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| President Theodore Roosevelt. |
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| John Mitchell, U. M. W. A. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, October 8, 1902.
TWO PERTINENT QUESTIONS.
Will the Miners Accede and Can the Operators Resume?
Wilkes-Barre, Pa,, Oct. 8.—The two principal features of the anthracite coal strike which claimed public attention in the coal fields yesterday were: Will the miners yield to the desire of the president of the United States for them to return to work and investigate afterwards, and will the mine operators be able to carry out their promise to produce enough coal to relieve the situation if given the protection of the full military power of the state?
After a most careful inquiry among the district officers present, not including the district presidents who were in Buffalo, and the rank and file of mine workers, it was found that sentiment is strongly against accepting the president's proposition in its present form.
As to the other feature of the situation as it exists opinion is divided and will remain so until the real test comes.
The president's message to Mr. Mitchell became known here in the afternoon and, it was earnestly discussed by the striking miners and citizens generally. It is positively known to those who are close to the officers of the union that President Mitchell and his district presidents have all along been opposed to the men returning to work without some concessions, but whether they are still so inclined with the president appealing to them can not be officially stated. It is reasonably certain, however that they are still opposed to such action.
An officer of the union now in the city, who does not care to be quoted in the absence of President Mitchell for fear that it would be construed as being official, said: "The anthracite mine workers of Pennsylvania appreciate the efforts being made by President Roosevelt to end the strike in the interest of the entire country and they have only words of praise for him.
"However they feel that after sacrificing everything for the last five months they consider it unfair for any one to ask them to return to work without a single concession, especially when the miners see victory almost at hand.
"The hard coal diggers of Pennsylvania have gone into the fight to win and they would not be doing justice to themselves or to the great body of organized workmen throughout the country and other persons who have and are financially assisting them in the present struggle if they returned.
Meetings of Locals.
"The meetings of the locals throughout the entire coal region today when action will be taken in accordance with President Mitchell's statement issued last night, will bear me out."
This is the tenor of the remarks of most of the mine workers in this region. In connection with this 2,500 striking mine workers of the Prospect, Oakdale and Midvale collieries of the Lehigh Valley Coal company met in this city and it was announced after the meeting that they had unanimously decided to remain on strike until they got some concessions.
A tremendous interest is manifested in the effect that the presence of the entire division of the National Guard will have on the strike. There is a wide difference of opinion as to the probable effect. Coal company officials welcome the soldiers and say that prospects are bright for the resumption of mining under the protection of the military.
The strikers received the news in a matter of fact way and, in line with the comment of their national and district leaders, say the presence of the soldiers will have no effect on the strike. Citizens outside of the controversy are also divided in their opinion. There is one noticeable thing and that is the strikers now show a firmer stand than they did before Governor Stone acted. National Board Member John Fallon who was the highest in authority at strike headquarters said the men will remain as they are, firm to the end.
Mr. Fallon claims that less coal has been produced in this region since the soldiers have been here than at any time prior to their arrival. He is of opinion that all the men who want to work under present conditions are now employed and asserts that coal company officials have exhausted every means to bring men back, even offering them more money than the miners on strike are asking for.
The general comment that it is up to the operators to mine coal now that they have the entire state military protection which they have been asking for, is not shared by all the officials of the companies. It is claimed the state has yet to show what it proposes to do.
There is a feeling among some of these officials that the mere move of sending all the troops into the coal region may not have the desired effect in bringing about an early resumption of the collieries. An official of one of the largest coal companies in the territory is authority for the statement that an early resumption depends altogether upon where military authorities place the troops. If Governor Stone's order "that all men who desire to work for their families shall have ample military protection" is literally carried out by Major General Miller instead of mobilizing the troops at certain points, then the companies will be able to make progress in opening up the mines.
Question of Mobilizing.
"If the troops are kept in all communities where violence and intimidation is practiced," he said, "there will be no trouble. The difficulty now is that a man goes to work one day under the protection of the soldiers and the next day after the neighborhood has been quieted down the troops are sent away and the willing workman is again at the mercy of the lawless element. Men will not risk going to work today when they are not sure they will have protection tomorrow or their families will be cared for in their absence."
Having nothing else to do, hundreds of mine workers came in from surrounding towns to see the soldiers arrive but went home without having seen any troops except those now in camp. Several hundred of the 3,000 National Guardsmen now in the field are strikers and they propose to turn a portion of their pay from the state over to the relief fund of their fellow workers.
Strike headquarters was very quiet in the absence of Mr. Mitchell who is expected to return from Buffalo this morning.
WANTS COAL LANDS SEIZED.
President of Chicago Federation Says People Should Use Force.
