REIGN OF TERROR, BULGARIAN LEADER KILLED, NEW MILITIA ACT, ASSEMBLY PARK, ITHACA BAND, AND COMMON COUNCIL

 

Bulgarian Insurgent Band.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, August 19, 1903.

REIGN OF TERROR.

Turkish Troops Unwilling to Protect Christians From Fanatical Mussulmans.

   Sofia, Bulgaria, Aug. 19.—A reign of terror is reported to prevail at Uskub, where the Christian inhabitants are afraid to leave their houses. The Vali has issued the strictest orders to the Mussulman population to remain quiet and not molest their Christian neighbors; but the Mussulmans meetings in the mosques have resolved at a given signal to massacre the whole Christian population, immediately the first insurgent band appears near Uskub, or on any other pretext. The Christians are terrorized.

   The Turkish troops, who are their only public protection, do not show the slightest disposition to aid them. The attitude of the Turkish troops was recently plainly manifested when a train load of soldiers shortly after leaving Uskub fired on and killed three of the Bulgarian workmen who were repairing the track.

 

Boris Sarafov.

Bulgarian Leader Killed.

   Sofia, Bulgaria, Aug. 19.—According to a report from Uskub, Michailovski, the Bulgarian leader, was killed in the fighting at Krusshevo, while Boris Sarafoff, the noted insurgent chief, has been surrounded at Prassbalkan in the southern part of the Monastir vilayet.

   The night train service between Salonika and the Serbian frontier has been suspended. Forty-three battalions of Turkish reserves in Europe have been called out.

 

Russia Formulating Demands.

   Constantinople, Aug. 19.—A report has gained considerable credence among the general public of the city today to the effect that Russia is formulating fresh demands on the Porte including the appointment of a Christian governor general for Macedonia.

   Diplomats doubt the idea.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The New Militia Act.

   In the current number of the North American Review Lieutenant Colonel James Parker discusses the scope and import of the militia act of 1903 from the standpoint of a soldier of the regular army.

   Colonel Parker points out that, while the execution of the new law has been somewhat delayed by reason of the time required to study and interpret its provisions, yet much has been accomplished already in carrying it into effect. An inspection, for instance, is now going on by army officers to determine in each state the strength and efficiency of the militia. How large an undertaking this is alone may be gathered from the fact that there are in the national guard of 118,000 men and officers over 2,300 companies stationed in 1,196 towns. As the reports from the various states come in, showing the number of qualified militia, the new magazine guns and equipments are, upon the requisition of the governor, shipped to replace the old arms.

   In general, the attitude of the states toward the new law is one of enthusiastic approval, and they are all arranging to comply with the requirement that each year every organization shall have at least twenty-four drills and five days' field service. It is believed that many young men who would not otherwise enter the national guard will now do so in order to acquire the training that will qualify them to compete for places on the war department roll of eligible volunteer officers. Thus a new and valuable element will enter the ranks, raising the standard of the personnel. Colonel Parker trusts that we may presently see the acquisition by the government of several tracts of land which will permit the execution of maneuvers by the army and national guard on a large scale. The main difficulty is the expense, for in the more thickly settled states land suitable for the purpose cannot be bought in tracts of 20,000 to 30,000 acres for less than $50 to $100 an acre.

   Prominent among the advantages of the act are the great improvement in the efficiency of the national guard which will undoubtedly result as a consequence of governmental supervision and aid, better arms and equipment and more thorough training and, above all, the formation of a competent system of national defense without the necessity of maintaining a large standing army, which is undesirable under a republican form of government.

 

ASSEMBLY PARK.

Active Preparations for Farmers' Day—Entertainment—Personals.

   Active preparations are being made for the greatest Farmers' day ever held at Assembly park. The date is Saturday, Aug. 22, and it is for the citizens of Onondaga and Cortland counties.

   Everybody is talking about this occasion, both old and young, and it is expected that a large number of people from all over central New York will be present.

   The principal feature of the occasion will be a debate between Congressman M. E. Driscoll of Syracuse and Abe Gruber of New York on "The Canal Question." Every one is deeply interested in this subject. Special pains will be taken by the management to accommodate every one who comes.

   The Onondaga Indian band will be present all day. There will be sports, including a baseball game between Tully and Pompey, tennis games, etc.

   These features are outside of the regular assembly entertainments. The Peterson sisters, successors to the famous Park sisters, will entertain both afternoon and evening.

W. C. T. U. Meetings.

   At the temperance congress today, the Rev. G. A. Bronson discussed the encouraging features of temperance reform.

   Miss Fanny Crosby, the famous hymn writer, spoke at the morning evangelistic meeting.

