NINE DAYS MOURNING, PROF. LANGLEY'S AIRSHIP, WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY, BIDS REJECTED, ITHACA BAND, AND SIG. SAUTELLE'S SWORD SWALLOWER

 

Pope Leo XIII.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, July 21, 1903

NINE DAYS' MOURNING.

Special Prayer Prepared for Use in all the Churches.

   New York, July 21. The nine days of mourning for His Holiness, Pope Leo XIII, began throughout the archdiocese of New York today by direction of Archbishop Farley. The archbishop has written a special prayer which will be recited daily in all the churches under his jurisdiction until the election of the new pontiff. Until that event the great bell of St. Patrick's cathedral will be tolled 94 times at 4 o'clock each afternoon.

   During the nine days of mourning a requiem mass will be celebrated every morning in every church. On the day of interment Archbishop Farley will officiate at solemn pontifical mass of requiem in St. Patrick's cathedral, assisted by the bishops of the diocese and the diocesan clergy. The orator, who will deliver the eulogy of Leo XIII has not yet been selected. This service will officially terminate the period of mourning, but on August 21, a month's mind mass for the deceased pontiff will be said in all the diocesan churches.

   All of the Roman Catholic churches in New York have been draped in mourning which will remain during the official mourning period.

 

Professor Langley's Airship.

   Wide Water, Va., July 21.—Work on Professor Langley's airship, which was suspended Saturday, was resumed with vigor today by Smithsonian experts and mechanics and they have nearly completed the launching car, which is to dash across a track 70 feet and cast the airship into space. The car will be sprung from its fastening by 12 heavy steel springs 40 feet long. It will be discharged from two brass piston boxes and a high velocity will be attained at the other end. Having launched the airship, the car will be held on the rails.

 

Parachute Did Not Work.

   Montreal, July 21.—M. B. Trussle, an aeronaut, is in the general hospital,  this city, suffering from a broken collar bone and concussion of the brain, as the result of an accident at Riverside park Sunday. Trussle ascended with Professor Wolcott, and when about 4,000 feet in the air Trussle pulled his parachute loose. The parachute did not work and down went the aeronaut like an arrow. He kept his nerve and succeeded in getting the parachute working. He was, however, dashed to the ground and badly injured. It is thought he will recover.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Wireless Telegraphy Development.

   Wireless telegraphy has not been attracting much public attention recently, but the inventors and promoters in this interesting field of electrical development have not been idle. Two new statements of much interest regarding it have just been given to the public.

   One of these, according to the Chicago Tribune, is to the effect that the wireless experiments which have been conducted by the United States Navy department during the past year or more have shown that the Slaby-Arco system is the best for the navy, and will be adopted. This is a German system, the joint production of two scientists, Herr Slaby and Count Arco. It was tested in competition with a number of other foreign inventions, French, German and English; but the Marconi system was not among them, as the department had been unable to make satisfactory terms with Marconi under which his system, if satisfactory, could be adopted.

   Having decided in favor of the Slaby-Arco wireless telegraph, the training ship Topeka bas been ordered to New York to get twenty sets of instruments which have arrived there from Germany. These are to be distributed among eight of our war ships which will use them in the prospective war games and fleet maneuvers. The vessels designated, each to receive a set of instruments, are the battleships Kearsarge, Illinois, Maine and Texas, the cruisers Olympia and Baltimore and the training ships Topeka and Prairie. Shore stations are also to be established, and communications between them and the ships will be kept up during the maneuvers.

   The second statement of much public interest regarding wireless telegraphy is that Mr. Marconi has discovered a principle and invented an instrument whereby he is able to dispense entirely with the high towers and poles for transmitting the electric impulses of his system. It is said that the inventor has been testing this latest invention for some time, and has been able to transmit messages across the Atlantic from the level of the earth where his sending instruments are located. The result of this will be the dismantling or abandoning of the transatlantic sending apparatus so far as the towers or masts are concerned, and messages will be sent by instruments placed on tables in the rooms of the company without any intervening masts.

   If Marconi's latest device is as complete and successful as represented, it marks a long step in the progress of wireless telegraphy.

 

S. S. Knox.

ALL BIDS REJECTED.

Only Two Submitted and they Were Both too High.

EXCEEDED ENGINEERS ESTIMATE.

Contained the Maintenance Clause—May Advertise Again for Bids Without this Clause—Sewer Connections Going Slowly on Account of Water—Paving May Have to be Deferred Till Next Year.

