Saturday, August 22, 2026

NEGRO CONVENTION, BRIDGE CASE, HEAVY SHOWER, RETAIL CLERKS, LUKER-CLARK AND MOOT-FULLER WEDDINGS, AND LIGHTNING'S PRANKS

 
Booker T. Washington.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, August 20, 1903.

A NEGRO CONVENTION.

National Business League at Nashville.

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SPOKE.

Rapid Growth of Organization in Five Years—Way to Win Confidence and Esteem of the American People. Disadvantages of Negro and Jew in Europe Compared.

   Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 20.—Following is an abstract of the address delivered last evening by Booker T. Washington before the National Negro Business league:

   The National Negro Business league assembled here constitutes, I think I am safe in saying, the largest and perhaps the most representative secular organization among our people in this country. Its growth during the five years since its first organization at Boston, has been at a very rapid rate.

   More and more, I am glad to see, the black man is beginning to appreciate and take advantage of the opportunities for commercial and business development in this country. It is much wiser for us to emphasize opportunities than grievances. The world soon gets tired of the man or the race with a grievance. We must learn to be bigger than those who would insult us. We must learn to hold up our heads, and march bravely forward in spite of obstacles and discouragements. The mere fact that there can assemble in this beautiful state capitol building in a Southern state hundreds of colored men and women, from all parts of the country, representing as you do nearly every line of business in which the white man is engaged, is an indication of growth which is more potent and helpful than much abstract argument. The race that can produce such an assembly of men and women after only 40 years of freedom is one to be proud of.

   We shall succeed in winning our way into the confidence and esteem of the American people just in proportion as we show ourselves valuable to the community in which we live, in all the common industries, in commerce, in the welfare of the state, and in the manifestation of the highest character. The community does not fear as a rule the vote of the man, no matter what his color, who is a large taxpayer. It is not the negro who owns a successful business or works at a trade who is charged with crime.

   While we are in many cases surrounded with disadvantages, when we compare our condition and opportunities with those of the Jew in many parts of Europe, it is easy to see that almost every opportunity denied the Jews is open to us.

   The greater the difficulties to be overcome, the more strength we shall gain by succeeding. Every house owned, every farm cultivated, every bank account, every store operated, every tax receipt, is one influence which will operate tremendously in our favor.

   The negro is not ungrateful for all the benefits he has received at the hands of the white people of this country, and should on every proper occasion never fail to express this gratitude in no uncertain language. But the mere fact that we are not easily satisfied, and seek still further opportunities of advancement, is an indication of the value of the race. People who are easily satisfied are people of few wants. Wherever you find a race that is easily satisfied, and one that has few wants, there you will find a race that is of little value to its country, industrially, commercially, or in any other direction.

 

POMPEII IS THREATENED.

Lava of Vesuvius Has Taken a Course Like That of 1,800 Years Ago.

   Naples, Aug. 20—Vesuvius continues active and eruption has now lasted two weeks. On nights when there is no moonlight the spectacle is magnificent, the crater belching flames and smoke to the height of nearly 4,000 feet.

   In spite of the legend that Naples will be destroyed by Vesuvius, the Neapolitans truly believe that their patron saint San Gennaro, will stop the flow of lava with a gesture, should it advance too near Naples.

   The stream of lava, after flowing 2,650 feet in the direction of Ottajano has stopped, while the other stream is still moving and has reached a point 2,550 feet towards Pompeii.

 

Merchants' Bridge.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The St. Louis Bridge Case.

   An interesting question is raised in the demand of the secretary of war upon the owners of the Merchants' bridge at St. Louis to show cause why the charter should not be forfeited for violation of the conditions under which the grant was made and the bridge erected.

   At the time the charter was granted the Eads bridge enjoyed an absolute monopoly of communication across the Mississippi and was charging tolls which the public considered excessive. So strong was the feeling that it was insisted that the charter for the new competing bridge should contain clauses for the revocation of the grant if the owners consolidated with any other bridge company, entered into any pooling agreement or its officers became the officers of the other bridge corporation. The Terminal association, composed of the railroads entering St. Louis, is said to have acquired control of both the Eads and the Merchants' bridges. It imposes a charge of 25 cents upon every passenger, whether he walks or rides, and $1.25 upon every freight car. This tax upon transpontine traffic has resulted in the creation of the town of East St. Louis, although upon a swamp, because manufacturers desired to escape the toll.

   The outcome of the pending litigation, in which the validity and wisdom of the antimonopoly provision of the charter are to be tested, will be awaited with general interest. While the question is vital to St. Louis, it is of concern to the rest of the country by reason of the principle involved.

 

Main Street, Cortland, N. Y.

A HEAVY SHOWER.

Cortland Visited by Worst Storm of the Season.

THE STREETS TURNED INTO RIVERS.

Sluiceways Blocked and Gutters Flooded—Drenching Downpour Came Just as Stores and Shops Were Closing.

   Cortland experienced the most severe rainstorm ot the season yesterday afternoon and last evening. The day was hot and sultry and just the day to generate thunder showers. It was a day which is called a "cyclone breeder" in the West, and the shower was by no means unexpected.

