RECOGNITION OF UNION, CORTLAND Y. M. C. A., BOY SENTENCED, L. C. B. A. INSTALLATION, 8-DAY SWITCH LIGHTS, AND NO CONTAGIOUS DISEASE

 

Wayne MacVeagh.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, January 15, 1903.

RECOGNITION OF UNION.

Principal Demand Attacked by the Erie Company.

   Philadelphia, Jan. 15.—Recognition of the union, which the anthracite coal operators maintain is not an issue before the coal strike commission, was the principal demand attacked by the Erie company in its contest against the claims of the United Mine Workers of America.

   Captain W. A. May said that had the region been free from terrorism, he believed the company would have been able to mine coal during the late strike. The company was making progress last September when the terrorism prevented the company from going any further.

   Asked what his progress amounted to, he replied that the company had secured from 40 to 50 men out of 2,500 to blow down coal.

   The witness then submitted to a long cross-examination on the amount of waste in the loaded mine car brought to the surface. He said it averaged about 21 per cent. Mr. May admitted that some of the foremen of mines were sometimes overbearing and concluded his testimony by stating that he thought $600 a year was a fair American living wage and that he would like to see all of his men earning at least that much [ref: one oz. of gold $20—CC ed.].

   Alexander Bryden of Dunmore, a mining engineer, who was for many years superintendent, said the Pennsylvania Coal company gives all its miners an opportunity to earn $3.50 a day. He corroborated the testimony of Superintendent May regarding the lack of discipline since the miners' union came into the field, and also said the earning capacity of the men is restricted by the organization.

   Samuel J. Jennings of Forest City a general foreman of the company, said he was able to earn $5 a day as a miner, but on cross-examination said he earned only $60 to $80 a month when he worked as a contract miner. He explained that he was not working full time then.

   John F. Gallagher of Mayfield, in charge of three of the Erie's collieries, testified that the steam men went on strike without giving notice, and that he tried operating a colliery without a docking boss. The experiment was not a success.

   Patrick Mitchell of Pittston and George M. Maxey of Forest City, both miners, testified that the union was directly responsible for restricting the earning capacity of the miners. Mitchell said he was fined $5 by the union because he worked on the night of the day the breaker did not run. He did not pay it and is now out of the union.

   The only explanation he could give was that the union wanted all the men to have an equal distribution of cars.  Before the 1900 strike more cars were loaded each day than now. He threatened to dismiss his laborer if he did not load more cars, and the latter replied if he did he could not get another to fill his place. The laborer was not discharged.

   Maxey's experience was that a young, strong man was not permitted to send out more coal than an older or weaker man. If he did get 10 or 15 cars ahead of his neighbor he had to stop until the other man caught up. The president of the local union to whom he complained about the matter said it was done so that all men would get an equal amount of work.

   Wayne MacVeagh and Major Everett Warren, counsel for the Erie company, expect to conclude their case this afternoon. The Delaware, Lackawanna & Western will follow the Erie.

   Chairman Gray is expected to attend today's sessions.

 

MUST GO OUT OF BUSINESS.

Fifty Saloonkeepers of Shenandoah, Pa. Lose Licenses For Harboring Rioters.

   Pottsville, Pa., Jan. 15.—Deputy Sheriff Bedell has filed remonstrances against granting licenses to all Shenandoah saloonkeepers who harbored rioters during the strike and as a result more than 50 saloonkeepers there will have to go out of business.

   Chief of Police Fry of Shenandoah testified to the court that shots were fired at the officers from these saloons during the riots. In the First ward, where most of the trouble occurred during the strike, it was shown that there were 60 licensed places and only 400 voters.

   The court announced that all saloons there were rioting and will be refused licenses.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

Why the Difference?

   Niagara Falls is forging ahead with the project to erect and equip a new Young Men's Christian association building. The leading business men of the place have taken the matter up, and a committee of fifteen has been appointed to solicit the necessary funds. Fifty thousand dollars will be raised, and it is expected that there will be no difficulty in securing the necessary amount, as several large sums have been promised and the business men of that city are awake to the advantage of such an institution in their town.

   And yet in Cortland the Y. M. C. A. is having a tremendous struggle to keep alive and is even forced to consider the question of closing its doors and disbanding. Why the difference? Is not the Y. M. C. A. quite as valuable to the residents of Cortland as of Niagara Falls and other places where it meets with a cordial and hearty support? A meeting of the directors of the local association and others is to be held Saturday night to consider the future of the association. Unless some is assurance of immediate and continuing support is given the association will disband. Can Cortland afford to permit this? Will not all interested and all who will give financial aid be present or give assurance to some officer or director before that evening that they will aid. If the association disbands it will not be because the officers and directors have not done all they could for its welfare, but because the citizens in general have withheld their support, and upon the community at large will rest the responsibility.

 

SENTENCED TO ROCHESTER.

A Small Boy Who Cannot be Controlled at Home.

