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| Infant Foundling Asylum, Randall's Island. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, February 8, 1901.
OUR NEW YORK LETTER FULL OF INTERESTING MATTER.
How Out-of-Door Vendors Keep Warm in Winter—Babies in Demand for Adoption—How Hoboes Enjoy Themselves.
New York. Feb. 6.—Just now the keeper of street stand resorts to all sorts of ingenious measures in order to keep warm. These outdoor warmers include a portable furnace, being an ordinary fire clay affair of about the size and shape of a water bucket and also whatever receptacle can be made to serve the purpose. Some of the Italians in charge of fruit stands do not disdain an old and discarded milk can and even a tin water pail will do, a good fire is built in these furnaces of hard coal if the receptacle is of fire clay sort, because that will keep better and longer after it is once started. The stand keeper when not engaged with a customer can warm his hands and feet and the mere presence of the fire is a comfort. There are more of these outdoor stands to be seen in this city now than ever before. To a large extent the Greeks and Italians monopolize the fruit stands, the Jews attend to the trade in candy, shoe laces, collar buttons, etc., and the gentler sex is represented by the Irish women who keep the newsstands; all of these stands are kept going the year around, in winter as well as summer, and in this respect they resemble larger business enterprises, the tendency being to keep things going continuously and to lose no time
The fact that where there is one person who wants to throw away a baby, there are anywhere from a dozen to a hundred who wants to find one, has been revealed in a most astonishing and interesting way. It seems that a short time ago, the Superintendent of Outdoor Poor of this city casually mentioned that in the Foundling Asylum, Randall's Island, there was a fine assortment of attractive babies in need of parents. This statement got into print in some way, and since it became known that babies were to be had, there has been a constant procession of people to Randall's Island. Foundling babies heretofore regarded as trifles of no consequence, thrown into tin cans, snow tanks or tossed away in the woods are now being eagerly sought after and in considering the facts that there are from five to ten applicants for each baby, the supply in proportion to the demand becomes a new absurdity. If surface indications count for anything a large number of the persons who were willing to take any baby rather than go home babyless were of the well-to-do class and several women called dressed in costly attire, accompanied by maid servants. Many applicants were from out of town, and as a matter of fact the outlying county is just beginning to be heard from. Probably the contingent of applicants from remote localities will be coming in during the rest of the month. A waiting list has been formed, and so there is hope for childless homes. The character and means of every applicant are thoroughly investigated, those being found unsatisfactory are immediately rejected; as a result of the extreme care [that] the authorities exercise, the infants have every chance of good comfortable homes.
The lines of the hobo these days are certainly cast in pleasant places. There are charity beds, and charity restaurants for his use, legal aid when he gets into the hands of the law, and in fact there are few of the necessities of life enjoyed by his brothers of wealth and energy that he does not enjoy, too. If the teeth of the hobo bother him he is a welcome visitor at any of the dental colleges where the young students operate, if he becomes ill he has the hospital or dispensary at his disposal and now a great barber shop has been opened, where all may be shaved and a hair-cut absolutely free of charge. The place is rather a curious institution being run in connection with a barber school or "college'' as some of the students prefer to call it. The students at the school are at first trained to cut the hair and shave dummies, and having acquired confidence under the care of a competent instructor they are turned loose in the shop. Hoboes flock to this barber shop in great numbers and the students invariably attend to their wants with great courtesy. Although the customers know they are being practiced upon, few exhibit any signs of nervousness, even if they are cut once or twice. Occasionally indignant hoboes have attempted to make a mistake of this kind a personal issue with the student who cut them but such disturbances are speedily ended by the summary ejectment of the indignant one. It is nothing unusual for these students to attend to the wants of 1,000 men in a single day, as in addition to the hoboes many poor workingmen are not unwilling to save their dimes by accepting a free shave, even if it is not as finished as one they would get from a professional.
WILLIAM RANDOLPH RANDALL.
A Once Prominent Business Man of Cortland Passes Away.
