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| Grover Cleveland. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, December 20, 1900.
CLEVELAND'S ADVICE.
Article on the Plight of Democracy and the Remedy.
GIVE RANK AND FILE A CHANCE.
Says Fallacy of Free Silver and Populism Brought Defeat—Lesson of 1896 Was Contemptuously Rejected and Hope of Success Cast Aside.
PHILADELPHIA. Dec. 20.—Former President Grover Cleveland contributes to this week's issue of The Saturday Evening Post of Philadelphia an extended article on the plight of the Democracy and the remedy. Mr. Cleveland begins by reviewing the history of the party and he discusses its defects since 1864 in detail.
In taking up the question of the present condition of the Democracy he says the success of the party in 1892 was so decisive and overwhelming that a long continuance of its supremacy was anticipated. Then came "the fallacy of free silver and populism." Mr. Cleveland proceeds as follows: (Copyright 1900 by the Curtis Publishing company).
"The culmination of Democratic woe was reached when its compact with these undemocratic forces was complete, and when our rank and file were summoned to do battle under banners which bore strange symbols and were held aloft in unfamiliar hands. The result of such a betrayal was foredoomed. This abandonment of the principles of true Democracy, this contemptuous disobedience of its traditions and this deliberate violation of the law of its strength and vigor, were, by a decree as inexorable as those of fate, followed by the inevitable punishment of stunning, staggering defeat.
"But the extent and persistency of our wanderings in 1896 is illustrated in a most astounding way by the command, issued on the day of our rout and discomfiture, that a second battle should be fought on the same field, with the same false war cries and the same leadership that had brought us to the surrounding gloom of defeat."
Again he says: "Thus in 1900 the lesson of 1896 was contemptuously rejected and every hope of Democratic success was willfully cast aside. Again our long suffering rank and file, whose loyalty and obedience deserved better things, were sacrificed in a cause theirs only in name; and again it was demonstrated, but more clearly than ever before, that the only forces that can win Democratic success are adherence to recognized Democratic principles and reliance upon Democratic councils and leadership.
"Why should we not return to these, and in their name again achieve victories no less glorious and renowned than were ours in the days of courageous advocacy of our time-honored faith? Are our principles so shopworn or antiquated as to require renovation, or their displacement by others more fashionable? There is not an honest Democrat in this broad land that will concede these things nor is there one who would not hail the proclamation of the old faith with that fighting enthusiasm that foretokens Democratic triumph."
Mr. Cleveland touches in turn on free silver, and the federal courts and believes that true Democrats are against condemning "the general government for protecting itself in the exercise of its functions against violent obstruction within a state."
He discusses the return of Democracy to its old faith, saying: "Sincere Democrats of every condition and in every part of the land realize that the situation of the party needs repairs. Reorganization is not necessary; but a return from our wandering is absolutely essential. Let us be frank with ourselves, and candidly acknowledge the futility of attempting to gain Democratic victories except in the Democratic cause and through Democratic methods. Recrimination is worse than useless; and the arrogation of superior party virtues will breed only mischief. This is a time for sober thought, tolerant language and rational counsels. We are dealing with the condition of a party that can not be destroyed by external foes and since its ruin can be wrought only from within, it should be imperishable. Above all things, there should be a manly renunciation and avoidance of undue sectional control. Democracy will not operate efficiently on sectional lines.
"There is much for us to do and the future is full of Democratic duty and opportunity. Our fighting forces will respond listlessly and falteringly if summoned to a third defeat in a strange cause; but if they hear the rallying call of true Democracy they will gather for battle with old-time Democratic enthusiasm and courage.
"If I should attempt to epitomize what I have written, by suggesting a plan for the rehabilitation and restoration of true Democracy, I should embody it in these words: 'Give the rank and file a chance.'"
ALL SIGN JOINT NOTE.
Envoys at Pekin Agree to England's Modification.
READY NOW FOR NEGOTIATIONS.
Ministers Will Not Tell the Text of the Joint Note, Nor Will the Officials at Washington—News of Outrages Reported From Distant Provinces.
PEKIN, Dec. 20.—At a meeting of the foreign ministers late last evening everything in regard to the terms of the joint note was agreed to, including the British modification.