   Miss Lillian, the soprano soloist, at the afternoon meeting sang "Jesus Savior Pilot Me."

The Round Table.

   At the Tuesday morning session of the Round Table, Mrs. Elizabeth Snyder Roberts read a few lines from Ruskin to open with.

   Mr. Geo. T. Hastings of Homer delivered an address on "Chili." He described the country with its mountains, some of which are 5 miles high. We find here glaciers and deserts, rich mineral products, of which copper and silver are chief; great fields of nitrates, which can be cut like clay, and from which all government expenses are paid. Some very large estates extend across the country and here we may see the old feudal system still in vogue. The people are of Spanish origin, showing in their faces the mixture of Indian blood. All speak the Spanish language, and the extreme wretchedness of poverty may be found side by side with the rich.

   The Catholic church, which has a strong hold on the people, is in the same stage of development that we find it in Spain during the inquisition. The newspapers of the country are controlled by the English, and Presbyterian and Methodist missions of the United States are doing good work.

   Miss Maude P. Cody, of Cortland Conservatory of Music, recited ''Mr. Bouton's Photograph Gallery," and "Sunday's Lonesome for a Little Boy."

   Mr. Kenneth Bruce, son of the Hon. Wallace Bruce of Brooklyn, spoke on "Tennyson's Idylls of the King." He called the Arthurian history a great bubbling spring in the midst of English literature.

Program for Wednesday.

   Mr. Kenneth Bruce speaks at the Round Table on "Nathaniel Hawthorne" and at 2:30 p. m. on "American Genius."

   Carroll E. Smith of Syracuse is booked on the Round Table program for "Recollections of Prominent People."

   Mrs. F. D. Reese of Cortland will speak at the W. C. T. U. meeting upon "The Effects of Alcohol Upon Heredity."

   Wednesday evening there will be a concert in the auditorium by the Peterson sisters.

Assembly Park Personals.

   The following are registered at Hotel Chautauqua:

   Kenneth Bruce, Brooklyn, Zoe O. Welch, McGraw, and Mary E. Rogers, McGraw.

   The following program was given Tuesday evening under the supervision of Miss Maude P. Cody of the Cortland Conservatory of Music:

 

   Great credit is due to Miss Cody for the interesting program of last evening. Many of the numbers were such as to incite the admiration and applause of the audience to a large degree.

   We would like to make special mention of the recitation by Carl Peck, entitled "Boys' Rights," and the monologue by Miss Welch, entitled "Behind the Curtain."

   The recitations by Exilda Per Lee were good, and the pantomime by Miss Rogers was a wonderful exhibition of facial expression and gesture.

 

CORTLAND COMMON COUNCIL.

Action on the Telephone Matter Deferred Two Weeks.

TO GIVE TIME FOR INVESTIGATION.

Representative of Long Distance Company Present at the Meeting—Says Other Cities Have Granted Privileges Asked for—Aldermen Discuss Condition of City Streets.

   The regular meeting of the common council was held in the office of the city clerk last evening. Mayor Charles F. Brown and Aldermen E. M. Yager, E. R. Wright, Geo. H. Richards, C. E. Ingalls, R. S. Pettigrew and Vern W. Skeele.

   The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved. Mr. James, representative of the American Telephone and Telegraph company, came before the council and said that he regretted that the mayor had seen fit to veto the resolution passed by Aldermen at their last session, permitting his company to set poles and string wires along the streets of Cortland. He said that in not one of the 12,000 cities and towns connected by the lines of his company did the company do local business, it being their desire simply to have as many cities and large towns as possible in their circuit for long distance work. They have no friends in Cortland and desire recognition, and an invitation from the council to enter the city. Inasmuch as there has been considerable comment concerning the haste with which the aldermen passed the resolution he asked the council to defer action two weeks until all who desired could look more closely into the matter before their final decision. He asked them to inquire from Ithaca, N. Y., where resolutions of the same nature are in effect, in order to ascertain the manner in which his company does business.

   On motion of Alderman Skeele action was deferred two weeks.

   The aldermen had their hammers out for the board of public works in regard to the manner in which the board has been caring for the city streets. The council was of the opinion that more money should be expended on the main traveled streets, especially those leading into the city. Owego-st. was reported to be in an especially deplorable condition. On motion the council adjourned.

 

Ithaca Band, Leader Patrick Conway front and center.

LARGER THAN EVER.

The Ithaca Band Will Have Fifty Men Here on Friday.

   The largest band ever appearing in Cortland will be at Cortland park next Friday afternoon and evening when the Ithaca band of fifty pieces gives the last concerts of the season. When here in July they carried twenty-six men but on account of their annual tour taking in Rochester, Buffalo, Toronto and Philadelphia the band has been increased by the addition of some of the finest soloists in the country and will have fifty men on that occasion.

