PITIFUL LETTERS, CUBA LIBRE, CORTLAND COMMON COUNCIL, FELLOWSHIP, AND FAR AWAY FIRE

 

Fraterville mine rescue at Thistle entrance.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, May 21, 1902.

PITIFUL LETTERS

Written by Imprisoned Miners in Tennessee.

DIED FOR LACK OF GOOD AIR.

Not Injured by the Explosion—Letters Found on Their Persons When the Bodies Were Recovered.

   Coal Creek, Tenn., May 21.—It is now known that the victims of the mine explosion will reach 227. Forty more bodies were located late last night.

   These letters were found on John Henden, J. L. Vowell, James Brooks, and George Hudson, whose bodies were found in entry 15 at 8 o'clock last night and indicate that they suffered a lingering death.

   "We are shut up in the head of the entry with a little air and bad air coming on us fast. It is now about 12 o'clock. Dear Ellen, I have to leave you in a bad condition. Now, dear wife, put your trust in the Lord to help you and my little children. Ellen, take care of my little darling Lillie. Little Elbert said that he had trusted in the Lord: Charles Wood says that he is safe in heaven and if he never sees the outside again he will meet his mother in heaven. We are not hurt, but only perishing for want of air. There are but few of us here and I don't know where the other men are. Elbert (his son) said for you all to meet him in heaven. Tell all the children to meet with us both.

   "Do the best you can with the children. We are all praying for air to support us, but it is getting so bad. Howard, Elbert said for you to wear his shoes and clothing. Ellen, I want you to live right and come to heaven. Raise the children the best you can. Oh, how I wish to be with you. Good bye, good bye. Bury me and Elbert in the same grave. My little Eddie, good bye. Jimmie good bye; good bye Horace. It is twenty-five minutes after two. There are a few of us alive yet. Oh, God, for one more breath. Ellen, remember me as long as you live. Good bye darling. J. L. Vowell.''

   "Dear Wife and Baby—I want to go back home and kiss the baby, but can not, so good bye. I am going to heaven. Meet me there, James A. Brookes."

   "To George Hudson's wife—If I don't see you any more, bury me with the clothing I have. I want you to meet me in heaven. Good bye. Do as you wish. George Hudson."

   "Dear, Darling Mother and Sister—I am going to heaven. I want you all to meet me in heaven. Tell all your friends to meet me there and tell the church I have gone to heaven. Tell my friends not to worry over me, for I am in sight of heaven. Oh, dear, stay at home, or at your father\s, and pay all debts if possible, and bury me at Pleasant hill if it suits you all. Bury me in black. It is now about 1:30 o'clock. Good bye dear father, mother, brother and friends. I have not suffered much. Your boy. Your friend. John Hendon."

   These letters had been scribbled on odd pieces of paper with stumps of lead pencils and told a mute story of tragedy that has revived the grief felt in this community to a keener degree than ever. The bodies were found huddled behind a brattice they had built with their own hands. Here they lived from about 8 a. m. to 3 p. m. Monday, torn with hopes and fears and anguish for their loved ones who were already mourning them as dead.

 

Major General Leonard Wood.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Cuba Libre.

   Cuba is now a free and independent republic. The dream cherished for generations by the native Cubans has been accomplished. The change was made yesterday. The flag of the United States was pulled down at about noon by General Leonard Wood in person, and he also, assisted by General Gomez, hoisted the Cuban flag to its place above the palace in Havana. Though he Stars and Stripes came down, the flag was lowered in honor. The pledge of the United States government was fulfilled and accomplished. The people which for years had suffered at the hands of Spain had been freed and that through the intervention of this nation. This government has exercised sovereignty over Cuba since the withdrawal of the Spanish flag and of the Spanish troops till Cuba could establish its own government. The Spanish war was not fought for conquest, but to save a people that was practically enslaved. That purpose being accomplished and the Cuban government established, it was time for the United States to withdraw as sovereign, and to welcome Cuba into the ranks of sister nations.

   President Palma as the head of the new republic yesterday signed the certificate of transfer, the United States flag came down, the Cuban flag was hoisted. A big gun from the Cabanas fortress boomed out a salute and continued to rifle till forty-five shots had been fired—a salute for each state in the Union.

