Horse Killer Sues Cortland Evening Standard for Libel

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, January 21, 1895.

A BRUTAL OPERATION.

A Horse Unmercifully Whipped Until it Died.

   At about dusk Saturday evening there was a scene upon the corner of Elm and Church-sts., which would seem to require the attention of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Howard Meacham of 50 N. Main-st was driving a horse up Elm-st, and was striking it unmercifully with a whip, at same time yanking it from side to side of the street with the reins. Suddenly the horse fell down and within a very few minutes died.

   Mr. F. P. Hakes of the firm of Davis, Jenkins & Hakes, was one of the witnesses to the disgraceful affair. He told a STANDARD reporter that he should think the man struck the horse twenty-five blows. He said that before Meacham finished there were eight or ten witnesses gathered about. A woman in front of him almost went into hysterics at the sight. An employee of The STANDARD job room saw the last of it. The man was whipping the horse furiously and yanking and jerking it back and forth. Suddenly the animal fell and then Meacham jumped from the sleigh and continued whipping and kicking it until it died. Meanwhile the air was fairly blue with profanity.

   It was also reported that the horse had been over driven during the day.

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, September 18, 1896.

END OF A LIBEL SUIT.

HOWARD R. MEACHAM VS. CORTLAND STANDARD PRINTING CO.

Verdict of No Cause of Action—Every Charge Made by the Standard Fully Sustained.

   The libel suit of Howard R. Meacham vs. The Cortland Standard Printing Co.,  which had been on trial since early Tuesday afternoon,  was closed and the case given to the jury shortly after 6 o'clock Wednesday. The jury were instructed by the court, in case they agreed, to enclose their verdict in a sealed envelope and present the same at the opening of court at 9:30 o'clock the following morning. An agreement was reached after only a short consultation, the envelope was opened by the county clerk yesterday morning in the presence of the jury, and the verdict was found t o be "No cause of action." to which the jury assented, in the presence of the court.

   The complaint in this action charged the Cortland Standard Printing Co., as its first offense against Meacham, with falsely, maliciously and wickedly publishing of and concerning the plaintiff an article headed, "A Brutal Operation. A Horse Unmercifully Whipped Until it Died," and which described the beating and kicking by the plaintiff of his horse, on Elm-st. in this village, in January, 1895, until the animal was dead.

   This article the complaint charged was not only "false and malicious," but "tended to blacken and injure the reputation and credit of the plaintiff, and “to hold him up to public scorn and disgrace."

   The Standard company was also charged with further libels upon the plaintiff in the report which it published of his trial in police court, after he had been arrested on the charge of cruelty to animals, and on which trial he was acquitted; in its comments on the trial, and especially in its statement that "several of the jurymen were asked by a reporter upon what ground the man was acquitted, and not one of them could give a reason save that he was poor;" in publishing a letter from Mrs. M. E . Cowles of McGrawvllle characterizing in severe terms such conduct as Meacham had been guilty of, and declaring the failure to punish it, " a travesty of justice;" in publishing a report of remarks of Rev. Dr. Pearce at the First M. E. church, referring to "the scene of a poor horse beaten to death by an inhuman driver and his acquittal by a jury;" and last of all in publishing what was alleged to be an editorial reference to Meacham's conduct, intended to "charge Meacham with the crime of cruelty to animals, and that he should have been convicted of said crime, and that the failure of such conviction and his punishment therefore had ignored, defied and outraged law."

   The damages claimed for these various alleged libels were fixed at the modest sum of $6,000.  The complaint was signed by Mr. Nathan L. Miller as Meacham's attorney, who also defended him in police court, and was sworn to by Meacham himself.

   The defense set up by the Standard company to the charges made in the complaint was that the alleged libelous articles were true, and on the issue of their truth or falsity the trial was had.

   Before this action was brought, Mr. Miller addressed the Cortland Standard Printing Co. a letter, in closing which he made the following magnanimous offer and accompanying threat:

   If you will publish in both the Weekly [the Daily STANDARD was probably meant.—Ed.] and Semi-Weekly STANDARD, as conspicuously as you published the original articles, a full retraction of the charges that have been made in your paper against Mr. Meacham and the various comments thereon in the different issues between and including January 21st, 1895, and February 16th, 1895, Mr. Meacham will be satisfied; otherwise he will be compelled to resort to his legal remedies.