   A special excursion will be run from Ithaca to give Ithacans an opportunity to hear the band larger and better than they have ever heard them. The programs for Friday are as follows:

 

   A dance will be held the evening of the concert. Admission free to [street] car passengers.

   Moving pictures and dance at the park this Wednesday evening. Music by Cortland Orchestra. Picture specialty, Coronation Pageant.

 

BREVITIES.

   —New display advertisements today are—Opera House, Bennett-Mouton Co., page 5.

   —M. Kennedy, who underwent an operation for appendicitis at the hospital three weeks ago is rapidly recovering and expects to leave the hospital Friday. The operation was performed by Dr. H. T. Dana and was entirely successful in every way.

 

COLUMBIAN SENATE REJECTS TREATY, PANAMA DISSATISFIED, SOBER INCIDENT, T. H. DOWD COMMUNICATION AND BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS

 

Tomas Herran.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, August 18, 1903.

UNANIMOUS AGAINST IT.

Colombian Senate Rejects Hay-Herran Treaty.

MANY AMENDMENTS PROPOSED.

Statement by New York Counsel of Panama Canal Company—Much Dissatisfaction in the Panama Department—Fears of a Secession Movement on the Isthmus.

   Washington, Aug. 18.—Dr. Harran, the Colombian charge d'affaires, has received an official cablegram from the Colombian secretary of state, dated August 13, containing the brief announcement of the senate's rejection of the treaty on the day previous.

   When word was received that the Panama canal treaty had been rejected by the Colombian senate, William Nelson Cromwell of Sullivan and Cromwell, New York, made the following brief statement, as counsel for the Panama Canal company:

   "A committee of the Colombian senate on the 5th inst. recommended the treaty with a number of amendments. Our cable advices state that various parliamentary motions have been made, more or less involving these amendments, and a recent one indicates that the treaty is not acceptable without amendment but this is not regarded as final."

   The reason given for the rejection of the treaty by the Colombian senate, it is said here, was the alleged encroachment on Colombian sovereignty, which its opponents contended, would result from the treaty. This information was contained in a dispatch received by Dr. Herran, the Colombian charge, from Foreign Minister Ricos at Bogota. This dispatch showed the treaty had been rejected unanimously by the senate.

 

PANAMA DISSATISFIED.

Rumors of a Secession Movement by People on the Isthmus.

   Panama,, Aug. 18.—'The unanimous rejection of the Panama canal treaty by the senate is the talk in all circles. The question on all lips is what will become of Panama. The only consolation the Isthmians have is that the rest of the republic, with the exchange at a very high figure and with an upward tendency, will suffer a great deal more.

   It seems that the government never expected the treaty to be ratified, and it was not supported at all in the senate.

   General Lucio Velazoo, an old veteran and a distinguished army officer, has been appointed military commander of the department of Panama. It is thought fears, caused by the rumors of a secession movement on the isthmus, may have influenced the appointment.

 

Preparing For a New Treaty.

   Bogota, Columbia, Aug. 18.—It is reported that President Marroquin has been authorized by congress to make a new treaty which will not require further ratification, but that the bases given for the treaty will probably prove unacceptable to the United States.

   It is considered, however, that the authorization will furnish a basis for reopening negotiations with the United States.

   It appears that one of the objections to the ratification of the treaty was that the Panama Canal company did not come to a previous arrangement with the Colombian government for the transfer of the concession.

   The action taken by the senate moreover seems to have been influenced by the communication made by the American minister in which the introduction of any amendments to the treaty was objected to.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Sober Incident.

   The sober second thought at Danville, Ill., is evidently getting in its work. The indictment of eighteen persons implicated in the late shameful lynching disturbances there is a most hopeful sign. Public sentiment is rallying to the support of the officers of the law who were faithful and firm in the discharge of their duty and refused to temporize with the mob. The fact is beginning to dawn on thinking persons, even in localities where there is more or less sympathy with lynching when the victim is a colored man, that mob rule means the destruction of all law, order and public safety.

 

A COMMUNICATION.

T. H. Dowd in Regard to Long Distance Telephones.

A REPLY TO THE MAYOR'S VETO.

The Long Distance Company Not Asking for a Franchise, but for a Welcome—Would Thereby Avoid Litigation—No Intention of Engaging in Local Business—Would Make Long Distance Work Easier and Less Expensive.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir—The American Telephone and Telegraph company, commonly known as the "Long Distance Telephone company" requested the common council of this city at their meeting held on the 4th of this month, to adopt a resolution providing for connecting Cortland with its "telephone and telegraph system."

