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| Guglielmo Marconi. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, August 23, 1899.
GREAT VALUE IN WAR.
Government Experimenting With Wireless Telegraphy.
GREAT SECRECY WITH THE WORK.
Tests to Be Made Between Vessels at Sea and Vessels and the Shore—Instructions to a Naval Attache of the United Status In London. Two Defects.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23.—Action has been taken by the navy department looking to the purchase of instruments for experimenting with wireless telegraphy on board American ships of war. Considerable secrecy is thrown around the work of the navy department in connection with wireless telegraphy, not because there is any desire to keep the public in the dark, but because of the experimental stage in which the invention rests.
The progress which has been made, however, especially the recent maneuvers of the British fleet, have demonstrated that for naval purposes the system is sure to be successful. Great attention has been given the subject by the French and Italian navies, and the work of the British admiralty in connection with Marconi has shown the value of the invention.
For some time past Lieutenant John Colwell, the naval attache of the United States in London, has been carefully following the Marconi experiments, and fully reporting upon them. Those reports were considered by Rear Admiral Bradford, chief of the bureau of equipment, and upon his recommendation the department has instructed Lieutenant Colwell to consult with Signor Marconi regarding the purchase of instruments of the kind used in the British maneuvers and the character of their installation on board men-of-war. It is not known what progress Lieutenant Colwell has made, but as soon as the instruments are received active experimentation between vessels and between vessels and shore will commence.
Signalling with flags is much faster than with the Marconi system, but there is always risk of the mistake in taking in signals from a distance. Wireless telegraphy will minimize the chance of such accidents.
At the same time flag signals have other grave defects. To send them and take them in smartly, a large number of men must be in an exposed position, high up above the deck—a splendid target for the shrapnel and machine guns. But with wireless telegraphy signals can easily be made from ship to ship over a gap of 30 miles. No one need be exposed, and no large staff is necessary. In some cases a range of 50 miles has been attained.
The defects of the Marconi system for naval purposes are two. Messages can only be sent slowly, and there may be disturbing interference with the signals from other transmitters in the neighborhood.
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| Capt. Alfred Dreyfus. |
Dreyfus Documents.
VIENNA, Aug. 23.—The Neuss Weiner Tagblatt says it understands that 160 documents are about to be published that will prove the innocence of Dreyfus and the guilt of Henry and Esterhazy.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
The Opera Bouffe at Rennes.
What a travesty is that which passes in France for the administration of justice. But for the stern elements of tragedy in the Dreyfus case one might think that a comic opera was being enacted at Rennes rather than the trial of one of the most momentous cases in modern history. From an Anglo-Saxon point of view the whole proceeding has been a mere opera bouffe, the absurdity of which nobody but a Frenchman could fail to appreciate. Little, if any, proof has been offered by the prosecution touching the vital question under consideration. One so called witness after another has harangued the court in a grandiloquent manner, declaring his hatred of the prisoner and his conviction of his guilt, but scarcely a relevant fact has been added to the record of the case by them. In a legally civilized country these witnesses would not be permitted to go one or two sentences without having their testimony objected to and ruled out as irrelevant and immaterial. There have been two particularly and conspicuously irrelevant and outrageous witnesses, Mercier and Roget, one an ex-minister of war, the other a general high in rank. The attitude of the latter on the witness stand was particularly contemptible, attempting in every sentence to exasperate beyond his self control a necessarily tongue-tied man. If Dreyfus had drawn a revolver and shot him, he would have been enthusiastically acquitted in a frontier' community, where there is more elementary human sense of justice than in the French republic.
A mechanical army is one of the possibilities of the future. If the experiment of mounting an automatic gun on an automobile should prove successful, it may only be necessary after a time to wind up these machines and turn them loose among the enemy.
IN NEW QUARTERS.
Undertaker Wright Removed to 16 Groton-ave.
Mr. E. R. Wright, who recently purchased the Johnson property just west of the Opera House on Groton-ave., has completed extensive repairs about the premises and has removed his undertaking business and livery establishment to his new location. The place and location are just about what Mr. Wright has been looking for ever since he came to Cortland—a place centrally located, where he would have sufficient room for both branches of his business. The changes and repairs made about the place have been with a view of meeting all requirements. The entire west side of the house has been fitted up for the undertaking department, and will be used exclusively for that purpose. At the left of the entrance is a large room used for a showroom. In case of an accident in town or of a death at the hospital, or where a body is brought from out of town for burial and there are no friends to whose home to remove it, ample accommodations have been provided for caring for the body and the rooms are so arranged that funeral services can be held there if desired. Electric lights have been put in both house and barn.
