 |
| Brooklyn Bridge, police officer on promenade. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, Aug. 2, 1901.
THE BRIDGE SCARE.
BROOKLYN BRIDGE SUPPORTS GIVE WAY AND CREATE A PANIC.
No Cars Allowed to Cross for Two Days—Killed by Jumping From the Brooklyn Bridge—Miser Woman Leaves $15,000—Boat 4,500 Years Old.
New York, July 30.—Although the assurance of experts is given that the condition of the Brooklyn bridge threatens no catastrophe, and that full repairs will be completed within a few days, a very unpleasant impression must have been made upon the population of the street metropolis by the necessity of temporarily closing it to a large part of the usual traffic, when on Wednesday a number of the vertical supports of the structure at the New York end gave way. This was at first attributed to the expansion of the iron, due to the continued and extreme hot weather, but Engineer Roebling, who is authority on bridges of this nature, claims that the breaks were caused by too great weight upon the structure. Since the building of the bridge at the great cost of $21,000,000, there is no doubt that the traffic over it has been largely in excess of that for which it was planned, a notable increase having consisted in the many heavy trolley cars. The necessity of the new [Williamsburg] bridge now being constructed further up the East River, to relieve the congestion, is sharply emphasized by the present trouble. The inconvenience to the public caused by even the partial closing of the bridge for part of a day was very great. The ferries which served in the old times for communication between New York and Brooklyn are quite inadequate to care for the traffic of the present. Without doubt they will for a time have many patrons who are in fear of a disease [sic] to the bridge. however baseless such apprehension may really be.
◘ A man, who left behind him no means of identification, save a gray felt hat, jumped to his death from the Brooklyn bridge last night. He was seen to leap from a truck and, after pausing a few seconds near the side rails of the roadway, to throw himself downward toward the river. A Brighton Beach trolley car was so near him that the conductor, Patrick McGovern, and one or two of the passengers suspected his suicidal intention and endeavored to grab him, but their efforts were unsuccessful, as the man eluded them.
"You can have my hat." he shouted "but not me."
His body struck the river in the wake of a steamer which had just passed, rose once and then sank, not to reappear. Two tug boat captains put for the spot where the man hit the water, but observed no sign of him.
◘ Mrs. Catherine Griffin, for several years dependent upon the charity of her neighbors for subsistence and care, died a few days ago, and after her death a sister began to remove her property, finding five bank books. The astonishment of the sister, and of the neighbors who were helping her in the search, was unbounded, and every article in the room was searched, sounded and researched. Nothing further was found, however, but when the amounts credited in the books were footed up they made a total of $15,000.
◘ The city gave $49.47 to each of 555 blind persons last week, the sum of $33,250 having been set aside for their benefit [Do the math—CC ed.]
◘ The oldest boat in existence was brought to this country from Egypt yesterday on the German steamer Honenfels. The craft is said to be 4,500 years old and was dug up on the banks of the Nile recently. It was embedded more than fifty feet in the soil along the old course of the river.
Considerable interest attaches to this ancient relic. It was secured by Thomas Cook & Sons, who presented it to the Carnegie Institute at Pittsburg.
The Holhonfels will not be released from quarantine, because of her arrival from the infected port of Calcutta. The old boat will be shipped today by rail to Pittsburg. It is twenty feet long, ten feet wide and seven feet deep, and in general appearance resembles the ancient triune. The freight charges for shipment between Port Said and New York amounted to 2,000 marks, about $500.
MOTT OF SCOTT.
Rodman Mott's Prophetic Vision Stories—Squire Hunt.
A representative of the Democrat has during the past week been in search of the last resting place of Rodman Mott in the town of Scott, that he might commune with the wandering spirit and interview him in regard to several ghostly stories that have been told of that mysterious individual. Rodman Mott has been dead for years. That such a person did exist, and that he was a gifted prophet, a sight-seer, a spook, hobgoblin, or whatever one might call it, is said to be a fact, and there is not a man, woman or child living to-day in Scott who has not heard of his wonderful prophetic powers.
