NEW IMMIGRATION BUILDING, DR. MILES G. HYDE, THE GREAT POWERS, AND TOWN OF WILLET

 

Immigrants arriving at Ellis Island.

Ellis Island.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, December 21, 1900.

NEW YORK LETTER.

New Immigration Building—A Nuisance of Old—Only Seventy Chinese Women in New York—Cemeteries.

(From Our Regular Correspondent.)

   Since the burning of the government buildings on Ellis Island some three years ago the barge office at the Battery has been used for the reception of immigrants. A great change, and a very pleasant one in many respects, will be noticed by anyone having occasion to pass the old barge office in the future. The crowds of boarding house sharks, curiosity seekers and relatives of arriving immigrants, which for the past three years have blocked a section of the Battery wall at all hours of the day, will have disappeared, and the confusion and babel of tongues will be followed by a tranquility which the Battery has not known in many a day. This change is due to the completion of the new immigration buildings on Ellis Island, which are considered by experts to be the finest and most complete structures of their kind in the world. Among the principle features  might be mentioned a hospital, with beds for 45 persons, dormitories capable of accommodating 1,000 persons, and a railroad room, where may be found ticket offices, lunch counters, telegraph instruments, etc. To Ellis Island there is considerable historic interest attached. It is said that previous to about 1850, the island was used by the government as a place for the carrying out of capital punishment, many pirates, as well as other evil-doers, having being executed there.

   A prominent gentleman who bears an old and respected New York name is quoted as saying that for the past two weeks he has devoted half an hour a day to returning tickets for all sorts of entertainments, which have been sent to him, with a sort of implied and in many cases an express invitation to purchase them. This is by no means an exceptional case, it being in fact an old nuisance which has increased in proportion wonderfully this winter. Few persons summon the courage to throw these tickets away, even when they are sent with no stamps for return postage. Consequently the imposition continues. Undoubtedly a great many charitably disposed persons who receive these tickets return the purchase money as requested but to those of limited income it is somewhat unpleasant to be continually receiving these begging requests. In addition to this method of disposing of tickets there is another interesting way deserving of attention. Certain extremely attractive well dressed women make it their regular occupation to call upon business professional men with tickets for charitable entertainments receiving a liberal commission upon all sales. Their success in many cases has been something phenomenal, and it may to a large extent be attributed to the average man's pride and to his desire to appear well in the eyes of the handsome woman; as a result, when the fair canvasser appears in a man's office, he usually succumbs.

   According to the recent Federal census, there are about seventy women of Chinese descent living in New York's Chinatown, and as most of them are married, there is not much room for choice when a prosperous young buck belonging to one of the various "companies"—gambling corporations usually— decides he wants a spouse. However, in spite of this, there is a new bride in Chinatown and were it not for the fact that this city of "foreign devils," there would be music and parading in the streets passing and repassing of the wedding party and general hilarity [sic]. A somewhat English speaking Chinaman accounted for the absence of music, etc., by saying that a "permish" could not be obtained from the police department, but in the case of this particular wedding none of the essentials was neglected. Henry Lum and Di Hai firmly believe that their marriage was made in Heaven, though the actual ceremony took place in a country where "foreign devils" largely predominate. It would have been nicer, perhaps, if the earthly could have been prolonged to the traditional limit, but your real Chinaman is a born imitator, and so he has learned to take the American short cuts of happiness. A surprisingly large number of Chinamen have white wives; in fact that is the rule in New York's Chinatown rather than the exception. Consequently when there is a pure Chinese alliance it attracts some attention because of its novelty.

   The attention of one who has occasion to visit certain of the older sections of the city is frequently attracted to the large number of very small and very old cemeteries, some clustering around churches as old or older than themselves, but by far the greater number lying alone, obscured by lofty buildings on three and in numerous instances all four sides. In the rear of one of the large Sixth-ave. department stores there is a cemetery nearly two centuries old. Very few people know of or even suspect its existence, it being entirely surrounded by tall buildings and occupying about half an acre in the very center of the block. It is said that within the territory comprising what was formerly the old city of New York, now the Borough of Manhattan, there are at least fifty of these little cities of the forgotten dead, scarcely one being more than an acre in extent. Certain city employees are charged with the duty of keeping these cemeteries clean and free from refuse, and owing to the expense of caring for them separately, the question of moving the bodies to a common resting place has often been agitated. Among the older members of the community, however, there seems to be a deep rooted opposition to a disturbance of the dead and the project as often as raised has been abandoned.

 

DR. MILES G. HYDE, AUTHOR.

His Latest Publication Just Out, Meeting Great Success.

   We have just received from Dr. Miles G. Hyde, well remembered as a practicing physician in Cortland but now of New York, his latest book, "The Girl from Mexico and Other Stories." It has been out only since the first of the month, being now on sale by McKinney & Doubleday, but is meeting with excellent notices from the critics, and what is still better to the author, ready sales.

