The Cortland Democrat, Friday, July 6, 1900.
MURDER AND SUICIDE.
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY IN THE VILLAGE OF MARATHON.
Mrs. Johial Darling Takes the Life of Her Six-Year-Old Daughter and Then Cuts Her Own Throat—Found by Her Husband Yesterday Morning
(Special to the DEMOCRAT.)
A terrible tragedy occurred early yesterday morning at Marathon by which two members of one family lie cold in death, leaving a grief-stricken husband and father to mourn a loss that seems appalling.
About a year ago Johial Darling moved from Etna, Tompkins county, to Marathon to take charge of a livery stable, of which he had become owner. His family consisted of himself, his wife, a very pretty appearing lady 34 years old, and a daughter Cecil aged 6 years. The family was apparently a happy one and this fact makes the tragedy of yesterday one of mystery.
On Wednesday Mr. Darling, in his capacity of livery man, was engaged to take a party of young people to Lake View to attend a Fourth of July dance, and it was Mrs. Darling's intention to accompany the party. Before the time of departure she changed her mind and decided to remain at home. Sometime during the day Mrs. Darling called at the store of M. T. Wooster and purchased some chloroform, saying that she wanted to use it in cleaning some clothing.
Mr. Darling went on to Lake View with his load, and did not return until nearly 7 o'clock yesterday morning. After putting out his team he went to the house, which to his surprise he found fastened. He forced an entrance and was horrified to find his little daughter dead and his wife with her throat cut, and who expired after a few gasps. He immediately notified the neighbors and Coronor Moore of Cortland was also summoned. It seems apparent from all the known circumstances that Mrs. Darling used the chloroform in taking the life of little Cecil, and that she then deliberately cut her throat with a razor which was found near by. The cause of the rash act is a mystery that probably will never be explained, but it is charitable to suppose that Mrs. Darling was at least temporarily insane. Mrs. Darling was the daughter of Henry Winters of Virgil, N. Y.
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| William McKinley. |
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| William Jennings Bryan. |
WASHINGTON LETTER.
(From Our Regular Correspondent.)
Washington, July 2.—It is a fact that Republican gall is no new thing, but a striking exhibition of it is the attempt of some Republicans to blow about the $80,000,000, treasury surplus for the fiscal year that ended Saturday. If it had not been for the $100,000,000 produced by the war taxes, which the Republican Congress refused to reduce, there would have been a $20,000,000 deficit instead of a surplus, and even with the war taxes unrepealed, there will be no surplus next year if the Republican Congress keeps up its extravagant appropriations at the next session. There is more for the Republicans to be ashamed of than to blow about in that surplus.
That Chinese puzzle hasn't grown any easier to solve during the past week. The Chinese minister's news that the foreign ministers were safe in Pekin, has been confirmed, but with the confirmation came the allegation that they were there because they refused to get out within 24 hours although ordered to do so. It is not stated who ordered them to get out, but it is clear that the public is desired to infer that it was the Chinese government. The news that the Imperial Chinese troops attacked the marines under Admiral Seymour, who lost heavily in killed and wounded in his unsuccessful attempt to get to Pekin, seems also intended to stir up public sentiment in this country against the government of China. In the absence of Mr. McKinley, who has gone to Canton to enjoy his gold-trimmed bath tub and other things, for an indefinite period, members of the administration, Secretaries Hay, Root and Long especially are posing as being very considerate toward the Chinese government, because they do not accept these things as war. They are doing so much talking that they have aroused the suspicion that they are doing it for effect and probably to distract attention from the real designs of the administration in China. The superstitious are inclined to regard the knocking of a hole in the bottom of the battleship Oregon by a rock on the coast of China as a bad omen.
Senator Bacon pleased his many Washington friends and admirers when he arrived and denied the story sent out from Macon a few days ago, alleging that he had been dangerously poisoned by eating toadstools under the impression that they were mushrooms. He says the story had not the slightest excuse for existing, as he has had no illness of any kind for years, unless being laid up by accident last winter can be called such.
According to an official report of Gen. Davis, a large number of Porto Ricans will not do any work as long as they can draw free rations from the government. Gen. Davis has been ordered to give notice to the Porto Ricans that the issue of free rations will be discontinued July 15.
Senator Daniel of Virginia, who has gone to Kansas City to attend the convention said, just before leaving Washington: ''I am not, have not been, and will not be a candidate for the vice presidency, and I do not desire that my name be mentioned in that connection. I have never authorized or made any other statement.'' Senator Daniel declined to say who he favored for the second place on the ticket. He is an enthusiastic Bryan man and has been right along.
