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| New Croton Dam. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, Nov. 29, 1901.
OUR NEW YORK NEWS.
DEFECTS IN CROTON DAM WILL COST NEARLY A MILLION.
Enormous Sum, It is Said. Must be Spent for Engineering Mistakes—Houses in Greater New York—40,000,000 Passengers a Year Through the New Tunnel—Excise Figures.
New York, Nov. 26.— The city authorities are confronted with a problem which will require nearly, if not quite a million dollars. Last spring the chief engineer made the startling assertion that the new Croton dam at the Jerome Park reservoir rested partly on quicksand, and that if the new Croton dam—the largest in the world—was allowed to stand for any length of time under its proposed method of construction, the lives of the thousands who live in the valley below would be endangered, as well as the future water supply of the city. He requested the appointment of a commission to make examinations, which was done, and the experts practically sustain the contention of Mr. Hill made last spring. Their report calls for the expenditure of nearly $800,000 to remedy mistakes made in the plan of construction.
There are about 10,000 dwelling houses in Manhattan and The Bronx, and in respect to their classification New York is exceptional among all the cities of the world, being the only one in which there is a greater number of tenement houses (occupied by more than three families who maintain separate household arrangements) than any other group of structures. There were, by the last tabulation, 45,000 tenement houses in New York, of which 11,000 were in the district between Twenty-third and Fifty-ninth streets, and less than 500 in the district south of Chambers street. The total population of Manhattan and the Bronx by the Federal census of last June was 2,050,000, and the tenement population, so called, of New York at the same period was 1,550,000. Less than 25 per cent of the city population at that time resided otherwise than in tenements. Despite laws against their construction there are still 6,000 frame buildings on Manhattan Island, a considerable number of them rear houses. In the Bronx, where the restriction does not prevail, there are 20,000 frame buildings. The dwelling houses of New York are subdivided into 35,000 parts, 20,000 of which are sublet, and 15,000 occupied exclusively by one family. For many years such private houses were most numerous in New York.
An amusing fight is in progress on the fifth floor of a block in Broadway, and unless the board of health comes to their rescue tenants in the building say they are sure of succumbing to nervous prostration. The trouble started when a phonograph company moved into the fifth floor, and opened up one morning with a burst of melodies which filled the building from cellar to skylight. The other tenants remonstrated and invoked the aid of the health board, but the board said it could do nothing until it had been demonstrated that the music was a nuisance. The company has a year's lease. A few days later the phonograph people set one of their machines going, when an answering response came from each side. Their machine played "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep." From one side came the strains of "Lamb, Lamb, Lamb," and from the other an orchestra arrangement of Shubert's "Serenade." The phonograph people looked worried because they were showing off their machine and its music was discounted by the noises outside. The counter irritant has been going ever since.
Last week the Democrat mentioned the setting aside as inadequate a verdict of $300 against the Metropolitan Street Railway company for the killing of a child by one of its cars. Friday two big verdicts were recovered in the supreme court against that corporation in damage suits for the deaths of children. In one the jury awarded $12,000 damages and in the other $5,000. In the latter case Justice O'Gorman was the trial judge.
The chief engineer of the rapid transit system stated last week that the subway, when completed, will have a carrying capacity of 40,000,000 passengers a year, running cars during rush hours under one-minute headway.
The total excise receipts in Greater New York during the year ending April 30 last were $7,926, 555.
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| L. P. Norton. |
L. P. Norton's War Record.
Sergeant L. P. Norton of Homer, N. Y., [pdf] recently attended the Grand Army encampment at Cleveland, O., and the Leader of that place gives the following bit of war history in which Mr. Norton figured conspicuously to his great credit:
Capt. George Vanderbilt of Company L, Tenth N. Y. Cavalry, to which company Mr. Norton belonged, says that on June 24, 1864, he with his squadron was on the left of the regiment across an old wood road leading through a strip of wood say 300 yards wide, with the '"rebs" in plain view beyond the wood.
"They commenced to advance in earnest when Major Avery ordered me to take my squadron to support Captain Porter, who with his squadron was being hard pressed by greatly superior numbers," says Captain Vanderbilt. "Captain Porter had been forced back out of the woods to the edge of the field, where he had hastily thrown up slight works of fence rails, etc., about two feet high. I could not maintain this position and fell back in good order 150 yards to the rear, behind a fence and ditch, which formed a breastwork. The rebs kept up a heavy fire from the woods for a few minutes, then out came a cloud of skirmishers followed by a heavy line of battle. The skirmishers were soon absorbed by the main line. Then, with their peculiar yell, they charged.
