SUNDAY FILLER: NEIL DIAMOND

 

CUBA AND BERMUDA, BUILDING THE PANAMA CANAL, NEW INDUSTRY, A CORRECTION, AND PRISONERS MUST WORK IN TOMPKINS COUNTY

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, March 24, 1903.

CUBA AND BERMUDA.

Rev. J. J. McLoghlin Speaks of His Recent Trip South.

A BRIGHT PROSPECT FOR CUBA.

Recovering from Effects Of War—Rapid Work on Sugar Cane Plantations— The Coming Orange Country of the World—Political Future—The Trip to Bermuda—The Field of Lilies—Summer Temperature Everywhere.

   Rev. J. J. McLoghlin, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church, who in company with Bishop P. A. Ludden of Syracuse and Rev. J. J. McDonald of Binghamton had been making a tour of six weeks in Cuba and Bermuda, returned to Cortland last Saturday night. He is very much improved in health in consequence of the trip and was delighted with what he saw during his travels.

Anchored near the Maine.

   In a conversation yesterday concerning the trip he stated that after leaving New York the party journeyed to Florida, stopping at Tampa before going to Cuba. Upon arriving at Havana they entered the deep but not wide harbor and anchored within five rods of the place where the Maine was sunk. The masts still protrude above the surface of the water and mark the spot where the American battleship and many of her brave crew met their doom. The harbor is one of the finest in the West Indies.

The City of Havana.

   In reference to the beauty of the city of Havana Father John said that he was very agreeably surprised to see so many fine palaces, the ancient Gothic churches and the beautiful parks of tropical verdure. The city has a population of 300,000 souls, is clean and well paved. Through the kindness of Monsigneur Broderick, the present administrator of the temporalities of the church at Havana, the party had a chance to interview President Palma and the papal delegates to Cuba, Archbishop Chappelle, and to learn from them many things concerning the island and the people.

Recovering from the War.

   Of the island Father John says that it is rapidly recovering from its recent experience of war and famine. The soil when cultivated produces three crops each year. The principal product is sugar, and on the vast plantations the natives work day and night during the season of gathering the sugar cane. This is done in order to avoid as far as possible the evaporation of the cane in the fields. Electric lights are placed all over the plantations, and at night these present a very strange spectacle. Oranges in large quantities are grown in the island, and these, he states, are the finest he ever tasted. There is every indication that Cuba is to be the predominating orange producing country of the world. The frost line in Florida is gradually extending farther south on account of the clearing away of the forests, but in Cuba the crop is never injured by the cold weather because it is entirely within the tropics.

   The royal palm is the most common tree of the island. It grows to a height of about thirty or forty feet and is bare nearly to the top. There are many other kinds of trees, and the vegetation is very luxuriant. The island has, however, been allowed to remain nearly idle during the late war, but there is every evidence now of great prosperity, both spiritual and temporal. It is truly a land flowing with milk and honey. There is every indication of her rising, Phoenix-like, from the ashes and taking her place among the nations of the earth. The Spaniards, he says, are to a certain extent favorably inclined toward the United States and are in favor of a protectorate on the part of this, country over the island. The Cubans, however, are well satisfied to remain an independent republic. The Spaniards are said to own 80 per cent of all the real estate of the island.

   In regard to the religion of the island he says that it is entirely Catholic. After the war many of the Spanish clergy returned to Spain, leaving a void in the ranks of the priesthood. This is now being rapidly filled by native students, who have studied in the United States.

The Future of Cuba.

   In regard to the future of the island it is Father John's opinion that Cuba now by economy and unity will prosper and make progress. She is having financial help from capitalists of this country, and the morning that the party left Cuba J. Pierpont Morgan arrived, and it was rumored that he brought with him $35,000,000 as a loan to help in paying the heavy expenses of the recent war and to aid in the development of the island.

Side Trip to Bermuda.

   On account of the arrival of the excursion yacht Princess Louise of the Hamburg-American line, which was on its way from the West Indies to Bermuda, the party changed plans somewhat and took passage on this, going to Bermuda, a distance of 1,140 miles. The island, or chain of islands, is twenty-five miles long and about two miles wide, having a population of 17,000 people. It is of coral formation. Here over 4,000 Boer prisoners were brought during the South African war. Between seventy and eighty of these still remain, because of their refusal to take the oath of allegiance to the British crown. They do nothing except to appear each day for roll call and to eat what is given them. The staple products of the island are onions, potatoes, lilies and bananas. The lilies are cultivated in large quantities in fields and are shipped in large numbers.