   The original of the story "A Country Doctor," is the late Dr. Miles Goodyear, who is well remembered by our older residents, as he practiced medicine here for years and years. We can say no more of the book than has Rev. Dr. Remick of Geneva in a review in Light and Life, except to say that the notice is well merited. Dr. Remick says:

   "The Girl from Mexico and Other Stories" is the title of a new volume published by Isaac H. Blanchard Co., New York. The author is Dr. Miles G. Hyde, a graduate of Yale in the class of '65, a practicing physician for several years and a capital storyteller. Among the masterpieces are "A Call on Dr. Samuel Johnson," "Dora Wiloughby's Latest Engagement," "Confessions of Terence McManus," and the story which gives the title to this volume of 184 pages. All disciples of Isaac Walton will enjoy "A Lesson in Brook Trouting." In "A Country Doctor" many will recognize the most distinguished physician for 50 years in Cortland county. The sketch is sure of appreciation by all physicians and their numerous admirers. If you wish to read solemn and prosy narratives, you won't like this volume; but to all who relish short stories brim-full of wit and humor, Light and Life commends this neatly-bound and well-printed book.

 

Edwin Duffey.

COUNTY COURT.

Several Criminal Cases Disposed of—Foote Pleads Guilty.

   The adjourned term of county court convened Monday morning with District Attorney Duffey ready to prosecute several criminal cases on the calendar. The case of Geo. I. Crane, indicted for selling liquor unlawfully, was called and defendant's attorney asked that the case be put over the term because of the illness of a material witness. The case was held over pending an investigation.

   William Baker of Freetown, indicted for unlawfully selling liquor, pleaded guilty, W. J. Mantanye making a plea for clemency in the defendant's behalf.

   The case of E D. Foote, indicted for bigamy, was called and defendant failing to appear his bond was declared estreated and ordered prosecuted. On Tuesday Mr. Foote appeared in court and Henry E. Wilson was assigned as counsel to represent him. Upon his attorney's advice Mr. Foote withdrew his former plea of not guilty and pleaded guilty.

   The case of the People against Earl W. Smith was called Wednesday morning. The defendant was indicted for forgery, and he withdrew his former plea of not guilty and pleaded guilty. Attorney John Courtney, Jr., asked the court for leniency and for a suspended sentence, or if the court could not grant that he asked that the defendant be sentenced to a reformatory and not to state prison. District attorney Duffey objected to a suspended sentence but was willing the defendant should be sent to the reformatory.

   William Smith, indicted for burglary in the second degree, withdrew his former plea of not guilty and pleaded guilty. A large number of residents of Marathon signed a petition asking for a suspended sentence, as the young man has always borne an excellent character.

   The case of the People vs. Orville Pickert, an action for assault, was on trial Tuesday and Wednesday. The particulars of the case are familiar with readers of the Democrat.

   Yesterday afternoon the defendants in the several cases were up in court and the following disposition made:

   Edgar D. Foote, one year and nine months in Auburn prison

   Earl W. Smith, suspended sentence.

   William Smith, suspended sentence.

   Baker, three months in the county jail.

   Albert Taylor's bond was continued until next term.

   The Pickert case was given to the jury at noon, and at 3:30 no verdict was reached.

 

The Great Powers.

   The exit of the nineteenth century finds "The Bull in the China Shop"—for John Bull, the bull of bulls (if not the bully of bullies) is an occupant of that "flowery kingdom" and is fully prepared to take up that peculiar form of missionary work for which he is through long experience so well qualified, and which has always been his delight; his only object of course being the elevation and civilization of mankind in general; and those nations in particular with conveniently located diamond mines, or something equally as valuable lying around loose, (no one doubts this, unless it's the Boers.)

   [We printed the whole page of this essay because the pdf copy was so difficult to transpose—CC ed.]  

 

WILLET.

The Village Written Up By Our Special Representative.

   Reader, have you ever visited the pleasantly situated little hamlet of Willet? If not, you want to do so at your most convenient opportunity.  Located as it is, in the beautiful Otselic river valley on the east corner of Cortland county, at the fool of hills which slope gradually backward to the east, it makes one of the most beautiful  spots in this section of the state. Not only is the location all that could be asked for as an ideal resting place, where the weary traveler can rest in quietness and peace when near the end of life's journey, but it is sheltered far away from the smoke of busy factories and railroads.

   As one enters the town the large, modem equipped Hotel Ingalls, both for the accommodation of man and beast, kept by Charles Ingalls, well-known to the traveling fraternity at large on the one corner [of the county], and Hotel Kremlin on the north-east corner, kept by genial Cory Eaton, which by the way is being newly refitted for the purpose of catering to the public trade, one is certain to get the inner man satisfied and his thirst quenched if necessary, as well as beast looked after in a satisfactory manner.

