Smash the Coal Monopoly

The Cortland News, Friday, August 1, 1884.

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   The trustees of the village have lately ordered 16 oil lamps for streets on which there is no gas, and 12 lanterns and 2 torches for firemen's use.

   The digging of the water-works trenches, the laying of pipes and establishing of hydrants is progressing very rapidly. The foul condition of the water in the earth, as discovered by the company, shows that this village cannot adopt and put in execution a system of sewerage any too soon for the health of the inhabitants.

   Many of our citizens went to Ithaca last Saturday and attended Barnum's show. It was even better than they expected to see, and therefore all felt more than repaid. The tent was well filled, and the day passed without a storm visiting the city, but near 3 o'clock the mutterings of thunder were heard and people from this vicinity thought seriously of the Cortland cyclone.

   Those of our citizens (and we presume this includes all), who desire to pay no higher prices for coal than people do who live forty miles farther from the mines, can help to bring about that desirable result by going into one of the village stores and putting down their names and the number of tons they require, A dollar or more per ton can be saved by so doing. Don't wait but go at once. It is for your benefit.

   For years past the people of this vicinity have had to pay over a dollar per ton for coal more than the people of Syracuse — 36 miles farther from the mines. An effort is now being made to break up this monopoly, and a committee of citizens are circulating papers for signatures to an agreement to take a certain number of tons within six months from August 10 next, with the understanding that if [12,000?] tons are ordered the Elmira, Cortland & Northern R. R. Co. will supply coal at Syracuse prices. Every citizen is interested, and we trust that all will sign the agreement and thus "smash the monopoly." The committee consist of H. L. Bronson, C. W.  Collins, C. P. Walrad, E. H. Brewer, Theo. Stevenson, L. D. Garrison.

   Col. Place says he will have a martial band for the Blaine and Logan Club that will wake the echoes of the campaign, thrill the patriotic blood of our sleeping citizens, stir into activity the straggling steps of all lovers of their country, set English Independent bulldogs to barking at protection yet more loudly, make Irish-Americans feel yet more strongly that the Republican party has ever been the only American friend to Ireland, and finally—to come to legitimate business—that will call out the faithful on the nights of meeting. Oh, the Colonel can make the Democrats howl !  And we, as chairman of the committee on campaign funds, hope that he will so rouse the enthusiasm of our wealthy men that they will respond liberally to the call of said committee for that which is the fundamental principle of all campaigns—money.

   Work has been commenced on a roller skating rink located on Wm. R. Randall's land, a few rods south of the Messenger House [South Main Street--CC ed.]. It will be 206x76 feet outside, the floor for skating to be 188x56. Seats will be placed on both sides of the rink floor, with a passage way in the rear. The joists for the floor will be sunk to their depth in the ground, so that the floor will rest on the ground, thus preventing all noise. Rooms for the convenience of skaters will be placed at the ends of the building. When done it will in all respects be a model rink. Messrs. Burnett Miller, John Wilson and Abram Schermerhorn are the gentlemen interested therein.

   Three drinking fountains are to be located on Main street—one at the junction of Clinton avenue, one at Court street and one at the post-office corner. They should be ornamental to a certain extent, but to have them so will cost a little something more than the Water-Works Company are willing to pay. We feel quite sure that our public-spirited, beauty-loving citizens will respond liberally if some one will take the initiative step in the matter.

 

THE INJURED by the WHIRLWIND.

   We believe that all lovers of honor, generosity and manliness will agree with us that the conduct of Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, in the matter of those injured at the time of their exhibition here, is deserving warm commendation. Through their agents, Messrs A. P. Smith and John Courtney, Esqs., they have fully carried out their intention to take care of the wounded in all respects. Of those residing out of town and too seriously wounded to be at once removed they have paid their board bills; they pay physicians' fees, loss of wages, besides various amounts for inconvenience arising from the injuries.

