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| Rebel Chinese Boxers. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, April 27, 1901.
BOXERS AGAIN ACTIVE.
Three Villages Raided and Massacre Threatened.
TWO STRONG BANDS OPERATING
Composed of Worst Class of Chinese, Reinforced by People Driven From Homes by Foreign Troops—Famine In Shan Si Affecting 11,000,000 People.
NEW YORK, April 27.—The following cablegram was received by The Christian Herald yesterday:
"Pekin, April 25.
"Very serious famine spreads over the whole province of Shan Si. Over 11,000,000 people affected. Urgent relief necessary. Conditions warrant immediate appeal.
The Christian Herald has announced its purpose of raising a fund to relieve the sufferers in the famine stricken district.
LONDON, April 27.—The Reuter Telegram company has received the following dispatch from Pekin, dated Wednesday: "A band of Boxers, estimated at a thousand, is operating 20 miles south of Pao Ting Fu. It has raided three villages within a week and threatens to massacre the Christians in that vicinity, many of whom have fled to Pao Ting Fu for refuge.
"In the Man Cheng district, northeast of Pao Ting Fu, another strong band is committing depreciations and has announced its intention to attack the city of Man Cheng, where there is a post of 20 German soldiers.
"Even Pao Ting Fu, since the town was practically denuded of troops by the expedition to the Great Wall, is not wanting in evidence of serious unrest among the more disorderly elements of the population.
"Competent observers believe that the worst class of Chinese are only awaiting the withdrawal of the foreign troops to resume the campaign of extermination against native Christians.
"The Boxers, who are reported active in these districts, are composed of the worst characters in the province. They prefer brigandage to honest labor and they are reinforced by people rendered desperate by being driven from their homes by having their horses and cattle seized by the foreign troops and in many cases by being compelled to witness the killing of their kinsmen without provocation.
"The evil appears to be growing. No doubt the state of affairs is much worse than it was three months ago and it must continue to grow worse so long as the allies fail to form an efficient government or to allow the Chinese to deal with the situation in their own way.
"The new board of reforms scarcely appears to be a regency. An error in translation is responsible for this mistake. The council, according to The Chinese, is formed for the purpose of undertaking reforms when the court returns to Pekin. It includes one reactionary, Lu Chuan Lin, and others of doubtful tendencies and it is not altogether approved by the foreigners here."
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| Hanging of Tom "Black Jack" Ketchum. |
HEAD TORN FROM BODY.
Shocking Scene at Hanging of "Black Jack" Ketchum.
SEVEN FOOT DROP WAS TOO MUCH.
Witnesses Sickened by Horrible Sight. Confessed Train Robber Maintained Iron Nerve to End and Said the Men Who Captured Him Were Marked.
CLINTON, N. M., April 27.—Thomas E. Ketchum, alias "Black Jack," the notorious outlaw who had terrorized the people of the Southwest for the past 15 years, was hanged here yesterday for train robbery. His head was severed from his body by the rope as if by a guillotine. The headless trunk pitched forward toward the spectators and blood spattered upon those nearest the scaffold.
The execution took place inside a stockade built for the occasion. One hundred and fifty witnesses saw the execution. When Ketchum mounted the scaffold at 1:17 p. m. his face was pale but he showed no fear. A priest stood at his side as the rope was being adjusted. The condemned man had consented to spiritual attendance at the last moment. Ketchum declined to make a speech. He muttered "Goodbye," then said "Please dig my grave very deep," and as the cap was drawn over his face he shouted "Let her go."
At 1:21 the drop was sprung. The body shot through the trap and the head was torn from the trunk by the tremendous jerk. The head remained in the sack and fell into the pit. The body dropped to the ground, quivering and bleeding. Some men groaned and others turned away unable to endure the sight. For a few seconds the body was allowed to lie doubled up on its right side with the blood pouring in a stream from the several arteries, as the heart kept up its mechanical beating. Then the officers rushed down and lifted the body from the ground.
Life was pronounced extinct in five minutes from the time the body dropped through the trap. The result showed that the drop of seven feet with the running noose was too great for so heavy a man as Ketchum, who weighed about 170 pounds. Sheriff Saloma Garcia superintended the execution and himself sprung the trap.
Ketchum spent the greater part of the morning in reviewing his past life.