Chicago, Oct. 8.—Laboring men should follow the precedent established by George Washington and use force when their life and liberty is threatened," declared the president of the Chicago Federation of Labor today in discussing the condition in the Pennsylvania coal fields. "It is up to President Roosevelt to do something in this matter. Backed up by the millions of people in this country, he has a perfect right to take the coal lands by force.
"It has never been done, you say. But that is no argument. The president can establish a precedent which, supported by 75,000,000 people, will be as good and have the force of law. If he takes the coal lands regardless of the restrictions of the laws which surround him, he will be praised by the great majority of the people, and will make it easier to handle such difficulties in the future."
No Reply from Mitchell.
Washington, Oct. 8.—Up to 10 o'clock this morning no word had been received at the White House from President Mitchell in answer to the president's proposition for the miners to return to work.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.
Canada's Doukhabor Dilemma.
The news from Canada that the Doukhabors, who immigrated into that country from Russia some three years ago, have been seized by a religious mania that may end in their extermination by famine during the coming winter is of peculiar interest to Americans since at the time the Doukhabors first set their faces toward this continent a strenuous effort was made to induce them to settle in our western states rather than in the Northwest Territories of Canada. A glance at the conditions now prevailing in the Doukhabor settlements will convince one that we have been fortunate in losing this race of immigrants.
The mania that has taken hold of them has several serious phases. In the first place the Doukhabors have discarded the use of animals as beasts of burden, asserting that their horses and cattle are as much entitled to liberty as they themselves. As a result of this they have no means of harvesting their crops, which are rotting in the fields through which their animals roam at will. Again, it is part of their fanaticism to abstain from eating meat. This in itself would not mean so much were it not that they have few vegetables and will have practically no flour owing to their neglect of the crops.
So troublesome has the situation become and so worried are the Canadian authorities that a hint was made to Russia the other day only that it might be advisable to have the government of the czar repatriate Tolstoi's pets. But at the mere suggestion the bear held up his hands in protest. Not only would Russia not consent to allow the Doukhabors to re-enter their old country, but it was doubtful if they would even be permitted to go to Siberia. Thank you, the Canadian authorities were politely informed; you have taken a white elephant off our hands, and we do not propose to be troubled by it again.
A BOLD BURGLAR
Threatened to Shoot if Outcry Was Made.
FOUR HOUSES ENTERED LAST NIGHT.
Windows Pried Open to Gain Entrance—Seemed to be After Money—Threw Traveling Man's Trousers Out of Window—Very Small Amount Secured—Thief Seen by Mr. Godfrey.
Four bold burglaries were perpetrated last night in the eastern portion of the city [Cortland, N. Y.], and at other places attempts at entrance were made. It is quite probable that all of them were made by the same person as the tactics in each case were the same. Money seemed to be what was desired by the midnight prowler, but in only one place was this secured. The method of the burglar was to secure entrance to a dwelling house and then go through the pockets of sleepers. He was seen only at one house, and is described as being about 5 ft. 7 in. in height and wearing a black soft hat. No trace of the burglar has yet been found.
The four houses entered were those of C. B. Peck., 19 Port Watson-st., D. H. Gourley, 56 Greenbush-st., David S. Godfrey, 37 East Court-st., and Edward J. Reed, 7 Elm-st., and it is thought that all of the houses were entered about 3 o'clock. He was neither seen nor heard in three of the houses, and the Peck residence his presence was not known until the occupant of the room, where the burglar had been, awoke this morning and reached for his trousers. Not finding these where they were left he began a search and found all of his clothing dumped out of the window upon the lawn. The man, who is an agent by the name of Brewster, had to call for assistance in getting his clothes back, before he could go forth. When he did get them he found that $7.70 in money and a watch chain had been taken from them. The thief had opened a lower sash that had not been fastened down, jumped into the room and got out with the clothes without disturbing the sleeper. He had used a crate to stand on in getting in and out. Brewster's full name or the place he lives is not known.
On East Court-st.
At Mr. Godfrey's the burglar was seen by the man of the house, who is ill in bed and unable to move, as he is recovering from a very difficult operation for appendicitis, which was performed four weeks ago. The burglar, as he was leaving the room after calling upon the sick man, threatened to shoot him if he made any outcry.
He entered the Godfrey house through a front window from the front porch by taking out the lower sash, made possible by a stop having been removed. In the room he entered was a lamp burning at full tilt, and Mr. Godfrey was sleeping in the sitting room off this room. Where he was there was also a lamp burning on the piano, that he might be able to see to take medicine and to help himself in other ways. He awoke in the night and at once missed the light from the room. Turning his head he could distinguish a light in another room through a curtain between his room and that room. Then he caught sight of a shadow against the curtain, and in another instant the curtain was pulled aside and the form of a man appeared.
Threatened to Shoot.