The ministers refuse to disclose anything in connection with the matter, believing that the home governments should give the particulars to the public.
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| Edwin H. Conger. |
TEXT NOT MADE PUBLIC.
Officials at Washington Decline to State Provisions of Preliminary Note.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.—While nothing had been heard from Mr. Conger up to last night regarding the agreement said to have been reached in Pekin last evening as to the terms of the joint Chinese note, the officials confidently hope that the statements are correct, and that the way is now paved for its presentation to the Chinese plenipotentiaries.
The officials here are unable to say just what the British modifications referred to in the Pekin dispatch are, but it is believed they rested upon the exclusion of the "irrevocable" clause which this government has all along insisted must not appear in the preamble to the note.
Minister Conger had positive instructions from this government on this subject and the preamble to the joint note, it is understood, will not contain that word. The Chinese peace envoys will be given a reasonable time within which to consider the demands made and then will follow the formal negotiations for the settlement of the peace terms.
Officials here still decline to make public the text of the note agreed upon, but it is believed that the essential features of the agreement do not differ materially from the points already made public. It is now learned that the entire misunderstanding which has delayed the consummation of the agreement at Pekin was caused by the change or omission of the single digit in a complex group of figures making up one of the cipher messages of instruction to Mr. Conger. Curiously enough the change in this single digit exactly reversed the meaning of the entire message so that Mr. Conger, in opposing the English view, was acting exactly contrary to the spirit of his instructions, though in accordance with their letter.
TRUSTS.
How They May be Restrained or Suppressed by Law.
To the Editor of The Standard:
SIR—In many of the states there are laws more or less drastic relating to trusts, and there is one federal statute, known as the "Sherman Anti-Trust Law," relating to the same subject. The power of congress, however, to legislate upon the subject of trusts is limited, and can be exercised only along certain lines and mainly where it is in aid of interstate commerce. When our present constitution was framed, each state was exceedingly jealous of its own rights and very careful not to confer upon congress any powers that it was then thought could safely be retained and exercised by the states respectively. The question of state rights and the danger of centralizing power in the general government were discussed at great length in the convention that framed the constitution and the same question again came up for discussion when the constitution was presented to the several states for adoption. Many of the states were fearful that the constitution, notwithstanding all the limitations contained in it, still conferred powers upon congress that might prove inimical to the states. So deep was this feeling that it was some time before the requisite number of states adopted the constitution and still longer before all the states gave their adhesion to it.
In 1789 certain amendments were proposed and subsequently adopted by the states, from which we quote Article X:
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."
The power of congress to legislate upon the subject of trusts must find its warrant in the constitution, and if such power is found to be of too limited a character to cover the entire ground upon which Federal legislation is desirable, such further power can be secured only by an amendment to the constitution.
Congressional legislation upon this subject, however, has already been very efficacious along certain lines in suppressing trusts. Under the Sherman Anti-Trust Law, the supreme court of the United States on the 24th day of October, 1898, held illegal the Joint Traffic association, an agreement entered into between some thirty-one different railroad companies, and enjoined its further execution. The court in this case says:
"Congress has the power to prohibit, as in restraint of interstate commerce, a contract or combination between competing railroad companies to establish and maintain interstate rates and fares for the transportation of freight and passengers on any of the railroads, parties to the contractor combination, even though the rates and fares thus established are reasonable."
"Congress has the power to forbid any agreement or combination among or between competing railroad companies for interstate commerce, by means of which competition is prevented."
"The statute under review is a legitimate exercise of the power of Congress over interstate commerce, and a valid regulation thereof.
In the Addystone Pipe and Steel Co. et. al., vs. the United States, a proceeding brought on behalf of the United States under the Sherman Anti-Trust law, it was charged in the petition that the defendants, six corporations who were engaged in the manufacture, sale and transportation of iron pipe, entered into a combination, a conspiracy among themselves, by which they agreed that there should be no competition between them in any of the states or territories mentioned in the agreement (comprising about thirty-six in all) in regard to the manufacture and sale of cast iron pipe. This action was brought to obtain a perpetual injunction against these companies, restraining them from farther acting under or carrying on the combination alleged to have been entered into between them, on the ground that it was an illegal and unlawful restraint of trade under said act. The trial court held this agreement illegal and unlawful, and the decision of the trial court was affirmed by the United States supreme court in Dec., 1899.
