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| Image of Chinese Emperor Guang Xu. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, April 2, 1901.
RUSSIA OPENLY DEFIED.
China Refuses to Sign Manchurian Convention.
DECISION GIVEN AS IRREVOCABLE.
Li Hung Chang's Urgings Had No Effect. China Has Evidently Taken Hope From the Protests of Japan and Other Powers in Her Favor.
LONDON, April 2.—"The Chinese emperor, I am officially informed, has instructed the Chinese plenipotentiaries," says the Pekin correspondent of The Daily Mail, "not to sign the Manchurian convention even in a modified form."
LONDON, April 2.—Dr. Morrison, wiring to The Times from Pekin, March 28, says:
"The Yang Tse viceroys have carried the day. Li Hung Chang, who wired Tuesday urging Emperor Kwang Su to reconsider his decision, received an answer that the throne's decision, in the presence of the unanimous advice of the chief provincial officiate, was irrevocable and that the Manchurian convention could not be signed.
"In spite of her threats Russia seems disinclined to slam the door. Negotiations between Li Hung Chang and M. De Giers were certainly proceeding yesterday, when M. De Giers agreed to several formal amendments of the text. Russia's cynical and bold diplomacy appears for once to have overreached itself."
Ministers Still Conferring.
PEKIN, April 2.—The ministers of the powers at the last meeting considered the resolutions of the special committee for the reformation of the tsung li yamen and the court ceremonials. It was decided that the tsung li yamen should hereafter consist of one prince and two appointed ministers, who should he responsible to the world for the behavior of China.
The court ceremonials will be organized on western lines, making due allowances for oriental ideas and prejudices.
The indemnity committee is not yet ready to report, but it is generally conceded that the demand will be immense. Mr. Rockhill, acting upon instructions from Washington, has sent a letter to the ministers of the powers, asserting that in the event of the amount being larger than China could possibly afford without the disruption of the empire, the ministers should agree to reduce their demands in proportion to the losses and expenses of their respective countries and that, in the event of being unable to agree, the matter should be left to the arbitration of the Hague tribunal.
Missionaries have reported to the United States legation that they have received reliable information that a German expedition from Shanghai, 3,000 strong, has reached Thai Yuan. The Germans at headquarters deny having any knowledge on the subject.
Li Hung Chang entertained at luncheon the ministers of the powers and Count Von Waldersee.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.
Conflicting Elements In the Orient.
The outlook for the adjustment of the critical situation in the orient without a long and sanguinary struggle, perhaps involving all the powers now represented in Peking except the United States, is most unpropitious.
Russia appears to be unalterably determined upon exercising "squatter's sovereignty" over Manchuria and pressing her claims in Mongolia and Turkestan without asking anybody's consent. China has refused to cede the territory demanded, but would doubtless do so, at least under duress, were no other powers involved in the oriental controversy.
Germany, it is declared, is ambitions to absorb the province of Shangtung and might side with Russia in the division of the empire, though her diplomatists insist that she is acting in good faith in the international understanding in favor of maintaining China's territorial integrity.
Japan, which is perhaps the most vitally interested in the controversy, naturally opposes the advance of Russia in the direction of Korea and will brook no interference in that "buffer state." "If the material interests of Japan are involved," says the usually moderate leading journal Jiji Shimpo [Current Events] of Tokyo, "she will draw the sword without hesitation." The Japanese are apparently prepared for a long and bitter armed conflict and, it is understood, confidently count upon the assistance of Great Britain, who has a decided interest in checking the aggression of Russia not only in the orient, but in the Levant and elsewhere. Indeed were British diplomacy as bold and British resources as great as they were just before the conflict in the Crimea, war would undoubtedly have been precipitated ere this time.
Besides the Muscovite activity in China there are other points where it menaces the British lion. The hand of Russia is felt in South Africa, where an undoubted factor in the Boer resistance has been the hope that England would soon be at war with the czar. Russian intrigue is busy in the Balkans and at Constantinople. Russian influence is a force in the Austro-Hungarian domains that is loosening the ties that bind Bohemia to the house of Hapsburg. Russian ambition is feared in the Scandinavian peninsula, where the fate of the old Swedish appendage of Finland is noted with apprehension.
Thus is presented the picture of the Russian bear, with aggressive and menacing front, placing his paw on the map of the world. But there is another side to the picture. On the reverse side is inscribed a story of unrest and turbulence at home, of bloody riots by students and workingmen, of the cruel whip of the Cossacks lashing the back of the incipient revolution, of threatened revolt in Poland and Finland, of plots against the ministry, of a mine under the palace of the czar, of an absolute monarch sleeping in a harveyized steel bedroom, distrusting even his own household, unnerved by threats against his person and urged by his advisers to fly for safety from his capital.
