DARROW'S ARGUMENT, INDIANS VISIT PRESIDENT, TRUXTON TOWN EXPENSES, NEW PASSENGER STATION, TO BUILD HOTEL, AND PARLOR SOCIAL

 

Clarence S. Darrow.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, February 13, 1903.

DARROW'S ARGUMENT.

Miners' Chief Counsel Commenced Summing Up.

BEGAN YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

Will Take Up All of Today's Session. Says Miners Will Gladly Accept Mr. Baer's Late Offer if Advance is Based on Operators' Statement of Present Earnings.

   Philadelphia, Feb. 13.—Before an audience that filled a every inch of space in the United States circuit court room, President George F. Baer of the Reading company made his closing argument for the coal operators before the strike commission and Clarence S. Darrow, chief of the counsel for the miners, began the summing up for the men.

   The greatest interest was manifested in Mr. Baer's appearance before the commission to plead the case of the mine owners. There were many prominent persons present to hear him, among them being President Truesdale of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western railroad; Archbishop Ryan, judges of the federal and local courts, state senators, and many mining officials from the coal regions.

   Mr. Baer concluded his address by making a proposition to pay the contract miners on the sliding wage scale, their wages to fall or rise with the market price of coal at New York but that in no case shall the wages fall below the present basis. The spokesman for the coal companies took up two hours and 29 minutes in delivering his address, and when he sat down he was congratulated by hundreds of persons.

   Mr. Darrow spoke at the afternoon session for two hours and a half, and will take up all of today in closing the miners' case.

Wage Statements Unreliable.

   The crowd that heard him was equally as large as that which listened to Mr. Baer and he, too, was surrounded by an admiring throng when he temporarily suspended his speech at adjournment time. His remarks were directed principally at the wage statements presented to the commission which, he said, could not be relied on.

   Mr. Darrow in opening made a complimentary reference to the patience of the commission, reviewed the strike and all the sufferings it entailed, and said:

   "I shall apologize for none of the mistakes of the men, but I do say it does not come with grace from their accusers to call them criminals."

   Mr. Darrow went on to tell of the operators refusing to give the men more money, and said:

   "As a consequence of this act, 147,000 men lay down their tools of trade and we have seen 750,000 men, women and children reduced to want and starvation for six long months. We have seen the president of the United States appoint the commission to settle the difficulty and then this afternoon, in the last hours of the proceedings, the man more responsible than any other comes before this commission and says we will do exactly that which these men demanded nine months before and which they in their blindness, their ignorance and their stupidity refused.

   "Why did not Mr. Baer go to Mr. John Mitchell nine months ago as he came to this commission today?

   "You can do just as you please about recognizing the union. If you do not recognize it, it is because you are blind and you want to bump against it some more; that is all. It is here to stay, and the burden is on you and not upon us. There is neither the power nor the disposition in this court, I take it, to destroy the union, and if these agents of the Almighty cannot see the union they had better blunder along still a few more years, and possibly after a  while they will know it is here and recognize it themselves."

   Passing to the wage statements handed to the commission, Mr. Darrow said the operators have been deceived by their own accountants, and that when Mr. Baer informed the senators of this state, the president of the United States and the commission of how much wages his men were getting, he gave them information at least 30 or 40 or 50 per cent beyond any facts that really existed.

Will Be Glad to Take Offered Raise.

   "If at the end of all this time and labor, he is willing to give us five or 10 per cent upon the figures that he says correctly represent our earnings, we will be very glad indeed to take it. From the beginning of this strike until the end, whatever you may say about whether the miners knew what they were getting or not, these operators have never given out a correct figure or made a statement that would stand the light of day for a single moment when they talked to the public."

   Counsel then spoke of the skill required by the anthracite miner and the dangerousness of his occupation.  He brought in review the crippled and blind miners who took the witness stand and called the commission's attention to the fact that six out of every thousand are killed in the mines each year.

   "Five hundred dollars a year is a big price for taking your life and your limbs in your hand and going down into the earth and dig up coal to make somebody else rich," he said. "I have had a computation made covering every company that has filed schedules with this commission and in Mr. Baer's company only about a third of the men got over $400 in the year 1901."

   Speaking of the alleged fact that 58 per cent of the Reading's men received only $300 a year Mr. Darrow exclaimed:

   "God knows that the conditions in this country and in this mining region are not so bad that men will be content to sit down and earn $300 a year."