That there has been extravagance as well as stealing in the Cuban postal service was practically acknowledged by Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Bristow, who has just returned from Cuba, when he said that he had made reductions in postal salaries while there that aggregated $100,000 a year, and he clinched that acknowledgement when he added: ''No clerks have resigned since the reduction because of being ill-paid, and I am satisfied that they are now paid all the work is worth. If any of them should resign, there would be no difficulty in filling their places at the same salaries.
Boss Hanna's man Dick has no fear of losing the German vote. Oh, no. To prove it he has had himself interviewed to the extent of half a column of hoary chestnuts. The German voter is no fool. He can't be caught by such chaff as Dick scatters around. He knows he has good foundation for his imperialism.
The War Taxes.
The Arkansas Gazette aptly summarizes the war taxes by remarking that the citizen is fined by the government of the United States:
When he sends a telegram.
When he draws a check.
When he becomes a member of a corporation.
When he transfers his stock.
When he insures his life or his house.
When he assigns his insurance.
When he makes a note to raise money for the payment of his other taxes.
When he buys a money order.
When he executes a lease.
When he sends a paid telephone message.
When an indemnity bond is given.
When a bill of exchange is drawn.
When the citizen executes an instrument necessary in the sale of merchandise or exchange.
When he ships goods by freight or express.
When he clears a vessel and files a manifest.
When he buys a ticket to go abroad.
When he executes a power of attorney.
When he buys proprietary medicine.
When he chews gum.
When he uses any perfumes or his wife indulges in cosmetics.
When a note is protested.
When a warehouse receipt is given.
When merchandise is entered at a custom house.
The Republican party refuses to accede to the reasonable demand for relief from these burdensome war taxes, while continuing to insist that the war in the Philippines is over.
Continuance of the Republican party in power means the continuance of these heavy burdens for years to come. General Otis frankly admits that it will be necessary to keep as many soldiers in the Philippines as there are at present if the present policy is continued, and that the existing scale of expenditures must be materially reduced.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.
Who said the powers want peace in China? They don't. They want pieces.
The peach crop, thanks to the beneficent administration of President McKinley and the expansion policy adopted by him, is said to be about to break the record.
It is an innovation for a great party to put a plank in its platform apologizing to the trusts for condemning them, yet this is just what the Republican platform does. Read it if you are one of those who "don't believe all you see in the papers.''
The agricultural exports of the United States this year are larger in quality and smaller in total value than ever before. Now wait a little and you will hear the Republicans telling how McKinley caused the big crops and the wicked Democrats the small prices.
The situation in China baffles the wisest in all the nations whose legations have been destroyed and the inmates probably murdered. Let Uncle Sam protect his fellow countrymen so far as possible but by all means refrain from any "benevolent assimilation'' with the Chinese.
The Commercial Travelers and Hotel Men's Anti-Trust league which was organized last fall is going to be a very strong element in the election and their influence alone will turn more than enough votes from four years ago to elect Bryan. They were, as a rule, McKinley boomers in '96. A very large delegation from that organization will be in Kansas city next week.
In every city and state of this mighty country can be found Republicans involved in schemes to plunder the people by means of trusts and kindred devices. In one city alone—New York—there is a trust composed largely of Democratic officials. And the discovery has set the Republicans wild with delight and caused their national convention to froth at the mouth. To find such a thing in the Democratic ranks exceeds their fondest hopes.
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| Nathan Lewis Miller. |
SLATE NOT BROKEN.
THE REPUBLICANS PUT UP A CUT AND DRIED TICKET.
Henry A. Dickinson tor Member of Assembly—Aaron R. Overton for Sheriff—Otis D. Patrick for Cortland County Clerk—T. Harry Dowd for District Attorney—Edwin J. Bockes for Superintendent of the Poor.
The Republican machine was in tiptop running order yesterday afternoon, and while it probably left some sore spots, the work of the county convention was on the surface harmonious. The delegates were called to order at 2 o'clock by Mr. N. L. Miller, chairman of the county committee on whose motion E. D. Blodgett was named as chairman. The presiding officer made the usual campaign speech, advising the convention not to swap horses while crossing the stream, and lauding McKinley and Roosevelt. Mr. Blodgett very discreetly stated that the Republicans had no walkover this year, which statement cast a gloom over the convention. Arthur Fowlston of Cincinnatus and Floyd Smith of Taylor were named as secretaries, and William Tarbell of Freetown and Frank J. Collier of Preble tellers.
A motion was made by Eugene Boyden of Marathon that every nomination be made by ballot, which brought Chairman Miller to the floor, who referred to the split in the party three years ago, and said he was surprised by the introduction of the resolution at this time and moved that it lay upon the table. Carried.
