SUNDAY FILLER: THE PLATTERS

 

HOUSE TRIAL BEGINS, HUDSON RIVER TUNNEL, JOEL B. GEORGE FUNERAL, AND HATFIELD-CAUGHEY WEDDING

 

Cortland County Judge Joseph Eggleston.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, March 26, 1903.

ACTUAL TRIAL BEGINS

In the House Manslaughter Case in Cortland County Court.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OPENING.

Testimony of Witnesses for the Prosecution—Map of the Premises Submitted—A Neighbor Tells of Finding Bennett After the Shooting.

   The final examination of jurors preparatory to the selection of a jury occurred yesterday afternoon, but too late to be described in last night's issue. It was as follows:

   George H. Ackles, farmer, residence Preble: I have an impression of the case. Have no prejudice against the use of firearms where it is justified by law. If I was sworn as a juror I would enter the jury box and give an unbiased decision. Challenged by The People.

   James S. Tennant, a farmer, residence Cincinnatus: I read the account in The Cortland County Sentinel. From what I have read I have not formed any opinion. I am not acquainted with any of the defendants. Have no prejudice against a man who is indicted, and upon all questions of law would accept the direction of the court. Excused by defense.

   Michael McGraw, a farmer, residence Truxton: I read the account and formed an opinion. 1 could lay that opinion aside, and consider the matter impartially. Excused by defense.

   C. M. Carr, proprietor of a creamery, residence Harford Mills: I have a well fixed opinion from what I read. Challenged by The People.

   Charles S. Clark, a farmer, residence Scott: I have impression, but it would not have any influence upon my decision. I have no prejudice against the use of firearms if justified by law, but I have some prejudice in the use of firearms to cause the death of a man. Challenged by defense for implied bias. Exceptions. Challenged for actual bias. Not sustained. Exceptions. Juror excused.

Wednesday Afternoon.

   Perry Barber, farmer, Cortlandville: I read of this affair in the Cortland Standard, from which I have formed an opinion which I retain up to the present time. I have no prejudice against a man who is indicted and would not permit that fact to raise a presumption in my mind against him. He was retained.

   William Dodd, carpenter, residence Blodgett Mills: I read of the homicide at the time and have some impression in regard to the case. I have some prejudice against a man indicted by a grand jury and would not give his testimony the same consideration that I would otherwise. Challenged by defense.

   Albertus A. Carley, retired, a resident of this city: I read an account of it and in consequence I have pretty strong convictions which would have their influence upon me, and I could not lay them aside. Challenged by The People.

   E. O. Kingman, veterinary surgeon, residence, Cortland: I read of the case in the Cortland Standard but have no opinion in regard to it. I might have some prejudice against a man indicted, testifying in his own behalf, but if his testimony appeared to me to be truthful, I would give it an impartial consideration. Upon all questions of law I would be guided according to the instructions of the court. He was retained at 3 o'clock as the twelfth juror.

Actual Trial Begins.

   After three days examination of jurors, during which time sixty-seven jurors had been sworn and examined, a jury was secured yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock before whom the case is to be tried of The People vs. Orson A. House, John C. House and John A. House. The three defendants, of whom the last mentioned is the father of the other two, are indicted for manslaughter in the first degree in causing the death of George Bennett of Homer in March of last year. The details of the occurrence are familiar to readers of this paper. It is admitted that Orson A. House fired the shot which ultimately resulted in death, but the matter in dispute is the conditions under which that shot was fired.

   The three defendants, who have been admitted to bail, are present at court and have been there since the case was called at 10:30 Monday morning. Mrs. Orson A. House, the wife of one of the defendants who has been married during the past year is also present and remains by the side of her husband. The defendants are represented by Dougherty & Miller of Cortland, assisted by Wilson & Wortman of Syracuse.

The District Attorney's Opening.

   District Attorney T. H. Dowd opened up the case in behalf of The People. He said in part:

   Gentlemen of the jury: You are called here to dispense your high and important duty conscientiously without regard to any feeling whatever that you may entertain. It is an important duty which you have recognized, the defense has recognized, and The People have recognized. Geo. Bennett was struck down in the night, his soul sent before his Maker without any warning, and no feeling should actuate a man in the discharge of his duty. There are two important elements in the facts of the case. The first element is, as to the death of George Bennett, and as to the cause of his death.

   The second element to determine beyond a reasonable doubt is that it was done under violation of the law.

   Where a man takes a human life he takes that which he has no right to take except, as the court will charge you, as the last resort in self defense.

   Now, Gentlemen of the Jury, the only witness who could dispel this gloom and establish the truth, now lies cold in his grave. These defendants made some statements to two officers of the law within a few hours after they had shot that gun, when they did not know that Geo. Bennett was going to die, when they did not know they would be defendants in this case, when they had not employed eminent counsel to tell them what statements would be well to make and what would not.

