The Cortland Democrat, Friday, November 23, 1900.
DEATH OF JAMES S. SQUIRES.
James S. Squires, a life-long resident of this county and for many years engaged in business in Cortland village, died at his home, 44 Tompkins-st. Wednesday morning at the age of 81 years.
He was at one time president of the National bank of Cortland. The funeral will be held at his residence this afternoon at 2 o'clock.
THE SUPERVISORS.
HOW THEY LOOK AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL PECULIARITIES.
City Members Grouped in the Corners—But They Make Themselves Heard Just the Same—The Democratic Members Prefer the North-east Corner of the Room.
It was not until the past week that the impecunious reporter for the Democrat had the privilege of viewing at short range the august body of town representatives ycleped board of supervisors, the result of the recent election having caused a severe shock to his nervous system that only time, and plenty of it, could remove.
The first noticeable feature that meets the eye is the location of the new members from the city, four of whom are grouped in the south-west corner of the room, and the other two, with the member from Cortlandville and with Dr. Kinyon from Cincinnatus, have possession of the east end of the room. To the eyes of a Democrat, the gentlemen who occupy seats in the northeast corner of the county assembly chamber form a sympathetic group that partially allays the stinging defeat of the recent election.
Dr. Benj. Kinyon, the all-round genial, whole-souled gentleman from Cincinnatus, who as the recent Democratic candidate for member of assembly received nearly an even hundred more votes in Cortland county than were cast for Wm. J. Bryan, sits by the door to the ante-room as in former years. It is rumored that the Doctor still smokes occasionally, but no spare cigars were seen on his desk. He is placed on three committees, being chairman of the committee on coroners' bills, second on equalization, and third on county treasurer's affairs. This is the sixth year Dr. Kinyon has represented Cincinnatus on the board, and he had previous experience in that line in Broome county before he emigrated to his present town.
By the side of Dr. Kinyon sits another Democrat, Chas. E. Kingsley, from the Fifth ward. Mr. Kingsley is a new member, but what he lacks in experience he makes up in solid common sense, and as one Republican remarked to the Democrat representative, the Fifth ward will never be ashamed of Charley Kingsley.
There are four men on the board who will have served their towns seven years upon the completion of this session, and if the taxpayers of those towns are wise they wall say, "Well done, good and faithful servants, enter thou into the joys of seven years' longer service.'' Dr. H. D. Hunt of Preble is one of the seven year men, and his record is a credit to himself and his town. The Doctor was a candidate for coroner on the Democratic ticket at the recent election and his vote in the county was 113 greater than that cast for the head of the ticket. There's popularity for you. Dr. Hunt is the chairman of three committees, an honor given no other member of the board.
Another seven year man is John O'Donnell, a loyal Democrat from the town of Truxton. Mr. O'Donnell is the only lawyer on the board, but that does not seem to lessen his popularity with his colleagues nor with his fellow townsmen. He is as thoroughly familiar with all the details of the county's affairs as any other man, and the accounts which come before the board for audit are carefully scrutinized by Mr. O'Donnell who believes in economy without parsimony. He smokes, too.
The third seven year man is A. H. Bennett of Homer. As a member of the board he is highly respected by the entire body, and a microscopic view of his life and character discloses only one flaw, that of being a Republican. At the same time Mr. Bennett considers a Democrat just as good as himself, if he only behaves as becomes a gentleman. He is the only banker on the board, and is on four committees, of one of which he is chairman.
In length of service, Irving W. Phelps of Taylor is the veteran of the board having served his town nine years. He first appeared as a member in 1861, a time when the country was involved in a civil war, and when able men were in demand in every walk of life, supervisors not excepted. Mr. Phelps owns a beautiful farm home very properly styled "The Elms, and in social as well as in business circles he is justly popular. In politics he is a Republican, and he is chairman of the committee on settling with school and loan commissioners. For light pastime he is greatly interested in the giddy mazes of a cake walk.