   This communication— which Mr. Miller stated was not for publication—we never condescended to notice, much less reply to. We are not in the habit of retracting the truth, even under the threat of a libel suit. And when such a suit is brought against us for a truthful publication, we shall set up the truth as a full defense, and shall exhaust every resource at our command in making the most vigorous fight possible. It is always our endeavor to publish nothing but the exact facts. If we fall or err in this, we stand ready to make every possible correction and retraction and to do full justice to any one whom we may unintentionally have injured. More than this, we will be grateful to any one who will call our attention to an error in statement, in order that we may correct it. But we propose never to be intimidated, or to pay damages where a party is not entitled to them.

   The STANDARD has not and never has had any grudge against Mr. Meacham; none of its editors even knew who he was at the time the first article concerning him was written; it sought to do him no injustice, and took every possible pains to ascertain the truth concerning his offense and his trial. We published what we did under a sense of duty, knowing that the matter was libelous if the statements contained in it were not true, and that a suit could be brought against us for it, but feeling that the horse-beating and failure of justice deserved the severest criticism, and that it would be cowardly and dishonorable for us to shrink from speaking of them as they deserved. The duty which we owed to common decency, humanity and the good name of this community, we proposed to discharge, and we did so.

   The Standard company having succeeded in this action is now entitled to judgment against Meacham for its costs and disbursements, and if he has not personal property enough to satisfy it, we will be entitled to a body execution against him; but as we have not now, and never have had, any desire to injure or oppress him, we shall not resort to any such measures to collect the judgment.

   We believe that this suit will be worth to us all it has cost in showing to the community the care which is taken to insure the accuracy of all matter which is published in The STANDARD, and in making clear to every one that after stating the truth we stand by it—libel suits or no libel suits. Judge Parker, at the request of the attorney for Meacham, charged the jury that our justification must be as broad as our charges. The testimony of the witnesses and the verdict of the jury, therefore, must show that every charge made by The STANDARD was proven and justified. It is easy to charge a newspaper with lying—it is not so easy to establish the charge in a court of record.

   Mr. Meacham, in his attempt to obtain damages from The STANDARD, has simply damaged his own reputation. Had he been satisfied with his acquittal at the hands of the police justice's jury, the verdict of that jury could always have been used as his vindication from t he charges made against him. Now both the truth of The STANDARD'S charges and the character and causes of the police court acquittal are fully established, not in justice's court but in the supreme court of the state of New York.

   The STANDARD is satisfied with the result of this suit. We hope that Mr. Meacham, his attorney and those associated, with them in the attack on us are equally satisfied.

    In this connection the STANDARD wishes to make its acknowledgments:

   To Judge Parker for the calm, dignified, able and impartial manner in which he presided at the trial, and for the clear, concise and admirable presentation of the law of libel which he made to the jury.

   To its attorney and counsel, Messrs. Mantanye and Kellogg, for the care, faithfulness, and thorough, effective, learned and vigorous manner in which the case was prepared, tried and placed before the jury.

   To the many witnesses, quite a number of them ladies, who, at considerable inconvenience and sacrifice to themselves, attended during the trial and related upon the stand the facts which constituted such a complete justification of the STANDARD'S course.

   To the jury of twelve men who gave their attention and careful consideration to the mass of evidence introduced, sifted the truth from falsehood, refused to be swerved from justice by any considerations of sentiment or sympathy, and did their duty and their whole duty as they saw it.

   And last, but by no means least, to the many good men and women of this community who have given us assurance of their sympathy and approval from the time the first article concerning Meacham appeared, and whose cordial congratulations on the outcome of the suit are fully appreciated.

   As we have said already, we took up this affair of the horse-beating, in the first place, as a duty which we owed to the community. We shall endeavor to discharge any future duties of the same kind, which may arise, with the same loyalty, with the same courage, and with an abiding assurance of public approval.

Shakespeare Abducted

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, September 12, 1896.

Shakespeare Abducted.

WAS FOUND IN CORTLAND BY HIS FATHER.

Mother Ran Away With a Colored Preacher—Took Him Along Too and Finally Abandoned Him--The Father's Story.

   Adon Cramer, aged 75 years, a resident of Drinker, town of Jefferson, county of Lackawanna, Pa., was in town this morning and swore out warrants before Police Justice Mellon for the arrest of his wife, Elizabeth E. Cramer, otherwise known as Elizabeth E. Woods, and also Rev. Thomas Sampson, colored, on the charge of kidnapping and abducting his eight-year-old son Shakespeare. The warrants were placed in the hands of Chief Linderman and he with Officer Parker proceeded to Dunsmoor’s park, where the couple had been located. The boy was found playing out of doors and the house was locked. Nothing was found of the colored Adonis and he has not been seen since. The boy fought like a tiger when taken in hand by the officers and bit and scratched and kicked. They had a fine time getting him to his father, who had halted on Port Watson-st. to await their return, but he finally quieted down and went back to Scranton at 2:34 this afternoon with his father.

