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| New York State Soldiers and Sailors Home. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, January4, 1900.
SOLDIERS' HOME INQUIRY.
Sensational Testimony Elicited at Yesterday's Investigation.
ELMIRA, N. Y., Jan. 4. The investigation of the soldiers' home at Bath, which was begun early in December and after several days adjourned until after the holidays, was resumed yesterday. Representatives of the state board of charities, the comptroller's office and Deputy Attorney General Coyne and five members of the board of trustees were present. Dr. C. E. Pixley of New York, who was for eight years the assistant surgeon of the home, was the first witness. He testified in cross-examination by Deputy Attorney General Coyne that a trip taken by Commandant Shepard of the home in 1897 was necessitated because of over-indulgence in intoxicating liquors.
Thomas Sage of Elmira Heights, who for six months was pharmacist at the home hospital, testified that he had seen the commandant so intoxicated on the porch of his own home that he fell off a chair in which he was sitting.
Commandant Shepard has preferred charges against Sergeant Major John J. McGuire, whom he dismissed, and who was reinstated by order of the court under the civil service law. He charges McGuire with being incapable.
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| Senator George Frisbie Hoar. |
CONGRESSIONAL DOINGS.
Senator Hoar Will Demand Information Concerning Philippine War.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4.—The senate evinced a disposition yesterday to take up the work of the session in earnest, and while the sitting was of only a little more than an hour's duration, a large number of important bills were introduced and a definite foundation laid for proceedings with the financial bill.
The hour for the beginning of the debate on this measure was fixed for 2 o'clock today.
The most notable event of the day was an objection entered by Mr. Hoar of Massachusetts to the summary disposition of resolutions asking for information about the conduct of the Philippine war. He indicated a purpose to demand consideration for such measures even at the expense of the financial bill.
The 10th inst, was named as the day for the delivery of eulogies in honor of the memory of the late Vice President Hobart.
In the House.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4.—The house was in session but 15 minutes yesterday and during that time a little flurry over an attempt by Mr. Sulzer of New York to secure consideration for a resolution asking information concerning the relations of the treasury department with the National City bank of New York.
The resolution was referred to the committee on ways and means.
Mr. Gaines of Tennessee rose to a question of personal privilege respecting his vote on the Roberts resolution.
These events and the prayer of the chaplain occupied the brief time the house was in session.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
The Governor's Message.
The second annual message of Theodore Roosevelt, governor of the state of New York, was sent to the legislature Wednesday. It is a long document, but it deals clearly and carefully with important problems of state government, and abounds in wise suggestions to the law-makers and the people.
Referring to the canals, Governor Roosevelt recites the steps taken to ascertain the truth of the charges made by the Democrats that there had been criminal mismanagement on the part of the old officials. He tells how he appointed Democratic lawyers to make an investigation, and how he insisted that they should have all the money they needed to carry on their work, and shows that nothing was obtained upon which proceedings in the criminal courts could be based. The canals have been managed successfully during the past year. The appropriations by the legislature were rather meagre, but rigid economies were practiced and though the canals did more business the expenditures decreased 25 per cent.
The National Guard has been reorganized and it has never been on such an efficient basis as it is to-day. The governor hopes that the federal government will soon arm the guard with the rifle used by the national forces.
The officers selected by the president from the state of New York to serve in the volunteer regiments were recommended by Governor Roosevelt. He says that in making the recommendations he considered absolutely not age but military fitness. Doubtless, therefore, New York representatives will do honor to themselves, their state, and their country.
Governor Roosevelt makes some excellent suggestions regarding the game laws. He thinks spring shooting should be stopped entirely; that the state should prohibit the manufacture of bird skins or bird feathers into articles of ornament and that more stringent laws [should] be enacted regarding the preservation of game birds in cold storage.
Taking up the question of loan associations, the governor speaks vigorously, upholding the criticisms in the recent report of the superintendent of the banking department. Loan associations were organized originally for the purpose of enabling men of small means to secure homes on easy terms of payment; expensive offices, extravagant salaries, and costly administration were not contemplated. In many instances, shareholders in loan associations have been greatly wronged by those in charge of their affairs, and there have been some ugly scandals. An attempt should be made to change the laws, so that there may be no more cause for complaint. A more rigid scrutiny by the banking department seems absolutely necessary.