   For a year prior to March 1, 1902, Geo. Bennett occupied part of their farm as their tenant. He was a weak-minded, harmless, inoffensive citizen. His wife was a foreigner, as you will observe later, hardly able to speak the English language. She was a respectable woman, and in every way entitled to the protection of the law. Geo. Bennett got into a controversy with them several times. On two or three occasions John House, Sr., threatened his life.

   The Bennetts moved from the House farm to Homer, taking several loads of goods. The roads were in a very bad condition and he was obliged to leave some of them. He sent his son John back after them, and after four days had passed and he had failed to return, fear arose in the father's heart as to what might have happened to him. He started out after his son, a distance of 20 miles, amid all that terrible weather. He was met by a citizen of Lapeer that night who spoke to him, but he failed to make any reply. What was on his mind? The defense will tell you he was thinking of the crime he was going to perpetrate upon the House residence. He had in his pockets some clams and a jackknife, a piece of coal, and under his arm a stick. Now, they will tell you that with those clams and that murderous knife, that dangerous looking piece of coal and that stick of wood, he intended to kill somebody.

   Orson House fired the shot which killed George Bennett. John A. House, at the direction of John C. House, went down stairs and got the gun for Orson. Only one man could have fired the gun, but three men are equally guilty. Orson House said he took the gun and through the open window shot towards the door and then fired indiscriminately into the air. In the outhouse they found a pool of blood and bullet holes. They also found blood trailing from this outhouse into the stormhouse, and then into the woodhouse.

   Gentlemen of the Jury, keep your mind fixed on this fact: Was that gun fired on him as the last resort in order to save their lives and their property? If you find this the case, deal with them accordingly. If you do not, allow no feeling to swerve you in the discharge of your duty.

The First Witness.

   Barry Gray, a resident of Marathon, a jeweler, and also a surveyor, was the first witness called. He testified to having gone to the residence of the defendants last March at the direction of District Attorney Dowd to make some measurements. These with a map made by himself, he produced and they were introduced as evidence.

Harry Gleason.

   Harry Gleason, a resident of Marathon, a farmer, called: At the time of the shooting l resided about half a mile from the house of the defendants. Prior to this night of the shooting I knew the defendants for a period of about six months. On the night of March 2, John House, Jr., came to my house about 12 o'clock. It was a stormy night and dark. We went across the lots to the house, and directly into the house through the stormhouse door and then through the door into the main part of the building. We lighted the lantern and John House, Jr., Orson and myself came out and went around the house. As we got to the east side of the house we saw a couple of tracks coming in from the driveway, the toe pointing towards the house. We followed these tracks to the backside of the house to the pump. There were tracks along the walk and around the house to the back of the woodshed and to the outhouse. We also found a quantity of blood. I took the light and went between the outhouse and the granary and looked for tracks. 1 found none. We also came back and went back to the pump. In the meantime we heard a noise and went in to investigate it. John House tried the door and it opened hard. We found a man lying against the door and I made a partial examination of him. John House asked him who he was and he made no reply. I asked him where he lived and he replied, "in Homer." John House, Sr., came in and asked who was there. No one replied and John House, Sr., looked at him and said, "Why, it is George Bennett," and then said, "George, is this you?" and he said "Yes." We put him in a cutter and drove to Marathon. He had on trousers, Prince Albert coat, perhaps mittens, and a cap. His right trousers leg from the knee down had blood on it; in fact, it was very wet. On our way down the cutter upset, tipping over to the north, all of its occupants falling out. I got Bennett up and placed him back in the cutter. I asked him if it hurt him, and he said, "Yes, awful." I helped to carry him into the house when we arrived at the doctor's.

   I was at the residence of the defendants the next day. I saw John H. House at the barn milking.

   Upon cross examination Mr. Gleason said: I was not in the employ of the defendants, but had contracted for their sugar bush. When John House called at my house that night he appeared agitated and his voice trembled some. He said he came to me for assistance, as there were some people trying to break into their house and that his father and Orson were frightened half to death. I went with him and we took a lantern and a shot gun. When we arrived at the house we went in and lighted the lantern and came directly out of the house. We had with us two guns and a lantern. I led the way east around the house, but was not directed where to go. We saw some tracks and followed them. During our search we heard a noise, something like a jar. We tried to open the door and found it hard to open. When we did get in we found Bennett lying upon the floor. At my suggestion we took him to Marathon. When John. Sr., came in he said, "George, is this you?" and he replied, "Yes." Upon the floor was a stick of wood. (This was produced in evidence). This was lying near him. Attorney Miller also asked the witness if he did not find the latch of the stormhouse door broken, and he said he did. It was produced as evidence (exhibit I) and identified.

   Upon direct examination witness said he saw the broken window that night, but did not see any blood around the outhouse.

   Upon re-cross examination witness stated that he had some conversation in regard to the footwear belonging to the House family.

