Wait for the Wagon--Natural Foods Delivered to Your Door

The Cortland News, Friday, August 15, 1884.

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   Village schools commence on Monday, Sept. 1, Pomeroy street school course, in addition to reading, spelling, arithmetic, geography and grammar, will include drawing, botany, physiology, history and also oral instruction in national and state government, philosophy, chemistry, etc. Scholars passing the examinations will be fully prepared to enter the regular Normal course.

   The Second National Bank having bought the Crandall residence will at once begin the erection of a three-story brick building— the first floor to be arranged for banking rooms and one store.

   The Crandall house has been purchased by Mr. B. F. Taylor, who will move it to one of his lots on Owego street and make it into a double house for renting.

   Facts and figures in regard to lighting the village streets and business places with electricity are being obtained by Mr. W. D. Tisdale, and as many of our merchants have agreed to adopt the light proposed, we shall in all probability in due time see the beautiful electric light illuminating our now poorly lighted streets.

   Mr. I. W. Brown has completed the census of the school children of the corporation, and finds that 1,798 is the number. This is an increase of over 150 since the census of December last, or more in that time than during the entire year of 1883. And as families are constantly coming into Cortland 1,800 is the number probably at this date.

   As Messrs. Franklin Warner and Edward Bates were driving along the highway near the railroad in Homer last Monday evening the horse became frightened by the sudden blowing off of steam from a locomotive and jumped suddenly to one side and then ran. Both of the gentlemen were thrown out, Mr. Bates against the fence, and Mr. Warner between the horse and wagon. Both were badly bruised, the buggy was smashed and the horse unhurt. Pain and lameness will accompany our townsmen for several days, and they have reason to be thankful their injuries are no worse.

Corporation Proceedings.

   At a regular meeting of the board of trustees of the village of Cortland, held Aug. 4, 1884, at 7 o'clock P. M.:

   The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

   An application of Price & Co. to move a building up Main street and across the track of the Horse Railroad Co. was referred to the president.

   The following bills were allowed and ordered paid: [routine bills and some resolutions omitted by CC editor.]

   Resolutions were passed directing the laying of new sidewalks on Prospect, Pomeroy, Adams streets and Groton avenue.

   On an application in behalf of the Cortland Horse Railroad Co., for the purchase of gravel to grade their roadbed outside of the corporation limits, and for the privilege of taking gravel from the gravel bank belonging to the village, for the purpose of grading their roadbed inside the village, pursuant to a contract to be hereafter executed by the president in behalf of the village, it was referred to Mr. Stoppard to arrange the necessary details concerning the same.

   An additional driven well for fire purposes was directed to be constructed on Railway avenue, between Clinton avenue and Grant street, to be located under the direction of the board.

   A resolution was passed appointing Fred. Hatch counsel to defend in certiorari proceedings recently instituted against the village board and assessor in the matter of the assessment of E. D. Webb, as administrator of Enoch H. Doud, deceased.

   On motion, meeting adjourned.

     FRED HATCH, Clerk.

 

The Cortland News, Friday, August 22, 1884.

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   Many of our citizens saw a brilliant meteor Tuesday night, about 9:30. Its appearance was preceded by a flash which the observers thought was lightning, but the beautiful display which immediately followed dispelled the illusion. It flashed through the heavens from the zenith to the southwest, leaving behind a white streak. About half way from zenith to horizon this streak remained visible fully a minute, then began to wave and disappeared.

   The carnival at the Cortland roller rink Tuesday evening was a decidedly pretty affair, and was witnessed by about 500 people. Miss Effie Dunbar received the prize of a satin fan for the finest lady's costume, and Miss Clara Smith the gold pen and holder for the most original costume. Mr. Burt Peck was given the opera glass for the finest gentleman's costume, and Mr. Charles Spencer the gold pen and holder for the most original .costume. The grand march was very attractive, and dancing was kept up until midnight.

   The Second National Bank will begin work on the foundation of their new building as soon as the old house is removed, and intend to have it enclosed before winter opens.

   Workmen are engaged this week on the fourth story and roof of the Cortland House.

   Nearly all of the Italians were discharged by the water-works contractor last week and about a score of them have returned to Italy. The remainder are looking for other jobs in this country.