   Leon Ballard, 11 years old, son of Dwight Ballard, a truckman who lives on Excelsior-st., was sent to the Rochester Industrial school this morning by City Judge James Dougherty. He was charged with vagrancy and also with being an incorrigible truant by Truant Officer J. R. Birdlebough. The lad's father consented to the commitment in the industrial school.

   The youngster is perhaps the cleverest little faker that was ever seen in Cortland. His father stated this morning in court that Leon would not stay at home and that the boy was beyond his control. His method of securing money was to plead dire poverty in his father's family, caused by illness or other things that would be apt to appeal to the person from whom he solicited the money. His innocent, pinched little face aided him in his work. The closest scrutiny of his countenance would reveal nothing but genuine uprightness. He told his stories in a straightforward manner, and generally succeeded in getting money from the people he approached. He had been in school long enough to learn to write, and sometimes he presented orders that were claimed by him to have been written and signed by his step-mother.

   The first evidence of the little chap's plan to get money was seen shortly after Christmas. He dropped into The Standard office about 10 o'clock one night and presented a note which was written with a lead pencil on a scrap of read paper. It was as follows:

   "Will you let me have 50 cents and I will pea [pay] when Mr. Ballard gets his penchon [pension]. Mrs. Ballard."

   On the other side of the paper was this inscription:

   ''I am sorry to say Mr. Ballard is out of work."

   When asked more in detail concerning the order by those at the office the boy said that his mother had sent him to the office for money, as there was nothing in the house to eat and his mother expected company the next day. The lad looked so pleading and he told such a straight story that the amount asked for was given and the lad went away looking happy indeed.

   From The Standard office he went to Watson's drug store and asked for 25 cents. He pleaded poverty at that place and told the proprietor that if he failed to get money for his mother she would thrash him when he went home.

   At the York barber shop he renewed his application for money upon the ground that his father was ill and that there was nothing in the house to eat. He was told by Mr. Potter that if he was hungry he could go to the bakery with him and get something to eat.

   This offer was rejected by the boy on the ground that he wanted money.

   Yesterday morning Leon went to Nourse's jewelry store with an order written by him and bearing Mrs. Ballard's name, to secure a silver watch that had been left at that place by his father for repairs. This watch is a silver-cased one and was left at the store two years ago. When asked about the timepiece the boy said that it had been left there some time ago and afterwards remembered that it had been in the store about two years. The order presented was:

   "Please send the watch and I will be in next week and pay for it. Send it by the boy. Mrs. Ballard."

   This morning Mr. Ballard did not remember that he had left the watch at the store. Mr. Nourse had a memorandum of the transaction, however, and the boy had kept it in mind and was ready to get hold of the watch to make capital of it.

   The lad left home last Sunday and his father did not know where he was until yesterday, when it was discovered that he was staying with some boys in the Squires block.

   In city court this morning the youngster seemed not a bit disturbed over the matter. He answered all questions by nodding or shaking his head, but that he understood all that was going on was very evident. He will be taken to Rochester tomorrow.

 

L. C. B. A. INSTALLATION

And Banquet Held in Empire Hall—An Enjoyable Affair.

   At a regular meeting of Branch, No. 317, of the Ladies' Catholic Benevolent association held in their rooms in Empire hall last evening, the following officers were installed by Past President Mary Maher:

   President—Mary C. Dowd.

   First Vice-President—Katharine Ellis.

   Second Vice-President—Elizabeth Haben.

   Recorder—Elizabeth Quinlin.

   Assistant Recorder—Margaret McMahon.

   Financial Secretary—Mary E. Maher.

   Treasurer—Anna M. Haben.

   Marshal—Anna McAuliff.

   Guard—Bessie Burns.

   Trustees—Margaret Campion, Katharine Otis, Anna Maher.

   Board of Appeals—Elizabeth Corcoran, Catherine Colgan, Mary Maher.

   At the close of the business meeting occurred the sixth annual banquet of the branch and invited friends. The following menu was served by Caterer McDermott:

 

   Rev. J. J. McLoghlin, spiritual adviser of the branch, was the guest of honor and gave a short address on the good work of the organization. At the conclusion of Father John's remarks the retiring president, Catherine Corcoran, was presented by the branch with a small favor as a mark of their appreciation of her as an executive officer.

   Ą program followed, consisting of recitations and vocal and instrumental solos. Music for the banquet was furnished by the Cortland orchestra.

   At a late hour the company left for their homes, all feeling that the sixth annual was one of the most enjoyable events since the organization of the Cortland branch.

 

Eight Day Switch Lights.

   The Lehigh Valley R. R. has been making an exhaustive test of a new switch light oil and has found it so satisfactory that it is about to install eight day switch light all along its line. These will burn day and night for eight days and an inspector will only need to visit them once a week to fill them and see that they are all right instead of every day as formerly.

 

House in Scott Burned.

   The house of Daniel Cottrell in Scott was burned to the ground at about 1 o'clock last night. The family escaped and part of the contents of the house was saved, but nothing but ashes remained of the building itself.