John Lynch.

   John Lynch, a resident of Lapeer: I lived on the same highway as does the House family. On the night of March 3, 1902, I was at Marathon, and left for home about 10 o'clock. I met George Bennett that night going west toward the house of the defendant. He was walking very slow. It was a dark night, and I should not have known him if I had not had a lantern. He had with him a stick of wood.

   Upon cross examination witness said his attention was particularly called to the stick of wood as being peculiar. I tried to walk with him, but he hung back and had the appearance of not wanting to walk with me.

Leonard A. Lanpher.

   Leonard A. Lanpher, a resident of Lapeer: I was in Marathon on the night of March 3, 1902. I left for home that night about 9 o'clock, reaching home about 9:45. I saw no tracks in the road at all.

   Upon cross examination witness testified that he had a lantern all the way and did not see tracks.

Harry P. Gray.

   Harry P. Gray was recalled and testified in regard to dimensions he had taken.

Ed B. Miller.

   Ed. B. Miller, a resident of Lapeer: On the night of March 3, 1902, I was awake about midnight. I went to the door and looked out. It was very stormy, snowing and blowing. I could distinguish an object to see it clearly if it was no further away than two or three rods.

   Upon cross examination witness testified that it was Mr. House who aroused him at that hour of the night. He came for the purpose of securing help. Witness did not go with him.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The Hudson River Tunnel.

   The Pennsylvania railroad tunnel under the Hudson is to be in fact a submarine tubular bridge. The approved plans for the work present construction of a novel kind, at any rate novel to one's common thought of a tunnel. Under the waters of the Hudson is a layer of mud and silt averaging 100 feel in depth before bed rock is reached. The tunnel is to pierce this deposit which, of course, will not afford foundation strong enough for railroad traffic. The iron tubes that will constitute the tunnel would sink of their own weight in it. Engineer Jacobs' plan embodies the building of granite piers from bed rock to the tunnel base. Of these there will be 700 standing 15 feet apart, and on top of these the tubes will rest through which the cars will run. The plan is viewed with distrust by engineers, and by engineers approved. The Pennsylvania company has confidence in Mr. Jacobs and will commit the construction to him, in accordance with his recommendations. He says the work can be completed within three years after the contractors get to work.

   ◘ The city of Boston has asked Philadelphia to lend it the Liberty bell from Independence hall for display upon the celebration, on June 17, of the one hundredth and twenty-eighth anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, The manager of the St. Louis fair also desires to have it on exhibition there. The Philadelphia custodians are loath to have the bell go out of their care.

 

JOEL B. GEORGE.

Father of O. K. George and Mrs. G. M. Watson of Cortland.

   The funeral of Joel B. George, father of O. K. George of this city, will be held from his late home in Freeville at 11 o'clock tomorrow morning.

   Mr. George is survived by a wife, Amazilla J. George, and four children, Mrs. George M. Watson and O. K. George of this city and Edgar F. George and Miss Luella M. George of Freeville, and by three brothers, James H. and Romanzo George of Freeville and John F. George of New York, and one sister Miss Elizabeth George of Freeville. Mr. George was an uncle of W. R. George, the founder of the George Junior republic.

 

LADIES' LITERARY CLUB.

Celebrates its Twenty-third Anniversary, Meeting With Mrs. Reese.

   The Ladies' Literary club met with Mrs. Reese yesterday afternoon. The program was as follows:

   Florence of the Renaissance—Mrs. Higgins.

   The Influence of Boccaccio and Petrarch on Italian Literature—Miss Clara E. Booth.

   The Platonic Academy, its Work and Significance—Mrs. Henry.

   The Results of the Teaching and Influence of Savonarola—Mrs. Sornberger.

   Machiavelli—Mrs. Walrad.

   Lorenzo de Medici, Mrs. Howard.

   Fra Angelico, Mrs. Smith.

   Round Table—Children of Royalty, Mrs. Johnson.

   Monasteries and Monks, Miss Roe.

   An elaborate and delightful tea was served by the hostess in honor of the twenty-third anniversary of the organization of the club.

 

HATFIELD-CAUGHEY.

Pretty Wedding in the Town of Homer on March 18.

   A very pretty wedding occurred at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Caughey, in Homer on Wednesday evening, March 18, when their eldest daughter, Ellen Mary, was united in marriage with Mr. Ralph Hatfield of Homer. Mrs. Aaron Sager played the wedding march for the bridal party to enter the parlor. The ceremony was performed by Rev. A. S. Coats, D. D., who is at present supplying the pulpit of the First Baptist church of Cortland.

   The bridal party stood under a very pretty arch of evergreens. The bride was attired in a suit of blue silk trimmed with white silk and appliqué. The bridesmaid, Miss Myrtle Tarble of Groton City, wore a gown of white organdie. Elmer Caughey was best man.

   Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield left on the 1 o'clock train Thursday for Detroit, Mich., and after a short bridal trip will return home and will reside on Mr. Hatfield's farm in the town of Homer.

   The presents were very elaborate and beautiful. Among them were many valuable pieces of silver, of mahogany and oak furniture, bed and table linen, a check for $100 from the father of the groom. After congratulations an elaborate wedding supper was served.

   Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Chester Caughey and son Emmet, Mr. and Mrs. John Caughey, Grace Caughey, Mr. and Mrs. Charley Odell and daughter Daisy, Mr. John Latimer and son Louis, Mr. and Mrs. Asa Benedict and son Leon, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Hinman and son Floyd, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Marsh, Mr. Charles Hatfield, Mrs. Court and son Fred, Mr. Charles Hatfield, the groom's father, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Sager, Mrs. Chester Calkins, Eugene Calkins, Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Calkins, son Chester and daughter Gertrude, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Buchanan and daughter Alta, Fred Buchanan.

   Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield departed amid showers of rice. Both are highly estimated young people and the best wishes of a large circle of friends for a long and happy wedded life will be theirs.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Cortland Commandery, No. 50, Knights Templar, will hold a regular conclave for transaction of business Friday evening at 8 o'clock.

   —Surveyors have today been at work upon the Randall flats preparatory to laying out new streets.

   —A Jewish church has just been organized in Auburn. Its official title as a corporation is "The children of Israel of Auburn, N. Y."

   —District Passenger Agent E. J. Quackenbush of the Lackawanna railroad, whose headquarters are in Syracuse, has been in Cortland today.

   —Surveyor» have today been establishing the line upon the Rowley lot on Tompkins-st. between the new purchases of Dr. Jennings and Dr. Reese.

   —Miss Nellie L. Bower, the second victim of the collision in the Lehigh Valley R. R. at Ithaca on Monday night, died in the city hospital in Ithaca at 12:45 yesterday noon.

   —Two carloads of machinery for the Davis Manufacturing Co., the new piano case company, arrived in Cortland today. The matter of the transfer of the property is being closed up today, and it is likely that all will be settled soon.

 

HOUSE TRIAL CONTINUED, DR. MACFAYDEN, SPECIMENS OF WORK, FATAL ACCIDENT, RECOVERED, AND DEATH OF JOEL GEORGE

 

Cortland County Judge Joseph Eggleston.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, March 25, 1903.

THE HOUSE TRIAL.

Nearly Three Days Were Required to Secure a Jury.

SIXTY-SEVEN JURORS EXAMINED.

Two Extra Panels of Jurors Drawn—Jury Secured Before Last Panel Was Begun—Trial Proper Now Proceeding.

The Jury.

   Jay M. Ballou, Virgil, farmer.

   William H. Caldwell, Freetown, farmer.

   Herbert W. Wood, Cortland, wireworker.

   James H. Fellows. Truxton, farmer.

   A. H. Watkins, Cortland, merchant.

   Harley Sergent, Taylor, farmer.

   I. J. Walker, Solon, farmer.

   Stillman Wells, Solon, farmer.

   Valentine Jipson, Taylor, farmer.

   Chauncey D. Hyde, Cortland, mechanic.

   Perry Barber, Cortlandville, farmer.

   E. O. Kingman, Cortland, veterinary surgeon.

   The jury in the House manslaughter trial was completed at 3 o'clock this afternoon with the acceptance of Dr. E. O. Kingman of Cortland as the twelfth juror. To bring this about nearly three days were required. Two extra panels of jurors were drawn. Sixty-seven jurors were examined by the attorneys. After a short recess the trial of the case was begun.

Tuesday Afternoon.

   Harley Sergent, a farmer, residence Taylor, the first juror called at the afternoon session, said: I have an opinion, but if I was sworn as a juror I could lay aside that opinion and act impartially. I have a strong prejudice against circumstantial evidence. My present opinion was formed from the account 1 read in The Cortland Standard. I would endeavor to lay aside all prejudice and obey the court. He was accepted.

   Will R. Stoker, farmer, and resident of Scott, was called, but was not qualified and was excused.

   Myron Rowe, a farmer, of Cortlandville: I have a sort of impression, but no opinion which would interfere with an impartial verdict in this case. I have no prejudice against a man who has been indicted and would consider the evidence of the man just as impartially as I would if he had no interest at stake. He was excused by defense.

   Edwin Hulbert, laborer, Cortlandville: I have an opinion in regard to the case, but could lay it aside and decide impartially. I have some prejudice against circumstantial evidence. I also have strong prejudice against firearms. I could not give a man indicted the same impartial judgment that I could to a man not charged with a crime. If I was instructed by the court as to the nature of an indictment I would be able to lay aside my prejudice and give an unbiased decision. Challenged by defense.