   Mr. Cramer was interviewed by a STANDARD man and to him he told the following story: He is a well-to-do farmer in the above mentioned town in Pennsylvania. Some ten years ago shortly after the death of his second wife he read a very pathetic interview in the Elmira Telegram with a woman named Elizabeth E. Woods then about 30 years old, who was selling papers at a newsstand on the Bowery in New York. She was represented as of fine personal appearance, well educated and claimed to be a scion of nobility in England. She claimed to have had an unfortunate marriage and had left her home with her one little girl Rosa and had come to this country.

   Mr. Cramer said he afterward learned from the woman’s sister that she had not been married at all. He said his heart went out to her as he read her pathetic story and he wrote to her to come to Scranton to see him and sent her money for her expenses. She came and they lived together as man and wife for fourteen months. Then he married her. Two sons were born to them, Byron and Shakespeare, now 10 and 8 years old.

   But he found one thing true of her that she had not told him about. She had a most uncontrollable temper. She was also not fond of agricultural and bucolic pursuits and life became a burden to them. She ran away from him, but shortly came back again and he received her kindly. Then she wanted to go to Scranton to live to educate her three children. He consented and furnished a house for her there. In Scranton a few months ago, she developed a deep religious enthusiasm for the work of the colored preacher, Rev. Thomas Sampson and received him often at her house. Last June they eloped, Sampson leaving a wife and children.

   Mr. Cramer was willing that his wife should go, but he drew the line on her taking Shakespeare, and he set out to find them. No trace of them could be found until last Wednesday he saw the little girl, Rosa Woods, in Scranton. He inquired for her mother and for Shakespeare. She told him they had both gone to England and abandoned her. This he did not believe. In questioning her he learned something which led him to suspect that she had been in Cortland, N. Y. Then his attorney, E. C. Newcomb of Scranton, wrote to Irving H. Palmer, Esq., in Cortland for information. Mr. Palmer quickly found that they had been in Cortland living In a house at Dunsmoor’s park and that the reverend gentleman and the boy were there then. The result was that Mr. Cramer came up here to-day with his older boy Byron, found Shakespeare and took him home with him.

   He suspects that it is true that his wife has gone back to England. No trace has been found yet of Sampson, but Mr. Cramer is rather inclined to drop the matter now that he has found his boy. Sampson is the one who a few weeks ago conducted the religious services at Dunsmoor's park which passed under the title of "Three Days in the Wilderness.”

1883 Fire Destroys Cortland House

 

The Cortland News, Friday, November 30, 1883.

Cortland’s Greatest Fire!

THE CORTAND HOUSE AND BARBER BLOCK IN RUINS.

   We are called upon this week to chronicle the greatest loss by fire that Cortland has ever suffered; one from which she will require a long time to recover.

   Soon after 12 o'clock Tuesday night, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Barber, who resided in the Barber block and slept in rooms on the second floor, on Groton avenue, were awakened by the smell of gas and unusual noises in the room underneath, occupied as a grocery store by Bristol & Haylor. Mr. B. arose to investigate and discovered a fire under considerable headway in the store. He rushed out of doors and gave an alarm, which was taken up by others attracted by his cries, while he ran back to assist his family in escaping. The fire had by this time gained such headway that they had only time to leave the premises when the stairway came down. The fire department were quickly on hand and large crowds of citizens gathered, who went to work with a will carrying out furniture from the warerooms of R. Beard & Son and funeral caskets from undertaker Fletcher's establishment, which were in the same block.

   The steamer was soon at work, but had little effect on the flames which were rapidly spreading toward the Cortland House, the furniture of which was being carried to a safe distance. The goods in the millinery store of Mrs. Porter in the newly erected brick addition to the Cortland House, and in the barber shop of J. Grassman, in the basement, were also removed.

   The Wagon Co.'s steamer had arrived, but owing to some defect it was practically useless. The Homer fire department heard our alarm and got their steamer ready and even inquired if they could be of service, but not until about 2 o'clock were they notified to come. And then they did come with a rush—the Hose Company dragging their cart by hand—and coupling to the hydrant by the marble shop poured water into the north wing of the hotel, of which the flames by this time had full control, and it was feared would spread to the barn on the north. This was, however, prevented by the superhuman exertions of the firemen who, with the people, worked in a manner showing a perfect indifference to self.