   Counsel then analyzed the statements of the other companies and said that as near as he could make it out the figures were at least 10 to 15 per cent too high, and said the wages paid by the Reading were the lowest in the region.

   Turning to the mine laborers he said more than five out of every thousand are killed every year "to say nothing of the maimed and the crippled and the blind who are turned out under the beneficent laws of the state of Pennsylvania to the alms houses and highways and by ways, because no man can recover in this state, and I say it advisedly that I believe there is not another state in the union where it is as difficult to recover as in this commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

   In discussing the child labor question, Mr. Darrow said:

   "If the work of this commission does not result in getting rid of this abominable, disgraceful evil in Pennsylvania, then I think the people may well say that it has been a failure. You may not get rid of it at once, but no man ever lived that could make an excuse for it. This custom has grown up in the state of Pennsylvania because there is money in it and the industries of Pennsylvania are dependent upon it. The evidence in this case shows that every single one of these industries is run by the labor of these children.

   "When these railroad presidents are finally called to book [sic] before the president of the United States, one of them shed tears because the United Mine Workers allowed these boys to join their organization, because as it was claimed they taught these poor babes doctrines of anarchy and disobedience to law. This railroad president shed tears because the United Mine Workers were spoiling the souls of these poor children, and yet he was willing to take the earnings of these poor children, that he and his family might be richer because of their toil.

   "These babes know their friends. There is not one of these children, ignorant though he may be, yet not one of them so lost to natural instincts that he does not know who loves him. There is not one that would not run from a railroad president to the open arms of John Mitchell; and they are right. I have no doubt the railroad president loves children. Neither have I any doubt that the wolf loves mutton. These men make a living out of these children; the little children get $165 a year."

   Mr. Darrow quoted the late Abram S. Hewitt to the effect that during the Molly Maguire days he found men in the anthracite region "living like pigs and dogs under wretchedly brutal conditions," and then took up the famous order of the union for the steam men to strike, and closed by saying:

   "If these gentlemen were stupid enough to let their mines fill up with water rather than grant this eight hour day, all right. But keep still about it. After you have done it, the more you talk of it the more contemptible it makes you look in the eyes of all men who think."

 

President Theodore Roosevelt.

Indians Visit the President.

   Washington, Feb. 13.—A delegation of distinguished Indian chiefs, headed by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perces, and including Andrew John, a Seneca of New York, called upon the president, The Indians, robed in gorgeous blankets, were introduced to the president by General Leonard Wood and Colonel Scott, both of whom had campaigned against Chief Joseph in the West. The president gave his callers a cordial reception and delighted them immensely by inviting them to attend the army and navy reception at the White House as his guests. The Indians are in Washington to look after certain legislation pending before congress in which they are interested.

 

Professor Jenks Goes to Mexico.

   Ithaca, N, Y., Feb. 13,—Professor J. W. Jenks of Cornell university has been invited by the Mexican government to go to Mexico to consult with the authorities there regarding the establishment of a new monetary system. The trustees have granted Professor Jenks leave of absence for one month, and he will leave for Mexico March 1.

 

A COMMUNICATION.

Some Pertinent Questions Asked of the Truxton Town Board.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir: As town meeting approaches I and the merits of various candidates' are being discussed the question of our town expenses seems to have the most important bearing upon the result.

   In looking over the abstracts of the several towns in the Supervisors' Journal in 1902 it will be found that with but one exception (Cortlandville) the town expenses of Truxton exceed any other town in the county by a large amount. With a tax ratio of nearly $3 on $100 the taxpayers have become dissatisfied and they now demand their rights.

   The town board is being much criticized and justly too for the manner in which they have conducted the business of the town for the past few years.

   Extravagant charges have been made. Bills have been audited and allowed which seem never to have been itemized or verified.

   Why should the town law, Sec 167, page 186, Supervisors' Journal of 1902, have been disobeyed?

   From the abstracts in the Journal of 1902 one is unable to obtain the true state of affairs as accounts audited and allowed by the town board have been omitted from the town abstracts in the Journal. Was this done in order that the taxpayers might be deceived?

   For the benefit ot the taxpayers of Truxton a more complete explanation is required of the town board as regards several bills that have been audited and allowed.

