Friday, July 3, 2026

MILITIA FIRED ON MOB, IMMIGRATION PROBLEM, BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS, AVERY-WILLIAMS WEDDING, PICNIC, AND MISS MARY CONWAY

 
Mayors of Evansville, Charles Covert on far left.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, July 7, 1903.

MILITIA FIRED ON MOB.

Seven Persons Killed and 14 Injured.

RESULT OF INDIANA RACE WAR.

Dozens of Personal Encounters on the Streets—Negro Quarters Being Deserted—Negro Murderer Who Caused the Trouble Indicted—Saloons Are Closed.

   Evansville, Ind., July 7.—Following four days of rioting and general lawlessness this city last night saw the most terrible of its experiences with  rioters. Seven persons are dead and 14 are known to be injured, including five soldiers and two deputy sheriffs. It is believed the number of injured will be doubled when returns are in.

   At 10:30 o'clock the members of Company A, First regiment Indiana National Guard, after a day of guarding the county jail, and 100 deputy sheriffs under Sheriff Kratz, fired point blank into a mob of 1,000 surrounding the Vanderburg county jail and attempting its capture. From morning until the hour of the fight the crowd surged about the jail calling the soldiers vile names, assailing them with stones and berating the deputy sheriffs.

   The mob gradually became more excited, its manifestations of uneasiness more frequent and at 10 o'clock it was seen that nothing could prevent an assault on the jail. At 10:30 the rioters pressed slowly forward and innocent onlookers followed.

   Slowly they forced the militiamen back toward the jail until an alley between Division street and the stone building was reached.

   Then the leaders with a bicycle in their front as a shield to the bayonets of the soldiers attempted to enter the alley and storm the jail entrance. Captain Blum of the National Guard ordered a charge on the rioters.

   The crowd was forced hack, the soldiers using their bayonets and butts of guns; suddenly a rioter fell. Stones and boulders began to fly through the air. A soldier was struck with a rock and fell. A rioter was knocked down with a gun butt and a shot followed This started a fusillade from the defenders.

   The last work of the mob before it dispersed was to destroy the "Blue Goose" saloon, a negro resort in "Baptist Town." A hundred shots were fired.

   There have been dozens of personal encounters on the streets but no weapons have been used. The grand jury met and indicted Lee Brown, the negro who killed Patrolman Massey, for murder.

   City and county officials met and discussed the situation. All saloons were ordered closed. Mayor Covert made a statement to the effect that he would take every precaution to protect life and property.

   Mayor Covert also issued a proclamation saying: "The condition of anarchy and lawlessness that prevailed in the community last night was a disgrace to civilized people and a repetition of its scandalous proceeding will not be tolerated."

   Baptist Town is being depopulated. Negro families by the dozens are leaving. Nearly all are armed. Alarming rumors and reports were in circulation and an outbreak was feared. Negroes were said to be mobilizing at Baptist Town to advance on the whites and a crowd of 200 whites was said to be arming to repulse this attack. There was nothing to confirm these rumors, however.

 

Losses in Jeanette Valley.

   Jeanette, Pa., July 7.—As a result of the breaking of the Oakford Park dam Sunday 20 persons are known to be dead and 16 are missing. The property loss in the valley will reach $1,500,000 and the distress is so great that outside relief will have to be asked for. Business was practically suspended yesterday. Scores of men worked at the wreckage all day and at night said the search was complete, although other bodies may be found from time to time.

 

Stops Jew Baiting.

   London, July 7.—A dispatch to the Chronicle from Berlin says that the Znamuia, a violently anti-Semitic paper published in St. Petersburg by Kruschevan, the editor of the Bessarazetz, which worked so much mischief at Kishineff, has been interdicted by the censor for a month.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The Immigration Problem.

   The great increase of immigration for the present year and the undesirable character of many of the newcomers to America have awakened suspicion that the steamship companies are making a canvass of certain European countries to augment their steerage business. The treasury department is to make a thorough investigation in order to learn whether this suspicion is founded on fact. The records are declared to show that the character of the immigrants is steadily declining and that recent legislation and new rulings by the department to raise the standard have not been effective.