Tom Moore and the Lilies.

   The island is wonderfully beautiful, and he says it is no wonder that the poet, Tom Moore, during his residence there in 1804, gave utterance to his admiration of the beauty of the island in the following lines:

   Could you but view the scenery fair,

   That now beneath my window lies,

   You'd think that nature lavished there,

   Her purest wave, her softest skies.

Summer Temperature.

   Good weather favored the party on its trip. In Cuba the thermometer registered from 75 to 80 degrees in the shade, and in Bermuda the temperature was from 68 to 75 degrees in the shade. The members of the party were all delighted with their trip.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Building the Panama Canal.

   The practical phases of the work of constructing the Panama canal are impressive in magnitude. When operations are fairly under way, from 20,000 to 40,000 laborers will be employed. Under the law the government, or the contractors, can draw this labor from any part of the earth, but it is expected that West India and American negroes will be brought in at the outset. If they cannot be secured in sufficient numbers, Japanese or even Chinese labor may be used. The ordinary laborer's wages will not be over 50 cents a day. In case negroes are employed, accommodations for their families must be provided, as it is established by experience that these laborers will not go far from home without their wives and children. The task of maintaining a high grade of sanitation among such people in a tropical climate will prove difficult, but it must be successfully performed if epidemics are to be kept away from the isthmus. A small army of physicians, mechanics, machinists, electricians, engineers, both stationary and locomotive, firemen, masons, foremen, bosses, inspectors and so on will be required, and these positions will go almost exclusively to white men from this country. The feeding of the whole force will require a commissariat equal to that of a large army in the field, and the bulk of the food supplies will go from the United States to the isthmus, as will indeed a large amount of machinery, cement and lumber. For the transportation of all this material to the isthmus the government will have a steamship line between New York and Colon, which will be acquired with the other property of the French company, and the Panama railroad while, of course, New Orleans will become a great feeder through its private steamship companies. In effect, the United States government will superintend an enterprise equivalent to maintaining an army in active operations in a foreign country; although the government's direct work would be greatly minimized if it should make a contract with a syndicate or private construction company to do the job.

 

A NEW INDUSTRY.

Cortland County Condensed Milk and Cream Company.

TO MANUFACTURE CONDENSED MILK.

R. H. Hibbard, J. J. Glann and J. C. Muir the Projectors of the Scheme— Forty Thousand Pounds of Milk Per Day Required—Condensed Milk to be Shipped in Bulk—Superior Quality of Milk to be Sought—Location of Plant Depends on Milk Contracts.

   The Cortland County Condensed Milk and Cream Co. is the name of the new concern that is about to incorporate under the laws of the state of New York and which will locate the plant somewhere within the boundaries of Cortland county. The stockholders of the company, who are also the directors and officers, are R. H. Hibbard, J. J. Glann, and J. C. Muir. The capital stock of the company will be $16,000, and the company will be officered as follows:

   President—R. H. Hibbard.

   Vice-President and General Manager—J. C. Muir.

   Secretary and Treasurer—J. J. Glann.

   A decision has not yet been made as to the location of the plant, though it will undoubtedly be upon one of the three railroads which are in the county, and the site will depend upon circumstances. The new company does not ask any financial assistance from any source, but it does want milk. The members of the company will within a few days see some of the leading farmers and dairy men throughout the county and will submit to them their proposition and see what contracts can be made for a regular supply of milk through the whole year.

Creamy Milk Required.

   As is of course inferred from the name of the company, its business will be the condensing of milk, and to this end it hopes to secure the best quality of milk that can be furnished. Some of the ordinary milk that goes to creameries and to the milk stations for New York markets will not answer, if better can be secured. The company hopes to get Jersey milk, rich with cream, and is willing to pay for it. If it can secure this superior quality of milk it will expect to pay a higher price than is paid for ordinary milk at the milk stations, because it will be worth more to the purchasers. It will make a better quality of condensed milk, and the same amount of milk fresh from the cows will make more of the finished product than the ordinary milk from cows that are bred wholly for the sake of securing quantity. The location of the plant, therefore, will depend somewhat upon where contracts for this kind of milk can be made.

