ANDREW CARNEGIE'S VISION, OUR CITY SCHOOLS, IN SAFE HANDS, AND THURLOW WEED'S EARLY HISTORY

 

Andrew Carnegie.

Andrew Carnegie's mansion at 91st Street and Fifth Avenue, New York City.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, April 26, 1901.

FOREST IN NEW YORK.

ANDREW CARNEGIE'S MAGNIFICENT SCHEME.

Will Transplant a Forest About His New Mansion on Fifth-ave.—Free Art Exhibition—Newswomen in Great Numbers Swarm Park Row—Police Establish a "Dead Line."

   New York, April 24.—A retired multi-millionaire, who made his large fortune in steel and iron, and is widely and favorably known because of his devotion to free libraries as a means of elevating the masses, is erecting a fine new mansion on upper Fifth-ave., and although its elegance and grandeur can not be excelled, one feature, that of a forest planted to order about the structure, is especially notable and interesting. The trees for the park surrounding this mansion are being brought all the way from an estate on Long Island sound, some twenty-five miles from New York, and it will be readily realized that this is no small undertaking when it is said that most of the trees are at least twenty inches in diameter, and from fifty to seventy-five feet in height. They are on an average about thirty years old, especially selected, straight and sound. In all about thirty-five poplars, elms and sugar maples are being transplanted to the grounds, and it seems likely that the owner's family may tap the maples next season, and get quite as much sap to convert into syrup as they can dispose of. There will be a row of trees on three sides of the mansion, planted rather closely together, and in fact the elegant structure will be almost entirety hidden within this "made to order forest." Another handsome feature of the grounds is the easterly wall, built of brick and granite, about eighteen feet high and said to have cost in the neighborhood of $12,000. To prepare a soil for this park, rock rising several feet above the level of the sidewalk was blasted out to the depth of six feet below the sidewalk and then rich, black loam was filled in until the surface of the park was level with the street.

   The newsboys, hoboes and cabmen who loiter about the Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn bridge were treated to an unadvertised free art show one morning last week. A section of the handsome MacMonnies group, modeled in France, which is to be placed on the new army and navy arch in Brooklyn, was injured while being taken from the hold of the ship which brought it to this country. The statuary was sent to an establishment in Manhattan to be repaired and remodeled and was then loaded on a truck bound for Brooklyn. When the truck reached the bridge the policeman on duty would not allow it to pass, because the width of the section was more than the limit allowed by the bridge rules, consequently the statues were held at the entrance to the bridge for several hours until a special permit to pass was obtained from the bridge trustees. In the meantime certain competent art critics, tramps, newsboys, etc., gathered about the bronze heroes, and the fine points of the statues were duly commented upon. The truckman acted as master of ceremonies, explaining that it would cost the spectators several dollars to see such an art show any where else. After having officiated to the satisfaction of the assembled crowd in the capacity of a lecture on art, the truckman took occasion to denounce all policemen in general, and the one who had held him up in particular. The driver of the truck, among other remarks, expressed the opinion that "de main guy wots over in Brooklyn will make dis cop look like a dime's wort' of beanery hash when he hears dis." In view of this horrible threat it is interesting to note the fact that the policeman denounced is still on duty at the bridge entrance.

   A feature of the metropolitan life that invariably interests the stranger within our gates is the great number of newswomen to be found, principally in the neighborhood of City Hall Park, and lower Park Row. Most of the newswomen are of mature age, of Irish extraction and able to give a good account of themselves when it becomes necessary to defend their claims from the encroachments of the small newsboy. Along Park Row in front of the World building the newswomen consider a particularly advantageous point and here when the afternoon editions of the newspapers are out, the women often times form a line to the number of fifteen of more. Citizens going home to Brooklyn after the day's work in Manhattan are compelled to run the gauntlet. They always consider themselves fortunate if they are able to pass the horde of newswomen without the loss of a garment or an article of jewelry.  Owing to numerous complaints, a few nights ago during the rush hour the police established a  ''dead line" along the curb, a big fat policeman being detailed to parade up and down before the women to preserve the alignment. The task, however, soon proved too great for the solitary "copper." He was upon the point of retreating in confusion when reinforcements in the shape of a patrol wagon full of officers arrived, and the day was saved. The Amazons were routed with great loss, several thousands of newspapers were captured, and about a dozen prisoners were gathered in. Too much can not be said in commendation of the coolness and gallantry displayed by the policemen in the fierce and decisive battle of "Newspaper Row."

 

Ferdinand E. Smith.

OUR CITY SCHOOLS.

Pertinent Comments Upon the Recent Action of the Board of Education.

   Unfortunately, quite general and adverse criticism has arisen over the resolution drawn by Superintendent Smith and unanimously passed by the city board of education at its last meeting. The resolution in question invites Superintendent Skinner to meet Mayor Brown. William H. Clark, chairman of the Normal school local board, Ferdinand D. Smith, president of the city board of education, Principal Cheney of the Normal school, and City Superintendent Smith [same Mr. Smith aforementioned—CC ed.], for the avowed or alleged purpose of adjusting certain "undefined interests" said to exist between the city and the state in regard to the education of city academic pupils in the Normal school.