Another reliable, true-blue Democrat is A. E. Ingersoll, who represents the town of Willet. Mr. Ingersoll has served only two years as supervisor, but his thorough business methods have given him an insight into county affairs that makes him a valuable member. He is a very companionable gentleman, and an evening spent in his company is an enjoyable occasion. This year will close his career as supervisor of Willet, as he has sold his property interests in that town and contemplates moving elsewhere. He is on three committees.
The chairman of the board is J. Harris Hammond of Marathon, better known by his colleagues as "Harry. Mr. Hammond is a Republican, but perhaps that one fault ought not to militate against him. He makes a good presiding officer, and has usually been very fair in the make-up of the committees. Perhaps a little mild criticism of the absence of chairmanships for city members might be in order, but we forbear, knowing that a "kick' would avail nothing. The genial chairman smokes by rule, and enjoys an up-to-date vaudeville entertainment.
That sedate looking gentleman in the front tier of seats is J. W. Patrick, who is now serving as supervisor of Cuyler for the fifth year, his first experience being in 1879. Mr. Patrick evidently enjoys committee work, as he devotes his attention closely to that feature of his office. He is chairman of two committees, and is fourth on equalization. In politics Mr. Patrick believes in Republican principles.
Freetown is represented by a Democrat in the person of M. A. Mynard, who is chairman of one committee and is a member of another. He first served on the board in 1886, again in 1888, and this is his second consecutive year, making four years' service. We expect Freetown will do its duty next February by re-electing him for another two years.
John A. Wavle from Harford is a conspicuous figure in the board, for the reason that his avoirdupois is up in high figures and he is conceded to be the handsomest man in the crowd. Mr. Wavle is a cautious, conservative member, and his ability is conceded by his appointment on four committees, of two of which he is the honored chairman. He is a Democrat and is highly esteemed by his colleagues and by his constituents. Watch the Wavle returns from Harford next February.
A. R. Rowe is the new member from Cortlandville and is breaking to harness with his mate, O. F. Allen, in fine shape. For a new member Mr. Rowe is well favored in committee appointments, being placed on three committees, one of which is the important one on equalization.
O. F. Allen represents the third ward. He was in business on Railway-ave. several years, and closed out the past year, not, however, with the expectation of serving his ward in the capacity of supervisor, but the people knew his capabilities and decided to use them. Mr. Allen is rather diffident but he is getting the hang of things in great shape. He is given two committeeships.
F. A. Crosley has the honor of presiding over the committee on equalization, which position gives Scott a commanding prominence. If a stranger should ask Crosley the color of his politics the reply would be quickly given: "McKinley and prosperity." He is something of a wire-puller in politics, but is not what is termed an offensive partisan. He indulges in cigars during the sessions of the board
F. M. Surdam is another seven year term member, his first experience from Lapeer being in 1893. He was re-elected four years in succession, and in 1899 he was again chosen for two years. He is a Republican, and a gentleman who attends closely to the business before him.
The sedate looking young man wearing glasses and seated to the left of Clerk Alger is A. C. Walrad, the gentleman who represents the First ward. Mr. Walrad is a thorough business man, and is given three committee appointments, which will keep him out of mischief during the session. "Fred's'' stubbornness of character is shown in his refusal to withdraw during the campaign in favor of Frank P. Hakes, his Democratic opponent, when asked to do so by this paper, but in all matters outside of politics Fred is very accommodating. His favorite drink is city water, and his favorite pastime bowling. He is at it every evening, work or no work.
Johnson Geronimo Bingham represents the classic town of Solon, this being his eighth consecutive year, giving him the longest record save one of any member. He is chairman of two committees, and a member of another.
The member from Virgil, N. F. Webb, is one of the most highly respected supervisors on the board. He is industrious, is something of an orator, and is master of Cortland County Pomona grange. He has not as yet renounced Republicanism, and possibly he may not do so until 1904. The important committee on court house and jail is presided over by Mr. Webb, and he is honored by two other committee appointments.