William Randolph Randall, now for many years a conspicuous citizen of Cortland, entered into his final rest from his home on Main-st. last Sunday afternoon. His departure was not wholly unexpected, as he had gradually, yet rapidly been failing for the past few weeks. In fact, for the past two years he had gently been declining, and to no one was this fact better known than to himself. In his death Cortland loses once more a prominent and distinguished citizen, whose life and memory ran back almost to the earliest days of its settlement.
The Randall family has been identified closely with the growth and furtherance of Cortland throughout its entire history, and has been a potent influence in shaping its destinies and entering into its development. The Father, William Randall, was born in Stonington, Conn., May 3, 1782. He with his brother Roswell came to Cortland in 1812 and established a large mercantile and farming business. These brothers soon became the leading merchants and land proprietors of this section. Three years after his settlement in Cortland, William Randall was married to Betsey Bassett, and from their union three children were born: William Randall, Antoinette (afterwards Mrs. Edward Huntington of Rome), and Wilhelmina who, through kindly deeds, is so widely known and so well-beloved in this community.
William Randall was born August 14, 1816, in a house standing in that part of the present Randall lot which corners on Main and Court-sts. This house, afterwards moved away and now forming part of the present Kremlin hotel, gave rise to little latter day pleasantry of Mr. Randall's, that he was born in a Russian palace. Mr. Randall's preparatory college education was begun in Homer academy, and completed in the then famous academy at Pompey, Onondaga county. In 1833 he entered Hobart college, and here finished his freshman year, when he entered the sophomore class of Yale college, from which institution he was graduated with high honors in the famous class of 1837. His class is known in the annals of Yale college as the most distinguished class in its history. Among its members well known to fame may be noted William M. Evarts, Morrison R. Waite, Samuel J. Tilden, Benjamin Silliman and Edward Pierrepont. After the graduation of Mr. Randall, on his twenty-first birthday he entered with zest into the supervision of the farming, mercantile and milling interests of his father. Subsequently he studied banking in a banking institution in Ithaca, of which institution his father was president. After the death of his father in 1850 he opened a private bank in Cortland, known as the Randall Bank, which business he conducted with marked success until about 1870, when he closed up its affairs and retired from active business pursuits. He was one of the incorporators of the Cortland Savings bank and was its president from its establishment in 1866 until 1874, when he resigned and ever afterwards refused to accept any office, either of honor or trust. His latter years were devoted exclusively to the care of the interests of the Randall estate, in which his sisters were interested equally with himself. Thus in merest outline are seen the outward, active services of a man whose conservative force and influence in this community must ever remain unmeasured and immeasurable.
He leaves as immediate relatives the two sisters already mentioned, Miss Wilhelmina Randall of Cortland and Mrs. Antoinette Huntington of Rome, and the following children of the latter: Mrs. Alfred Pell of New York, Mrs. William H. Bright, Mr. William Randall Huntington, Mrs. Franklin A. Etheridge, all of Rome, and Mrs. Leslie W. Brown of Utica.
His funeral was held at his late home Wednesday afternoon and was largely attended. The devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Robert Clement of the Presbyterian church. The following served as bearers in the last sad rites: B. F. Taylor, C. F. Wickwire, C. P. Walrad, H. B. Hubbard, M. F. Cleary, H. F. Benton.
An outline of the characteristics of William Randolph Randall are not easily given, as they will not be readily apprehended by many of the present generation who knew not either the man or his worth. During his latter years, as one by one the friends of his earlier years passed away, he grew averse to taking new friends into his life and confidence, but was the rather content to live with old friends in the treasure-house of his memory.
Mr. Randall was a man of a strikingly attractive personality. He was endowed with a fine physique which was enriched with an abundant vitality which gave fullness and force to his mental vigor that showed no signs of abatement, even to the close of his ripe old age. He was a man with whom no one could converse, even for a few moments, without being impressed with his rare intellectual acumen, his exquisite and finely balanced taste and his singular felicity of expression. He was a lover of the beautiful and regarded this world a garden rather than a desert, and walking among the flowers which were gathered about his home in prodigal profusion, he seemed in his very vital element.