Mr. Wright or an assistant is constantly on hand day and night and always ready to respond to calls. New carriages have been added to the already complete equipment of the livery and a specialty is made of first-class turn outs.
A convenient device which Mr. Wright has just added in his undertaking department is a casket carriage which does away with all lifting of the casket and permits of moving it about with almost no difficulty. The carriage consists of an oxidized bronze frame mounted on small rubber-tired wheels, about 6 inches in diameter.
Mr. Wright's office is connected with the telephone exchange and his ambulance is ready at all times to answer calls in cases of accident.
WEATHER BUREAU OBSERVATORY.
New United States Headquarters of Climate and Crop Service of New York at Cornell.
The state legislature having failed to provide further support for the New York State Weather Bureau, the operations of that Bureau have ceased. But in order that the work heretofore done by the New York State Weather Bureau in co-operation with the United States Weather Bureau may be kept up, Professor Willis L. Moore, chief of the United States Weather Bureau, Washington, D. C., has generously consented to take charge of the old bureau and reorganize it as the New York section of the climate and crop service of the United States department of agriculture, weather bureau.
Professor Moore has recently visited Cornell university to consult with Acting President Crane and Professor Fuertes relative to the new Central station at Cornell university. As a result of the consultation, a harmonious and efficient corporation has been arranged between the United States Weather Bureau and Cornell university, thus continuing the work which has heretofore been carried on under the direction of Professor Fuertes. In addition to this, the United States Weather Bureau is now equipping the Ithaca station with all the necessary instruments for making meteorological observations, the equipment to be among the most complete in the United States.
Commodious quarters have been assigned the Weather Bureau. The Central office is in close touch by wire with the different parts of the country, and a weather map is issued every morning at 10 o'clock, showing weather conditions all over the United States and in parts of Canada. The Weather Bureau has also arranged to continue the weekly and monthly climate and crop bulletins, a printing plant having been provided for issuing these publications.
THE COUNTY FAIR
TO OCCUR AT THE FAIR GROUNDS AUG. 29 TO SEPT. 1.
Some of the Attractions—Unprecedented Display of Stock, Mechanical Exhibits and Industrial and Fancy Work—The Races, Balloon Ascension, Fireworks, Western Indians, a Public Wedding.
It is with satisfaction that the management of the sixty-first annual fair of the Cortland County Agricultural society, lays before the public some few of the many attractions that will this year be presented, procured at great expense to the society, and which the officers are encouraged to do, in consequence of the liberal patronage bestowed upon the society last year by all classes of citizens.
That the confidence of the people of the county is still continued in the ability of the management to make the sixty-first annual fair lead all preceding ones in great variety of exhibits, and in special features is already manifest in the fact that early in the present month it became apparent that the space in the main exhibition building, heretofore regarded as ample, was all secured by citizens desiring to exhibit their wares and the products of Cortland county farms, necessitating the procuring of a large canvas tent with the hope that all applicants may be accommodated. As an indication of the great exhibit insured for this year's fair, it is only necessary to record that all the stalls and cattle pens having been long ago engaged; it was found necessary to procure another canvas tent for the accommodation of the owners of stock that were clamoring for space. It is safe to predict that the patrons of the fair this year will be afforded an opportunity to see more fine bred stock than has ever before been congregated at any county Agricultural fair held in the Empire state; hence it is not necessary to assure farmers and others that this will be one of the great features of this fair.
The poultry show which has for several years been a prominent feature, promises to take on proportions this year never before attained. A large canvas tent has been procured especially for the poultry exhibit. Disinterested experts on stock and poultry have been engaged for judges, thus insuring honest decisions. Nearly $6,000 are offered in premiums and purses.
The special features provided for the second day of the fair, Wednesday, Aug. 30, are the exhibition of Japanese daylight fireworks, that have recently drawn great crowds to Coney Island, in which are displayed various kinds of double mammoth sizes of figures, fired from mortars. The effects and figures represented are gods and goddesses, human figures, dragons, animals, birds, fishes, turtles, insects, balloons, lanterns, flags, globes, dice, eggs, parasols, flowers, pearls, moons, comets, etc., beside numerous cloud effects which float in the air a long time before gradually descending to the ground, when they may be obtained as souvenirs by the wondering spectators.
There will also be exhibited on the second day a horseless carriage, a vehicle that is predicted by many as destined to supersede the horse to the use of man.
A balloon ascension will also be made by the beautiful Belmont sisters. A large mastiff dog will accompany the aeronaut and will make a parachute jump when hundreds of feet above the earth and a bantam rooster that will rest upon the shoulder of one of the sisters during the ascent, [and] at a given height will be allowed to drop suddenly for a few hundred feet, when it will spread its wings, circle about at the same time nearing the earth, and when it has reaches there, a defiant crow will convulse the crowd with laughter.