The Sixth ward of the city is represented by Frank A. Phelps, who occupies what was formerly the loafers corner of the chamber. Since Cortland became a city and knocked for admission at the door of the county assembly hall a reformation has taken place in that corner, and as Mr. Phelps is something of a reformer himself it was a very appropriate scheme to locate him in the space formerly contaminated by newspaper reporters. Frank is on two important committees, and his clarion voice has already been heard in the august chamber. Good fellow, but polities bad.
N. J. Peck is a worthy representative from the Fourth ward, as he is one of Cortland's successful business men, and such men are the proper ones to transact public business. Mr. Peck is the only city member on the equalization committee, but his persuasive powers will result, we believe, in fair play for the yearling city. He is a prominent member of the C. F. D., and is interested in all matters affecting the public welfare.
The ministerial gentleman in the south-west corner is Supervisor D. C Johnson of the Second ward, a new member, but one who will soon "get used to the ropes" and make a valuable representative. He is a Republican, of course, else he could never represent the second ward. He is on two committees.
The genial clerk Edmond Catechism Alger was re-elected by the board, the members of which know enough to keep a good man. He is very courteous, rendering every assistance to old and new members alike, and even reporters are the recipients of many favors at his hands. It pains us to say that Mr. Alger must make way for a Democratic clerk next year, but such is the fortune of political war.
IN THE COURTS.
The Deposed Policemen Propose to Test the Legality of Their Removal.
The members of the common council of the city were Tuesday evening each served with a notice of application to be made before the supreme court at Binghamton on the 4th day of December next for a writ of certiorari to review their action in removing Edward D. Parker, William T. Nix and John H. Corcoran, policemen. The complaining police officers claim first, that the common council had no right to remove them as policemen, they having been made policemen of the city by the act incorporating the city of Cortland, and no authority having been given over the policemen, except through a board of police commissioners.
They also claim that no police can be moved except for cause and after a notice has been given them and an opportunity to be heard in their own defense. If the writ is allowed it will be the duty of the common council and the clerk of the city, who is also made a party solely for the reason that he is the custodian of the public records, to file within twenty days in the office of the county clerk a return stating all of their proceedings with reference to the removal of these officers. The case will then go to the Appellate division of the supreme court of the Third department for them to decide whether the return shows that the common council had jurisdiction to remove the policemen, and if so, whether they had sufficient cause to justify them to act.
Dickinson & Duffey are the attorneys for the police officers. Our citizens generally will be glad to have this long debated question decided by some competent authority.
FIRE AT FREETOWN.
The Watrous Cheese Factory at Freetown Corners Destroyed.
About 2 o'clock Wednesday morning the Watrous factory at Freetown Corners was destroyed by fire. The cause of the fire is unknown. The wind was very favorable, as it blew from the south, in a direction away from other buildings in that locality, and thus the fire was confined to the factory alone. The amount of the loss is not learned, but it is said to be partially covered by insurance.
Washington Letter.
(From Our Regular Correspondent.)
How Democrats in congress feel toward the proposition to reduce Southern representation in congress and in the electoral college, which is being urged by quite a number of Republicans, may be judged from these remarks of Senator Money:
''If an attempt is made to reduce the congressional representation from the South, I, for one, will be willing to talk from the 3rd day of December to noon on the 4th day of March. And it won't be wind, either. It will be a speech worth listening as well. I have been preparing for this fight for some time. If the Republicans attempt that reduction, they might as well prepare for an extra session of congress. They will not pass their shipping bill, nor indeed, anything else in the way of legislation."
Every Democratic senator and representative, who has been in Washington, holds practically the same sentiments that Senator Money expressed. Leading Republicans, who see danger in the matter, are trying to stop the talk among the small fry about forcing this sort of legislation through congress by reminding them of the Republican defeat which followed the attempts to jam the notorious Force bill through congress.