He cursed the railroad and express companies and the officers who were instrumental in his conviction, the people of New Mexico in general and their laws. He acknowledged that he planned and led his gang in many robberies accredited to him, including the robbery on the Southern Pacific railroad at Steen's pass in 1897 and on the Colorado Southern, near Folsom, in July, 1898. He said he knew who killed young Herstein at Liberty, Tex., in 1895, but would give no names, claiming the guilty persons were alive. He also said he knew who killed A. B. Powers in Tom Green county, Tex., in 1896, and that Bud Upshaw, who was accused, had no knowledge of that crime. Ketchum declared that he was not the original "Black Jack" and said that outlaw was still alive and enjoying his liberty.
Ketchum said that Frank Horington, the conductor who shot him, causing him to lose his right arm; L. C. Fert, a Wells-Fargo attorney, and W. H. Reno, the Colorado Southern railroad detective who affected his capture, will be killed within a year. "I smuggled a letter out of the prison at Santa Fe," he said, "and those three men are marked."
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| Andrew Carnegie. |
Libraries for New York.
ALBANY, April 27.—Gov. Odell today signed the Seymour bill authorizing New York City to accept the $5,200,000 gift of Andrew Carnegie for the establishment of a system of free public libraries.
CARNEGIE'S LIBRARY GIFT.
Archbishop Corrigan Tells How It Affects Catholic Interests.
Relations of Roman Catholics to the public library movement and the interests which they desire conserved were discussed recently by Archbishop Corrigan at a tea given by the Cathedral Library Reading Circle and Auxiliary at the Hotel Majestic in New York city. Archbishop Corrigan said in part:
"On account of the magnificent gift of Mr. Carnegie the subject of libraries is receiving great attention, and it now suggests a problem. A policy has not been formulated, but it indirectly follows from the action of the board of estimate in giving a bulk sum to the Brooklyn Public library and in affiliating the other libraries with it that the same policy may be pursued with reference to Manhattan and the Bronx. If they are to be simply absorbed, it will do a great deal of harm to some libraries, as in our case.
"Our library is a part of the cathedral. It is church property, partly supported from bequests made with the condition that it should remain under the control of the cathedral. If the public library be given entire charge, we will lose not only the control of books, but the administration of the library. We will lose independence, we will have no voice in the future because the public library is a private corporation. As the public library is not amenable to the city, it would therefore be a great calamity.
"It is very disagreeable and odious and, in a certain sense, painful to me to allude to other libraries, but their books deal a great deal in socialism. Books attacking our faith and principles are many. We find a number of books, such as 'The True Life of William Penn' and 'Political Growth of the Nineteenth Century,' full of insults to our faith. If we are swallowed up, we could not prevent these books being spread at large through our library. We could not avoid circulating books we think opposed to history.
"In all the libraries there is a lamentable dearth of books giving our point of views on burning questions of the day. This is important when we realize that we number one-half, possibly more than one-half, of the/population of New York city. We certainly would like to have some voice in this. If the present law is retained, we will be thankful, or if there be a federation of the libraries like the states of the Union, all retaining equal rights, or if there be consolidation, with responsibility to the city, we will be grateful.
"We ask no favors; all we want is fair play, but it would be unfortunate to us and very sad if we, one-half of the people of the city, paying our taxes, were made to suffer. We ought to have three or four distributing centers: I think we are entitled to that representation."
BOARD OF HEALTH
PERMITS ASHES TO BE DUMPED AGAIN ON NASH LOT.
Matter of Cesspools and Sewers Under Discussion—Effort to Pass Resolution for Metal Receptacles of Garbage Within Fire Limit—More Tests of Water to be Made.
It was petition night with the full board of health that convened at the city clerk's office last evening to continue the labors of placing and keeping Cortland in a wholesome condition.
The first petition was sent from citizens of the eastern portion of the city, asking that no garbage or refuse be dumped on the grounds of William Nash on Pomeroy-st.
The second was from citizens in the neighborhood of these dumping grounds, asking that the same be filled with ashes and other clean materials, believing that it would be healthier with these grounds filled up. This petition bore the signatures with others of Aldermen R. S. Pettigrew and Vern Skeele.
The third petition was sent to the board by the people in the vicinity of the gravel bed, where the new dumping grounds are located. They objected to the city making this ground on which to dump refuse, first, because there has already been dumped there material of a most revolting and objectionable nature; second, because the dumping ground is within a few rods of their school, and third, because deposits are being made within forty or fifty feet of a well, where a family of seven children and their parents are obliged to get their water supply for all purposes. This last petition, the board agreed, should properly come before the health board of the town of Cortlandville, but it was given due consideration.