   The matter was fully discussed at the meeting, and at the request of the council, City Attorney Hatch, who had been previously advised that such a request would be made, addressed the board with an exhaustive statement with reference to the law involved. In his remarks, the city attorney set forth what seemed to him to be certain objections to the resolution requested. His objection was centered upon the lack of necessity for adopting a resolution of this nature, but he made no suggestion as to any additional restrictions that might be incorporated in the resolution.

   The council, after a full discussion, in which the representative of the Home Telephone company actively participated, adopted the resolution by a unanimous vote. Three days afterwards the mayor vetoed the resolution accompanying the same with a statement of his reasons for so doing.

   The Long Distance company regrets its application has met with opposition from the mayor and the city attorney. It presented its request to the municipal government of our city, believing that a relationship could be established between it and the city which would result in their mutual welfare. It desires the good will and friendship of the people of Cortland. Without such a feeling existing, it could be so obstructed and harassed that any effort upon its part to enter the city with or without the resolution, would be entirely impracticable; and it believes, if the people of Cortland dispassionately and without prejudice will examine its proposition, that they will be impressed with the honesty of purpose which bas actuated the company's application.

   In the first place, the company has not applied for a franchise and, as the mayor states in his veto, the city has not the power to grant it a franchise. The law places this authority exclusively in the state and, at the meeting of the common council this proposition was fully ventilated and understood by all present. The representative of the company stated that he did not ask for a franchise, and the mayor, in persistently referring in his veto to the resolution as a franchise, was unintentionally guilty of a misrepresentation.

   Municipalities guard with a jealous care, their inherent rights, and the giving away of franchises is an exercise of power upon the part of officials which is always closely scrutinized. The unintentional misrepresentation of the mayor had therefore a tendency to prejudice the public mind against the resolution and hold it up to our citizens as endeavoring, by deceit and untrue statements, to obtain something which the city could not lawfully give.

   The American Telephone and Telegraph company asked for the adoption of the resolution with a clear and defined purpose which can be easily explained. A perusal of the decision of Judge Spring in the Barbite case, cited in the mayor's veto, and which is the law of our state, will disclose the company's position. In his decision, Judge Spring used the following language:

   "The right of telephone and telegraph corporations to use the public streets and highways for the construction and maintenance of its lines is given in unmistakable language, and the consent of the local body is not required. This franchise, therefore, comes directly from the legislature."

   But it will be observed a little further on that the local municipality has certain powers which it may exert over the corporation when it attempts to use its franchise given by the state. The decision continues:

   "When a corporation of this kind is to avail itself of the legislative grant, the manner of its exercise, the location of its poles, the stringing of its wires, etc., are within the control and regulation of the local legislative body. That is one of the police functions committed to the municipality."

   As the mayor says, this decision is the law of our state. It declares that the city cannot give a franchise, but that it can control absolutely the company in its exercise of its franchise.

   The resolution, therefore, is a regulation adopted by the city by which the Long Distance company is controlled in the construction of its line in our city.

   It, therefore, by the written statute of the city, avoids any possible clash, legal or otherwise, that might occur in the future between the company and the municipal government of the city.

   Other cities of our state, (Ithaca, for example) have adopted exactly the same resolution which has been passed by our common council, and it has been the experience of the American Telephone and Telegraph company that such action upon the part of the city has invariably resulted in the mutual advantage of both parties.

   This company undoubtedly has the right to enter the city and build its lines without the aid of such a resolution. The Home Telephone company built its plant in Cortland without any action in relation thereto by the city government and encountered considerable opposition, which resulted in expensive litigation. That company, "was officered, organized and financed by citizens of this city," to use the language of the mayor. It was identified with local interests and yet it was vigorously opposed when it began the erection of its poles.

   The Long Distance company without such local influence at its back would, if it attempted to invade our streets arbitrarily, be so obstructed as to make its entry here virtually impossible. The resolution is an invitation to the company by the city to enter Cortland and it would undoubtedly do away with this anticipated opposition. The mayor states three objections for vetoing the resolution.

   First—That the resolution was adopted with unseemly and ill advised haste. Since its adoption, two weeks have elapsed, and the council has had this time for calm and mature deliberation. If nothing has developed during this period to change the opinions of the aldermen, this objection of the mayor is without force. The aldermen voted unanimously in favor of the resolution after being fully informed as to its terms and intent; and its adoption was not ill-advised or hasty.

   The mayor declares, secondly, that this right should not have been given to a foreign corporation gratuitously, perpetually and irrevocably when the same right had already been refused a local company and others willing to pay a substantial consideration therefor. The common council declared that it is ready to give the Home Telephone company the same resolution as that adopted in favor of the American company. The supreme court of this state has decided that a city cannot receive compensation for enactments of this nature. This law was thoroughly explained to the council by City Attorney Hatch at its last meeting. If it now seems right to the common council to adopt this resolution is it logical to assert that they should not do so because several years ago they had erroneously refused to take similar action with reference to another company?