 

No Contagious Disease.

   Health Officer Carpenter this morning fumigated the residence on Railway-ave. where there had been a mild case of scarlet fever, the patient having fully recovered. He states that now there is not a single case of any contagious disease of any kind in the city. A pretty good record and a very satisfactory state of affairs.

 

BREVITIES.

   —New display advertisements today are—Bingham & Miller, Clothing sale, page 8: Perkins & Quick, Baking powder, page 7.

   —A new trolley line from Ithaca to Geneva is being talked up in Ithaca by a party who claims to represent a company of Boston capitalists.

   —The Normal Athletic association will present the farce "Ici on Parle Francais" in Normal hall next Monday night for the benefit of the association.

   —The Cortland County [bicycle] sidepath tags for 1903 have been received and will soon be placed on sale. A large "3" proclaims the genuineness of the badge.

   —The Standard is indebted to Mr. Benjamin Smith of Cortland, who is spending the winter with his daughter in Chicago, for late copies of the papers of that city.

 

RAISE AGE LIMIT IN MINES, NARROW ESCAPE FROM FIRE, OIL STOVE OVERTURNS, JOINT INSTALLATION, CORTLAND COUNTY FAIR, AND TRUXTON, N. Y.

 

Breaker boys, Pennsylvania Coal Co.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, January 14, 1903.

WOULD RAISE AGE LIMIT.

Mr. May Wants Boys Under 16 Kept From Mines.

IMPROVEMENTS IN COLLIERIES.

Testimony of Physicians—Most Dangerous Mines in the World—Contract Miners Average Six Hours a Day and Pump Men 12—Accidents Due to Fall of Roofs.

   Philadelphia, Jan. 14.—Having occupied nearly three days in calling witnesses to testify in opposition to the demands made by the anthracite miners, the Delaware and Hudson company closed its case before the coal  strike commission and the commission's attention was then called to the conditions existing in and about the collieries operated by the Erie company. This corporation manages the Hillside Coal and Iron company and the Pennsylvania Coal company and its counsel before the commission is Wayne MacVeagh of Philadelphia and Major Everett Warren of Scranton.

   Dr. Fulton's testimony admitted on cross examination that the anthracite mines are more dangerous than any other mines in the world with a very few exceptions in the far west, where new mines are being opened.

   Dr. W. E. Keller of Scranton, a medical examiner for life insurance companies, said he had made 3,973 examinations of persons above the age of 13 years. Of these 794 were mine workers and only 37 were rejected, none of them on account of miners' asthma and only one for rheumatism.

   This concluded the Delaware and Hudson's case and the Erie company then opened its side by having Major Everett Warren read a brief opening statement of what the company intended to prove.

   On concluding his statement Major Warren submitted the charters of the Hillside Coal and Iron company and the Pennsylvania Coal company and read extracts from the laws of Pennsylvania and from decisions relating to the weighing of coal. He said the claim of the miners for a ton of 2240 pounds is impracticable for physical reasons.

   Captain W. A. May of Scranton, the general superintendent of two companies, told of the improvements made in and about the collieries during the last 25 years, these tending to make the occupation of the miner more healthful.

   He spoke of the efforts of the company to improve the condition of its employes [sic] in other directions, such as giving them a chance to purchase their own homes, and allowing them three months to pay up the back rent which accumulated during the strike.

   The company never restricted the men in the number of cars they should load, and the contract miners averaged about 6 hours a day.

   Speaking of the steam men, who work 12 hours a day, Mr. May said the pump runners do not have to work hard; that some hoisting engineers have a hard task, and that the fireman's duties are not onerous. The night engineers have easy work.

   In answer to questions put by counsel he said there was no reason for a miner who is industrious to send his boy to work in the mines and if he had his way he would make the age limit for boys in the mines 16 years and outside the mine 14. The law now is 14 and 12.

   He further stated that most accidents in the mines are due to falls of roofs. Many of the accidents were due to carelessness of the men. Captain May was still on the stand when adjournment was taken.

 

Sereno Payne.

Report of Coal Committee.

   The report of the ways and means committee submitted to the house by Chairman Payne, after recommending the passage of the coal rebate bill, says:

   "This is an emergency measure. Precedents for such legislation are found in the Chicago fire and the fire at Eastport, Me. In these cases congress rebated the duty on lumber used in rebuilding the burned districts. Whether legislation will increase the importations or reduce the price of coal is a question on which men differ. But it is all congress can do in the premises and will satisfy the demand of many of our citizens. While there is a threatened coal famine in any part of the country we can not turn a deaf ear to the cry of the people.

   "The committee did not consider it best to make any changes in the tariff on coal, after the period of one year had expired, preferring to bring in this as a purely emergency measure and not desiring to go into the question of tariff revision, even upon this one article. If any relief can come to the people from such legislation it will be amply secured in the period provided for in the bill."

 

PAGE FOUR—BRIEF EDITORIAL.

