WASHINGTON LETTER, NEW EDITOR AND FATAL ACCIDENT IN HOMER

William McKinley.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, December 31, 1897.

WASHINGTON LETTER.

(From Our Regular Correspondent.)

   WASHINGTON, Dec 31, 1897.—Up to this time the most marked feature of the Congressional recess in Washington has been the unconcealed anxiety of the administration, as to the probable action of certain Senators when Congress gets together again and the attempts made to cajole them with patronage and promises into doing as Mr. McKinley desires, or into doing nothing and keeping quiet.

   The two principal causes—the minor ones are too numerous to mention—of Mr. McKinley's anxiety are finance and the treaty for the annexation of Hawaii. He wants the treaty speedily ratified and he wants the silver Republicans to keep quiet and not attempt to carry out the intention announced by some of them of forcing Mr. McKinley's hand by compelling him to come out in the open and declare himself to be in sympathy with the outspoken efforts of Secretary Gage to secure legislation to strengthen the gold standard, or else to declare in favor of the restoration of bimetallism, which he has along led them to believe he favored.

   The senators who have been put in the doubtful column on the annexation question and the silver Republican Senators can have anything at Mr. McKinley's disposal in the way of patronage, if they will pledge themselves to do as he wants them. The effect of this cajolery of Senators cannot he told to a certainty until the questions effected get up in the Senate. Soon after the debate on the annexation treaty opens it will become apparent whether any of the "doubtful" Senators have become advocates of annexation, and the explanation that Senator Wolcott, who is regarded as the leader of the silver Republicans, has promised to make of his trip to Europe in behalf of international bimetallism about the middle of January, will probably indicate the attitude of the silver Republicans, at least one of whom has told Mr. McKinley in plain words that unless he muzzles Secretary Gage the silver Republicans would publicly repudiate the financial policy of the administration.

   The Navy Department will re-establish the Marine Guard at Pensacola, Fla., which was discontinued a few years ago, a detachment of United States Marines having left Washington Sunday for the Pensacola station.

   It is practically certain that nearly all the Democrats in both branches of Congress will vote for a bill providing for the publication of a complete list of those drawing pensions from the Government and the amount they draw, which Commissioner Evans says he will have introduced when Congress resumes work. In fact, it is difficult to imagine any good reason why the vote in Congress should not be unanimous for such a bill. The publication would serve several good purposes and could not possibly injure any honest and deserving pensioner. Some of the G. A. R men are opposing the idea and are trying to work up sentiment against it.

   Representative Rhea of Kentucky whose seat is being contested by Dr. Hunter, the Republican who thought he had a cinch on the Senatorial toga that was captured by Deboe and who in that connection was charged with bribery and some other little things of that sort, isn't at all afraid of being unseated, notwithstanding the big Republican majority in the House. The evidence in favor of Mr. Rhea was overwhelming before Dr. Hunter virtually acknowledged that his claim to the seat was not a valid one by accepting the position of Minister to Guatemala and Honduras. The contest has not been abandoned, but the hope of getting an allowance for lawyers' fees and other expenses is probably the only reason that it has not been.

   The money pull with the present administration has once more been demonstrated. Although there were several men with the strongest sort of political endorsements after the office of United States Marshal of the District of Columbia Mr. McKinley decided to give it to Mr. Aulick Palmer, who knows all about club and social life in Washington and Newport, but who has never even learned the a b c's of politics. It is an open secret that the appointment was given to Palmer because the place was requested for him by Cornelius Vanderbilt, who was one of the largest individual contributors to Boss Hanna's sixteen million dollar campaign fund.

   Representative Bailey of Texas is spending his Christmas with Ex-Representative Sibley of Pennsylvania, and as both men are close friends of Mr. Bryan there is believed to be more in the visit than holiday recreation. Both gentlemen are prominent in Democratic councils, and although Mr. Sibley is at present out of public life, it by no means follows that he will remain out. He has ability of a high order and his devotion to Democratic principles as interpreted by the Chicago platform is unquestioned.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

Our Leave-taking.