40,000 Pounds Per Day.

   The company expects to start operations when it has secured contracts for 20,000 pounds of milk per day, but it hopes soon to take in double that amount each day.

   At first only condensed milk in bulk will be made, as contrasted with the condensed milk put up in small  cans. In this way the shipments will be in 40-quart cans, and the product will go through the New York and Philadelphia markets largely to hotels and ice cream houses that use large quantities. At a later time the product will also be put up in the small cans, thus forming what is known to the trade as "case goods."

Personnel of the Company.

   Mr. Hibbard and Mr. Glann have long been residents of this county and are well and favorably known to many. Mr. Muir will be the practical man of the company. He has been in the milk business all his life and has for a number of years been the general purchasing agent for Seiler Brothers of New York, who have a large number of milk stations and creameries, several of which are located in this county. A brother of his has been for a number of years connected with the New York Condensed Milk Co., and partly through the assistance of his brother and partly through his own experience he will be in touch with the best trade in New York for the disposal of the products of this plant.

   A concern of this kind does not call for the employment of many hands. From six to ten will probably be all that will be required, while only condensed milk in bulk is prepared and sold, but it will furnish a fine market for dairymen who are willing to raise creamy cows and who want to secure a gilt edged price for their milk if it is of the right quality. Later on if the condensed milk is put up in small cans as "case goods," it will require a large number of employees.

 

Bad Fire in Corning, N. Y.

   The Corning Stove works suffered a very severe and disastrous fire Saturday which resulted in the wiping out of the molding room and the destruction of all of their patterns which were kept in that part of the works. The room was completely burned, only the walls remaining. The fire penetrated into the mounting room and did some damage. The loss is estimated at from $10,000 to $15,000 and is practically covered by insurance. A house which stood within three feet of one of the walls of the burned building was saved from destruction by the good work of the fire department.

 

A Correction.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir—-My attention has been called to an item from the pen of your local correspondent in a recent issue of your excellent paper in which occurs an error which I respectfully desire to correct. The item says that B. F. and G. W. Lee were plaintiffs in an action against R. B. Ryan, in which judgment was obtained against the plaintiffs. Allow me to say that B. F. Lee has had no suit before me during my official career of nine years against any one and, so far as I know, neither of the Messrs. Lee has had more than one suit in Cuyler since I have been justice—which seems to the writer remarkable, considering the immense business they transact. This one suit was that of Geo. W. Lee, plaintiff, against E. B. Ryan, defendant. Defendant Ryan called for a jury, whose verdict, after holding out until near midnight, was for no cause of action, which was entirely satisfactory to plaintiff, notwithstanding four of the jurors, I was informed, were for cause.

   Now in connection with this, it seems to me but proper to say that Mr. Lee would not have brought suit, although he contended that defendant owed him, had not Ryan obtained a summons from a out of town justice to sue Lee, and upon being so informed Mr. Lee procured a summons and got first service. Furthermore, to the knowledge of the writer, Mr. Lee at the joining of issue exhausted every means known to business men to effect a compromise, he offering to divide their differences, to pay receipts or to leave them to disinterested parties, all of which propositions were rejected.

   E. J. Albro,

   Justice of Peace.

   Cuyler, N. Y., March 21, 1903.

 

PRISONERS MUST WORK.

Tompkins County Board of Supervisors Lays Down the Law.

   The Tompkins county board of supervisors at a meeting held last Saturday directed the sheriff to see that all prisoners confined in the county jail are made to work every day except Sunday, and a day's work is to be ten hours long. In good weather the prisoners are to be required to work on the roads of the county. Some other form of labor is to be found on stormy days and winter, but there are to be no more idle men, no more cards, and no more smoking in the jail during working hours.

 

BREVITIES.

   —A regular meeting of the A. O. U. W. will be held this evening.

   —Geneva's new automobile company is to take the name of the Black Diamond Automobile Co.,

   —The Ladies' Literary club will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with Mrs. F. D. Reese at 16 Tompkins-st.