   At the skating rink last evening Dr. Luther T. White, dentist, who was beginning to learn how to use the treacherous rollers, had the misfortune to fall and break his left leg about four inches above the ankle joint. The main bone was broken and the smaller one fractured. He was quickly taken to his home and the leg set by Dr. Jewett, and now only time is necessary to bring the doctor upon his feet but not upon the rollers.

   The weather of the past week has been warmer than this section is apt to experience. The mercury has ranged among the nineties the most of the daytime, and on Tuesday afternoon it marked 98 degrees in the shade on Main street, and on Wednesday it reached 102 degrees. At various places in the village the mercury was at 95 degrees at 4 o'clock in the afternoon on Tuesday. A fine rain fell yesterday evening, affording the needed relief from discomfort and drouth.

   Attorney-General O'Brien has delivered an opinion which holds that local health boards have the power to suppress nuisances without any action by common councils or other authorities. They can also oblige all persons who refuse to remove or abate a nuisance to pay all expenses. The public generally are not aware of the peculiar powers conferred by legislative acts upon boards of health. They are really independent bodies, vested with absolute authority, in all matters pertaining to the public health. Therefore it is well for our citizens to understand that when an order is made it must be complied with.

   See advertisement of Garrison & Young. This firm will have the finest grocery store in town, and no finer stock of goods can be found anywhere than the one they will put in.

 

Wait for the Wagon.

   And all take a good look at our young man, who will be around in a few days to solicit your orders for pure groceries, wholesome provisions, delicious confectionery, healthy vegetables, fragrant fruit, coffee and tea, which will please the most fastidious epicurean. Flour which will bring happiness to the most disconsolate household. Oat meal, coarse hominy, crushed oats, cracked wheat and pearl barley, all of which gives joy to the dyspeptic.

   No old, stale canned fruits, meats or vegetables with many years' growth of cobwebs clinging around the dusty tin; but clean, new, delicious fruits, vegetables and meats put up in clean glass jars.

   Great care will be taken in the delivery of goods as many times fruits, vegetables and groceries are damaged by careless handling and exposure to the weather. Our wagons are so arranged with tops, which protect the goods at all seasons of the year from the weather, and if any parcel becomes damaged in handling it will be cheerfully replaced. Orders will be taken as early in the day as possible so that housekeepers may not be annoyed waiting for viands to complete the bill of fare for dinner. We shall give particular attention to the village trade, and solicit the return of all our old customers and as many new ones as we can obtain.

   Groceries and provisions are cheap. As we have had a long vacation we think some lost time can be made up by selling good goods at moderate profits. While we never advertise to sell at less than cost, we do not hesitate to assert that we have at the present time a decided advantage over our friendly competitors, by purchasing our entire stock for spot cash, from first hands, during the lowest market in the history of this country, which will enable us to offer many inducements to those wishing to save doctor bills by using pure food.

   Although the country is agitated by political factions, we, as a people, are healthful and prosperous. Never in the memory of the oldest inhabitant have improvements been greater than during the past six months, notwithstanding the great destruction of property by fire. Beautiful buildings, handsome stores and dwelling houses are rapidly springing up around us. With pure water to drink and wholesome food to eat, we see no reason for complaint from the people of Cortland; therefore, we bid you welcome to the opening of our new store erected over the ashes of our old headquarters.

   The opening day will be announced as soon as the exact date can be determined.

GARRISON & YOUNG,

33 Garrison Block, Cortland. [17-19 Main Street]

 

 

 

This Speaks for Itself

The Cortland News, Friday, March 7, 1884.

This Speaks for Itself.

 

CORTLAND, N. Y., Feb. 23, 1884.

   To the Chief and the Officers and the Members of the Fire Department of Homer,

N. Y.:

   GENTLEMEN: In advance of the meeting of our trustees, which will not be until next week, I, in the name of the officers and members of the Fire Department of Cortland, thank you, first, for your prompt and timely aid at the last two fires; secondly, for your gentlemanly demeanor and heroic efforts; thirdly, for the cheerful manner and good grace that characterized your every effort to stay the progress of the greatest conflagration in the history of our beautiful village; fourthly, I will take the liberty of thanking you in the name of the citizens of Cortland who are making the very air fragrant with the praises of the firemen of Homer. I believe that I need not assure you that the Cortland department is not the least jealous of our citizens' praises of you, for we know that a people who are sensitive to your friendly touch will not forget their own; and we assure you that, at a very early day, we will share with you the honors, not in battling the fiery elements, but in a brotherly act, where the clasped hand and social smile will take the place of the stern and sad visage that all wore at our last meeting. I am, gentlemen, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

M. F. CLEARY,

Chief Engineer C. F. D.