   The wind was blowing from the south and sending a perfect shower of sparks over the north part of the village, rendering necessary constant watching of the roofs. The spectacle from 2 to 3 A. M. was a grand one. The entire corner was in a fierce blaze, the flames shooting up through the cupola of the Cortland House, forming a pyramid of glowing fire. At 4 o'clock, the fire had spent its force, and only a portion of the brick walls of the hotel remained standing.

   Wednesday was occupied in storing in different places the furniture and goods saved, and the steamer was used to throw water on the yet burning ruins.

   Mr. Bauder was insured by Maybury & Maycumber for $13,000 on the hotel and $6,000 on the furniture, his loss being about the same amount. Mr. Barber was insured by O. D. Allen for $5,000 on his building and $1,000 on furniture, his loss the same; R. Beard & Son had about $9,000 in stock and were insured $1,000 by Allen, $1,000 by Messenger, and $2,000 by Stevenson— most of their stock being saved, though damaged; R. B. Fletcher insured for $1,000 by Stevenson—loss about $500, the goods being mostly saved but badly damaged; Haylor & Bristol insured for $400 by Allen—loss $200; Mrs. Porter insured for $500 by Allen—goods saved and loss light; J. Grassman's furniture was saved. On the lot adjoining the Barber block on the west, but several yards distant, is the residence of Mr. D. E. Kinney, which was badly scorched and only saved by wetting blankets and carpets, which covered the side. It will require from $500 to $1,000 to repair it.

   The Hook and Ladder Company pulled down the rear of the Barber block, and part of the north wing of the hotel, which assisted in preventing the flames from spreading to the barns, and also helped save Mr. Kinney's house.

   It is believed the fire originated in the grocery from closing the pipe damper and opening that in the base of the stove, which created gas but prevented its escape, and that this, bursting out of the door, scattered coals over the floor.

   The Cortland House was built 51 years ago by Danforth Merrick, whose residence previous to that time occupied the same site.

   Of course the owners of the property have not decided as yet what they will do, but we shall be greatly mistaken if a fine block is not erected thereon in the near future.

Mr. Bauder's Gratitude.

Editor News:

   I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the firemen of Homer and Cortland, to the people generally and to my neighbors arid friends in particular, tor their noble and unwearied assistance on the occasion of the recent fire,

D. BAUDER.

Cortland and Vicinity.

   The Normal and village schools closed Wednesday for the rest of the week.

   R. Beard & Son desire to thank the firemen of the two villages and citizens generally for their generous aid on the night of the fire. The firm have removed their goods to the brick store on Port Watson street, where they will be in shape for business by the first of next week.

   A game of chess, with living pieces, will be played at Wells Hall on Friday evening, Dec. 7. The game has been arranged under the auspices of the Library Association, and promises to be a very novel and attractive entertainment. The effect of thirty-two figures arrayed in royal costume covering the checkered field will be particularly brilliant and picturesque. The rival forces will be marshaled under the leadership respectively of Rev. J. A. Robinson and Mr. R. Rowley, who, like many famous generals, will direct the contest at a safe distance from the field of battle. Heralds will announce the moves, while captains will conduct each living piece to its new position. Sixteen young ladies and as many gentlemen, arrayed in colors of red and white, armed cap-a-pie, bearing spears, pikes and miniature castles, will represent the pieces upon the board. The mimic battle will be conducted with a pomp and chivalry worthy the knights of old. Price of admission to this entertainment, 35 cents. Season tickets, $1.00.

 

Reference:

Grip’s Historical Souvenir of Cortland, page 194:

http://tcpl.org/local-history/documents/county-history-CNY/Grips_of_Cortland/grips188-203.pdf

Editor’s note:

   The Cortland House was located at the corner of Groton Avenue and North Main Street, Cortland. A year later the hotel was rebuilt. (Left click on images to enlarge.)

NO CIRCUS TODAY

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, September 5, 1896.

NO CIRCUS TO-DAY.

SO MUCH WIND THAT BARNUM DID NOT SHOW.

Fears of the Cyclone Experience of July 23, 1884, Which Cost the Show Over

$20,000-Tents Were Half Full, but Money Was Refunded -Everybody Disappointed- No Circus To-night.

   For a second time within a generation the Barnum & Bailey "Greatest Show on Earth" has pitched its tents in Cortland and has failed to go through with its performance. The other time was on July 23, 1884, when the cyclone descended on the tents and picked them up from the ground and then threw them back again, while nineteen people were badly hurt, many others slightly so, and thousands were terribly frightened. For years after that the Barnum circus gave Cortland a wide berth and declined to come near the town.

