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| Physical examination of female immigrants at Ellis Island, N. Y. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, March 29, 1901.
WOMEN SMUGGLERS.
OUR NEW YORK LETTER FULL OF INTERESTING MATTER.
Women Detectives More Effective Than Men in Discovering Female Smugglers—Women's Success at the Home Gambling Table—Miners From Pennsylvania Employed on the Rapid Transit Tunnel.
New York, March 27.—In recent years many women seem to have adopted smuggling as their regular occupation, and as men detectives for various reasons were never very successful in detecting these fair swindlers of the government, the custom house authorities finally hit upon the plan of employing female detectives. The women detectives in the employ of Uncle Sam pass through a civil service examination and receive $1 a day. The work, while very exacting, is not especially heavy, the working day usually ending at noon. Frequently evidence is secured against the women smugglers by one of the female inspectors, who travels from the other side as a passenger and observes or makes the acquaintance of the suspected person on the trip across. Evidence having been obtained upon the arrival of the ship in New York the smuggler is compelled to submit to a search and the ingenuity displayed in concealing contraband articles is something remarkable. Diamonds are hidden in the hair, in cakes of soap, in pads and bustles and some women have been found with yards of costly lace rolled about their bodies. It is not the amateur smuggler or the immigrant that these women detectives find troublesome, but the professional, who is always good looking, well dressed and liberally supplied with money, which is freely dispensed in generous tips to the stewardess and boys.
For a year or more, stories of losses at bridge whist and gambling in society have been going the rounds of the city and it would seem that even in the quiet of home life, persons of fashion find gambling necessary to their enjoyment. Gossip concerning the losses made by this person or that has been rife for several months, it being a matter of common knowledge that the common gambling houses were not the only places where play for high stakes was carried on. The most curious part of the prevalent gossip is that the stories of serious losses refer to persons without a knowledge of the game, who have been led into playing for the convenience of others rather than from any desire of their own. Without doubt most of the stories heard have substantial foundation because it is common enough to hear a young woman, or one not so youthful, explain the presence of a ring or pin that she is wearing by the single word ''bridge.'' It is said that a young society girl belonging to an old and highly respected family makes no secret of the fact that since the first of the present year she has won $1,500 and all her women friends speak with envy of the wonderful success.
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| Cortland Opera House on Groton Avenue. |
AT THE OPERA HOUSE.
Repertoire Next Week.
A week of first-class attractions at popular
prices by the oldest and most famous repertoire company in the eastern states
is announced for the Cortland Opera House commencing next Monday. The
Bennett-Moulton Comedy company, the one engaged, has been on the road for over
twenty years for the most part in the production of comic opera. This was
changed to comedy drama four years ago, but the company, by reason of its
lavish and splendid productions of the very best plays, still enjoys its old
time reputation. The company carries a carload of special scenery, a fine
concert orchestra, and each performance is made practically continuous by the
introduction of a long list of excellent specialties between the acts. The bill
for Monday night will be "Darkest Russia;" Tuesday night, "The
Lost Paradise;" Wednesday matinee, "The Pride of Kerry," a
charming Irish romance. Seats go on sale Saturday morning at 9 o'clock.
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| Former Congregational Church (Heritage Hall), Cincinnatus, N. Y. |
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF CINCINNATUS.
"The Congregational Church of Cincinnatus and Solon" was organized March 4, 1819. Seven men with their wives and seven other women were the constituent members. "Their letters of recommendation were read; also certain "Articles of Faith" and a "Covenant" were adopted as their constitution."In consequence of which they were declared to be constituted a church of Christ and, as such, to be invested with all the powers and privileges of a church of Christ by the Rev. Oliver Hitchcock of Truxton." The latter part of the name lost significance in course of time by reason of the division of the original town of Solon, but the name has never been changed by any action of the church.
The ecclesiastical relations of the church have not been so continuous. In 1820 the deacons were sent to a meeting of the Union association. Various other feelers were put out in the same direction and the union with that body was completed in 1821.