   The mayor's third and last objection is that the resolution has not guarded the city against a monopoly. In other words, he declares by his last objection "keep out the stranger company, kill competition, and then we will prevent monopolies." He argues if the Long Distance company enters into competition with a local company, it will cause an increase in our telephone rates. This reasoning is so absurd that it hardly merits refutation. The only way to keep down rates is to encourage competition. As a matter of fact, the Long Distance company will only do a long distance business. It has no desire to injure any local interests. In not one of the 12,000 towns and cities throughout the United States reached by its lines, does it do a local telephone business, nor is there any intention of doing so here.

   It would be a benefit to the best interests of the city to have this company's lines in Cortland. The attorney for one of our leading manufacturing industries said to Mayor Brown in my presence that direct connection with the Long Distance company's lines would save our manufacturing interests, at least, $1,000 annually, as it would obviate the paying of tolls over another company's lines in order to reach the Long Distance company's system at either Ithaca or Onondaga Valley. The connecting of Cortland with the Long Distance company's system would benefit the manufacturing and other business interests of our city. To exclude this company, would be an injury to all those interests.

   It asks for nothing that is illegal. It seeks nothing by means of false pretenses. The resolution is frank and honest and should be treated fairly and squarely. It subjects the company to the absolute control of our board of public works in building its line, and expressly provides that no additional poles shall be placed upon our main street. He interests of our city are fully protected by the resolution, and there can be no doubt but that the board of aldermen will courageously affirm at tonight's meeting the decision taken by them two weeks ago.

   Thos. H. Dowd, Cortland, Aug. 18, 1903.

[Mr. Dowd was the elected district attorney of Cortland County—CC ed.] 

 

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Plans to Improve Streets—Port Watson-st. to be Macadamized.

   A postponed meeting of the [Cortland] board of public works was held in the office of the city clerk last evening. Those present were, Chairman S. S. Knox, C. W. Collins, C. F. Wickwire, and F. H. Cobh.

   The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved.

   A petition, signed by residents of the northwestern part of the city, requesting the board of public works to co-operate with them in clearing out the channels of Otter creek and Dry creek in order to prevent inundation, was presented to the board. The signers have circulated a subscription paper and have obtained $56 to aid in defraying the expense that would be incurred. The board thought $56 a small sum for them to subscribe [if] the conditions are as bad as are represented. They thought that if there was any great danger of inundation a property owner would be willing to pay more than $1 to have it averted. As the subscription paper has not as yet been thoroughly circulated, the matter was put over until the next meeting.

   A number of the residents of Prospect-st. came before the board and presented a petition, signed by all but three of the property owners on the street, requesting that the street be put on grade. The street is on a sidehill, there being practically no gutter on the upper side of the road. They thought that if the roadway could be cut down a foot on the upper side and filled in correspondingly on the lower side, the street would be in a much more satisfactory condition. The matter was referred to the superintendent of public works and the city engineer.

   The matter of paving Port Watson-st. was next brought up. It was practically decided to advertise for bids at the next regular meeting and issue the contract this year if the bid or bids meet the approval of the board.

   The payroll for the first half of the month, and the bill for installing the sewers in Lincoln-ave. and Maple-ave., were audited and ordered paid.

   On motion, the board adjourned.

 

BREVITIES.

   —There will be a regular meeting of Grover Post, No. 98, this evening at 8 p. m.

   —The ladies of the Presbyterian church will meet in the chapel for sewing tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.

   —The attendance at the East Side Congregational mission Sunday was forty-eight and the collection amounted to 73 cents.

   —Where The Standard is sent by mail, the month and year to which subscription is paid always appear on the address label at head of first page of paper. Subscribers have only to look at this label to know just how their account stands.

   —The Ithaca News of last Saturday published a fine portrait of Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals Alton B. Parker and under it these words "Governor Taft of the Philippines will probably be appointed to succeed Secretary Root in the war department." Ithaca is a little too near Judge Parker's old home in Cortland county to try to post his portrait off for Governor Taft's, and so the inference is that the misfit was an error and not intentional.

 

BULGARIA OUTRAGE, ANOTHER CONSUL KILLED, FUTURE OF IRELAND, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY, AMELIA WILCOX SCHUTT, AND SENECA HOWARD

 

Sultan Abdul Hamid II.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, August 17, 1903.  

CATEGORY OF OUTRAGE.

Bulgarian Government's Memorandum to the Powers.

TURKEY'S PROMISED REFORMS.

