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| Senator Thomas Platt. |
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| Governor Benjamin Odell, Jr. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, March 21, 1901.
PLATT TURNED DOWN.
Governor Odell Repudiates His New Police Bill.
"I WILL NOT BE A MAN OF CLAY."
Says He Would Like to Remain Friendly to Platt, but If Such Legislation Is Passed He Will Veto It—Refuses to Attend Leaders' Conference.
ALBANY, March 21.—Governor Odell has positively and formally declined to sign any police bill, has repudiated the new bill drawn by Senator Platt and his friends and said last night that if the bill came to him he would veto it, even if it was made plain that it would be passed over his veto.
Frank Platt, son of Senator Thomas Platt, arrived here last night with the newly prepared bill. It provides for the re-enactment of the Metropolitan police bill of 1857 but including some territory contiguous to New York City.
It also provides that without disturbing the present conditions in New York City, the governor should appoint a commissioner, whose right to the office should be immediately questioned in the courts and who in the interim should not interfere with the present police arrangements in New York city. If the bill was declared unconstitutional then the state should at once assume control of the police.
Mr. Platt told the governor that the bill had been decided upon by those representing the organization and that he desired a decision as to the governor's attitude on the measure. His suggestion was that the governor should send in a message suggesting the passage of the measure.
The governor replied that he could not see the reason for such legislation at this time. He had repudiated general legislation in his annual message and the party had agreed with him. He had signed a New York City police bill and the party had agreed with him.
Finally, he said; "I will not send in a message urging such a bill. If possible I will remain on friendly terms with Senator Platt but if such a bill comes to me I will veto it. If the legislature cares to take the responsibility of passing the bill over my veto, very well, but I refuse to be a man of clay and I will not stultify myself."
Governor Odell then went to the banquet of the Republican Editorial association and made merry.
A conference of state leaders has been called in New York City by Senator Platt for Saturday. Governor Odell has positively refused to attend.
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| French Political Cartoon: "China, the Cake of Kings and Emperors." |
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.
Affairs in China.
At no time since the march of the allies to Pekin has the outlook in China been less reassuring. Now that China has agreed to the principle of the demands of the powers and stands ready to fulfill its obligations, the pressure of opposition to the powers has been removed and the harmony existing between them has practically vanished. Hardly anything but jealousy and enmity appear to exist. Japan is said to be at daggers drawn with Russia because of the reported seizure of Manchuria. Great Britain is in the same attitude toward the same power over the occupation of a railroad siding in Tien-Tsin. Judging from the speech of Count von Buelow in the Reichstag Tuesday, Germany is restless over the possible exclusion of her products from territory that her neighbors may annex and the annexation of territory in which Germans have large interests. Although the attitude of France is not known, it is probable that she sides with Russia, her ally. It is probable too, that Austria and Italy, which are allies of Germany, sympathize with that power.
The only nation free from entanglement is the United States. Most wisely the administration decided to withdraw from Pekin, and let the other powers do as they thought best. Now the indications are that they will remain. So suspicious do they appear to be of each other that not one of them dares to withdraw for fear that some one or all the others will seize a part of the empire. As this is an unnatural position that cannot last forever, a crisis must come soon. Either there must be a concerted withdrawal or a concerted dismemberment of China. If an agreement upon one of these courses cannot be reached, then we are likely to have what some people anticipated from the first, namely, a disreputable and devastating struggle over a division of spoils.
◘ Minister Wu was amazed and disgusted in visiting life classes in the Chicago Art Institute to find young men drawing from a female model and young women drawing from a male subject. "Are you married?" he asked one young lady. "No, but I hope to be some time," she replied. "That's right," said the astute Oriental. "Get married as soon as you can. It is better for you than this work." And perhaps it is—Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
◘ A magazine writer refers to Li Hung Chang as the Chinese Machiavelli. Li could give old Mac cards and spades and beat him out in any diplomatic game that was ever played.
BRICKS ARE ALL RIGHT.
Not Mortar, but Sand on Them To Keep Them Apart.
