BELLEVUE HOSPITAL, JOHN L. SULLIVAN, PRESIDENTIAL PREACHMENTS, AND RARE OLD RELICS

 

Bellevue Psychopathic Hospital.

John L. Sullivan.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, December 28, 1900.

NEW YORK LETTER.

Bullying at Bellevue Hospital—Novel Movable Stairway—John L. Sullivan.

(From Our Regular Correspondent.)

   A recent investigation of Bellevue hospital has disclosed a shocking condition of affairs in that institution. It is alleged that within the past year, no less than eight patients in the alcoholic and insane wards have died as direct result of beatings received at the hands of male nurses and helpers that have been employed in these wards. Bellevue is a charitable institution, maintained by the city in common with various other public charitable institutions the free help system is in vogue. These helpers are not paid employees, but men and women without homes or capacity for earning a living for themselves. They are admitted to the hospital upon their own application with the understanding that in return for food and lodging, they shall assist in keeping the wards clean. This system of free help has long formed one of the most objectionable features at the hospital and the Board of State Examiners has repeatedly called attention to its viciousness.  These helpers are as a rule hopelessly coarse in manner and language, and if they have any ambition at all, which is extremely doubtful, it is to get a chance to bully or torment some poor victim who is not in a position to hit back.

   The chief objection to the elevated railroads has always consisted in the necessity of climbing long flights of stairs, as a preliminary to getting on a train. In order to dispose of this objection, the railroad management has installed at its Fifty-Ninth-st station a moving stairway [escalator], which is something of a novelty. It is also rather in the nature of an experiment but should the stairways meet with favor, they are to be placed at all stations. There is not an hour in the day when a little knot of people and occasionally quite a crowd, cannot be found watching the moving stairway and waiting for persons who, as they apparently view it, have the temerity to attempt to ascend by it. The stairs are really a succession of steps moving upward, when two steps go over the top, they form a platform off which a person can step with ease. This platform is also formed at the street level as the various steps come up to the sidewalk. Those who have gone up these moving steps and have been gently shoved off the top with only the exertion of holding on to the moving rail to the side, have no hesitancy in trying it again and again, but to make the first try requires some courage, especially before the critical gaze of the by-standers who are very free and liberal with their comments.

   At an all around sporting show held in this city last week, the greatest of all pugilists, John Lawrence Sullivan, officiated as master of ceremonies. John L. has now become exceedingly corpulent and bloated, but this detracts not the least bit from his popularity, he being today the leader of quite as large a following as in his palmist days of success and victory. That he is still "first in the hearts of his countrymen'' is evident from the uproarious enthusiasm that invariably greets him whenever he deigns to show himself to his admirers. At the sporting show before mentioned the former heavy weight champion appeared on the platform in evening dress, and carried an opera hat in his hand. Immediately upon his appearance he was requested to speak and this is substantially what the great best of fighters said: "Gents—It's a great pleasure to be here and help along this little racket as well as I can. I am also glad to see that you still consider that I am one of the main guys and the real thing. Everything I say is only taking up valuable time and so I can only say in conclusion that I am as ever your friend, John L. Sullivan, always on the level." Tumultuous applause greeted the appearance and retirement of "the only John L." and before he could begin to talk he had to wait until the audience had tired of crying "Who's all right?'' and answering his name and cheers.

 

Grover Cleveland.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

Presidential Preachments.

   Many times during the history of our republic the question has been raised as to what should be done with our ex-presidents, that their services, valuable as they should be in wealth of practical experience, might be utilized to our national advantage. Various suggestions have been offered from time to time. It has been proposed that they be made senators-at-large; that they be honorary members of the senate for life, with all senatorial privileges, save that of voting on any measure; that they be honorary advisors in the cabinet of the president, etc., etc. The objections to the various plans have not been so numerous as the plans suggested. The paramount objection uniformly raised has been that the practical experience of an ex-president would lose much of its value from the fact that he would in all positions incline to be much too wise for his party and much too conceited and too infallible for his associates.