It should be borne in mind, however, that the decisions referred to were in cases where the combinations were clearly illegal, if not absolutely criminal.
While the power of congress to legislate upon the subject of trusts is apparently confined within somewhat narrow limits, the Sherman Anti-Trust law has doubtless been of greater value in preventing combinations in restraint of commerce than any other statute relating to that subject. Where the existence of a trust of the character of those referred to can be shown by sufficient evidence, it can be suppressed and adequately punished, either under the federal statute mentioned or through state legislation.
It has been suggested that trusts can be suppressed by putting their products upon the free list. There is no reason to suppose that such a course would be effective in suppressing trusts, if adopted, for trusts flourish in England, where free trade or a tariff for revenue only exists. It is not the writers purpose to discuss the question of tariff upon any controversial lines or to make any statement in reference to the tariff that will not meet with general acceptance. There is a wide difference of opinion as to manner in which tariff duties should be levied but, whether one believes in a protective tariff or a tariff for revenue only, nearly all individuals and certainly both political parties believe that the revenue necessary to meet the expenses of the government should be raised largely through the exaction of tariff duties. The Democrats, if in power, under a tariff for revenue only, would raise precisely as much revenue through the exaction of tariff duties as would the Republicans-under a protective tariff. The only difference between the two great political parties upon the tariff question relates solely to the manner of adjusting and placing it, and not to the aggravate amount of tariff to be raised. To some the foregoing statement may seem strange, but it is, nevertheless, undeniably true.
With these facts in mind the unwisdom of trying to suppress trusts by the removal of tariff duties from their products can easily be demonstrated. The most strenuous advocate of the theory of suppressing trusts by removal of tariff duties from their products will concede that the existence of a trust must be shown by sufficient evidence before such duties are removed. If such evidence exists, the trusts can be suppressed either by federal or state law, and therefore no reason for the removal of such tariff duties would longer remain. The product of the Standard Oil company, alleged to be the most gigantic of all trusts, is not on the dutiable list, and therefore could not be suppressed nor injuriously affected by tariff legislation. The Havemeyer sugar trust, so called, would gladly welcome the removal of all tariff duties from sugar, because it would relieve them, in a large measure at least, from competition with the beet sugar interest here. The beet sugar interest is not, so far as can be ascertained, connected with any trust, and is not in any sense an illegal combination, yet the removal of tariff duties from sugar would greatly depress, if not absolutely suppress, the production of beet sugar in this country. The beet sugar interest in this country, though comparatively in its infancy, has already reached considerable proportions. It would be manifestly unjust to cripple this young and growing industry, in which so many farmers are interested, in the vain hope that it would injure some alleged trust. The testimony of Mr. Havemeyer before the Congressional committee shows that the removal of tariff duties from sugar, instead of being regarded as a punishment by his company, would be welcomed as a favor.
Again, if the tariff is removed from an article because it is the product of a trust, the tariff so removed must be added to some other article or articles on the dutiable or free list.
A trust may be shown to exist in a small town or village, covering a half dozen products now on the dutiable list. The business of such a trust might not extend beyond the village or town in which it was situate. The absurdity of transferring the half dozen articles to the free list because they were handled by a trust is quite manifest. It may be that articles now on the dutiable list should be transferred to the free list and vice versa, but if such changes, or any changes are desirable, the great mass of honest producers, manufacturers and consumers should be the potent factors in determining the changes to be made, and upon what articles the tariff should be placed, and not the small portion of dishonest men who have formed illegal, if not criminal, combinations in restraint of trade.
Yours truly,
RILEY CHAMPLIN, Cortland, Dec. 17, 1900.
[Mr. Champlin was a Cortland attorney and a Democrat—CC ed.]
SENTENCE PRONOUNCED
Upon Those Found Guilty of Offenses in County Court.
The Pickert case was summed up in county court this morning and the case went to the jury at 12:30 o'clock. At 3:45 P. M. it had not reported.
At 2 P. M. court reconvened to permit Judge Eggleston to impose sentence upon those who have been found guilty at this term of court.