Nearly three-quarters of a century ago there was a Presbyterian church in Scott, standing on the beautiful hillside east of the present postoffice. Rodman Mott was a member of that church, and he lived were Joel Mott now lives, north of what is known as Grout's mill, on the direct road from Homer to Glen Haven. About 65 years ago regular services were held in that church and on one Sunday in particular the families of Woodin Hull, who lived where Watson Black now resides (minus Woodin), Rodman Mott and the father of L. P. Norton of Homer were all attending the service. It was customary in those days to carry a lunch to church, which was eaten at the close of first session.
On the day in question, while at lunch, Rodman stopped and dropping his head, as was his habit when under the prophetic influence, he then looked up and said that Woodin Hull was dead. This proved to be true, for in less than an hour word was brought to the family that Mr. Hull had died suddenly. Mr. L. P. Norton of Homer is authority for this statement, his father being one of those present at the time. If this is a fact, how did Rodman Mott learn of it?
Another story is told that on a certain occasion Mr. Mott foretold that a large barn, not far from his home, would burn down and be rebuilt within a year. The structure was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt within the time predicted.
L. P. Norton had a brother whose death was foretold to take place within a given time, Mr. Mott informing Mr. Norton's mother of his prediction, which came true.
Mrs. Clarence Phillips of Scott was informed that she could not live beyond a stated period when a very young girl. She is alive and well to-day and still resides in Scott. This is another side to this beautiful string of legends, showing miscalculation somewhere.
Another story goes to the effect that Rodman Mott was pitching on a load of hay at one time and was caught with a fork full part way up on the road, when with one of his prophetic visions, instead of putting the hay on the wagon he dropped it, and his head at the same time. Finally he looked up and told his companion that "some one had just died over east," but who or where, he was unable to state. His companion looked at him and very wisely remarked that any fool would know that, provided they went far enough east. "Squire" Hunt is authority for this. Rodman Mott was a very religious man, and in his visions frequently was able to see friends of his after death resting comfortably (?) in both places.
Speaking of "Squire" Hunt, here is a story that is "on him." The "Squire" is one of the most modest men in the town of Scott, and is fond of relating stories, even if they are against himself. In reply to the Democrat representative, who was teasing him for a photo, he told him why he objected to having one taken. One day while in Auburn he went to a certain hotel to remain over night. As he went to supper a lady was also engaged in a like manner in supplying the wants of the inner man, or woman, rather, and as soon as the Squire entered the room he attracted her most earnest attention. While he ate his supper she continued to look at him, and when he left the room she was still looking. The next morning as he went into breakfast he was dumbfounded to see her at the same place. He says he don't know, however, whether she had remained there all night or not, but she was there when he left the night before. She took up the pastime as soon as he entered and no matter which way the Squire looked the lady still looked at him. This time she finished eating first, and without removing her gaze she backed out of the dining room and partly closed the door after her, still continuing the look, however. As she still stood there "star gazing" another person came along and asked what she was looking at? "Squire" overheard the answer. "I think there sets the homeliest man I ever sot eyes on in my life." That is why the Squire refuses to be photographed. Some time after he invented the barbed wire fence, a firm in Chicago asked him for his photo to place on the fence in connection with his patent. He refused and was in turn offered $10, $20, $25 and finally $40 for it. They were stopped when he told them that $500 more would not get it. In speaking of the same fence he insists yet that he had an old mule, which he purchased for his son when the mule was a colt and which he considered to be the highest mule that ever walked, to be the real inventor of that same barbed wire fence instead of himself. It was necessary to invent something to keep a mule within due bounds and the barbed wire was the outcome of it. It held the mule. Without that mule to furnish the object the barbed wire fence would undoubtedly still be an unborn thought. But that same mule came at last to an untimely end. The Squire had given it to a brother for kind keeping. One morning the mule was found dead. The brother always insisted that "a cow hooked it," but the Squire says that it is his opinion that the brother and the mule had had a little dispute and that at the end of the argument the mule came out second best. But the brother would never admit it. Squire Hunt is a natural born genius, very sociable and not by any means as ''homely'' as he would like to make people believe.
Several of Scott's residents have already visited the "Pan-Am," some of them dropped off at Rochester on their return and incidentally "touched" at Charlotte to test the class of goods sold by Jerry Flynn. All vote the fair worth going to see—backwards at that.
