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| Mark Twain. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, May 8, 1900.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
Mark Twain's Candidacy.
The two old parties had about settled down upon the theory that the presidential contest of 1896 was to be repeated this fall, and that the candidates were to be McKinley and Bryan, and that perhaps there would be no others. But a few weeks ago Admiral Dewey announced his intention of entering the race as the representative of some party, if a party could be found that would endorse him, or if not he would run on an independent ticket. Now a boomerang is sprung upon the presidential situation by the announcement of Mark Twain in London that he is coming home to be a presidential candidate and that he is to be the representative of the whole people, standing upon a platform that will please everybody. He says he is in favor of anything and everything. Under these circumstances all other candidates might just as well quit the field.
Mark Twain's announcement was made last week in London at the Royal Literature Fund banquet in response to the toast "Literature," and in reference to the political situation he made his announcement as follows:
"You cannot have a theory without principles. Principles is another name for prejudices. I have no prejudices in politics, religion, literature or anything else.
"I am now on my way to my own country to run for the presidency because there are not yet enough candidates in the field and those who have entered are too much hampered by their own principles which were prejudices.
"l propose to go there to purify the political atmosphere. I am in favor of everything everybody is in favor of. What you should do is to satisfy the whole nation, not half of it for then you would only be half a president.
"There could not be a broader platform than mine. I am in favor of anything and everything—of temperance and intemperance, morality and qualified immorality, gold standard and free silver.
"I have tried all sorts of things, and that is why I want to try the great position of ruler of a country. I have been editor, publisher, author, lawyer, burglar. I have worked my way up, and wish to do so."
Admiral Dewey thinks the office of president is purely executive and that the duties of president are very easy; and Mark Twain says all a president has to do is to satisfy the whole nation. Under these conditions where do McKinley and Bryan come in the race?
President Twain! How does that sound?
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| Lord Roberts. |
RETIREMENT OF BOERS.
Retreating Everywhere Except at Natal and Mafeking.
BATTLEGROUND AT KROONSTAD.
Determined Stand to Be Made at That Point—Roberts May Rest at Smalldeel—More Than Six Thousand Troops on the Way to the Front.
LONDON, May 8.—The Boers are everywhere retiring before the British, except on the Natal frontier and at Mafeking, to the inner circle of their defense. They appear determined not to fight until the Kroonstad hills are reached.
Lord Roberts is expected to do another 40 or 50 miles and then to wait for a time in order to bring up supplies and to repair the railway. There are one or two hints in the dispatches from the front that he may rest for a few days at Smalldeel.
General French's 10,000 cavalry have not been mentioned in the official or unofficial dispatches for four days. It is by no means likely that he is idle, and the conjecture is that he is either detouring toward Kroonstad or raiding the Ladybrand district.
Fifteen thousand British are now operating on the western frontier of the Free State. As the deadlock at Warrenton has been broken and the Boers are retreating there is nothing formidable except distance between Warrenton and Mafeking.
The most hopeful advices from Mafeking on April 22 were that the garrison would be barely able to hold out for a month. At that time the fever was spreading.
According to advices from Maseuru, Basutoland, several thousand Free Staters are north of Ladybrand, where they have collected great herds. The district is rich in food for men and horses, and the Boers seem resolved not to move northward, but to be preparing to resist where they are. If they are let alone they will menace the line of communications after the main British army has passed into the Transvaal.
Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener personally directed the artillery in the Vet river engagement.
Queen Victoria will send a signed photograph to Colonel Kakewich, the hero of Kimberley.
Six thousand four hundred and fifty-eight troops are now at sea on the way to South Africa. No others are under orders to go except as recruits, to fill up the losses of regiments at the front.
NO SIGN OF RELIEF.
Mafeking Garrison Depressed But Determined as Ever.
LONDON, May 8.—Lady Sarah Wilson wires from Mafeking, under date of April 22, as follows:
"The situation is unchanged. The garrison is depressed at there being no sign of relief, but is as determined as ever to deprive the Boers of a crowning triumph on the western border.
