Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday,
August 30, 1902.
GARVIN RUNS AMUCK.
Baseball Player Attacks Policeman and Shoots a Friend.
FAILS IN ATTEMPT TO MURDER.
Revolver is Turned Away From Officer's Chest Just in Time to Prevent Being Fired at Short Range. Maniac Forces His Way Through a Crowd and Escapes.
Chicago, Aug. 30.—Virgil Garvin, crack pitcher for the white stockings, ran amuck with a loaded pistol on the west side Thursday afternoon. He tried to annihilate a policeman, and being disappointed in this undertaking compromised by lodging a bullet in the shoulder of a saloon keeper friend who was trying to restrain him.
Then he took to his heels and sprinted through the streets as he never sprinted in a race around the diamond. Policemen and citizens gave chase, buggies and wagons and street cars being pressed into service, but in spite of it all Garvin and his pistol are still beyond the restraint of prison bars.
Lawrence Flanigan was the victim ball player found after he had been dragged away from over the prostrate form of an officer whom he had knocked senseless with a blow from his revolver. Fortunately the bullet did not do much harm, and Flanigan was the hero of his own particular following as he leaned across the bar of his saloon at 267 Honore street and related the tale of how Garvin had tried to end his life.
The shooting occurred in Flanigan's resort. Garvin, who lives on the south side, is attending a dental college at Harrison and Wood streets, and he went over in the neighborhood to visit some of his classmates. He made the rounds of some half-dozen saloons and arrived at Flanigan's place about 5 o'clock. By that time he was considerably under the influence of liquor and inclined to be quarrelsome.
He demanded that Flanigan loan him money. But the saloon keeper refused to accommodate him. They had sharp words and Garvin snatched the revolver from his coat pocket and leveled it at the man back of the bar. Flanigan laughed in his face and told him he lacked the courage to use the weapon. John Daley, who was in the saloon, did not regard the affair so lightly however, and he ran into the street in search of help.
Daley found Officer Dennis Fitzgerald of the West Lake street station a few doors away and told him that Flanigan was being murdered. Fitzgerald is partially crippled, having been shot several years ago by a madman, and he uses a cane in getting around, but he did not hesitate an instant. He hurried as fast as he could to the saloon and pushed open the door leading in from the cigar stand.
When the crippled policeman pushed back the swinging doors Garvin's revolver descended on the temple of the patrolman. Fitzgerald was stunned and sank in a heap. Flanigan, now really alarmed, sprang over the bar and grasped at Garvin's arms, but the pitcher eluded him and ran around the saloon.
Garvin was in a mad rage by this time and shouting to everyone. He vowed he would slay the officer and leveled his weapon at Fitzgerald's breast to carry out his threat. Flanigan dragged him off as he was closing his fingers over the trigger. Together they battled up and down the length of the bar.
The struggle continued until Fitzgerald had regained some measure of consciousness. He managed to get up on one knee and was reaching for his own revolver. Flanigan pushed Garvin back against the wall and then the ball tosser turned suddenly on his friend and pointed the revolver at his breast.
How many shots were fired no one can tell, nor is it known whether anyone other than Garvin took part in the shooting. The first bullet struck Flanigan in the right shoulder, inflicting an ugly flesh wound and grazing the collar bone. There are three other bullet holes in the ceiling of the saloon.
The uproar in the saloon had attracted a crowd to the sidewalk in front of the place, and through these people the star player of Comiskey's nine forced his way at the point of his weapon. Fitzgerald followed close on his heels, and Garvin ran north in Honore street. He doubled back to Ogden avenue and sprang upon a passing street car.
Fitzgerald took possession of a buggy and followed the fugitive and his example was emulated by a score of citizens. Lieutenant O'Hara and Sergeant Hartnett joined the pursuers at Ashland boulevard, but Garvin managed to elude all of them. A patrol wagon from Despłaines street station tried to head him off at Center avenue, but he had left the car by that time.
Garvin hales from Texas and has been in numerous scrapes where a knife or pistol figured prominently. His friends say he is eccentric but that isn't the word the police used in describing his exploit.
Brig. Gen. John Gobin.