On motion of Hon. B. F. Lee the chairman appointed the following committee on resolutions: Hon. B. F. Lee of Cuyler, Geo. Atkinson of Truxton and Rodolph Price of Virgil.
Frank Phelps named Henry A. Dickerson for member of the assembly.
On motion of Henry Howes, the secretary cast one ballot for Mr. Dickinson. Frank A. Phelps and Henry Howes escorted Mr. Dickinson to the platform, and the candidate made a brief speech of acceptance.
N. F. Webb, supervisor of Virgil, said he believed in the town of Virgil against the world. That town had lately been the scene of tragedies, but if the town of Homer would keep its criminals at home no more would occur. He thought, however, that Virgil should have the sheriff, and named Aaron R. Overton as a candidate. Seconded by A. K. Bennett of Homer.
C. A. Brooks of Marathon moved that the convention proceed to vote for a candidate in accordance with the custom of the party. Overton received 122 votes and Adam Hilsinger 37. Hilsinger's votes came from Cincinnatus 7, Cuyler 9, Marathon 12, Scott 7, Taylor 2. The happiest fellow in the hall was a little white pup, which at this point put up a stiff bark of congratulation. Overton's nomination was made unanimous.
Otis D. Patrick of Truxton was named for county clerk by Rev. E. J. Lavis of that town. Mr. Patrick was nominated by the vote of 128 to 31 for Oscar P. Nichols of Cincinnatus. Mr. Patrick thanked the convention for the nomination.
For district attorney Thomas H. Dowd was named by Judge R. L. Davis and the teller was instructed to cast a ballot for Mr. Dowd, who made the usual speech of acceptance and thanks.
A. H. Bennett of Homer named Edwin J. Bockes for superintendent of the poor. Mills G. Frisbie was named, and on a ballot Mr. Bockes received 110 votes and Mr. Frisbie 49. Mr. Bockes was declared the nominee.
For coroners, Drs. M. R. Smith of McGrawville and E. M. Santee of Cortland were nominated.
Delegates to state convention were chosen as follows: F. P. Saunders, D. N. Hitchcock, John Crofoot, F. A. Crosley, Frank H. Cobb and Eber Bowdish.
Broke Into a Church.
Some person or persons possessed a combination of maliciousness and patriotism Tuesday night which led them to break into the Universalist church for the purpose of ringing the bell. Windows were broken out on both the north and south sides of the basement and an entrance effected in this way. Officers are on trail of at least one of the offenders, and it is probable the over-zealous patriots will be compelled to pay dearly for their burglarious propensities.
Lost Control of Wheel.
Miss Rose Pendell, whose home is on Fisher-ave., met with a painful accident last Friday night. She was descending Prospect-st. hill when she lost control of her wheel, and was going down the hill at a rapid pace. Before reaching the foot of the incline she ran against T. S. Clark, who was walking down the hill, and she was thrown to the ground, striking upon the head and shoulders. She was unconscious for a time, and was later taken to her home by Beard & Peck's ambulance, where she was attended by Dr. S. J. Sornberger. Her right collar bone was broken and her neck and right shoulder badly bruised.
To Ithaca.
The O. U. A. M. excursion to Ithaca to-day promises to be the largest ever leaving Cortland. The train will leave the station at 8 o'clock a. m. making a short run to its destination. This will give the greater portion of the day for excursionists to visit all places of interest and to enjoy a ride of several miles down the lake or to visit Renwick Park, or to attend the [Buffalo Bill] Wild West show that will be in Ithaca to-day.
Removal.
E. W. Bates will on July 7 move his Fire Insurance office from the DEMOCRAT Block to the Music store of Chase & Smith, 103 Main-st., Squires' old grocery store.
Election of Officers.
Pecos tribe, No. 357, I. O. R. M., elected the following officers last Thursday evening:
Sachem—George H. Gleeson.
Senior Sagamore—Cornelius Hayes.
Junior Sagamore—Vernon Allen.
Prophet—Jesse Vandenburg.
Representative to Great Council—Jesse Vandenburg.
Proxy—George H. Gleason.
Trustee for Eighteen Months—Frank J. Donegan.
HERE AND THERE.
The name of Willard station on the Lehigh Valley railroad has been changed to Gilberts.
The mowing machine is beginning to sing as usual, but the slim hay crop reduces the value of its results.
The Genoa Tribune says that DeWitt D. Rose of Cortland has brought an action to have the license of Hotel Sellen in Genoa revoked.
Buckwheat cakes are losing favor in this country. The amount of buckwheat raised is only about one half what it was thirty-five years ago, notwithstanding the increase of population.
Bishop Huntington, who visits Cortland occasionally and who is reversed by all, has during the thirty years he has had charge of the Central New York diocese made 29,000 confirmations.