The Democrat has secured several fine photos of some of Scott's representative men, which will soon appear. Next week another article on "Early Days in Scott" will be given.
THE CORRESPONDENTS' PICNIC.
The Democrat's Co-Workers and Friends Have a Jolly Time.
The scribblers were out in full force,
Despite the threatening weather.
They ate their fill and enjoyed a ride,
And returned to their homes in high feather.
Perhaps the large number of Democrat correspondents and their friends who attended the picnic at the park last Friday did not have a happier time than is usually enjoyed at these summer outings by other organizations, but we have always claimed to be a pretty correct mind reader, and unless our horoscope is off its base we are sure not one of those present regretted leaving the cares of home and meeting their co-workers on this paper. And right here comes an opportunity to prove the correctness of one of our predictions. On March 22 last the Democrat said:
"With no intention to create a bump of vanity we candidly admit that they are all gifted, most of them handsome,'' etc.
That they are all gifted the columns of the Democrat will attest from week to week. And having seen them, or many of them, in a group we are ready to say in positive terms that they are all handsome; that is, the feminine portion.
The threatening weather in the early morning prevented some from attending, and their absence was greatly regretted by those who were present.
The company gathered at the Democrat office and by 10 o'clock there were enough to nearly fill a car, each bearing a mysterious box or a huge pan, the contents of which were critically inspected later. The visitors were shown through the office and they were much interested in the work of getting out the Democrat.
At 10:30 the party started for the park, and on arriving there the gentleman from Blodgett Mills struck a beeline for the bear, so enthusiastic was he over the exhilarating ride on the trolley car, and so anxious to study the animal creation. South Cortland and East Homer, with the assistance of the minister from the latter place and the local editor, immediately engaged in a game of croquet with Mrs. East Homer as umpire. The balance of the crowd enjoyed a ride on the merry-go-round. Meanwhile the scribes and their friends kept an eye on that huge pan brought by the two representatives from Scott, the editor having a suspicion that it contained beans, while Pitcher dreamed of chicken-pie. Jolly Harford Mills believed that the pan was full of onion omelet, and bright-eyed little Cheningo whispered "clam chowder." The local editor, having in mind that "square meal" so often referred to of late by our correspondents, accepted the kind invitation of Mrs. Scott to secure a seat at the table as close to the big pan as possible, and say! a Scott pudding full of plums is about the right thing.
The tables were spread on the broad porch at the north end of the hall, and it was an ideal place, being in the shade, where a comfortable breeze helped whet the appetite, and convenient to the cook room, where the coffee was sending out its delicious aroma. Of the dinner the less said the better, (except that it was a most bountiful spread of a very appetizing-allayer menu), for the reason that some of the company, notably Cincinnatus and the Brackel, would feel somewhat embarrassed were we to note the extent of their appetites.
At the close of the dinner an organization was formed to be known as "The Cortland Democrat Correspondents Association." and the following officers were elected:
President—Eugene Davis.
Vice-President—Mrs. D. D. L. Burdick.
Secretary—H. C. Higgins.
The president was authorized to name a program committee, the members of which are announced as follows: Mrs. B. H. Lyon, C. J. Otis, Mary Kerrigan.
During the dinner hour many inquiries were made for the Lady Reporter, who up to that time had failed to put in an appearance, but at a late hour she arrived from the north, and discovering that the company had dined without waiting for her august presence, she became indignant, and with her pretty red parasol over her head she marched past the company with the air of an injured queen. We regret that any ill feeling arose to mar the pleasure of the occasion but the Lady Reporter has only herself to blame, as she was informed of the hour for dinner, and should have been present on time. "Time and tide wait for no man,'' neither does a correspondents' dinner wait for any woman. Those who caught a glimpse of the Lady Reporter's face as she passed through the crowd will appreciate the following description of her from the pen of the South Cortland correspondent in this paper of June 14:
"She is lovely. Her eyes are like diamonds and her complexion heavenly."