   A regular meeting of the board of public works was held in the office of the city clerk last evening, those present being, Chairman S. S. Knox, C. W. Collins, F. H. Cobb, and C. F. Wickwire. City Attorney Fred Hatch, Superintendent of Public works E. L. Becker, Engineer Farrington, R. W. Hanson, contractor of Geneva, J. S. Bull, contractor of Cortland, and W. G. Hastings, representing the Mack Paving Brick Manufacturing Co. of Philadelphia, were also present. The meeting was, for the most part, held behind closed doors.

   The board was called to order by Chairman Knox and the minutes of the preceding meeting read and approved.

   Bids for macadamizing Port Watson-st. were then opened. But two bids were presented, one by J. S. Bull of Cortland and C. T. Hookway of Syracuse for $28,734.33, and another by James M. Homer of Olean for $28,691.50. These were with trap rock and four inch curbing according to the specifications. They gave different figures for five inch curbing, blue stone, etc. Their bids included the five year guaranty fund. The engineer's estimate for the same was $23,240, not, however, including the five year maintenance fund.

   After the bids had been opened the board went into executive session, and after a lengthy discussion the statement was given out that both bids had been rejected on the ground that they were too high. It is said that the reason for the bids being so much in excess of the engineer's estimate was on account of the five years' maintenance clause.

   Superintendent Becker said that it was rather slow work making the sewer connections on account of the amount of water in the ground, but that only a few remained to be made west of the Lehigh tracks. By keeping two pumps at work they can keep the water down enough to enable them to continue work.

   Whether or not the paving will be done this year depends to quite an extent on the length of time it will take to make all connections. Engineer Farrington stated to The Standard reporter that he thought there would be no trouble in paving it as far as the Lehigh tracks, at least.

   It is probable that bids will be advertised for again at the next meeting of the board, at which time the maintenance clause may be stricken out.

   The semi-monthly pay roll was audited.

   The following sidewalks were condemned and new ones ordered: H. J. Messenger, Orchard-st., south aide; H. Willis Gazlay, Hamlin-st., west side.

 

WICKWIRES' EXCURSION

To be Run to Sylvan Beach on Saturday, Aug. 1.

   The second annual excursion of the Wickwire Employees Aid association will be held Saturday, Aug 1, when a special train will be run to Sylvan Beach, leaving here at 7:45 a. m. Returning, the train will leave the Beach at 6:30. Various sports have been arranged. There will be a 100-yard dash open to Cortland county. Prizes of six, three, two and one dollars have been offered in this event. The Cortland band will accompany the excursion, and it goes without saying that it will be an enjoyable outing. Fare, adults $1, children 50 cents.

 

Ithaca Band with Leader Patrick Conway, center forefront.

THE ITHACA BAND.

Two Concerts Daily at Cortland Park July 25 and 26 and From July 29 to August 2.

   The famous Ithaca band under the direction of Patrick Conway will commence its annual engagement at Cortland park on Saturday, July 25. Two concerts will be given Saturday at 3 and 8:15 p. m. and one sacred concert Sunday afternoon at 3:30.

   The band will not be in Cortland Monday or Tuesday following, but will resume its concerts at the park the Wednesday following and continue with two concerts daily until Sunday when only the afternoon concert will be given.

   A very pleasing feature has been arranged this year in that a public dance will be given in the pavilion at which the full band will furnish the music and the small admission of 25 cents will be charged. This is without doubt the finest opportunity for the lovers of dancing ever offered in Cortland and those who attended the private dance last year, at which the band furnished the music, will remember its excellence. To attend a dance with music furnished by so excellent a band of full forty pieces will be indeed an occasion long to be remembered.

   The Ithaca band as an organization needs no introduction to the people of Cortland where the leader, Mr. Conway, is so well known and appreciated. Suffice to say that this famous band is this year better than ever and will come to Cortland with forty men, every one of whom is an artist in his line.

   The program will undergo an entire change in each concert and in the latter days of the engagements requests from patrons will be received for repetitions of favorite selections and these will be repeated from such requests.

   The regular Wednesday and Saturday dances will be held as usual. No admission will be charged to the park for these concerts and ample, quick [street] car service will be instituted.

 

TEAM GOT AWAY.

Frightened by Car—Took to Walk—Caught—Little Damage.