Modest in manner and retiring in disposition, he was morbidly sensitive to anything savoring of publicity. To be blazoned in the public gaze or be made the subject of the curious and inquisitive was to him repulsive and disgusting. Even in his kindly deeds and charities—and they were numerous—he was felt rather than seen or known.
By his very nature he was a conservative. Not his to enter into the contests and strategies out of which arise public improvements and civic advancements, yet he was an interested observer, and would watch with silent satisfaction the growth of public improvements and would bear his large burden of the expense without a murmur or complaint. A firm believer in the truth and substance of things, he was a hater of shams, humbugs and hypocrisy. In business relations he was the very soul of honor. His honesty and his integrity stand throughout his long life unquestioned. In his dealings with others, when no imposition was attempted, he was not only fair-minded but generous-handed.
Up to the very close of his life he kept in touch and was intensely interested in all public affairs, and in state and national policies. He was firm in his civic convictions, and positive in carrying out his civic duties. The last picture seen of him in the streets of the city was, when quite feeble, he was going to cast his final vote on last election day. His striking likeness to the pictures of Henry W. Longfellow was on that occasion the subject of almost universal comment. He seemed to have brought into his old age not only the repose of life but its undiminished vigor. To the close of his life he maintained his natural characteristics, of faithfulness in friendship, sincerity and honesty in dealings, unobstrusiveness in services, and crowned with years, he passed away surrounded by his relatives, to whom he was devoted throughout his life and in whom in later years he lived and moved and had his being.
BASE BALL FAIR
Opens To-morrow Night—Continues Seven Nights.
The base ball fair, to raise money for the support of a team in Cortland the coming season, will open in Taylor hall to-morrow night. And it will be a great fair, too. Among the presents to be given away are $50 in gold a $65 and a $45 diamond ring, a bicycle and many smaller articles. Many ladies are contesting for a diamond ring by making sofa pillows, and more can enter. The vaudeville entertainment each night will be ahead of anything of the kind ever put on in Cortland
After 10 o'clock each night dancing will be free on the new waxed floor. Season tickets are only $1 for the whole seven nights and yon can easily get your money's worth in any one evening so the balance will be clear gain.
The opportunity is presented of getting all you pay for and at the same time helping along the ball team, which is one of the best investments Cortland ever made.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.
◘ The town nominations are now all complete and some who have served on the board of supervisors are not on the tickets, while many of both parties are renominated. The Democrats who head the town tickets are, to a man, capable and responsible and more than deserving of election. The new men nominated have proven their ability in other walks of life and the past members of the board have a clean record behind them. As much cannot be said for three of the Republicans who are renominated. These three early in the last session voted in favor of paying the sheriff 35 cents a day for the board of prisoners and later in the session, at the command of Republican bosses, raised the price to 40 cents by a vote drawn almost along party lines. These records can be found on pages 31 and 103 of the last supervisors’ journal. The Democrats stood then, as they always do, on the side of economy and those nominated in every town are safe men to trust for the ensuing two years.
◘ We have heard it said of some people, "give them an inch and they will take a foot.'' Well, that seems to be about what the Republican majority of our city council are doing. Tuesday night they voted to fit up an office for the new Republican commissioner of charities and also to furnish it. The mayor can also use the office but it is easy to guess how much he will. The late Democratic commissioner of charities, who resided more centrally than the present incumbent, was never heard to kick of those deserving aid who sought him all day long, and it is safe to say it was as frequent then as now. That is what he draws a salary for. Cortland people wished this a city as a matter of economy but, these things will act the other way in time.
◘ We just rise to remind the voters of the town of Cortlandville that Watts S. Freer, Democratic nominee for highway commissioner, built the new Freetown road. It is a good job and was done at a reasonable figure and the man who has had experience in those matters is the man to elect.