Oil as Fuel.

   Taking as the thermal unit the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit, Professor Norton finds that anthracite coal is to be credited with from 15,000 to 16,000 heat units per pound; bituminous coal with from 14,000 to 15,000; coke with from 10,000 to 11,000; charcoal with 12,000; peat with 10,000; coal-peat briquettes with from 10,000 to 13.000, and kerosene and gasoline each with from 20,000 to 25,000 heat units per pound. Kerosene is thus seen to be the most effective natural fuel that is to be found.—Philadelphia Telegraph.

 

A NARROW ESCAPE

For Rev. L. J. Christler and His Sister from Fire.

FORMER RESIDENTS OF HOMER, N. Y.

House Was Full of Flames When the Clergyman Wakened and Reached the Door—His Brave Dash Up Stairs After His Sister—Both Overcome by Smoke Fall Unconscious on Way Out and Both are Rescued from Death by an Unknown Stranger.

   Rev. Leonard J. Christler, assistant rector of St. Peter's Episcopal church in Auburn, N. Y., formerly rector of Calvary Episcopal church in Homer, and his sister Miss Jessie A. Christler narrowly escaped death in a fire at their home in Genesee-st. in Auburn at an early hour yesterday morning. Thanks to the bravery of the clergyman and of an unknown friend both the minister and his sister were saved from certain death.

   It was about 5 o'clock yesterday morning when the unknown [man] was walking along Genesee-st. and as he neared the Christler home he saw the house was brilliantly illuminated. He looked again and saw that flames were bursting from the upper portion. From all appearances the whole interior of the house was on fire and the occupants were not yet awakened. With stentorian tones the lonely pedestrian dashed to the home and began banging on the door. Just as it was quivering beneath the force of his assault Mr. Christler staggered to the door and threw it open. He was in a semi-conscious condition from the fumes, but the rush of cold air revived him and his awakened faculties told him that his sister was in danger. With a rush he returned and dashed for her bedroom. The opening of the door had also furnished a draught and the flames burned with redoubled violence. Long tongues of flame shot after the young curate as he ran up the stairs to his sister's room, and he was himself enveloped in fire. Nothing deterred him, however, and on entering her room he found her unconscious. Picking her up in his arms, Mr. Christler started down stairs, but the smoke was too thick for him and when half way to the bottom he became unconscious and brother and sister rolled to the bottom. The unknown stranger had remained at the door shouting for help, and when he saw Mr. Christler and his sister fall he dashed bravely into the fiery furnace and picking up the girl carried her to the next house, that of Dr. J. M. Jenkins, where she was tenderly cared for. Returning with all speed he grasped the unconscious curate and bore him also in safety to the Jenkins home, where he too received medical attention.

   All of this had taken place before the residents of the vicinity had appeared, most of them waiting to don suitable attire before venturing forth into the freezing air. The fire department was summoned by telephone and when the firemen arrived the house was burning fiercely. It was a tinder box and went fast, but the firemen made a gallant fight and saved the lower portion. In the upper story were all of the personal effects of Mr. and Miss Christler, but they were covered by insurance. The fire is supposed to have started from an overheated chimney.

   Both Mr. Christler and Miss Christler recovered during the day, but they have not yet thanked their unknown preserver, as he quietly left after he had made the rescues and no one knows his name.

 

OIL STOVE OVERTURNED.

Rare Opportunity for a Big Fire at W. R. Cole's.

   There was a slight fire yesterday afternoon at the home of W. R. Cole, 146 Main-st., Cortland, with a rare opportunity for a one of much larger proportions. The latter was prevented by the presence of mind and activity of Mrs. Cole at the critical moment.

   It was just before dark and Mrs. Cole was sewing in the front room up stairs,[sic], while her little daughter Margaret, 3 1/2 years old, was playing about. As the day was very cold an oil stove was burning in the center of the room to furnish additional heat. In some way Margaret backed against the stove and upset it pouring the burning oil out upon the carpet where it spread in all directions, flaming up to a considerable height. Mrs. Cole gave one spring and carried the child out of the room. Then she dashed to a closet and pulled down from the hooks anything that was woolen which she piled upon the flames to smother it. Rose blankets and bathrobes followed each other in rapid succession. Some small rugs came next, then one large one snatched from the floor of an adjoining room. This was effective. The others had checked the flames, but this rug covered everything all up and extinguished the last vestige of fire. Mrs. Cole was not burned in the least in any of her efforts. The damage will not exceed $100 and is covered by insurance.

   Mrs. Coles fear was all the time she was fighting the flames that the stove would explode but it did not. It was fortunate that Margaret's clothing did not catch from the stove as it went over, and a bit of hesitation or the delay of a single minute in attacking the flames at the outset would have meant a great deal of damage with probably the destruction of the house.

 

A JOINT INSTALLATION.

Cortland and Homer—Banquet Follows—A Binghamton Speaker.