   The recent utterances of Ex-Presidents Harrison and Cleveland furnish excellent lessons of the truth of that paramount objection. The recent preachments of these two extinguished political luminaries are in essence essentially the same, and are all the more striking when it is remembered that both have twice been opposing candidates for the highest office in the gift of the people, and each has been defeated by the other. Both are striking examples of men who have tried to be greater than their party by seeking to differ with generally accepted party principles, party policies and party practices.

   Harrison was elected by the Republican party and he signalized his administration by continual antagonism to his party leaders and party measures. Cleveland was twice elected by the Democratic party and he glorified his super-exaltation in wandering after "strange gods'' known as "Mugwumps," on whom he lavishly squandered his party's heritage, his party's substance and his party's opportunities. Both maintained a breathless silence, perhaps a criminal apathy, during the fevered political struggle now barely closed. Election over, and both have sage oracular utterances, for the assumed lack brains of their respective parties. The political pundit of Indiana, from underneath his grandfather's hat, has been declaiming to college students on his enlarged views regarding the recent policy of his party, that colonial possessions are antagonistic to the spirit, and not in accord with the letter of the American constitution, and that any engraftment of semi-barbaric colonies on our political system is fraught with the greatest danger to our republic. Where was this political augur with his prophetic utterances in the last political campaign, when the Democratic party was contending for these self-same principles? Why did then his silence remain unbroken? If his words are patriotic now, what can be said of their concealment in the late political contest? Bah! Spasmodic patriotism, ill-timed and unavailing, is treacherous patriotism and political treachery rolled in one.

   The ''stuffed prophet" of Princeton, in his vertiginous self-conceit, flaunts himself in a newspaper preachment, claiming his political shibboleth to be, "Give the rank and file a chance,'' when in reality it is. Thou shalt have no other political gods before me. He charges that the Democratic party has been wandering after "strange gods" and "under banners which bore strange symbols, and were held aloft in unfamiliar hands." True enough, the party has not been bowing down to worship at the feet of his blockish-brained divinity; true enough, no Mugwump symbols have lately been traced on the pennant of Democracy; true enough, Cleveland's hands have not in the last two campaigns held aloft the banner of that party which lifted him from obscurity to notoriety, and from poverty to opulence. Yet mistaken or misled as it may have been in some respects in the last two national campaigns, the Democratic party has fought the fight of true Democracy along the highways of time-honored Democratic beliefs, and in accord with those fundamental principles of constitutional government that rest on the bed-rock foundations of Jeffersonian Democracy. No fair-minded man but will concede that Democratic defeat in the last two national campaigns was due, in no small measure, to the disruption of the Democracy, brought about by this same self-opinionated and self-constituted critic of Democracy.

   The power which the Democratic party gave to him, he used to its deadly hurt; the honors with which his party enriched him, he gave to his worshipers; the opportunities that his party had through him, he wantonly and selfishly squandered for his own personal advantage. His criticisms and counsels portend no lasting good to the party. Let the political semaphore give signal that the Democratic track is not clear for Clevelandism. His vampire call, "Give the rank and file a chance," means in his vocabulary—Give me a chance at them. His interest in Democracy is that of an harpy and not that of a benefactor. The true oriflamme of Democracy waves for the people's rights, as made evident through the people's needs, and not as seen and felt through the medium of any ghoulish political debauchee.

 

Some Rare Old Relics.