   For example: The bill of the supervisor. We find upon examination of his bill filed in the town clerk's office and audited by the town board that he was allowed $303.83 while the abstract in the Journal (No. 3 , page 159) gives only $203.93. From what fund and by what authority did he receive the difference in amount $100, which on his bill he credits by draft Oct. 23, 1902? Why was it omitted from the Journal? Was it in order that the taxpayers might he again deceived? Why should the claimant of this bill be an exception to all others, not being required to itemize or verify his accounts?

   Will Mr. O'Donnell explain why the money (highway) was not deposited at Muller & Son's bank as instructed by the board and save the town expense of $3 to settle with bank at Cortland?

   Will the town board explain why bills audited Nov. 7, 1901, were again audited and allowed Nov. 6, 1902?

   Many other items similar to the above might be given which for lack of space we omit.

   At the town meeting Tuesday the interest of the taxpayer is paramount and it rests with each individual voter to do his duty by going to the polls and casting his ballot for men who are interested in the welfare of the town.

    Do you want the affairs of this town to continue as in the past? If not, go to the polls and vote the straight Republican ticket which if elected will give the town a clean administration. It remains with the tax payers to bring about this much needed reform and we urge every voter, whether Republican or Democrat, who has the welfare of the town at heart to come to the polls on town meeting day and cast his ballot on the side of right and justice.

   A Taxpayer.

   Truxton, N. Y., Feb. 12, 1903.

 

NEW PASSENGER STATION

To be Built at Homer—Surveyors Taking Measurements.

   Surveyors of the Lackawanna railroad have been in Homer today taking measurements preparatory to the building of a new passenger station about twice the size of the former one. It is said that the station will be a fine one and an ornament to the town.

 

DEATH OF H. C. HOWLAND.

A Long Time Resident of McLean Widely Known and Respected.

   Mr. Henry C. Howland died this morning at 2 o'clock at his home in McLean, of pneumonia and heart disease, after an illness of five weeks. His age was 71 years and 2 months. From the first his sickness was severe, and but little hope was entertained for his recovery, although he rallied at times and for a while seemed to grow better, only to have a nervous relapse.

   Mr. Howland had long been a resident of McLean, having lived in the house in which he died for over forty years, and was well known, not only in McLean and vicinity, but in Cortland as well, where he had many friends. He was honored and respected by all who knew him for his sterling honesty and loyal friendship. He was every inch a man.

   Besides a wife, he leaves two children, Mrs. Hattie M. S. Steele of McLean, and Mrs. W. H. Mineah of 72 Prospect-st., Cortland, three sisters and two brothers, three of whom reside in Ohio.

   The funeral services will be held from the Universalist church of McLean, of which the deceased was a regular attendant, next Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the pastor, Rev. U. S. Milburn, officiating.

 

TO BUILD A HOTEL.

Sig. Sautelle to Conduct one at Lake View—Good Fishing.

   Sig. Sautelle, showman, hotel keeper and dealer in real estate in general, has now purchased of Charles S. Rowe the site of Lake View hotel, 6 miles from Cincinnatus. The hotel, which burned three years ago, will be rebuilt this summer by Mr. Sautelle, who will conduct it as a summer house. The place is pleasantly located near a small lake, in which is excellent fishing. He will put up a substantial 40 or 50 room building.

 

Julia E. Hyatt.

A PARLOR SOCIAL

At Mrs. Hyatt's—Auspices of W. C. T. U. and Political Equality Club.

   A parlor social will be held at the home of Mrs. Julia E. Hyatt, 182 South Main-st., Monday evening, Feb 10, under the auspices of the Political Equality club and the W. C. T. U. A fine program has been prepared and all interested are cordially invited to attend.

   The W. C. T. U. takes this opportunity to thank the ministers of Cortland for presenting the petition against Sunday baseball and golf games and also against opening the saloons on Sunday. The congregations  representing a membership of over 3,000 unanimously responded by a rising vote, thus signifying their opposition to any law that would allow Sunday games or legalize the sale of liquor on Sunday. Cortland is to be congratulated in having pastors who are so bravely meeting the issues of the day and are always ready to cooperate in anything to advance Christ's kingdom. Committee

 

BREVITIES.

   —Cornell university dropped 122 students at the mid-year just past for failing to keep up their work.

   —The city clock, which has been exceedingly steady for many months, balked last night at 9:22 o'clock.

   —New display advertisements today are—G. H. Wiltsie, Saturday specials, page 6; Perkins & Quick, Borated Talcum powder, page 5.

 

RATIFIES THE TREATY, SNOW COVERED BEDS, PERISHABLE NEWSPAPERS, JUSTICE FORBES, TO ERECT NEW BLOCK, AND NIGHT CAFE ON RAILROAD ST.