   With this issue of the DEMOCRAT terminates the connection with this paper, of the one [Mr. Collins] who has had editorial charge of it since the sudden and lamented death of the former editor and proprietor. Called unexpectedly to assume duties to which we were an entire stranger, coming not from the ranks of journalists of either great or small renown, but coming from the office of a manufactory, the duties and responsibilities of the position have not been without their full measure of care; for to attempt to follow one so well known to the press of the State for many years, was not an easy task even for one not a novice. It has been our desire to maintain the reputation of the DEMOCRAT as far as was in our power, and through its columns to defend and work for the interests of the people and the party which the DEMOCRAT represents, as we have understood them, and to keep the paper what it had been in the past, clean, honest and a welcome visitor to the homes of its many readers and subscribers.

   This has been our desire, to this end has our effort been directed, and in whatever degree we may have failed in our purpose [it] has been from lack of ability rather than lack of effort. Our connection with the DEMOCRAT has been of much longer duration than was anticipated at the beginning, and in retiring from our editorial work we do so to again enter the ranks of business, rather than attempt to win either fame or fortune in the world of letters.

   We desire, however, to express our appreciation of the many kind and encouraging words which have come to us from readers of the DEMOCRAT during the year, our regret being that our labor was not more deserving of them.

   As we shall be followed by one of riper experience in newspaper work, we feel sure that the friends and subscribers of the DEMOCRAT will extend the same kind consideration and encouragement, should either be needed, that has been accorded to us, and that at no time shall the only Democratic paper in the county lack for friends or a liberal support and patronage.

   [Mr. Frank W. Collins, who has been the editor of the Cortland Democrat since the death of its editor and proprietor, Mr. Benton B. Jones, last December, closes his connection with the paper with the close of the year. He will be succeeded by Mr. Fay C. Parsons, who is the son-in-law of Mr. Jones, and who has been brought up in that office and knows the details of all its operations. Mr. Parsons has for years done more or less of the local work upon the paper, so that he is well fitted by experience to undertake his new duties. The STANDARD wishes him the best of success.—Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, December 31, 1897.]

   ◘ The year 1897 is closing with some bad failures, which look as though the advance agent of Prosperity was still some little distance ahead of his show. The dispatches of last Friday morning brought the news of the failure of the Chestnut-st. National Bank and Chestnut-st. Trust and Saving Fund company of Philadelphia, of which a fuller account appears in our dispatches on the first page. On Christmas eve, the well known wholesale hardware house of Bradford, Kennedy & Son's of Syracuse was closed on judgments aggregating over $40,000. Mayor McGuire of Syracuse who was connected with the firm for years and only recently retired from the firm, gave among other reasons for the failure: "The great shrinkage in values in metals during the past six or seven years, bad collections and failures in trade." Tuesday's dispatches announce the failure of one of the oldest and largest bicycle firms in the trade, the Overman Wheel company of Chicopee Falls, Mass., who manufacture the "Victor" wheels and employ while running full 1,500 men. Tuesday's dispatches also announce the failure of the King-Reynolds company wholesale grocers in Indianapolis, Ind., with liabilities of $220,000. Democrats as well as Republicans are quite anxious that the present administration shall deliver the goods which they contracted to deliver when placed in power. Present "prosperity'' is not quite satisfactory to the people in spite of the repeated assurances of the Republican press that it is here.

MASONS AT HOMER.

CORTLAND FRATERNITIES VISIT BRETHREN IN HOMER.

Occasion Was St John's, the Evangelist's Day—Service in Calvary

Church—Sermon by the Rector—Banquet in New Rooms Followed.

   Homer lodge, No. 320, F. and A. M., attended the services of St John the Evangelist's day, at Calvary church in Homer on Monday evening on the invitation of the rector, Rev. L. J. Christler. About sixty members of Cortland Commandery, No. 50, K. T. and others of the Masonic fraternity in Cortland accepted the invitation of the Homer lodge to accompany them to the services. Two special cars carried them to Homer in time for the services which began at 8 o'clock.