Another official postponement of the bringing of the volunteers home from the Philippines has been announced, which is directly contrary to all the ante-election promises. It is now said that they will not begin bringing them back before the first of January, and possibly not before the first of March. If not until the latter date, it will be very doubtful whether they will all get back before the expiration of their term of enlistment—July 1, 1901—although war department officials claim that they can all be brought back within four months, if necessary. If so, they will be brought back much quicker than they were carried.
At the last session of congress, the Republicans would have been entirely satisfied to increase the regular army to 100,000 men, but now a lot of them are seriously talking about making the army bill which they intend putting through at this session 150,000 men or more. The re-election of Mr. McKinley and the election of a big majority in the next House seems to have turned the heads of many Republicans, and the leaders of that party are going to have a hard job to keep them from going beyond all bounds in the legislation at this session.
AFTER ELECTION THOUGHTS.
The Results Already Apparent and in Prospect.
The smoke of the recent political battle is lifting and is revealing a clearer view of the various shiftings and movements in the grand era of prosperity. The absurd election wagers have for the greater part been paid, much to the amusement, let us hope, of all fools concerned. The daily turning of the political kaleidoscope shows many startling changes and combinations. Hardly is there an issue of any enterprising Republican daily newspaper without an allusion to some bank or mercantile failure, or to some new trust formed or to the dismissal of employees, made necessary by new combinations of business or capital. Hardly is the election determined before the Chicago packers mark up beef, pork and mutton one cent per pound. Hardly is the result of election known, when all the trust stocks take an upward boom. The sugar trust stock reached prices hitherto unknown save in the imagination. The Standard oil stock, after paying a 46 per cent dividend the past year on one hundred millions of inflated stock, reached the startling figure of $700 on a $100 share. No sooner is election over but we see Armour & Co., the controlling power in the beef trust, awarded the government printing contract for revenue stamps at a price declared by printers to be eight times more than would be charged in the ordinary course of business. Election over and there comes to light the Odell telegram to Roosevelt asking, for the sake of supposed partisan advantage, the suppression of the letter written by Mayor Van Wyck in answer to the ice trust charges against him. The telegram and the suppression of the letter until after election reveal the moral elevation and political calibre of the present and the incoming governor of the state. When that telegram is considered in the light of Gov. Roosevelt's scene-shifting in getting ready to dismiss the ice trust charges, one can but wonder and be glad to see in the governor's Thanksgiving proclamation gratitude expressed for "the chances of moral improvement'' that have come to us.
The din of election is hardly over when we learn of Salisbury at the Lord Mayor's banquet in England, in an enthusiastic speech, rejoicing over McKinley's election and the almost united press of England chanting the praises of the Republican party and extending the hand of welcome to a new nation on entering the ranks of the world-conquering powers.
The election is over and yet the Filipinos have not yet laid down their arms as was promised they would do immediately on McKinley's election, but they are still struggling for the right to be free and for the privileges of self-government.
Now that election is over we are promised a new lesson in Republican centralization in the form of a state constabulary bill creating a standing army of police to be manipulated by Platt and paid by the first, second and third-class cities of the state. Let the good work go on. We have left us the right to yell at the burglars as they leave the house with our goods. We have the privilege of hoping that organized wealth may not forever control the republic, and that fidelity to the conservative creed of Jefferson may grow strong and strengthen with the years and their opportunities and necessities.
E. & C. N. Y. IMPROVEMENTS.
Two New Depots—Stone Ballast—Engine Shed Moved.
The Erie & Central N. Y. railroad company has just finished a new depot at Reubens and the one at Willet Station is nearly completed. A vast amount of work has been done on the roadbed this season and the whole is now in excellent condition, some portions being ballasted and as smooth as the best in the country. The locomotive shed at their yard near the Junction has been moved across to the south of the tracks and can be entered direct without using the turn-table. It will be much more convenient.
Truxton Man Killed.