   A joint installation of officers of the Homer and Cortland lodges of the Ancient Order of United Workmen was held in Vesta lodge rooms last evening. Nearly one hundred members of the order were present and a most enjoyable occasion was afforded.

   After the exemplification of the work of the order by District Deputy Eugene Woodworth and staff, a banquet was served and following this an impromptu toast list, with M. E. Sarvay of the local lodge as toastmaster. Among those who responded were Mr. Henderson of Binghamton and Master Workman Owen Nelly of Homer.

   A union installation of officers of all the lodges of the county was to have been held, but owing to the inclemency of the weather and lack of facilities in returning home after the meeting, Truxton and Cincinnatus lodges did not attend, and the Homer lodge was the only one represented.

   Before returning home the Homer lodge challenged Cortland lodge to a bowling contest, and this was accepted. Messrs. R. L. Davis, Harry Swan and Bert Van Buren were appointed as a committee to arrange for the contest.

   The following officers of Cortland lodge, No. 351, were installed:

   P. M. W.—R. L. Davis.

   M. W.—R. B. Innes.

   Foreman—M. E. Sarvay.

   O.—Dr. E. M. Santee.

   Recorder—C. W. Saunders.

   Financier—George I. Watson.

   Receiver—H. J. Baker.

   Guide—W. E. Blanchard.

   I. W.—Clarence Swan.

   O. W.—E. J. Callen.

 

THE COUNTY FAIR.

Dates Are Fixed, but Annual Meeting is Adjourned.

   The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Cortland County Agricultural society, that was called for this afternoon at 2 o'clock in Fireman's hall, was adjourned until Jan. 31, at the same hour and place. No business was transacted today as there was not a majority of the stockholders present. Officers will be elected at the adjourned meeting.

   The dates of the fair for this season were announced for Aug. 25, 26, 27 and 28.

 

CITY TAXES

May be Paid Within Thirty Days to the Chamberlain.

   City Chamberlain G. J. Maycumber has received the tax roll of the city and will collect taxes for the next thirty days without additional fees. His office in the Schermerhorn block will be open for receiving taxes from 9 a. m. until 4 p, m. on all week days except Saturdays when it will from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m.

 

Lehigh Valley railroad depot, Truxton, N. Y.

TRUXTON, N. Y.

Run Over by a Hand Car—Result of Peculiar Accident.

   Truxton, Jan. 12.— Mr. Elias Parker, a section hand in the employ of the Lehigh Valley [railroad], narrowly escaped being killed as the result of a peculiar accident which happened to him Saturday. Parker together with several others who are employed on Section 47 were coming from Cuyler to this place on a hand car. Parker was sitting on the front of the car holding a broom in each hand sweeping the track. When going over a trestle a short distance this side of Cuyler one of his feet caught between the ties throwing him over and in front of the car which passed over him. The car which weighs 900 pounds was thrown off the track. Parker was picked up by his fellow workmen and brought on the car to his home at Willow Grove, and Dr. S. H. Stevens summoned, who found that no bones were broken but that he was seriously bruised and injured, at first it was thought internally but at this writing the injured man is resting easily.

   Mr. Claire Matthewson, an employee of Bryant's furniture factory, had his hand badly cut and mangled on a jointer while at work Friday. He went to a physician's office where several stitches were taken.

   Messrs. Frank J. Westcott, Frank L. Hilton, William S. Goddard, Cearles W. Beattie, William K. Atkinson, George K. Atkinson, Myron H. Crosley, Albert F. Kenney, Howard F. Buell, Henry Bell, Joseph J. Meldrim, J. O. Lansing, W. R. Woodward, Coolidge Beattie and Halsey Stevens attended a meeting of DeRuyter lodge, No. 692, F. & A. M. at DeRuyter Saturday, when the first degree was conferred upon Clarence Mitchell of DeRuyter and the third degree upon S. Halsey Stevens and Coolidge F. Beattie of this place and John Snell, Eugene Morse and Lewis Barber of Cuyler. Among those present from other lodges were Dr. Charles H. Jones, T. P. Britol, George Peters and Alliston Boice of Cortland lodge; E. E. Cummings and Willard Jaqueth of Cazenovia lodge.

   A petition has been circulated for a rural free mail delivery route from Cuyler over Cuyler hill and return via Dog Hollow. The paper was circulated by Roger Ryan, Esq. Mr. Lee Burdick is an applicant for carrier.

   Mrs. Frank L. Hilton and Mrs. R. R. Stewart were in Syracuse Saturday.

   Mr. Howard F. Buell has returned from Cortland where he has been attending court as a grand juror.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Town meetings in the various towns of Cortland county will be held on the third Tuesday in February.

   —The frame for the new roundhouse of the Lackawanna railroad near the junction is now up and the siding is being put on.

   —New display advertisements today are—M. W. Giles, Inventory sale, page 7; Hollister Hardware Plumbing Co., Dinner pails, page 5.