With such a condition at home it would seem that Russia is ill prepared to go into a war of territorial aggression in which there might be pitted against her not Japan alone, but Great Britain and possibly other powers. However, such a war might awaken a spirit of patriotism, soothe the turbulent elements, repress threatened revolts and cement into a more compact body the hitherto diverse and conflicting races and factions of the great empire. History is not wanting in instances where a foreign war has solidified a discordant nation at home.
◘ In his official report of the capture of Aguinaldo by General Funston, General MacArthur says, "I hope for a speedy cessation of hostilities throughout the archipelago." The American people will sincerely echo this hope and that the end of the shedding of blood and the expenditure of treasure in the Philippines may come quickly.
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| George J. Mager. |
BOARD OF EDUCATION
ASKS MAYOR TO APPOINT A SPECIAL ELECTION
To Vote Upon an Appropriation of $22,000 for an Addition to the Central School for High School Purposes —Hopes That the Election May be Upon April 23—Proposition Concerning New Lot Adjoining Former One.
There was an adjourned meeting of the board of education of the city of Cortland at the Central school building last night. Only six members of the board were present, but the other three had been present at previous meetings when the matters voted upon last night were discussed and all sent word that they desired their votes to be recorded in the affirmative upon the three resolutions then and there presented so that the action of the board was unanimous. These matters had all been virtually decided before, but the formal action upon them had been deferred till the charter amendments were signed by the governor, and were actually in force.
The first resolution was introduced by Mr. Mager and was seconded by Mr. Edgcomb and was as follows:
Resolved, That it is necessary to enlarge the Central school building situated upon Railroad-st. in the Fifth ward of the city of Cortland, N. Y., and that the sum of twenty-two thousand dollars ($22,000) is required to build, furnish and equip such addition.
The resolution was unanimously carried.
It appears that a vacant lot owned by Mr. John Barnes adjoins the Central school building upon the east and that the building is so close to the line that in some places the snow from the roof slides off upon Mr. Barnes' lot. A walk leading to the side entrance of the building is so situated that there is no place to shovel the snow from it without throwing it over upon Mr. Barnes' lot unless it be carried out to the end of the walk clear of the building and then it can be thrown upon the school lot. In the past the snow has simply been thrown over upon this lot, but recently Mr. Barnes caused notice to be served upon the board pf education through his attorney, Judge S. S. Knox, forbidding the snow to be thrown upon his premises. Some members of the board have had some talk with Mr. Barnes in regard to the purchase of this lot by the city to add to the school lot. The result was that Mr. Hakes introduced the following resolution which was seconded by Mr. Newton and unanimously carried:
Resolved, That it is necessary to purchase an addition to the site of the Central school grounds situated on Railroad-st., in the Fifth ward of the city of Cortland, N. Y,; that the sum of five hundred dollars ($500) is required to purchase such addition to said Central school site.
The following resolution was also introduced by Mr. Mager, was seconded by Mr. Newton and was unanimously carried:
Resolved, That the president and secretary of this board be authorized and instructed to certify to the mayor of the city of Cortland, N. Y., the above resolutions, under the seal of this board as is required by Section 160, Chapter 160 of Laws of 1900, and amendments thereto of the said charter of the city of Cortland, N. Y.
The board would like to have the election at as early a date as possible in order that if the election be decided in the affirmative steps may be taken at once to proceed with the building so that it may be ready for school in the fall. Three weeks' notice of such an election has to be given in the official papers of the city. The board of education has fixed upon Tuesday, April 23, as an available date for the election and has requested the mayor to name that date if it meets with his approval.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Discusses Sidewalk Grades and Walks—Barn May Be Moved.
The board of public works held a meeting at the city clerk's office last night. In the absence of the president, Judge S. S. Knox, Mr. C. F. Wickwire was made chairman of the meeting.
Mr. Parker G. Ellison came before the meeting and asked that a sidewalk grade be given on Doud-st., which is not an accepted street. He stated that while the great majority of the residents of that highway were in favor of having the street accepted, there was a very small minority that would not consent to it, therefore the street could not take advantage of many improvements that otherwise it might. Mr. Ellison also complained of the bad condition of the walks at the north end of Rickard-st. The board was of the opinion that nothing could be done by it with reference to sidewalks on Doud-st., but promised to give the Rickard-st. walks immediate attention.
Messrs. J. W. Angell and W. J. Spaulding asked permission to move a barn 18 by 32 feet in size from Greenbush-st. to Sands-st., through Port Watson and Tompkins-sts. The privilege was granted with the condition that the parties make good all damages that might result, either to the city or to property owners along the streets. These terms were accepted.
A NEW STORE.
Miss Lamb's Easter Millinery Opening in Mahan Block.