On the second day also, the 2:40 class, 3-year olds, pacing and trotting race for a $100 purse will be pulled off. The animals taking part in this race must be owned in Cortland county.
Then there will be a bicycle race upon the second day for a $50 purse. An interesting feature of this race will be that the participants will be required to observe the rules governing horse racing.
On Thursday, Aug. 81, or the third day of the fair, another ascension will be made in a balloon by the Belmonts, and the marriage of a Cortland couple before the grandstand will take place and the people will be afforded another opportunity to witness the Japanese daylight fireworks; also the 2:30 and 2:25 class trotting and pacing races will be pulled off for $150 purses.
On Friday, Sept. 1, the fourth day of the fair, a parade of the premium stock will take place, when the winners of the prizes will be announced from the judge's stand through an improved megaphone that can be distinctly heard a distance of two miles.
A most rare and interesting attraction of the fourth day of the fair will be the pagan dances by a large party of Indians from the wilds of the West, garbed in savage attire and accompanied by a medicine man who will go through with the weird incantations peculiar to the tradition of the red men. There will be present Indians of both sexes, and all ages. The famous green corn dance of the Indians will also be given before the grandstand. The races for this day will consist of the 2:18 class trotting and pacing race for a purse of $200, also a pony race, a half-mile dash, an interesting feature of which will be the pretty drivers—girls under 16 years of age. A bicycle race will also be pulled off, the participants in which will be young women costumed in the latest French styles of bicycle suits that are very fetching.
The management desires to call attention to these special premiums, numbering nearly 200, valued at $1,000, donated by Cortland's enterprising business men, which have previously been enumerated in detail. Remember that the season ticket costing $1 admits you and your family to the fair during the four days and entitles you to entries for premiums in all classes, free of charge, including a chance to win the $100 rubber-tired buggy.
Excursion rates on all railroads leading to and from Cortland. Single admission to the grounds, 25 cents. Remember the dates, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Aug. 29, 30, 31 and Sept. 1.
MEETING AT DRYDEN SPRINGS.
An Invitation Issued to Friends and Former Patrons.
An important meeting will be held at Dryden Springs Place Sanitarium, Sept. 7 at 2 P. M., for which occasion a special invitation is issued to all friends and former patrons of Dryden Springs throughout Dryden and neighboring towns, who will be interested to learn the plans and purposes of the Dryden Springs Mineral Water company, organized for the development of an extensive mineral water plant and for the building of a large summer hotel at Dryden Springs Place with cottage attachments and all modern sanitarium appliances for the convenience of invalid guests, both at Dryden Springs and at other popular localities where winter branches will be established.
The Dryden Springs Mineral Water company is already receiving liberal orders for shipments of the water to Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and to many other points.
Purchased the Grant-st. Grocery.
Mr. Earl B. Cummings has purchased the entire grocery stock and fixtures of J. W. Brown, 7 Grant-st., and took possession yesterday. Mr. Cummings has been a popular and efficient clerk for F. Daehler for the past four years and for four years previous to that time had been in the store more or less. He will conduct a cash business and deliver goods upon order to all parts of the town. The location is a good one for a grocery and Mr. Cummings will doubtless have a liberal patronage.
DEATH OF WILLIAM GRAY.
Contact With a Live Wire Caused a Fall and Broken Back.
Mr. William Gray who was injured July 20 by an electric wire and a fall from the roof of the Riley building on Main-st. died at his home, 8 Townley-ave. at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Gray was 46 years of age and came to Cortland from Welburn, England about twenty-five years ago. He is survived by his wife and three children—one son, 15 years of age, and two daughters aged respectively 10 and 6 years. Two brothers and one sister in England and one sister in this country, Mrs. E. Booker of Dubois, Pa., also survive. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the house and at 2 o'clock at the Homer-ave. church.
Mr. Gray was a member of John L. Lewis lodge, I. O. O. F., and members of the Odd Fellows' organizations of Cortland will attend the funeral in a body.
The accident which resulted in the death of Mr. Gray occurred on the afternoon of July 20. Mr. Gray was at work on the roof of the Riley building, 16 and 18 Main-st., and with other workmen had just about completed shingling, when he came in contact with a live electric wire and received a severe shock. He fell to the ground, a distance of 25 feet, striking on his head and shoulders, and was taken to his home in an ambulance. His back was broken and he was partially paralyzed. Death was due to the results of the electric shock.
Mr. Gray was an honest, industrious and faithful workman, a kind husband and father and the sympathy of the community will go out to the bereaved family.