   Some there be who charge that the resolution has the intent solely of giving the state educational department an opportunity to lend its official hand in the interest of the proposition to raise $22,000 for the erection of a high school building. Some color is given to the foregoing charge by a certain member of the board of education, who has divulged the fact that a letter has already been received from Deputy Superintendent Ainsworth in favor of the high school project, even to the extent that he would buy up the equity of the city in the Normal school, etc., etc.

   Now in the first place we are surprised that there are any "undefined interests'" existing between the city and the state in this matter. The rights of the city in the Normal school are clear and well defined. Superintendent Gilmour found that out when he attempted to abolish the academic department of the Normal school. If, however, the resolution has the intent of informing the city superintendent and the city board of education as to these existing rights, and such can be accomplished without any expense to the city, we can see no cause for criticizing the resolution. Of course there is some point in the question raised as to what authority either the state superintendent or the local members designated would have in this matter. Certainly Mr. Clark has no authority to act for the Normal local board. It may be wondered why Hugh Duffey, Hon. O. U. Kellogg. John W. Suggett, Esq., and other conspicuous members of the Normal board were not mentioned a member of the committee.

   Mr. Kellogg is better prepared to speak officially on that subject than all the members appointed by resolution, including the state superintendent. It was due solely to the persistency and ability of Mr. Kellogg, then member of assembly, that Superintendent Gilmour was compelled to confess his unwarranted assumption of power in attempting to abolish the academic department in our Normal school. Then and at that time did Mr. Kellogg, by a legislative resolution, clearly define the interests of this city in an academic department of the Normal school. Nor can we find on inquiry that the Normal school has ever refused any candidate from the city admission in the academic department.

   If the Normal school had refused admission to a city candidate then there would be a breach of the contract, which might then properly raise a question. But under the circumstances no excuse for this hue and cry exists. We cannot but feel that the resolution is unfortunate in that it did not give the common council, the Normal school board, as well as the city board of education, the right to appoint their own representatives. It is certainly a novelty for the city board of education to tell whom they want from other boards to represent the respective interests of their boards. Nothing can be accomplished by non-official representatives of any board. Whatever decision shall be reached by the committee appointed will be valueless, in that it will not be representative, and the opponents of the high school building appropriation will have placed in their hands thereby powerful influences and arguments by the discussions thus stored up in the various boards, all of which is exceedingly unfortunate in the discussion of the question on its intrinsic merits.

   As for the appropriation of $22,000 for the enlargement of the Central school building, the Democrat has too great respect for the gentlemen composing the board of education, and too much confidence in their judgment as to the needs of the city in educational matters, to oppose any reasonable appropriation asked for. The future of our country depends upon the education of the masses, and money expended in this cause is a most safe investment.

 

Edwin Duffey.

STILL IN SAFE HANDS.

THE TRACTION COMPANY'S PROPERTY SOLD FOR $50,000.

C. D. Simpson of Scranton the Only Bidder—The Entire Plant, Franchise and Rolling Stock Still in the Hands of the Bondholders—The Company Will Be Reorganized.

   The sale of the entire property of the Cortland & Homer Traction company, which took place Wednesday afternoon, was an event looked forward to with considerable interest by our citizens generally, as there was a bare possibility that the electric road might pass into new hands, and perhaps radical changes in management be the result.

   The sale was conducted by the referee. James M. Milne, who was appointed as such referee the very day on which he was sworn in at Albany as an attorney-at-law.

   On account of the company's inability to satisfy three mortgages covering the whole property, held by the Farmers' Loan and Trust Co. of New York, the Traction company was last October placed in the hands of Edwin Duffey as receiver, who has since that time managed the affairs of the company with the same ability he has displayed in conducting his own and the county's business.

   Several out-of-town capitalists were present at the sale, the property disposed of being the franchise, the track covering about eleven miles, the car-barns, the power house, the park of twenty-seven acres, the right of way through private lands where the highway is not followed. 1991 shares of stock in the old electric company at $25 a share, 800 shares of stock in the Cortland & Homer Railroad Co. (the old horse railroad) at $50 a share, together with all the rolling stock and stationary property of the company.

   Immediately upon the conclusion of the reading of the notice of sale by Referee Milne, Mr. C. D. Simpson of Scranton bid $50,000 for the entire property and this being the only offer the referee struck it off to him.

   The Democrat has hitherto given an outline of the contemplated improvements along the lines of the Traction company, and we are assured that they will be made substantially as we have previously announced.

 

Sig Sautelle's circus clowns in street parade.

SAUTELLE'S CIRCUS.

Will Visit Cortland On the Afternoon and Evening of May 11.