    —The basket ball game [sic, spelling] at Taylor hall tomorrow night between the Athletics and the Sixth Battery team of Binghamton will begin at 8 o'clock sharp.

   —The quartet of the Amherst college głee club which gives a concert at the Opera House Saturday night will sing at the Presbyterian church on Sunday morning.

   —The new display advertisements today are: A. Mahan, Pianos and organs, page 4; Opera House, Amherst college Glee, Banjo, and Mandolin clubs, page 5.

   —Cortland Chapter, No, 194, Royal Arch Masons, will confer the Royal Arch degree Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock, after which a banquet will be served in the banquet hall.

   —Frank Braman picked a large bunch of May flowers yesterday in the woods near his home north of the city. These are the first spring flowers heard from so far except for crocuses which have been out for several days.

 

CASTRO RESIGNS, NOW DIG THE CANAL, THE HOUSE TRIAL, SLIGHT FIRE AT WICKWIRES' MILL, AND BURR C. BLOWERS

 

Cipriano Castro.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, March 23, 1903.

CASTRO NOW RESIGNS.

Congress by Unanimous Vote Declines to Accept.

GRANDILOQUENT MESSAGE READ.

Thought to Be a Political Trick—Night Session of Congress Held and Delegation Appointed to Ask President to Reconsider—Will Let Them Know on Thursday.

   Caracas, March 23.—The Venezuelan congress by a unanimous vote has declined to accept President Castro's resignation and has passed a resolution requesting him to reconsider his decision. It is believed that President Castro will yield to this expressed desire of congress and remain in power.

   The congressional hall was crowded Saturday afternoon, and all the members of the diplomatic corps were present when President Castro read his message to congress.

   President Castro first passed in review the terrible condition which prevailed in the country and denounced the errors of his countrymen. "But," he continued, "if it is painful to consider how much blood and how many tears have been shed, yet it is a consolation to think that their bitter stream by the law of compensation will fecundate something that should correspond to present day aspirations, since every struggle begets one idea and every victorious idea justifies the supposition that an onward step has been taken in the road to human perfection. Our victory, citizen legislators, over the great adversities which have just oppressed us must terminate the tumults of our life, otherwise we shall reach a shameful dissolution."

Collusion With Foreigners.

   Touching then on the question of the recent foreign intervention, President Castro said it had been brought about by a league of people who, unable to submit their claims to the impartiality of the tribunals, had employed force, and that because he refused to submit to the Anglo-German exactions they, acting in collusion with the revolutionary General Matos, endeavored to get rid of him.

   In confirmation of this latter statement, President Castro cited a letter written by the commander of the German warship Stosch.

   He proceeded to say that now that the sovereignty of the nation had been safeguarded, "I deliver my abdication in order that you may proceed legally to call on him who should take my place, so that there may remain to no Venezuelan the slightest pretext for hostility to his country or for connivance with foreigners who, without any ground save force, fell upon unfortunate Venezuela, trampling under foot reason and justice to the detriment of civilization and the beautiful conquests of right.

   "With head uplifted and with tranquil conscience I return to the efforts of toil [with] honor and dignity. All the energies and possibilities of my life are at your service should it become necessary to arise and defend our country against the attacks of the foreigner. All the glory I ask is to contemplate Venezuela becoming respected, prosperous and happy."

   The president of congress then received President Castro's resignation and a commission was immediately appointed to draw up a reply to the tendered resignation.

   The news of the president's resignation created intense excitement in political circles, but the city remained quite quiet.

   Later a night session of congress was held and a resolution was adopted requesting President Castro to reconsider his resignation in view of the critical condition of the republic and a vote of confidence in his policy was passed unanimously. A committee was appointed to transmit this resolution to President Castro Sunday.

   In view of the reasons for the resignation given in the presidential message it is believed in political circles that Castro will retain the presidential office.

   The delegation that had been appointed by congress called at noon Sunday at Castro's residence, Miraflores palace, and transmitted to Mr. Castro the resolution unanimously adopted by congress, refusing to accept his resignation and requesting him to reconsider his decision. President Castro in reply declined to change his mind, but after being urged by his personal friends, he offered to present another message to congress (which he will meet on Thursday), to give a solution to the situation.

   The French warship Troude has left La Guaira. Her departure is taken as indicating that there is no reason to fear internal complications as a result of President Castro's resignation.