 

Chauncey M. Depew.

Matthew Quay, portrait.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, February 12, 1903.

RATIFIES THE TREATY.

Alaskan Boundary Matter Disposed of by Senate.

TREATY WITH GREECE HELD UP.

Department of Commerce Report Is Agreed To—Senator Depew Opposed the Omnibus Statehood Bill—Provision Against Mormonism Not Strong Enough.

   Washington, Feb. 12.—In an executive session which lasted only an hour and a half the senate, in addition to confirming a large number of nominations, ratified the Alaskan boundary treaty and came near taking similar action on the commercial treaty with Greece. This last was reported by Senator Cullom of the committee on foreign relations.

   The Greek treaty was read through by the clerk and then Senator Cullom asked that the resolution of ratification be acted upon, but Senator Hoar objected. He said that he desired an opportunity to examine the provision concerning consular trials. He explained that he had no objection to the general purport of the treaty, but said that as the provision was read it seemed to him to be loosely drawn. The principal purpose of the Greek treaty is the regulation of commerce between Greece and the United States.

   There was no delay in securing action on the Alaskan treaty and very little opposition to it was manifested. Senator Teller said that he considered the Alaskan boundary so well determined as to make it not a matter of dispute. Therefore, while he would not delay it, he would not vote for it.

   The ayes and nays were not called, but there were several voices heard in the negative when an informal expression was called for. The ayes are so much more numerous, however, that the decision of the chair to the effect that ratification had prevailed was not challenged.

   Senator Cullom asked the senate to give up today after the conclusion of routine morning business to executive work, and no objection was made.

   Senator Quay, who has charge of the statehood bill, gave his assent with others. It is Senator Cullom's intention first to take up the Panama canal treaty and to follow that with the Cuban reciprocity treaty.

   Mr. Hanna called up the conference report on the department of commerce bill and it was agreed to without debate. The bill now goes to the president.

   Mr. Morgan branched off on the subject of the proposed treaty with Columbia. He referred to the concordat of Pope Pius IX which constituted a part of the organic law of Colombia and said that the United States intended to put the heel of ignominious contempt upon it. He predicted a return of the hostilities between the old church party in Colombia and the Liberal party.

   When Mr. Morgan concluded Senator Depew took up the subject of the omnibus statehood bill speaking in opposition to it. He said that the head of the Mormon church, who is a spiritual and temporal guide of the Mormon people, was in a position to say to the leaders of both political parties "What will you do to protect Mormonism?"

   He characterized the anti-polygamy section of the statehood bill as a sham and said there had been no proposition from the Democratic side to strengthen it.

   Mr. Teller said that if a day would be set when a vote could be taken the Democrats would all join in strengthening the provision referred to.

 

SNOW COVERED BEDS.

Inquiry into Conditions in the Smallpox Hospital.

PATIENTS IN ELECTION BOOTHS.

Witnesses Swore to Lack of Food. Clothing, Nurses, Heat, Ventilation and Inadequacy of Accommodations. Spectators Listened With Abhorrence to Details—Health Officer Absent.

   Rochester, N. Y., Feb. 12.—At yesterday's session of the aldermanic inquiry into the conditions at Hope hospital during the recent smallpox epidemic, much of the testimony was of a sickening nature.

   Lack of food, clothing, nurses, heat ventilation and decent treatment were complained of by nearly every witness and more than one swore to existing in election booths so poorly put together that snow covered the beds during the night.

   The conditions were attributed to the inadequacy of the accommodations at the outbreak of the epidemic and consequent unfitness of buildings and nurses for what was required.

   Health Officer Goler was in Europe during the time complained of.

   Particular grievances were based on food and the manner of getting it. Indescribable details of general rushes for meals were given, and the committee and spectators listened with abhorrence.

   Several witnesses swore that a well known young man about town who died during the epidemic had much better treatment than poorer patients.

 

PERISHABLE NEWSPAPERS.

Serious Drawback to their Manufacture from Wood Pulp.

   The congressional library has thousands and thousands of volumes of newspapers, periodicals and books of incalculable value which are destined to comparatively short lives, if the fear of many leading librarians are realized. These are publications for which paper made of wood pulp is used. The old paper made of line rags is practically indestructible. The library has books hundreds of years old and yet they are preserved as perfectly as if they had been issued from the press but last year. But with the paper made of wood pulp the case is different.