In order to find the exact condition of the brick used in the Groton-ave. paving and whether they were indeed second hand, as stated by Mr. Samuel Doyle before the common council last Tuesday night, a party of three, made up of Commissioner of Public Works Becker, T. T. Bates and Mr. Doyle went to the Lehigh yards this morning to inspect some of the brick that had been left over from the paving.
Mr. Doyle had based his assertions concerning the bricks upon the fact that there was yet remaining on them portions of what he supposed to be mortar, but which proved to be nothing but sand, which is run between the joints of a pile of [all] pressed bricks, in order to keep them from sticking together while yet green. Mr. Doyle was thoroughly convinced that the bricks used were not second hand, as he had thought them to be from their appearance.
A Card to the Public.
At the meeting of the Common Council of this city on Tuesday evening, March 19, I inquired why second-hand bricks were used on Groton-ave. when the specifications called for first-class bricks; why in some places the distance from the face of the curb to the cement at the back was only 9 inches, the specifications calling for 11 inches, and why curbstones with less than a 4-inch base were set contrary to the specifications—implying that all these defects existed, as I supposed they did. Engineer Allen denied that such was the case and claimed that the paving contract had been carried out according to specifications. My informant on these points was a person who is known in the city as a first-class mason, and whom at the time I supposed to be correct in his statements. These statements were made not only to me, but to others. I have since learned that my informant was in error, and in justice to all concerned I wish to withdraw what I said before the common council and acknowledge my mistake.
SAMUEL J. DOYLE.
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| Cortland Common Council met in the clerk's offices on the second floor of the 4-story Keator block. |
COMMON COUNCIL.
Final Hearing on Groton-ave. Paving—Action Taken.
A regular meeting of the common council of the city of Cortland was held at the office of the clerk of said city on the 10th day of March, 1901, at 7:30 o'clock P. M. There were present Mayor Chas. F. Brown and Aldermen E. M. Yager, T. C. Scudder, Geo. H. Richards, R. S. Pettigrew and Vern W. Skeel. Meeting was called to order.
Mr. Samuel Doyle appeared with reference to Groton-ave. pavement and asked Engineer Henry C. Allen, present at the meeting, as to details of construction of the Groton-ave. pavement.
Mr. Doyle asked if it was not a fact that second hand brick were used in the construction of the pavement. He also stated that the trench at the side for one hundred sixty-five feet, at the summit, was narrower than the specifications called for. He also claimed that Potsdam curb stone was used at the west end of the street instead of Medina sandstone and that the base of many of the curb stones was less in width than the specifications called for.
Mr. Allen asked if he, Mr. Doyle, had noticed these things at the time the pavement was being constructed, and was informed that Mr. Doyle had spoken to members of the board of public works concerning them. Mr. Doyle stated that he did not know that the quality of the brick used was inferior, but they had paid for first-class materials and he thought the residents of the street ought to be given what they had paid the price for. Mr. Allen also explained that gutter stone was used at the east end because the grade was very light and that the water would stand on the asphalt and rot it, hence a stone gutter was used. The engineer claimed that the contract price made with the paving company was less than the actual cost of the pavement. There were several residents of the street present.
On motion Mr. Scudder, seconded by Mr. Yager, and declared carried:
Resolved, That the several assessments and resolutions passed and adopted by the common council of the city of Cortland of the cost and expense of paving Groton-ave. in said city, passed Feb. 26, 1901, the several assessments thereof upon the abutting property owners on said street, be and are hereby confirmed by this board, and be and are hereby confirmed and re-enacted and reassessed by this board, and in all things as contained and set forth in said assessment and resolutions all of which are made a part hereof.
All voted aye. Declared carried.
On motion of Mr. Yager, seconded by Mr. Skeel and declared carried:
Resolved, That the time fixed by this board for the payment of their respective assessments of the cost and expense of paving Groton-ave. in this city by the abutting property owners thereon be and is hereby fixed on or before the first day of May, 1901, and that notice thereof be published in the official papers of said city once a week until May 1, 1901.
All voted aye. Declared carried.