   As Irving Price and his young son Charles were coming down South Main-st., Cortland, this morning with a load of baled straw, the team took fright at an electric [trolley] car and swerved shortly to the left and into the curb, in spite of the efforts of the driver to stop them. As the wheel struck the curbing the heavy jolt threw Mr. Price off the front end of the load. In falling he struck on the whiffletrees and rolled from there to the ground immediately in front of one of the wheels. He managed to get out of the way of the wheel, but to the spectators it seemed as though the wheel passed over his body.

   The team ran onto the walk, tearing down the awnings in front of Woolland's bicycle shop and the York shaving parlors and was stopped by W. W. Staub, who ran out of the barber shop and seized the horses by the heads.

   Charlie Price fell off the wagon together with several bales of hay, in front of the bicycle shop but was uninjured. Mr. Price was somewhat shaken up and his leg pained him quite a little. The team was uninjured. It was a fortunate accident all the way round. The street was full of people at the time and had the team, with the heavy load kept on down the street instead of turning to the curb, several might have been injured.

 

McEVOY SUMMER SCHOOL

Starts off Most Auspiciously with Increased Enrollment.

   The McEvoy summer school is in session today at the Central school building with the largest attendance for the opening day, in the history of the school, about sixty-seven being registered. There are more advanced pupils than in previous years, many being present simply for review, not having to take examinations. Classes will be passed and lessons assigned this afternoon, the regular work beginning tomorrow.

 

LEHIGH VALLEY'S HOSE CART

Just Arrived—Plenty of Hose, Water and Power—Ready to Fight Fire.

   The Lehigh Valley Railroad Co. has increased the efficiency of its already excellent fire fighting apparatus in the local car shops, by the addition of a first class up-to-date hose cart. This was purchased of the Seagrave company of Columbus, O., and possesses all the modern improvements. It is equipped with a tool box, hand bar, ax, etc. There is a ratchet which regulates the amount of rope to be used in handling the cart and is modern to the last detail.

   The company has over 1,000 feet of hose and its own water supply, with force enough to send a stream of water several feet above the top of the highest chimney in the yards. The employees form a volunteer fire company and it is said that every man would respond to the alarm at the shops day or night.

   One hundred feet of hose is attached to the hydrant in each shop every night and in case of fire it would only be necessary to turn on the water.

   The hose cart is kept in a convenient place and by simply sliding a door to one side it is ready for business.

   The Lehigh shops are surrounded by small shops, factories, and frame buildings causing great danger from fire, and as they are somewhat scattered and not especially easy of access to the regular department, this new addition is especially valuable

   Cortland Alderman George F. Richards, who is the master mechanic of the railroad for this division, has been working long to advance the interests of the railroad company by securing this additional means of fighting fire in the car shops, and is heartily to be congratulated upon the success that has crowned his efforts. All the residents of the vicinity who may also be benefited in case of fire are likewise grateful to him.

 

Sautelle's Sword Swallower.

   Bill Griffin, the sword swallower with Sautelle's circus, died Sunday at Bridgewater, Me. On Saturday while performing his feat his foot slipped, and the long knife used pierced his windpipe, causing death the following day.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The new display advertisements today are—G. H. Wiltsie, Dry goods, page 6: Cronin, the Plumber, Full line of plumbing goods, page 5.

   —Anthracite coal has been discovered upon several farms in the vicinity of Waterloo, N. Y., and there is a belief that it is there in paying quantities. The town is getting excited over the find.

   —A move is on foot, among the alumni of Cornell university to raise $130,000 to enlarge and improve the athletic field, to build a fine club house upon the premises and to provide the grounds and buildings with every facility for producing better athletic work.

 

AMERICAN OFFICERS RECEIVED BY KING EDWARD, DANGEROUS OPERATION, TRACTION CO. FRANCHISE, AND MATTER OF ELEVATION

 

King Edward VII.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, July 9, 1903.

ARE SIGNALLY HONORED.

Officers of American Squadron at Buckingham State Ball.

FORMALLY RECEIVED BY KING.

First State Ball Since Accession of King Edward—Climax of Visit of President Loubet—2,200 Guests Present, Including All the Ambassadors and Ministers in London.

   London, July 9.—King Edward signally honored the officers of the American squadron last night at the state ball given at Buckingham palace—the climax of the visit of President Loubet.

   His majesty formally received Admiral Cotton, the captains of the American ships and 25 of the junior American officers, and Queen Alexandra later gave them the same distinction.