   Then General Wood was escorted to a steam launch waiting at the wharf and was taken out to the Brooklyn and the big cruiser steamed out of the harbor where the Maine was blown up four years ago.

   One further step was necessary and that was accomplished from Washington when Secretary Hay cabled to every capital of the nations of the earth where there is an American ambassador or minister, instructing them to convey the information to the government to which they are accredited that the United States had withdrawn from Cuba and that Cuba is free.

   The future of this island republic is now before her. There are those who believe that after a time of enjoyment of the long coveted freedom she will ask for admission to the United States. She may, on the other hand, continue successfully as a sovereign state. Whether the United States desires Cuba as one of its component parts is still another question. Time alone can tell this, but so far as the past is concerned the United States had done its duty and done it well.

 

CORTLAND COMMON COUNCIL

Arranges for New Hydrants at Several Places.

NEW STREET MARKERS ORDERED.

Gutter Plates on Port Watson-st. Considered—Complaint as to Bits of Broken Wire on the Streets—Invitation to Conservatory of Music Commencement Accepted.

   At the regular meeting of the common council last evening at the city clerk's office, the following members were present: Alderman E. M. Yager, E. R. Wright, George F. Richards, R. S. Pettigrew and Verne W. Skeele.

   Mayor Brown being absent Acting Mayor Yager presided.

   The committee appointed at the last meeting to locate hydrants on Hyatt-st., reported that two hydrants should be placed on such street for the proper fire protection.

   On motion of Mr. Pettigrew, such report was accepted and two hydrants ordered on such street.

   Mr. Pettigrew said that a hydrant was needed on Garfield-st. for fire protection and that the Water Co. had promised to extend the water mains 1,000 feet along this street, if one hydrant were ordered.

   Mr. Yager asked for a hydrant on Grace-st., between Schermerhorn-st. and Homer-ave. He said that several new houses are soon to be built on this street and that Mr. C. P. Walrad was contemplating building three or four there this season.

  On motion of Mr. Richards, seconded and carried:

  Resolved, That water mains be ordered from Homer-ave. along Grace-st. and a hydrant be placed on such street; also that water mains be extended along Garfield-st. from Crandall-st. to Pendleton-st. and a hydrant be placed on Garfield-st.

   On motion of Mr. Skeele, seconded and carried:

   Resolved, That the clerk be directed to order street signs for corners of all streets in the city.

   Mr. Skeele reported that it would require about 200 markers for all the street intersections and that these would cost 18 cents each.

   Mr. Richards spoke of the careless practice of linemen in throwing bits of wire to the ground or pavement, where they are run over by bicycles. Frequent punctures of tires are caused in this way, and he thought that the telephone and electric companies should be notified to have their men use care in this respect.

   Mr. Skeele stated that nothing had been done as yet in reference to fixing the gutter plates that were broken some time ago at the Lackawanna crossing on Port Watson-st., although he had spoken to Mr. Becker about the plates several times. He said that the city is liable to have a damage suit on its hands if the plates are allowed to remain as they now are. He declared that if the board of public works is not willing to fix the broken plates, the common council should do it.

   An invitation from the Cortland Conservatory of Music, to attend the annual commencement at the Opera House, June 19, and to occupy the boxes, was received and graciously accepted. The invitation included the council men and their wives or ladies.

 

FOUNDS A FELLOWSHIP.

Arranged at Syracuse University by W. J. Mantanye.

WILL YIELD $400 EACH YEAR.

Donor Does Not Care to be Named—Believes in the Work and Theory of the Former Prison Commissioner—Other Fellowships May Follow in Other Colleges.

   Former Prison Commissioner William J. Mantanye has been the means of securing for Syracuse university a post-graduate fellowship in sociology which will yield $400 a year. When asked regarding it Mr. Mantanye, who is a very modest man, did not seem inclined to say much for publication affirming that he had himself done nothing worthy of public note. He finally admitted that he had become very much interested in sociology, criminology, and penology and had in recent years succeeded in interesting some of his friends in the same lines to such an extent that they had become willing to found a fellowship at Syracuse university for the further pursuit of investigations and research in this department. The friends in question do not wish to be named and he had guaranteed to the university in his own name for the present the income for the fellowship.