W. C. T. U. ANNUAL MEETING.
Reports of Department Work and Election of Officers.
The annual meeting of the W. C. T. U. was held at the rooms on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30, o'clock. After devotional exercises led by Mrs. Greenman, plans were discussed for furnishing meals and lunches at the county fair, and the reports of soliciting and purchasing committees were given. The generous response with which they had met was very encouraging.
The name of Mrs. Adelaide Withey was proposed for membership.
Annual reports of superintendents of departments were then given. The following are brief summaries of a few, others will be given later:
Superintendent of Systematic Giving Mrs. Hills reported that fifty-five ladies were contributing regularly to the work of the union and that the amount given during the year had been $28.69.
Superintendent of Parlor Meetings Mrs. Dunn, stated that two such meetings had been held during the year; one at the rooms in memory of Miss Willard, the other at the home of Mrs. C. W. Collins in the interests of the department of mercy.
Mrs. Culver, superintendent of the Fruit and Flower mission, stated that during the present season 550 bouquets, 100 of which were accompanied with Scripture texts, had been sent to New York. A large amount of work was also done at the close of last season. Not only fruit and flowers had been contributed, but clothing, vegetables, papers, scrap books and cards.
Superintendent of Legislation and Petition Miss Robertson reported that two petitions had come to her which had been presented to the union, properly signed, and sent to the senator and member from our district. These were the anti-treating bill and the protest against changing the scientific temperance instruction law.
A letter was read from the family of the late Mrs. Lester acknowledging the tribute of flowers sent by the union.
A motion was made that the annual county convention be invited to meet in Cortland Sept. 6 and 7. Motion was carried and committees of arrangement appointed.
The annual election of officers for the local union then took place. The results were as follows:
President—Mrs. Greenman.
Vice-President—Mrs. Hills.
Corresponding Secretary—Mrs. Cotton.
Recording Secretary—Mrs. Waterbury.
Treasurer—Mrs. Weller.
The following vice-presidents for the various churches were also elected:
Episcopal—Mrs. Dunn.
First Methodist—Mrs. Hinman.
Homer-ave.—Mrs. Bouton.
Presbyterian—Mrs. Collins.
First Baptist—Mrs. Jepson.
Memorial Baptist—Mrs. Squires.
Congregational—Mrs. Hillick.
Free Methodist—Mrs. Lowell.
Catholic—Miss Dowd.
CORTLAND BUSINESS INSTITUTE.
Successor of Joiners' Business School—Will Open on Sept. 5.
A. W. Dakin of Syracuse, who formerly with his brothers conducted a business school in that city, has purchased Joiners' business school and under the name of Cortland Business Institute will open the fall term in the Democrat building in Cortland on Tuesday, Sept. 5, Mr. Dakin has been connected with business schools in Syracuse since 1886 and is recognized as one of the foremost penmen in the country. The latest methods will be employed and the instruction will all be first-class. The course includes everything usually taught in such a school. An opportunity is here afforded to Cortland young men and women to secure a first-class business training without the additional expense incidental to living away from home. Call at the school for further information and for terms.
BREVITIES.
—The Norwich papers say the hop picking season begins next Monday. A large crop is in prospect.
—Teamsters began drawing material for the curbing for the new Port Watson-st. pavement this morning.
—The mills along the Black river in this state have had to shut down because the water is too low to furnish power.
—There will be an Assembly dancing party at the park Friday evening. Cars will leave the Messenger House at 7:20 and 8 o'clock.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Samson's compound, page 6; McKinney & Doubleday, To be given away, an Eclipse bicycle, page 8.
—A Binghamton man was fined by the recorder $3 for driving a load of hay along the streets of the city on the left instead of the right side of the street.
—Thirteen members of the Knights of the Maccabees went to Ithaca this morning to attend the annual convention of that order held there to-day and to-morrow.
—A cash register in a Batavia store was struck by lightning and wrecked during a thunder shower Monday. No other damage was done at the store except the upsetting of a jardiniere.
—A little girl 3 years old, asked her brother while riding out in the country why people called a cow red and a horse bay when they were both of a color. A very proper question too.
—There has been a great rash of business here of late on the night Lehigh Valley. Two extra sleepers, one for New York, the other for Philadelphia, were attached to train No. 6 last night and every berth was taken on both the regulars and extras.—Ithaca Journal.
—Cortland was indeed fortunate in not having a worse gale in connection with the shower Monday afternoon. The Auburn and Geneva papers report great destruction of property from the wind, and the blow on Seneca lake was said to be one of the worst known. A canal boat and a scow were sunk.
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