With these three supplications at hand the board set to work for a solution of the dumping ground problem and finally came to the conclusion that the swampy lot belonging to Mr. Nash was a greater breeder of contagion than it would be if filled with garbage under a careful inspector, who should devote his entire time to examining the materials that were taken to the grounds and keeping them well leveled. Consequently a resolution prevailed, rescinding a former motion that made the gravel bed the city dumping ground, and making the Nash lot again the place for unloading the city ash carts, under the condition that Mr. Nash should provide a man to inspect each load and not allow any decaying vegetable or animal matter to be dumped on the ground. The owner of the lot was present and agreed to these terms.
Superintendent of Public Works Becker was present at the meeting upon invitation and was called upon to advise the board in relation to some defective sluiceways on Port Watson-st. in the vicinity of Dunsmore-ave. and East-ave. Mr. Baker stated that the city never assumed authority over these. The only object of covering them was for the benefit of the property owners along the street. It was clearly outside the jurisdiction of the board of public works. The board of health then instructed Health Officer Dr. Paul T. Carpenter to have the nuisances in these two places abated by ordering the sluices cleared.
The matter of a cesspool near the Cortland House was brought up and discussed, but no action was taken in the matter only to instruct the health officer to press the matter till the drainage of the buildings north of the Cortland House be connected with the sewer. Mr. Delos Bauder, the owner of the property, is already taking steps to affect such a drainage.
Commissioner Ryan of the Third ward brought up the matter of sewer extension for Railway-ave., saying that the street needs it very badly. This brought out a discussion of the probable acceptance of the east end of that street, and it was the opinion of the board that this would soon be perfected, and then the matter of a sewer would be much easier to handle. Mayor Brown stated that the common council is ready to act in regard to accepting the part of the street not already accepted, which Mr. Becker estimated at 300 or 400 feet.
Dr. VerNooy, in speaking of the condition of the water in Cortland, said that it is more important to abandon the cesspools of the city than to get city water for all, because if these are taken out and the refuse carried off by the sewers, then the wells will be clear. The well water will be used for drinking purpose in the summer time anyway because it is cooler, and so long as cesspools are permitted, the water in the wells will be impure.
A resolution was passed requesting the city health officer to appear before the board of public works at its next meeting and ask that board to pass a resolution compelling all business places inside the fire limit to procure metal receptacles in which to deposit all garbage and refuse matter. The indifferent manner of some dealers in treating with the garbage was condemned by the board. Dr. Carpenter stated that printed copies of the regulations for the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases could be secured next Wednesday. He also asked that four more samples of water be selected for analysis by the state commissioner of health. He was of the opinion that the test made last winter did not show the condition of the wells, as the ground was frozen at that time. This test will be made, and the mayor, Dr. VerNooy and Mr. Bliss will select the samples soon.
Commissioner Stockwell moved that the time for cleaning up ashes and placing premises in a sanitary condition be extended till May 10, on account of the rainy weather of the last few weeks. This resolution was adopted.
In the absence of Clerk Fred Hatch, City Chamberlain G. J. Maycumber acted in his stead in a very satisfactory manner. A large grist of business was ground out, notwithstanding that the board adjourned at 10 o'clock.
SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE.
Their Meeting with Superintendent of Public Instruction Skinner.
The committee appointed by the board of education held a conference with State Superintendent Skinner at Albany yesterday. The superintendent showed some surprise that more of the representatives from Cortland were not present, as he evidently was desirous of getting statements from all of the parties at interest before formulating his own views in the matter. As the city was not represented the committee from the board of education simply asked the state superintendent to so modify his requirements for admission to the academic department of the State Normal school that the most advanced pupils from the Central school may be admitted there next September. The superintendent replied to this that he understood that the State Normal school was full of pupils at present, but that if the board of education would place their request in writing, he would give them a written answer.
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| "Buffalo Bill" Cody. |
Buffalo Bill and His Supplies.
Buffalo Bill and the great wild west shows will be in Cortland on June 14. The day's supplies for the stock amount to four and one-half tons of hay, four tons of straw, 100 bushels of oats and 1,000 pounds of bran.