   The files of newspapers at the library that are but fifteen or twenty years old show the effect of time in the condition of the paper. Readers who consult these newspapers are painfully aware how careful they have to be in order not to tear the pages as they turn them. Light and air are the destructive elements that are playing havoc with the wood pulp sheets. In cases in which a leaf of paper is allowed to extend beyond the main body of the file the light and air have not only turned it yellow, but have made it so brittle that if creased the paper will break. The volumes are as well preserved as they are only because they are allowed to lie so much of the time on shelves without exposure to the light.

   This danger which threatens the mass of literature that is issued from the press of the country today has been carefully considered by book lovers and especially by those who have the care of great libraries. The suggestion has been made that a few copies of all newspapers that are to be preserved be run off on substantial linen paper. They are such newspapers published before the Revolutionary war, and frequently referred to, that are today in the best condition possible. The same might be accomplished with all newspapers.

   It is believed that men who have made this matter a specialty that within fifty years the newspaper files of the present day can not be accessible to the public without great restrictions on account of the fragile condition. The congressional library is preserving the files of about 600 newspapers daily. Many a man today seeks them for information that can be found nowhere else. As the years pass by their value will greatly increase. The library is in fact doing a work that has often been talked of but never undertaken so thoroughly before. It is being widely commended for this work, which will be better appreciated in the years to come. But if it were possible to pass a law requiring all publications offered for copyright to be printed on durable paper the legislation would be approved by the generations to come.—Ex.

 

NEW YORK SUPREME COURT.

Steps Taken Toward Making Repairs on the Court House

   In the case of Nancy F. Stoker vs. Ernest Clark which was on trial yesterday the jury brought in a verdict of $300 damages for the plaintiff.

   This was the last case tried and the jurors were at once discharged.

   Before the adjournment of the court Judge Forbes had an interview with the chairman of the [Cortland] board of supervisors and the committee of the board on county buildings and presented to them the report of the grand jury recommending certain changes in the courthouse. The matter was talked over and steps will be taken to make the changes asked for. Court then adjourned.

 

Ladies' Literary Club.

   The Ladies' Literary club met yesterday with Mrs. G. E. Chambers, 23 Tompkins-st., and the following program was given:

   The City of Venice, Mrs. Chambers.

   Reading—Venice, Miss Booth.

   Artists and Modern Life, Mrs. Turner.

   Conversation—Spirit of Venetian Life as Compared With that of Naples and Rome, Miss Minnie Fairchild.

   Round Table—American Wood Carving, Mrs. Sornberger.

   The next meeting will be on Feb. 25 at the home of Mrs. Sornberger, 34 North Church-st.

 

THE FIRST SAP HEARD FROM.

Started on the Virgil Hills and Continues to Run.

   Our correspondent from Virgil, South Hill, reports the first sap heard from this year. It appears that on Feb 3. Charles Ryan tapped two trees from which the [maple] sap ran rapidly that day, and it has continued to run every warm day since. The syrup made from this is reported to be very fine.

 

TO ERECT A NEW BŁOCK

And Locate His Undertaking Business on the First Floor.

   R. H. Beard, recently of the furniture and undertaking firm of Beard & Peck, who is now to conduct the undertaking alone while Mr. Peck retains the furniture business, has decided to build a new block on his lot at 26 Church-st., just south of the Emerald Hose Co.'s block, in which to carry on his undertaking business. He will begin the erection of the block about April 1 and will crowd it to completion as soon as possible thereafter.

   Mr. Beard purposes to build a three-story building with steel front, which will have a street frontage of 42 feet. It will be built on the sidewalk line and extend back 28 feet and join the building that now stands on the lot. A basement will be built underneath it.

   On the south side of the lower floor the rooms will be fitted up for the undertaking rooms, which will comprise a room suitable for holding funerals, when desired, a morgue, display rooms and office. On the other side the space will be done off for a store or a business place. On the second floor two flats will be maintained and one also on the third floor. Each of these flats will contain eight rooms.

   The building will be equipped throughout with all the modern improvements. The flats will be provided with electric lights, gas and baths and will be built in a tasty and up-to-date manner. Mr. Beard has already received applications to rent these apartments.

 

Another Night Cafe.