   These facts have brought the immigration problem once more prominently before the country, and again it is shown that there are two sides to the question. For instance, the Cincinnati Enquirer takes one extreme view and says: "When a man has at infinite toil and cost established a home, no duty, no call of charity or humanity, can compel him to bring within its limits inmates certain to degrade and destroy it. His duty is to protect and preserve his home at all hazards, and the same thing is true of our country. It is our home, and if the American type is to survive we must protect it from the incoming of ignorant, decadent peoples with no interest in our institutions and no capacity or desire to be truly of us."

   On the other band, the St. Louis Globe-Democrat thinks that the country will have no more difficulty in assimilating the present incomers than it has had in assimilating others in the past. It declares that there is plenty of room for them and plenty of opportunity to better their condition.

   In a measure, concludes the Buffalo Express, this is doubtless true, but it is also a fact there is great danger in permitting so many of these strangers to take up their homes in the large cities. It asserts that "this cityward movement seems to be the tendency in these days. Instead of going to the newer sections of the country, where they can develop with the country, these people are inclined to flock to the crowded tenement house quarters of the large cities, where the environments are all against the birth and nurture of the true American spirit. Their presence there in such large numbers augments the evils of the slums against which we are at present making such a fight and makes that fight all the harder."

   In connection with such measures as may be considered desirable to control immigration steps should be taken as far as possible to turn the tide of incomers from the large cities to the rural districts, where there is more room and opportunity for them and where they may be more easily assimilated with the native population.

 

Orris U. Kellogg.

S. S. Knox.

CORTLAND BOARD PUBLIC OF WORKS.

Contract for Macadamizing the River Road Was Let.

O. U. KELLOGG THE ONLY BIDDER.

Contract Price $3,118—Trap Rock to be Used—Macadamizing Port Watson-st. Below Lehigh Valley Track May be Postponed as Ground is too Full of Water to Make Sewer and Water Connections.

   The regular meeting of the board of public works was held in the office of the city clerk last evening. Those present were Chairman S. S. Knox, F. H. Cobb, C. W. Collins and C. F. Wickwire. Superintendent of Public Works E. L. Becker, Engineer Farrington and O. U. Kellogg were also present.

   The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved.

   Bids for macadamizing the river road were to be opened last night. O. U. Kellogg was the only one to present a bid and his bid of $3,118 was accepted. This bid included the trap rock specification and was practically the same as the engineer's estimate. He also presented a bid somewhat lower, which specified using of limestone, but the board preferred the trap rock.

   Mr. Kellogg said he was ready to begin work within five days after the signing of the contract. The bid was accompanied by a certified check of $300.

   Bids for macadamizing Port Watson-st. will be opened at the next meeting, July 20.

   The following bills were audited and ordered paid:

   Payroll for June, $372.16

   E. W. Bates,  $21.00

   Cortland Home Telephone Co., $3.00

   Jennie Lamont, $10.00

   Cortland Democrat, $27.00

   Cortland Standard Printing Co.,  $34.25

   Eugene Graham, $13.50

   Winifred Waters, 35 cents

   L. H. Hewett,  $91.30

   E. M. Yager, $3.00

   Allen & Farrington, $78.00

   Beers & Warfield, $203.64

   Rebates were allowed for forty-nine new sidewalks.

   A. J. Goddard came before the board and asked permission to connect with the Y's in the water main on Railroad-st. opposite the new Goddard block. On his agreeing to replace the pavement as he found it, the application was granted.

   It was reported that the ground below [east] the Lehigh Valley railroad tracks on Port Watson-st. is so full of water that it is impossible to make water and sewer connections there at the present time.

   Mr. Mudge, who was present, said that there is from 5 to 7 1/2 feet of water in every manhole down there. Superintendent Becker will see if he can make any of the connections and if he finds it impracticable the paving will probably have to be put over until next year.

   On motion, the board adjourned.

 

AVERY-WILLIAMS.

Former Cortland Pastor Comes East for a Bride.