   Thus far they have settled with the following persons: Vincent Hicks, Adelbert Tarbell, Matthew Marley, J. Davis, Mr. Smith, Jas. Sheridan, Lyman Olmstead, M. B. Hulbert, Asa Gates, Chas. Schultz, Mrs. Sarah Scott, Mrs. Ransford Palmer, Mrs. J. D. Gilmore, Mrs. M. Wadsworth, Mrs. H. Keele, Mrs. Owen, Mrs. George Sherman, and Miss Adams.

   No claims for damages have been entertained. The moment that was done no further attention was given to the claimant. One person slightly injured was offered twenty dollars. He had a larger sum in his mind, and after consultation with an attorney he returned and said that he must have two hundred dollars. Mr. Hutchinson told him to get that attorney to collect it for him; that he should pay him nothing—and he didn't. At last accounts he had not collected the claim.

   Claims have been made by various persons for damage to wearing apparel, loss of gloves, handkerchiefs, etc., but it is needless to say that they excited only ridicule.

   The injured are rapidly recovering, and all are beyond danger.

 

COMMUNICATION.

CORTLAND, N. Y., July 29, 1884.

Friend Kinney*:

   In behalf of the "Fresh Air Children" I wish to return sincere thanks to all our citizens who entertained them or in any way contributed to their happiness while amongst us. We opened our hearts and our homes and welcomed them. Two weeks have passed quickly away and in that time we have received 172 children, made them cheerful and happy and sent them on their way rejoicing.

   No accident or sickness prevented their return. Every one was on hand on time, each with smiling face, each bearing some token of love on their homeward journey. In blessing them we have ourselves been blessed, and many of us were sad at parting with these little friends we had learned to love so well. Their two weeks' visit with us will be remembered by them as one of the bright spots in their lives, while many of us have realized in the two weeks passed the truth of that saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Yours truly,

H. M. KELLOGG.

* F. C. Kinney was editor and proprietor of The Cortland News.

BARNUM'S BIG SHOW



1883 posters

 

The Cortland News, Friday, July 11, 1884.

BARNUM’S BIG SHOW

   Is coming right soon. The colossal combination of great shows, owned by Messrs. Barnum, Bailey and Hutchinson have been rendered more attractive than ever before by the expenditure of four hundred thousand dollars since the close of last season. One-half of this sum was expended in searching for and securing the sacred white elephant of Siam, the genuineness of the rare and beautiful animal being vouched for by the original bills of sale from the Siamese authorities, and a bill of lading made out and signed by the British Consul at Bangkok.

   Jumbo, the biggest living, breathing creature on the face of the globe, comes back with the Barnum combination, for which he was obtained at a fabulous sum. Jumbo has grown in height since last season, and is more than ever a towering wonder of an intelligent beast, realizing what a mammoth really is like.

   There are forty elephants in the colossal show, exclusive of the sacred white animal from Siam and the gigantic Jumbo. A new and complete feature is the Ethnological Congress composed of Hindoos, Todas, Soudan Nubians, Cannibals, Aztecs, Nautch Girls, Zulus, Affghans and Sioux Indians.

   There are three hundred performers with the show, who give simultaneous performances in three rings, and on an elevated stage, introducing acrobatic acts, daring and graceful feats of equestrianism, trapeze, tight rope, and high wire acts, juvenile velocipede riders, comic skaters, promenade of nature's freaks.

   In this procession of wonders are Chang, the Chinese giant, a pair of dwarfs, the fattest of fat girls, a lady with luxurious hair trailing below her feet, a bearded woman. The hippodrome is more complete than ever before. The races run comprise flat and hurdle races, Roman standing races, classical races, foot races, wheel-barrow races, races between men and horses, foot races, a great obstacle race with forty competitors.

   The zoological department has been rendered very complete. Forty elephants appear in the rings and perform numerous tricks under the direction of their trainers. Herds of dromedaries are harnessed to golden chariots, which they draw around the racing track. Dens of lions, tigers, leopards, bears, hyenas, panthers, cougars are driven through the arena, the keepers performing with the ferocious beasts in full view of the audiences.