   The ball—the first since the accession of King Edward—was a brilliant function, 2,200 guests being present, including President Loubet and his suite, practically all the ambassadors and ministers in London, the majority of the members of the royal family, prominent representatives of the nobility and the officers of the American and French squadrons now in British waters.

   To Rear Admiral Cotton the king expressed his gratification at the visit of the squadron. Admiral Cotton replied that every care had been taken of himself and the others. His majesty had a pleasant word to say to each of the officers presented. The captains and Staff Lieutenant Hussey were then presented to Queen Alexandra. During the supper several American officers were also introduced to the Prince of Wales, Field Marshal Lord Roberts and other distinguished Englishmen.

   The king and queen led the royal quadrille which opened the ball.

   Before the ball Admiral Cotton, the American captains and Staff Lieutenant Hussey dined with the Earl of Selborne, first lord of the admiralty, at Whitehall.

 

USS KEARSARGE BB-5.

A Week Longer in England.

   Washington, July 9.—The navy department has decided to allow the European squadron to remain about a week longer than was intended in English waters. Orders were sent to Admiral Cotton to leave England in time to arrive at Lisbon on the 22d inst., which will involve his sailing on the 17th. The Kearsarge is authorized to remain in England until that date when she will sail for Maine to rejoin the North Atlantic squadron. The Brooklyn has been directed to leave the Azores in time to arrive at Lisbon on the 22d.

 

James Longstreet.

A Dangerous Operation.

   Atlanta Ga., July 9.—The condition of General James Longstreet, who is ill at his home in Gainesville, remains unchanged. He will go under the knife today to have a cancerous growth removed from his left eye, which has destroyed the sight of that orb.

   Owing to extreme age and an infirm condition caused by old wounds and rheumatism he is in poor condition to stand the operation. Great fears are entertained that the anesthetic rather than the operation may prove fatal. General Longstreet has been apprised of his condition but insists on the operation.

 

FRANCHISE COMING

For the Traction Company Through the Town of Homer.

TERMS ARE ALL AGREED UPON.

Franchise Now Being Drawn—Traction Company to Have Privilege of Taking Either East or West Road to Little York—Decision as to Which One to be Made Later.

   Commissioner of Highways Clarence A. Knapp of the town of Homer has decided to grant a franchise to the Cortland County Traction company to extend its tracks through the town of Homer from their present terminus to the point north of Little York where it desires to locate its new park upon the shores of Little York lake. The announcement of this decision was made to representatives of the railroad company this morning, at which time the commissioner and his attorney, E. W. Hyatt of Homer, met the representatives of the Traction company and talked the whole matter over. The terms of the franchise were then agreed upon, and the franchise is now being drawn. When completed it will be signed and delivered.

   The franchise does not specify whether the east or the west road shall be used, but permits the company to take its choice. The decision in this matter will be made by the Traction company at a later time and this will depend partly upon the physical condition of the two roads and the comparative ease or difficulty of construction.

   As soon as the franchise is signed and delivered the matter of looking into details of construction will be begun preparatory to deciding on the route, and when the route is settled the preparation will be pushed for building the road so as to have it in operation early next spring.

 

ST. MARY'S PICNIC.

Over 430 Children Spent a Fine Day at the Park.

   The Sundayschool [sic] of St. Mary's Catholic church held its annual Sundayschool picnic at the park yesterday and over 430 children spent a very happy day. In addition to these were a large number of the grown up members of the church and congregation who were present during some portion of the day.

   Special cars were provided and these left the church at 10 o'clock. Arrived at the park the boys had a ball game and others made use of the swings and enjoyed the other attractions of the popular resort. A fine dinner was served upon the broad piazzas of the pavilion, and then the afternoon was given up to pleasure. The day, though warm, was a very perfect one for such an affair.

 

Fractured His Elbow.

   Cornelius Hicks, the 9 year old son of C. L. V. Hicks of 40 Pendleton-st., Cortland, met with a severe accident at the park Tuesday afternoon. Together with several other children and his grandfather, A. C. Deusenbary of New York, he was spending the afternoon at the park. In going from the bear's cage to the pavilion he ran and jumped on the edge of' one of the benches. The bench tipped over and the child fell doubling his arm under him. It was evident at once that the arm was broken and Mr. Deusenbary immediately brought the injured child home. Dr. Ver Nooy was summoned and found that the boy was suffering from a compound fracture of the elbow, every bone being broken. He reduced the fractures and the child is now doing as well as can be expected.