After dinner the artist, E. H. Hyatt, photographed the entire group, and though he did not say as much in words, yet from many sly winks we are sure he was thinking that it was the finest group ever stationed before his camera. There was the sedate Groton City; the jolly Mrs. Scott; South Cortland, full of fun; the bright and cheerful Miss Brackel; the witty scribe from Cincinnatus; the talented writer from Pitcher; the genial correspondent from East Homer; the competent newsgatherer from Harford Mills; the lively Mrs. Cheningo, full of original wit; the ever interesting representative at Blodgett Mills; the never-get-left correspondent at McGrawville; the keen-eyed Mrs. Virgil—South Hill; the quiet but excellent representative from Messengerville; the good-looking young minister from East Homer. These with their invited friends and editorial force of the Democrat, with Frank E. Wright, formed a group that will make the world turn green with envy when copies get around.
The Homer correspondent arrived on the ground some two hours or more late, the delay being caused by the loss of that tandem with which he was to assist needy correspondents to the park.
The picnic closed with a trolley ride to Homer and McGrawville, arranged for the occasion by the proprietor of the Democrat, and so far as we could observe it was heartily enjoyed by the entire company, which completely filled the car.
If those who were present received any benefit and enjoyment from the picnic, the proprietor of the Democrat and the local editor will feel well repaid for what little trouble and expense was incurred. Certainly friendships were formed which we believe will be pleasant and lasting. May each scribe be present at the second annual picnic in 1902.
Some one, evidently a member of the "gang," sends the following poetical version of the picnic:
Below we give a few comments upon the picnic from those who were there.
East Homer: The East Homer correspondent and better-half, and Rev. W. S. Tompkins attended the correspondents' picnic at Cortland park last Friday, and it will long be remembered as a very pleasant occasion. We are very glad we have met the wise and witty scribes from the various towns, and we will assuredly take more interest in each other's items hereafter. Mr. Parsons has distinguished himself as a royal entertainer, and where are we to find words to express our admiration for that genial manager Mr. Davis. It will not be surprising if Mr. Davis, in company with a certain [unmarried] young clergyman, makes a trip to South Cortland on a hunting expedition, as the reporter from that place assured him there were plenty of dears in that vicinity. It was also whispered at the picnic that a certain Cortland young lady would be sure to attend church in East Homer in company with the South Cortland correspondent. Shall we Warner that it would be dangerous to travel with a Lyon? Never again will we doubt the reality of the Lady Reporter, but we will not say much about that until we read her version of the picnic.
Pitcher: Our picnic last Friday was a success from the time we left until we reached home at 9:30, tired but happy. There was only one ordeal we had to pass through, the taking of the picture. As we were gathered in a group, a bystander would not guess, as each, with a smiling countenance, gazed into the camera, how—
But time, which waits for no picnic, brought the parting and as the last good-bye was said, the last hand-shake given, each turned homeward believing it to be true that "parting was such sweet sorrow."
Brackel: It is needless to say that the picnic was a great success, and all will agree that the editor is a royal entertainer.
Blodgett Mills: That picnic was a grand success, but great Scott! the silence at the forward part of the car during the ride through McGrawville was plainly felt by the whole crowd.
Harford Mills: We enjoyed the picnic hugely, being delightfully entertained by Mr. Parsons and wife, and that trolley ride he gave us was fine. Would that every correspondent had been there to have enjoyed it. May Mr. Parsons long live and success attend his efforts, that he may enjoy many more of these picnics.
Cheningo; The correspondents who didn't attend the picnic missed a good time. For my part I enjoyed it very much, especially Scott's presence and the happy, genial face of Mr. Davis. There was only one thing to be regretted, and that was the Lady Reporter didn't deign to mix with the "common herd," thus depriving us of the extreme pleasure of meeting that desirable personage. It is to be hoped she will feel more sociably inclined at our next picnic.
Virgil—South Hill: Your scribe attended the correspondents' picnic at the park last Friday, and that the editor knows how to plan a day of enjoyment gives only a faint idea to those who failed to be present. But the Lady Reporter was there just the same, and she was all (W)right and no mistake.
South Cortland: A most enjoyable affair was the correspondents' picnic, but do you know what made our Young Lady Reporter walk straight off the grounds? She was late in arriving, and no one took any notice of her, or even asked her to stay to dinner. She got so mad that she grew black in the face and walked away with an indignant air.