   The Barnum show, as at present constituted, consists of nine shows in one, with an unequaled array of curiosities and a big regiment of talented performers; and on the occasion of its certain visit to Cortland P. T. Barnum himself, the head of the great managerial trio, expects to shed the light of his countenance upon his ever approving patrons.

 

CORPORATION PROCEEDINGS.

   At a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Cortland, held at Firemen's Hall in Cortland, N. Y. on the 7th day of July, 1884, at 8 o'clock P. M.

   Present — D . E. Smith, president; George C. Hubbard, Wm. B. Stoppard, G. W. Bradford and Theo. Stevenson, trustees.

   The minutes of the last two meetings were read and approved.

   On motion, the following bills were allowed and ordered paid: [routine itemized bills omitted by CC editor.]

   It was moved and carried, that the president appoint a committee of two members of the Board to confer with the officers of the Bell Telephone Co. relative to running their lines through the streets of the village and the placing of an instrument at the engine house pursuant to a prior agreement on the part of said company.

   The president appointed Messrs. Stevenson and Stoppard [to] such committee.

   It was moved and carried that the D. L. & W. R. R. Co. be required and ordered to extend their street crossings at the intersection of their road with Clinton street thirty feet in width, with plank upon their roadbed.

   On motion, meeting adjourned.

   F. HATCH, Clerk.

 

The Cortland News, Friday, July 25, 1884.

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   After 9 o'clock Wednesday evening Mr. James Maybury telegraphed to several city papers over 2500 words giving an account of the disaster in Barnum's tent. [A cyclone hit Cortland on July 23, 1884 during the circus performance. Read No Circus Today: http://www.jeffpaine.blogspot.com/2013/09/no-circus-today.html ]

   The Elmira, Cortland & Northern R. R. handled over 3000 people on Wednesday, Barnum's day, without a break or accident, which speaks loudly in praise of the management.

   There will be a “Pink Tea Party" at the M. E. church parlors on Friday evening. Admittance free.

   Mr. Byron Rose, the master of transportation for Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, is a son of our former townsman, Mr. Lee Rose. He was cordially greeted Wednesday by old acquaintances.

   Joseph E. Eggleston, Esq., went to Oswego Thursday for the purpose of ascertaining whether Cortland county is liable for the support of a child left in the poormaster's hands by Elder Beebe, a Methodist minister, who adopted the child but dying left her unprovided for.

Religious Services Stopped in Cortland's Public Schools.

The Cortland News, Friday, June 20, 1884.

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   The State Superintendent of Public Instruction having decided that religious services at the opening of schools could not be enforced, the Board of Education recently voted upon the question whether the schools of Cortland should be required to hold such services, and the result was a negative decision, whereupon Mr. Edward D. Webb resigned tor the reason that he would not form part of an educational board that would not enforce religious services in the schools.

   Rev, George Adams' subject next Sunday morning, June 22, is to be "God with us." Subject of the evening discourse to young people: "Having a good time." At 2 o'clock P. M. on the same day Mr. Adams will preach in Hoxie's Grove a sermon on two questions —"When, how and where are we punished? When, how and where are we saved?"

   Laborers for the Water-Works Company are at work this week on Tompkins street. No further delays on account of non-arrival of pipe is anticipated.

   The application for the appointment of a commission to appraise the value of the land required by the Water-Works Company will be made before Judge Boardman Smith at Special Term held at Watkins, Schuyler county, next week.

   While boring for salt at Mount Morris, in this State, the auger pierced a container of natural gas at the depth of 820 feet. The gas issued with considerable force. When set on fire the flame ascended 21 feet.

   The street cars now run to and from Homer at 7 and 9 o'clock in the evening. Sunday the cars began running, making several trips each way.

   Barnum's show, which will be here on the 23d of July, will exhibit on Owego street. The town will not be billed [posters and signs put up--CC editor] until after the first of that month.