   Henry Smith, farmer, Cincinnatus: I read an account of the transaction in the Cortland Daily Standard. I formed an opinion at the time which I still retain. I have strong prejudice against the use of firearms. The district attorney at this point asked juror if he had had any experience in the use of firearms. He replied he thought he had. Where, asked the district attorney. The juror replied, in the civil war. This afforded some amusement. Challenged by defense.

  Ira Greene, farmer, Taylor: I read the account in the Cortland County Sentinel. Have some opinion. He was disqualified and was excused.

   I. J. Walker, farmer, Solon: I read the account in the Cortland Standard at the time, but formed no opinion. If I was sitting as a juror I would give the defendants the benefit of every reasonable doubt. He was retained.

   Stillman Wells, a farmer, residence Solon: I read the account in the Cortland Standard. I have no fixed opinion about the case. Would follow the instructions of the law in regard to the case to the best of my ability. I have no prejudice against a man who is indicted and would give him the benefit of every reasonable doubt. He was retained.

   Isaac Henderson, butcher, residence Truxton: I read an account in the Cortland Standard, from which I formed an opinion. I could lay aside that opinion and render an unbiased decision and on all questions of law I would be guided by the instructions of the court. Challenged first for implied bias. Challenge not sustained. Exceptions. Challenge for actual bias. Not sustained. Exceptions taken. Excused by defense.

   L. D. Meacham, a farmer, residence, Willet: I formed a definite opinion from what I read. I could lay aside the opinion and give an unbiased decision. Disqualified because of relationship.

   William J. Greenman, a manufacturer, and a resident of Cortland: I have formed an opinion which would prevent me from giving an unbiased opinion. Defense asked witness if he would not like to be excused from jury duty. He replied he would. He had read the account in the Cortland Standard. Challenged by prosecution for a cause.

   John O. Kingsley, called and excused because he was disqualified on account of hearing.

   Orrin P. Gallup, a farmer, residence Homer: I read the account in The Cortland Standard. I have expressed my opinion to several persons. I have formed an opinion which I still retain. Challenged by prosecution.

   George W. Swift, called and was disqualified, as he was a relative.

   Herbert Fuller, a farmer, residence Taylor: I read the account in the Cortland Standard from which I formed an impression. I could lay that aside and render an impartial decision, Excused by prosecution.

   Charles H. Stevens, editor of the Homer Republican, and a resident of Homer: I had the charge of preparing the account published in my paper, making it up from other papers. I have an opinion, but could lay it aside and decide impartially in the case. I was acquainted with Orson House, as he was in my employ for a period of five or six months about three years ago. Excused by prosecution.

   Alvin Sanders, a farmer, and a resident of Cortlandville: Had formed an opinion which he could not lay aside. He was excused.

   Frank H. Cobb, wholesaler and resident of Cortland: I read the account in the Cortland Standard, from which I formed an opinion, which I could not lay entirely aside. Excused peremptorily by defense.

   William Nash, blacksmith, resident of Cortland: I have no opinion in regard to the case and think I could decide impartially. Defense asked him if he was sure he had not formed some opinion. He replied, a slight opinion, but had none now. When did you lose that opinion, asked the defense. Some time ago, as it was not worth carrying, was the reply. Excused.

Wednesday Morning.

   Court convened promptly at 9:30 o'clock with an increase in attendance. During the forenoon the matter of choosing jurors from the extra panel drawn was taken care of. Fifteen offered excuses which were accepted by the court as follows: H. E. Curtis, Cuyler, ill; Albert Delevan, Cincinnatus, age; Eugene M. Eastman, city, fireman; J. H. Gunn, city, ill; John Holmes, city, bearing; C. E. Ingalls, city, fireman; James Kane, city, ill; H. M. Kellogg, city, not in the state; John Litz, Truxton, misspelled name; W. A. Pierce, city, ill; Russell Quinn, Marathon, ill; Patrick Sheehan, Truxton, ill; William Thompson, Homer, age; Mark Wire, Taylor, ill; Lewis Wright, Homer, ill.

   Valentine Jipson, a farmer, residence Taylor: I read the account in The Cortland Standard. I have an opinion, but I could lay it aside, and decide the case impartially. I have no prejudice against a man who is indicted by the grand jury of his county. He was retained.

   Chauncey D. Hyde, a mechanic, and resident of Cortland: I read the account in the Cortland Standard, but formed no opinion. I could hear the evidence and render an impartial verdict. He was retained.

   Henry Kelley, a farmer, resident of Solon: I read the account in the Cortland Standard. I formed an opinion from what I read which I still retain. I have some prejudice against the use of firearms. Challenged by defense.

   Albert Hollenbeck, retired, a resident of Cortland, said: I read the account in The Cortland Standard. My impression of the case would not prevent me from rendering an impartial decision in the case. Challenged by prosecution.

   C. V. Reese, a farmer, residence Virgil: I have been acquainted with John House, Sr., all my life. In all probability that would have some weight with my decision. Excused.