Groton City: Words fail to express the good time we enjoyed at the correspondents' picnic last Friday. If any thing was needed to make us loyal to the Democrat, surely the royal manner in which we were entertained must have won all hearts. We shall not soon forget that trolley ride to Homer and McGrawville, nor the pleasant acquaintances we formed that day.
Scott: After standing on the very tiptoe of expectation for so long, we have finally had a chance to decide for ourselves the truth or falsity of the old saying that there is more pleasure in anticipation than in participation. For ourselves, we think the expectations were more than fulfilled. We had a grand time on this our first day out, We all have much reason to thank our genial editor for his unlimited efforts to give his family of correspondents such an enjoyable day. Mr. Parsons [pdf] and Mr. Davis were both in their happiest moods, and did everything possible for the comfort and pleasure of their guests. Mrs. Parsons was also with us, and added much to our enjoyment. As we arrived at the office we were presented with badges, and introduced to one another. When all had arrived Messrs. Parsons and Davis escorted us to the trolley car, which carried us to the Cortland park, where we learned from time to time the varied nature of our entertainment. Before dinner Mr. Parsons called us to enjoy a ride on the merry-go-round. There was no small amount of fun at dinner time. Realizing if he was hungry, the rest would be thirsty, our editor had provided a generous amount of good coffee, to which we did ample justice. When we saw how thin our editor had grown from the anxiety attendant upon these arrangements, it simply did us good to see him eat. But what a blow to our pride in him when we found our otherwise brilliant editor did not know beans!!! But surprises come not alone. Soon our president declared before us all, that he wanted a woman. Next, while we were regretting that our Lady Reporter could not be with us at dinner, she was seen walking rapidly around the building, arrayed in a blue calico dress, white apron, a hat, and we are not positive, but we think she was wearing a pair of Mr. Davis shoes. He admitted having missed a pair. She carried a large parasol with the words "Lady Reporter" printed on it. Over her arm hung a gentleman's overcoat. She walked hurriedly, looking neither right nor left, acting indignant, we thought. Our editor ventured the remark that she was probably pouting again because he would not pay her fare on the street car. We wondered he did not, as he fairly threw money to the winds to furnish us amusements. (Fact, Mr. Editor, for we saw you throw a bill to the merry-go-round man.) Now, Mrs. South Cortland, is the chance for a scrapping match. Just think how you praised her beautiful eyes, and her complexion heavenly. From the glimpse we had of her face we should think the complexion was scorched black enough to have come from the other place. When this excitement had died down, the photographers lined us up and took our pictures. Next came an excursion trip on the trolley cars from the park to Cortland, then to Homer, back to Cortland, then to McGrawville, then back to the park. Included in the merry company were Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Wright of Syracuse. The excursion trip was much enjoyed. Having tested all these pleasures, and seen the white elephant, we bade adieu to our fellow correspondents and our editors and came home. We noticed that while Mr. Davis had been in the best of spirits during the day, parting with his many friends nearly dissolved him in tears. We will now bid you good bye, hoping to meet you all at the next annual picnic of the correspondents of the Cortland Democrat. Until then, we remain as ever, the bright young fellow who writes from Scott.
 |
| Rear Admiral W. S. Schley. |
WASHINGTON LETTER.
(From Our Regular Correspondent.)
Washington, July 29.—Secretary Long's order for a court of inquiry into Admiral Schley's conduct during the war with Spain, to meet in Washington, September 12 next, is in effect equivalent to a grand jury indictment of ten counts against Schley—the navy department clique, which formulated the counts standing for the grand jury. The court has no authority to punish, yet the order convening it, directs that it shall render an opinion and make recommendations, after hearing all the evidence. The make-up of the court is beyond criticism. Admiral Dewey and Rear Admiral Kimberly and Benham have never been connected even in the slightest way with the clique which has done so many dirty underhand things to injure the reputation of Admiral Schley, nor has Capt. Lemly, judge advocate general of the navy, who will serve as judge advocate of the court. All this seems to point to fair play for Schley, but he and his friends will do well not to count too much upon the magnanimity of his enemies. It is public opinion that has forced the formation of a court beyond suspicion; but, as Gen. Miles could testify, if he were disposed to reopen the Egan mess, evidence can he juggled with and manipulated even before the fairest courts. It behooves Admiral Schley and his friends to see that no important witness shall be left uncalled or unheard. Better late than never can be applied to Secretary Long's order against naval officers publicly discussing this case.