   Taylor Hall is now closed for the season. During the summer repairs and improvements will be made, and next fall it will be opened with some of the best companies that can be procured.

   Mr. George W. Porter has taken the contract for building the new schoolhouse in the eastern part of the village for $3,450. It will be done in time for the opening of the school in September next.

   Do not fail to see the base-ball contest between the Ithacas and Normals on the fair grounds Friday, the 27th. Each club will have its best players and an exciting game may be expected. Game called at 4 P. M

   Messrs. G. L. Warren, G. S. Van Hoesen, R. W. Bourne, and perhaps other veteran soldiers, will, in July, visit the battle-field of Gettysburg tor the first time since the famous battle, in which these gentlemen participated. The visit will be full of interest to them.

   A smash-up occurred on the S. & B. [Syracuse & Binghamton] railroad Tuesday morning near Lisle. A coal train ran into the rear of a preceding train which had stopped at a water tank. Several cars were demolished, but no person was injured, though the conductor and a brakeman of the stopped train had a narrow escape. The passenger train from the south due here at 10 was an hour late.

   In the natural course of human events a successor to Dr. Hoose as principal of the Normal school will, in due time, be appointed. In expectation of this, a young man of Cortland has begun training himself for the position and will, when circumstances are favorable, make application therefor. But it will be some time yet, as he is only four days old. His name at the present writing is J. H. Hoose, Jr.

   The draft of the State Treasurer tor the sum of $10,217.81 to pay the teachers excluded from our Normal school by Neil Gilmour when Superintendent of Public Instruction, has been received. It has been a long struggle and the State has been compelled to pay this large sum over twice, beside all the time and money spent in the litigation for four years, but it is an act of justice to these worthy teachers which greatly rejoices the hearts of their numerous friends, and should teach a lesson to those who, "clothed with a little brief authority," are tempted to use their official positions to punish imaginary enemies.

Sabbath Disturbance.

Preble, June 16, 1884.
 

Mr. Editor:

   Will you please mention the fact in your paper that our quiet town has of late been seriously disturbed on the Sabbath with boisterous demonstrations in our streets by young men from adjoining towns.
   So unbearable has this become that our citizens have formed an organization which has for its object the suppression of this evil. Should our young friends heed this friendly warning it may save them much trouble.

W. H. YORK,

President Law and Order League,

E. M. VANHOESEN,

Secretary.

 

COURT PROCEEDINGS.

   Circuit Court and Court of Oyer and Terminer began last Monday—Hon. H. Boardman Smith presiding. The following business has been transacted:

   Dewitt B. Kelley vs. Daniel Williams. This was an action to recover the sum of $345, the price of eleven cows sold by the plaintiff to Homer D. Williams, the son of the defendant. It was claimed by the plaintiff that he delivered the cows to the defendant's son, on the promise of the defendant that he would furnish the money to pay the note given for the cows by the son. At the close of plaintiff’s evidence the counsel for the defendant moved for a nonsuit on the ground that the promise was one to answer for the debt of another and void under the statute of frauds. The motion was granted and the plaintiff nonsuited.

I. L. Little and W.J. Mantanye for plaintiff; F. M. Benjamin and A. P. Smith for defendant.

Suspicious Fire in Wallace Building, May 24, 1884

 

(left click image to enlarge)

 

The Cortland News, Friday, May 30, 1884.

ANOTHER [FIRE].

INCENDIARY.

A Jury Investigates.

Cortland a Good Place to [illegible—CC editor].

   Soon after 12 o’clock [in the] morning Mr. Darrow, resident [on the] second floor in the west end of the [two?] story building adjoining Taylor block on the south, owned by D. F. Wallace, was awakened by the smell of burning kerosene oil, and finding that it was not in his rooms, he went down stairs leading to Court street when a man quickly passed him and ran around the corner and up the alley on the west side. Flames were then bursting through the sidewalk on Court street, and in the rear. Seeing that the building was on fire he gave the alarm to some gentleman passing and went back to save his family.