 

 

$1,460 for Two Policemen.

   THE NEWS is opposed to fooling away $1,460 for two policemen, and this is why: Two policemen will be of no practical utility. We don’t need them, except to watch for fire-bugs; and what could two men do in that line? Where shall two men be stationed to protect our exposed buildings? Then two men don't permit a relay. To be effective they must guard us nights. We can take care of ourselves day-times. Our fires happen nights. What can two men do in a village of this size watching, though they were argus-eyed? If we are going to have a police force, let it be a force worthy of the name. Have enough at least to wake each other up when they fall asleep on the leeward side of a warm boiler, and are in danger of being roasted alive by a fire set right under their noses.

   No, $1,000 invested in the capture and conviction of one “firebug" would give us much more protection than $1,460 in two policemen. If anything, let us have night watchmen, and at least four of them.

 

“Public Clock.”

   The cheekiest joke that has been attempted upon the people of this village is the proposition to tax them sixty dollars for lighting that imitation of an opaque moon, styled a clock, which ornaments the Squires block [old clocktower—CC ed.], in the Virgil portion [South Main Street—CC ed.] of this village. What sort of excuse would any voter north of Court street make for voting affirmatively? It is of no utility north of that point. Then why should anybody south or east or west of the said block care even for its existence? They don't know it is there only by hearsay, unless they have proven it by coming up to get a glimpse of its single dial. The thing don't even strike. Better take the sixty dollars and buy lubricating oil to turn once a week over the old town clock, for we can hear that if we don't see it. The blessed old thing tells us when to get up, when to go to dinner, and when to go to bed, while Squires' "public clock" don't tell anybody anything, unless you get squarely in front of it and not over ten rods off. We doubt it the people have any shekels aching to be sacrificed for that ornamental "public" clock.

 

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   It will be seen that the usual appropriation for winding the town clock in the Presbyterian church is not among the items of the budget of village expenses. This is because that duty belongs to engineer Heher to perform and costs nothing extra.

   Homer's charter election will be held next Tuesday, the 11th. The amount called for by appropriation is $10,792.25, $6,000 of which (in conjunction with

$4,000 to be furnished by the town) is for an engine house, town hall, etc.

   Seventeen policemen of Homer have organized as protective police, and have been accepted as such by the trustees. The officers are: Homer D. Call, captain; Oscar A. Babcock, lieutenant; Geo. W. Fisher, secretary and treasurer.

   At a trial of the new fire well in Homer last week a cistern holding 10,000 gallons was filled in twenty-one minutes by the steamer with water from the well, which is 135 feet in depth. A resolution calling for $500 for more wells is to be voted upon at the charter election.

   Old papers for sale at this office. No carpet should be put down without the floor being covered with paper.

   The prohibition amendment was lost in the Assembly by a vote of 63 to 61. Assemblyman Kneeland voted aye.

   The Cortland correspondent of the Marathon Independent will get his head punched if he does not cease calling L. D. Garrison "Levi." That is, he would, were we L. D. G.

   Mr. A. E. Seymour objects to THE NEWS prefixing "Rev." to his name, and says he is not that kind of a man. We have much respect for Mr. Seymour, who is a young man of superior talents and an orator of fine ability, and as he possesses an irreproachable character, we promise not to do so any more.

 

Cortland Water-Works.

   The citizens of this village will, on the 18th, among other propositions, have an opportunity to vote whether the Cortland Water-Works Company shall be permitted to put up forty hydrants for fire purposes. We desire to call the attention of voters to the advantages accruing from the system to be put in operation.

   The mains will be run on Court, Port Watson, Tompkins, Reynolds avenue, Prospect, Union, North and South Main, Lincoln avenue, Church, Railroad, Elm,

Greenbush, Grant, Groton avenue and other streets, and the hydrants and three drinking fountains placed as the trustees may direct. The cost of the hydrants will be $2,000, which includes the use of the water for one year. The village is bound for no longer time. Future use depends on action at future elections. But of course it is expected that the great benefits derived from the abundant supply of water will Induce the corporation to continue its use.

   The Company propose to lay five and one-half miles of pipe at first, and to extend as demand will warrant. The mains laid at once will cover about nineteen-twentieths of the value of corporation property, and supply three-fourths of the inhabitants should they choose to use the water. The rates will be as low at least as in any village of its size, and perhaps lower.