   The gift is made without condition or restriction and is left for the university to arrange. Mr. Mantanye has been informed by the university authorities that the fellowship will be used this year for resident work, but hereafter it may be used either for a traveling or residence fellowship. It is the purpose of the university to make the fellowship competitive and open to graduates of any college or university, not restricting it to graduates of Syracuse.

   Mr. Mantanye has been an annual visitor at the university for a number of years and his practical talks to the students in applied sociology have been highly prized at that institution.

   He has also previously arranged for several other scholarships at the university.

   Mr. Mantanye thought that another fellowship like, this would very soon be given to Cornell university, and he is looking forward to the time when these very important branches of study may be taught at all the Normal schools and in the public schools of the state.

 

TO SPEAK TO CHILDREN.

Prof. John W. Spencer of Cornell University Here Tomorrow.

   Prof. John W. Spencer, who has charge of the department of nature study in the Agricultural college at Cornell university, is expected to be in Cortland by invitation tomorrow to talk to the school children upon subjects along the line of his work. His desire is to interest them in the care of flower and vegetable gardens, in tree planting and in general in teaching them to observe what goes on about them in the field of nature. He will speak at the Central school at some time to be arranged for in the forenoon, and in the primary department at the Normal school at 1:30 o'clock and in the intermediate department at 2:30 o'clock. Any who may be interested in the theme are invited to be present and hear Prof. Spencer.

 

W. C. T. U. MEETING.

Long List of New Members Added to the Cortland Union.

   The regular meeting of the W. C. T. U. was held on Tuesday afternoon and opened with devotional exercises led by Mrs. Edith Cotton, the topic being, "Our Encouragements in Christian Work."

   That there is much reason for encouragement was proven when twenty-six new names were presented for membership. These members were secured largely through the efforts of Mrs. Lambert, one of the state organizers, who is now doing most excellent work in our county. Eighteen of the new members gave their names after the service held at Homer-ave. church last Sunday morning, and eight at the afternoon meeting in the W. C. T. U. rooms. The list is as follows:

   Mary B. Hollenbeck, Mrs. James Richardson, 9 Homer-ave., Mrs. I. Allen, 13 Halbert-st., Mrs. Clara Loepkey, 66 Groton-ave.; Mrs. L. Murphy, 95 Homer-ave.; Mrs. E. A. Whiting, 16 Cortland-ave.; Nellie Moss, 28 Fitz-ave.; Mrs. Rose Wadhams, 15 Madison-st.; Mrs. D. N. Preston, 52 Maple-ave.; Mrs. F. W. Fairbanks, Mrs. F. E. Eggleston, 87 Lincoln-ave.; Mrs. N. J. Hallock, Edith Rollson, Mrs. Thomas Rollson, Mrs. Bessie C. Watson, Gentry L. Oakley, Mrs. C. L. Day, Mrs. C. L. Davis, 15 Venette-st.

   Honorary Members—Rev J. L. Rixon, Mr. George L. Martin, Mr. E. M Pittman, Mr. G. E. Ryan, Mr. Lynn Lewis, Mr. G. M. Watson, Mr. Robert Culver, Mr. F. E. Mott,

   The program for the afternoon was in charge of Miss Libbie Robertson, superintendent of Sabbath school work. A brief report of what had been done in the way of temperance teaching or exercises in the Sabbath schools was given by some representative of nearly every church in the city, and these accounts were very interesting. All were of the opinion, however, that much more might profitably be done in this direction. ''It is not enough," some one remarked, "that we simply favor temperance, we should take a positive stand for it as members of the Christian church." "Begin at once," said the superintendent, "to plan for your next temperance lesson."

   An invitation was extended to the union by Mrs. Charles Jones of Homer to attend a parlor meeting at her home on Saturday evening, May 17, and the meeting was held. It was in the interest of the Woman's Temple in Chicago.

   Reports of superintendents of the various departments will be due at the next regular meeting, May 21.

   Supt. Press Work.

 

Fine New Walks.