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| Rev. Sam Small. |
"GOING OR COMING."
Some Incidents Recalled of Sam Small's Former Visit to Cortland.
The announcement that Rev. Sam Small is to lecture in Cortland next Monday night recalls to Mr. Charles W. Collins of this city some amusing incidents concerning the celebrated lecturer's visit to Cortland about thirteen years ago. Mr. Collins had been endeavoring for sone time to secure this speaker for an evening before a Cortland audience, but the price for the lecture seemed more than could be realized from the venture. It so happened, however, that Mr. Small was to lecture in Syracuse and Ithaca with a night between, and so he wrote Mr. Collins that he would lecture in Cortland on that evening for $50. Mr. Collins reported the offer to the W. C. T. U. and that organization lost no time in accepting the terms. The lecture was held in Taylor hall, which was filled to overflowing and the ladies made a handsome sum out of their enterprise.
That night, as Mr. Collins was accompanying the lecturer from the station to the hall, he stated that he would like to give the people of Cortland their money's worth by speaking till he would have to leave to catch the 11:20 train south, stating that he knew he could hold his audience till that time; and he did. He started with a review of his life, his debaucheries, crimes and final reformation. Then he began to hit all classes of people for their lack of work for temperance, and he did not spare a front row of ministers who were immediately behind him on the stage. After he had given nearly every one a touch, he cooly remarked that if any one had been hit, he could get up and leave. There were not a few present who lived at some distance from Cortland, and others perhaps who would willingly have left the place, but not one ventured to rise from his seat and make his departure, and Mr. Small talked on till nearly train time. The lecture was interesting in the highest degree.
During the course of the evening Mr. Small told a story of a minister that he knew who was always slow about meeting his appointments. One day this minister was intending to cross a ferry, and, as usual, was so slow in getting started for the dock that he had to make a rush and a dive for the boat. When he finally got to the landing the boat was [clear away] from the slip, and the minister, with tired-out determination, managed to throw his luggage on board and to jump over to the boat, where he landed among the crew, slipping and sliding and knocking several from their feet, causing a panic. One of the swarthy deck hands, grasping the situation, shouted at him, "What's the matter with you, you—fool, this boat's just coming into this dock."
That night after the lecture, Mr. Small remained for a short time to shake hands with several who had gathered around him. After a few minutes spent in this way, Mr. Collins suggested that if he were t o make the 11:20 train, he would have to start. When they reached the sidewalk the lecturer remembered that he had to go to the Cortland House for some of his possessions before going to the train. When the two reached the hotel they found that all the omnibusses had left for the train. Mr. Small dashed up stairs and soon returned dragging a bag of books behind him. In vain Mr. Collins besought him to leave the cumbersome package behind for him to express to the lecturer later, thinking that perhaps unimpeded he might run and catch the train. Instead of this Mr. Collins was told to catch hold of one end of the bag, and the two started through the middle of the streets pell-mell for the station. When they reached Railroad-st. they saw the train pull in, and their efforts were doubled. After going half of the distance down this street, Mr. Collins again urged the express idea, but was met with the answer to come on. Finally they reached the depot breathless, just as the train was pulling out. The books were thrown upon the rear platform of the rear car, and somehow Sam Small managed to pull himself on, falling over the volumes and nearly falling off the platform on the opposite side. He managed, however, to regain his footing, and the last that Mr. Collins saw of him he was holding tight to the railing and shouting back to know of him if that train was coming in or going out.
BREVITIES.
—The singing evangelist E. T. Liddell and wife will be at the Free Methodist church to-morrow at 11 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.
—New display advertisements today are—F. E. Brogden, Druggist, page 7; Mitch's market, Meats, etc., page 5; Glann & Clark, Shoes, page 7.
—Rev. G. H. Brigham will address the men's meeting at the Y. M. C. A. tomorrow at 3:15 o'clock. Subject, "A Proper Observance of the Christian Sabbath." All men invited.
—Mrs. Daniel Kernan of Cortland has been called here by the serious illness of her father, Andrew Riley. Mr. Riley is slightly improved at this time.—Hamilton Republican.
—The advance sale of seats for Mildred Holland in "The Power Behind the Throne" which opened this morning, has been unusually large and there are indications that the entire house will be sold before Tuesday night. One hundred and twenty-five dollars' worth of tickets were sold this morning in less than twenty minutes.
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