   The vested choir opened the services and the Rev. Amos Watkins of Grace church, Cortland, read the Episcopal ritual. The sermon by the Rev L. J. Christler was appropriate to the occasion and was thoroughly appreciated by the audience.

   After the church services the masons repaired to the handsome new rooms of the Homer lodge in the Brockway building. Here a banquet was held with an elaborate menu. Impromptu toasts were responded to by Dr. James M. Milne, principal of the Oneonta Normal school, Prof. Charles Van Tuyl of Hamilton and Attorney George S. Sands of Cortland. The special cars brought the Cortland gentlemen home about 12 o'clock.

ALLEGED FALSE IMPRISONMENT.

Mrs. Maggie Hunt Wants $5,000 Damages of the Police Justice.

   Last spring [Cortland] Police Justice Mellon sentenced Mrs. Maggie Hunt, formerly Miss Carpenter, to the Western House of Refuge for a term of five years. She was charged with being a frequenter of an alleged disorderly house conducted by Ann Hunt. After serving nearly two months Mrs. Hunt was released on a writ of habeas corpus procured by Attorney E. C. Alger from the county judge of Orleans county on alleged irregularities in the commitment An action has now been brought by Mrs. Hunt through Attorney Alger in the supreme court to recover damages in the sum of $5,000 from Police Justice Mellon for false imprisonment.

Arrested for Stealing.

   Manager M. W. Giles of Stowell's bargain house has had considerable trouble with light fingered people, mostly women, in his store and has had his suspicions of several individuals. Last Friday one of his clerks informed him that a visitor had taken a set of Christy knives without paying for them. Mr. Giles says that he accused the woman of having the knives but she denied it. He then lifted one corner of the cape she wore and saw that she had the knives in her hand. When asked for her address she gave a number on Homer-ave., but a little boy with her corrected her saying "No, mamma, it's No. 50."

   Mr. Giles swore out a warrant for the Mrs. Mary Alexander charging her with stealing the three knives. She was arrested by Chief Linderman on Monday. Her husband was out of town and she thought she had better have counsel. Her story was that she had no intent to steal, but took the knives thinking they were some she had purchased in another store and had laid them down while looking at the display in Stowell's.

   The matter was held open until Monday evening when Mrs. Alexander appeared with W. D. Tuttle as counsel. He moved for her discharge on the grounds that the facts alleged in the warrant did not specifically state the intent of the accused and therefore did not constitute a crime, and the Police Justice granted the motion.

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   A man who rode an ass from New York to San Francisco in payment of an election bet, has arrived in the latter city. Both asses are well.—Exchange.

   In Rochester more families in each one hundred own their own homes than in any other city in the United States.

   The Lenox Celery Co. shipped four cars of celery from Canastota Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 1 and 2.

   Colgate library has come into possession of a valuable manuscript of St. Jerome written in 1490.

   A new 20 horse [power] boiler is being placed in Meldrim Bros. cheese box factory at Truxton.

   A beet sugar factory is to be established at Batavia, and 4,300 acres are under contract.

   Oneonta officers have captured a gang of thieves, and received over a wagon load of plunder stolen from nearby towns.

   After Jan 1, 1898, bicycles cannot be ridden on the sidewalks of Baldwinsville, according to a recent ordinance of the village fathers.

   The great bridge at Montreal, 7,000 feet long, to accommodate two railroad tracks, two trolley lines and two footpaths, is to be erected by American contractor and made of American material.

   An exchange is of the opinion that there are more lies told in the sentence, "I am glad to see you," than in any other words in the English language.

HERE AND THERE.

   Skating is fine at Cortland park rink.

   The Normal school opens next Tuesday after the holiday vacation.

   Case & Ruggles are having a special sale. See their new advertisement.