On motion of Mr. Richards, and seconded by Mr. Scudder, and declared carried:
Resolved, That the engine house committee have authority and direction to paper and paint the lower part of the engine house including the bunk rooms, and build a suitable coal bin in the basement of the engine house and clean the basement and cover the steam pipes therein.
On motion meeting adjourned to March 23, 1901, at 7:30 P. M. at Fireman's hall.
Approved March 19, 1901, CHAS. F. BROWN, Mayor.
CORONER'S INQUEST.
Dr. E. M. Santee Taking Evidence in Reference to Truxton Accident.
Evidence is still being taken by Coroner E. M. Santee in the inquest as to the death of Edwin Fitzgerald and Dennis O'Shea, who were killed by the milk train on the Lehigh Valley railroad near Truxton last Sunday night.
Sabin Pierce, who lives near the crossing where the accident occurred, testified that he went down to the crossing immediately after the train had struck the men. He asked O'Shea where he was going and O'Shea replied that he was on his way home. When O'Shea was examined by the coroner the next day, he testified that he was crossing over the valley to take Fitzgerald over to a friend's on the Cheningo road. Mr. Pierce states that the cutter tracks were very distinct in the freshly fallen snow, that they crossed over the railroad tracks and turned about in the road when about twelve paces from the railroad crossing and came back as far as the crossing.
The engineer and fireman both testify that the engine whistle was blown and the bell rung for the crossing as usual, and other witnesses living near the tracks corroborate their statements. The railroad men who were on the train all testify that the emergency brake was used. O'Shea testifies that neither the whistle nor the bell sounded warning.
CHARGED WITH NON-SUPPORT.
Mrs. Fellows Causes the Arrest of Husband—Must Give Bonds.
Yesterday, Mrs. Cora Fellows, wife of Albert Fellows, made application to Commissioner of Charities F. E. Price for aid in the support of her family. Mr. Price learned by inquiring that her husband was an able bodied man, and it was his impression that the city had enough to do to take care of the helpless poor, so upon his advice Mrs. Fellows made complaint of her husband, charging him with being a disorderly person. In the complaint she charges him with neglect in providing support for herself and family, and that on this account they are left in danger of becoming a burden upon the public. She also states that for four days he has abandoned his family and given no support to it. He has, she farther states, been earning $2 per day, but failed to furnish the family with the necessities of life, having spent it, as she believes, for liquor.
MEETING OF THE W. C. T. U.
Sunday Opening of the Pan-American—State Board of Charities.
The regular meeting of the W. C. T. U. was held on Tuesday afternoon and opened with devotional exercises led by Mrs. Edith Cotton.
A letter was read from Mrs. Boole, the state president, in regard to petitioning for the Sunday closing of the Pan-American exposition and calling attention to the need of immediate action in the matter. The petitions should all be in by March 25. Our national superintendent of Sabbath Observance says in the Union Signal: "The Hon. John G. Milburn, to whom letters of protest should be sent, is a fair man, and has given his word that the matter of Sunday opening shall not be decided until the friends of the Sabbath have had full opportunity to be heard. Every effort is being made by those who expect to make money by Sunday opening and liquor selling to induce the directors to declare for an open Sunday, but the report that they have done so, which has been circulated through some of the Buffalo papers, is not true." It is encouraging to note that the directors of the St. Louis exposition have decided in favor of Sunday closing. We remember that, although the gates of the World's Fair at Chicago were finally, after strong protest, allowed to be open on the Sabbath, the plan proved to be a financial failure. There has been no reason to regret that at the Paris exposition the United States department was closed on the Sabbath. It was carried by a unanimous vote that as a union numbering 160 members we sign the petition for Sunday closing of the Pan-American, also that as many individual signatures be secured as possible.
Another letter was also read from Mrs. Boole in regard to the bill having for its object the setting aside of the state board of charities and substituting for it a superintendent and an assistant. Many of the leading men in the state as well as a large number of organizations believe it to be an unwise measure to place the administration of such vast interests as the state charities so largely in the hands of one man, thus making the plan an easy prey to sectarian or political control, it was therefore urged that letter of protest be sent to our representatives requesting them to use their influence against the passage of this bill.