As a preliminary the matter of The People vs. Albert Taylor was brought up. Defendant had been indicted for perjury and was out on bail of $1,000, B. R. Corning of Cincinnatus being on his bond. He did not appear when the case was called Monday and the bond was ordered estreated. The defendant was in court to-day and asked to have his bond continued. Mr. Corning signified his willingness to continue as surety and the bond was accepted and the order estreating it was revoked.
William Baker who had pleaded guilty of a violation of the excise law [selling alcohol] in the town of Freetown was sentenced to three months in the county jail.
Edgar D. Foote, 33 years old, who had pleaded guilty to the charge of bigamy was sentenced to Auburn prison for one year and nine months at hard labor.
William A. Smith of Marathon, 19 years old, who had pleaded guilty to the charge of burglary in the second degree, was given a suspended sentence. Earl W. Smith, 21 years old, who had pleaded guilty to the charge of forgery, was given a suspended sentence.
In the last three cases the judge spoke with deep feeling in imposing sentence. All the prisoners were young men and none of them he felt were criminals at heart while all of them he believed deeply regretted the mistake they had made. Foote, he said, had an opportunity of shortening his sentence by good behavior. In the case of W. A. Smith the judge said there was some doubt as to whether the defendant was the real offender though he had pleaded guilty to the charge. There was no doubt that he had done wrong, but he felt that he had been led astray. He wanted to give him one more chance to retrieve and win back again his good name, and it might be easier without the stigma of the imprisonment and perhaps the lesson that the way of wrong doers was hard had been sufficiently impressed upon him. He would permit him to go upon his good behavior, but he impressed the fact upon him that any violation of law of any kind would warrant his being brought back to this same court and be sentenced for this offense without farther trial. He advised him to go home and first seek his mother's forgiveness and then try to live a better life. The young man wept bitterly while the judge talked to him in this kindly way giving him the good advice.
When Earl W. Smith was brought up for sentence Attorney John Courtney, Jr., made a further plea for clemency presenting a signed request from A. D. Wallace, T. C. Brogden, Maricle & Johnson and W. H. Crane and a verbal request from J. H. Tripp of Marathon given over the telephone, all asking for a suspended sentence. These were the parties who had cashed the forged checks. Mr. Courtney spoke of the youth of the defendant and of his previous good record and ventured the assertion that if a suspended sentence were granted judge and district attorney would both feel at the end of the year that they had made no mistake. The Judge acceded to the request speaking to the defendant much along the same lines as to the one before him.
At the conclusion of these sentences all jurors were excused and when the jury in the Pickert case comes in, court will adjourn.
THE POULTRY SHOW.
Awards Nearly Completed—Great Interest in the Institute.
To-day has been a busy one at Taylor hall where is being held the first annual exhibit of the Cortland County Poultry and Pet Stock association, the awards are nearly completed and without doubt will be ready for publication to-morrow. The silver cup offered by the hotels and restaurants of Cortland for the ten highest scoring White Plymouth Rocks was awarded to Basil D. Miller of Peterborough, and the silver cup offered by Mr. C. V. Clark and Dr. E. M. Santee for the ten highest scoring Barred Plymouth Rocks was awarded to Schwab Bros., Rochester.
The institute was begun at the courthouse last night with a large attendance and is being carried on to-day at Fireman's hall. The success of this part of the poultry show is very gratifying to the managers here, as it is the first of its kind ever attempted in the state or the United States.
Mr. L. Harrington, a local breeder, has been awarded first and third premium on White Plymouth Rock pullets, and third and fourth premium on cock birds of the same class. This is an excellent showing.
Fire Officers Elected.
The members of the several fire companies of the Cortland Fire department met last night in Fireman's hall and reelected the following officers:
Chief—H. P. Davis.
First Assistant—Daniel Reilly.
Second Assistant—E. N. Sherwood.
Secretary—E. M. Eastman.
Treasurer—S. S. Horton.
The secretary presented his annual report, which will be given in full to-morrow.
Cortland Praying Band.
The Cortland Praying band will hold a cottage prayer-meeting at the home of Mrs. J. Fish, 24 Cleveland-st., Friday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 P. M. Everybody welcome.
AN EDITOR'S SERMONS.
Twenty Newspaper Essays by Paul M. Payne of the Syracuse Post-Standard.