   Earl B. Cummings has placed a fine new portable night cafe on the north side of Railroad-st., just east of M. L. Decker's sewing machine office, and will open the same this evening. The equipment was built by the Ellis Omnibus & Cab Co. of this city and is a credit to that institution. The decorations are very attractive and the whole outfit presents a neat and attractive appearance.

 

BREVITIES.

   — A regular meeting of the L. O T. M. will be held this evening at 7:30 o'clock.

   —This is a holiday, being observed as the anniversary of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.

   — New display advertisements today are—Warren, Tanner & Co., Carpets, rugs, page 5; Opera House, Mildred Holland in ''The Lily and the Prince," page 5; Opera House, "One of the Many," page 5.

 

DENOUNCED THE UNION, NOMINEES FOR SUPERVISOR, MISSIONARY CONVENTION, SERIES OF LECTURES, AND DIED IN OHIO

 

1902-03 anthracite coal strike commissioners.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, February 11, 1903.

DENOUNCED THE UNION.

Argument of Companies' Attorneys Before Commission.

UNION AN INTRUDER IN ISSUE.

Mr. Torrey Said That Since Advent of the Union Earnings Capacity of the Contract Miner Had Been Limited. Wages Above the Standard Fixed by Mr. Mitchell.

   Philadelphia, Feb. 11--The United Mine Workers of America as an organization was severely scored by counsel before the anthracite strike commission. The non.-union men through their attorney John T. Lenahan presented their side of the controversy and demanded consideration at the hands of the commission, claiming the legal right to earn a livelihood as they might elect without the consent or dictation of the union.

   During his presentation of the case Mr. Lenahan denounced the union as fomenter of crime and anarchy. The main feature of his argument was the claim that the union had no legal or moral right to coerce miners into membership or to arrogate to itself the authority to fix the wages of mine workers.

   James H. Torrey, counsel for the Delaware and Hudson company, claimed that the question of recognition of the union was not an issue before the commission, but he devoted considerable time to the consideration of that demand. He asserted that violence and intimidation were agencies selected for the promotion of the purposes of the mine workers. Regarding the demand for an eight hour working day, Mix Torrey said that evidence showed that for various reasons the breakers did not average more than eight hours a day, so that the physical effects of the long hours were not felt.

   Mr. Torrey concluded his argument at the afternoon session. He was followed by Major Everett Warren of Scranton, counsel for the Pennsylvania Coal company and the Hillside Coal and Iron company. Mr. Warren said in part:

   "The rights of persons, the rights of property, the rights of employees, popular liberty and constitutional limitations, the phenomena of human associations, the interests and happiness of the people—all these are, to some extent, involved in this submission.

Union an Intruder.

   The real parties to this submission are the employees of the several companies on the one side, or certain of them, and their employers on the other. They who are seeking to become parties and intruding themselves upon the commission absolutely without warrant by the terms thereof, are the United Mine Workers of America.

   "If any evidence of this were needed, aside from the documents relating to the strike now in your possession, attention is called to the demands, as filed with the commission on behalf of the mine workers, and to the fact that they are signed by John Mitchell as the representative of the mine workers.

   "No one has told where these demands originated. It is said that they were formulated by the Shamokin convention. As presented to the commission, however, they are in entirely different form and supported by different reasons."

   Major Warren contended that the claim of the union that the rate of wages paid in the hard coal mines was much lower than the rate paid for similar work in the soft coal fields was not supported by evidence. He asserted that the companies have proved accidents for the most part to be the result of the miners' carelessness and that the occupation of a miner is comparatively healthy.

   "Mr. Mitchell's opinion is that $600 a year would permit the mine workers to live in a manner conformable to American standards. The average earnings of the contract miner for the year 1901 in the employ of the companies I represent are approximately $650 [ref: gold, $20/oz.—CC ed.]. Throughout the discussion as to the rates of wages, no matter how it may be presented, it is absolutely necessary to bear in mind that the annual earnings of the mine workers are limited by the men themselves."

Miners' Earnings Restricted.

   He further declared that it was clearly established before the commission that since the advent of the union the earning capacity of the contract miners has been limited and instead of the union ebbing an advantage to him it has worked to his disadvantage in restricting his earning capacity.

   In conclusion Major Warren concluded by saying: "Whatever may be the motive on the part of the union, the evidence is overwhelming that the result is a restriction on the part of the industrious miner, limiting the amount of work, and the consequent wages, shriveling his powers and reducing him to the dead level of his lazy and indifferent associate.