Mr. Godrfey was entirely helpless, not being able even to stir. He looked at the man and asked him who he was, what he wanted and why he was there, but no response was made. The man then placed the lamp back on the piano, keeping himself between the lamp and Mr. Godfrey as much as was possible. When he had disposed of the lamp he stopped by the foot of the bed and, reaching down in his hip pocket as though to pull a revolver, he said, "If you make any outcry I will bore you through." Mr. Godfrey could not see if he had a shooting iron on account of the foot-board of the bed. The man then backed out of the room and went out through the window he had left open. Mrs. Godfrey heard some of the disturbance and arose and came into the room where her husband was, but the thief had gone, and perhaps it was as well that he had.
Found the Window Unfastened.
At Mr. Gourley's a window was opened. The catch on it had not been turned since some cleaning had been done. He went in and up stairs to the room where Mr. and Mrs. Gourley slept. Mr. Gourley's clothing was taken down stairs and ransacked, but only a few cents were found, and the thief did not take the small amount, nor did he seem to search further for anything. His presence was not known until this morning when the clothing was missed. Mrs. Gourley was awake until 1 o'clock and the burglary must have been after that time.
At 7 Elm-st.
The thief entered the house at 7 Elm-st. through a window in the kitchen which was not securely fastened. The lower sash was raised and a pocket knife was stuck in the stop to hold the window up. From this room he went to the adjoining bedroom, where Mr. and Mrs. Reed were sleeping and where two small dogs were also sleeping, and took Mr. Reed's pantaloons and a pair of overalls that were drawn over them. These were carried out and the overalls were found this morning on the sidewalk, but the pantaloons are still missing. None of the family heard the man, but about 4 o'clock the house became very cold, and Mrs. Reed awoke and found the window open, the knife still holding it up. Nothing was secured here but the trousers.
Just after the burglar left the Godfrey house Mr. Godfrey looked at the clock and found that it was a quarter past three. He says the man spoke to him in a very collected and cool manner and that his voice was very clear.
Another Attempt.
At the home of E. B. Coon, 132 Port Watson-st., there are evidences of an attempt to get in. Mrs. Elizabeth Coon, Mr. Coon's grandmother, was awakened by a light flashing in her eyes, she thought then that it might have come from a neighboring window, but this morning the vines around the window were broken down and there were other evidences of a trial to gain entrance having been made.
There is hardly a doubt but that all the work of last night was done by one person. In every case the object seemed to be to get money from the pockets of clothing that had been worn on the day before. He is said by Mr. Godfrey to be stealthy, light-footed, and certainly this must be the case. None of the windows entered were forced, and it is quite probable that the operator searched until he found windows that were not fastened. The houses were entered after 1 o'clock this morning, after all the arc lights are off. The night was particularly dark and a person could not see only a few feet ahead of himself.
It is thought by many that it is the same person who has been operating in Syracuse for eleven months and foiled the police of that city. The work last night is practically the same as has been carried on in Syracuse.
FIFTY YEARS MARRIED.
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Van Buren Celebrate Their Golden Wedding.
Fifty years ago in a comfortable farmhouse 3 miles west of Cortland, a considerable number of guests met to participate in the wedding festivities of Rosalthea Chaffee and John O. Van Buren.
Monday afternoon, Oct. 6, another company met in the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Van Buren to congratulate them upon the completion of a half century of married life. Of the company who were present fifty years ago, five only, including the bride and groom, were present at the anniversary. Seven only are known to be living.
The aged mother of the bride, her only brother, Mr. Elmer D. Chaffee and her cousin, Nathan Salisbury, were permitted to have a part in the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the happy event. But the children—all who have come to add cheer as well as care to their wedded life—as well as some of the grandchildren, were present. It was a joyful occasion. While the heads of some of the party have been whitening, their hearts have been kept young. After supper, and while the writer was not present on the former occasion, he ventures the opinion that the supper of fifty years ago did not excel in either quantity or quality that of Monday—the company gathered in the parlor and Mr. Chaffee in fitly spoken words congratulated the bride and groom and expressed the hope which was shared by all the company that many years more might be given them. Attention was also called to the remarkable incident that the mother of the bride, Mrs. Hannah Chaffee, 89 years young, was present to renew the congratulations and good wishes of fifty years ago. Also that all Mr. and Mrs. Van Buren's children and grandchildren and one great grandchild united in expressions of loving good will and wishes.
Grandmother Chaffee favored the company with the singing of a favorite hymn of former days, and Mr. Nathan Salisbury gave a most enjoyable recitation. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Chaffee and daughter Minnie led the company in several familiar songs and hymns and two trios that were greatly enjoyed by all.