Story of Murder, Torture, Incendiarism and Pillage by Turkish Soldiers and Officials In Macedonia—Bulgarian Government Guarantees the Truth of Every Statement.

   Sofia, Bulgaria, Aug. 17.—The Bulgarian government has presented a memorandum to the powers setting out at great length the condition of affairs in Macedonia during the past three months, since the Turkish government undertook to inaugurate the promised reforms. The most precise details, dates, places and names of persons are given in the memorandum, the whole constituting a terrible category of murder, torture, incendiarism, pillage and general oppression committed by the Ottoman soldiers and officials.

   These particulars were obtained entirely from official sources such as the representations of the Bulgarian consuls and agents of the Bulgarian government, and in many instances the reports made by Turkish authorities. The Bulgarian government guarantees the absolute truth of every statement and challenges the porte to disprove a single charge made in the memorandum.

   The memorandum begins by stating that during the past three months the Ottoman government has taken a series of measures with the alleged intention of inaugurating the era of promised reform and of assuring peace and tranquility to the Bulgarian population of European Turkey, but which have had the contrary effect of further exasperating this population and reviving the revolutionary movement instead of proceeding solely against persons guilty of breaches of the public order, the military and civil authorities have sought every possible pretext to persecute, terrorize and ruin the Bulgarian inhabitants.

Destruction of Villages.

   Wholesale massacres, individual murders, the destruction of villages, the pillaging of and setting fire to houses, arrests, ill-treatment, tortures, arbitrary imprisonment and banishment, the closing and disorganizing of churches and schools, the ruining of merchants, the collection of taxes for many years in advance; such, proceeds the memorandum, are among the acts of the Ottoman administration of the vilayets of Salonika, Monastir, Uskuo and Adrianople.

   The memorandum says that in the town of Salonika itself the Bulgarian professors of the university, the students and shopkeepers, in fact all intelligent Bulgarians in the city have been cast into prison.

   One hundred and twenty soldiers entered the village of Gorna-Ribnitza, May 19, and tortured to death five men and two women.

   During the first three weeks of July 25 villages in the district of Tikvesch were subjected to the depredations of the Turkish soldiers and Bashi Bazouks. The villagers were beaten and tortured, the women violated and the houses plundered, while the administrative authorities looked on.

   In the vilayet of Monastir artillery bombarded and razed the flourishing town of Smerdesch.

   At the beginning of July two Greek bands, with the connivance of the authorities, pillaged Bulgarian villages and murdered many of their inhabitants.

   In the vilayet of Uskub the entire Bulgarian population has been systematically persecuted since last May. The director of the normal school at Uskub was imprisoned because his library contained the "revolutionary" works of "Othello" and Les Miserables."

   In the districts of Palanka, Koschani, Koumanovo and Gostigar the prisons are filled with Bulgarian priests, schoolmasters and merchants.

   During June the soldiers and Bashi Bazouks terrorized the inhabitants of the Schtif district, torturing the people with red hot irons. Similar atrocities perpetrated in the vilayet of Adrianople are cited.

Carnage, Pillage and Incendiarism.

   Altogether, the memorandum gives particulars of no less than 131 individual and general cases of excesses and outrages committed by the Turkish authorities. In summarizing the specific details of the outrages mentioned, the memorandum declares that wholesale massacres were perpetrated by regulars and Bashi Bazouks in the town of Salonika and in seven villages while the scenes of carnage, pillage and incendiarism were everywhere terrible.

   At Smerdesch over 200 Bulgarians were shot, killed with swords or burned to death. Over 260 houses and the churches and schools were set on fire and pillaged, the property taken being sold by the soldiers and Bashi Bazouks in the neighboring places. Similar scenes occurred in four other villages. The villagers fled to the mountains. 

   Over 3,000 men, women and children fled from the Sanjak of Seres and even more from the Sanjak of Kirkklisze.

   It is difficult, says the memorandum, to obtain the exact number of Bulgarians who were imprisoned, mostly on the flimsiest pretexts, as when they were released others were immediately arrested. The estimates obtainable give for the yilayet of Salonika 900 prisoners, for Uskub 500, for Monastir 850 and for Adrianople 550, a grand total of 2,800. As information is lacking from many districts in these vilayets it is thought that without exaggeration the number of prisoners may be placed at even three times this total.

   Dealing with other acts of oppression, the memorandum states that the Bulgarian merchants and artisans living in Constantinople and Salonika were ordered to return to their native villages and were not allowed any time or opportunity to dispose of the business or property. Some of these Bulgarians who with their families had been established for 20 years or more were utterly ruined.

   As the order applied equally to professors and schoolmasters the Bulgarian schools were closed before the end of the school year. The authorities rigorously enforced the same order against the Bulgarian priests.