Governor Roosevelt takes strong ground on the Horton law under which, to the disgrace of the people of this state, prize fights, under the protection of law, have been fought nearly every week for the last two years. The existence of the law on the statute books of the state, says the governor, is an offence against decency.
The books of the comptroller's office show receipts for the year of $25,837,136. The expenditures were $25,396,128, or only half a million dollars less; but as there was a large cash balance on hand at the beginning of the year, and the amount available at the close of the year was $3,973,804. The valuation of the state is $5,076,396,824.
The transfer tax act provides that except in the county of Monroe, the county treasurers shall receive 5 per cent of the first $50,000 collected; 3 per cent of the second $50,000, and 1 per cent upon additional sums. The governor says that the amounts withheld in a single year by the treasurers and the comptroller of the city New York aggregate $67,425, and he says either the fees should be abolished entirely or the compensation should be greatly restricted.
The governor believes in the unification of the educational interests of the state and the plan recently suggested has his approval.
After referring briefly to various other departments of the state government, the governor closes his message with an appeal to the legislature to be moderate in legislation. He thinks altogether too many bills are passed. He is urgent, too, on the subject of economy.
FIFTY-F1VE YEARS AGO.
LETTER FROM A FORMER RESIDENT OF SOLON.
Reminiscences of an Early Snowstorm and a Great Democratic Rally in Cortland in the Polk Campaign Against Henry Clay--Some Campaign Songs of Both Parties.
The following letter from Mr. C. G. Maybury, a native of the town of Solon, now a prominent resident of Winona, Minn., will be read with interest not only by those who knew him here, but by all the older residents who remember the presidential campaign of 1844 in this county. Mr. Maybury has for years been a constant reader of The STANDARD and keeps track of the local hews here about as well as many residents of this place.
To The Editor of The STANDARD:
SIR—In these days of our own war in the Philippines and the Britain and Boers in South Africa, with the general news which occupies the columns of our papers, how would something along the reminiscent line, thrown in as a sort of condiment to aid the digestion of the whole budget do?
In the fall you mentioned a snowstorm in your vicinity on Sept. 30, and suggested as to when one had occurred at an earlier date. Oh Sunday, Sept. 29, 1844, it commenced snowing in the forenoon and continued until evening, when there was probably from four\to five inches covering fields and woodlands. The trees were in almost full leaf, and it being damp, the snow clung to them.
The scene was picturesque and yet it had the effect of cooling the ardor of several young kids, as the boys now say, who were making much reckoning on attending a great Democratic mass-meeting which was to be held in Cortland on Tuesday, Oct. 1. But on the following day the sun came out and the ground being warm it had disappeared almost entirely by evening, and Tuesday morning came in with a stiff white frost. But a bright sun soon dispelled both frost and keen air, which served to stimulate the enthusiasm of the boys who were to ride each a horse of the four and six horse teams that were to carry the crowds to Cortland. As the day advanced it proved to be all that the older and rising generation had anticipated, being warm and salubrious the entire day. Two large lumber wagons were coupled together and arranged with seats all around, with four, six or eight horses as desired. Such a fit out comprised a big team, each horse being mounted by a boy. A pole some 18 feet high with a large flag flying from the same was carried by the large double wagons. Other smaller banners were fittingly arranged in the decorations. When all were fully aboard with shouts and singing the gay procession started for the county seat.
It has been said that Gen. Harrison was sung Into office in 1840. If such was the condition, then your correspondent may be allowed to affirm that James K. Polk and Geo. M. Dallas were ushered into office along the same lines in '44. For almost every village of any importance had its glee club or jaw-bone band, which combination seemed to be a creation of the time. I have never seen or known of one since. One of the instruments was made of the jaw-bone of a horse, another was composed of a staff with three hoops, the largest at the bottom about 2 feet in diameter, diminishing to about 12 inches at the top. Each hoop was strung with small sleigh bells. The operator held the staff upright and by bringing it down with a sudden jar, served to beat excellent time. Other instruments were also introduced, a band being composed of ten or twelve men. The music of these clubs and bands was most inspiring when accompanied with the glee clubs.