"We held our line until they were within fifty feet, then gave a terrific fire with carbines and revolvers that they could not stand it. They broke and fled pell-mell for the cover of the woods, our men dropping many of them on the way. They opened fire from the woods again in short order, the shells from our battery in our rear bursting in among them. It was a hot spot for us, the shells from both our own and the rebel battery screaming over our heads, and the bullets striking the fence rails and now and again a man.
After some little time they came out of the woods and charged again right up to the fence, but our withering fire forced them to the rear once more till they were again covered by the woods. There must have been more dead and hopeless wounded lying on the ground in our front than there were in our whole battalion. Their charging line, I calculated, was at least 1,500 men.
"A continuous fire was kept up until we were getting short of ammunition. So I sent back for more ammunition. None coming, it looked as if we could no longer hold our position. In fact, it did not seem possible that anyone could get up to us from the rear, as he would have to come over an open field a quarter of a mile down a slight incline, in full view of the enemies' lines.
Sergeant L. P. Norton of my company L came to me for more ammunition for his part of the line. I stated to him that I did not think anyone could get to us alive. He said: "Captain, I know it's risky, but I'll chance it." He soon returned with a supply and distributed it along the line safely. He had a narrow escape. A bullet spoiled his hat (he has the same one yet), one went through his coat sleeve and coat between his side and arm, and there were three or four other bullet holes through his clothing and one through his canteen.
"The rebels tried their best to kill him, for they could see him with the box, and knew just what he was bringing up. Sergeant Norton was rewarded for his gallantry immediately by posting him in an important and exposed position where another officer had been shot down.
Sergeant Norton believes that divine interposition saved his life during the battle.
Pitcher's "Reign of Terror."
Our esteemed correspondent at Pitcher, N. Y., sends us the following bit of history, which is almost becoming ancient but which is of exceeding interest to old and young alike:
Twenty-five years ago this month occurred "the reign of terror," or in other words, the big small-pox scare in Pitcher.
Addison Taylor attended the Centennial at Philadelphia and soon after returning home, was taken very ill and died about the first of November. The attending physicians were Drs. Halbert of Pitcher, Smith of Cincinnatus and Angell of Union Valley. At first they did not agree as to the nature of his disease, only one pronouncing it small-pox. Mr. Taylor was buried from his residence, the funeral being public. Soon after the other members of his family were taken sick, also his brother William.
The residence was quarantined to be used as a hospital, fences being placed across the street above and below the house to prevent travel. Mr. Greenleaf of Pharsalia was installed as nurse. The school was closed and business nearly suspended. Some living outside were afraid to come to the village to trade or for mail, but would send by some more courageous neighbors. These were not allowed to come near the house, but were instructed where to leave the packages and when all was safe the owners would come for them.
It was decided that vaccination was necessary, and the schools in the vicinity were visited and all from the oldest inhabitant to the infant had to submit, Dr. Halbert with his assistant going from house to house; in some places they were locked out, people seeming afraid of them as of the disease itself. There were several cases of varioloid, but none serious. There was much dieting, and mush and molasses was at a premium.
Even now, when there is small-pox about, some of our oldest townsmen will talk over the scare here and boast that after dark they would climb the fences and pass near "the hospital" instead of going through the fields as directed by the authorities.
New "Corset Bakery" at McGrawville.
Much amusement is being had in McGrawville over an "industry" recently started by the new Presbyterian church society in order to raise funds to pay for the erection of its edifice. The scheme is the developing of a brand-new, full-fledged, semi-home bakery. Some weeks ago it was suggested that members of the society prepare eatables one day in a week, which were donated "for the good of the cause'' and sold, the funds realized from the sale going towards the church debt. After a time, as this became "chestnutty," A. P. McGraw opened up his corset factory for the establishing of a salesroom on a somewhat larger scale, a baker was employed and a lady engaged to take charge of the new enterprise.