   The shower began to gather in the north about 4 o'clock and as it commenced to grow dark and the wind increased it was evident that the city was to experience a severe storm. Just before it began to rain the wind blew a gale and it was almost impossible to see on the streets on account of the dust.

   When it did begin to rain shortly before 5:30 o'clock, the water came down in sheets. In ten minutes [Tompkins] street in front of the postoffice was covered with water from curb to curb on all sides the entire square formed by the intersection of Main, Tompkins, and Port Watson-sts. being covered with water. The sluices were unable to carry it off and it came up over the walks to within six feet of the postoffice. It is said that the lower part of Port Watson-st. seemed a veritable river, being full from curb to curb.

   At the corner of Main and Court-sts. the water rose above the walks and flowed into the Randall garden.

   The new sluices under the Lackawanna tracks on Railroad-st. were unable to carry the flood and there was an overflow there for a short time. Employees of the Cortland Beef company endeavored to persuade one of their number to float through the channel, he to do so for $10. It took less than two minutes to get the $10 but the sum was evidently too small and the passage was not made. It was suggested that perhaps the water in Dry and Otter creeks rose high enough to induce some of the property owners there to subscribe more towards clearing out the channels of the streams and that it would be a good time for the committee to go among them for that purpose.

   The rain came at a bad time for those working in stores, shops, etc., and many did not get home until late, others started out at once and rode their wheels through water that reached the pedals. It continued to rain hard at frequent intervals until well into the night, but not enough to flood the streets as during the first part of the big shower.

 

CAUGHT IN THE SHOWER.

E. B. Richardson and Dr. M. R. Smith Have an Automobile Experience.

   Dr. M. R. Smith of McGraw had his first experience with an automobile yesterday afternoon. Upon invitation of E. B. Richardson of the City Cycle Co. he took a ride with that gentleman to Tully. The doctor bought a brand new automobile cap before starting out.

   The trip to Tully was accomplished without accident or mishap. On the return, however, they encountered the storm about a mile this side of Little York. As the rain increased the wheels of the machine began to slip, and as the downpour continued the automobile, as well as the riders, was drenched and literally soaked.

   The machine refused to go, owing to the combined influences of mud and water, and the assistance of Mr. Gutchess, who lives on the Little York road, was enlisted to bring the two to Cortland. The machine was left until the roads should become more passable and the prospects for a pleasure trip more inviting. They reached Cortland shortly after 9 o'clock. The doctor does not contemplate visiting his patients in an automobile just yet.

 

A Communication.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir—Local branch No. 870, R. C. I. P. A. wishes to express its thanks to the affiliated unions, and to the merchants and people of Cortland who have assisted them by their hearty support in the endeavor to secure the same rights extended to those of other crafts.

   It is known to every one that the mechanics, professional men, and even the Italian laborers who dig in the ditch rarely ever exceed ten hours of work in a day. Why then should the clerk be compelled to work twelve, fourteen, and even sixteen hours? Is his or her work any easier than that done by the others? Are the salaries any larger? Are the powers of endurance any greater?

   It would seem that some people consider the clerk a prodigy, at least as far as power to endure physical and mental work is concerned.

   In the large cities arrangements have been made whereby clerks need not work half the night after working all day. The stores are either closed or a new force takes up the work in the evening. In all other concerns this plan is followed. Why should it be considered unreasonable because they have asked the same right?

   The plan of closing so as to give the clerk a chance to get the amount of sleep and recreation necessary has been successful and it is to the trading public that they are largely indebted because they have found a majority of the people willing to do their trading in the day time.

   (Signed) E. M. Watrous, J. J. Ogden, W. C. Wolcott, Committee.

 

LUKER-CLARK.

Impressive Wedding Ceremony In Grace Episcopal Church Last Evening.

   Grace Episcopal church was last evening the scene of a very pretty wedding, the contracting parties being Charles Ross Luker and Frances Jane Clark, both well known and popular young people of this city.

   The church was decorated with ferns, golden rod and flowers, and with the brilliant lighting presented an attractive appearance. Before the ceremony and while the guests were arriving, the following musical program was rendered by Miss Jennie Guild at the organ.

   Allegro, C. H. Whittier

   Gavotte in B flat, Hendel

   Norwegian Wedding March, Soderman

   As the bridal party entered the church the Lohengrin wedding march was played by Miss Guild and at the close of the ceremony the Mendelssohn march was heard as the wedding party passed down the aisle.

   The ceremony was performed by Rev. W. B. Clarke of Seneca Falls, formerly of Cortland, assisted by Rev. W. W. Way, rector of the church. Harry A. Vail of Cortland acted as best man and Mss Alma O'Brien was bridesmaid. The ushers were Messrs. Herman W. Carver, Charles P. Dunbar and Charles H. White of Cortland and Frank F. Gray of Stony Point. The bride, preceded by the ushers and maid of honor, entered the church leaning upon the arm of her father, Mr. Nathaniel O'Brien, by whom she was given in marriage. She wore a handsome bridal gown of white silk mull over white satin, with a veil fastened with rosebuds and carried a large bouquet of bride roses.