   A new cement walk is being placed in front of the block at the corner of Main and Railroad-sts., owned by B. F. Taylor and Mrs. Mary Townley. The walk will extend along the entire length of the block on both streets.

 

In City Court.

   Colonel F. Sager appeared in city court this morning, charged by his wife, Ella Sager, with being a disorderly person and abandoning her and her children. Sager promised to contribute a certain sum each week for his family's support, and was allowed to depart.

   Ralph T. Horton was arraigned on the charge of fraud on a boarding house. Mrs. Jennie De Remer was the complainant. Horton paid the sum of $20.40, which was claimed, and the case was dismissed.

 

A FAR AWAY FIRE.

Outside of City Limits, but Fire Department Turned Out.

   A fire alarm was rung in from box 214, extension Lincoln-ave., near the bridge, at about midnight last night. All the companies responded, but the fire proved to be outside of the city limits and far beyond the reach of the hose, if attached to the farthest hydrants, so their trip was in vain.

   The fire was in a barn belonging to C. L. Erway on the back road to Homer, north of the brick school house. A member of the party held at the home of E. H. Wilson, which was just breaking up at the time the fire started, turned in the alarm. It is thought that the flames were started by hobos.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Regular meeting L. O. T. M tomorrow night at 7:30 o'clock.

   —The village of McGraw is trying to secure a milk condensary and seems likely to succeed. It will be a great thing for the village if it can do so. Full details are given in the McGraw letter today.

   —The Men's club of Grace Episcopal church will meet this evening at 8 o'clock at the residence of Mr. S. M. Benjamin, 16 West Court-st. Rev. Grant P. Somerville, D. D., of Moravia will make an address.

   —New display advertisements today are—A. S. Burgess, Clothing, page 8; Opera House, Empire Dramatic Co., page 5; F. Daehler, Clothing, page 7; C. F. Thompson, Tea, page 6; Gas Light Co., Gas ranges, page 8.

 

HORROR IN COAL MINE, AUTOMOBILE BLOWS UP, BOARD OF EDUCATION, BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS, AND MEMORIAL DAY

 

Fraterville mine rescue at Thistle mine entrance.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, May 20, 1902.

HORROR IN COAL MINE.

A Terrible Explosion Brought Death to 175 Workmen.

ONLY ONE MAN ESCAPED ALIVE.

Worst Disaster In History of Tennessee Mining—Rescue Party Went Two Miles Under the Earth and Behind Slate Barrier. Found Heaps of Dead.

   Coal Creek, Tenn., May 20.—The worst disaster in the history of Tennessee mining occurred at 7:30 o'clock Monday morning, when between 175 and 225 men and boys met instant death at the Fraterville coal mine, 2 miles west of this town, as a result of a gas explosion.

   Out of the large number of men and boys who went to work in the morning, developments at 10 o'clock last night showed that only one is alive, and he is so badly injured that he cannot live. This man was William Morgan, an aged Englishman, who was a road man in the mine, and was blown out of the entrance by the force of the explosion.

   One hundred and seventy five miners were checked in for work by the mine boss. In addition to these were boys who acted as helpers, and drivers, road men and others to the number of perhaps 50.

   Fraterville mine is the oldest mine in the Coal Creek district, having been opened in 1870. It is fully three miles from the mine's opening to the point where the men were at work.

   They had not been at work long before the terrible explosion occurred. There was a fearful roar and then flames shot from the entrance and the air shafts.

   News of the disaster spread like wildfire, but as soon as possible two rescuing parties were started in, one at the main entrance, the other through Thistle mine which adjoins and in which no men were at work. The Thistle party was unable to make any headway, as the gas stifled the workers. The Fraterville party went fully 2 miles under the earth until a heavy fall of slate was encountered. At this barrier men worked like demons, hoping against hope that those beyond might be safe.

   The scenes at the mouth, of the mine while the workers were within were beyond description. Business had been suspended in Coal Creek and all its mines as soon as the news of the disaster became known and men, women and children gathered around the Fraterville entrance. Women whose husbands and sons were within were wild with grief.

   All day long the rescuers toiled at the slate obstruction and not until 5 o'clock last evening did they force an entrance through it. Up to that hour only five dead bodies had been recovered and hope was still high that many within were safe.