It was with reluctance that the company yielded to more prosaic duties and departed for their several homes, after many expressions of fraternal and filial love, leaving a substantial reminder of their visit, and bearing away a most delightful feeling of satisfaction that they were permitted to have a part in the event.
CITY DEMOCRATS
Met in Fireman's Hall and Nominated City Ticket.
FAY C. PARSONS FOR MAYOR.
James Dougherty for City Judge, C. V. Coon for City Chamberlain, T. N. Leach for Assessor—J. A. Jayne Chairman of the Convention.
The Democratic city convention was held in Fireman's hall last evening and made the following nominations:
For Mayor-—Fay C. Parsons. [pdf]
For City Judge—James Dougherty.
For City Chamberlain—C V. Coon.
For Assessor—T. N. Leach.
For Constables—Edward Woodbury, Frank Rice.
The hour named for holding the convention was 7:30 p. m. At that time just six loyal supporters of Democracy were in the hall. At 8:25 Mr. F. W. Collins rapped for order and called for a consultation of the ward committeeman. A committee was appointed to call upon Mr. W. J. Greenman to see if he would permit his name to come before the convention as a candidate for mayor. The look upon the faces of this committee when they returned from their interview was sufficient to indicate Mr. Greenman's attitude in the matter, which was a positive and emphatic refusal, and then considerable time was spent in casting about for an available man. It was a most genuine case of the office seeking the man. At the suggestion of the committeeman from the Third ward, the honor was offered to Mr. Fay C. Parsons and that gentleman was willing to make the sacrifice and accept the nomination for the good of the party. When this was finally agreed upon it was 8:40 o'clock and the delegates were getting anxious to do something and get the business finished up.
The convention was called to order shortly after 8:40 by Mr. John A. Nix in the absence of Mr. C. Fred Thompson, chairman of the Democratic city committee. The name of James A. Jayne was proposed for chairman and upon motion Mr. Jayne was declared elected.
Mr. F. W. Collins was named for secretary but he declined to act and Mr. Charles D. Sanders was chosen for that position. William Wingate and James Conway were elected tellers.
The officers of the convention wore sworn in by Fay C. Parsons.
The rollcall [sic] of delegates showed the following present:
First Ward—C. V. Coon, J. F. Byrnes, J. A. Jayne, Cornelius Hayes. James Grant.
Second Ward—A. B. Nelson, C. E. Rowley, Patrick Ryan, George W. Givens, M. F. Roche.
Third Ward—Henry B. Hubbard, James H. Turner, James Conway, S. S. Jones. Charles D. Sanders.
Fourth Ward—Edward Dowd, E. H. Medes, John Burns, F. W. Collins, H. C. Beebe.
Fifth Ward—William Wingate, John Comerfort, James Fitzgerald, Maurice Welch, Thos. Allen.
Sixth Ward—W. H. Hartranft, Fred Degann. Andrew Burns, Thomas McMahon, Merton Conrad.
Mr. F. W. Collins presented the name of Mr. Fay C. Parsons for mayor and the secretary was directed to cast one vote for Mr. Parsons and he was declared the nominee of the convention.
James H. Turner named James Dougherty for city judge and his nomination was declared unanimous. Mr. C. V. Coon, who was nominated for city Chamberlain, tried to decline the honor which the convention had given him but the chairman refused to permit him to withdraw.
Thomas N. Leach was nominated for assessor and Edward Woodbury and Frank Rice were named for constables. James A. Jayne was elected committee man at large for the city.
A committee was sent to notify James Dougherty of his nomination and to bring him before the convention.
Mr. Dougherty was introduced by Mr. F. W. Collins and in a brief speech thanked the delegates for the honor and pledged himself to a faithful discharge of the duties of the office in case his nomination should be ratified at the polls. "Equality before the law" would be his platform. His appearance before the convention and his remarks called forth the first applause of the evening. The convention then adjourned.
BREVITIES.
— Register [to vote] Friday.
—The Homer-ave. M. E. church choir will meet for rehearsal Saturday evening.
—A regular meeting of the L. C. B. A. will be held at 8 o'clock this evening.
—A regular meeting of the L. O. T. M. will be held tomorrow evening at 7:30 o'clock.
—The children's class of Dillon Bros.' dancing school will meet at Red Men's hall Saturday at 2:30 o'clock.
—The coal supplies of the Seneca Falls churches are now so low that the suspension of services is a distinct possibility.
—Friday is the first day for Registration in the city where personal registration is required. Outside the city limits Saturday is registration day.
—The Lehigh Valley depot of this city is soon to be lighted with electricity. Bids for wiring the building have been received, but no contract has as yet been awarded.
—New display advertisements today are—C. F. Brown, Olive oil, page 6; W. J. Perkins, Drugs, and paints, page 6; Opera House, ''Tangled Relations," page 5.
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