   The fire-bell was at once rung and the steamer and hose and hand engine were promptly in position, but the former did not get to work in twenty minutes or more, and the fire had then gained such headway that it was found impossible to enter the front of the building.

   C. W. Barney, jeweler, occupied the first store on Main street, next to the Hall, and W. H. Tuttle, shoe dealer, the south store on the corner. Over the former was Mrs. F. Porter, milliner, and Miss Ida Webster, dressmaker, and over the shoe store were Drs. Hyatt & Smith, dentists. The only goods saved were a desk from the shoe store and the contents of Mr. Barney's safe. In the rear of Mr. Tuttle's was D. L. Bliss, tobacconist, who saved nearly everything, the fire being kept in the eastern part of the building. Adjoining Mr. Bliss on the west was E. M. Hulbert's butter store, whose furniture was mostly saved.

   The wind blew from the southwest, and to this fact as well as the exertions of the firemen is owing the escape of the Democrat office, which was only scorched. Taylor Hall caught fire at the wooden cornice and spread into the interior a little way, burning a hole through the corner, but the firemen carried ladders into the Hall; pushed one of them through a ventilator and taking hose up into the attic had the flames quenched in a few minutes, no damage being done sufficient to weaken the timbers in the least.

   The window on the south side of the Hall opening into Mr. Wallace's bookbindery was burnt through and water damaged the goods therein and running down to W. B. Johnson's drugstore also damaged his goods. F. W. Collins removed his stock of clothing to stores across Main street, as also did the lawyers on the second floor their books and furniture.

   Soon after 1 o'clock the Homer steamer, having been sent for, was in position, but the flames were then under control and its use was therefore unnecessary.

   The fire was so clearly of incendiary origin that a jury was impaneled and investigation begun, a report of which and of further facts in regard to the fire, and losses thereby, we are compelled, by the great length of the Normal case [controversial discharge of Dr. Hoose, who was employed as Principal—CC editor], to deter until next week.

Wallace block, corner of W. Court and Main Streets, was rebuilt after the fire in 1884. This photo circa 1900 from Grip's.





Recommended: A Principal Stands on Principle. http://jeffpaine.blogspot.com/2012/03/principal-stands-on-principle.html

Dr. Hyatt, a dentist, lost 150 choice paintings in the fire. Grip's, scroll to pages 201 & 202.

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

 



1870-1871 Newspaper Discussions on Proposed Ithaca & Cortland Railroad

 

The Cortland County Standard, Tuesday, December 20, 1870.

ITHACA AND CORTLAND RAILROAD.

   The honest and confiding taxpayers of this town, at the time they yielded their assent to its being bonded to the amount of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to aid in the construction of the Utica, Chenango and Cortland railroad and the Ithaca and Cortland railroad, expected, and they were assured, that they were east and west lines, and they would connect at a point in the southerly part of the village.

   Accordingly the first map and profile of the Ithaca and Cortland railroad adopted by the Directors and filed on the 8th day of July, 1870, designates a line running directly east from the marl ponds and entering the village on South Main street, near Hyatt’s.

   And in accordance with this line, the Utica, Chenango and Cortland railroad located theirs, and several miles are graded. So far as the lines and the connection of the two roads wore concerned, all seemed, for the time being, satisfactory.

   A few weeks passed away when a strange desire began to be manifested to change the route from the marl pond into this village. This desire did not originate in Cortland, although it was blindly followed afterwards.

   It was obvious to every observer that the line from the marl pond east, (with a slight change west of the stone quarry) as designated in the July map, should be adhered to. It was quite evident that sinister influences were at work in antagonism to the interest of the taxpayers, and regardless of the prosperity of the village, in the bold proposition to change this straight line into one having a large amount of curvature, thus Increasing its length and crossing thoroughfares and streets, to the great detriment of public travel, and rendering many houses unfit for dwellings, and thus adding largely to the cost of the right of way.

