PRISON REPORT, CHARLES VERNON PORTER LETTERS, AND OUR FIRE STEAMER

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, January 13, 1900.

PRISON REPORT.

Penal Institutions of State Found to Be in a Terrible State.

   ALBANY, Jan. 18.—The special committee appointed by the State Prison association to inquire into the management of the state prisons presented its report to Governor Roosevelt yesterday. Among other things the report says that the scheme of industries is neither adequate to the support of the prisons, nor the welfare of the prisoners; that Auburn, on the testimony of the superintendent of the Auburn city fire department is merely a rotten shell; that Sing Sing by the late fire, has been proved to be worse than that; that both Sing Sing and Dannemora are overrun with vermin, and that at the latter prison the doctor does not dare to have the whitewash scraped off for fear of baccilli of tuberculosis. 

 

Old Man Frozen to Death.

   OGDENSBURG, N. Y., Jan. 13.—A heavy snow storm visited this section last night. In the morning Peter Bebec, 60 years old, was found frozen to death on the road entering Rensselaer Falls. He was going to his sister's and was found in front of her place on his hands and knees nearly covered with snow.

 

McGRAW, N. Y.

Breezy Items of Corset City Chat.

   ◘ The following referring to the recent death of one of the old students here is clipped from a recent exchange:

   Eugene Virgil Smalley, who died in St. Paul, Minn., yesterday, was born in Randolph, O., on July 18, 1841, and was educated in the public schools of Ohio and New York and the New York Central College at McGrawville. During the civil war he served in the Seventh Ohio Infantry, and upon the conclusion of peace became a correspondent and editorial writer of the New York Tribune, a position which he held from 1871 to 1882. In 1884 he established The Northwest Magazine, an illustrated monthly, at St. Paul, Minn., of which he was editor at the time of his death. For some time he had been secretary of the National Sound-Money league at Chicago.

   Mr. Smalley was a frequent contributor to The Evening Post and other journals on subjects connected with the commercial and financial progress of the West, and with national politics. He was a fluent and agreeable writer, with a faculty for collecting interesting facts. His name was well known also to readers of magazines. He published several books, including "The Future of the Great Arid West," "A History of the Republican Party" and "A Political History of Minnesota."

   ◘ Following are interesting extracts from two letters received from Vern Porter under date of Nov. 30 and Dec. 4, 1899:

  

SS City of Pekin.

CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, CORREGIDOR ISLAND, P. I., Nov. 30, '99.

   Your letters of July 8, Oct. 10 and 23d received yesterday and was glad to hear from you. Am feeling a little better, but not much change and get no encouragement from the doctor. My name has been sent in and expect to be sent to the States for treatment, although I may be put aboard one of the hospital ships making a trip to ports in Japan. We now have two of these ships, the Relief and Missouri. We had the start of you on Thanksgiving this year, ours coming a day earlier. Uncle Sam gave us chicken but the cook spoiled it. I see by your letter that McGraw has shipped a couple more bloodthirsty kids on the war path. I hope they will enjoy it, but don't think they will have the pleasure (?) of fighting as Aggie's army is badly dilapidated and his mother and son prisoners. Will write more soon when I find out which way I am going (up or down). CHARLES VERNON PORTER.

   Monday, Dec. 4, '99. Received your two letters, paper, etc., yesterday also photographs. I have a fine collection of pictures. I keep about the same but had a miserable day yesterday. I don't like the idea of going back sick [yellow fever], but have to do as ordered and don't think I could ever be cured here. The ward master informed me last night, that the chances for my leaving in a few days were good. Haven't seen Frank Oliver since I came to the hospital, but when last heard from he was tough as a bear and hope he is yet, for a person is all right here as long as they have good health. Yes, I received the bundle of Sentinels and am reading the year's news. I will write you again as soon as possible and will try to write from Japan.

   Dec. 5.—Received more mail last night. Some mail was delayed on the Newport for fifteen days and I received the last of yours first. The City of Pekin sails next week and I expect to get off on her. Remember me to friends. CHARLES VERNON PORTER.

   ◘ Miss Fern J. Cowles, sister of Rev. J. J. Cowles, arrived in town from Osceola, N. Y., yesterday for a visit of a few weeks at the Presbyterian Manse.

   There is a new electric line in town. Charles A. McGraw is the manager. It is built around the sides of a large attic room in A. P. McGraw's residence and has all the grades, switches, bridges, etc., usually seen in a road. The rolling stock consists of a locomotive run by an electric motor, passenger, freight and flat cars. It also has a system of block signals which work to perfection.

   Caeser Garret, father of Rev. W. P. Garrett, slipped on the ice in the yard of his residence, Friday and fell, fracturing his wrist.

   Mrs. Miriam Short is improving.

   Mrs. Ira Rockwell, who fell some days ago, is still confined to her bed.

   The Ladies' Aid society of the Baptist church will have a sleigh ride and social at the home of Mr. E. D. Hulbert on Tuesday night. Teams will be in waiting at the church for all who wish to go.