   The economic influence of waterworks on insurance is large. The schedule of standard rates of insurance and deficiency charges adopted by the national board of underwriters is as follows: For standard cities having gravity waterworks, gas for lights, coal for fuel, etc., the insurance basis rate is 25 cents. For deficiency charges, add as follows: If no water supply, 15 cents—equal to 60 per cent.

   As a means of preserving health, the system is simply invaluable. As a matter of convenience, its benefits are endless. We feel confident that our people will be wise and order by an unmistakable majority the hydrants and fountains.

 

CORTLAND'S GREATEST FIRE

The Cortland News, Friday, February 22, 1884.

MORE FIRES!

The Cortland Wagon Co.’s Shop Burned!

Garrison Block and Wickwire Building Leveled to the Ground!

The Union Hall Block Damaged Beyond Recovery!

Cortland’s Greatest Fire—The Loss Over $100,000.

   About 11 o'clock P. M., Thursday, Feb. 14, a fire was discovered in the rear of the building on Railroad street [Central Avenue] owned by the Cortland Wagon Company, but for some time previous occupied by Mr. H. O'Neill as a wagon manufactory. An alarm being immediately sounded, the department turned out and in twenty minutes from that time streams were being thrown from the village steamer, which was placed at the hydrant on Railroad street near the burning building.

   The Wagon Company's steamer was also brought into use, and was placed at the hydrant on Church street, near the court house. Both steamers did most effective service, the village steamer in particular, working to the full extent of her powers for nearly two hours and a half. By the efforts of these and of the firemen the fire was confined to the interior of the main building, but completely destroyed the upper stories and, with the water, left the floor in a badly damaged condition. So successfully was the fire fought that the outside wooden walls to the third story are still standing.

   The wind was blowing slightly from the north-west, and the small house immediately east, owned by Mr. Adolphus Tanner, was torn down. The Homer department was sent for and arrived at 1 A. M. Their steamer did fine work until one of the chambers gave out, which caused only a short delay, when she was again set going, doing splendid work.

   At about 2:30 A. M. the village steamer met with a very serious accident, which rendered her useless the rest of the time.

   The fire originated under the wagon stairway back of the main building, up which wagons were drawn into the finishing room, and was, without doubt, of incendiary origin. In December last the stock was inventoried at $45,000, part of which previous to the fire had been removed, and was insured for $20,000. The building was insured for $3,500; loss about $1,000. Mr. Tanner's house was insured tor $500; loss about as much.

   The weather was intensely cold, and many caught severe colds from exposure. Mr. J. Kerwin was injured by a brick which fell on his head from a chimney. Mr. E. Stanton was hurt on his forehead by a hook striking it; and Mr. J. Fitts fell down a stairway; all members of Emerald Hose, and at this writing getting the better of their injuries.

               ____________________________________________________

   On the morning of Wednesday, February  20, soon after 1 o'clock, fire was discovered in the interior of the rear part of the Wickwire building on Main street, and although the fire department was quickly at work, owing to the inflammable material of the wooden structure and the great force of the wind, which was blowing from the south-east, the flames had gained complete possession of it and was already forcing their way into the Garrison block, on the north, before water was thrown from the steamer. As it was apparent that the first-named building could not be saved, the efforts of the firemen and citizens were directed toward saving the surrounding property, the Homer department, in the meantime, being sent for.

   A heavy rain storm was in progress, to which many other buildings probably owe their escape from taking fire, for the sparks fell in showers and were carried a long distance over the northern part of the village.

   So quickly did the flames consume the Wickwire building, and so rapidly did the Garrison block burn, that few articles were saved from the latter, and less from the first. Indeed, the Garrison block burned with a rapidity and fierceness seldom equaled by an old wooden structure, for in an incredibly short space of time after the flames had entered it its walls were falling.

   So intense was the heat on Main street that the large plate-glass windows in the stores on the west side in Masonic Hall block were badly cracked. The flames, fanned by the fierce gale from the rear of the buildings, swept half way across Main street and drove the firemen back from that quarter, compelling them to take refuge behind doors.

   The goods were removed from the Keator residence on the north and from C. H. Pride's grocery, adjoining this, as it looked for some time as though the fire would sweep the Dexter House corner in spite of all that could be done. Some even in the blocks across Main street prepared their goods for removal.