   Upon the very best authority it can be stated that the first and only large circus to visit Cortland this year will be Sig Sautelle's mammoth 25 cent shows, which will exhibit here Saturday afternoon and evening May 11. Those persons who enjoy an old fashioned one-ring circus, with all the newest and best twentieth century novelties, will indeed be hard to please if they do not find everything to their liking when they attend the above performances. An imperial of most startling features will be presented and every act will prove of such a high calibre as would do full credit to any circus charging a much larger price of admission. There will be aerial acts without number, leapers, tumblers, handsome lady and gentlemen riders, foreign artists in unique feats, death defying dives, single and double trapeze exploits, daring and sensational novelties, a congress of mirth-provoking clowns, charming and graceful acts by winsome ladies, classes of educated animals, unduplicated marvels, the cutest of ponies, the most comical of donkeys—in fact a world of astounding and amazing wonders for the eye and mind. Before the afternoon performance there will be a grand free spectacular street parade. This will prove a revelation in that it will be the most brilliant and gorgeous pageant of modern times, truly indicating the scope and extent of the people's most progressive show of all the world by its glistening, scintillating mile of enchanting processional amazements.

Thurlow Weed.

Early History of Cincinnatus, N. Y., [Continued.]

   Cincinnatus, April 25.—"There were few amusements in those days, and but little of leisure or disposition to indulge in them. Those that I remember as most pleasant and exciting were huskings and coon-hunts. There was fun, too, in smoking wood-chucks out of their holes.

   "During my residence there Mr. Wattles moved into the neighborhood. He came, I think, from what was then called 'The Triangle,' somewhere in Chenango Co., and was a sub-land agent. They were, for that region, rather stylish people, and became obnoxious to a good deal of remark. One thing that excited special indignation was that persons going to the house were asked to clean their shoes at the door, a scraper having been placed there for that purpose. A maiden lady (Miss Theodosia Wattles) rendered herself especially obnoxious to the spinster neighbors by dressing up week day afternoons. They all agreed in saying she was a proud 'stuck-up thing.' In those days 'go-to-meeting clothes' were reserved for Sundays.

   "Leeks were the bane of life in Cincinnatus. They tainted everything, but especially the milk and butter. Such was my aversion to leeky milk that to this day I cannot endure milk in any form.

   "In the fall and winter corn-shelling furnished evening occupation. The ears were shelled either with a cob or the handle of a frying pan. There have been improvements since, in that and in other departments of agriculture!

   "Such are in a crude form, some of my recollections of life in Cincinnatus half a century ago. That town, then very large, has since been subdivided into three or four towns. Upon the farm of my old friends, the Carleys, the flourishing village of Marathon has grown up. And then, too, a substantial bridge has taken the place of the dug-out in which we used to cross the river. Of the sprinkling of inhabitants who had then just commenced subduing the forests, and insinuating scanty deposits of seed between the stumps and roots, but few of course, survive. The settlers were industrious, honest, law-abiding, and with few exceptions, temperate citizens. The friendly neighborhood relations, so necessary in a new country, existed there. All tried not only to take care of themselves, but to help their neighbors. Farming implements and household articles were pretty much enjoyed in common. Everybody lent what they possessed and borrowed whatever they wanted.

   "You must judge whether these hastily written recollections of Cincinnatus, would at all interest the few old inhabitants remaining there, and having so judged, publish them or put them into the fire."

   Very truly yours,

   Thurlow Weed.

 

HERE AND THERE.

   Eggs are about as cheap eating as anything now-a-days.

   Rain could be had for the asking at most any time the past week.

   The grass has jumped ahead about three inches during the past week.

   There are many miserable sidewalks in this city.

   The Loyal Circle of King's Daughters will meet with Mrs. J. O. Hammond, 150 Port Watson-st., this afternoon at 3 o'clock.

   Mrs. C. K. Davis is building a verandah on her home at No. 12 Venette-st.

   The court house and sheriffs quarters are being renovated and touched up with paint and paper.

   Chief Barnes of the police force is a very imposing-looking personage with his new uniform.

   Cortland is a great city for oranges, car loads of this delicious fruit arriving direct from California every week.

   S. E. Curtis, for some years senior member of the firm of Kellogg & Curtis, died Tuesday at his home in Cuyler. He had been in poor health for some months, though his death was sudden.

   On and after May 1st the Cortland station of the Lackawana railroad will use a new ticket stamping device by which the date of purchase will be perforated on the ticket, after the manner of a bank check.

   James A. Smith, who has been on the police force for two or three years, and who was reduced from chief to the rank of patrolman last week, has resigned and will hereafter work at the Wickwire shops.

   Messrs. G. Oscar Bowen and L. L. Wellman will conduct a music festival in the Opera House during the week beginning June 17. These gentlemen are thorough musicians and that they will prepare a treat for Cortland people may be assured.

   L. H. Hopkins has sold the beautiful launch built by himself a year ago. and on which he made a tour of the lakes last season, to a professor of Cornell university, and it will be placed on Cayuga lake at Ithaca. The Kennedy brothers have also sold their naptha launch to parties on Otisco lake.

   Straw hats will soon as in blossom.

   Bicycle riders should not abuse the privilege of riding on the sidewalks. Slow up your speed a trifle, and be more considerate of pedestrians, who alone have the right to the sidewalks.

   Thank goodness we can all be preserved, as President White of the National Salt company testified before the Industrial commission at Washington that there is enough salt in the state of New York to supply the world for a million years.