 

COAL STRIKE INQUIRY, THE COAL SITUATION, ROB CARS TO GET COAL, COMPTROLLER MILLER, AND TIOUGHNIOGA CHAPTER D. A. R.

 

1902 coal strike commisioners, Judge Gray seated middle, Gen. Wilson seated right.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, January 13, 1903.

COAL STRIKE INQUIRY.

Officials of Companies Continue Their Testimony.

MANY DAYS NEEDLESSLY LOST.

Workings of Delaware and Hudson Miners' Relief Fund—Denial by District President Dettrey—Circular From Mr. Mitchell Urging Miners to Extra Efforts to Relieve Famine.

   Philadelphia, Jan. 13.—The proceedings before the anthracite coal strike commission consisted principally of calling of witnesses by the Delaware and Hudson company to tell of the conditions existing in and about its collieries and to refute certain testimony presented against the company when the miners' side was being heard. In the absence of Chairman Gray, General Wilson again assumed the duties of chairman.

   The Delaware and Hudson company expects to conclude its case today, when the Erie company, which controls the Hillside Coal and Iron company and the Pennsylvania Coal company, will present its side of the controversy.

   C. C. Rose of Scranton, superintendent of the coal department of the Delaware and Hudson company, who testified on Saturday, was recalled. He stated that several of the company's collieries were flooded as a result of the strike of the steam men on June 2.

   On cross-examination he said he would rather let the mines fill with water than submit to unreasonable demands made by a union. He considered that the strikers were dictating to the company and rather than surrender a principle he would let the property become damaged.

   George Anderson of Scranton, a clerk in the coal department of the company, presented numerous statistics bearing upon the issues before the commission. One of the statements showed that 2,388 of the company's 13,258 employes [sic] have been working in or about the mines from 10 to 60 years.

Workings of Relief Fund.

   He produced data showing the workings of the company's relief fund with which more than 5,000 of the company's employes are connected. The workers pay to the fund one day's pay each year, the company contributing an equal amount.

   Men who are injured receive $6 a week for three months and in case of death their heirs receive $50 for funeral expenses. The widows receive $3 a week for one year and $1 a week for one year for each child under 12 years of age. The company fixed $2.18 as the amount a contract miner should receive as a day's pay.

   Mr. Anderson also presented a statement showing that the 28 collieries of the company lost 368 ten hour days in 1901 for which the employes were responsible. Of these 115 were lost on account of picnics and other holidays (not including legal holidays); 59 days on account of "Mitchell day" and other union days and 194 days on account of the strikes and suspensions.

   Another statement offered by the witness showed that since the strike ended in the latter part of October the 28 collieries lost 110 days, reducing the coal production of the company 92,581 tons. The men had been requested to work on Thanksgiving day, but ignored the request, he said. None of the miners worked on "Mitchell" day, he added, and 12 collieries were idle the day after Christmas.

   After recess Henry Birkbeck, inside foreman of the Von Storch colliery, told of the injury of a boy in the mines and of his discharging the man who was responsible for the accident. The union men in the colliery, he said, struck for the reinstatement of the dismissed man, but [they] refused to take him back. The injured boy corroborated the testimony of Mr. Birkbeck.

Denial by President Dettrey.

   William H. Dettrey of Nuremburg, the newly elected president of district No. 7 of the miners' union against whom it was testified last week that he said non-union men should have their throats cut or should receive a "good thumping," was summoned to the witness stand by the miners. He denied the charges absolutely and several witnesses were called who corroborated his statements.

   President Dettrey took occasion to say while on the stand that his family was annoyed and his home stoned by enemies of the union while he was away from home on business connected with the union.

   David Davis, foreman of the Langcliffe colliery, H. T. Hughes, foreman of the Plymouth No. 5 colliery, and Frederick Radman, foreman of the Plymouth No. 3, all testified that since the strike of 1900 the miners and laborers will not load as many cars as they did prior to that strike. The men were willing but were afraid of expulsion from the union.

   Mr. Hughes told of how a portion of the men in his colliery struck because the company would not pay for standing props and that one chamber in the mine was boycotted because it was hard to work. A certain mark was placed in the chamber, he said, and when a union man was asked to work the place and saw this mark he would refuse to do it.

   Mr. Badman told of difficulties he had in filling a place where a union man had been discharged. He said it was the rule of the union that no union man should take another's place. All the foremen claimed that the company was able to furnish the men with enough cars to do a day's work.

   The last witness of the day was James P. Dickson, freight agent of the Delaware and Hudson company at Wilkes-Barre, who handed up a statement showing the fluctuation in the prices of groceries, meats, and other necessaries of life during the last three years. The figures he presented showed that the prices were only slightly above those of 1900.

 

John Mitchell.

URGES EXTRA EFFORTS.

Circular Letter to Mine Workers Showing Gravity of Situation.

   Philadelphia, Jan. 13.—President Mitchell of the United Mine Workers association of America has issued the following circular letter to all local unions in the anthracite district:

   Philadelphia, Jan. 12.