   Henry Parker, a farmer, residence Harford: I read the account in the Cortland Standard. I have had an opinion ever since I read it and could not sit as a juror and decide the case impartially. Challenged by prosecution.

   Albert Card, farmer, Cortlandville called: Was disqualified because of relationship.

   C. W. Chapman, traveling salesman, residence, Marathon: I have a clear opinion which I could not lay aside, and decide the case impartially. Challenged by The People.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Dr. Macfadyen's Typhoid Antitoxin.

   If, as announced by late London dispatches, Dr. Allan Macfadyen has produced a typhoid antitoxin serum, another important step in advance has been taken in the science of medicine. The character and standing of the man making the experiments, now said to be successful, and the endorsement of his work by Lord Listor, who is known and honored for his great service to mankind in the promotion and establishment of antiseptic surgery, give warrant for belief that Dr. Macfadyen has come within sight at least of results which promise great benefits to the human race, though he may not have discovered an unfailing remedy for typhoid fever.

   Dr. Macfadyen is director of the Jenner Institute of Preventive Medicine in London. He is a learned and capable man, safely conservative and held in high esteem by all who know him or his work. The announcement will therefore receive the respectful attention of the medical fraternity everywhere.

   The report is that Dr. Macfadyen has found that by crushing the cells of the typhoid bacillus in liquid air the intercellular juices are obtained without living organisms and that these juices are highly toxic. Injected into living animals, they produce a blood serum which is effective as an antidote for and a destroyer of the poison generated by typhoid bacilli.

   The typhoid fever epidemic at Ithaca, N. Y., is but a single illustration of the fatal character of this dread disease. It is one of the most destructive of the common maladies affecting the people of this and European countries. The value of a typhoid antitoxin would be beyond estimate, and if it has been found by Dr. Macfayen he may well be hailed as a benefactor of the race.

 

SPECIMENS OF WORK

Of Pupils to be on Exhibition at the Teachers' Institute.

   School Commissioners McEvoy and Childs have issued a bulletin to the teachers of Cortland county in which they call attention to the fact that the annual teachers' institute of this county will be held in Homer in the academy building April 20 to 24. They urge teachers to bring to the institute specimens of pupils' work to illustrate the nature, scope and efficiency of the training in the schools. Samples of written work are desired. It is suggested that samples be selected from the regular daily work of the pupils. Space will be reserved for the exhibit from each school.

 

A FATAL ACCIDENT.

Relief Train Ran Down a Loaded Hand Car Near Ithaca, N. Y.

   There was a fatal accident on the Lehigh Valley railroad in the outskirts of Ithaca Monday night at about 11 o'clock. A passenger train from Auburn on the Cayuga lake division was stalled by a landslide about two miles north of Renwick. This was discovered by a trackwalker and the train flagged. Among the passengers were Attorney F. B. Tabor of Auburn who represents the Lehigh Valley R. R. and his wife who wanted to reach Ithaca in time to get the sleeper for New York. With the permission of the conductor of the stalled train a hand car was secured to take them to Ithaca. Silas Tabor, a Cornell student, was with his parents and also climbed upon the handcar with the Italian section hand who was to propel the car. As there seemed to be room they invited Mrs. Nora Bush and Miss Nellie Bower of Ithaca who were anxious to get home to get on the car too. There was a dense fog at the time along the lake. The party had passed Renwick and was drawing into the city when suddenly Mrs. Tabor discovered the tail lights not two rods away of a relief train backing slowly out to the landslide.

   Both train and handcar had supposed they had a clear track before them. "Jump," shouted Mr. Tabor, and all started to tumble off as best they could in any direction. Mrs. Bush and Miss Bower were not quick enough and were caught under the car in the collision. The former was so badly injured that she died very shortly. Miss Bower was believed to be fatally injured as her right thigh and abdomen were crushed. The others were considerably bruised, but have no serious injuries.

 

HAS RECOVERED CONSCIOUSNESS

But Has no Recollection of Whereabouts Over Sunday.

   Burr C. Blowers of McGraw, who was found on the sidewalk on Main-st. early Monday morning in an unconscious state, has recovered his consciousness, but declares that he has no recollection of anything after eating dinner at home Saturday noon until be recovered consciousness at home Tuesday. He says that he can tell nothing as to his whereabouts in the meantime.

   A resident of McGraw who is employed in Syracuse was in McGraw on Sunday and mentioned meeting Mr. Blowers in Syracuse Saturday night. Since this mysterious circumstance turned up this man has been telephoned to for particulars and reports that he met him on Fayette-st. between Salina and Warren-sts., and accosted him by saying ''Hello, Burr, what are you doing here?" and Mr. Blowers replied, "Why, I'm just up here for over Sunday."

 

Upon the Editorial Staff.