"A case of whisky realized £100 at a raffle and a pound of flour was sold at auction for 2 guineas."
ANOTHER AMERICAN ISLAND
Stars and Stripes Hoisted and the Natives Greatly Rejoice.
AUCKLAND, N. Z., May 8.—Advices received from Samoa announce that the American flag has been hoisted over the Island of Tutuila amid great native rejoicing, and that the chiefs have made a formal cession of the island to the United States.
The inhabitants of Manua, it is also announced, request the formal hoisting of the American flag over the island which will likewise be ceded.
The natives of the islands will rule themselves under government of the naval station.
Quiet prevails in German Samoa.
Vesuvius in Action.
ROME, May 8.—Mount Vesuvius has been in a state of eruption for the last three days, and explosions within the crater have thrown lava and masses of rock to a great height. Last night the eruption was especially violent and was accompanied by menacing rumblings.
THE DEAR OLD FLAG
Presented to the Company by Ladies of Cortland, May 9, 1861.
To the Editor of The Standard:
SIR—These are anniversary days which refer to the great civil war that are indelibly stamped upon the memory of those who had a hand in the terrible conflict for the preservation of the Union. Among those days May 9 is a conspicuous one with the writer. On that day in 1861, thirty-nine years ago to-morrow, Co. H, Twenty-third regiment, N. Y. volunteers, left Cortland for the war. This was the first company of men to leave to take part in the strife and the event was a most important and sad one and made a deep impression upon the community. As the company marched to the depot a halt was made at the courthouse and from the steps of that building a silk flag was presented to the company by Prof. Mighill of the Cortlandville academy in behalf of the ladies of Cortland and was accepted by Capt. M. C. Clark for the company.
In May, 1863, the regiments having served two years, its term of enlistment was mustered out and what remained of Co. H returned to Cortland with the flag, inscribed with the names of the battles that the regiment had taken part in.
What would otherwise have been a joyful occasion was changed into a day of mourning as the lifeless body of Captain Clark was brought with the flag, he having been killed by an accident near Williamsport, Pa., on our way home. He was given a military burial in the Rural cemetery.
The flag has been in my keeping for many years and needless to say, is loved by every surviving comrade. It will hang in the window of Sager & Jennings' store to-morrow, the anniversary of the presentation.
GEORGE W. EDGCOMB, Cortland, May 8, 1900.
A NOVEL TIRE
Designed for Speeding Carts but Used on the Bicycles.
Mr. S. A. Niver of Groton, N. Y., rode into Cortland yesterday on a wheel that was peculiar only in the tires that were used upon it. These consisted of rubber balls about an inch in diameter which [were] fastened to the rims with about a 2 inch space between each. These balls are fastened air tight to the rims and connected by an air passage in the rims. The arrangement was invented by Mr. Fonteine of Auburn and it bears his name. It is intended for sulky work, and Mr. Niver claims that it will increase speed by two seconds, as the suction is much less than is produced by a common tire. It is also less dangerous as it cannot slip off in going around sharp curves. If one of the balls becomes punctured, it can be replaced for the sum of 10 cents. About one-third the rubber is used in the tire that is put in the common tire, and the owner of the wheel claims that the balls can be made of rawhide, and if so their cost will be reduced to about one cent apiece.
NO LONGER POLICEMAN.
Returned to Position as Conductor on Electric Railroad.
Mr. Thomas Lanigan, who was appointed to the police force one week ago to-day, has tendered his resignation to Mayor Holden to take effect immediately. Mr. Lanigan was not well suited with his new work and has gone back to his former position as conductor on the street car line. The position will undoubtedly be left vacant till the regular meeting of the common council next Tuesday evening. The city has thus lost a first class policeman, and the Traction company has regained one of its best conductors and a man liked by every patron of the road.
SOMETHING ABOUT LAW.