As our procession reached a point just east of McGrawville, a large four or six horse team overtook us from Triangle. Their load consisted of a bevy of young girls, all dressed in white, each carrying a small flag bearing the name of one of the states of the Union. The procession called a halt and performed the gallant act by allowing the young ladies' omnibus to lead the train. Cortland was reached at about 11 o'clock. Great crowds had arrived and long processions were coming in from every direction with their bands playing and glee clubs singing campaign songs and hurrahing for Polk and Dallas, also for Silas Wright for governor at the top of their voices.
The long train from the north is well remembered. One carriage was called the Spafford buggy. Its wheels were 7 or 8 feet in diameter and the body 25 or 30 feet long, fitted up with seats in pyramid form loaded to its utmost capacity. Many devices were in evidence bearing along the lines of the campaign. Henry Clay, the Whig candidate, had been maligned by some of the opposite party papers, and one banner showed a caricature of the illustrious statesman with one leg painted black.
During the time the great procession was entering the village a 6-pounder cannon planted on the hill near the old courthouse kept up a continuous firing in rapid succession, and from overloading or some other cause at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon it burst when discharged, pieces flying in every direction. It was a very narrow escape for the gunners and spectators standing around, but no one wss injured. The writer went up and saw the fragments piled under the gun carriage after the accident.
The speakers' stand was in a meadow nearby opposite the cobblestone residence of Judge Reynolds on what is now called Tompkins-st. An immense crowd was present, which seemed to fill the streets and grounds where the orations were delivered. I cannot remember who the orators were, but they were celebrated speakers from abroad. The crowd was estimated at 20,000 people. They came not only from Cortland, but from adjoining counties, covering southern Onondaga, eastern Cayuga and Tompkins, northern Tioga and Broome, also western Chenango and Madison counties. Many of the wagons carried banners signifying the towns they were from. The village streets and speaking grounds were well represented with trucksters, wagons and stands, retailing the famous general training ginger bread. The recipe for making this, I think, must have gone with the lost arts, for your correspondent does not remember of eating any as good for more than forty years. They were also well stocked with apples, pears, peaches and other fruits of the season, candies of different varieties, the long striped sticks and Jackson balls predominating. All were well patronized, particularly by the boys, especially if they were seized in fee simple of the amount of 25 cents each for the day's enjoyment.
During most of the afternoon the second story of the Eagle tavern veranda was filled with glee clubs and jaw-bone bands from different points, and we all thought they made most delightful and entertaining music. Whigs were called coons by Democrats, having been handed down from the campaign of '40 and snatches of some of the songs are still remembered as then sung and played.
Of another Democratic or Locofoco song referring to Henry Clay whom it was said when a boy, rode a horse to mill with a bag of grain, while through a rent in his garments his linen was exposed, one verse ran:
The streets of Cortland that day bore evidence of a city of large population. Everything passed off very pleasantly and as the sun began to sink behind the western hills the long [wagon] trains filed out of the village east, west, north and south. Our procession reached Solon about 9 o'clock P. M., all tired but happy.
When we look back and think of those who were with us then and sadly remember that they have passed on to that clime toward which we all are so surely tending we can but realize that we are pilgrims and strangers as all our fathers were.
It may be of interest to the older readers to know who some of the boys now living were who rode horses which drew the crowds on that day from our town. I remember Furman Maybury of Cortland, James E. Seymour and John R. Maybury of McGrawville, Albert Randall of Onalaska, Wis., and the scribe, C. G. M.
Winona, Minn., Dec. 26, 1899.
The New Grocery Firm.
Messrs. A. B. Ryan and H. W. Hall have bought the entire business formerly owned by Chas. W. Ryan at 88 Railroad-st., Cortland, N, Y., and purpose not only to continue the retail business in groceries and wholesale salt, plaster, cement, waterlime brick, stone, tile and all masons' supplies, phosphate and fertilizers, but they will also have hard wood ashes, which forms one of the best and cheapest fertilizers used; also a full stock of cheese factory supplies. They also intend to largely increase the business in all of the different lines.
They have already added a large new stock of staple and fancy groceries and have employed Mr. Cornelius Cotton to assist them in the grocery department, and they not only solicit the trade from Mr. Chas. W. Ryan's and Mr. Cornelius Cotton's old customers, but they desire to have others call at their store that they may have an opportunity to quote to them prices which they think will prove attractive. [paid ad.]