 

Fourth of July Party.

   Miss Florence L. Jennison, teacher in district No. 1, Cortland, gave a Fourth of July party to her pupils and a few invited friends at the home of the trustee O. C. Stoddard on Friday evening, July 3. The time passed most delightfully with games and social cheer. A delicious supper was served by Mrs. Stoddard and Miss Jennison in the large diningroom [sic], which was gaily decorated with bunting and flags. Attached to the game card at each plate was a souvenir appropriate to the occasion and the day. The evening will be most pleasantly remembered by all who were present.

 

Bingham-Rindge.

   Hon. William Bingham of Northampton, Mass., and Mrs. Clara Rindge of Homer, N. Y., were married at the home of the bride in Homer at noon on Saturday, July 4, the ceremony being performed by W. F. Kettle, pastor of the Congregational church of that village. The rooms were made additionally attractive by decorations of ferns, daisies and smilax. The bride wore a gown of foulard silk and carried a bouquet of white carnations. A fine wedding dinner was served after the ceremony. Mr. and Mrs. Bingham will be at home in the early fall in Northampton.

 

THE MATTER OF ELEVATION.

Highest and Lowest Points in the County—Other Facts.

   The highest point in Cortland county is the town of Virgil is 2,130 feet above the sea level, and the lowest point in the Tioughnioga Valley in county limits is 1,050 feet above the sea level.—Marathon Independent.

   We know not the source of the information of The Independent in these figures, but it seems as though the lowest point was a little high. In 1896 some questions in regard to elevation in this vicinity were asked and The Standard wrote to the office of the state engineer at Albany and received the following figures from Deputy State Engineer H. Roberts. They were published at the time, but may have been forgotten by this time and will be of interest again:

   The elevation of Cortland is 1,129 feet above the mean ocean level. With the fall there is between Main-st. in Cortland and the Tioughnioga river at the Port Watson bridge it would seem as though there would be more than 79 feet between the city and the lowest point in the Tioughnioga valley which of course is south of Marathon.

   According to the figures sent The Standard the elevation of Syracuse at the West Shore R. R. station is 400 feet. The highest point on the Lackawanna railroad between Syracuse and Cortland is 1,253 feet, 1 1/4 miles south of Apulia station. The elevation of Ithaca at the shore of Cayuga lake is 378 feet.

 

BREVITIES.

   —There will be an Assembly party at the park tomorrow night. Cars every half hour.

   —Through an error yesterday the name of W. A. Dunn of Cortland was omitted as being one of the surviving sons of the late Patrick Dunn of this city.

   —The new display advertisements today are—J. B. Kellogg, Special sale of ladies suits, page 8; Buck & Lane, Plumbing, page 5; Warren, Tanner & Co., Carpets, page 6.

   —At the prayer meeting at the Presbyterian church tonight D. F. Wallace will continue his very interesting talk upon his recent trip to the Holy Land. His words were so interesting and profitable last Thursday night that he was then and there asked to continue it this week.

   —On account of the funeral of the late Mrs. W. E. Powers the meeting of the Home Missionary society of the First M. E. church will be held with Mrs. F. J. Doubleday at the home of the Misses Conable, east of the Port Watson-st. bridge, the place previously named, at 7 o'clock Friday evening instead of at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Take the McGraw [trolley] car or the park car.

 

ONE HUNDRED DEAD BY FLOOD, GLOROUS FOURTH, PREVENTION OF FOREST FIRES, HARRIET HAMILTON, AND RED LETTER DAY

 

Curious people inspecting broken dam after the flood at Oakford Park.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, July 6, 1903.

100 DEATHS BY FLOOD.

Large Number of People Drowned by Bursting of Dam.

DISASTER AT AN OUTING PARK.

Heavy Rains and Cloudburst Weakened Dam of Lake and When It Broke Five Acres of Water Swept Down Upon the Pleasure Seekers, Houses and Cars Swept Away.

   Greensburg, Pa., July 6.—A water spout of immense proportions struck in the vicinity of Oakford park at 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon and created a flood that caused great loss of life and property.

   It is known that at least 20 persons lost their lives and rumors place the number of dead at more than 100, but up to a late hour only three or four bodies have been recovered, having been washed to the banks of the little creek that runs parallel with the park. The names of those known and believed to have been drowned are:

   Miss Gertrude Keefer, aged 19, of Jeanette.

   Edward O'Brien of Latrobe.

   Joseph Overly of Indianapolis.

