DEMOCRATS OBJECT, WILLIAM A. DILLON PERFORMS AT CORTLAND OPERA HOUSE, GEORGE ALLPORT MEMORIAL, AND KEATOR OPERA HOUSE UNION FAIR

 

William Jennings Bryam.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, January 22, 1900.

DEMOCRATS OBJECT.

Interesting Letter Regarding Bryan's Candidacy and Chicago Platform.

   NEW YORK, Jan. 23.—A letter, signed by John Fox, a former president of the Democratic club and now a member of  the board of governors, R. B. Roosevelt and John F. Doyle was sent last night to Hon. John W. Keller, president of the Democratic club.

   The letter is a voluminous one and the gentlemen make objection to the club recognizing Mr. Bryan as the Democratic nominee for the presidency, and also object to the Chicago platform. The closing part of the letter follows:

   "We do not believe in the wisdom of free coinage at the ratio of 16 to 1. We do know, however, that we are Democrats and are interested in the success of the Democratic party in the city, in the state and in the nation.

   "This being true, we sincerely but respectfully urge upon you, occupying as you do the position of president of the club, not to do anything which would tend to forestall the action of the next Democratic national convention.

   "As individuals, we insist upon the right to express our opinions in regard to the future policy of our party and the selection of its nominees. We believe it unwise to permit the opinion to go broadcast throughout the land that the Democratic club of this city, or the Democratic party of this state, so far in advance of the convention, are irrevocably committed to the endorsement of the principles of the last national platform, or of the views of the last presidential nominee.

   "We are painfully aware of the fact that in 1896 we lost the state of New York by 268,469 and the city by more than 20,000. It is our desire, if possible, to prevent a repetition of another such Democratic political disappointment.

   "In conclusion, let us again repeat that we take this course in good feeling and to prevent, if possible, a misconstruction of your individual act as being the act of the Democratic club."

 

Dr. Arthur Conan Doyle.

CONAN DOYLE SPEAKS.

Will Go to the Front, Not With a Gun But With Stethoscope.

   LONDON, Jan. 23.—Alfred Austin, the poet laureate, and Dr. Conan Doyle, the novelist, were the guests of the Authors' club last night. In response to a toast to his health, Dr. Doyle said that he was about to go to the front, not with a rifle, but with a stethoscope, which many would regard as a more dangerous weapon.

   "This war," he continued, "marks a turning point in the life of Great Britain. Some eight months ago I took the chair at a peace meeting, but I wish now to adjure that error. I have seen more positive virtue in this country during the last few months than I saw during the previous 40 years of my life. Why should we punish Kruger? That man has solved a problem which every statesman had found unsolvable.

   "I would build a monument to President Kruger of the size of St. Paul's cathedral, putting him under it; and I would write across it: To the memory of the man, who federated the British empire."

 

Memorial.

   The following tribute in reference to Mr. George Allport [builder and carpenter] was adopted at a meeting of the Prohibition league held last evening in Collins' hall:

   In the death of Geo. Allport the Prohibition party league of Cortland, of which he was an honored member sustains a severe and irreparable loss, and it is fitting that we as a body take more than a passing notice of the same.

   Many justly high encomiums have been pronounced upon his integrity and Christian character, all of which we heartily endorse, but the characteristic that chiefly endeared him to us individually and as a league was his manly and straightforward devotion to the cause of Prohibition.

   Probably no man in Cortland county has made more sacrifice, or labored longer or more faithfully than he for its advancement; and amidst all the efforts from within and without our organization to sidetrack the main issue for local or partial success, he has ever remained loyal, consistent and aggressive, and his courageous and timely protest has often kept us from falling into grievous error.

   Endowed by nature with a remarkably aggressive and progressive spirit, he possessed what is still more remarkable, a manly and genial heart that enabled him to keep sweet through the heat of all political controversies.

   He was ever buoyant and hopeful and his presence was inspiring and helpful. His hand and his heart were closely joined and in the grasp of his hand could be felt the heart beat; but it is now stilled forever.

   He has gone from us and we shall miss him, for his going has left a great gap in our ranks.

   And now while we tender our sympathy to his stricken family we can join with them in the sorrow of a common bereavement.

 

At the Waldorf-Astoria.

   The notices in The STANDARD calling attention to the fact that the Waldorf-Astoria would serve ice cream free Saturday evening had the effect of drawing a large crowd to the new bakery and lunch room. The tables were crowded throughout the evening, and it was not for the free ice cream alone that people visited the place. There is a demand for a bakery in that part of the town [Grand Central Building, Railroad Street/Central Ave., Cortland] and the call for bakestuff. Saturday afternoon and evening was a surprise even to the new proprietors.

 

SUICIDE BY SUFFOCATION.

Orry Freeman of Etna Takes His Own Life.