In 1831 the church joined the Cortland Presbytery on "The Plan of Union." In 1833 the church adopted the Confession of Faith of the Chenango Presbytery. In 1836 the pastor was installed by the Cortland Presbytery. Two months later a resolution to withdraw from the Presbytery was much discussed, and early in 1838 the final minutes concerning this matter read thus: "Resolved, That we vote to withdraw our connection with Presbytery as soon as there shall be an orthodox Congregational association formed in this county or near with which we may unite." Thirty or more years later, the Presbytery, apparently wearied of trying to persuade the church to "complete its organization," dropped the church from its list. Since then no action has been taken on this subject. During these connections there were occasional meetings of Association or Presbytery in Cincinnatus. The ecclesiastical connection seems always to have been an occasion of friction. The meeting house was first used for church services in February, 1832. Previous to that time, meetings were held generally at private houses, sometimes in the school house. Trustworthy tradition says that the meetings were mostly in a barn near where the meeting house stands. The building was enlarged and modified about 1860.
During the first eight years the sacraments were administered by Rev. Oliver Hitchcock, who conducted the organization. The other officiating ministers for the early years are supposed to have been residents of the nearby region. The first resident minister seems to have been Rev. O. Catlin in the year 1832-3; then Rev. Phineas Camp in 1834; Rev. J. R. Johnson from 1835 to 1838; Rev. E. T. Hall from 1839 to 1849; Rev. F. S. Jewell from 1849 to 1852; Rev. Geo. Langdon from 1852 to 1854; Rev. H. W. Lee from 1854 to 1862; Rev. E. Rogers from April, 1862. Of these, Revs. Johnson and [Hall] were installed by Presbytery. The record does not tell how they were released. Names of seventeen other ministers appear for occasional services.
The saints of the early days seem to have taken their covenant seriously. They had vitality enough to contend earnestly for the faith. Records of discipline began within five years from the organization. Results were acquittal, suspension, excommunication. Sometimes there was a good outcome in repentance and restoration. More or less of this appears for a period of 30 years. This record of discipline is a token of their earnestness. They watched over each other's conversation, business habits and moral conduct and required regular attendance on the meetings of the church. When the temperance and slavery questions came up, these made occasions not only for church discipline but also for changes of pastors. One might inquire seriously whether we of these modern days have lost vitality or gained charity. That those early people were not wanting in charity is pleasantly attested by a tradition that reports the brethren and sisters weeping together over a supposed necessity of organizing another church in the place, so separating them in their worship. Such supposed necessity was not because of numbers, the highest number reported in the minutes being 160.
The present pastor began here in April, 1862. In October of the same year he was ordained in the Congregational way by a council. The council was peculiar in this particular: the invitation included not only Congregational but also Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist churches and ministers. A few years ago the church list showed the names of those who by inheritance and training would naturally have been Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists, Unitarians, Universalists and yet others who would not know how to class themselves for lack of denominational instruction.
On the ground at first occupied by this church one may now count as many as ten churches of five or six denominations with a population less than it was 50 years ago. Some of the pristine energy has been lost in denominational rivalries and perhaps the same rivalries have somewhat provoked to good works. But a larger loss has come to all this neighborhood by the continuous removal of energetic young people and families or groups of families for business reasons. The tendency is toward the extinction of some of these churches. If this shall become necessary, there may be comfort for us in the gospel philosophy applied to a church: "He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."
O. U. A. M.
Cortland Council, No. 74, Gives its Annual Banquet.
Cortland council, No. 74, Order of United American Mechanics, was organized in 1893 with eighteen charter members, only one of whom, L. E. Burnham, is now a member of the order. The first councilor was Dr. E. M. Santee, succeeded in order as follows: 1893, M. C. Eastman; 1894, L. E. Burnham, J. H. Johnson; 1895, J. B. Hunt, E. A. McGraw; 1896, M. L. Munson. Art Williamson; 1897, L. E. Burnham, Delevan Brazie; 1898, J. R. Birdlebough, Elmer Bangs; 1899, G. F. Dann, Norman Thompson; 1900, J. J. Glann; 1901, F W. Kingsbury.
It has been the custom of the organization to hold a banquet each year as near the date of formation of the council, March 24, as possible, and this happy annual event for this first year of the new century was held Wednesday evening in the commodious dining room on the fourth floor of the Burgess block.