   Lucy Crum of Jeanette.

   Councilman Light, wife and two children of Greensburg.

   At 3 o'clock rain began to fall in torrents in the vicinity of the park and spread over territory covering probably 10 miles.

Warned to Run to Hills.

   Half an hour later the cloudburst occurred. The waters in the lake north of Oakford park began to rise, and Manager James McGrath, believing there was danger of a final break in the great walls of the dam, hurried among the crowds of pleasure seekers who had gathered under the roofs of the eating stands, the dancing pavilion and other buildings and warned them to run to the hills.

   On both sides of the pleasure grounds are high hills, the park being located in a ravine about a quarter of a mile wide and a mile long. The people were loathe to leave their protection and not until Manager McGrath and his assistant Charles E. Thomas entered each building in turn and simply drove the crowds out into the rain did they realize that the managers were in earnest.

   The gathering flood meant the breaking of the wall that held five acres of water. Soon after the buildings had been cleared, the waters swept over the wall of the dam and in a moment a torrent of water was racing over the entire length of 400 feet of the dam.

   The park buildings, the merry-go-round and other amusement places were twisted about and all but the dancing pavilion and lunch stand were carried from their foundations.

   The rain continued to fall in torrents and it was not long before a great section of the wall gave way with a crash. The flood beat down the ravine with a roar that was heard for two miles.

   A half mile down at the junction of the Greensburg and Jeanette and the park car lines car barns are located [sic]. The entrance gates to the park were lifted and with the force of a pile driver the mammoth posts were hurled by the water against the barn.

   Beyond was located the small waiting room, and on the track was standing a car loaded with passengers on their way from Greensburg and Jeanette.

   The electric storm had rendered the power south of this place useless and the motorman was unable to move the car. The flood struck the waiting room, containing probably a dozen people. A number of them struggled to a point of safety, but it is believed that at least 10 persons were drowned. The street car was caught and swept into the creek.

Attempt to Rescue Two Women.

   Among those washed into the flood were C. M. McClain of Greensburg, Edward O'Brien and Joseph Overly and Misses Keefer and Crum. Young McClain is an expert swimmer and the cries for help from the two unknown women brought the young man to their side as they struggled in the water.

   He grabbed them about the waists and kept their heads above water as the three were carried in the direction of Jeanette by the raging torrent. He held to the women for more than a mile and then exhausted and ready to sink to his death he released his hold and the women sank. It was with the greatest difficulty that he managed to get ashore. The names of the women are not known.

   Standing on the platform near the waiting room were a man and his wife whose names have not been learned. When the flood came the husband escaped but the wife was carried away.

   Hundreds who at nightfall missed members of their families at supper time hastened with lanterns over the hills in search of their loved ones. Many of them were overjoyed to meet their relatives on their way home.

    Late at night many of those who were first reported missing turned up here.

   William Clinch, Jr., of this city barely escaped from the rush of water and was an eye witness to the awful disaster.

   His statement is as follows: "I was standing at the car barn at the time the warning was given. Two women came running down from the park and said that the dam had burst. I afterward learned that the dam broke at the upper end and at the lower end the water overflowed. The flood was headed by two immense timbers that came crashing down. The waiting room where people board the street cars was full of women and children. Scarcely any of these escaped.

   A telephone message from Jeanette says from 50 to 75 men, women and children perished by the cloudburst at Oakford park. The majority were drowned or swept to death against the rocks in Brush creek, but a number were electrocuted. At least 800 persons were at the park seeking relief from the heat.

   Mrs. Levi Baker was ill in bed when the flood came and was unable to move when the warning was given. She was caught and was drowned. John McGuskey, aged 40, was drowned. George Williams, aged 35, was drowned, but his wife was saved. Alex Victor was hurled against a tree by the torrent and was so badly injured that he died. The Nigga family consisting of the mother and seven children was caught in the flood and the mother and four of the little ones perished.

 

Cortland Traction Park.

GLORIOUS FOURTH

Celebrated in Cortland in Remarkably Fine Style.

BIG NOISE ALL FRIDAY NIGHT.

Big Bonfire—Common Crackers and Bombs With Blowing of Horns Render Night Hideous—False Alarm of Fire—Parade of Firemen—Genuine Fire in the Afternoon—Fire Works in the Evening.

   The Fourth of July was celebrated in Cortland in a way long to be remembered. A leading feature was the number of accidents that proceeded from the premature explosion of fireworks. This was especially marked during Friday night. One physician was kept busy till 3 o'clock in the morning caring for the patients that came to him.