   The second time when there was no show was this afternoon. This time the performance had not begun, but the wind was high and the clouds threatening. Early this morning the town began to fill with people. It seemed as though half of Cortland county was here, and a considerable proportion of adjoining counties. Many arrived early to see the show unload. After the parade, which was concluded about 10:30 o'clock the crowd surged down to the grounds to look over the tents, the horses, the show people and if for no other reason to be near the show itself. By 12:30 o'clock the thousands were again headed toward the show grounds and by 1 o'clock the tents were rapidly filling.

   But the wind was coming up. There were whirling clouds of dust. The rain clouds above were thick and heavy. About 1:30 o'clock one of the managers went through the tents and announced that they had decided to give no afternoon exhibition. They were afraid of the weather. They had had one experience with wind in Cortland and that had cost them $20,000. They didn't care to repeat it. The ground was soft and the land stony and if the wind should increase the posts holding the guy ropes would not hold. They were sorry to disappoint the people, but it was a measure of safety. The money would be refunded at the doors.

   Then there was a rush for the gates. The jam for tickets was nothing like the jam for money, and it was pretty largely free silver too, for the money was almost entirely refunded in silver. The carryalls which had been reaping a harvest in carrying people to the show grounds almost doubled their money in carrying them back again, for many who had walked to the grounds were anxious to ride back again to get in out of the wet. But the rain was no respecter of persons. Before half the crowd had got away it began to fall in torrents. After every one had been well soaked down by the first burst it settled into a steady drizzle which continued up to the time The STANDARD went to press.

   It was too bad that the storm should come on this day, and it was too bad to disappoint so many, but it was wise to be prudent. The wind did not prove to be sufficient to have torn down tents, but it is really better that some people should be disappointed than that there should be a repetition of the experiences of twelve years ago.

   The tents were to-day located upon Owego-st. across the street from where the cyclone found them before. A word of explanation is due at this time as to the fact that The STANDARD announced that the circus would exhibit on the Allport lot on Tompkins-st. Mr. Dean, an advance agent of the show, was in Cortland last Saturday and requested us to publish the item as to the location of the tents, saying he had himself seen the contract that afternoon which had been made by another agent who had preceded him. All the contracts, however, read that so much will be paid for the use of the land, if used. When the man arrived yesterday afternoon to stake out the lot for the tents other arrangements were made, but it was too late to give notice of the change. Still there is never any trouble but that a circus will be found.

   The parade was one of the best ever seen in Cortland. It was nearly a mile long and presented all the various things that were advertised and was worth going a long distance to see. It was a beautiful spectacle. It was artistically and attractively arranged and it was gorgeous with color. The sleek horses gave evidence of excellent care, while the caged animals also had the appearance of being well groomed and well fed. There were more than the usual number of open cages. The usual monotony of gilded cages was broken by troops of riders mounted on gaily caparisoned horses and with herds of camels, rare specimens of wild cattle and droves of elephants. Another novel feature of the parade was squads [of] cavalry representing every nation of the earth.

   There were in the parade 234 horses, 32 ponies, 3 zebras, 5 mules, 7 camels and 19 elephants. It may be of interest to know the color of the horses and ponies. The horses were bay 88, gray 68, black 35, chestnut 31, sorrel 9, cream 3. Of the ponies there were: bay 10, black 10, gray 6, spotted 8, sorrel 2, cream 1.

   At 3 o'clock this afternoon the elephants, camels and other animals on foot were taken down to the [railroad] cars and loaded. At 4 o'clock the cages followed. It was then officially announced to The STANDARD that there would be no show to-night. The circus trains will soon start for Syracuse.

The Cortland News, Friday, July 25, 1884

Cyclone in Cortland.

BARNUM'S TENT COLLAPSES. NONE KILLED BUT SEVERAL WOUNDED.

ALL RECOVERING AT LAST ACCOUNTS.



 

   Wednesday morning the valley of Cortland was wet with heavy dew, but that did not prevent a lively thundershower falling about 7 o'clock. As the day advanced the heat became so intense as to change the mud into dust, and when the people were going to Barnum's tents on Owego street the dust, moved by a light west wind, flew in gusts, while the heat seemed like that from a furnace, the clouds being much scattered.