The menu was a tempting one, prepared by the good wives of the Mechanics, and after a supplication for God's blessing upon the supper and upon the partakers by Rev. H. M. Rixon, pastor of the Homer-ave. M. E. church, the large company proceeded to make the occasion a merry one.
After the feast, Councilor F. W. Kingsbury called the company to order and named George F. Dann as toastmaster. Now if there is anything George Dann likes better than eating toasts, it is making bright, witty introductions around the table, and on this occasion he acquitted himself admirably, preceding each introduction with an appropriate witticism worthy of a Chauncey M. Depew.
H. M. Kellogg spoke upon ''Our Forefathers,'' giving an intensely interesting sketch of the noble deeds and valor of the patriots of Revolutionary times.
"Americans in America'' was assigned to Martin Edgeomb, who made a strong plea for Americans only. Originally the Aborigines were the only Americans, but now the term is applied to all born in America. The speaker illustrated the inventive genius of Americans by saying that an average of 25,000 patents were granted in the United States each year.
J. A. Jayne spoke upon "Our National Flag,'' arousing much enthusiasm by his patriotic references to the Stars and Stripes. Mr. Jayne was introduced as the "silver-tongued orator'' of the council.
After two songs by J. B. Hunt, Mrs. J. J. Glann responded to the toast "Housekeepers as Financiers." She believed the women were the peer of the men in managing household finances, at least.
Rev. U. S. Milburn recited a very humorous selection in response to the toast "Our Wives," prefacing it with the remark that Rev. H. L. Rixon should have been chosen to respond to this toast. His recitation was "How Peter Sorghum, Esq., Courted Sal.''
"Our Husbands" was responded to by Mrs. J. A. Jayne, whose experience had been with one only, and she could not speak for but that one.
"Our Doctor" was given to Dr E. M. Santee, who gave a humorous and appropriate story from the Medical Journal.
To E. P. Wright was assigned the subject "The Undertaker," and he surprised the company in the recital of a decidedly humorous selection.
R. H. Beard also spoke briefly upon the same subject.
The last feature of the program was a selection by B. A. Nichols, a local impersonator who is acquiring considerable fame. His subject was "Boy and a Bear," and the effort of Mr. Nichols on this occasion stamps him as an elocutionist and impersonator who is destined to take front rank in that particular field.
The entire entertainment was an honor to the O. U. A. M.
FAILED TO KILL HIMSELF.
W. H. Hoar Cuts His Throat, But is Still Much Alive.
Some little excitement was caused Tuesday forenoon by the report that W. F. Hoar, the barber, had attempted suicide, and the facts when learned seemed to confirm the report Mr. Hoar occasionally indulges in a spree lasting several days, and for the past week he has been on one of his periodical drunks. Chief of Police Smith run Hoar in Tuesday morning, locking him in a cell to await the opening of the city court. Some time later when the chief went to the cell to escort his prisoner before the city judge, he found Hoar lying on a cot with considerable blood scattered about. Upon examination it was found that he had cut his throat but had failed to reach a vital spot, hence while blood flowed freely there was no danger of fatal results.
Hoar was taken to the county jail and he insisted that he should kill himself by hanging if he had a chance. He has been closely watched since that time to prevent any attempt at self-destruction.
DENNIS GETS SIX YEARS.
Pleaded Guilty to the Indictment Against Him for Stealing.
The Democrat has kept its readers informed of the developments of the stealing of two heifers from D. K. Cutler last summer. It will be remembered that Joseph Marks was convicted and sentenced to five years in Auburn prison for having a hand in the affair, and now Dorr Dennis will spend the next six years behind the walls of Auburn state prison. The Auburn Democrat and Chronicle gives the following particulars of the proceedings in court:
Dennis's appearance in the court room was that of a gentleman rather than that of the criminal his past record has made him. He was neatly dressed in a brown suit with a fedora hat and he wore a pair of patent leather shoes. He was brought into the court room by Turnkey Hull, un-handcuffed, and the appearance of the officers and few interested spectators did not embarrass him noticeably.
Dennis stood up at Mr. Burritt's command and the latter announced that he was under indictment for grand larceny in the second degree after a former conviction.
"Dennis, how do you wish to plead?" asked Mr. Burritt.
"Guilty," replied Dennis.