   The St. Vitus dancing club hold a New Year's party in G. A. R. hall tonight.

   The Quality club will meet with Mrs. G. J. Mayer, 26 Lincoln-ave., this evening.

   Perkins & Co., druggists, have a new ad this week. They want your prescription work.

   Cortland merchants all report a fine trade for a few days just proceeding Christmas.

   That laughable Cortland favorite, "Eight Bells," is the attraction at the Opera House next week Saturday evening.

   The annual dance of the Ancient Order of Hibernians was held in C. A. A. hall Wednesday evening and was a very pleasant affair.

   A. V. Smith of Cortland has been granted a patent on a milk can for delivery purposes. By its use the last pint in the can may be dipped out.

   Superintendent Costello of the fire alarm system is distributing in business places some large revised cards showing the location of fire alarm stations.

   William Sheridan, who plead guilty to assault in the third degree before Police Justice Mellon, is serving a four months' sentence in Onondaga penitentiary.

   The regular meeting of the board of managers of the Hospital association will be held at the hospital on Monday after noon next at 9 o'clock. It is hoped there will be a full attendance.

   The new time table of the E & C. N. Y. R. R. including East Freetown station to which trains now run regularly will be found in the usual place. Track laying is now going on in the town of Cincinnatus.

   Mr. Edward Allen, who has been connected with the bicycle department of the Remington Arms Co. at Ilion, expects to go on the road for the company the coming season at a handsome increase of salary.

   The annual election of officers of the Loyal Circle of King's Daughters will be held at the home of Mrs. S. Rindge, 57 Main-st., on Friday, Dec. 31, 1897, at 2:30 P. M. A large attendance is earnestly requested.

   Dr. Nathan Jacobson of Syracuse was in town Monday to perform an operation at the hospital on Mrs. Mary Whalen of Truxton for the removal of an ovarian tumor. He was assisted by Drs. Sornberger, Dana and Higgins of Cortland. The operation was very successful, but as the tumor removed weighed 18 pounds and grew in six weeks, it is feared another may form.

   Joshua D. Bliss died at his home on Groton-ave., Wednesday morning, at the age of seventy-five years. He has suffered from rheumatism many years and a rheumatic fever was the immediate cause of death. He was born in Groton and resided there until 1880, when be moved to Cortland, which has since been his home. He is survived by a widow, a daughter Rosee, and a son Walter. The funeral will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock.

HOMER.

   HOMER. Dec. 28.—Mr. Ward Manley of Binghamton spent Christmas with his family.

   Mr. Nelson Watrous who has been visiting friends in New York City has returned home.

   Very interesting Christmas exercises were held at the different churches Christmas Eve.

   Mr. Leon Carley of Syracuse spent Christmas at the home of his father Mr. C. C. Carley.

   A large number of young people from here enjoyed the skating at the Cortland Park ice rink on Christmas day.

   Mr. Harry Quick left for Auburn Monday morning where he will be employed in the tailor department of his uncle's clothing house.

   The death of Leander Smith, aged 89 years, occurred at his home on Clinton- st., last Sunday at 11 o'clock. The cause of his death was old age. He is survived by a widow and three daughters, Mrs. James H. Clark, Mrs. Joseph Peckham and Mrs. Earl Fowler. The funeral services were held from his late residence Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

   A very sad accident occurred in our village Thursday, December 23. Master Albert O'Donald, aged four years, son of Edward O'Donald, left his home shortly after dinner with his sled. After a short time his mother missed him and began to search around the neighborhood, but was unable to find any trace of him. Some one said he had been seen down by Albany street bridge. So she went down there but could not see him. She, with the neighbors, began a search in the vicinity of the river and found his sled on the northwest side of the Albany street bridge but did not see the boy. Then they thought maybe he was in the river, and Mr. Frank Wood took a boat and went down the river, but did not see him. He went to the shop and got the father who with Eugene Kirk rowed down the river, but with no success. As they were coming back Kirk thought he saw him in the bushes back of the old vinegar factory but his father thought it was a clump of bushes. As they drew nearer Mr. O'Donald saw that it was his boy and sprang from the boat to rescue him. When his body was taken from the water it was badly bloated and black in the face showing that he had been in the water a long time. The mother of the child was waiting on the bridge for the return of her husband and when she saw her little son she was nearly frantic. He was taken to his home on Caraway Hill. His funeral was held from the residence of his parents on Saturday, December 25.