   By this change the contractor would be benefited in the Increased length of road to be built, for it will add to the expense of construction alone some $15,000. Disregarding the original contemplation of connecting the two lines, this malign influence is now engaged in a divergence of the Ithaca and Cortland line to Syracuse.

   Having (in an unfortunate hour for this town) obtained possession of its bonds to the amount of $100,000, this same influence now lords it over the Directors, and with design, aided by a strange acquiescence, the rights of the town and the interests of the village are trampled in the dust.

   On the 10th of November, 1870, a map, designating this new route, was filed in the Clerk's office.

   The owners of the land over which it runs are especially opposed to its location, and for the following reasons among others:

   First—It unnecessarily increases the length of the line nearly half a mile.

   Second—It unnecessarily crosses important thoroughfares and village streets, and in such proximity to populous districts and dwellings as to create a constant source of annoyance and danger.

   Third—It passes so near the cemetery that the sight and noise of trains will disturb and embarrass processions and ceremonies incident to the burial of the dead [not to mention waking of the dead—CC editor].

   Fourth—It unnecessarily passes so near houses as to render them unfit to dwell in.

   Fifth—The cost of the right of way will be largely increased.

   Sixth—It is run on a line with a large amount of curvature.

   Seventh—The expense in constructing the road will be increased about $15,000.

   It is claimed that the original route, as designated on the map and profile, filed with the Clerk in July last, should be preferred to this new route, and for the following reasons among others:

   First--It is the shortest and an easy grade.

   Second—It is the most direct and without curve

   Third—It is less expensive.

   Fourth—It crosses fewer thoroughfares.

   Fifth— It is less disturbing to streets and dwellings.

   Sixth—Its entrance into the village is distant from the cemetery and without harm thereto.

   Seventh—For about two miles the grade into Cortland village from the west is descending.

   Eighth—It has the approval of three accomplished engineers.

   Every citizen of this town, and especially the taxpayers, have a deep interest in these matters, and no time should be lost in maturing a determined opposition to these mischievous designs.

   Dated Dec. 20, 1870.

 

   BRAKEMAN KILLED.—About three o'clock yesterday afternoon, MARTIN PEMBROOK, a brakeman on the Syracuse and Binghamton division of the Delaware and Lackawanna Railroad, was almost instantly killed by falling between two cars and being run over. He was walking on the top of the cars, and in jumping from one to another fell, as stated. This accident occurred at Chenango Forks. His body was terribly crushed and mangled. The deceased was eighteen years of age, and had but recently come into the employ of the company. He was a sober and intelligent young man, and had many friends. His remains were taken to the residence of his widowed mother at Binghamton.

   —Syracuse Journal, 15th inst.

The Cortland County Standard, Tuesday, January 10, 1871

ITHACA AND CORTLAND RAILROAD.

   The Ithaca Journal takes exceptions to some matters relative to the above road advanced by a late correspondent of this paper. In its last week's issue it says:

   We observe from an article in the Cortland Standard of last week that the influences which have been at work from the first to defeat the building of our railroad are not satisfied with delaying it for six months or more but are still active against it.

   As we happen to know, the first location of the Ithaca and Cortland Railroad in the town of Cortland was made by the unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, and subsequently that location was changed by a vote just as unanimous. Six of the thirteen Directors reside in Cortland and may be trusted both tor their honesty and capacity, and the reasons that induced the change were, and are, we believe, for the best interest of the road and all its proposed connections.

   The road up the Otselic via Cincinnatus, which is now being constructed, has the best wishes and fullest co operation of our road so far as is possible; but not to the exclusion of other proposed roads.

   There is nothing in the present location of the I. & C. road less convenient or desirable for that road than the first location, but as the first location provided for no connection with the Syracuse & Binghamton Railroad, but crossed their track about a mile south of Cortland village, and as after full efforts that company declined to change their depot to accommodate that location, the Ithaca & Cortland were left to the option of changing so as to run into the present depot or carrying their passengers from one depot to the other by omnibuses—a style of transfer the general public are not partial to on through lines; and certainly it is a little too much to ask all the passengers between Elmira and Syracuse to make such a change at Cortland.