   The Syracuse Post-Standard of this morning publishes the following which will be of considerable interest to many residents of Cortland, since Mr. Avery was the pastor of the First M. E. church of this place from 1887 to 1889:

   Rev. George P. Avery, up to eight years ago a member of the Central New York conference of the Methodist Episcopal church and now the owner of three large ranches in Colorado, made a flying trip to Syracuse, arriving last Saturday night and returned at 7:16 o'clock yesterday morning with Miss Katharine Williams, a teacher in one of the grammar schools, as his bride.

   The wedding comes as a surprise to Miss Williams' friends, although being known by her relatives. Mr. Avery had intended spending several weeks in this city and his marriage to Miss Williams was looked to as an event of the future. However, being unable to secure any one to look after his ranches, he was unable to remain away any length of time and his trip had to be a short one.

   The marriage took place at 6 o'clock yesterday morning at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Mary Williams, 303 1/2 Columbus-ave. Rev. Dr. C. N. Sims, pastor of the First M E. church officiated. Only the immediate family of the bride and a few friends were present, including Miss MacDermott of Cazenovia and Mrs. Eleanor Bevin.

   Mr. Avery's last pastorate was at Auburn. He is about 45 years of age and a widower. He has four children. One of them, a son, is a college graduate. Miss Williams, who is well known and a popular school teacher, is about ten years his junior.

   Mr. and Mrs. Avery are on their way to Fort Collins, Colo., near which place the former's ranches are situated. They will stop en route at Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Chicago.

 

LETTER FROM MID-OCEAN.

J. R. Birdlebough Receives Word from Rev. Robert Clements.

   J. R. Birdlebough yesterday received a letter from Rev. Robert Clements who with Mrs. Clements is now enjoying a vacation trip to Europe. The letter was written on board the Cunard steamer Etruria, one day out from Queenstown and was mailed at Queenstown.

   Among other things Mr. Clements says: "The conduct of this boat has been such that when I try to walk I realize how uncomfortable a man a bit loaded [drunk] feels when the sidewalk fails to meet his expectations and he clings to any convenient support for rest. I have not kept my internal arrangements balanced and the effort to regain my equilibrium has resulted in a contribution to the deep that I did not intend making. This letter is written, as you see, on the steamer the day before we expect to reach Queenstown. We are a day late owing to bad weather, today being the only fine day since we sailed. We hope, however, that this is the beginning of fine weather for the rest of the journey."

 

School District Picnic.

   A very enjoyable picnic was held Friday, July 3, at the home of J. E. Hicks, south of Groton by school District No. 11, taught by Miss Julia E. Hennessy of Cortland, a graduate of the Normal. There were about forty present, of children, parents and neighbors. The afternoon was very pleasantly spent by swinging, croquet, music, etc. S. Johnson of Groton entertained the company with selections from his phonograph, which was very pleasing to all.

   About 4 o'clock all were seated at a bounteous picnic repast which was served upon the green in front of the house.

   After all had been seated at the table, Mr. Johnson presented Miss Hennessy with a very choice picture in behalf of the district and those present.

   After the refreshments were served a short program was rendered by the children of the school. Thus closed a very pleasant and profitable term of school, all voting Miss Hennessy a well qualified teacher and expressing a desire that she may be with them next term in their school life.

   One who was there.

 

Cortland Normal School.

MISS MARY M. CONWAY

Who Has Been Appointed a Teacher In the Normal School.

   The Springville (N. Y.) Journal and Herald says:

   Miss Mary M. Conway, the efficient training class instructor, has asked to be released from her engagement that she may accept a position as critic in the Cortland Normal school. She has been here three years filling the important office with such ability and credit to herself and the school that members of the board of education were loth to release her fearing that a worthy successor could not be found. Fortunately another teacher of the same high excellence is just now within reach, so that we can be generous, allowing Miss Conway to go, and yet we suffer no greater loss than the changing of one of the best of teachers for another.

   Miss Conway would not leave Griffith institute for any other high school, but this Normal position is just suited to her taste, she graduated there, it is near her home, positions like it are few, and altogether it seems the desirable opportunity of her life time. She will be missed in our social circles as well as in the school.

   The board may be censured for releasing a teacher of such eminent ability, but the courtesy has been accorded others and it gives her great favor. Then it is found that a teacher perfectly competent to fill her place and maintain the highest standing of our training department can now he had.