 

Considered a Political Trick.

   Washington, March 23.—President Castro's resignation came in for a good deal of discussion in governmental and diplomatic circles. The general sentiment of persons conversant with South American affairs seemed to be that the president's action was merely a political move having for its object the declaration of an expression from congress of its united and hearty support. It was not thought that he had any serious idea of giving up his office permanently.

   No news reached the state department during the day regarding the later developments in the situation in Caracas. The department has requested Mr. Russell, the secretary of legation at the Venezuelan capital, for information on the subject.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Now Dig the Canal.

   The United States senate's ratification of the Panama canal treaty [pdf] removes the last serious obstacle to the construction of the isthmian waterway which the American people have had in contemplation for more than half a century. Though there has been a long and stubborn fight over the treaty and many amendments were suggested, it was finally approved without so much as the change of a word from the original convention as signed by Secretary Hay and Dr. Herran, the Colombian representative.

   The treaty embodies every concession that this country could reasonably make to Colombian sensibilities, though at the same time, it is believed, amply safeguarding our interests. It gives the Colombians sovereignty over a vast enterprise of the United States government, representing many more millions of dollars than the Colombian government is worth. The rights of this government to the canal property are for 100 years, with the privilege of having the lease perpetually renewed. Colombia agrees not to lease or sell to any foreign government any lands for the purpose of establishing fortifications or coaling stations or other works that might interfere with the construction or maintenance of the canal and auxiliary works.

   The treaty provides that free ports shall be established at the terminals of the canal, that the United States shall supply drainage systems for Panama and Colon and that the two countries shall jointly repel invasion. It is also provides for a joint commission of the governments of Colombia and the United States to establish and enforce sanitary and police regulations. Authority to regulate the use of the canal, railways, the entering ports and auxiliary works, however, rests with the United States.

   In acknowledging the sovereignty of Colombia the United States disavows any intention to impair it in any way or to increase its territory at the expense of Colombia or of any of the sister republics in Central or South America.

   With these political concessions and the liberal financial considerations—an annual payment of $250,000 in gold to be made for the lease, beginning nine years after the date of ratification, and $10,000,000 in gold to be paid upon the exchange of ratifications of the treaty—the Colombians ought to and no doubt will be entirely satisfied. The building and operation of the canal will greatly increase the importance of the Colombian republic among the nations and add prodigiously to the country's resources. This being the case, the American people will not look with any sort of toleration on further Colombian obstruction and will expect to see the work on the great enterprise speedily begun, with the hearty approval of the Colombians.

 

THE HOUSE TRIAL.

Defendants Charged With Manslaughter in First Degree.

GEORGE BENNETT THE VICTIM.

Case Now Proceeding in County Court—History of the Crime—Efforts to Secure a Jury—Only One Obtained up to Noon and He was the First Man Called.

   The trial of the case of The People vs. John H. House, Orson A. House and John C. House, indicted for manslaughter in the first degree, was begun in county court this morning before Judge Joseph E. Eggleston. The prosecution is represented by District Attorney T. H. Dowd and the defendants by H. E. Wilson of Syracuse, assisted by Dougherty & Miller of Cortland.

   The defendants are all residents of the town of Lapeer and live upon a farm there about two miles from the village of Marathon.

The Crime.

   At an early hour on the morning of Tuesday, March 4, 1902, George Bennett of Homer was brought to the office of Dr. Field in Marathon by Harry H. Gleason and John H. House. Bennett had been shot upon the House premises sometime after midnight. The circumstances of the shooting are in dispute.

   Bennett had during the previous year worked the House farm. His engagement there had ceased upon March 1 and he had moved his family to Homer. Not all the goods had been moved. Bennett's stepson had been sent down with the team a few days before to bring up the last load. It was a season of freshets and nothing had been heard from the boy. Bennett claimed that he had become anxious about his whereabouts and had started out to find him.

   The Houses claim that they were awakened during the night by some one in the other part of the house, where Bennett formerly lived. Later they heard a window broken. They believed a burglar was about. Orson House raised a rear window and says he began to fire at random with a Winchester magazine rifle. In a search around the building later they claim to have found Bennett in an outhouse, his right knee shattered by a bullet. Bennett claimed that the attack upon him was deliberate.