Officers Installed.
At the regular meeting of Eton encampment, No. 59, I. O. O. F., last evening the following officers were installed by District Deputy Grand Master E. E. Barnes:
C. P.—Mr. Frank Dunbar.
S. W.—Mr. E. N. Sherwood.
H. P.—Mr. T. M. Marks.
J. W.—Mr. I. W. Walker.
Scribe—Mr. A. W. McNett.
Treasurer—Mr. W. M. Gilbert.
Guide—Mr. L. A. Bloomer.
I. S.—Mr. E. D. Rogers.
O. S.—Mr. A. G. Klotten.
First Watch—Mr. J. P. Petrie.
Second Watch—Mr. F. L. Pierson.
Third Watch—Mr. J. F. Hollenbeck.
Fourth Watch—Mr. Joseph McDargh.
Salvation Army.
Brigadier W. A. McIntyre, chief divisional officer, accompanied by the musical brigade is on a tour throughout this part of New York state and will arrive in Cortland Friday morning, Jan. 5, by the 9:45 train. A mid-day open air meeting will be held at the corner of Main-st. and Groton-ave. In the evening the brigadier will conduct a musical service at the First M. E. church and will also give an address on the advancement of the work in this country. The brigadier will be introduced by Rev. Dr. Houghton, supported by Rev. Messrs. Stone, Smith, Owens, and Howell. Tickets sold at Glann & Clark's, Main-st., the proceeds to help local work.
Ladies' Literary Club.
The Ladies' Literary club met yesterday with Mrs. Julia F. Twiss at 16 Church-st. and read King Lear, under the direction of Miss M. F. Hendrick. The cast of characters was as follows:
King Lear, Miss Clara E. Booth.
Cordelia, Miss Marguerite Force.
Goneril, Mrs. J. A. Jayne.
Regan, Mrs. J. E. Banta.
Fool, Mrs. J. F. Twiss.
Kent, Mrs. A. G. Henry.
King of France, Miss Editha Stephens.
Oswald, Mrs. F. W. Higgins.
Albany, Mrs. C. P. Walrad.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday. Jan. 17, with Mrs. J. L. Watrous, 26 Clinton-ave.
BREVITIES.
—The George Junior Republic is to be connected with the long distance telephone at once.
—Cards are out announcing the marriage of Mr. Willard Crain Ensign and Miss Edna Amy Atwood at Killawog yesterday. They will be at home in that village after Jan. 15.
—The sleighing is fine, especially on the paved streets, and there has been not a little speeding on Tompkins-st. this afternoon. The day is about as fine a winter's day as is often found.
—The STANDARD is indebted to Labor Commissioner John McMacklin for a copy of the Sixteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics of New York state.
—The New York Examiner of Dec. 28 contained a fine article by Rev. John B. Calvert, D. D., formerly of Cortland, upon the subject of "The Year in the Mission World," in connection with the Baptist denomination.
—Mrs. M. K. Harris was assisted by Mrs. Eugene Thompson, another neighbor, in arranging and executing the surprise for the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Van Marter, as noted in yesterday's STANDARD.
—Prof. David P. Todd of Amherst college is soon to start on an expedition to observe the total eclipse of the sun on May 28 in Northern Africa. He will first make a tour of the important European observatories. The principal instrument for observing the eclipse will be a 24-inch telescope for obtaining large scale pictures of the sun's corona.
—Mrs. Edith Beach, wife of Supreme Court Stenographer Henry L. Beach, died suddenly yesterday afternoon at her home in Binghamton. She had a shock of paralysis last spring, but was thought to be recovering entirely from its effects. Yesterday afternoon without warning she was seized with convulsions, and before Mr. Beach could reach her side she had passed away.
—There were several bad errors in The STANDARD yesterday resulting from the carelessness of compositors in failing to correct errors in the proof plainly marked by the proof reader. One of the worst of these occurred in the article on the century question. The nineteenth and twentieth centuries were referred to in two adjacent lines, one just above the other. One of them was set up wrong in the first place and was marked to be corrected. The compositor corrected the wrong line which was right in the beginning and consequently made both wrong. It must have been plain, however, that it was a typographical error to any one carrying along the sense and thought of the sentence.
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