 

OUR FIRE STEAMER

Needs Repairs Badly—What Shall be Done with It.

   Considerable speculation is rife concerning the probable outcome of Mr. Horace Silsby's visit in Cortland, which was upon invitation of Chief Engineer H. P. Davis of the fire department for the purpose of examining the steamer purchased twenty-four years ago of the Silsby Mfg. Co. of Seneca Falls, now known as the American Fire Engine Co., of which Mr. Silsby is vice-president. Mr. Davis expresses his belief that the engine is in need of thorough repairs, and that, while it will throw a stream of water and might be equal to any emergency, yet it is not safe to depend upon it. Cortland has some districts that are not reached by water mains, and these, in case of fire, would be at the mercy of the leaky old engine. There is also the chance for a water main to be broken and consequently the water would be shut off in it during repairs. This, Mr. Davis states, is liable to happen at any time and it is his opinion that no place should be without two adequate water supplies, etc., that in case of accident to one, the other could be relied upon.

   It is also understood that the average life of a fire engine boiler is about twenty years. With the exception of a few slight repairs about twelve years ago, the old engine has been doing duty, with the original boiler, for nearly twenty-five years. It is Mr. Davis' opinion that if any repairs are made they should be done in a thorough manner, and that the old boiler which leaks very badly, should be replaced by a new one.

   The cost of the engine when purchased was about five thousand dollars and the same machine to-day could not be bought for much less money. It will cost about one thousand eight hundred dollars to send the engine back to the shop and get a new boiler and otherwise put it in good order. The village trustees met Mr. Silsby and Mr. Davis this afternoon at 2 o'clock to talk over the matter and decide what action, if any, should taken.

MEETING WITH THE BOARD.

   On invitation from President Holden, Mr. Silsby, Chief Davis and Mr. Reilly, the first assistant, met the trustees Wood and Thompson this afternoon at 2. Trustees White and Sprague were unable to attend. The matter of repairs was brought up and the general service which the engine had seen. One of the trustees stated that as a "parlor ornament," as it was called twenty-four years ago when first bought, it had been demonstrated a most useful one. Mr. Davis stated to trustees that the engine was leaking very badly in both tubes and crown sheet, and that at best it could throw but one stream at seventy pounds. Even at this pressure, the engine is unsafe and, in his opinion, it was asking rather too much of the men who had seen many years' service and had been of inestimable value to the department, to ask  them to risk their lives in handling the engine as it now is, and that if there  was no use for such a machine it should be put out of service.

   Mr. Silsby said that twenty years' service was about the average life of an engine of this kind, and that it did not matter much how often the engine was used, as the corroding of the iron took place at all times. The sheets are made very thin in order that steam may be procured quickly.

   Mr. Reilly said that the engine had been of good service since the water system had been put in, and enumerated several fires where it had been brought out and used to great advantage.

   It was thought best by the members of the board to place the matter in the form of resolutions and give the people a chance to vote upon the measure. Mr. Davis states that it is his duty to report the condition of the fire appliances, and that he does not wish the people to think they have a good fire engine when, in reality, in its present condition, the machine is worthless. The matter will come before the village [board] next Monday night.

 

Haight—Lang.

   There was a very pretty wedding last night at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emmet Lang in the town of Virgil when their daughter. Miss Edith S. Lang, was united in marriage with Mr. L. G. Haight of Cortland. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J. L. Robertson, D. D. The bride looked very pretty indeed in a handsome gown of brown satin with white silk and pearl trimmings. The bridesmaids were Misses Pearl Lang and Mattie McMahon, and the groomsmen were Messrs. Earl Price and Frank Lang. About forty-five guests were present. Very fine refreshments were served.

 

Hart--Edwards.

   Mr. William Decker Hart and Miss Bertha Edwards, both of Cortland, were on Thursday evening at 6:45 o'clock married in the parlor of their new home at 29 Groton-ave. The ceremony was performed by Rev. John T. Stone, pastor of the Presbyterian church. The only guests were the best man, Mr. Dell Holter, and the maid of honor, Miss Winona Brandenstein of Cortland.

   While it was well known to many friends of both bride and groom that the time for their intended wedding was approaching, the exact date had not been given out. Unbeknown to others they had fitted up their new home in very pretty and comfortable style, and here they were married.

   During the evening the bride, acting as hostess, served a most appetizing supper to the four of them, the clergyman having departed soon after the ceremony was completed. They spent a pleasant evening together there, and without going away at all began their housekeeping at once.

 

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

Of Cortlandville Grange, No. 461, on Friday Evening.

   The annual installation of officers of Cortlandville grange, No. 461, was held at the grange rooms in G. A. R. hall last night and the following officers were installed by State Deputy B. R. Knapp:

   Master—-L. E. Burnham.

   Overseer—Mrs. H. M. Phillips.

   Lecturer—R. Fred Brooks.

   Steward—A. V. Smith.