   Encouraged by the Ottoman authorities the Greek bishops and archimandrites forced their way into the Bulgarian churches, burned the prayer books and employed menaces to compel the people to acknowledge the Greek patriarch. The archimandrite of Salonika declared in a recent sermon that the sultan did not want Bulgarian exarches in his empire; if they remained they would be exterminated.

   In addition to the decree banishing the Bulgarian tradesmen from Constantinople and Salonika, the porte adopted measures to ruin the traders elsewhere. Every possible means was used to install Mussulmans in Bulgarian villages.

   On the lightest pretext the Bulgarians were forced to sell their lands to the Turks at any price the latter chose to pay. Burdened with taxes, liable to perform statute labor for the Turkish landowners, the population is reduced to a state of serfdom. This is one of the principal causes of discontent and when is added the exactions of the tax gatherers it is not difficult to understand why the wretched people should revolt from such a despotic government and servitude.

   In conclusion the memorandum asserts that the foregoing exposure once more condemns Ottoman administrative government in Europe. It says:

   "Not only has the Porte failed to observe a single one of these promises but it has enacted sterner measures of repression.

   "What must be the result of all this? Tired of waiting the fulfillment of promises of better conditions and driven to despair, the Bulgarian population have thrown themselves into a revolution which is now spreading in an Ottoman province, 150 miles from the Bulgarian frontier.

   "The causes of this revolution are today known. The responsibility is fixed and the Porte can no longer accuse the Bulgarian principality.''

 

ANOTHER CONSUL KILLED.

The One to Succeed Another Who Had Been Killed.

   Belgrade, Aug. 17.—A message from Uskub reports that Russian Vice Consul Mandelstram has been shot near Monastir. No official confirmation of the report is obtainable.

   Belgrade, Aug. 17.—Dr. Mandelstram, who was originally acting consul at Uskub, was recently appointed to succeed M. Rostkowski, the Russian consul at Monastir, who was murdered. Considerable anxiety has been felt regarding Dr. Mandelstram's safety. The governor of Monastir refused to give him an escort to his new post, but later he consented to do so. Dr. Mandelstram then started across the country from Uskub. Nothing further has been heard of the newly appointed consul since that time.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The Future of Ireland.

   The little island of Ireland, for 90 many years oppressed by English landlords, seems to have entered upon a brighter and more prosperous era. The island is naturally fertile and productive, but no one has had the interest in it to develop it to its capacity. The Irish tenants would not do so because it meant nothing to them. If the land produced more the surplus would all go to the English landholders, and the latter would not develop it because they were already satisfied with the enormous revenues they derived under present conditions. The new Irish land bill passed under the reign of King Edward will permit the Irish people to govern themselves and to acquire land and own it themselves, and now whatever they do to improve their property will be for their own advantage and profit.

William Bourke Cockran.

   W. Bourke Cockran, the silver-tongued Irish orator of New York City, has just returned from a trip through Ireland in the course of which he has taken occasion to study the country, the people and the conditions, and he takes an exceedingly optimistic view of the situation. He is able to speak with a large degree of authority, and his words will carry joy to the heart of every American who is descended from Irish parentage, as well as of every one who approves of fairness and justice and an equal opportunity for prosperity for all. Speaking of the passage of the Irish land bill Mr. Cockran says:

   "The passage of the Irish land act insures the settlement of the Irish question, which has disturbed millions of people for scores of years. It removes all reason for refusing to let the native people settle the conditions of their own government, and this means that Ireland will forge rapidly to the front as a nation, even as her people have come forward through their own inherent qualities.

   Ireland is bound to be one of the most potent factors in the world's government. It has taken years to get to the position Ireland will now hold, but after all, the years of waiting may not, have been in vain.

   "Home rule was and is necessary to Ireland. The only force active in preventing self rule by the Irish people was the landlord class. They believed that their property would be endangered. That force will now be eliminated. The landlords will be equitably recompensed for their holdings and the people will be free to advance.

   "I predict a wonderful future for Ireland. It will become a nation of farms and gardens, instead of bogs and poverty. Immigration to America will be stopped.

   "As an earning proposition, the Irish are unequalled. As a working class they are away above any other nationality. Four Irishmen can do the work of eight Italians or of five or six Yankees. Working, earning and profiting for themselves, why shall they not be among the leaders? They will be, mark my words.

   "The people there have for centuries paid even more than their earnings to the landlords. That left the people always in debt. It was impossible for them to lay aside a penny, or even pay their bills, in Ireland. So is it any wonder that the hordes invaded the United States, where they are free agents, to strive and profit for themselves?