   About 12,000 persons were in the circus tent. Nearly 3 o'clock had arrived, and the people were enjoying the wonderful feats in the rings, when darkness settled upon the audience and became "visible," as it were, and many timid ones left. Evidently a storm was at hand. To prepare for it the canvas about the tour main or center poles was lowered and drawn taut. The elephants which had been performing were ordered out before their acts were completed. Three race horses with riders cantered around the ring to take positions. Rain had begun to fall in torrents. The horses were ordered out of the tent. Suddenly a terrific gust of wind tore across the tent from the southwest, lifted the canvas about the south center pole, and tore up the fastenings.

   Men rushed forward and grasped the ropes, and the order, "Hold on to them," was heard. The next act in the bewildering scene was the violent flappings of the tent just north of the dressing-room on the east side and the flying of poles, stakes and chains in every direction outside and among the people in the immediate vicinity. The audience had risen to their feet, and the order came, "Keep your seats," but who ever knew a panic-stricken crowd to obey a sensible order. The people rushed from the tent or sank between the seats and so beneath the canvas and out into the furious storm, where they speedily became drenched. A few only remained in the tent, but they soon left as it was feared that the poles might fall. All being out the canvas was lowered to the ground.

   The menagerie tent was standing, and thither many flocked, but the elephants were very uneasy and fearing a stampede the people were advised to go out. At the onset of the storm the cages had all been secured, so no danger was feared from the animals.

   Several persons had been injured, but the managers and employees, who had acted quickly but coolly, with Mr. Hutchinson to direct, procured carriages and took them to the residences of physicians for examination and treatment. In the meantime all sorts of exaggerated reports were spread by persons who knew nothing of the facts, and who if they did not willfully lie, must have depended on their imagination. Anywhere from thirty-five or forty to two hundred or more had been killed according to these reports, and so chief engineer Cleary, hearing that the tent had blown down and buried the crowd beneath it and that help was needed, ordered the fire-bell rung. This created intense excitement, and hundreds of persons rode and ran to the grounds only to find their services not needed.

   After the people got out of the tent they ran in every direction to escape an expected stampede of the animals. The buildings in the vicinity were quickly filled, many persons struck out for the woods on the hill nearby, while others stopped not until they had reached their homes in the opposite parts of the village. No other tent was injured, and but a small part of the circus tent, but all were at once taken down and sent to Binghamton, where an exhibition was given on Thursday.

   With the exception of a few who were bruised, the employees of the circus escaped uninjured. They all behaved with admirable coolness, and it was owing to this that the damage to life and property was not greater.

   Many had already purchased tickets for the evening entertainment but the money for these was refunded. Very many persons were injured, but only a few that could be called seriously so. Of the latter were Cornelius Brown of Marathon, both bones of whose forearm were fractured, back and chest hurt and bruises on various parts of his body; Vin. Hicks of Cold Brook, concussion of brain; M. B. Hurlbut of Cuyler, concussion of brain and chest injured; Dell Tarbell of McGrawville, concussion of brain; Ed. Stillson of Cortland, blow on neck, partially unconscious for a few hours; Mrs. Hannah Keefe, an elderly lady of Cuyler, upper part of body cut and bruised.

   J. French of Killawog, Maggie Miles and Frank Dearman of Homer, Milton Wavle of Freetown, Asa Gates of Truxton, Willie Shufelt of Cuyler, Lyman Olmstead of Groton, Asa Gates, Jr. of East Homer, and  Mrs. George Sherman, George A. Fairbanks, Elpha Adams, Lloyd Richardson, James Sheridan, S. C. Shultz, and Edward Rood, of this village, were either cut or bruised about the head or neck, and some of them quite severely. We are glad to learn that all will probably recover, though in the case of Mr. Brown, Mr. Hicks, and Mrs. Keefe, some time will elapse.

 

   Drs. Hyde, Dana, Henry, Bolles, and others of our physicians were kept busy that evening attending to the wants of the injured, the most of whom were taken to their homes at once.

   The managers of the show gave orders to spare no pains or expense in caring for the wounded, and Mr. Hutchinson was in Cortland on Thursday to look up the cases in person. He placed them in the hands of Judge Smith and John Courtney, Jr., for settlement, stating that though not legally responsible, the management desired to pay all expenses, loss of wages, physicians' fees, etc. They intend to visit Cortland again, and were unwilling to leave any ill feeling behind.

   All accounts from those who saw the storms (for there were two of them, coming in opposite directions) centering on Cortland, shows that unusual violence from the elements was anticipated, but no one thought for a moment that a whirlwind would strike a small part of the huge circus tent. Nothing less, however, can explain the terrific force manifested and the disastrous results.