   The Homer department had by this time arrived and went to work with a will, their steamer being placed at the hydrant on Court street and throwing two powerful streams of water. The spreading of the flames farther north was stopped at the Keator house by the well-directed efforts of the firemen, when it was discovered that the roof of Union Hall block, which adjoined the Wickwire block immediately on the south, was on fire, and unless checked or confined to this building, the flames would spread to the wooden buildings in the rear and south of it and probably sweep Main street to Court street.

   The two streams from our steamer on Sager's corner, the two from the Homer steamer and one from the Wagon Company's steamer on Railroad street, were now directed upon this building, and by their united power the flames were conquered in this quarter after about two hours persistent and hard work. The hand engine was stationed at the hydrant in front of Fireman's Hall, and manned by firemen and volunteers from the spectators, was used in throwing water upon safes in the ruins and upon surrounding buildings.

   The morning broke upon such a scene of desolation as Cortland has never before witnessed. Two blocks leveled to the ground; another so badly damaged as probably to preclude its further use; the entire contents of two grocery stores, one dry goods store, and one hardware store; much of the material of a dry goods store and a crockery store, broker's office, and of other' offices and rooms, amounting to upwards of $100,000 in value, swept out of existence in the course of only about four hours; and all this the result of the act of a cowardly incendiary.

   Maybury & Maycumber carried about $65,000 insurance on the property mentioned. S. E. Welch, $14,000 on part of Union Hall block and dry goods; C. W. Collins, $6,000 on part of Union Hall block and $18,500 on crockery, etc.; J. & T. E. Courtney, lawyers, $500 on books, etc., of office; Mrs. E. A. Seamans, $1,000 on millinery goods; Luther T. White, dentist, $500 on stock and tools; T. P. Button, barber, $200 on furniture, etc.; L. D. Garrison & Co., $2,250 on grocery stock; C.H. Garrison, $10,000 on block ; Keator residence, $3,000; Mary Keator, furniture, personal property.etc, $700; Tanner Bros., $15,300 on dry goods; and Mrs. Annie E. Pudney, $1,000 on household goods stored in the Garrison block; H. M. Kellogg has $10,000 insurance on his stock of stoves, hardware, tools, fixtures, etc.; Kirkland Bros., $2,300 on groceries; Wickwire Bros., $5,000 on building and $500 on stock stored therein and ready for shipment; Mrs. Cook, $1,200 on hair goods.

   The personal losses above insurance as estimated are about $12,000 to C. H. Garrison; $2,000 to L. D. Garrison & Co.; $13,000 to Tanner Bros.; $7,000 to Wickwire Bros.; $1,000 to H. M. Kellogg ; $1,000 to Kirkland Bros.; $1,200 to Mrs. Cook; $150 to T. P. Button; $250 to L. T. White; $400 to I. H. Palmer; $300 to J. & T. E. Courtney; $450 to Stock Exchange in Garrison block; $10,000 to C. W. Collins; $4,000 to S. E. Welch; $1,000 to Mrs. Seamans.

   Desperate efforts were made to save property in all the buildings, and only when driven away by the flames and smoke did the large crowd desist. Kirkland Bros., H. M. Kellogg and L. D. Garrison & Co. saved nothing; Tanner Bros, a small amount in silks; C. W. Collins a good deal of his most valuable goods, but all more or less damaged; S. E. Welch considerable of his stock, but also damaged.

   About daylight the wind suddenly veered to the north-west, and in a short time the ground was white with snow and the water in the roads and gutters was freezing, while the change in the temperature added greatly to the discomforts of the night's labor and perils of the overworked firemen.

   We can not close this account without expressing the deep obligation the people of Cortland feel toward the gallant, generous firemen of Homer. Of late the calls upon them have been frequent, but in every case the response has not only been promptly, but even gladly made, and the aid they have rendered has been of the most skillful and efficient kind.

   Cortland needs another steamer. Will she vote it?

   With such force was the fire-bell rung that it was cracked, and is now useless.

   Wickwire Brothers intend to rebuild and will begin operations as soon as plans can be perfected.

   Coffee was freely served to the firemen on the occasion of both the above fires, for which all were very grateful.

   There is a prospect that Tanner Bros, will go into the store, in the Standard block formerly occupied by the shoe store.

   No more wooden cornices on public buildings. The destruction of Union Hall block is owing solely to its wooden cornice.