The greater part of the afternoon session was devoted to reports of the county convention held at Marathon; these were given by the delegates Mrs. Jepson, Mrs. Waterbury and Mrs. Phelps and were full of interest. Something of the discussion on the question of the departed army canteen will be given in a later report
SUPERINTENDENT PRESS WORK, March 21, 1901.
NORRIS-SEACORD.
Home Wedding at Residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Seacord.
The only living child, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson M. Seacord of Cortland, Miss Neva S. Seacord, was united in marriage to Mr. Clair G. Norris of Batavia. N. Y., Wednesday, March 20, at 4 P. M. by Rev. Wm. H. Robertson of Cortland. Mr. Ray Nichols of Batavia acted as best man and Miss Edna Doubleday of this city as bridesmaid. The rooms were tastily trimmed with primroses and palms, filling them with fragrance and loveliness. Only the immediate relatives and friends of the parties were present to witness the nuptials.
The bride was attired in a beautiful dress of white lansdowne trimmed with lace and satin ribbon and hand embroidered. She held in her hand a cluster of white roses. The bridesmaid wore a dress of light blue lansdowne trimmed with white satin and chiffon. She also bore in her hand a bunch of white roses. In the northeast corner of the parlor a canopy of lace had been improvised from the center of which was suspended a horseshoe. A profusion of tulips lined the canopy, and a rug of rich design was spread beneath, upon which the bride and groom stood and received the edict which united two lives in one as long as they both shall live.
The presents were many and appropriate not only for service but as mementoes, keeping in memory the occasion and many absent friends.
Mrs. W. J. Atkins of Syracuse had charge of the diningroom. The long table was loaded with "wedding cake" and other viands while, from its center stood vases loaded with tulips and carnations, the gift of Mr. W. J. Atkins of Syracuse.
Mr. and Mrs. Norris after a short wedding trip will return to Cortland for a few days, after which they will depart for Batavia, their future home and where a well prepared home awaits their coming, to which all friends are invited after April 15.
Mrs. Norris has a host of friends in and about Cortland who will miss her, and who are lavish in their wishes for her future happiness. Her membership in the Order of Maccabees has brought her in touch with many who are fast friends and well wishers. She will be missed most by the loved ones at home.
At 6:30 P. M. they departed from Cortland amid a shower of rice and old shoes.
PROF. S. W. CLARK.
Twelve Years Principal of Homer Academy—Author of Clark's Grammar.
The Spencerport Star of March 13 contains the following obituary of an eminent educator who was for twelve years principal of the academy in Homer, N. Y., and who is well remembered by all the older residents of the county. He was also an uncle of Mrs. George W. McGraw of Cortland:
Professor Stephen W. Clark of this village, one of the oldest and most highly respected men in the community, died suddenly yesterday morning at his home on South Union-st., at the age of 91 years. His death came unexpectedly and suddenly, as until Tuesday he appeared to be in his usual good health.
While his wife was making preparations for him to retire, she heard him give an exclamation; hastening to his assistance she was not in time to prevent him from falling forward upon the parlor stove, by which he was standing. In his fall, his forehead was bruised by striking against the stove. Mrs. Clark called neighbors in to assist her in lifting the professor to his bed, and the doctor was summoned. From that time on, he continually grew weaker, though without apparent pain, and peacefully passed away.
Though over ninety years of age Prof. Clark had been in good health and his mind [was] unusually bright and active. The tall, dignified, white-haired old gentleman has for many years been a familiar figure on the street and until within a few months it had been his custom to daily go for his mail, a distance of about half a mile. On the 24th of next month he would have celebrated his 91st birthday.
Stephen Watkins Clark was the son of Major Joseph Clark, who served in the war of 1812 and won honor and distinction by his bravery and good conduct, while his grandfather was Colonel William Clark of Revolutionary fame. He was a brother of the late Hon. Myron H. Clark, at one time governor of the state of New York.