   One of the finest collections of curiosities that remind the oldest inhabitants of their childhood days is owned by Mr. and Mrs. John W. Jones of Willet, N. Y. Mr. Jones' grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Bancroft, was one of the earliest settlers of Willet township, coming into the town at a time when nothing but the very crudest pieces of machinery were in use, making it therefore compulsory to do most of the work by hand. Among other things now in the family of Mr. Jones is a spinning wheel and reel, used for making flax sheets, pillow cases, tablecloths and towels, several of which Mrs. Jones now has in her possession that were made by Mrs. Bancroft, it must be nearly 70 years ago. She also has a very pretty piece of work in a black silk, hand-made veil made by Mrs. Bancroft over 60 years ago; also a wedding bonnet, made out of the same style of cloth as her wedding dress, known as a Quaker bonnet and made and worn by Mrs. Bancroft over 70 years ago, and a fine piece of workmanship it is too, showing that in those early days our ancestors were artists of ability. There is also a very pretty chemisette of hand-made Irish linen lace over 60 years old, a dressed doll, every garment being nicely made and finished, made for Mrs. Sarah Jones by Mrs. Jones's mother when she was only four years of age, the doll being nearly 70 years old. Also a bed quilt made of the wedding dress of Mrs. Bancroft and a rocking chair owned by same person now over 100 years old.

   Mrs. Laura Barry of Binghamton, a sister of Mrs. Jones, who is now visiting her, has a black silk bonnet with Mrs. Jones' collection, which was worn by her grandmother Mrs. Martha Green, over 100 years ago, also a calico dress, made by Mrs. Green for Mrs. Jones when Mrs. Green was 88 years of age, showing her at that age to have been an expert seamstress.

   There is also in this family another curio that is rarely seen and that is a picture of four generations. They are Rev. D. D. Brown of Willet, now 75 years of age; his daughter Mrs. Laura Barry of Binghamton; her son Chas. D. Barry, and his son Chas. J. Barry, both of Binghamton.

   It is seldom that such a collection of curiosities are found in any one family, which shows how long these articles have been retained as mementos of those who have gone on before them, entering as it were into another undiscovered country, in a world beyond.

 

HERE AND THERE.

   We had just about half a "green Christmas."

   Regular meeting of Cortlandville grange this evening.

   These are the days when thin ice thins the juvenile population.

   C. O. Newton presented the Cortland hospital with $25 as a Christmas present.

   Here's hopin' the new city administration will give certain streets more light.

   Some of our Cortland manufacturing concerns are working over time to fill their orders.

   C. C. Clark has been appointed town clerk of Scott in place of M. A.  Whiting, resigned.

   Cortland streets were lined with people last Saturday afternoon, all on shopping intent.

   The official head [mayor] of the city of Cortland will after next Tuesday be ruled by drugs [Charles Brown] instead of coal [Samuel Holden].

   Sunday's thaw was not appreciated just a little by business men or teamsters, nor in fact by any one.

   Office will not be a drug in the market under Mayor Brown, as some might infer may be the case.

   The comer grocery recently conducted by Mr. Smith, will hereafter be managed by E. M. Mansur.

   That miniature Ferris wheel in Filzinger's window is one of the prettiest advertising novelties in town.

   The signs of the times indicate prosperity at the Benton Lumber company's office, and it is a pretty sign, too.

   The Loyal Circle of King's Daughters will meet with Mrs. E. R. Wright on Groton-ave. this afternoon at 1 o'clock.

   To keep in newspaper fashion we sup pose it is proper for the Democrat to wish all its readers a happy New Year. And we do it sincerely, too.

   The great mass of boys and girls are just now enjoying the happiest week of the year. No school, and plenty of Christmas presents, we hope.

   The Cortland man who ordered a ton of coal sent to a poor family deserves a crown emblazoned with "Santa Claus" in front, rear and on each side.

   Thomas Butler and Michael O'Brien each paid $3 [court fines] into the city treasury Wednesday morning for the privilege of enjoying a Christmas drunk.

   Many generous gifts to the needy on Christmas day which have come to our knowledge confirms our belief that Cortland contains some good Samaritans.

   From the r-r-r-r-r-muble of the balls one can locate a bowling alley anywhere around the upper end of Main-st. It is a very f-f-f-f-f-f-fascinating game.