   J. & T. E. Courtney have located their law office in the old Schermerhorn building on Main street, and District-Attorney Palmer goes to the Keator block, opposite the Messenger House.

   Three streams were thrown through the front four-story windows, each being directed from the tops of V ladders erected in the street, and which were splendidly handled by the Hook & Ladder companies. One stream was also thrown from the roof of the Dickinson & McGraw building, and another from the rear.

 

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   The Cortland House fire and that of Wednesday morning might have been prevented by efficient watchmen. At the last charter election the proposition to engage night watchmen was voted down. Will our citizens appropriate the necessary funds at the next election ?

   Cortland ought to authorize the Water-Works Company to put up forty hydrants. Will she do it?

   Beginning with Nov. 28 last [Cortland House Fire, also called "Cortland's Greatest Fire" by The Cortland News--CC ed.], three large fires have occurred in Cortland, two of them involving the heaviest losses the village has known, and all of them of incendiary origin.

   P. H. Ingraham, an employee of the Stockwell Wagon Company, of Marathon, has patented a front wheel gear brake for farm or lumber wagons. It can be used with all kinds of loading. The Stockwell Wagon Company have the exclusive use and control of the patent in this State. They are now making a steel-tired wagon, with the brake attached, for Samuel Sloan, president of the D., L. & W. Railroad Company.— Binghamton News.

Reference map:
http://www.cortlanddowntown.com/media/PDF/WALKINGbrochure.pdf

Substance of Things Hoped for, Evidence of Things not Seen

The Cortland News, Friday, August 8, 1884.

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   Mr. George J. Mager has bought Mr. L. J. Fitzgerald's residence on Lincoln avenue, and will take possession April 1st next. Price paid, $5,500. Mr. Fitzgerald intends now to build a house.

   Mr. Bauder has leased the north and remaining store in the Cortland House block [rebuilt in 1884 after fire—CC ed.] to a couple of gentlemen, one a physician of Cazenovia and the other a resident of Mohawk, who will put in a stock of drugs.

   The building occupied by Mr. Chas. Price as a grocery will soon be removed to the vacant lot corner of North Main street and Lincoln avenue, in order to make way for the new brick building to be erected by R. Beard & Son.

   Mr. E. E. Crandall has sold his residence on Madison street to Mr. A. Ryan, who will take possession September 1st next. Price, $2100. Mr. Crandall's parents will reside with him in New York where he is engaged in business.

   Judge A. P. Smith, of Cortland, who has been adjusting the claims for the managers of Barnum's circus, is reported as saying that the many "internal injuries" remind him quite forcibly of the catechism's definition of faith:  “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." One claim by a lady, for damage, itemized two pairs silk gloves, one pair kid gloves, etc., $12. What is the world coming to when a woman goes to a circus with three pairs of gloves?—Bing. Rep.

   Next Monday evening at the roller rink will be given a rare exhibition of skill and strength. Prof. Erni, a one-legged skater, will do on his one leg skating creditable to any professional with two legs. He skates without a crutch, picks up articles from the floor, balances on the forward or rear wheels, hops all over the rink on his crutch, and gives a good performance on the horizontal bar. The Lynn, Mass., Item says,  "his exhibition on the rollers was wonderful, indeed." The Professor also rides a bicycle with ease and grace.

   F. N. Harrington, of Cortland, formerly of this place, is building a rink at Fulton, N. Y.—Greene American.

   Mrs. G. J. Mager and daughter, and Mrs. C. P. Walrad and her two children, are stopping at the Hotel Raymond near Little York lake.

   Thus far about 6,000 tons of coal have been ordered in the interest of lower prices. Every one of our citizens wants this reduction, and it can be obtained by signing name and amount required. Call at almost any of our stores.

   The building committee of the Cortland Opera House Company [Opera House adjacent to Cortland House on Groton Avenue—CC ed.] have let the contract for building the opera house to Messrs. Keeler & Hopkins, of Cortland. These gentlemen are competent for the work and we are glad that they were successful in obtaining the job.

   There will be a basket-meeting in Hoxie's grove next Sunday, August 10, commencing at 10 o'clock A. M., and closing at 4 o'clock P. M. Come one, come all with lunch baskets ready for the mid-day banquet, and souls ready for moral, social and spiritual refreshing. Subject of the morning lecture, "How to carry a light." Subject of the closing lecture, "Casting out devils."