Interesting Talk Before Science Club by Hon. D. W. Van Hoesen.
The members of the Science club were given a genuine treat last Saturday evening in the form of a talk on law by the Hon. D. W. Van Hoesen. The speaker informed his hearers in beginning that his remarks would be entirely informal, and that the discussion of the subject would be general. Evidently Mr. Van Hoesen had his practicing clothes on, for he elucidated upon several points to the enlightenment of his audience. He gave an outline of the history and scope of law, tracing it from sources and causes to practices and effects. Codification was also taken up and admirably handled. Points for and against this were introduced. Mr. Van Hoesen's remarks were thoroughly appreciated by his auditors, and the club will be on the outlook for more such informal speakers.
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| Cortland House and Opera House at corner of Main Street and Groton Avenue. |
GROTON-AVE. TO BE PAVED.
DECISION OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS LAST NIGHT.
Sealed Bids Will be Received up to 7:30 o'clock May 21—Plans and Specifications Adopted—J. R. Hathway Asks for Alleged Damages from Sewers.
It was the unanimous opinion of the board of public works last evening that Groton-ave. from Main-st. to Otter creek bridge should have a coat of sheet asphalt, and by a resolution moved by Mr. Duffey and seconded by Mr. Cobb it was decided that such work be done, the resolution also provided for the adoption of the plans and specifications presented by Mr. H. C. Allen, and that sealed bids be received till the meeting of the board at 7:30 o'clock, May 21, at which time the bids will be opened.
Mr. Allen reported that no retaining wall will be needed on the street and that the greatest cut in the street will be 25 inches near the head of Homer-ave.
Various ways were discussed of handling the water that springs out of the south side of the street for a considerable distance. It was suggested that this water be used as a flush for the sewer at the end of Homer-ave. This, however, was not thought feasible and the suggestion that it be carried off for a little distance and turned into pits filled with cobblestones seemed to be a more practical solution of what Engineer Allen called the only problem of the street.
Mr. Allen's report was accepted and adopted of the estimated expense of paving the street with sheet asphalt between Main-st. and Otter creek bridge, the width varying from 45 feet at the Cortland House to 35 at Otter creek bridge, to be with stone curbing, and was $28,452.50; with Portland cement curbing, $27,332. His report showed also that it would be nearly impossible to straighten the street, and it was his opinion that the center of the street as it now is be taken as the basis of operation. If an effort were made to run the pavement in a straight line, it would change things materially on that street. Many of the trees would have to be cut down, walks moved and, in some cases, houses would have to be moved. He also recommended that the culverts at certain street intersections, where these streets come down from the hill and meet Groton-ave. at an incline, be built over sluices in order that the least possible pitch be secured at these points; these culverts to be covered with oak planks.
This action of the board will necessitate the prompt removal by the Traction company of their tracks on this street, in order that they may not come in for a pro rata share in the assessments. The company had decided to take up the tracks, but were waiting till it was decided to pave the street in order that they might not have to grade the street after the tracks were taken out.
Mr. J. R. Hathway came before the board and complained that damages had been sustained by him through the action of the sewer board in placing sewers on Port Watson-st. These, he claimed, shut off a water supply from his property on that street, and whereas before he could rent this property for $150 per year, now it was almost impossible to rent it. He claimed $500 damages to the property on account of the water supply which they cut off, and for carrying the sewers across his land without his permission. No action was taken. The meeting adjourned till 7:30 o'clock, May 14.
READY TO PLAY BALL.
President Farrell Gives Instructions to the Umpires.
Next Friday the State league season opens with Cortland at Utica, Binghamton at Schenectady, Oswego at Troy and Rome at Albany, and with these umpires: John P. Keefe of Pittsburg, who was with the State league last year; John J. Carlin of Newark, James B. Burns of Paterson, N. J., and M. J. McLoughlin of Paris, Ill., for the last two years chief of umpires with the Indiana-Illinois league.