John T. Corbin of Truxton received injuries in Binghamton last Friday morning which resulted in his death. He was found by a stranger under the Bevier street culvert, and was conveyed to the city hospital in an ambulance. He was in a dazed condition and could not explain the accident, but it is thought he was riding on the bumpers of a train and fell off. He received a compound depressed fracture of the skull, and his left arm was also broken. He died the same day, and his remains were taken to Syracuse for interment, the funeral being held on Monday.
Corbin was a blacksmith at Truxton, and was 28 years old. He leaves a wife and infant son.
HERE AND THERE.
Orris Hose fair next week.
Foxes are reported quite numerous in this locality.
Of all the dirty, muddy mud the mud of the past week was the muddiest.
Regular meeting of Cortlandville grange, with initiation, this evening.
Several new towns and hamlets are represented in our correspondents' column of late.
Let it go on record that the first cutter to be seen on the streets of Cortland this season was on November 15.
Ithaca's icy pavement was too much for Jas. H. Johnson of Cortland last Saturday, and down he went, spraining his right knee quite badly.
The Loyal Circle of Kings Daughters will meet with the president, Mrs. Henry Relyea, 11 Blodgett-st, this afternoon at 3 o'clock.
George W. Finch of Homer has been granted a patent on a mop wringer, through Messrs. Risley & Love, patent solicitors, Utica.
The Tioga County Herald of last week stated that all trainmen on the Lehigh Valley railroad have received notice of an advance of wages of 15 per cent.
Two Cortland lads, Ernest Howard and Chester Smith, left Monday night to join the navy at Brooklyn. A large company assembled at the depot to bid them au revoir.
The members of the colored church will give a supper at the W. C. T. U. rooms this evening, to raise funds for the presiding elder, who will visit Cortland next Tuesday.
The Taughannock Emery Wheel company has leased a portion of the Keator & Wells foundry on Port Watson-st., and will move the plant here. The company will employ about twenty men.
The members of McGrawville grange will hold their annual election of officers on Saturday, Dec 1, at 10 o'clock A. M. instead of in the evening as heretofore. The annual feast will be served at noon, and—and—can't we be there?
The long-expected switch engine for use in the yard of the D., L & W. railroad at Cortland arrived last Friday and is in charge of Conductor John Hogan. The large amount of work at this station keeps the engine busy from morning until night.
A Prohibition conference will be held in Cortland on the afternoon and evening of Dec. 7. a business session being held in the afternoon, while the evening will be devoted to speeches by local shakers. A chicken pie supper will be served by the W. C. T. U. for 25 cents.
W. H. Hall will give a Thanksgiving party at the Virgil Hotel, Virgil, next Thursday evening, with music by Palmer & Livingston's full orchestra of six pieces. Mr. Hall's dances have always been very popular, and this will be fully up to the excellence of all previous ones.
Major A. Sager has for a few years past given the subject of shells considerable study, and on Saturday evening he gave a very entertaining address before the Science club on "Economic Mollusca." We would like to ask the Major if he can blow a blast on a conch shell?
Mr. John C. Reagan and Miss Mary B. Rooney, both of Homer, N. Y., were married in St. Mary's church, by Rev. J. J. McLoghlin at 9 o'clock yesterday morning. Mr. Reagan is the day operator at the D.. L. & W. station in Homer, and is a most exemplary young man. The bride is a young lady highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. The Democrat extends congratulations to the happy couple.
Rev. Mr. Smith, pastor of the African Zion church in Cortland, used for the subject of his sermon last Sunday evening the burning of the colored lad at a stake in Colorado last Friday. He intimated that missionary work was fully as necessary in the United States as in foreign lands, when leading citizens violate the law, as was done in the Colorado affair. Mr. Smith, however, in very emphatic terms denounced the commission of the crime by the young man.
One of the attractions at the Orris Hose fair next week will be the marriage of Major Page, a midget only 36 inches tall, 30 years old, to Miss Mary Wickle of Pennsylvania, the prospective bride being 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds. Mr. Page is an artistic dancer and attracts considerable attention on the street.
No comments:
Post a Comment