"And do you wish to waive the usual two days' notice before sentence is pronounced?" asked Mr. Burritt,
The prisoner announced that he would waive such right, but he would like to be allowed to remain at the jail for a couple of days in order that he might have an opportunity to straighten up some business affairs. He was told he could make such arrangements with the sheriff.
"I guess I might as well be sentenced now," said Dennis, "the sheriff will give me what time I want."
In answer to the statutory questions he said he was 34 years old and was born in Niles. His present residence was Auburn, he was a butcher by trade, married, had a common school education, Protestant in religious teaching, father living, is of intemperate habits and had been convicted before.
Judge Underwood then pronounced sentence as follows: "Dennis, the sentence of the court is that you be confined in the State prison at Auburn at hard labor for a period of six years," the usual good advice extended to prisoners at the bar being dispensed with.
HERE AND THERE.
The snow is going off very moderately, which is a fortunate thing for Lisle and Whitney Point, N. Y.
Another strike among the anthracite coal miners is feared, the effect of which will he to send up the price of coal.
The latest thing in the way of parasites is one that dwells in wheat. Bread may now be expected to appear upon the list of dangerous foods.
The jury in the case of the People against Orville Pickert, charged with assault, were out over twenty-four hours, returning Friday afternoon with a verdict of guilty.
The new three cent piece authorized by Congress is to be of nickel the size of the old bronze cent, but thicker with a hole in the center one-fourth of an inch in diameter. A hole in an American coin is a new device and renders it readily recognized by sight or touch.
Firemen all over the state are pleased to learn that if a bill introduced in the legislature becomes a law they will have a pension fund, as it authorizes the Mayor and other financial officers of the city to take two per cent of the excise money and place it in the firemanic pension fund.
Coroner E. M. Santee last Friday concluded his examination into the circumstances attending the recent accident on the Lehigh Valley road, and concludes his verdict as follows: The evidence as to the giving of signals by the engineer is conflicting; but I am inclined to believe that the whistle was blown and the bell not rung. From all the evidence no facts are established that satisfy me that any person was so culpably negligent as to be held for the commission of any crime as a result of the transaction.
The Kingston Leader, in an interesting article on procedure in the court of appeals, pays the following compliment to Chief Judge Alton B. Parker, whose mother resides in Cortland. The chief judge is a young man, somewhat above forty, tall and handsome; is courteous and urbane under the greatest physical fatigue, and is so without ostentation, not from any labored sense of duty, but from true gentleness and goodness of heart. He is one of the most popular men in the state of New York. He was elected to his position on the Democratic ticket which is generally a minority party in the state, over Mr. United States Circuit Judge Wallace, who ran on the Republican ticket, by a plurality of about 50,000 votes.
General Debility and General House-cleaning will soon become two prominent military figures.
Another physician in the person of Dr. J. H. Benson, who comes from Highland, Ill., has located in Cortland.
The rain of Tuesday afternoon caused the banks of the Tioughnioga to overflow in many places in this city and south of here.
On the evening of April 9 the Degree of Pocahontas will hold its second annual dance in Red Men's hall, with music by Kane's orchestra.
"Hello, Bill" a very funny, high class comedy, will be at the Opera house tomorrow night. It is clean and funny and very well spoken of wherever it has been.
Trailing arbutus will soon make its appearance, and isn't it a pity this beautiful sweet flower does not grow on the hills surrounding Cortland?
The fact that Master Teddy Ray, whose parents reside in Railway-ave., was bitten by a dog on Tuesday without provocation, leads us to remark that not only that portion of the city, but its entire limits are infested with scores of worthless curs that are allowed to roam the streets to the great annoyance and danger of our citizens. It is time that some steps were taken to abate the nuisance.
The Easter edition of The Syracuse Herald will be out next Sunday, March 31. It will be a splendid production—36 pages, fine half-tone paper for the magazine section, and a charming and appropriate colored picture. To be sure of one, give the agent your order at once.
The greatest breeding place for pocket-books [stolen and discarded by pickpockets during the Cortland County Fair—CC ed.] is a compost heap on the Randall property from which eight wallets have already been taken. Had the finders been shrewd they would have waited until after the warm spring rains and sun had forced a growth of silver dollars in the wallets. Some people are very short-sighted.
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