   Orry Freeman, a farmer residing in Etna, Tompkins Co., committed suicide in a most shocking manner at 3 o'clock this morning. Freeman arose at this time and going into a clothes room set fire to the contents. At the time his wife was sick and her sister, Mrs. Edwin Snyder, was sitting up with her. Detecting the odor of burning garments, a search was at once instituted and Freeman was found in the room suffocated. The fire was easily extinguished, and nothing but what was in the room burned. About ten or twelve years ago Freeman's mother committed suicide by hanging.

 

Death of M. DeVer Westcott.

   Mr. M. DeVer Westcott, formerly of Cortland, died suddenly at his home in Binghamton Sunday afternoon between 2 and 3 o'clock. Mr. Westcott has been ill for some time but his death at this time was unexpected. Funeral services will be held in Binghamton Wednesday afternoon and burial will be made in Oxford. A wife and two children survive. Mr. Westcott was for a number of years engaged in the photograph business in Cortland in the gallery now occupied by Harris.

 

Going to Binghamton.

   Mr. J. D. Raymond, who for nearly two years has been the genial and efficient porter at the Messenger House, has accepted a position as head clerk at the Crandall House, Binghamton, and leaves to-night to enter upon his new duties. Mr. Raymond was for three years at the Vanderbilt in Syracuse before coming to Cortland. His new position is in the nature of a promotion in which his previous experience with the traveling public will be particularly valuable.

 

JOINT MEETING

Held by Prohibition League and Temperance People.

   The Prohibition league met last night and passed memorial resolutions on the death of George Allport. An adjournment was then taken to meet with the temperance people who were in session at the Y. M. C. A. rooms. Here in joint session it was the unanimous opinion that an independent ticket should be placed in the field at the coming charter election. A committee was appointed to fix the time and place for holding a convention, at which independent candidates will be nominated.

 

A HEARTY RECEPTION

Given the Cortland Boys in the Maude Hillman Company.

   Not least among the attractions in the Maude Hillman company at the Opera House last evening was the appearance of two well known Cortland young men as members of the troupe. Mr. W. E. Chamberlain appears upon the bills as "the phenomenal baritone in illustrated songs," and Mr. W. A. Dillon "in his latest songs and dances." The immense audience gave them a warm welcome and many compliments were heard on all sides for their clever work. Their appearance was the signal for prolonged applause and that they were favorites goes without saying. Mr. Dillon received a handsome bouquet from his friends and was repeatedly called back. Mr. Chamberlain's singing was phenomenal and he was obliged to respond to encore after encore. His voice has improved since he left Cortland and his friends note with pleasure the progress he is making.

 

Class Pin.

   The members of the February graduating class at the Normal have secured and are wearing the pin selected by the class a few weeks ago. The design of the pin is somewhat out of the ordinary, being diamond shaped, gold with black enamel center on which are engraved in gold C. S. N. S., '00.

 

VILLAGE TRUSTEES.

Motion for Curfew Ordinance Fails to Receive a Second—The Kane Matter.

   The [Cortland] village fathers met as usual last night. But little business was transacted by the board. President Holden called up the curfew ordinance, saying that in his opinion it was time some action was taken in regard to the matter. Trustee Wood moved that a curfew ordinance in conformity with that presented to the board on Jan. 8 be adopted. The motion failed to receive a second and the matter was dropped.

   The matter of Mrs. Kane of Orchard-st., whose house was burned recently and who claims that the village is responsible for her loss in that the police were off duty and therefore no one around to send in a fire alarm, was also brought up by the president, but no action was taken in regard to this. The remainder of the evening was given to the ordinary routine work of the board.

 

A Pleasant Party.

   A pleasant party occurred near Groton City Wednesday evening, Jan. 17. Misses Maggie and Emma Story entertained about fifty of their friends at their pleasant home. The evening was spent by playing games and dancing. The music was furnished by Miss Alley, Mr. Eugene Gillen, and Mr. Fred Alexander. Refreshments were served. The party broke up at a late hour, all feeling they had spent a pleasant evening. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Martin Carpenter, Mrs. Kirk and family, Mr. Theodore Smith. Misses Grace Dickinson, Kate Davern, Myrtie Clark, Frances Smith, Nora Steadman, Lidy Alley, Althea Smith, Libby Bacon, Cora Kadee, Eva Caughey, Jessie Miller, Cora Walrad, Pearl Teed, May Stafford, Ella Caughey, Feby Bacon, Messrs. Eugene Gillen, Walker Dickinson, Walter Steadman, Frank Upson, Michael Keenen, Arthur Sherman, Bert Upson, Ralph Datfield, Gerdie Miller, Frank Youmans, Ross Bacon, Freddie Kirk, Ashley Steadman, Earnie Clark, Bert Stevens, Alfred Niles, Charley Dophins, Charley Stafford, Bert Buchanan, John Stafford, Fred Alexander, Joseph Alley.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The Wide-a-Wake Literary club meet this evening with Mrs. Wm. B. Schenck, 55 Hamlin-st.