PAGE FOUR—BRIEF EDITORIALS.
If, as the pro-Sampson clique aver, secretary Long is so desirous to do justice to Schley, why was Crowninshield the first man he consulted about the court of inquirv? Crowninshield is the instigator of the Schley conspiracy; he is the brains of the whole Sampson cabal. Mr. Long might as well have sent for Sampson himself and asked his advice as to the best way to be fair to Schley.
If the Cubans consent calmly to permit the American flag to fly from Morro Castle, they will give new proof of their excellent self-control. They have been exceedingly patient in waiting for the United States to grant independence, which it promised to do over three years ago. But the leaders have realized all along that a large element in this country was waiting and hoping for a pretext to violate that pledge.
Dr. Robert Koch, the great German scientist, has assured the British Congress on Tuberculosis that cattle cannot be infected with human tuberculosis, and he believes that the bovine disease cannot be communicated to the human animal. If this be true, a great many fine herds of cattle have been sacrificed to a wrong scientific theory. In our surplus of supposed medical knowledge, there is a tendency to overdo even the ounce of prevention.
"The Brooklyn inflicted 58 per cent of the damage done to the Spanish fleet," said Rear Admiral Schley, "and she received 54 per cent of the damage sustained by the American fleet." We don't know about the court of inquiry, but such talk as that would lead the navel cabal to declare Schley guilty without leaving their seats. Was there ever a clearer and more damning admission that Schley is guilty, as charged, of an awful conspiracy to defeat the Spaniards without waiting for Sampson to return?
HERE AND THERE.
Repairs are being made to the First Baptist church steeple.
The annual school meetings will occur next Tuesday evening.
Dakin's Business school will open September 3 with a competent teacher in charge.
The Hotel Brunswick, managed by Al Wallace, will hereafter be conducted on the European plan entirely.
Peck Bros. have just received a car load of Blizzard ensilage cutters, which last season proved such a success. See ad.
A physicians' league is being organized in Cortland, the object being to aid its members in making their collections.
Services will be held as usual next Sunday in the Homer-ave. M. E. church. It will be missionary day in Sunday school.
The third degree was worked upon two candidates at a meeting of Cortlandville lodge, No. 470, F. & A. M., Tuesday evening.
There is something out of gear with the potato crop this year. Here it is August and new potatoes are selling for $1.75 a bushel.
The headquarters of the Cortland County Agricultural society will in the Samson block, second floor, from now until fair time.
The fare on the trolley line from Cortland to McGrawville will hereafter be ten cents, the same as it is to Homer. This will certainly increase business on that line.
Tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 a game of ball will be played on Athletic field, Cortland, between Ithaca and the local A. O. H. team. Admission, gentlemen 25 cents, ladies free.
By agreement between the parties, the Glen Haven [Hotel] property is to remain under the management of Mr. John H. Mourin as in the past, and the motion for a receiver will not be pressed.
Photos of the group of correspondents taken at the park last Friday, are at the Democrat office, where they can be obtained by any who desire them at sixty cents each. The photo is an excellent one.
The E. & C. N. Y. railroad company will run an observation train from Cortland to Cincinnatus tomorrow afternoon, leaving Cortland at 3:30 o'clock, and arriving here on the return at 7:45. Tickets for round trip 25 cents.
Speaking about cherries being scarce, J. W. Montague and E. E. Cafferty have each a cherry tree set out by themselves fourteen years ago, and recently they picked three bushels from each tree, 25 quarts being gathered without moving the ladder.
The Syracuse Herald states that Attorney E. I. Edgcomb of Syracuse, son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Edgcomb of Cortland, is a candidate for member of assembly from one of the districts of Onondaga county. Mr. Edgcomb has been supervisor of the Sixteenth ward for the past two years, and he would make a capable member of the legislature.
No comments:
Post a Comment