   The hopes of the living were doomed, however, for when once the rescuers could enter and proceed they walked through a continuous tomb' of death. There was not a sign of life. Every man had perished, they believed, although it will be late today before all the rooms can be entered.

   Eight dead bodies were first recovered and these were sent to Coal Creek. Twenty-six more were soon found. They were not disfigured beyond identification and each corpse, as it was borne from the mouth of the gigantic tomb, was surrounded by eager crowds of relatives of the men who were entombed.

   The mine was not on fire except in remote portions, and all bodies perhaps may be reached.

   The bodies of perhaps one-third of the victims have been recovered and identified.

   The Fraterville mine is owned by the Coal Creek Coal company of which Major E. C. Camp is president. He was in Cincinnati and is now hurrying to the scene of the disaster.

   In 1891, after inspecting Fraterville mine, State Commissioner of Labor R. A. Shifiet reported that the ventilation was not up to requirements; that the furnace was inadequate to ventilate the mine and that the air ways were choked in places.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Automobile Blows Up.

   Automobiles are queer creatures. They are full of quips and cranks. Cortland automobilists have found that out. Even a little child who watched one for a short time the other day discovered its peculiarities and exclaimed, ''Auto sick; it just starts and stops and won't go.''

   A man goes out with his machine and he may come back with it, or he may come on foot and have to send a team for it. But there is one peculiarity of the machine which has not developed yet in Cortland, and it is sincerely to be hoped that it may not manifest itself soon. An automobile can explode. One did in Brooklyn Saturday night, while proceeding along an avenue at a fair rate of speed. A gentleman and lady were the occupants. The latter was blown from her seat out upon the pavement where she lay disabled with her clothing in flames till passers by smothered the fire by stripping off their overcoats and throwing them upon her. The man was blown nearly over the dash, but was able to run the machine into the curb and stop it, where it burned till the arrival of a fire engine which turned a stream of water upon it and extinguished the flames. The machine was a wreck. The owner said it cost $2,500 originally and the damage would amount to $1,500. An ambulance took the two people who were dreadfully burned to a hospital. It will be some time before they are able to get out again. It is not all fun to run an automobile.

 

KILLED BY AN AUTOMOBILE.

Machine Run by James S. Brailey of Telephone Co.

   A dispatch from Toledo, O., under date of May 18 says: The first fatal automobile accident here occurred today when Jas. S. Brailey, the Independent Telephone financier, while speeding in his automobile ran into May Schook, a 13-year old girl, riding a wheel. The girl was almost instantly killed.

   Mr. Brailey is the junior member of the firm of Barber & Brailey who installed the Home Telephone company's plant in Cortland.

 

Ferdinand E. Smith.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Elects Teachers of Public Schools for Next Year.

NO CHANGE FROM PRESENT CORPS.

List of Graduates from Central School—Arrangements for Commencement on June 24—Special Exhibition Day Fixed for June 13.

   The school board met last evening in the office of the superintendent in the Central school, and the list of teachers for the coming year together with their salaries was made out and adopted. There are to be no changes from the present staff in the teachers for the coming year. The list follows:

 

   The following pupils were recommended for graduation by Superintendent F. E. Smith, and the board voted to graduate these after they have completed their work in June: Cora B. Edgcomb, Nettie M. Kelley, Cola M. Alling, Sarah Sherwood, Marlea A. Wells, Addie Rynders, Bessie Watson, Florence Brown, Mary Fennell, Marjorie Colłier, Frank H. Leech, Frank J. Mullin, Earl Maas, John Sheerar, Daniel Sanders, Harold Crombie, Edward Stevens, Arthur J. Twentyman, Harold Nichols.

   The graduating exercises will be held in the Opera House, Tuesday evening, June 24, when a number from the graduating class will appear. These have not as yet been named.

   A day for school exhibits has been fixed for Friday, June 13, at which time the work of the pupils in every subject will be on exhibition in each school room of all the schools of the city. This will be a special day for parents and all interested to visit the schools to see the work that the pupils are doing. The work of each scholar in each of his subjects will be spread upon his desk for inspection. There will also be exhibits of work and records upon the black boards and bulletin boards of each room. Everybody will be welcome at the buildings on this special exhibit day.