   Another strong argument in favor of the present location was that thereby the Midland Railroad could be the more readily reached and inducements for its extension over the Ithaca & Cortland Railroad would be greatly increased.

   In this Cortland and Ithaca had a common interest, and we are happy to say we have it upon the best authority that the arrangements are being consummated that shall bring the Midland both to Cortland and to Ithaca. Will not this be more satisfactory to the people of Cortland than the exclusion of the Midland from her borders?

   The men who write and talk like the correspondent of the Standard are hostile to the Ithaca & Cortland and also to the Midland, but they will be compelled to have both before next midsummer, and in fact we expect to see the Midland cars running through Cortland to Ithaca before the Otselic line is graded. But Cortland wants both lines; Ithaca wants both lines, and by the present arrangements both it is hoped will be secured.

   We would suggest to any disaffected friends in Cortland that by co operation they will gain more than by hostility. We have the cars now running on a portion of the Ithaca part of the line and hereafter shall have two passenger trains daily from Ithaca to the "outer world," and if our friends had put their shoulder to the wheel a little earlier the cars would to day be running through to Cortland. We feel confident that men interested in other roads and hostile to ours may be charged with this failure, and the longer they are listened to the longer will the consummation be deferred.

   We believe the Directors have done and can be trusted to do the best possible for the road to the location as in everything else, and we know Cortland will soon find herself in the enjoyment of two roads eastward instead of one for which we shall all be thankful.

Cortland County Standard, Tuesday, December 27, 1870.

ITEMS.

   Mrs. ELIZABETH CADY STANTON lectured at Homer last Thursday evening. The fact that she was to lecture there did not seem to be generally known here till that day. We have heard several of our citizens regret that they could not sooner have known it, as they would have been glad of the opportunity to hear this celebrated woman. We would suggest to the Homer Lecture Association that some means be adopted to acquaint the people of this section with their course of lectures, as we feel confident that their receipts will be sufficiently increased thereby to pay them for the trouble. The next lecture of the course (as we have learned accidentally) will be delivered by Gen. KILPATRICK, but when we are not advised.

   Our citizens should bear in mind the lecture by "Prick" POMEROY [possibly Dr. Theodore C. Pomeroy--CC editor] on the evening of January 4th, one week from to-morrow night. The reserved seats are already nearly taken, and those wishing them should send in their names as early as practicable.

   Last Saturday telegraphic communication between Cortland and Ithaca was completed by the connection of the wires at the postoffice in this village. Immediately on the instruments being in working order, the following congratulatory message was sent:

 

CORTLAND, Dec. 24, 1870.
Otis S. Wood and others, Directors of the I. & C. R. R., Ithaca:

   We congratulate you upon the completion of our telegraph line and wish you all a merry Christmas.

H. P. GOODRICH,

R. H. DUELL.

   And the following answer was returned:

ITHACA, Dec. 24.

H. P. Goodrich and others, Directors, etc.

   Your telegram received. We accept and return congratulations. Merry Christmas also in return. We hope early another year our railroad may emulate our telegraph in successful completion, from Ithaca to Cortland.

For Executive Comm.

OTIS E. WOOD.

   Mr. WOOD but expresses the hope of thousands of citizens, which, indeed, gives cheerful promise of fulfillment.

 

   Work Suspended, Jan. 10, 1871.—Work has been suspended for the present on the Branch between Norwich and DeRuyter, and probably will not be resumed during the extreme cold weather. The track being laid as far as DeRuyter, the only work left to be done is that of ballasting, which is found to be impracticable at this season of the year. We hear a rumor that an accommodation passenger train is to be put on the road in a few days, but cannot vouch for its correctness. The probabilities are that the road will not be opened for business until spring.

Editor's note:

View 1906 film of Market Street, San Francisco, a few days before earthquake struck: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=NINOxRxze9k