   Bennett was brought to Cortland on the early train that morning and taken to the hospital. An attempt was made to secure an ante-mortem statement from him, but he talked in such an incoherent manner that the attempt was abandoned. He was not thought to be in a dangerous condition, but it afterward became apparent that the blood vessels had become so contused from the splintering of the bone that the blood could not get through and that amputation was necessary. The leg was amputated on the morning of March 8. The patient had not vitality enough to withstand the shock and he died at 3:15 on the afternoon of March 8.

   At 6 o'clock that night the three defendants were arrested by Sheriff Overton on the charge of murder in the first degree.

   The preliminary examination was begun in Marathon before Justice J. H. Miller on March 21, was concluded on March 31 and the three defendants were held for the action of the grand jury. On May 2 the grand jury reported an indictment against the three for manslaughter in the first degree. Subsequently the three were admitted to bail.

Getting a Jury.

   Long before 10 o'clock the court room was filled with an eager throng to witness the trial. Every available seat was occupied and many remained standing. The long and tedious process of choosing a jury occupied the day up to the time of going to press.

   After the roll of the special panel of seventy-five extra jurors summoned for the trial of this case had been called Judge Eggleston asked all who had excuses from serving to step forward. Twenty-four thought they had good reasons for not acting as jurors and of this number the following were excused by the judge and for the reason s stated:

   Polemos W. Chaffee, Cortlandville, fireman; Myron F. Crane, city of Cortland, fireman; Vander M. Grant, Freetown, deaf; Jerry Gray, city, age; John Lannan, city, ill; Milo Miles, Virgil, ill; Daniel Reardon, city, ill; Richard Turner, city, engineer; Timothy Woods, city, engineer; Elna Phillips, farmer, Taylor.

   After the excuses had been taken care of the actual work of selecting a jury was begun. District Attorney Thomas H. Dowd questioned the jurors on behalf of the people and Attorney H. E. Wilson for the defense. The first name called was that of Jay M. Ballou, a former resident of Cortland, but now of Virgil, a farmer by occupation. In response to questions he said he knew John C. House, and the son Orson House. Had had no business relations with John C. House. Orson House he had made the acquaintance of upon one occasion when he came to his house taking census. Had heard the case discussed. Had formed no opinion of the case, and the fact that the grand jury had indicted a defendant for crime would not create any prejudice in his mind against the person indicted. He knew of no reason which would prevent him from rendering an impartial verdict upon the evidence in the case. Had no prejudice against a man keeping or using firearms under circumstances that law would allow. He was acceptable to both sides and took his place in the jury box as juror No. 1.

   Charles H. White, a representative of The Standard, was the second juror called. He was present at the examination conducted in Marathon, had heard the evidence given by witnesses at that examination and had formed an opinion in the case. He was excused.

   Charles H. Price, a farmer, and a resident of Cortland, had read the account in The Standard and had formed an opinion. However, he would try to give an impartial decision if the evidence given would justify such. It would take strong evidence to remove his opinion. He was discharged-

   Lee Bartholomew, a resident of the city, a clerk in Warren & Tanner's store, had read the account in The Standard and had formed an opinion which he still retains. Challenged by defense [and dismissed].

   O. R. Barber, a resident of Cuyler and farmer by occupation had read an account in the newspapers. Had formed an opinion at the time, but since that time had given it no thought and would be able to give an unbiased opinion in the case. Had strong opinion regarding circumstantial evidence. He was discharged upon peremptory challenge.

   When the court adjourned for the noon recess, Juror Ballou was the only juror in the box.

 

Wickwire Factory, Cortland, N. Y.

Theodore Wickwire.

WICKWIRE BROTHERS

Have a Slight Fire in New Steel Mill Saturday Night.

VERY LITTLE DAMAGE WAS DONE.

Loss Will Not Reach $1,000—Operation of Plant Not Interfered With for a Moment—Temporary Boxing About Pipes Ignited from Heat from a Generator Probably the Cause.

   There was a slight fire in the new steel mill of Wickwire Brothers wire cloth plant at 9:30 o'clock Saturday night. Very little damage was done. The loss will not reach $1,000, and the operation of the plant was not delayed or interfered with for a moment.