   The board had complacently settled down in the conviction of having secured an excellent corps of teachers for the coming year, and this request for a change at first caused them real distress. They have now adopted an unalterable law to permit no withdrawals after contracts are signed.

 

Gee Hill's Sixth Celebration.

   The home of Mrs. Fidelia Simms, who lives 2 miles northeast of Dryden, N. Y.,  was the scene of an enthusiastic celebration during the evening of July 4.

   Nearly 100 of Mrs. Simms' neighbors and friends assembled to witness the fireworks, which rivaled those of the surrounding villages. The chief attraction was the ascension of two red, white and blue balloons rising high into the starry heavens, and drifting northward until almost invisible.

   Mrs. Simms' home, situated on a hill, permitted a pleasing view of fireworks in all directions. The interior of the house, tastily decorated with ferns and daisies, together with the well lighted veranda and lawn presented an inviting appearance.

   Light refreshments were served, and all reported as enjoyable an evening as any spent on similar celebrations during the past five years.

 



KING'S DAUGHTERS

Appoint a Superintendent of Local Charities for Each Ward.

   The last meeting of the Loyal Circle of King's Daughters which will be held during the summer months was at the home of Mrs. W. D. Coburn on Union-st., Cortland, last Tuesday afternoon.

   After the regular business meeting a very interesting program was presented, the violin solo by Miss Martha Howland, deserving special mention.

   Mrs. Coburn served delicious refreshments consisting of ice cream and cake and the meeting adjourned until September.

   At a recent special meeting of the executive committee, the following ladies were appointed ward superintendents of local charities with Mrs. J. O. Hammond as chairman:

   First Ward—Miss Estelle Walker.

   Second Ward—Mrs. S. Doyle.

   Third Ward—Mrs. Julia Hyatt.

   Fourth Ward—Mrs. E. D. Wood.

   Fifth Ward—Mrs. Witty.

   Sixth Ward—Mrs. J. O. Hammond.

 

THE NEW WAREHOUSE

Now Being Erected by Cobb & Co. on Pendleton-st.

   Contractor Myron Oothoudt has a goodly number of men at work on F. H. Cobb & Co.'s warehouse on Pendleton-st., Cortland, and work is progressing rapidly. The warehouse is to be 110 by 40 feet and two stories high. It will be a substantial building when completed. The sills are 8 by 12 inches, girders 10 by 12, upper joists 3 by 12, lower joists 3 by 10. Each story will be 10 feet high and furnished with hard wood floors. The sides of the building will be covered with steel and the roof with asphalt, making it as nearly fireproof as possible.

   Mr. Oothoudt hopes to complete the building next week provided he can get lumber as fast as needed. The Forrest Seed Co. will occupy about 40 feet of the lower floor and F. H. Cobb & Co. the remainder of the building.

 



BREVITIES.

   —About 600 students are registered for the Cornell university summer school.

   —Mrs. E. E. Mellon is giving a musical this afternoon and Mrs. C. L. Kinney has one tomorrow afternoon.

   —The Sundayschool of St. Mary's church will hold a picnic at the park tomorrow. Cars will leave the church at 10 o'clock.

   —The Knights of the Maccabees are making a strong effort to secure the 1904 convention for Cortland, and believe they will be successful.

   —Mrs. J. H. Wallace very delightfully entertained at whist yesterday afternoon. There were eleven tables of players and a very pleasant afternoon was spent.

   —Photographer McGillivray of Ithaca, formerly of Cortland, has lost a thumb as a result of the premature explosion of a cannon cracker Saturday night.

   —Ithaca reported about a half dozen Fourth of July accidents of greater or less degrees of seriousness. One lady was struck by a spent rifle ball that bruised her, but did not penetrate the flesh.

   —The new display advertisements today are: A. S. Burgess, Clothing, page 8; Cortland Automobile Co., Rambler Touring cars, page 8; First National bank, Banking, etc., page 5; Miss A, M. Eadie, Pianos, page 6; Opera House. "Romeo and Juliet," page 5; C. F. Brown, Bath goods, page 8; W. W. Walters. Oxfords, page 6; McGraw & Elliott, Wines and liquors, page 6; F. Daehler, Bicycle Suits, page 6.

 

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