The Cortland News, Friday, December 5, 1884.

Barnum Sued.

   Last week Cornelius C. Brown, of Marathon, through his attorneys, Messrs. Duell & Benedict, of this place, sued Messrs. Barnum. Bailey & Hutchinson, proprietors of the Barnum and London shows for $10,000 damages on account of injuries received by him through the blowing down of the tent during the exhibition in Cortland, in July last. He was severely injured in various ways by the accident, and it is claimed that he is crippled for life. The plaintiff's attorneys claim negligence on the part of Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, in not providing a suitable tent, properly constructed. They claim that the liabilities of the show proprietors are the same as those of a railroad company in taking passengers. The Barnum company have twenty days in which to serve an answer. Judge A. P. Smith will defend them.

VILLAGE OF CORTLAND APPROVES TELEPHONE CONTRACT

Candlestick telephone

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, September 1, 1896.

VILLAGE FATHERS GRANT A FRANCHISE TO NEW TELEPHONE COMPANY.

Must be in Working Order Before Sept. 1, 1897.

Charges not to Exceed $24 for Business Offices, and $18 for Residences.

   A regular meeting of the board of trustees of the village of Cortland was held at the office of Clerk Hatch of said village on Monday evening at 7:30 o'clock. There were present President H. F. Benton and Trustees James J. Glann, E. J. Warfield and Benj. L. Webb.

   The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

   On motion of Mr. Glann, seconded by Mr. Webb, E. N. Sherwood, Melvin S. Wright and John Griffith were appointed special policemen on Sept. 5 and 6, the day the Barnum's circus is in Cortland and the day after.

   [Union school bonding resolution omitted--CC editor.]

   An application of E. L. Caldwell & Co. for the granting to them of a franchise for telephone service in said village was read and placed on file.

   On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Mr. Warfield, the franchise was granted to John H. Drake and George F. Stitch to erect and put in operation the telephone system.

   Among the important reservations, restrictions and conditions contained in the franchise are the following:

   The duration of this franchise is twenty years. The telephone plant to be constructed and carried on under this franchise shall be commenced on or before May 1, 1897, and shall be completed and in first-class working order on or before Sept. 1, 1897. The telephones used are to be the best instruments manufactured by the Western Telephone Construction Co. of Chicago, known as the Western Giant, or a better instrument if there is such upon the market for sale. It will have a common return metallic circuit and the instruments and appliances shall be first-class in every respect and shall always be kept in class-class working order. The village is to have two telephones free of charge, placed wherever they shall direct.

   For five years the annual charge shall not exceed $24 for business offices and $18 for residences. After five years the annual charge shall not exceed the average price paid for any first class telephone in any other six villages or cities of this state having at that time approximately the same population as Cortland.

   No poles or structures are to be erected in, along or upon any street or public way in the village except by special permission obtained from the board of trustees, and all poles must be painted if required by the board of trustees. All must be smooth and straight and placed where directed by the trustees, and if possible on the division of the lot lines. The village is to have the privilege of stringing on the poles, fire alarm and police call wires.

   At the end of ten years all wires are to be placed in subways or underground if so ordered by the trustees, provided the same ruling is made and enforced in the case of any other telephone company in town.

   The telephone company is to pay all damages, costs and expenses that the village may be liable for by reason of actions brought against the village for injuries to persons or property in the course of the construction of the plant, and also to defend the village and all users of the telephone from all suits, injunctions, claims and damages brought against it for infringement on patents or rights.

THOUSAND ISLAND PARK

Steamboat St. Lawrence

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, August 26, 1896.

THOUSAND ISLAND PARK.

Its Attractions, Diversions, etc., Described By a Cortland County Visitor.

To the Editor of the Standard:

   SIR— Pursuant to promise I send you a few jottings concerning this somewhat famous summer resort, where I joined my family on the 12th of August, and have since been engaged in beautifying our cottage and enjoying myself generally.

   On arriving at Clayton one will find a steamboat awaiting him, the natural drift of which is down the river on the American side. It is better to arrange so as to arrive at Clayton Wednesday or Saturday evenings for the pleasure of the trip on the river will be heightened by the illumination of most places along the route on the two evenings named.

   The main points and stopping places in their order are as follows: Round Island comes first and contains the famous Frontenac hotel and a few elegant cottages, of which Syracusans have the lion’s share. This is considered a Baptist Island. Then, crossing the river and a little further down, is Grinnell island, which has upon it the very large and nearly new hotel called the Murray Hill House, which has a very commanding appearance — also the Pullman House and several neat cottages. Next is Wells island, which is about ten miles long, this being the bonanza of all the isles. Although there are a few farms on this island, its grounds are mostly very neatly shaded.