   Night was rendered hideous in the most approved fashion. Horns were blown, fire crackers cracked, bombs boomed and skyrockets shrieked nearly all night long. There was a big bonfire on the corner of Church and Court-sts. near the soldiers' monument. Barrels and boxes were dragged from every conceivable place and everything that was not nailed down was carted off and burned up.

   Just before midnight there was an alarm of fire from South Main-st. and the fire department responded promptly. It proved to be a false alarm, and later on two boys paid fines of $10 each for interfering with the alarm system when there was no fire.

   During the forenoon the firemen made a fine parade. All the companies headed by the City band marched down to the Trout park where Orris Hose Co. held its picnic. There was a great crowd there and plenty of sports of various kinds. Fireworks in the evening crowned the effort. The firemen were called away rather unceremoniously during the afternoon to respond to a genuine alarm of fire on Pendleton-st.

   The [Cortland Traction] park did the second best day's business in its history. It falls behind the day of the Ithaca band two years ago, but aside from that it was a leader. Over 13,000 people were carried on the line at some time during the day. The City band gave two fine concerts—programs that must have made every resident of the city proud of its band. There was no exception to be taken to its playing along any line. The dance hall was crowded all day. But the crowd was handled in an easy fashion and the last car left the park for the city at 12:10.

   One conductor was heard to remark to an associate in the crowd: "We are in for an all night's job. I didn't suppose there was so many people in Cortland as we have carried up to the park this afternoon. We can't get them all home in two weeks." But he did though.

   The fireworks formed a very satisfactory closing to the evening. The side hill above was seated thick with people, and the selection of pieces was a very happy one. All were enthusiastic in praise of the display.

   The day, so far as weather was concerned, was ideal. Not a cloud, and not excessively hot.

 

MOVING PICTURES

Weekly Change of Moving Pictures at the Park.

   Arrangements have been made with the Edison company to furnish 1,000 feet of moving pictures film each week to be exhibited at the Cortland park. There will be an entire change of subjects each week and the newest and latest pictures will be shown as they come out. This insures a great variety of pictures all of which will be shown at the park for the first time in Cortland. Among the pictures that will be shown during the season are the Passion Play, Coronation Parade, various illusions, etc. These will be put on as to give as varied an entertainment as possible

   No charge of admission will be made to the park to witness these exhibitions. Quick and ample service to and from the park will be inaugurated during the evenings when the moving pictures are shown.

   The pictures will be shown for the first time tomorrow evening, July 7.

 

STOLEN FROM CEMETERY

Depredations of Various Kinds Being Carried on There.

   Superintendent Gallagher of the Cortland Rural cemetery informs us that numerous articles, such as ribbons, vases, plants, flowers, etc., have of late been stolen from the cemetery. The latest is the theft of a fine bulb-shaped blue vase from the burial lot of G. J. Mager. Its contents were deposited in front of the monument and the vase removed. This was done last week, and if the person who has taken it will return it to the place where taken from, no questions will be asked or action commenced.

 

T. D. DAVIS

Now in Homer to Build the New Passenger Station.

   T. D. Davis of New York City, who had charge of the construction of the new Lackawanna station at Cortland, is in Homer to superintend the erection of the new passenger station in that village. Since completing the Cortland station Mr. Davis has had charge of building a fine new station at Norwich, Ń. Y., and has been engaged on extensive bridge repairs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Plans to Prevent Forest Fires.

   It is gratifying to note in connection with the recent destructive forest fires in the Adirondacks and in Maine that the bureau of forestry of the department of agriculture has been making a careful study of such fires and the methods of fighting them. This investigation differed from former efforts in this direction in that the fire data were obtained during the progress of the conflagrations instead of after they had run their course. Special agents were in the field in various parts of the country watching the movement of the fires and the methods of fighting them by state employees, the employees of corporations and the people living in the affected districts. Attention was also given to the causes, the rapidity of the fire, what natural conditions favor or hinder the progress of the flames and what damage is done to the soil and the tree growth.

   Undoubtedly a vast amount of useful information has been thus acquired, the publication of which will serve an important end. It is hoped that it may be the means of preventing the recurrence of such great destruction as has lately occurred in the forests of Maine and northern New York.