This is what caused the trouble. The town is hardly large enough to support one bakery, and it has been years since any one has made enough out of the business to enable them to make it a profitable venture, until W. E. Miner opened the store. Being a first class confectioner in connection with his bake goods, he soon succeeded in establishing a trade which would enable him to remain, thereby adding a much needed store to the town and something much needed. The recent addition of another bakery for "church" purposes as above stated, has caused a feeling of indignation, even among the members of the society for whose benefit the new "industry" has been started. In speaking with a Democrat representative upon the subject, one of the leading townsmen thus expressed himself:
"It is a shame that this society would countenance any such scheme. When the goods were donated and sold to the members by the members, that was all right; but when they branch out into the business for the purpose of entering into direct competition with one of our business men, it will have only the one result in the end, to drive the regular business out of town, and as the society will not probably run a bakery permanently, the result will be that McGrawville will be minus such an establishment. It is all right to raise funds for church work in a legitimate way, but when it comes to establishing department stores where the goods are bought and sold in direct competition with our own merchants, it is going a step beyond what Christ intended, I think. We have for an example the driving out of the Temple the money changers. I know for a fact that many of the better class of our citizens are opposed to the new scheme and are not slow in expressing themselves upon it."
Death of David Heaphy.
The funeral of David Heaphy was held in St. Mary's church Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock with the requiem High mass. Mr. Heaphy was a practical member of the C. M. B. A., which attended in a body, the funeral being largely attended. Rev. J. J. McLoghlin spoke very feelingly of the high character of Mr. Heaphy and expressed deep sympathy for the afflicted family. He leaves a wife and four children.
HERE AND THERE.
Well, our three-week storm been a good introducer to winter.
The Lackawanna [railroad] company is placing two sets of scales in the new freight house.
Messrs. Sharps & Olds, comprising a new firm, will open a grocery store at 29 Railway-ave. next week.
Our Cortland markets are showing fine Thanksgiving poultry and the necessary adjuncts this week.
Only five have been killed and sixty-three wounded in football games this year, but the returns from Thanksgiving contests are not in yet.
The Knights of Columbus had a great time Wednesday night, a large number of visiting members from other places being present.
A degree team from Syracuse came to Cortland Wednesday afternoon to assist in the installation of a class in Cortland Lodge of Perfection.
The Cortland branch of the Royal Arcanum held a banquet at the G. A. R. rooms Tuesday evening, a large number of members of the order from Syracuse being present.
We are sorry to learn from our Preble correspondent that Mr. Seth Hobart of that place has a second time been stricken with a shock [stroke]. May he soon recover is our sincere hope.
The Young Men's Bible class of the Congregational church was entertained Monday evening at the home of L. S. Cramer, 11 Charles-st. It was a delightful evening for all present.
Automobiles have become so popular in Cortland that parties of four hire one and then engage a truck team to draw them about town. A procession of this nature drew much attention Monday.
Edison's latest moving pictures of the Pan-American will be given at the Opera House Thursday afternoon and evening. This is one of the best exhibitions ever given and our people will be well repaid for the small admission fee charged.
The position in the heavens of the planets Venus, Jupiter and Saturn as viewed at present from the earth is one which occurs only once in three hundred years, Only once in this long period have the planets been so close to one another as now.
The churches in Cortland have this year departed from a custom founded by our Pilgrim fathers, having decided to abandon the usual forenoon Thanksgiving service and holding it in the evening. They believe in eating first and giving thanks afterwards.
An item is going the rounds of the local papers stating that Justice Forbes while holding court recently at Delphi exhibited to some of his friends a small pocket knife which is all he has to show for an investment of $18,000 in the Canastota knife factory.
The lecture given Monday evening by Rev. W. J. Howell was exceedingly interesting, and the illustrations were fine. People who have never been near the sea coast were given scenes of steamers and on shipboard that were very realistic, and the lecture itself was instructive and entertaining.
Severe and unusual weather brings out the oldest inhabitant, and the past two or three weeks has been no exception. He has had his say, which is that this November beats the record for winter weather. We disagree with our oldest inhabitant, for we can remember just as severe Novembers as this in the year 1901.
The talk of a bachelor's tax is again being agitated and it would not be a surprise to us if it should pass both of our legislative bodies at their next regular session. But the young man who contemplates marriage in order to escape that tax should bear in mind that the carpet tax is much worse.
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