 

CORTLAND BOARD PUBLIC WORKS.

Three Bids Submitted for East Main-st. Sewer.

ONE WAS PROMPTLY THROWN OUT.

No Certified Check Accompanied It—Contract Not Yet Let—Railroad-st. Curb and Gutters Under Discussion—J. M. Samson Complains to the Board of the Order to Remove His Plank Sidewalks, Says There Are Others.

   Bids for the construction of the East Main-st. sewer were opened last evening by the board of public works at its adjourned meeting, but no action was taken in letting the contract, as only a bare quorum was present. There were three bids received: from John J. Tyne, Binghamton; James Grant, Cortland, and D. J. Malone, Binghamton. The bid of Mr. Malone was not considered, as it did not have accompanying it a certified check.

   The bid of John J. Tyne was $1,188.50, and that of James Grant was $1,275. The engineer's estimate for the job was $1,026.25. The sewer is to be 1,075 feet long with a depth of from 8 1/2 to 12 feet. There are to be three manholes and one flush tank in connection with it.

   It was moved and carried to put the matter over until the next regular meeting, June 2.

   A communication from Engineers Allen & Farrington, in reference to placing cobble stone gutters and curbing, was read. They estimated that such gutters and curbing could be laid for 15 cents per square foot. It was decided to place such gutters and curbing on Railroad-st. from Pendleton-st. south 500 feet, which would strike a point about 100 feet below Hubbard-st. It was also voted that the abutting property holders should pay one-third and the city two-thirds of the expense. The gutters are to be 36 inches wide and the curbs 18 inches, so in reality the city will pay for the gutters and the property holders will only pay for the curbing.

   J. Melvin Sampson came before the board and complained of the order of the board, compelling him to place cement walks on Homer-ave. and Arthur-ave., where he recently placed plank walks. He said that he had sent a man to Mr. Becker for a grade upon which to build the Arthur-ave. walk, but the official had denied it. He cited a dozen or more walks about the city that were in a fearful condition, and some of these were said to resemble the bogs of Ireland. He also cited a few walks that had recently been built of planks. His property at the corner of Main-st. and Groton-ave. had been damaged by the change in the walk that had been made. He thought he was being singled out by the board and the superintendent. Others could neglect their walks and nothing would be said. He had complained to Mr. Becker about a hole in the walk near the Opera House that he declared would hold a bushel of clams, but Mr. Becker had not done anything in the matter. "In fact," said he, "in all the time that Becker has been superintendent, he has never shown me a favor."

   Superintendent Becker stated that he had never been asked by any one to give a grade for a walk in front of the Arthur-ave. property mentioned.

   Mr. Duffey stated that there was nothing personal in the matter of ordering new cement walks built on Mr. Sampson's property. It was in accordance with an ordinance adopted by the board. If others built wood walks they are as liable as he to have to take them out. This matter was also put over until the next meeting for action.

 

CAME TO COACH-TOWN

And Bought a New Ten-Passenger Vehicle for Ithaca.

   Mr. J. M. McDonald, proprietor of the new Clinton House, Ithaca, drove to Cortland Monday and returned with a fine ten-passenger hotel coach, which he purchased of the Ellis Omnibus & Cab Co. of this city for the use of the hotel. This is the second coach that Mr. McDonald has purchased of the Cortland company this year. His team ran away with the one he bought first and it was completely demolished.

 

Warning for Young Fishermen.

   Many boys as well as men seem ignorant of the law which forbids the taking of bass before June 16; also of the law relative to the use of snares, snatch hooks or spears. The Cortland Sportsmen's club has the names of several violators of these laws and will in future cause the arrest of all such. Parents should caution young fishermen to obey the law.

 

THE COAL SITUATION.

No Advance in Price—Enough to Fill Orders for Some Time.

   There has been no advance in the price of coal in Cortland as a result of the strike, nor does it appear that prices will advance soon, as the most of the dealers have their usual supply for this season of the year. A canvass among the dealers today shows that only two of them are short, and these can fill orders for some time yet.