TO PREVENT VIOLENCE
Order Issued In Regard to Stone Throwing.
SOLDIERS ORDERED TO SHOOT.
Also to Freely Use Their Bayonets and Butts to Disperse Mobs—Weeks Turmoil in the Panther Creek Valley Subsiding—Other Sections Comparatively Quiet.
Philadelphia, Aug. 30.—Having exhausted every other means for preserving the peace and in protecting the non-union men from violence on their way to and from the mines, Brigadier General Gobin, in command of the troops now in the coal fields, last night issued an order that the soldiers shall shoot any persons detected in throwing stones or other missiles and that if any mob resist the authority of the troops that they shall freely use their bayonets and butts.
The Panther Creek valley has been in almost continual turmoil this week and the troops stationed there have had a difficult time in protecting the lives of workmen.
The situation in that valley had improved considerably last night and it is hoped by the military authorities that the lawlessness and abusive language directed toward the soldiers will now cease. The other sections of the coal regions are comparatively quiet.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.
Preserving the Forests.
The Association For the Protection of the Adirondacks has asked the chairmen of both the Republican and Democratic state committees of New York to have inserted in their party platforms at the approaching conventions a plank which is substantially as follows:
We regard the Adirondack park, with its forests, waters and fauna, as one of nature's legacies to our state, which the dictates of prudence, wise public policy and foresight require should be carefully safeguarded and protected, not only as a pleasure ground, but as a conservator of the water supply for our rivers and canals. We therefore favor resumption by the state of the purchase of lands within the limits of the Adirondack park.
Undoubtedly both the Republican and Democratic parties will embody this suggestion in their platforms, as it is not a political issue. It is generally conceded that the public sentiment in the state of New York is against any measure which tends to lessen the protection thrown around the state forests and that the forest reserves should be increased rather than diminished.
The association takes the attitude that agitation in this matter is particularly appropriate, inasmuch as the state of New York was the first to create a forestry commission, the first to grant money for the management of its forests and the first by legislative action to appropriate money for purchasing and enlarging its holdings of forest land. In a circular showing why the Adirondack forests should be preserved the association says:
It must be realized that a tree is not merely food for a factory, but that it is in very truth a factory itself—a laboratory for the manufacture of pure air and pure water and a storage battery of chemical and physical energy indispensable for the prosecution of the varied commercial and manufacturing industries which are the very foundation of prosperity. In the light of such revelations we stand aghast at the prodigality which has characterized the treatment of our forests.
It is claimed that the cutting down of our forests furnishes materials for the use of large capital and much labor. The argument is a specious one and seeks to conceal the fact that such industries are dealing a fatal blow at other interests of the state employing many times the amount of capital and number of employees. The improvidence of such a policy carries with it the reasons for its own condemnation.
The importance of the Adirondack park in its relation to the supply of water for drinking and sanitary purposes for a large section of the state has not adequately been appreciated. Forest streams carry less mud and silt than other streams, and the exclusion of large populations and manufacturing industries from the forested area prevents the artificial pollution so common elsewhere. The forests, as conservators of our water supply, also bear an important relation to the subject of fire insurance. A proper supply and pressure of water are necessary safeguards for human life and property.
What the Empire State has done and is doing for the preservation of the forests yet remaining within its domain may well be followed by many other commonwealths.
William J. Greenman.
THE GRAND WIND UP.
Most Successful of All Cortland County Fairs.
EVERY ONE SHARES IN THE CREDIT.
Secretary Greenman Worked Hard—Piano Goes to Cincinnatus—A Tie on One Contest—Miss Atkinson, Champion Bread Maker, Gets the Coal—Other Prizes.
The Cortland county fair was brought to a successful close yesterday afternoon. Four days of splendid weather favored the event. The exhibits in all classes were large and of a high degree of excellence. The special attractions, particularly Oliver W., the racing ostrich, and the fireworks were pleasing to the many patrons. The people have gone home well satisfied with the treatment afforded and they will come again at the first opportunity presented.
The management is to be complimented upon the thorough and efficient way in which it has conducted the entire enterprise. The officers have manifested an unlimited amount of public spirit in neglecting their own private business for this fair. In looking over the fair as an event of the past it is difficult to see where improvement could be made in any particular.