   William P. Webster of Truxton, N. Y., a freshman at Amherst college, has been elected an associate editor of The Student, the Amherst college weekly. This appointment in his freshman year makes it highly probable that he will become the editor-in-chief senior year. The March Bookman in an article on "American Undergraduate Journalism" says: "At some of the smaller institutions very creditable weeklies are published. Especially well edited among these is the Amherst Student."

 

Death of Mr. George.

   Joel B. George, father of O. K. George of this city, died yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock at his home in Freeville, at the age of 74 years. The funeral will be held from the house Friday at 11 o'clock.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Regular review of the L. C. T. M. tomorrow evening at 7:30 o'clock.

   —A regular meeting of the L. C. B. A. will he held this evening at 8 o'clock.

   —The firm of Allen & Chubb has dissolved partnership. R. E. Allen will continue the carriage repair business on Groton-ave., opposite the Opera House.

   —Martin Hanrahan has purchased of Mrs. Ben M. Jaquish of New York City the house and lot at 99 Tompkins-st. and will take possession April 1. Consideration $3,500.

   —The new display advertisements today are: Perkins & Quick, Paints, etc., page 4; Forrest Seed Co., Garden tools, page 7; M. A. Case, Drygoods, etc., page 6; G. H. Wiltsie, Silks, page 6.

   —Judge Burr Mattice was sufficiently improved on Sunday so that he took a short drive and seemed benefited thereby. It is expected that he will be able to leave in a few days for New York City, and later will recuperate, probably at some point on the Jersey coast.—Oneonta Star.

 

TROLLEY TO LITTLE YORK LAKE, POPULATION OF PITTSBURGH, BRIDGE DOWN, AND FINCH-DOLE WEDDING

 

Cortland Semi-Weekly Standard, Tuesday, April 7, 1903.

TO LITTLE YORK.

Plans for Extending the Trolley from Cortland

To a Fine Lake Summer Resort.

Cortland County Traction Company Arranging for Land on the Shore of Little York Lake and a Grove upon the Slope of Mt. Toppin—Plenty of [Options] in Prospect.

   For some time the Cortland County Traction company has been looking wistfully toward Little York lake and has been desirous of securing a place for a summer resort which could have the advantages of water for boating and bathing. The local park has been very satisfactory in many respects; the great forest trees are probably not to be equaled in any park in the country, but there is not enough water in the river adjoining it for boating, and this always has been and always will be a serious drawback. On the other hand, if a fine resort could be fitted up along the shore of Little York lake this drawback would be obviated, and the longer ride from Cortland to the lake would also prove a feature, since the distance is not so great as to be tiresome, and taken altogether a fine park at Little York would probably be more of an attraction than the present one.

   During the spring the company has been making inquiries to see what could be done in the way of securing a place on the lake and has met with much encouragement. In fact, if all things turn out as it now seems likely, a summer resort will probably be fitted up this year and the trolley line be extended from Homer to the lake.

   The company has secured options on a tract of land along the west shore of the large lake, three-quarters of a mile north of Little York postoffice, and also on a number of acres of grove which includes the gorge on the eastern slope of Mt. Toppin. The pavilion which is now in the [Cortland] park will be moved, if the plans mature, to the shore of the lake, and suitable attractions of various kinds be instituted there. The grove on the mountain side would be admirably adapted for a picnic ground for parties large or small. The boating would be fine, and the bathing all that could be desired in inland waters.

   The route to be followed in getting to Little York has not yet been decided upon. There are advantages to be gained by taking either the east or the west road, and the choice will probably be determined by the solution of the engineering problem connected with its building. This matter is being looked into and a decision will doubtless be reached soon. If no unexpected difficulties arise it is altogether probable that the opening of the park season will find trolley cars running to Little York lake.

   As is known to a certain extent, some Syracuse parties have been through the valley in the towns of Homer and Preble within the last few days securing options with the idea of asking for franchises for an electric road, but this matter has no connection whatever with the plans of the local  Traction company, and furthermore, The Standard has learned upon what seems to be good authority that these Syracuse parties have no idea of building a road in the near future even if they should secure all the necessary options, so that this will have no bearing either way upon the local project.

 

PAGE FOUR—BRIEF EDITORIALS.

   ◘ The population of Pittsburgh has grown so under the great centralization of the steel industry which has been going on, that, notwithstanding active building operations, there are hardly enough houses and lodgings to go around. Rents have risen 15 to 25 per cent, and the spring moving season is finding many people almost crowded out of doors altogether. This is even worse than Cortland.

   ◘ Among the immigrants who landed in New York the other day was a woman 42 years old who had sixteen children. Her eldest daughter, 27 years of age, had seven children, and two younger married daughters had respectively five and four.

   ◘ The president’s coal strike commission attained distinction in one respect, whether or not it solved satisfactorily all the questions submitted to it. It lived within its appropriation. Congress set aside $50,000 for its use, and after paying clerk hire, traveling, living and investigating expenses, there is a balance to its credit of about $12,000.