   Cortland is a great town for night cafes, no less than five being in full blast every night. They may possibly breed indigestion, but the people will have them.

   A donation for the benefit of the pastor of the Virgil Baptist church, Friday evening, Jan. 4, 1901, will be held at the church. A cordial invitation is extended to all.

   Edward Stilson's five-year old daughter Laura fell on the side-walk Wednesday, breaking her right elbow at the joint. The fracture was reduced by Dr. H. T. Dana.

   If the finder of a gold chain bracelet with miniature lock attached, lost on the streets of the city, will leave the same at this office suitable compensation will be given.

   A very beautiful Christmas service was held in St. Mary's church Tuesday forenoon, the musical program under the direction of F. W. Lanigan being especially fine.

   The Post-Standard of yesterday is authority for the statement that Edmond C. Alger will be the new city clerk, and that O. P. Miner is slated for commissioner of charities.

   On the evening of January 4th the melodrama, "Woman Against Woman," will be presented at the Cortland Opera House. This will be an attraction well worth attending.

   To return home at nightfall on Christmas and find the sidewalk cleared from snow by kind neighbors, makes a lazy man feel about as happy as would a gift of a fifty cent pair of slippers.

   Cortland will start the century with a new mayor, a new common council, a new sheriff, a new county clerk, a new district attorney, a new representative at Albany, and in the sweet bye and bye a new police commission.

   Watts S. Freer had one of the biggest dances at his hall at Higginsville Tuesday night that was ever held in this vicinity. One hundred couples were present, and they thoroughly enjoyed the occasion from start to finish. The supper was an elaborate one, with plenty for all.

   The Home Telephone Co. are to-day adjusting the messenger wires and cables to the poles on Tompkins-st. One hundred more house and store telephones arrived yesterday, making three hundred in all. They are being located as rapidly as possible.

   Mr. James A. Wood of this city has been appointed one of the special game protectors of the state of New York and local game warden of Cortland county. Just keep ''in season," boys, or Jim will get his eagle eye and the strong arm of the law after you.

   Judge Eggleston has granted an injunction restraining the trustees of Marathon from further proceedings in the establishment of an electric lighting system until they show cause, before him, why they should not acquire by condemnation, the existing plant of the Union Electric Co.

   Cortland people have had a tendency to look heavenward the past week, linemen employed by the Home Telephone company being the attraction. The fellow who rides along on a 'breeches buoy,' as it would be termed on the seacoast, from pole to pole, is especially an object of curiosity.

   When one stops to think of the marvelous inventions of the century which ends next Monday night at 12 o clock, he is led to wonder how the people will live at the close of the next century, what will be the fashions in dress, what methods of heating and lighting will be in use, and what means of locomotion will be invented. Just now it is a time for everyone to do a heap of thinking.

   Last week Sig Sautelle sold and shipped to Sells Brothers' menagerie at Geneva, O., an elephant, a leopard and two lions. The animals were shipped in a special express car attached to the 4:51Thursday, with an attendant from Sells Brothers. Many people witnessed the loading of the animals Thursday afternoon. The attendant was heavily armed, in readiness to defend himself in case any of the caged animals escaped. There was only one lamp lighted in the special car when the train was ready to leave, but the messenger refused to let the car move until more light was provided, which was done after some parleying. He said he wanted light enough to see to shoot if necessary.—Homer Republican.

   Time usually rights all wrongs. Once upon a time the board of regents at Albany changed the name of the McGrawville Union school to "McGraw" Union school. The board has now very properly changed the title back to the McGrawville school, as it should be. The Erie & Central N. Y. railroad company some time ago labeled the depot at McGrawville properly, and now is an opportune time for the Cortland & Homer Traction company to erase the name "McGraw" from its trolley cars, and not longer sail under false colors at the whim of one man [William Clark, publisher of the Cortland Standard—CC ed]. The scheme to label everything over that way "McGraw" has proved a most ridiculous failure.