, 14 to 11. J. C. Muir officiated as umpire.

   J. B. Hunt acted as starter, L. W. Peck as announcer and Rev. W. J. Howell and E. M. Eastman as judges.

 

S. N. Holden.

SUNDAY-SCHOOL CLASS PICNIC.

Mr. Wright's Ladies and Their Husbands Take an Outing.

   Sunday school class No. 11 of the Congregational church held a delightful outing at the park yesterday afternoon. The class is composed of ladies and its faithful teacher is Mr. B. T. Wright who has held that honored position for fourteen years.

   Yesterday the husbands of the ladies were invited guests and seventy people gathered at the tables spread with a bounteous repast provided by the members of the class. An impromptu program of exercises was carried out. It included an address of welcome by Mr. S. N. Holden, some rhymes by Mrs. E. P. Wright, a duet by Mr. and Mrs. B. T. Wright, a conundrum by Mrs. Watson and remarks by the teacher of the class, the pastor of the church, Rev. Wm. H. Pound, and by a former pastor of the church, Rev. Edward Taylor, D. D., whose presence added much to the enjoyment of the occasion.

   By the courtesy of the manager of the electric car lines, Mr. Westcott, a portion of the class on the homeward trip enjoyed a trolley ride to Homer and return. The outing was all that could be desired in every way and those present cannot fail to cherish pleasant memories of it. It served to draw this large and important Sunday-school class yet more closely in the bonds of Christian fellowship.

 

Death of Mr. Cole.

   Mr. Harry Cole, aged 77 years, died at 7 o'clock last evening at his home, 12 Reynolds-ave. The funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30 A. M. and interment will be made in Cortland Rural cemetery. Mrs. Cole died less than two years ago.

   Mr. Cole is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Flora Allerton, Misses Carrie and Nettie E. Cole of Cortland and Mrs. E. G. Paxton of Rochester.

 

BREVITIES.

   —A regular communication of Cortland chapter, No. 194, R. A. M., will be held this evening,

   —New display advertisements to-day are—McGraw & Osgood, Oxford ties, page 5; Prof. Gentry's dog and pony show, page 8; Pope Mfg. Co., Bicycles, page 6.

   —The funeral of Mr. Horace P. Goodrich will be held from his late home, 35 Tompkins-st., at 3 o'clock to-morrow afternoon. Interment will be made in the Cortland Rural cemetery.

   —A mothers' meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. B. J. Brink, 11 Garfield-st. on Friday, July 28, at 3 P. M. Neighbors and all others interested are most cordially invited to be present.

   —The awning at the dry goods store of M. A. Case caught fire yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock from a lighted match which had been thrown out upon it from a window above and quite a hole was burned in it. A pail of water extinguished the flames.

   —Mr. Horace P. Goodrich at the time of his death was the only charter member of the board of trustees of the Cortland Savings bank. Wm. R. Randall, David E. Whitmore and Perrin H. McGraw were charter members and are still living, but they are not now members of the board.

   —Otis O. Perry, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer O. Perry of Cortland died at Wells, Hamilton Co., N. Y., Tuesday July 25 at 11 A. M., aged 4 months and 4 days, The remains will arrive tonight at 8 o'clock and the funeral will be held to-morrow at 10:30 A. M. from their home, 14 Washington-st.

   —Some of the teams engaged in drawing cement and ether materials to the Lincoln-ave. paving job have been compelled to haul loads of four tons. This has come to the notice of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and a warning from Officer Edwards this morning has caused the loads to be lessened in weight.