   ◘ According to the Rev. R. W. McCullough, pastor of the Lowell Avenue Baptist church at Syracuse, the armies of the earth will meet in a terrific battle and destroy each other in the near future. The battle field will be between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean. In Hebrew the locality is called Har Magedon.

 

BRIDGE WENT DOWN.

Freight Car Jumped the Track Near the Bean Bridge.

ON TROLLEY LINE NEAR MCGRAW.

Girders Prevented Two Cars from Going into the Water—Narrow Escape of Motorman and Conductor—Neither Much Hurt.

   There was a wreck at 3:35 o’clock Thursday afternoon on the trolley line at the Bean bridge near McGraw.

   There were tremendous possibilities for a bad accident, but fortunately part of it was escaped. The two men concerned received only slight injuries. Through traffic has been interrupted and the financial loss on the bridge will amount to quite a sum.

   The passenger car for Cortland left McGraw at 3:30 o’clock. It was followed at once by the motor freight car which was drawing a box car and an empty coal car. As the box car was just turning the curve in coming upon the Bean bridge over the mad cap creek that has figured so largely in washouts in the past the forward trucks went off the rails and the car shot off to the left upon a tangent. The end of the car struck the south side of the iron bridge and drove it off into the water. The side was fastened to the foundations of the bridge and these were driven off the abutments and fell clear down to the bed of the creek. The conductor on the motor car ahead was thrown ten feet down into the bed of the creek by the sudden tipping down of the side of his car when the bridge fell. Nothing in the world prevented the motor car and the box car from falling on him except some long steel girders that had been used on the trestle at the west end of the bridge during the washout last year. When the trestle was repaired these girders were drawn up on the bridge and remained there for storage. Though the flooring of the bridge went out from beneath them these girders supported both cars and prevented their going into the bed of the creek.

   Motorman E. H. Bowen suffered some slight cuts from broken glass and Conductor Walter Butler was bruised and cut some by his fail. Both were at work next day.

   Superintendent Maxwell with an extra car was waiting on the Greenwood switch for this car to pass so he could go to McGraw. When the accident was discovered Mr. Maxwell ran right down there and started the work of picking up the wreck. The motor car was brought to Cortland that night. The freight car was taken out Friday and it is believed the bridge can be sufficiently repaired in a few days to let cars pass over. It was a fortunate wreck.

 

FINCH-DOYLE.

Pretty Home Wedding at 7 East Main-st.

   A very pretty wedding occurred at 8:30 o’clock Thursday evening at the home of the groom’s sister, Mrs. W. H. Brown, 7 East Main-st., Cortland, when Ralph L. Finch and Miss Cora Doyle were united in marriage by Rev. Dr. David Keppel, pastor of the First Methodist church. The ceremony which included the use of the ring was performed in the presence of about forty of the relatives and near friends of the bride and groom.

   The decorations were in pink and white with a setting of Easter lilies which made a very pretty effect. The bride and groom were unattended. The Misses Rynders, at the piano and violin, played the wedding marches and furnished delightful music throughout the evening. The bride was attired in an exceedingly becoming traveling dress of blue. The happy couple received the cordial congratulations of their friends and then an elaborate wedding supper was served under the direction of Mrs. N. G. Markley.

   The wedding presents were numerous and valuable and included silver, cut glass, linen, handsome pictures, and pieces of furniture.

   The friends of the newly married couple were anxious to give them a fitting farewell for their wedding journey when they started for the train. Mr. and Mrs. Finch, however, had other plans and did not leave town until next morning, when they drove to Homer and took the 9:45 train for Amsterdam and New York, where they will spend their honeymoon.

   Upon their return they will be at home at 43 North Main-st. where they already have their rooms furnished for housekeeping.

   Besides the Cortland guests there were present at the wedding Mr. and Mrs. John Coye of DeRuyter, William Coye and Miss Charlotte Coye of Syracuse.

 

BREVITIES.

   — Cornell Heights has been annexed to the city of Ithaca.

   — Forrest Ladd of McLean has accepted a position with F. Daehler, the clothier.

   — Gideon Wright has broken ground for another new house on Stevenson-st.

   — Seymour P. Bloomfield has accepted a position with S. Simmons.

   — Harvard university is trying hard to get Charles E. Courtney, the rowing coach, away from Cornell. There seems little probability that he will accept.

   — Bishop F. D. Huntington on Wednesday celebrated t e thirty-fourth anniversary. of his consecration as bishop of the Protestant Episcopal diocese of Central New York.

   — One of our subscribers in Locke, N. Y., who notes the fact that some in this vicinity have been picking May flowers in March, says that he secured a  quantity of cowslips on March 24, and they were first rate too when prepared for the table. He thinks this discounts the May flowers.