   —Vesta lodge No. 255, I. O. O. F., will hold a social hop in their lodge rooms next Saturday evening.

   —The Gentlemen's Opposition club will meet this evening with Mr. Robert McMillian, 8 Harrison-st.

   —Rev. Warren Bailey of Tracy Creek will occupy the pulpit at the Elm Stump church next Sunday, Jan. 28.

   —The Novelty entertainers started this morning for Norwich, N. Y., where they have an engagement to fill to-night.

   —Cortland chapter, No, 194, R. A. M., will confer the Royal Arch degree at its regular convocation to-morrow evening.

   —The mothers' meeting, north, will be held at the home of Mrs. Lowell, corner of Homer-ave., and Madison-st., Wednesday afternoon Jan. 24, at 8 o'clock.

   —Pecos tribe, No. 357, Imp. O. R. M., will give a private dancing party in their wigwam, Garrison block, Saturday evening, Jan. 27, 1900. Dancing from 8 to 12 o'clock. Music by McDermott's orchestra.

   —Lincoln lodge, I. O. G. T., will give a 10-cent supper in their rooms to-morrow evening from 5:30 to 8 o'clock. A literary program will be rendered after the supper. All are cordially invited to attend.

   —The regular meeting of the Fortnightly club will be held to-morrow afternoon at the home of Miss Hinman, Tompkins-st. The program for the afternoon will be a lecture on Rome by Miss Bishop.

   —The hospital has been generously remembered with a check for $50 from Mr. and Mrs. G. O. Newton of Homer, parents of Mr. Frank Newton, who was fatally injured in the recent trolley accident and died soon after being taken to the hospital.

 

TRUXTON, N. Y.

   TRUXTON, Jan. 21.—A very pretty wedding was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George H. Wicks Wednesday at 2 o'clock, when their daughter Ella was united in marriage to John E. Burgett by Rev. Edward J. Lavis in the presence of relatives and friends from Syracuse, Homer, Willet, Pharsalia, Little York, East Homer. The parlor was prettily trimmed with potted plants and ferns, the bridal pair standing under a horseshoe of white roses. The bride was becomingly attired in a gown of white cashmere trimmed in white satin and ribbon. The groom wore the customary suit of black. After the ceremony the wedding supper was served. Amid a shower of rice the newly wedded couple left for Cortland where they took the train for Syracuse where they will spend a few days. Upon their return they will be at home to their friends at Mr. and Mrs. George Wicks' for the present. The presents were beautiful and costly. We extend congratulations.

   William Bettie has sold the Wegus farm on the north road to Philip Hickey of Cortland. Consideration $4,000.

   The Methodist Sunday-school will hold a social at the home of Rev. E. J. Lewis Thursday evening.

   CRAZY PAT.

 

HOMER, N. Y.

Gleanings of News from Our Twin Village.

   HOMER, Jan. 23.—Last evening was the grand owning night of the union fair at Keator opera house. Before time to open the doors the entrance was filled with a vast throng awaiting admittance and by 8 o'clock the opera house was packed to the doors.

   The fair was formally opened by an address by Hon. Joseph E. Eggleston of Cortland. The speaker was loudly applauded at intervals and at the close of his address.

   The customary booths have been constructed but never before have they been so elaborate. The business firms represented and having displays are: Bennett & Starr, shoe furnishers; Briggs Bros., furniture; F. E. Williams, hardware; Yager & Crandall, Fair store; C. B. Merrill has a very unique display. Near the entrance is a large advertising banner 16 by 6 feet surrounded by thirty-two colored incandescent electric lights. At about 9 o'clock the entertainment was opened by the appearance of the American minstrels. Interlocutor, Mr. L. P. Merrill, with chorus as follows: Stanton Borst, Fred Newcomb, Chas. Arnold, Ray Newcomb, Chas. Fisher, Harry Davis, A. T. Paddock, William Davis, D. B. Rugg, Lowell Bates Bones, Carl Bates; tambos, Chas. Creque. The solos rendered by Messrs. Borst, Paddock, Rugg, C. Bates and Creque were exceptionally fine. The premier funmakers, Mr. Chas. S. Roe and Mr. Wallace kept the house in laughter by these hits and witty sayings. America by the chorus concluded the first part. A delightful overture was rendered by Mrs. Fred Miller of Cortland after which the olio was given as follows:

   Clown Acrobats, Maltby and Seamans.

   Buck and Wing Dancing, Creque and Gerard.

   Natural Gas, Chas. Sheldon Roe.

   Banjo Soloist, James Ballard.

   Descriptive Songs, Wilcox and Wallace.

   Each one of the above carried out their parts to perfection and with much credit to themselves. The remainder of the evening was taken up in dancing. Every one was more than pleased with the manner in which they were entertained.