   Maxson & Starin state that they have their usual supply for this season of the year.

   S. N. Holden & Co. report that they are 1,500 tons short, but that they can fill all orders for a week, one ton to each family.

   J. C. Seager has plenty of coal to fill all orders for a considerable length of time.

   D. E. Call has plenty of coal unless the people rush in to fill the winter orders.

   Wallace & Hout have a shortage, but will be able to fill orders for some time.

 

RICHARD O'BRIEN

Expired, Suddenly on Main-st. Monday Afternoon—Heart Failure.

   Richard O'Brien, a mason, aged 60 years, died very suddenly about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. While talking with some companions on Main-st., he fell suddenly, but was caught by one of the men and expired within five minutes. Dr. VerNooy was at once summoned, but Mr. O'Brien was dead before he arrived. The body was taken to the undertaking rooms of McEvoy Bros. and Coroner E. M. Santee was notified. Death was due to heart disease and the coroner decided that no inquest was necessary.

   Mr. O'Brien leaves one son, Mr. William O'Brien of Westfield, N. Y., who was at once informed of his father's death and arrived in Cortland this forenoon. He also leaves two nieces, Mrs. Ira Hyde and Mrs. Daniel Lucy, and one nephew, Mr. Patrick Ryan of Cortland.

   Last evening the body was removed to the home of Mrs. Ira Hyde, 7 Monroe Heights. The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been completed.

 

Soldiers' Monument and Cortland Normal School viewed from Church Street, Cortland, N. Y.

MEMORIAL DAY.

Plans for its Observance Friday, May 30.

ARRANGED BY GROVER POST, G. A. R.

Exercises at Opera House, Monument and Cemetery—Addresses and Music by Cortland City Band and Children of the Public Schools—Memorial Sermon on Sunday Evening Preceding.

   On Sunday evening, May 25, Grover Post, No. 98, G. A. R., and Grover Relief Corps, No. 96, will meet at the Post rooms at 7 o'clock to attend divine service at the First Baptist church where the sermon will be preached by the pastor, Rev. W. J. Howell. All war veterans are invited to join Grover Post in this service, as well as on Memorial Day.

   The Cortland City band has been engaged for Memorial Day and the singing by the pupils of the public schools of our city under the direction of Miss Elizabeth Turner will be a pleasing feature of the exercises.

At the Opera House.

   Under the auspices of Grover Post the following program will be carried out in the Opera House on Friday, May 30, beginning at 2 o'clock, p. m. A general invitation is extended to the public to be present:

   Selection, Cortland City Band.

   Salute to the Flag, School Children.

   Reading Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, Comrade B. T. Wright.

   Singing, School Children.

   Prayer, Rev. G. E. T. Stevenson.

   Singing, School Children.

   Address, Rev. David Keppel, Ph. D.

   Singing.

   Benediction, Rev. Robert Clements.

At the Soldiers' Monument.

   At the monument the exercises will be as follows:

   Music, Cortland City Band.

   Floral offering in memory of the absent dead.

   Prayer, Rev. H. L. Rixon.

   Address, Commander O. P. Miner.

At the Cemetery.

   At Grover Post burial plot in the cemetery, Rev. U. S. Milburn will read a poem written for the occasion by Mrs. Emma D. Pitts, a member of

Grover Corps, three volleys will be fired by the gun squad and "taps" will be sounded by the bugler.

   Further particulars respecting the observance of the day will be given later.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The Lackawanna tracks in front of the new passenger station are being raised today.

   —The regular meeting of the N. T. L. will be held tonight at 7:30 in the I. O. G. T. lodge rooms.

   —J. H. Webster of the City farm, Cortland, N. Y., has recently sold five ponies. A pair of these was sent to Michigan.

   —The Ladies' Literary club will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with Mrs. J. H. Turner, 25 Tompkins-st.

   —New display advertisements today are—Gas Light Co., Gas ranges, page 7; M. A. Case, Dry goods, page 6; J. W. Cudworth, Optical talks, page 6; W. J. Pęrkins, Paints, page 6.

   —If Mrs. Angeline Bradley, formerly and possibly still a resident of this city—will call at the Standard Office or send us her address she will learn something to her advantage.