   "Socialism proposes to establish an equality among unequal men, by reducing them to the dead level of this possible majority. Instead of allowing every one to determine for himself what he wants to do, it is to be done for him. That is nothing but slavery. What is the theory of the union if it is not this? I do not dispute the right of men to organize and I hold no brief against organized labor. The methods of the United Mine Workers, however, appear to be exquisitely adapted to degrade intelligent labor, to paralyze honest industry, to crush spirit, hope and ambition."

 

Nurses Needed at Ithaca.

   Binghamton, N. Y., Feb. 11.—An appeal has been made by the physicians of Ithaca for nurses from Binghamton to go to that city to assist in the care of typhoid patients. Miss A. M. Simonson, superintendent of the Binghamton City hospital, has sent three recent graduates of the hospital to Ithaca and is trying to engage other nurses but finds it difficult to find nurses willing to go.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Nominees for Supervisor.

   Town meeting occurs next Tuesday. Feb. 17, and in every town in the county preparations are being made for the election. In certain towns there is not the slightest doubt in advance of the result; in others where the majority either way is small a few votes may make a great deal of difference. In view of this fact Republican are especially urged to do their duty and get to the polls and vote and not let an election go to their opponents by default.

   In the towns of Cortlandville, Cuyler, Homer, Scott, Solon, and Virgil the Republican supervisors of the last boards have been renominated. All of these supervisors have made excellent records of stewardship for the county in general and their own respective towns in particular, and have likewise served with credit to themselves.

   In the town of Preble the Republicans have endorsed the Democratic nomination of Dr. Hunt, doubtless with the idea of having that official see the matter of the Preble taxation appeal case clear through to the end.

   The Republicans of the town of Marathon have nominated F. E. Whitmore, who has not before come forward in the political world, but who is recognized among all who know him as a man of the highest integrity, of good judgment and excellent common sense. He is the son of the late Hon. D. E Whitmore who likewise served the town in a similar capacity for three years, and who was also a member of assembly from this county. He will doubtless prove a worthy successor of an honored father. In such high estimation is he held on all sides that the Democrats have endorsed his nomination.

   The Republicans of Cincinnatus have nominated B. R. Corning, and in Taylor Irving W. Phelps is the candidate of his party. Both have been members of former boards and both would be very acceptable to their towns. The contest in Cincinnatus seems likely to be particularly stiff, for both candidates are remarkably popular men. Both have been supervisors in years past and neither has ever been beaten, for this is the first time they have ever been pitted against each other. It is needless to say that the friends of both are putting in their best efforts. There is surely no more capable man in the town for the office than Mr. Corning and if elected he will serve well the interests of all his constituents,

   There is a similar contest in Virgil where Mr. Webb und Mr. Holton are the candidates. The latter was elected for a number of years. Four years ago Mr. Webb was nominated for the first time and defeated his rival. Two years ago no one was nominated against him. This year it is the same old fight of four years ago over again. There is surely no reason why Mr. Webb should not command the vote of every Republican in his town; there is no reason why any Republican should let him be defeated by remaining at home and shirking the responsibility of his franchise, Mr. Webb has looked sharply after the interests of his constituents. A year ago he succeeded in the equalization committee in having the assessed valuation of the town reduced one-tenth of one per cent, and this last year he got two-tenths of one per cent additional off. This fact will be very acceptable to the taxpayers of that town.

   In Truxton W. Ray Woodward is the candidate of the Republicans. He is a strong and able man in the town and all of his friends are working hard for his election.

   M. M. Brown, the Republican candidate in Freetown, was the supervisor of his town in 1889. He is a prominent party worker in the town and is known as one of the solid men of the place. His town is always close, the majority seldom exceeding five, and it behooves every Republican to get to the polls.

   Abner Johnson in Lapeer and F, L. Maine in Willet are recognized as able and efficient candidates and will no doubt pull the full party strength of their respective towns.

   In Harford no Republican nomination has been made, as no one could be found who cared for the empty honor of being a candidate against the big and popular John A. Wavle who has represented that town for several years past and who is known to be one of the most energetic and successful vote getters of the town.

   The tickets of all the towns are from top to bottom fully up to the average and should command the entire party strength. There is no reason why any candidate should not be elected if the voters will do their duty.

 

MISSIONARY CONVENTION

Now Being Held at the First M. E. Church—Those Attending.

   The annual convention of the Woman's Home Missionary society of the Central New York conference was begun at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon. The delegates in large numbers arrived this morning from the various towns and cities in the five districts that make up the conference. A larger number even than was expected are in attendance, and the convention bids fair to be a very interesting one.