Editor Paul M. Payne of the Syracuse Post-Standard has recently issued, in attractive form, from the press of Hall & McChesney of that city, a collection of twenty newspaper essays in miniature, which have appeared in the Post-Standard during the years 1899 and 1900, and which are reprinted by the permission of Mr. W. E. Gardner, the editor-in-chief of that paper. The essays are on a variety of subjects, and furnish another striking proof of the truth that much of the current editorial writing in the best newspapers of to-day deserves being placed between covers and ranking as literature, instead of passing into oblivion as merely the expression of a day. Mr. Payne's essays contain much thought that is fresh, sound, kindly, instructive and elevating. This thought is expressed with more than ordinary grace and finish, as well as force and point. Altogether the little volume is one which an appreciative reader will enjoy at the first perusal, and will take pleasure in turning to again and again. It is sold at fifty cents per copy, and may be had through any bookseller.
Sidepath Badges.
The [bicycle] sidepath numbers for 1901 have been ordered and are expected to be ready for distribution by the 25th. The original numbers will be kept till Jan. 15 for those who wish to hold the same number through the coming season that they have had during the past season. The badge is entirely different from the one used in this county last season. It is oblong and a large figure "1" in black enamel occupies the center of it.
Lunch Wagon Sold.
E. M. Watrous has sold his night cafe, located on the corner of Clinton-ave. and Main-st., to C. W. Salisbury, formerly of Cortland, who has already taken possession of the eating place. The work is not new to Mr. Salisbury, as he has been conducting the same kind of business in Fulton, but recently sold his wagon in that place.
Church Protective Union.
Last evening the W. C. T. U. hall was well filled with those who were interested in the Christian fraternity of the Church Protective union, and who listened to the talk of Rev. V. P. Welch, grand superintendent of C. P. U. from Buffalo.
Rev. Mr. Welch and Mrs. Welch being introduced to the audience by the local presiding president, Mr. H. B. Greenman, Rev. Mr. Welch gave a complete outline of the work, the principles and foundations of the society, and answered all questions that his auditors would put to him. He then with the help of those assembled elected new officers, which are as follows:
President—Mrs. Wm. Linderman.
First Vice-President—Mrs. Bentley.
Second Vice-President—Miss G. H. Hare.
Treasurer—Mr. A. Dilthey.
Secretary—Miss D. P. Hesse.
Chaplain—Rev. A. Weatherwax.
Committee for Visiting the Sick—Greenman, chairman; Mrs. Moon, Miss Hare, assistants.
After the installation of these officers and the initiation of the members present, Rev. Mr. Welch informed the members that they might expect to see him coming to make each a call, for he intended to stay at least a week and that those who wished to see him or get information relating to the society, could call at his boarding place at Mrs. Bulkley's, Greenbush-st.
BREVITIES.
—The Christmas exercises of the Normal kindergarten occur at 10:30 o'clock to-morrow morning.
—The residences of C. F. Thompson and B. A. Benedict have been connected with the Empire State Telephone and Telegraph Co.
—The regular meeting of Pecos tribe, No. 357, will be held on Friday evening of this week instead of on Thursday evening. All members are requested to be present.
—John Bennett, who was arrested last Tuesday for public intoxication by Chief of Police Smith, was sentenced yesterday in police court to five days in the county jail.
—A New York dispatch says that Miss Mary T. Buell, who died in Litchfield, Conn., last summer, bequeathed all her lands and buildings at Winsted to the George Junior Republic association of Freevllle, N. Y., together with $5,000 in cash.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Cortland Steam laundry, Fine laundry work, page 6; Mitchell & Strowbridge, Meats, etc., page 5; C. F. Thompson, Everything for Christmas, page 5; F. D. Smith, Carpet sweepers, page 4; Palmer & Co., Silverware, page 6; McKinney & Doubleday, Bibles page 7.
—Canvassers for the sale of tickets for the charity ball, Dec. 28, for the benefit of the hospital find that many people have the idea that the tickets are $3 for each individual. This is a mistake. A $3 ticket includes admission for two people to all the privileges of the evening including supper.
Maple syrup 75 cents a gallon at Palmer & Co.'s [paid ad.]
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