   This evening the drama entitled "The Convict's Daughter" will be presented. Those in the cast are A. T. Paddock, William Davis, Fred Newcomb, Carl Bates, Chas. Arnold, Fred Miller, Miss Carolyn Arnold, Miss Lillian Watson, Miss Martha Baker. The play alone is a very strong one and alone well worth the price of admission.

   Remember it costs but $1 for a season ticket, five admissions, or 25 cents for single admission tickets.

   Mr. Earl Keefe of Moravia is calling on his friends here.

   Miss Iva Darrow returned last evening from Cortland where she has been spending the week with relatives.

   Miss Charlotte A. Johnson of Waterloo is the guest of Miss Jessia A. Christler at the Episcopal rectory.

   The Rev. L. J. Christler, rector of Calvary church, had declined an election to the rectorship of a large parish in Providence, R. I.

   The rector, Rev. Bishop Huntington, will visit Calvary church parish on Feb. 1, the service beginning at 10 o'clock A. M.

 

EAST HOMER, N. Y.

   EAST HOMER, Jan. 22.—Nearly every member of the Improvement club met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mart Mynard, Wednesday evening, Jan. 17. The following program was given:

   Violin Solo, Mr. E. A. Phillips.

   Recitation, John M. Burnham.

   Recitation—Matilda's Beau, Raymond Knapp.

   Reading—We Talk of War, Mrs. F. L. Burnham.

   Violin Solo, E. A. Phillips.

   Dialogue—The Engagement of Widow Bedott and Elder Sniffles, Mrs. Mynard, Barton Griffeth.

   Recitation—The Trials of a Bachelor, by a Dutchman imported for the occasion.

   This was followed by a discussion of the British Boer war after which there was an athletic race. The prize was won by Mr. Fred Randall who succeeded in picking up the greatest number of potatoes in one minute with a tablespoon. The piece of money which had been placed in a cake was found by Mrs. Frank Burnham. It has been decided to meet every week and the next meeting will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Woodward, Wednesday evening, Jan.24. ''David Harum" will be read and discussed by the club.

   Ezra Seacord will begin sawing on Monday of this week. A good many logs are already at the mill.

   Mr. and Mrs. Loren Isabell of Little York were calling on friends here in town on Tuesday.

   There will be a meeting to make arrangements for a donation for the Rev. E. A. Peck Thursday evening after the prayer-meeting.

   Mrs. Fred Henry who has been very sick with pneumonia is improving very slowly.

   There will be a prayer-meeting on Friday evening of this week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Beattie on the hill. It is hoped there will be a good attendance.

 

Restored Harris-Pearly Mansion on Vallmont Dr., Williamsburg, Pa.

DESTROYED BY FIRE.

The Residence of a Former Cortland Man at Williamsport, Pa.

   The Williamsport Sun of Friday contains an account of the destruction by fire of the handsome residence of Mr. C. R. Harris of that place. Mr. Harris, his three children and two maid servants, narrowly escaped with their lives. The loss is estimated at about fifty thousand dollars.

   Mr. Harris was a former resident of Cortland and will be remembered by Cortland people as the man who started the fair store in the Squires block, the business which is now conducted under the same name by Mr. Geo. P. Yager in The STANDARD building. Mr. Harris sold to Mr. Bligh and Mr. Bligh was succeeded by Yager & Marshall. Some time after leaving Cortland Mr. Harris went to Williamsport and engaged in the manufacture of suspenders with his patent Harris patent buckle. The capacity of the factory reached 35,000 pairs a day. Three years ago the business was removed to New York City for better shipping facilities. He then sold his interest to his partner and engaged in the manufacture of his patent bicycle. Mr. Harris has many valuable patents and is now engaged in the manufacture of the Harris Fire escape. He has also applied for a patent on an automobile.

   His mansion was situated on the mountain side and surrounded by beautiful grounds laid out by a landscape gardener and containing many rare and beautiful shrubs and trees.

   The following are extracts from The Sun's account of the fire:

   Greystone, the splendid Vallmont residence of C. R. Harris and the architectural pride of Williamsport, was totally destroyed by fire at 12 o'clock last night, entailing a loss to its owner of about fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Harris, his three children and two maid servants, narrowly escaped with their lives. Mrs. Harris was visiting relatives near Jersey shore, and returned to the city today.

   Mr. Harris thinks that the fire originated from the furnace in the cellar as, after discovering smoke, be made his way to the cellar, where he found the flames already under great headway in the vicinity of the furnace.

   Mr. Harris had an insurance of $26,000 on the house, and $6,000 on the furnishings. He said to-day that as soon as the weather becomes settled he will begin rebuilding. The house will be rebuilt along the old lines. An inspection of the ruins to-day developed the fact that none of the old walls can be used except as raw material.