   "I do not believe the new bill will cause any exodus from this country back to Ireland, except perhaps in a few instances. Those who emigrated here are satisfied."

   Continuing in his optimistic review, Mr. Cockran added: "The future of Ireland is in her own hands, Politics here have eventuated to a singleness of purpose—the freedom of the country—and I see no reason why such should not come to pass. The politicians, united under the able leadership of John Redmond, have the one aim and irresistible power, all toward freedom. Ireland will be free."

 

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.

Annual Excursion Will be Run to Onondaga Lake, Aug. 21.

   The annual excursion of the Patrons of Husbandry of Cortland county will occur on Friday, Aug 21, and the objective point will be Lakeside Park, Onondaga lake. N. F. Webb, the master of the Pomona grange, has arranged for the following train service over the Lackawanna railroad:

   Two trains will be run, the first one starting at Cortland and the second one at Whitney's Point.

   The first train will leave Cortland at 8 a. m., stopping at Homer at 8:07; Little York at 8:14; Preble at 8:19; Tully at 8:29 and Apulia at 8:35, a. m., arriving at Lakeside park at 9:25 a. m.

   The second train will leave Whitney's Point at 7:45 a. m., stopping at Lisle at 7:50, Killawog at 7:57, Marathon at 8:04, Messengerville at 8:12, Blodgett Mills at 8:23, Ithaca Junction at 8:30, and Cortland at 8:32, arriving at Lakeside park at 10 a. m.

   Round trip fare: stations from Whitney's Point to Marathon, inclusive $1; Messengerville and Blodgett Mills 85 cents; all stations from Ithaca Junction to Preble inclusive, 75 cents; Tully and Apulia 50 cents.

   Returning, the first train will leave Lakeside park at 4:30 p. m. and will make no stops between Syracuse and Cortland.

   This train will carry all passengers for points south of Cortland and for stations on the Lehigh Valley and E. & C. N. Y. railroads who must take the regular trains from Cortland on these roads.

   The second train will leave Lakeside at 5:30 p. m. and will stop at all stations as far south as Cortland, but goes no further south than Cortland.

   Both trains will stop at Syracuse on the return trip, but neither train stops there going up in the morning.

   It is probable that there will be a speaker from the state grange at the park and a ball game has been arranged between the teams of the Cortland Implement Co., which heads the city league at present and the Y. M. C. A.

 

Low Rates and Quick Service.

   Suit the people and have made the Lackawanna company excursions popular. Take the Scranton excursion, Aug. 30, and enjoy the beautiful ride through the picturesque mountain range to the heart of the anthracite coal region. [Paid ad.]

 

Took Supper at Raymond's.

   The employees of the Cortland steam laundry were treated to a ride to Little York Saturday afternoon by the proprietor, A. L. Gladding. They enjoyed one of Mr. Raymond's chicken suppers and all reported having an elegant time. Yager's new wagon drawn by four horses carried the party of twenty-four.

 

Death of Mrs. Schutt

   Mrs. Amelia Wilcox Schutt, wife of Jeremiah Schutt, died of heart disease at 7 o'clock last evening at her home, 122 Clinton-ave. Mrs. Schutt was 64 years of age and nearly all her life had lived in the house where she died and where for years she took the sole care of her aged parents. The funeral will be held at the house tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.

 

SENECA HOWARD

Died in a fit in Seaman's barber shop this morning.

   Seneca Howard died suddenly in John C. Seaman's barber shop between 11 and 12 o'clock this morning. He was accustomed to spend part of his time in the shop, Mr. Seaman paying him for doing various odd jobs. He came in this morning soon after 8 o'clock and after a time began to complain of not feeling well. As he seemed to grow worse, Mr. Seaman went for a physician. He found Dr. Edson who promised to come up as soon as he could. When he came he said that the man was suffering from a fit from which he might come out, and he might not. Mr. Seaman then went for charity commissioner H. T. Bushnell, who on his arrival saw that the man was seriously ill, and summoned Dr. Bennett. The man was dead, however, when that physician arrived. He was subject to heart disease and this doubtless caused his death.

   In the absence of Coroner Santee, Coroner Smith of McGraw was summoned, and ordered the body removed to Beard's undertaking rooms.

   The deceased was about 59 years old and was a son of Thomas Howard, He is also survived by one brother, William Howard of this city.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The South Cortland Sunday school picnic will be held at Elysium park tomorrow.

   —New display advertisements today are—C. F. Brown, Ground mustard, page 7; Warren, Tanner & Co., Deep cut in prices, page 6.

   —Through a change of plan Miss Lucy I. March will not sing at the open air concerts to be given at the park Friday afternoon and evening of this week by the Ithaca band of fifty pieces, as announced last Saturday.