   It contains about 600 cottages, four large hotels, a tabernacle that has a seating capacity of about 1,400 people, besides several boarding houses, a number of stores, a school and many other buildings. Thousand island park which is the chief place upon this island, from its central location, ease of access and picturesque scenery, probably attracts more sojourners than any and all other places along the river. This is a Methodist Episcopal place, it being controlled by that society but we are informed that there are negotiations pending between the society and the Folgers, who represent the New York Central Railroad Co. for its purchase.

   Then you cross the river and pass a few miles down to Central park and Point Vivian, which are very pretty places. A little farther down is Alexandria Bay which is the oldest resort on the river and has for years been a favorite for many of the wealthy nabobs of this country. It is at this place that Mr. George J. Mager of Cortland, the well-known dry goods dealer, is said to be the owner of a hotel. It is my humble opinion that his resort is unequaled for its natural scenery by any place on this continent.

   Fishing, bathing, playing lawn tennis and croquet, dancing, boat riding, swinging and lounging are the principal diversions. Those who are of a literary turn of mind also find their wants supplied of which I will speak later.

   Now as this is a place of much water, our thoughts very naturally turn toward the inhabitants of that element—the finny tribe. First, and as I am not a crack oarsman or fisherman, rather than relate our own experiences I will speak of what I have seen and heard. On visiting the dock almost any evening, one will see many a nice catch come in of bass and pickerel, varying in weight from three to ten and twelve pounds, and occasionally a muskallonge [sic] weighing very much more. It is said that this season has been very prolific of fine catches.

   It is currently reported here at the park that the steamer St. Lawrence, on her way up the river this afternoon, spied a monster whale, and as soon as the news reached the ears of the sports here a party was quickly organized and equipped with the necessary and requisite paraphernalia with which this island is well supplied—including all the modern devices known to whale fishery—and then started out and are now in hot pursuit— the class of sports known as the ''freshmen," of course being the lead— and they confidently hope and expect to capture the whale before the(ir) sun sets.

   As to the literary part of the enjoyments here, much of it is of a very high order, and there is just enough of it to give spice to the occasion. The famous poet, Will Carleton, gave a recitation a few evenings since at the Tabernacle, the program including a composition on the river St. Lawrence and other selections which were most excellent.

   There was also a mock court trial on the evening of our arrival, the case being a breach of promise suit, which was conducted with all the solemn and apparently realistic fervor imaginable in the trial of a criminal in a court of justice. Judge Vance of Potsdam presided, the attorneys being a Mr. Newton of Worcester, Mass., and the poet, Will Carleton.

   The sermon of Chancellor Day of Syracuse, at the Tabernacle last Sunday, was laden with much rich thought and delivered in a graceful and fervent manner. It made a deep Impression upon the vast audience.

   Last Tuesday, being state grange day, here brought a large crowd of people to the park. Dr. Searles gave the address of welcome and said, among other things, that his speech would be characteristic of the gold man in its brevity as the other fellows wanted 10 to 1. He was responded to by O. H. Hale, master of the New York state grange.

   Hon. J. H. Hale, past master of Connecticut state grange, was the principal speaker, and gave a fairly Interesting discourse, which, however, was much too lengthy. He is a large peach producer, having 600 acres in Florida now under cultivation. We observed one line of thought advanced by him which was in direct opposition to the idea advanced by many grangers, viz: That the capitalist is their common foe. He cited cases wherein great capitalists had been their best friends.

   We noticed that J. D. F. Woolston of Cortland, past member of the state committee, was present, who took part in their counsels and was also booked for a part in the public exercises, but was shut out by the very lengthy speech of Mr. Hale, much to our disappointment. We had the pleasure of listening to a poem prepared by him for the occasion afterward, which we pronounced very good indeed.

   We have not yet determined how long our stay will be here, as we go, by request, to the Republican state convention on Tuesday. Yours truly,

B. F. L.

Reference:

“Mr. Mager is by birth Alsacian-French, having been born near the city of Strasburg, France, on May 8, 1837—“ Grip’s Historical Souvenir of Cortland, pages 174,175.

http://tcpl.org/local-history/documents/county-history-CNY/Grips_of_Cortland/grips172to187.pdf

Syracuse Chancellor James R. Day: http://archives.syr.edu/exhibits/leadership_day.html

 

MAGER'S APOTHEGMS