The new millinery store in the Mahan block has been thronged with admiring visitors all the afternoon to inspect the new pattern hats, Paris novelties and the latest Easter trimmings. The window displays are unusually attractive and give evidence of the larger and even more interesting display of artistic millinery within. Here are shown the ready-to-wear hats in all styles, and all the new spring colors. Black and white are among the prevailing colors and rich effects are produced in the varied combinations which include the new pinks, coral pink and various autumn shades. The new store is one of the most centrally located millinery establishments in the city. It is tasteful and artistic in appointment and will merit a liberal share of Cortland patronage.
Death of M. B. Hinman.
Mr. M. B. Hinman died at his home on the Gulf road four miles northwest of Cortland in the town of Homer yesterday afternoon at 8 o'clock, aged 74 years 11 months and 4 days. The cause of death was pneumonia, from which Mr. Hinman had been suffering for about two weeks. Mr. Hinman had lived his whole life in the neighborhood where he died and was a well known and highly respected citizen. He was an official member of the First M. E. church of Cortland and has been a Bible class leader in the church for twenty-three years.
He is survived by his wife, two brothers, Messrs. J. W. Hinman of Cortland and Joseph Hinman of Homer, with whom the deceased had been living, and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Hopkins of Homer, and Mrs. Olive Johnson of Illinois.
The funeral will be held Friday at 11 A. M. at the house. Burial in Cortland Rural cemetery.
Death of Mrs. Wright.
Mrs. Mary Jane Wright died at the extreme old age of 90 years, 8 months and 15 days, at her home, 26 Washington-st., at 9 o'clock to-day from the effects of a shock suffered last Saturday and from which she never regained consciousness. Mrs. Wright had lived in Cortland for forty-five years. She is survived by one son, Mr. James Wright of Homer. The funeral will be held from the First M. E. church, of which she was a devoted member, Thursday at 10 A. M. Burial in McGraw.
MRS. THOMAS HINDS
Passes Away After Two Weeks' Illness from Pneumonia.
Mrs. Thomas Hinds, who lived on the hill east of the county almshouse, died yesterday afternoon after an illness of two weeks from pneumonia coupled with heart difficulty. She was thought to be doing well and was recovering from the pneumonia when the complication set in,
Mrs. Hinds' maiden name was Ellen L. Mathewson. She was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mustapha Mathewson, and since the death of her only brother Frank L, Mathewson, on June 8, 1874, in his 19th year, has been their only child. She was born in McDonough, Chenango Co., N. Y., Dec. 22, 1849, and moved with her parents from there to Truxton in 1853. In 1865 they moved to Genoa, Cayuga Co., and in 1871 came to Cortland, where Mr. Mathewson bought the place upon Locust-ave. which has since been the family home. Prior to this date Miss Mathewson had been a student of the Normal school from which she was graduated in 1871, and the attraction of the school was the chief cause which led to the family coming to Cortland in the first place.
After teaching for two years she was married on Nov. 26, 1873, to Mr. Thomas Hinds of Cortland, and this has ever since been their home. Four children were born to them, John M., now a sophomore at Amherst college; George Velton, a clerk here in Cortland; Miss Bessie, a student at the Normal; and Ruth, the youngest, 6 years old, all of whom with Mr. Hinds survive. Mr. and Mrs. Mathewson, the father and mother, are also both living.
The funeral will be held Thursday at 12 o'clock noon at the house, and at 2 o'clock at the Congregational church, of which the deceased had long been a member and in which she was a valued and efficient worker.
To Build a New House.
Mr. Samuel Keator is preparing to move further back upon his land in the old house at 170 Main-st., which he recently bought and will erect in its place a new modern house up-to-date in all its appointments which when completed will be for rent. He has not yet decided whether or not he will join with Mrs. J. E. Hyatt who owns the property adjoining on the south in opening Stewart Place, the street which Mrs. Hyatt has partly laid out and upon which she has already built two houses. If there was a call for lots there Mr. Keator would do his part at once in opening the street. Whether the street, if opened, would go through to Reynolds-ave., or whether it would turn north to join Frederick-ave. and Argyle Place has not yet been determined. Mr. Keator owns all of the open fields in the rear of those houses on Main-st. in this locality so he could lay out this street as he thinks best if he decides to do it at all. Mr. Keator will repair and fix up for renting the house that is to be moved back.
OLD DAYS IN SOLON.
REMINISCENCES BY A FORMER RESIDENT OF THE TOWN.
Some of the Old Families Recalled—The Instruction to the District School with Major Rice as Teacher—Methods of Discipline—Boyish Anger Softened by Years.
To the Editor of The Standard:
SIR—H. C. Goodwin's History of Cortland County published in 1859 contains but a meager history of the pioneers of the town of Solon. Therefore I the more gladly embrace the opportunity of space in the columns of The STANDARD to make mention of more of the early settlers than did Mr. Goodwin. This writer has already passed the limit of three score and ten, and be proposes to write of things and events within his recollection more particularly, and may mention some incidents which have been handed down from the earlier years by the former generation.