   Winter shut down so early last year that it was not possible to complete the brick wall upon the north side of the new mill. In order that operations might begin when the machinery was ready a temporary wall or partition of matched boards was put up in place of the brick to last till spring. But this did not entirely shut out the cold. A long line of oil pipes, steam pipes and hydraulic pipes extend in a bunch the greater part of the length of the mill. Though these rest at intervals upon the top of the brick regenerators which are always hot they are near this temporary outside wall of boards, and there was always danger during the winter of their freezing in the spaces between the regenerators because of the inadequate protection from the weather afforded by the thin wall. To obviate this difficulty the pipes were all enclosed for the winter, and until the brick wall could be put up, in a wooden box which also at intervals rested upon the regenerators.

   The steel mill is operated night and day throughout the week by double shifts of men, except that Saturday night at 6 o'clock it shuts down till Monday morning at 2 o'clock. The fires were cooled down as usual last Saturday night, but the heat is retained for a long time in the regenerators, which do not really cool off much before the fires are started up again for the work to begin Monday morning.

The Fire Discovered.

   At about 9:30 Saturday night John Moore, the watchman in that mill, discovered that this box enclosing the pipes was on fire in one place and that the flames had communicated with the outside wooden wall adjoining it. The windows in that vicinity were open. A brisk breeze was blowing outside and was fiercely fanning the flames. A glance showed him that too much headway had already been gained for him to successfully combat the fire even with the aid of the watchmen from the two adjoining mills. It is supposed that the fire started from the overheating of this box from the regenerator upon which it rested.

   Mr. Moore at once ran to the oil tanks which are located some little distance south of the mill, and shut off the oil so that no more could get into the pipes, thus preventing any possibility of an explosion even if the fire should assume large proportions. But there was little chance anyway for much of fire in that mill, for except this temporary wooden wall and a few temporary partitions and the box enclosing the pipes there is nothing about the whole mill to burn. All the rest is brick and steel. The watchman then ran to the office and pulled Wickwire Brothers private fire alarm box No. 143.

   The fire department responded promptly, but when the companies had reached the plant they found that they had to thread their way in the dark through a labyrinth of buildings to reach the steel mill which is at the extreme east end of the plant. No one at first knew exactly where to find a hydrant in the dark. A number of hydrants are scattered at intervals through the yard, but there was a little delay in finding them. Water was, however, soon turned on and then it was but the work of a few minutes to extinguish the flames.

   Soon after the water was turned on the engine which generates the electric lights for the plant was started and the lights were turned on, making the mill and its vicinity as light as day. It was then possible to get about with ease.

Damage is Slight.

   About the only damage done was to valves in these pipes. The packing in nearly all the joints which were in the range of the fire was burned out, and a number of the valves upon the pipes blew out. Several of them made quite a little explosion in the operation. As the winter is over and there is no more danger from cold, the wooden box enclosing the pipes will not be replaced, and in the course of a few weeks a brick wall will be completed, taking the place of the temporary wooden one. The valves were all replaced and the joints repacked yesterday, and every arrangement was completed so that the night shift of men went to work at 3 o'clock this morning, as is customary on a Monday morning. Not a minute's time has been lost as a result of the fire. The entire loss will probably fall quite a little short of $1,000.

Notes.

   This is the first time that Wickwire Brothers have ever had a fire of any kind in their wire mill, and their plant has now been in operation twenty-seven years.

   T. H. Wickwire never heard the fire bell at all and knew nothing whatever about the fire till called up by telephone at 11:30 by the superintendent of the works who happened to remember that he hadn't seen him anywhere about during the evening. He was told that the fire was all out and that the plant would be ready to resume operations at the usual time Monday morning.

   Superintendent A. P. Stilson was taking an easy shave all by himself at home Saturday night when he heard Box 143 rung out and knew that the fire was at the wire mill. He had shaved one side of his face and he simply wiped the lather off the other side with a towel and jumped on his wheel and started. He completed the shave Sunday morning.

   Hundreds of people, it almost seems as though thousands would be more accurate, rushed down Main-st. when it was known that the fire was at Wickwires'. The crowd along the railroad track down near the wire mill was immense. A light rain, turning to snow, was falling and the mud everywhere off the pavement was ankle deep.