Particularly is credit due to W. J. Greenman, the secretary and general superintendent, who has devoted himself and his new automobile almost exclusively to the fair for several weeks past.
Much of the credit for the success of the fair is also due the local merchants and business men, who spared neither time nor money in making elegant displays and in offering special prizes. Their efforts were appreciated by the management and were pleasing to all.
The Needham piano, valued at $400, and given by the Needham Piano Co., the Cortland County Agricultural society and Alex Mahan for the season ticket premium, was awarded to Glenn Weaver of Cincinnatus.
Cramer & Spencer's guessing contest resulted in a tie among three. There were 1,024 nails in the jar, and Leon Stanford, 10 Charles-st., Mrs. Anna C. Shumway, 18 Tompkins-st., and Mrs. Dewitt Greenman, 4 East Main-st. each guessed 1,025. The matter of the ownership of the fine Stewart Oak stove will have be decided by the three. There were nearly 2,000 guesses made. Miss Belle Atkinson won the special prize of a ton of coal offered by D. E. Call for the best loaf of bread.
John Kane, ex-commissioner of highways of the town of Cortlandville, won F. Daehler's special prize of a suit of clothes for the best plate of apples.
Masters Thomas and Porter Keator won first and second premiums on White Minorcas at the fair.
The special prize of a pair of shoes offered by E. J. Parker to the lady upon the fair grounds having the smallest foot was a tie between Miss Myra Ware of Cortland and Miss Jacobs of McGraw.
Mr. C. L. Stoddard representing the Broome county fair which will be held at Whitney's Point Sept. 2 to 5, was in Cortland Thursday and Friday getting pointers for Broome county and advertising the fair. His white suit lettered in red and black and his gaily decorated horse and wagon attracted widespread attention.
THE MESSENGER HOUSE
To be Kept Open Though Repairs Will be Made.
Mr. A. Webb Howe of Syracuse, who has recently purchased the Messenger House, arrived in Cortland yesterday and will take possession and assume control of the property on Monday. Mr. Howe will make extensive improvements throughout the hotel, but the house will be kept open for business as usual while the improvements are in progress.
M. F. Cleary in uniform.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Annual Inspection—Companies Made Fine Appearance.
The annual inspection of the fire department was held this afternoon. All the companies were out in full force and the parade was a fine one.
The procession was formed at Fireman's hall and moved shortly after 2 o'clock. A feature of the parade was the four automobiles, those of Cooper Brothers, C. L. Kinney, N. H. Gillette and W. J. Greenman, carrying twelve ex-chiefs of the department. Mr. S. M. Benjamin, the first chief of the Cortland fire department in 1868, was in the procession. All of the other former chiefs who are now in Cortland were included. The former heads of the department carried in the automobiles were: Messrs. S. M. Benjamin, C. E. Ingalls, C. F. Thompson, I. H. Palmer, John F. Dowd, J. H. Phelps. N. Jay Peck, M. F. Cleary, A. G. Bosworth, L. A. Arnold, A. J. Barber and H. P. Davis.
Following these was the board of engineers headed by Chief E. N. Sherwood. The Cortland City band of twenty pieces came next and dispensed fine music for the inspection and parade. The steamer and twenty-five members of Water Witch Steamer and Hose company followed. Next came Orris Hose company with twenty-one men; the Excelsior hook and ladder trucks and company of thirty-two men; then Emerald Hose company of nineteen members; and the Hitchcock Hose company of twenty members and the hose wagon of that company.
The line proceeded down Main-st. to Tompkins-st. to Owego-st.. Here the companies countermarched and returned to Tompkins-st. and marched down Port Watson-st. as far as Greenbush-st., where another countermarch was made. Returning to Main-st. the line proceeded to the Lehigh Valley tracks, thence back on Main-st. to the hospital and returned to the Cortland House, from the balcony of which the review by the common council and the board of fire commissioners was made.
All along the line the companies were greeted by large crowds of people and were cheered heartily. The boys made a fine showing. The steamer is to be tested after the review.
THE ELM-ST. PAVING.