Prof. Clark had done much for the cause of education during his life and is widely known as the author of Clark's English Grammar extensively used in the public schools. He was also the author of the following works on the English Grammar: "New Method of Teaching English Grammar," of which over 1,000,000 copies were sold in the first ten years of its publication, "Easy Lessons in Grammar," "First Lessons in Grammar," "Practical English Grammar," "Brief English Grammar," "Normal Grammar" and "Clark's Analysis of the English Language."
The deceased was born in Naples, N. Y., April 24, 1810. Until the age of 17 he lived on the farm where he gained a rugged constitution. He was then sent to Prattsburg academy. What he learned there in two terms inspired in him a thirst for knowledge and a determination to enter college. After much hard study and at the same time hard work to secure the necessary funds to meet his college expenses, he entered Amherst college in 1833, which was then an institution of only twelve years existence. He was graduated in 1837. After graduation he was successively principal of Groton academy, the Monro Collegiate Institute, Elbridge, N. Y., in which institution he was also a professor of chemistry. In 1845 he took charge of the East Bloomfield academy, where he remained seven years. In 1852 he was elected principal of Cortland academy at Homer, N. Y. He remained here twelve years, where he writes, "Having reached the summit of my ambition, and the limit of my physical strength, and sighing for a lodge in some vast wilderness" he bought a farm on the Ridge road west of Rochester.
Becoming interested in agriculture he was one of the originators of the Western New York Farmers' club of which he was several times elected president. At one time he was also a member of the Board of Control of the N. Y. State Agricultural Experiment station.
Professor Clark has been three times married and has had eleven children and seventeen grandchildren. His first wife was Betsy A. Pratt of Prattsburg; his second, Clarissa Bradley of East Bloomfield, and the third, Irene Bush of Branchport, who survives her husband and by whom he had been tenderly cared for in his old age.
The deceased leaves five children all grown to maturity.
CALLED TO COLUMBIA.
Dr. David Eugene Smith Accepts a Fine Position in New York.
Dr. David Eugene Smith, principal of the Brockport Normal school and formerly professor of mathematics in the Cortland Normal school, has been offered and has accepted a professorship of mathematics in Columbia university, New York, where he will have charge of the history and pedagogy of the subject with particular reference to the work in the teachers' college. The offer of this position was a great surprise to Dr. Smith, as he did not even know that the creation of this new chair was contemplated. The opportunity for study and writing is exceptional, and he could hardly decline such an offer, though he deeply regrets leaving Brockport, but he feels that there will be much more opportunity for growth in a place where he will have time for private study and for writing than where his hours are completely filled with executive work.
The doctor has many friends in Cortland and elsewhere who will learn with interest of this contemplated change and who will most sincerely congratulate him upon his promotion and advance, at the same time congratulating Columbia on its good fortune in securing so capable and efficient a man to fill the new professorship.
Dr. Smith was born in Cortland. He was graduated from Syracuse university in 1881 and took the degree of Ph. D. from that institution in 1887. He was admitted to the bar in 1882, left the law and became a teacher of mathematics in the Cortland Normal school, where he remained until 1891. He then accepted the professorship of mathematics in the Michigan State Normal college at Ypsilanti, Mich. In 1898 he was made principal of the State Normal school at Brockport. In 1900 he was lecturer on mathematics in the summer school of Harvard university.
BREVITIES.
—The Loyal circle of King's daughters will meet with Mrs. W. D. Tisdale, 111 Port Watson-st., to-morrow (Friday) afternoon at 4 o'clock.
—Dr. William E. Johnson of Waverly, Tioga county, formerly state senator from this district, has been appointed secretary to the state health commissioner at a salary of $2,500.
—New display advertisements to-day are—J. W. Cudworth, Eye glasses, page 7; M. W. Giles, Lace curtains, page 7; A. S. Burgess, Clothing, page 8; Opera House, Hay's "A Trip to Tramptown," page 5; Opera House, "The Missouri Girl," page 5.
—The Cortland Science club will meet in the second floor of the Central school building on Saturday evening, March 28. Dr. K. M. Wiegand will give a stereopticon lecture upon "Ecology of Plants." The previous paper will be reviewed by Rev. U. S. Milburn.
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