Here is another victim of cigarette habit: William H. Bennett, once a prominent business man of Lyons, is suffering from insanity caused by cigarettes. He will be sent to the hospital at Ovid.
The Cortland correspondent of the Moravia Republican thinks the Sabbath is made too much of a gala day in this city. The particular instance cited is the trolley ride recently run from Homer and McGrawville to the park.
The annual convention of the Central New York Veterans' Firemen's association will be held at Auburn August 7, 8 and 9. This association comprises the counties of Cayuga, Seneca, Tompkins, Cortland, Tioga, Broome, Steuben and Ontario counties.
Oh, my! oh, my! oh, my! Read this: Potatoes are rapidly dug, cleaned and sacked by a new apparatus, which has a plow to unearth the tubers, the dirt and potatoes falling into an endless chain elevator, which delivers them to a hopper with slat sides, which removes the dirt and drops the potatoes into a bag.
According to a report that comes from Albany the fate of the proposed railroad from Auburn to Genoa now depends on the promoters of the road. According to the report the State Railroad commission has decided that the proposed road is a necessity and would grant a certificate, provided the promoters of the road could show their ability to build.
The court of appeals has handed down a decision affirming the decisions of the two lower courts to the effect that the trustees of Southworth library in Dryden cannot be compelled to furnish a librarian and janitor and pay them out of the library fund left to it by Jennie McGraw Fiske. The matter determined in this case has been the subject of discussion, agitation and considerable feeling among the residents of Dryden for several years past.
Popcorn Willie's stand was overturned Tuesday by patriotic youth.
The shower Tuesday afternoon was short, but it was truly refreshing.
A wheel belonging to W. K. Hollister was stolen from his porch Sunday evening.
The furniture dealers of Cortland will for the present close their places of business at 6 o'clock except on Saturday evenings.
J. J. Jeffries, the champion heavyweight pugilist, attracted considerable attention as he walked about the city Monday forenoon.
Prof. Francis E. Parker of Mexico has been engaged by the local board as teacher of languages in the Normal school in place of Prof. J. E. Banta.
The Democratic county committee will meet at the office of Dr. J. M. Milne tomorrow afternoon to select dates for caucuses and the county convention.
Rev. F. C. Smith was this week re-appointed pastor of the Cortland A. M. E. Zion church by the bishop presiding at the annual conference at Binghamton.
Illuminated balloons were numerous Wednesday evening, no less than a dozen been seen hovering over the city. They made a very pretty form of celebration.
The Normal ball team did good work as usual last week, defeating the Candor team Friday by the score of 28 to 3 and also the Spencer team on Saturday by 24 to 0.
The largest berry farm in the vicinity of Cortland is on the premises of L. E. Burnham, Madison-st., who will have an immense quantity of red raspberries and blackberries. The entire yield is already sold.
Daniel Hickey, who succeeded Glenn Smith as day operator at the D., L. & W. depot, has received the appointment of ticket agent on the N Y. Central road at Lake Placid, and is succeeded by H. V. Zimmerman.
For two or three weeks past the east end of Venette-st. has been closed to travel on account of the collapse of a sluice bridge, but a new structure has been built and the boulevard is ready for the highflyers.
The members of McGrawville and Cortland granges have been invited by Rev. Bergen Browe to attend service at the Baptist church at McGrawville next Sunday evening, on which occasion he will preach a grange sermon.
This evening the local W. C. T. U. will serve ice cream and cake from 7 until 10 o'clock at No. 1 Greenbush-st. The proceeds go toward meeting expenses of the series of Gospel Temperance Illustrated lectures to be held in Cortland, beginning July 19.
One of the prettiest evening signs in Cortland is one placed over the sidewalk in front of A. S. Burgess clothing store. One side reads "Burgess" and the other side "Clothing," and it is so arranged that the lettering is shown in four different colors, changing every half minute. It is a beauty and very naturally attracts the attention of every pedestrian passing under it.
The Cortland youth have this year been using a most ingenious ear-splitting device known as the "marble torpedo." By the investment of one cent the small boy can possess himself of an article which will make between 40 and 60 explosions as loud as a 22-calibre cartridge. It looks like an ordinary dun-colored marble, an inch in diameter, and is made of clay; baked hard; but covering the outside is a layer of powder and phosphorous and certain other ingredients, the whole preparation like that on the end of a parlor match. The small boy drops the marble and the mixture over the spot that comes in contact with the pavement explodes. Then he picks it up and throws it down again, with like result, and so the merry game continues until all the coating is worn off. This device has been so popular that youngsters were seen enjoying it on most every street corner some days before the Fourth. A game of marbles with these explosive "allies" appears to be a new and delightful sport.