An Interview With Traction Company Officials.
OVER BURDENED WITH EXPENSE.
If Elm-st. Paving Must Come Now the Company Will Remove all of its Tracks East of Main-st.—Simply Cannot Stand the Pressure.
Mr. C. D. Simpson of Scranton and Mr. Frank Battles of Philadelphia were in Cortland today to attend a special meeting of the Cortland County Traction company called for the purpose of considering the paving situation. A Standard reporter saw these gentlemen and in an interview they said that the company was confronted with a very serious condition and that it could see no way to bear the burden of more paving now. In the original building and promotion of the Cortland & Homer Traction company no money was made. The bonds were unsalable and the company had to keep practically all of them. The issue was $300,000 at 6 per cent. When the company was reorganized this sum was out down to a point where the company thought its securities would be absolutely sure to earn their interest and made the issue $180,000 of 4 per cent bonds. We have failed, said the president of the company, the last year to earn this amount by several thousand dollars and our damages are not yet permanently repaired. We have at former times considered the abandonment of the McGrawville line because it was unprofitable. As the road ages repairs increase. McGraw, although an active and thrifty village, is not a large one, and if any of the factories there should discontinue our small revenue would be reduced. It takes one-half of our power to operate this line as the mileage is over 5 miles, and in carrying freight the load is heavy. Over half of our mileage is on the east side of the town. While it takes one-half of our power, it earns less than one-third of our revenue. Recent floods and washouts have required and will require several thousand dollars for their repair.
When we changed to Elm-st. at a considerable expense to better the line we thought we were doing a good thing for ourselves, the city and the town, but we were immediately confronted with the paving proposition, of which we shall have to pay the largest amount. If Elm-st. is paved probably Clinton-ave. between the Cortland House and Church-st. soon will be. It seems to us that it would be better and that we will be compelled on account of our finances if this paving is ordered, to abandon all our track on the east side of Main-st. We are now paying $3,000 per year on the Main-st. paving. The tax was not a lien on our property under the law and the claim of the city could have been avoided by reorganizing at the time, but we met the matter half way and settled with the city, in consequence of which we are gradually paying nearly $20,000 of paving assessment. The owners of this property have never taken a cent of profit from it. Cortland has had so far the entire benefit of this investment. We surely cannot live if burdens like this are put upon us. We ought not to be asked to invest any more money here when that which has already been invested yields no return, and we think a disposition should be shown to give us time to get upon our feet.
If no additional burdens were placed upon us, we would continue the McGraw line in the hope that good management and growth of traffic would warrant it. It seems to us that in our present condition which is more or less familiar to the general public here we could not be blamed if we abandoned the most unprofitable part of our property when confronted with such extraordinary expense.
We do not wish to oppose public improvements, said Mr. Battles, but if every taxpayer could see the condition of our road on the McGraw line caused by floods and washouts we believe this heavy burden would not be put upon us, or at least would be deferred until it was seen whether it could in any way be borne.
BREVITIES.
—The new rural delivery carriers from the Cortland postoffice [sic] make their first trip on Monday.
—The subscriptions for the conference claimants will be received at the First M. E. church tomorrow morning.
—A regular meeting of the board of managers of the hospital will be held at the hospital Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock.
—Pawnee Bill's wild west show is expected to pass through Cortland at about 4 o'clock tomorrow morning on the way from Camden to Owego.
—Monday being Labor Day and a legal holiday no paper will be issued from this office. Full report of the occurrences of the two days on Tuesday.
—The last union service of the summer season will be held tomorrow night at the congregational church with sermon by the pastor of that church, Rev. James Rain
—New display advertisements today are—J. W. Cudworth, Optical talks, page 7: G. H. Wiltsie, Drygoods sale, page 6; G. H. Ames, Rubber boots, page 6; Baker & Angell, Sorosis shoes, page 6.
—The announcement has been received in Cortland of the marriage on Aug. 27 of Charles Ogle Scull of Baltimore, former president of the E. & C. N. Y. R. R., and Miss Ann Harvey Miller which occurred at the home of the bride's parents at Beaumaris, Muskoka lake, Canada.
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