   To the Officers and Members of Local Unions of the U. M. W. of A. in the Anthracite Region.

   Gentlemen—You are no doubt aware that a serious coal famine exists in all the Eastern and seaboard cities, due to the shortage of the anthracite coal supply. The situation has reached an acute stage and has resulted in great suffering and hardship to the poor of the cities, whose earnings are insufficient to enable them to pay the excessive prices now being charged for fuel, and it is subjecting the general public to great inconvenience.

   To relieve the situation and alleviate as far as possible the suffering now being endured, is the duty of every one connected with the production of coal. With this end in view we are prompted to address this communication to all members of our union and request that they co-operate with the management of the mines in an effort to increase the production of coal. The gravity of the situation is such as to require that every mine worker shall exert himself and use every means at his command to this end.

   Upon reading this communication in the columns of the daily papers local unions should hold meetings and devise means whereby the daily output of the mines may be increased. These efforts should be increased until the weather moderates and the great necessity for fuel shall have passed.

   John Mitchell, President, U. M. W. of A.

   T. D. Nicholls, Thomas Duffy and John Fahy, presidents, anthracite districts.

 

THE COAL SITUATION

Discussed by Congressmen and President at White House.

   Washington, D. C., Jan. 13.—Representatives Payne, Dalzell and Grosvenor, called at the White House this morning at the president's request to consult with him regarding the coal situation. Besides the proposed legislation granting a rebate of full duty on coal imported before July 1, other suggestions for relief from the present coal famine were discussed, the nature of which the parties to the conference refused to disclose.

 

ROB CARS TO GET COAL.

People at Hoosick Falls, N. Y., Made Desperate by Lack of Fuel.

   Hoosick Falls, Jan. 13.—The coal situation here has reached a serious stage, and there is much suffering in consequence. The only way to get coal is to rob cars consigned to New England points. Every night people equipped with bags, baskets and barrels board the slow moving freight trains and supply themselves. One dealer gave out two tons of buckwheat coal held for his personal use because of absolute necessity, and is burning wood in his heater.

 

Black Diamond Express.

Lehigh Valley Rushing Coal.

   In order to facilitate the movement of coal, it has been decided to temporarily suspend the operation of the Black Diamond Express west of Wilkes-Barre on the Lehigh Valley R. R. Passengers going west of that point will be very little inconvenienced by this change, because since the Black Diamond was first put in service, the Lehigh Valley railroad has added to the schedule train No. 7, (Buffalo and Chicago express) with through Pullman sleepers, coaches and dining cars from New York to Chicago via Buffalo and Niagara Falls reaching Buffalo only a few minutes before the Black Diamond Express.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

As to the Entertainment of Relatives.

   The people of St. Louis are doubtless much interested in the decision of a Milwaukee Judge that visiting relatives, if they outstay their welcome, may be compelled to pay for board and lodging at the prevailing rate. The Milwaukee case referred to second cousins who stayed for five weeks. Probably the rule would be somewhat more liberal in the case of cousins german.

   However, the principle involved is the same, though duration of hospitality may vary according to the nearness or remoteness of the tie of propinquity. And it is in the principle of the thing that the residents of St. Louis are interested as they contemplate the coming to the big fair of a flood of sisters, cousins and aunts.

   Every Chicago man's house was full of poor and rich relations in 1893 and every Buffalo man's house in 1900. So is likely to be every St. Louis man's house in 1904 if he submits to the invasion.

   But the chances are that he is not going to submit. Adopting the principle laid down by the Milwaukee jurist as good law as well as good common sense, the St. Louis householder has his remedy in his own hands, and nobody can blame him, except the relatives who want to see the fair without paying board and lodging while sojourning in the exposition city, if he limits his hospitality to a reasonable time and then compels the visiting relations to pay their board.

 

Nathan Lewis Miller.

COMPTROLLER TO ODD FELLOWS.

Mr. Miller Principal Speaker at Entertainment in Albany.

   Comptroller Nathan L. Miller was a guest at an entertainment given by the Albany Odd Fellows last evening in Odd Fellows' temple, says the Albany Journal of Saturday, and made the principal address. There was a large audience, every lodge in the district being represented.

   In the course of his address Comptroller Miller said that, while he appreciated the fact that he was not an Odd Fellow, he was also made to realize by the representative array of members of the order that surrounded him on the platform, that he really was an odd fellow in the gathering. Mr. Miller paid a tribute to the success and motives embodied by the Odd Fellows. He said the society taught men the obligations of society and strengthens the bonds of brotherly love and brotherly work. The speaker went on to say that the fraternal society removes the masque which men wear in business, which makes them seek only the material success and he eulogized the Odd Fellows as being possessed of this edifying purpose.

   "We are living in a day of organization," said the speaker. "We find capital, labor, the business and professional man—and yes, even the politicians organizing, to aid each other to achieve success. These organizations should teach men the benefits of social intercourse and obligations of brothers to their fellow men."