  

Taxing Savings Bank Deposits.

   The $13,000 received by Mrs. M. E. Doud in "the sale” of her residence on Court street to the Wickwire Brothers, were deposited in the Cortland Savings Bank, and Mr. Samuel Freeman, one of the village assessors, taxed the sum as personal property. Mr. Edward D. Webb, as administrator or trustee of the estate, on examining the assessment-roll and finding such to be the fact, endeavored to secure of the village trustees a correction of the error, on the ground that the deposits in savings banks are by law exempt from taxation. Failing in this, Mr. Webb, through his attorney, ex-Judge Smith, has served writs of certiorari (granted by Judge Boardman) on the assessor, the president, clerk and each member of the board of village trustees, commanding them to appear at a special term of the Supreme Court at Norwich, on the 26th day of August, inst., and certify and return all the proceedings concerning the assessment of the property of Enoch H. Doud, held by Mr. Webb as trustee, etc., and whether any other property or money on deposit in the savings bank is assessed for the year 1884, to whom it is assessed and the amount, and whether all the real and personal property in the village is assessed at its full value, and if not then at the rate or proportion to its true value at which it is assessed.

   It is claimed that the assessment of this property has been upon a higher valuation than other real and personal estate or property in the bank, and that there is a large amount of property in the village which is not assessed at over one-fourth of its full value, while the Doud property is assessed at its full value.

   Justice Murray, before whom the case will be heard, will probably appoint a referee to take evidence as to this and other property assessed, and the pro rata tax on both.

   People generally are interested in the question whether deposits in savings banks are liable to taxation, which will be decided by the Judge.

   It is the intention of Mr. Webb to examine the town assessment-roll and ascertain if the same course has been pursued in regard to the Doud property by the town assessors.

Temperance Union.

   The Woman's Christian Temperance Union will meet at the Universalist church on Saturday, August 9, at 4 o'clock.

   The Woman's Christian Temperance Union is composed of five thousand organizations numbering over one hundred and twenty-five thousand members who are all working for a common purpose and according to a well-arranged plan.

   Hundreds of working men spend a third of their daily earnings for beer, and then curse their employers because wages are so small they cannot support their families. It they would drink less beer they would likely do far less cursing.— Prohibitionist.

 

The Cortland News, Friday, September 5, 1884.

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   The town assessors on application of E. D. Webb, the administrator of Enoch H. Doud, deceased, have reduced his assessment of that estate from $20,000 to $7,500. Judge Smith and Mr. Hatch argued the village case at the special term at Norwich last week. Judge Murray took the papers and reserved his decision.

   The tax payers of our beautiful village now scraping together the wherewithal to liquidate the enormous tax now levied upon them, are inquiring what new means of plunder will be devised. They won’t have to wait long for the rod is in pickle for them. THE NEWS will have some light to throw upon the subject as soon as the project is made public. But then the public has already swallowed equally foolish schemes with a seeming relish, though warned by THE NEWS of the consequences. This new scheme may be able to override the tax payers in the same way and by the same means as the other.

   The editor of THE NEWS [F. C. Kinney], who went to New York last week on business and elsewhere for recreation, writes us that he finds it necessary, through continuance of ill-health, to sever his connection with this paper.

   The mammoth roller rink on South Main street is to have its grand opening on Saturday evening, the 6th inst. It is the largest rink in this part of the State and the proprietors are doing everything they can for the comfort and convenience of their patrons. On the opening night will appear Messrs. Pressey and Lester, winners of the diamond medal and champion bicycle riders of the world, with thirty-nine specific tricks on the bicycle aside from plain and fancy riding, This will be one of the finest exhibitions of skill that will ever be seen in Cortland. Also Miss Minnie Douglass, six years old, the finest child skater in the world. She performs some wonderful teats on skates and gives an exhibition that is complete in itself. The rink will be lighted by electricity and is beautifully decorated. Admission for the opening will be 25 cents and 10 cents for use of skates.

   On Thursday evening of this week at about 12 o'clock the people of our village were awakened by the ringing of the fire-bell. It proved to be a call from Marathon asking assistance. The steamer and hose carts were taken to the depot and loaded on a flat car, but another telegram stated that they were not needed as the fire was under control. The buildings burned were the Hazen block, Smith block, Mack block and a dwelling house owned by W. O. Sanders. The loss is estimated variously at from $20,000 to $30,000. It was mostly covered by insurance.