The teams are all doing heavy practice work in the last few days before the league season begins, and it looks now as if the league would be even faster than it was last year. President Farrell predicts the most prosperous season in the history of the league.
The umpires’ instructions have been mailed to each of the officials. These instructions are that rowdyism must be suppressed and decisions given promptly and then held to. Other instructions are: Do not divulge your schedule; it is for your guidance solely. Do not permit players to "play for rain."
Enforce the "balk" rule.
Report all fines promptly. Always remember that you are the personal representative of the league, engaged to enforce all rules and so conduct all contests as to reflect credit upon yourself and the league organization. You have absolute authority.
Umpires leaving the service of the league without first giving three days notice will forfeit $10.
WON FROM OSWEGO.
A Loose Game Played with the Starchmakers at Auburn.
Notwithstanding the seven errors made by the Cortland team in yesterday's game with Oswego at Auburn, the members of Roche's aggregation won by a score of 12 to 10. The game was loosely played and errors were very much in evidence. O'Brien at short piled up four of the seven bad ones credited to Cortland. Hosmer, who went in to pitch for Oswego, was easy for the wagonmakers, and Tull was substituted in the fifth. The day was too cold for good ball and only a comparatively few spectators were present. The game resulted as follows:
A VERY THOUGHTLESS ACT.
Mr. Goodwin Failed to Notify His Friends of His Destination.
A few of the most intimate friends or Mr. Leonard Goodwin, trainmaster of the Lehigh Valley R. R. at Cortland, who was married last Thursday in Auburn, for days before the wedding kept anxiously turning over in their minds various plans for adding to the pleasure of Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin upon their honeymoon trip. They feared that the happy couple might fail to take with them many articles that in their opinion would prove serviceable during their absence. With rare thoughtfulness they made a collection of these articles and determined to forward them at the proper time. They searched the city and the surrounding country for a suitable receptacle in which to send them. Knowing Mr. Goodwin's fondness for antiques they secured a traveling bag that did service (and showed it) during the last century. They decorated it in the most approved fashion. And then they waited for Mr. Goodwin to tell them where he was bound for.
Knowing that a special train was to bear the bride and groom away from Auburn and fearing that in the hurry of the departure Mr. Goodwin might forget to leave his address they arranged, as they thought, with four train dispatchers on the Lehigh Valley railroad on different divisions to give them the whereabouts of the special train. And then they waited, and are waiting still. On Saturday one of the parties went to Ithaca and interviewed the railroad authorities and came back with the word that the special train consisting of locomotive and one private car was run directly from Auburn to Elmira and that there the car was delivered to the Pennsylvania road and continued its journey for parts unknown. And despite all the exertions of the little company those parts are still unknown and bid fare to be so for the present at least. These friends are very regretful. They feel that their efforts are not appreciated.
BREVITIES.
—S. N. Holdin's residence has been connected with the telephone exchange.
—Attention is called to the new police regulations which appear to-day on the third page.
—The Loyal circle af King's Daughter will meet with Mrs. Birdlebough, 73 Homer-ave., Friday afternoon at 8 o'clock.
—Some one seems to be waging war upon dogs and cats in Norwich. Fourteen have been poisoned. Some of the people are watching for the poisoner with blood in their eyes.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Mitchell & Strowbridge, Fresh fish, page 5; M. A. Case, Drygoods, page 6; Buck & Lane, Lawn mowers, page 6; F. I. Graham, Good paint brushes, page 6.
—The Lehigh Valley road is enjoying the heaviest freight traffic this spring in its history. Every locomotive that can turn a wheel has been pressed into service on the main line and more are being turned out at the shops as rapidly as possible. Grain, stock, iron ore and general merchandise make up the bulk of the shipments.
—In the long run every man who neglects his opportunities must pay the penalty. Such neglect is invariably fatal to the prosperity of the business man. As an example, the merchant who refuses to advertise the goods he has to sell must ultimately auger obscurity, misfortune and failure; for the laws of business are inexorable.—Philadelphia Record.
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