Solon was organized on March 9, 1798, and is the oldest town organized in the county, except possibly the town of Homer, and it is recorded that the first permanent settlement was made in the town in 1794 by Roderick Beebe and Johnson Bingham. Mount Roderick is said to have taken its name from Mr. Beebe.
In 1849 the town of Taylor was organized from its eastern half, dividing the territory equally.
Johnson Bingham, mentioned above, was familiarly known among his townsmen as Judge Bingham. Johnson, Jr., and Deacon Samuel, are well remembered by the writer, being sons of the judge. The children of Johnson, Jr., as remembered, were three sons and two daughters. The eldest daughter married Aaron Burns—one of the canal boys, of whom some future letter may mention more particularly, and Orick, Horace and Henry, sons. All grew to manhood and raised families. Miranda, the youngest daughter, was the wife of Jerome Maybury, both deceased. Lee, their only son, is now a resident of McGraw. Etta, a daughter, died just as she was entering womanhood. Linus, son of Lee, is married and living in Lestershire. Romelia, daughter of Mr. Burns, married George Maybury, youngest son of Deacon Samuel Maybury. Mrs. Maybury is living in her home at Maybury Mills. The children are Ada, the wife of Adin Kenfield; Julia, wife of Lynn Greenwood, and Clinton, also married. All are living within the county.
Johnson G. Bingham, only son of Deacon Samuel, is an honored citizen of the town, having occupied the position of supervisor for some years past. He owns and lives on the old home farm of his father.
A former [letter] writer gave a brief reference to one of Solon's old-time residents, who filled the offices of supervisor and justice for several years—a man whose education was far in advance of most of his fellow townsmen. I refer to Rufus Rice, or "the 'major," as he was called by his old acquaintances. Major Rice was a handy man for a town to be possessed of in case of an emergency. School masters were not plenty in the early days, for those were not the days of Normal schools, therefore, when the trustees of school district No. 5 failed to get a teacher for the winter term, Major Rice would step in and fill the vacancy, and in many ways he was a pretty good teacher. He was accomplished as a penman, for he could wield the pen with a Spencerian hand and no doubt many who attended his school carried away with them improvement in that accomplishment, so necessary to even a common school education—and this was the best that most of the girls and boys received in those days. He governed his school with the rod and ruler to a great extent, and at times he would approach the unsuspecting culprit from the rear. This was easily done as the desks for writing were against the outside wall with a bench seat in front and when the pupils wished to write or study with more ease, they turned around and faced the wall. And it often occurred at such times that some mischief was indulged in, often to the sorrow of the offending malefactor, for without warning he was seized by the coat collar and jerked into the middle of the room with a slap or two on the ears with the flat of the hand and at the same time sent spinning around like a top. This writer has had his ears sing and burn for hours after an experience of the kind narrated and he has often wished to live to grow big enough to whip the old master, but as time rolled on all these passions vanished and I could [remember the] words of the lamented Lincoln "with malice toward none, with charity for all."
Some years ago just before the major's death the writer met him and enjoyed a most agreeable visit reciting incidents of the past. He reared a large family of children, all sons but one. It was said of the major that once on a time a gentleman among a company of his friends asked him how many children he had, when he remarked, "I have ten sons and every one has a sister." When the mother at once exclaimed, "What, twenty children!" The sons remembered are Clark, Samuel, Rufus, Lafayette, Septimus, Seth, Dariun and Frank. The names of the younger sons and the daughter are not remembered. I am informed that Frank, a boy companion of the writer, is a citizen of Cortland.
C. G. M.
Winona, March 25, 1901.
BREVITIES.
—The Bible study class of the First Baptist church will meet in the church parlor Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock.
—Only one April fool fell into the hands of the policemen yesterday—a tramp who was ordered outside the city limits by the city judge in police court this morning.
—The game of basket ball that was to have been played at the Y. M. C. A. gymnasium this evening between the Cortland and the Little Falls teams for the championship of central New York, has been postponed till Thursday, April 11.
—New display advertisements to-day are—A. S. Burgess, Easter clothing, page 7; C. W. Stoker, Groceries, page 6; Baker & Angell, Shoes, page 2; Wood & Ward, "Two Merry Tramps," page 2; The Fair store, Homer, Easter opening, page 8; C. F. Thompson, Coffee, etc., page 5.
—Mr. Charles Robertson of Cortland and Miss Addie McCoy of Trumansburg were married last night at the First M. E. parsonage by Rev. Dr. O. A. Houghton. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are now living at 24 Hubbard-st. Mrs. Robertson's parents are soon coming to Cortland from Trumansburg, and then all will make their home together to this city.
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