   Assistant steward—Willard H. Knapp.

   Chaplain—Mrs. M. W. Kinney.

   Treasurer—Sanford Buchanan.

   Secretary—Eugene Davis.

   Gate Keeper—Manley Kinney.

   Pomona—Mrs. L. E. Burnham.

   Flora—Mrs. A. Loucks.

   Ceres—Mrs. B. Fred Brooks.

   Organist—Mrs. Hattie Givens.

   Lady Assistant Steward—Mrs. Blanche Knapp.

   Two new members were initiated in the first and second degrees, and three new members were admitted by transfer from other granges. The attendance at this meeting was very large and included a number of visitors from other granges.

   The next grange sociable will be held on Friday night, Jan. 19, at R. Fred Brooks' on South Hill.

 

The Celtic Club.

   The Celtic club held a euchre party at Mrs. Frank Burns, East Court-st., last Wednesday night. The lady's first prize was won by Miss Maggie Connors, a beautiful book; the gentleman's first prize, a mustache cup and saucer, by Mr. G. L. Richards. The consolation prizes were won by Mr. Summers, a sailor boy, and by Mrs. Summers, a Japanese doll.

 

Masonic Hall at DeRuyter.

   DeRuyter lodge, No. 692, F. & A. M., will dedicate their new hall on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 18, and have extended an invitation to all Masons and their families of this place to attend. A special train has been arranged for on the Lehigh Valley railroad which will leave at 6:30 and return at 11:30. Fare for round trip 84 cents.

 

THE MAIL CARRIERS

To Form a District Association in Syracuse To-morrow.

   A meeting of mail carriers will be held in Syracuse Sunday for the purpose of forming a District association of Mail Carriers. Delegates will be present from all the larger cities and towns in this mail district. Among them are Syracuse, Utica, Watertown, Little Falls, Cortland, Binghamton and Rome.

   In each of these places local organizations have been formed by the mail carriers for their mutual advantage. In most of the important mail districts associations have been organized, and the carriers of this district think that it is time for them to start a movement in that direction.

    The meeting is for the consultation with the idea of arranging for a more extensive gathering later when the association will be organized. The object of the district association is to act in connection with the National association of mail carriers. This will aid the National association as well as the district and local associations.

   The district organization, it is expected, will give the local organizations a better chance to act in harmony for the good of all the local bodies and also the national exerting a greater influence at Washington.

   Contrary to general report there will be no relations between the new body and any labor organization.

   The mail carriers of the state will meet in convention at Syracuse on Washington's birthday, Feb. 22. The meeting will be to organize a state association of mail carriers. In that event the membership would mount well up into the thousands. Several states, among them Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, California and Ohio already have such associations but the Empire state has [not] heretofore moved in that direction.

 

Auction Sale of Cows.

   I will sell at the Messenger House stables, Cortland, N. Y., Friday, Jan. 19, commencing at 12 o'clock noon, thirty choice dairy cows. Twenty of these are new milkers and nearby springers, the remainder will be in profit by March 1. The above described cows consist of two entire dairies. Also nine yearling heifers and three yearling bulls. A credit of five months will be given on good approved interest-bearing notes. F. P. SAUNDERS.

   A. B. Gardner, Auctioneer. [Paid ad.]

 

BREVITIES.

   —Revival meetings will be continued at the Memorial Baptist church every evening next week except Saturday at 7:30 o'clock.

   —The regular meeting of the Political Equality club will be held at the home of Mrs. Bryant, 16 Washington-st., Monday, Jan. 15 at 8 o'clock P. M. All members and friends are urged to be present,

    —Invitations have been received by the different fire companies of the village requesting their presence at the union fair of the Homer fire department and the Homer band to be held Jan. 22 in Homer.

   —Quarterly conference will be held at the A. M. E. Zion Mission to-night at 8 o'clock sharp. Members are all requested to be present. All are invited to come. Dr. B. L. Wheeler, presiding elder, will be present.

   —Geneva poultry raisers and dealers have organized an egg exchange, where each poultry raiser puts a private mark on his eggs and guarantees their freshness. For every bad egg found he pays a penalty of fifteen good ones.

   —On account of the Hospital entertainment at the Opera House on Thursday evening the lecture by Dr. J. F. Genung of Amherst college at Normal hall on "Robert Louis Stevenson" will be given Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

   —Rev. B. F. Wheeler, D. D., of Ithaca will preach at the Free M. E. church to-morrow morning at 10:30. Dr. Wheeler is presiding elder and educational secretary in the Zion church. He is an able and eloquent preacher and a strong candidate for bishop at the coming general conference next May.

   —The next entertainment in the Hospital course will be a lecture by Mr. George R. Wendling at the Opera House on Thursday evening, Jan. 18. His subject will be "Saul of Tarsus." The lecture will not begin till 8:30 o'clock on account of the prayer-meetings, and the meeting will close at 8:20 to permit all who desire to do so to reach the Opera House in time.