   While looking about, wander down the west street leading towards the Otselic river and see if you can ever say afterward that you ever saw such a handsomely constructed church, both inside and out, in your life. Beautiful stained glass windows adorn the sides, making it very ornamental. The inside is a perfect model of modern workmanship. It is owned by the M. E. society.  On the other side of the street is the Willet Union school, another building that the inhabitants are very proud of. And they have good reason to be so. Just beyond this is the First Baptist church and a very pretty place of worship at that.

   Just north resides A. E Ingersoll, a first-class good fellow who represents his townsmen as their supervisor. "Dell'' thoroughly understands his business. Still farther to the north, one comes to the home of Dr. E. W. McBirney, a handsome residence which contains a good physician. Then comes the large new cabinet making shop of Morton Mathews. If you are in need of a good, clean shave call on "Bert Harris, under Hotel Kremlin and he can be easily persuaded to lay aside his butchering garments long enough to tackle one more "hog," of another species, however. "Bert" does a good job and will continue to do business until the last razor handle breaks short off. His soothing face baths are a gentle reminder of a future life at times. However, he never kicks unless his victim does. Right opposite, over Sam Dyers store, is another good tonsorial artist, Mr. Howard. Two brothers, Samuel and Albert Dyer, and by the way lifelong residents of the place, are doing business on opposite corners. Both are thoroughly honest men and are well patronized by the community at large, as they deserve to be.

   Floyd Ensign, a thoroughly up-to-date young blacksmith, is ready at all times to serve his customers in a satisfactory manner. Walter Forshee, just beyond him, has a fine assortment of the latest designs in stoves and all other hardware supplies. He, too, has spent many years of his lifetime right where he is doing business today, an advertisement in itself. Charley Harris is postmaster; the office is in the boot and shoe store of Charles Baker, who is deputy postmaster. While waiting for your mail just examine the latest styles in footwear. His prices are right. William Burmah has a fine assortment in stock at all times, of dry goods, etc. Mr. Bolt also has a fine stock of winter goods at low prices. Should you happen to get into trouble and need the services of a first class attorney consult Miles Burlingame: he will get you out if any one can. His only fault is that he is a Republican. By the way, don't fail to visit the home of Silas LeRoy and get a drink of the best spring water you ever drank in your life. Mr. LeRoy has a blacksmith and wagon repairing shop near at hand and will gladly show it to you.

   Willet has three esteemed gentlemen in Rev. John D. Wilson of the M. E. church, Rev. Philo Miner of the Baptist church and Rev. D. D. Brown, also a Baptist. All of them are earnest, sincere Prohibitionists.

   Rev. John Wilson is now serving his fifth year. Rev. Philo Miner has recently moved here to take this charge, and Rev. D. D. Brown, a well preserved old gentleman of 75, is preparing to rest after having spent a very profitable life in the service of his Master.

   There is one other valuable industry that Willet contains that is rapidly making a name for itself far away from here, and that is a butter and cheese industry which is conducted by W. E. Beardslee. The patrons of this factory are among the best paid in the country because Mr. Beardslee's goods command the very highest market price. Besides the above mentioned industries this hamlet has other features to commend it to a stranger, one being the many handsome residences it contains, which are both numerous and costly. A visit to the town will convince all that there are but few places of its size in the country more pleasant to reside in than Willet.

 

HERE AND THERE.

   Rev. Louis Heinmiller of Preble preached in the First M. E. church last Sunday morning.

   Mrs. Ella A. Boole, state president of the W. C. T. U., spoke in the First Baptist church Sunday evening.

   Even the hens were disgusted with the result of the recent election, having practically stopped laying since that time.

   Our exchanges are full of complaints of the recent census, nearly every village falling below in population what was claimed.

   A chimney on fire in Winter-st. called out the fire department Saturday morning last, but no hose was laid, as the fire was extinguished with home exertion.

   James H. Wilhelm, for forty years paymaster of the Lehigh Valley railroad, has resigned his position on account of age. He will be succeeded, most likely, by his son Calvin Wilhelm, who has been assistant paymaster for many years.

   A fire was discovered last Friday in the bunk room at Fireman's hall by Chief of Police Smith, who with the assistance of Jas. F. Costello, used a chemical extinguisher with telling effect. It became necessary to cut a hole through the roof.

   The annual meeting of the Dryden agricultural Society was held last Saturday and the old officers chosen as follows: President. S. G. Lupton; Vice President, Geo. Cole; Secretary, J. B. Wilson; Treasurer, D. T. Wheeler; directors for three years, C. D. Burch and Fred Space. The treasurers report showed a balance of $214. 42 on hand after paying all expenses, besides materially decreasing their indebtedness.

   The 1901 edition of the Columbia desk calendar is being distributed by the American Bicycle Co., Columbia Sales Department, Hartford, Conn. It will be sent to any address upon receipt of five 2-cent stamps. This unique and useful compilation has been issued annually for the last sixteen years and it has come to be regarded as an indispensable article in many business offices and homes.