   How to prevent forest fires is a difficult problem, but it should be possible to stop in considerable measure the annual destruction of the forests by fire, which is estimated at from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 a year in the country at large. The total loss this year will probably greatly exceed the latter figures.

 

MISS HARRIET A. HAMILTON.

Death of a Cortland Normal School Teacher at Ithaca on Saturday.

   Word was received in Cortland Saturday of the death at about 2 o'clock that afternoon at the home of her sister, Mrs. John Winslow at Ithaca, of Miss Harriet A. Hamilton, for the past eight years a [History, English and Civics] teacher in the Cortland Normal school. The funeral was held this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Winslow. Her age was 56 years.

   Miss Hamilton had two very severe attacks of grip during the past winter and never fully recovered from these, though she was able to continue her teaching till May 29. On the following day she went to Syracuse for medical consultation when it appeared that she had Bright's disease, as an after result of the grip. She came back to Cortland, but on June 2 was so much worse that she returned to Syracuse to the House of the Good Shepherd hospital. The attack was acute and her decline was rapid. On June 11 it was said that nothing more could be done for her, and she expressed a great desire to get back to the home of her sister at Ithaca. It was feared that she could not survive the journey, but it was accomplished successfully. Several times within the next few days she had sinking spells and the end was believed to be near. But each time she rallied. Her vitality was strong and under skillful treatment it seemed that the disease was yielding to medicine. Within the last few days, however, her heart showed signs of weakness, and Saturday morning at 4 o'clock there was a decided sinking spell. She retained consciousness, however, till fifteen minutes before the end, then passed quietly away.

   Miss Hamilton was one of the most beloved of all the teachers who have ever been in this school. Of the highest of culture, of the greatest refinement, with one of the warmest of hearts and possessed of the deepest of sympathy for every student, she was a favorite with all with whom she came in contact. She was esteemed and respected for her genuine worth and beloved for her personal qualities. While upon the bed of illness, knowing that the end was near, she sent to the recent graduating class a message of cheer and of love and expressed her regrets that she could not be with them upon that glad day.

   She was a graduate of Cazenovia seminary and had held positions as a teacher in some of the best institutions of learning. For several years she was a teacher in the Mansfield, Pa., Normal school, for several years more in Mount Holyoke seminary and college at South Hadley, Mass., and now for the past eight years in the Cortland Normal. Quiet in manner but fascinating in conversation and with a wide knowledge of many subjects she was always the center of an interested group in whatever company she found herself. She was a constant attendant of Grace Episcopal church in this city.

   A number of the Normal teachers who are still in this vicinity attended the funeral at Ithaca today.

 

William R. George.

RED LETTER DAYS.

George Junior Republic's Big Celebration This Week.

   The last three days of this week will mark an important epoch in the annals of the George Junior Republic at Freeville. On Friday the eighth anniversary will be celebrated. It will be founder's day and the founder will be present. The morning will be devoted to a reception of visitors. Many are expected from the larger cities and there will be special cars for the Boston and the New York visitors. In the afternoon a concert will be given by the famous Ithaca band. In the evening there will be a George Junior concert, a bonfire and fireworks.

   Saturday morning the board of trustees will hold a meeting, followed by an inspection of the Republic. In the afternoon a game of baseball between the citizens and the graduates will make things lively. In the evening parlor theatricals will be given in Lyceum hall in the village of Freeville.

   Sunday will be known as dedication day. At 10:30 a. m. the assembly will form and the procession will march across the campus to the new chapel which will be dedicated with impressive ceremonies. Bishop Potter of New York will preach the dedicatory sermon. W. R. George, the founder, will make an address. The first communion service will be held in the chapel.

 

BREVITIES.

   —There were 193 students at Cazenovia seminary during this past year,

   —A regular meeting of the Women's Relief Corps will be held at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

   —Governor Odell bas promised to speak at the Seneca county fair at Waterloo the last week in August.

   —Fifteen new free delivery routes have just been added to the service in Oneida county, making fifty-one in all.

   — "Romeo and Juliet" will be produced at the Opera House by the Simvelle company next Monday night, July 13.

   —The regular meeting of the Church Protective union will be held at their rooms tomorrow night at 8 o'clock.

   —Six fire companies from Ithaca expect to attend the Central New York Firemen's convention at Homer the first week in August.

   —The new display advertisements today are—G. H. Wiltsie, Drygoods, etc., page 5; L. & K. Freeman, Clearance sale of millinery, page 8; Warren, Tanner & Co, Carpet sales, page 6.