   At the Tioughnioga club rooms there were six card tables surrounded with players. When the fire bell began to ring, only two left the room, it not being understood where the fire was, but when the word was passed that the fire was at Wickwires' every hand was dropped instantly and in thirty seconds the room was deserted.

   Emerald Hose Co. attached its hose to the hydrant on Main-st. at the corner of the office next the Lehigh Valley tracks. Its 500 feet of hose extended to the gate opening into the grounds. This was lifted off the hinges and thrown down and Orris Hose Co. attached 500 feet to the end of Emerald, but the line then fell more than a hundred feet short of reaching the fire. However there was no need for the services of either of these companies and the water was not turned on at all. Water Witch got into the ground through a Main-st. gate and found its way between the buildings to the hydrant nearest the steel mill. Hitchcock attached two lengths of hose to the end of Water Witch's line and through this line all the water that was needed was thrown.

 

BURR C. BLOWERS

Found on Main-st., in a Dazed Condition.

NOT BEEN SEEN SINCE SATURDAY.

Whereabouts in the Meantime Unknown—Not Recovered Consciousness—Lived in McGraw—Came to Cortland Saturday to Draw His Pay at Wickwires'.

   "What happened to Burr C. Blowers?" is a question that has today perplexed the members of the man's family as well as his physicians. He was picked up early this morning on Main-st. in a dazed condition and was unable to tell what had happened to him. As several dollars were missing that he was known to have with him it is thought by his friends that he had been the victim of foul play.

   At about 6:30 o'clock this morning Blowers, who lives in McGraw and works in Wickwires' mill, was picked up by workmen who were on their way to their work. He was at that time suffering from severe pain in his head, but could not tell what had happened to him. He was carried into McGraw & Elliott's drug store, and the man's father-in-law, Joseph Carruthers of McGraw, was notified. Dr. F. W. Higgins was also summoned. It could not be told whether the man was suffering from injuries received about the head or some kind of a fit was befogging his mind. There were no traces of any violence having been done, and as he is a temperance man and no signs of liquor were found, the case is very baffling.

   Blowers, with his wife and baby, live with his father-in-law in McGraw. The man works here nights, and he came here Saturday afternoon to draw his week's wages. He had not been seen by the family since he left home, but it is thought that he stayed here with his cousin, Rev. J. C. Auringer, pastor of the Memorial Baptist church. When Mr. Auringer arrived at the drug store he stated that he had not seen the man within the time in question. Where he was from the time he drew his money Saturday afternoon until early this morning is a mystery to his friends and a blank to him.

   While at the drug store this morning waiting for a McGraw car Blowers at times would moan piteously and call for his wife and "darling little baby" and pleaded to be taken home. He would also talk of his work at the mill.

   It is reported that about a year ago Blowers had an attack similar to this, but this report cannot be substantiated. Dr. Frank Forshee of McGraw who attended him at his home was questioned about the condition of the man. He said he could not tell what he was suffering from and he did not know of any previous attack of the same nature. At noon he had not recovered consciousness.

   About $6 was missing from Blowers' pockets, and it cannot be explained what has become of this, as the young man is known to be frugal in his habits.

   Grant Thomas, who was one to help Blowers in the store, gave valuable assistance in caring for the man until his relations came to his aid.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The name of North Hector has been changed to Valois and has been so corrected in the new time table of the L. V. R. R. Co.

   —The funeral of Mrs. George H. Nottingham, who died at her home near Marathon last Friday, was held at 1 o'clock today. The remains were brought to Cortland at 4:38 this afternoon for burial.

   —Instead of March blizzards we seem to be getting the genuine April showers. It is to be hoped that vegetation will not advance far enough to be nipped by the frosts that are pretty sure to come later.

   —A regular meeting of the King's Daughters will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. At this time the matter of a deaconess will be decided upon and every member is requested to be present. All others interested in local charity work will be welcome.

   —The new display advertisements today are—Bingham & Miller, New spring clothing, page 8; Warren Tanner & Co., Carpets, etc., page 6; The First National Bank. Banking, etc., page 6; G. H. Wiltsie, Dress goods, etc., page 8; C. F. Brown, Paints, page 4; Opera House "Wine, Woman, and Song," page 5.