   Mr. Miller closed with an impressive plea for the preservation and continuance of the noble work of the order.

 

NEWSPAPER SOLD.

J. A. Loyster Disposes of the Cazenovia Republican.

   J. A. Loyster, who since 1890 has been the editor and proprietor of the Cazenovia Republican, has sold his paper to F. M. Elliott who till last week was a half owner of the Hamilton Republican, and who had just sold out to his partner. Mr. Loyster is the inventor of the special printing machinery on which a large part of the milk bottle caps used in the United States are printed, and his object in disposing of The Republican is to enable him to devote his entire time to this kind of work.

   Mr. Elliott has made an excellent paper of the Hamilton Republican and The Standard extends a cordial greeting to him as a nearer neighbor.

 

Country Roads Drifted Full.

   The country roads seem to be drifted full and perhaps the territory round about Cortland has fared worse than that in its immediate vicinity. This may be judged from the fact that yesterday morning an Onondaga county juror had to walk nine miles to get to a train to Syracuse, and a Tompkins county juror had to walk five miles to Ithaca to attend court. In both instances the roads were so drifted that it was impossible to get a horse through.

 

Two County Organization.

   The physicians of Tompkins and Schuyler counties have organized. The purpose of the association is to establish and maintain a schedule of fees, which schedule will soon be published throughout those counties.

 

THE COAL SUPPLY.

Plenty on Hand to Supply Present Needs—More Coming.

   While many cities and towns are in dire straits from lack of coal, Cortland is extremely fortunate in having a supply to meet the present demand. The dealers are cautiously dealing out the supply in small lots and Cortland will not, for some time at least, experience a coal famine.

   A canvass among the dealers yesterday disclosed the fact that there were more than 250 tons of hard coal in the dumps of the coal men. Three cars of chestnut coal came to Cortland this morning and relieved the shortage in that particular kind of coal. There seems to be a goodly amount of furnace coal on band, and one coal firm reports that it has more furnace coal in its bins than it has since the coal strike. The most of the dealers are very hopeful in regard to the coal situation, and it is thought by them that coal will continue to be sent here in sufficiently large amounts to piece out the demand that there is for this commodity.

 

TIOUGHNIOGA CHAPTER

Of the D. A. R. Holds its Annual Meeting and Election.

   The annual meeting of the Tioughnioga chapter of the D. A. R. was held yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. F. J. Doubleday. The report of the secretary shows a membership of thirty-five und an average attendance of eighteen at each meeting. The treasurer, Mrs. W. A. Stockwell, reported a good sum in the treasury. The following officers were elected for the coming year:

   Regent—Mrs. N. H. Gillette.

   Vice-Regents—Miss Elizabeth Corey, Mrs. C. F. Thompson, Mrs. A. P. McGraw, Miss Nellie L. Conable.

   Recording Secretary—Mrs. C. C. Darby.

   Corresponding Secretary—Mrs. F. Daehler.

   Treasurer—Mrs. F. J. Doubleday.

   Historian—Mrs. J. G. Jarvis.

   Registrar—Miss M. Frances Gould.

   Ten dollars were appropriated towards the Memorial ball in Washington, and Mrs. G. J. Mager [was] elected alternate to the Centennial congress in February.

   The case for the preservation of colonial and war relics placed in the Hatch library building was reported finished and Mrs. G. H. Smith and Mrs. C. F. Thompson appointed a committee to look after the same.

   The literary program was then given, the topic being ''Settlement and Colonial History of New England:"

   First Settlements and Colonial Governments, Mrs. C. C. Darby.

   Religion Intolerance, Mrs. Geo. P. Hollenbeck.

   Character and Custom of the People, Mrs. Clara Benedict.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The profits of the Ithaca band fair last week were about $900.

   —The Cortland Kindergarten association will meet Thursday, Jan. 15 at 3:30 o'clock in the Normal kindergarten.

   —The Ladies' Literary club will meet on Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock at the home of Mrs. George H. Smith, 6 East Main-st.

   —Cortland Chapter, No. 104, R. A. M., will hold a regular convocation Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock. The officers for 1903 will be installed in full form.

   —Mrs. Riggs, wife of Prof. James S. Riggs of Auburn Theological seminary, died at her home Sunday morning after an illness of but a few days from pneumonia.

   —The National Salt Co. has moved its business office from Scranton to Ithaca, the latter place now producing so much salt that it has become a decided factor in the salt business.

   —Mr. Benjamin C. Quick of the drug firm of Perkins & Quick and his sister, Miss Catherine Quick, have taken rooms for the winter at the residence of Mr. A. S. Burgess, Church-st.

   —New display advertisements today are—G. H. Wiltsie, January sale of muslin underwear, page 4: A. S. Burgess, Clearing sale of clothing, page 8: M. A. Case, Sweeping reduction in ready-to-wear department, page 8; McGraw & Elliott, Quinine tablets, page 5; Opera House, Vogel's minstrels, page 5.