   The maid of honor wore white dimity and carried a shower bouquet of pink carnations.

   A reception and wedding dinner followed the ceremony at the home of Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien on Washington-st. at which about thirty of the near relatives and friends of the bride and groom were present. The house was tastefully trimmed with sweet peas, asters, golden rod and ferns. Miss Grace Theis presided at the lemonade bowl, which was upon the enclosed porch and Mrs. O'Brien was assisted in serving by Miss Florence Park, Miss Allport and Miss Frost.

   The bride was generously remembered in the way of gifts, which included silver, linen, cut glass, articles of furniture and handsome pictures. Mr. and Mrs. Luker left on the midnight train for a wedding trip of about two weeks, after which they will be at home in Cortland.

   Among the guests from out of town who were present at the wedding were: Miss Rebecca Mosher of Rochester, the bride's aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gates and family, Mr. Thomas Luker, Miss Eleanor Wright of Little York, Miss Eleanor E. Miller of Rochester, Prof. George D. Sykes and Frank F. Gray of Stony Point.

 

MOOT-FULLER.

A Cortland Man Claims His Bride in Lincklaen, N. Y.

   A pretty and quiet home wedding occurred Wednesday at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Fuller in Lincklaen, when their youngest daughter, Mertie L., was united in marriage to Mr. Arthur Moot of Cortland.

   The ceremony took place at 11 o'clock and was performed by Rev. W. Jasper Howell, pastor of the First Baptist church of Cortland, assisted by Rev. F. G. Webster, pastor of the Congregational church of DeRuyter, N. Y. Irving Moot of Valley Mills, a brother of the groom, was best man and Miss Kirby L. Bradford of Homer was the bridesmaid. The wedding march was played by Mrs. F. M. Davis of Pitcher.

   About twenty-five guests from Cortland and elsewhere, besides the home friends, witnessed the ceremony. Hearty congratulations followed the ceremony and the wedding dinner was a bountiful feast. There were many beautiful presents, including silverware, furniture and a purse of nearly $200.

   After a brief wedding journey, Mr. and Mrs. Moot will be at their home, 6 Union-st., Cortland.

 

CALVERT FAMILY REUNION.

Held Wednesday at the Home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haskins.

   The third annual reunion of the Calvert family was held at the home of Frank Haskins near South Cortland yesterday and was attended by between sixty and seventy members of the family. People were present from New York, Brooklyn, Corning, Grand Rapids, Mich., and from various places in Cortland, Tompkins, Onondaga and Cayuga counties. Before sitting down to dinner two photographs of the family were taken and a third while they were at dinner, the photographers being Earl S. Haskins and Mr. Patchell.

   Shortly after dinner the president, Marvin Wood, called the assembly to order. Mr. Wood was re-elected president and Lamont Calvert, secretary and treasurer. The president called upon Rev. John B. Calvert, who reviewed the history of the family from 1780 to the present day in a most interesting manner. N. F. Webb, G. H. Hyde and Ben M. Jaquish of Brooklyn also spoke interestingly. The married and single men had a game of baseball in the afternoon in which the benedicts were worsted.

   Letters of regret were read from various members of the family. Everything passed off in a most enjoyable manner until in the return trip when many of the family were caught in the rain shower.

 

LIGHTNING'S PRANKS.

House on T. C. Scudder Farm Struck Last Evening.

   During the thunder storm which swept over this vicinity last evening, lightning struck the house on the T. C. Scudder farm, occupied by George Severance, on the back road to Homer. The roof was somewhat damaged and some of the clapboards were torn off. The bolt struck the chimney and also entered a room occupied by one of the men who works for Mr. Severance. The man received a slight shock but suffered no serious injury. A mirror in the room was completely shattered, the glass being broken into pieces so small that not one the size of a five cent-piece could be found.

 



BREVITIES.

   —An Italian giving his name as Corloman Mastrofort had the middle finger of his right hand taken off at Wickwire's [wire mills] this afternoon. He was taken to Dr. Higgins' office to have the injured hand dressed.

   —Potatoes are attaining a marvelous growth this season and some record breaking sizes are being reported. One of the Carmen variety was dug on the W. L. Bean farm at McGraw this morning that tipped the scales at 2 lbs. 3 1/2 oz.

   —The annual reunion of the Delevan family was held at the Cortland park yesterday. About seventy-five members of the family were in attendance and a most enjoyable time is reported. A full account of the gathering will appear latter.

   —Excelsior Hook & Ladder company No. 3 left on the 8:11 train this morning for Gloversville where they will participate in the annual parade of various fire departments in the firemen's convention which is being held at that place this week.

   —New display advertisements today are—L. & K. Freeman, Special sale of ladies' hats, page 6; Mitch, Men wanted, page 5; Hollister Bros., Perfection bread, page 5; Brokerage Co., Consumer's picnic, page 8; G. H. Wiltsie, Anniversary sale, page 5; M, A. Case, Fair week special, page 5; City Drug store, Spices, page 5.

 

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