   Dinner was served at the church parlors today to the delegates and visitors to the number of about one hundred. They are now to be entertained at the homes of the members of the local society.

   The church has been very tastily decorated with flags, palms, smilax and potted plants. The front pews on the north side of the auditorium are reserved for the delegates of the Syracuse and Geneva districts, and those on the south side for the Auburn, Elmira and Cazenovia districts.

   In addition to the list of delegates that was given in yesterday's Standard the following are attending: Auburn, Mrs. G. E. Trimble; Waterloo, Mrs. L. S. Boyd, Mrs. F. W. Glarner; Freeville, Mrs. Fisk; Baldwinsville, Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. J. C. B. Moyer, Mrs. Morey; Newark, Mrs. E. E. Bird; Marcellus, Mrs. Roe, Mrs. D . F. Coon; Phoenix, Mrs. E. E. Spence; Cardiff, Mrs. G. Simms, Mrs. F. M. Thurston; Oneida, Mrs. E. C. Smith; Manlius, Mrs. P. F. Emmonds; Syracuse, Miss Lucile Adams, Miss Maud Smith, Mrs. F. Higgins, W. D. Brewster, Mrs. H. Hamlin, Mrs. A. Y. Van Patten, Mrs. S. Schooner, Mrs. J. W. Van Patten, Mrs. A. Austin, Mrs. B . F. Toppner, Mrs. Fostbinder; Lyons, Mrs. Hull; Weedsport, Mrs. Stalahan, Mrs. Haskell; Newark, Miss Hattie Lewis.

 

A SERIES OF LECTURES

At the Universalist Church For Intellectual Life of the City.

   A course of lectures has been arranged for at the [Cortland] Universalist church to be given as follows:

   Friday, Feb. 13, Rev. U. S. Milburn, "The Science of Penology."

   Friday, Feb. 27, Prin. Albert C. Mayham, "A Belt of Wampum."

   Monday, March 9, Rev. W. A. Smith. "The Heroism as Demanded by the Times."

   Monday, March 16, Rev. U. S. Milburn, "The Poets of the Liberal Faith."

   These lectures are for the benefit of the public, to add to the intellectual life of the city, therefore the cost of a season ticket admitting one to the four lectures is but 30 cents, enough being charged to meet the expenses of the course only. Single admissions will be 10 cents. The lectures will begin at 8 o'clock. The lecture Friday evening is the paper which Mr. Milburn read recently before the Science club; he is assured a larger circle desires to hear it, because of the importance of the subject, about which too little is known. It is to be hoped that the public will avail themselves of the opportunity to hear these lectures.

 

Died in Ohio.

   The remains of John L’Hommedieu, who died in Ashtabula, O., on Sunday, Feb. 8, arrived in Cortland this morning and were placed in the receiving vault of the Cortland Rural cemetery. The burial will occur tomorrow morning at 8:30 o'clock and there will be a prayer at the grave. Mr. John C. L'Hommedieu, nephew of the deceased, accompanied the remains to Cortland. Forty years ago Mr. L'Hommedieu was a resident of Cortland, his home being upon the farm now owned by Hon. O. U. Kellogg. His wife, who was Josephine Doud, the youngest sister of the late Enoch Doud, was buried in Cortland nine years ago.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Ash Wednesday comes on Feb. 25 and Lent begins. Easter is April 12.

   —The Cortland Kindergarten association will meet Thursday, Feb. 12, at 3:30 p. m. in the Normal kindergarten.

   —The prayer meeting of the Presbyterian church occurs tonight instead of tomorrow night. Rev. Mr. Richardson, the representative of the Home Missionary society, who is making a tour of the churches in this vicinity, will be present and speak.

   —Any one outside of Cortland who wishes to communicate with The Standard by telephone is requested wherever possible to use the Home Telephone as we have this telephone in our office and do not have the Empire State telephone. Using the Home telephone will enable the party to communicate with us at once, otherwise there must be a delay till it is convenient for some one to go from this office to the Central office of the Empire State Telephone company.

   —New display advertisements today are: McKinney & Doubleday, Wall paper, page 5; Opera House, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," page 5; New York store, Extraordinary values, page 6; M. A. Case, Bargains in drygoods, page 6; G. H. Ames, Shoes, rubbers, page—; C. F. Brown, Vinol, page 4.