HERE AND THERE.
At an auction sale in Lapeer last Friday cows brought on an average of $20.75 each.
Cortland has 31 practicing attorneys, 18 physicians. 15 barber shops and 7 drug stores.
Dr. and Mrs. F. J. Cheney gave a reception to the Normal students Monday evening.
This shoveling snow every morning makes one disgusted with old Bruin and his shadow.
Dr. Paul T. Carpenter was on Monday evening appointed health officer by the board of health.
Mrs. A. H. Winchell had the misfortune to fall two or three days ago and break her wrist.
The severe weather of this week will convert many skeptics to the Candlemas day theory.
Harry H. Smith, an esteemed citizen who resided east of Upper Lisle in the town of Willet, died December 21.
The Loyal Circle of King's Daughters will meet this afternoon at three o'clock, with Mrs. Doyle, 78 Groton-ave.
J. J. Ogden, recently with Buck & Lane, takes the position of clerk at H. M. Kellogg's in place of C. F. Waldo, resigned.
For the first time since Cortland had trolley cars, the snow has been taken from between the tracks on Main-st. immediately after a storm.
Those Cortland ladies who inaugurated a crusade against wearing hats in church last summer, have become weary in well doing and have abandoned the job.
Our columns are so crowded this week with interesting local matter that we are compelled to omit the usual half-tone illustration. These views and portraits will hereafter appear regularly.
We heartily thank those of our correspondents who send their favors in time to reach us on Tuesday. God bless them. Through their kindness our pathway is made more pleasant with the office force.
The English Star Vaudeville company, said to be one of the best on the road, will appear at the Cortland Opera House on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of next week, Feb. 14, 15 and 16. The show is given at the popular prices of 10, 20 and 30 cents.
We hardly share the belief that thirteen Democratic supervisors will be elected in Cortland county February 19. That only leaves two for the Republicans. There is no need of being piggish in the matter. Ten of the fifteen is enough for the Democracy.
In nine towns in the County of Cortland the supervisors who have served on the board for the past two years have been renominated, viz: Dr. Benj. Kinyon of Cincinnatus, Roscoe Rowe of Cortlandville, M. A. Mynard of Freetown, A. H. Bennett of Homer, Dr. H. D. Hunt of Preble, Fred A. Crosley of Scott, John O'Donnell of Truxton, N. F. Webb of Virgil and John A. Wavle of Harford. There are five Democrats in the lot, and may they all come back next November, with three or four more of like political faith.
A fire at Lisle last Sunday morning destroyed a large blacksmith shop, together with grange hall. Tuesday evening the fine academy building at Whitney Point was burned. At Binghamton early Tuesday morning the Exposition hotel at Binghamton was burned, and three persons lost their lives. At Harpursville Tuesday evening fire did considerable damage. Verily, Broome county has been badly afflicted with the fiery element.
Profs. Bentley and Darby have engaged Miss Lula Marie Tickner of Syracuse as teacher of vocal music. Miss Maud P. Cody will teach elocution and physical culture.
The Sylvan Trio of Cortland, composed of Messrs. E. L. Dodd, H. B. Ingalls and R. A. Nichols, with Benj. A. Nichols as reader and Arthur Allen pianist, will give an entertainment in Lyceum hall, Freeville, this evening. A rehearsal was held at the home of Mr. Ingalls, Prospect-st., Wednesday evening, at which several invited friends were present. If the rehearsal is a criterion, the Freeville people will be pleased with the entire program.
G. W. Gray has sold his interest in the business conducted by the Hudson Crockery Co. to his partners and has left Cortland. He is succeeded by S. G. Sherwood of Syracuse, who will manage the business.
The new civil service bill, which is said to have the right of way for passage, provides that no civil service employee of the state or city may be discharged until specific charges have been filed against him, and he has been given a fair hearing by the board of civil service commissioners in whose jurisdiction he may be.
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