FRENCHY'S QUIET MOVE, ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AND NEW EDITOR FOR THE DEMOCRAT

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, December 31, 1897.

FRENCHY'S QUIET MOVE.

Occupation of Hai-Nan Took Place Two Weeks Ago.

TELEGRAPH SERVICE SILENCED.

Sir Henry Havelock-Allan a Prisoner Among the Insurgents—Spanish Papers to Be Punished For Denouncing McKinley's Message to Congress.

   LONDON, Dec. 31.—The Daily Mail has received telegrams from Hong Kong and Tonquin denying the French occupation of the Island of Hai-Nan, but it regards it as morally certain that Hai-Nan was occupied about a fortnight ago when Port Arthur was occupied by the Russians, the coincidence forcing the suspicion that France and Russia were acting in concert.

   A dispatch from Singapore says:

   The news that the French had occupied the island of Hai-Nan was brought here from Saigon by the French mail boat Ernest Simon. Before the latter left Saigon on the 25th, a French cruiser arrived there with letters from Admiral Bedelliero to the French governor of Saigon. The Ernest Simon delayed for an hour at Saigon in order to take the governor's dispatch relating to the hoisting of the flag on the island of Hai-Nan to the French governor.

   The cause of the delay was known only to a few officials on board the Ernest Simon, but inadvertently the secret was imparted to a French officer here who, not being pledged to secrecy, let the matter out.

   It is believed that the French hold the telegraph office at Hoi-Kow and prevent communication to Hong Kong. The cable between Hai-Phong and Saigon is broken and under repair; and therefore, it was impossible for Admiral Bedelliero to telegraph the news of seizure to Saigon.

   Admiral Bedelliero with the warships Bayard and Descartes left Hong Kong on Dec. 11. He called at Hai-Phong on Dec. 18 and attended the meeting of the defense committee at Hai-Phong about that date, when the seizure of the island of Hai-Nan was decided upon.

England Is Not Alarmed.

   LONDON, Dec. 31.—The Daily Graphic asserts that the British squadron was definitely instructed to assemble off Chemulpo to support a strong British expostulation with Corea on the dismissal of McLeavy Brown (British superintendent of Corean customs), who under the advice of the British consul has twice returned the notice of dismissal served upon him.

   With regard to Port Arthur there is every reason to believe the Russians will adhere to their pledge to evacuate at the end of the winter, and there is therefore no ground for complaint on the part of England. Neither does the government regard the occupation of Kiao-Chau as calling for action, because British interests are not threatened. Both the foreign office and the admiralty are agreed upon this point.

Sir Henry Havelock-Allan.

TAKEN PRISONER.

Sir Henry Havelock-Allan's Horse Found, but the Rider is Missing.

   CALCUTTA, Dec. 31.—Colonel Sawyer commanding the British forces at Fort Ali-Musjid, telegraphs:

   On learning that Sir Henry Havelock-Allan had left his escort and had not been seen since, a search was organized. He rode a restless horse and might have been thrown near the camp. The search, however, resulted in finding the horse stripped and shot, with Sir Henry missing. It is feared that he is dead or is a prisoner in the hands of the Zakka-Khels. The search is being continued.

Spanish Papers to Be Prosecuted.

   MADRID, Dec. 31.—El Correo Espanol, La Nacional, El Epoca and other papers that have published General Weyler's protest against President McKinley's message will be prosecuted. The publication had been prohibited on international grounds. It is rumored that General Weyler will be prosecuted. The authorities refuse to transmit the protest to the queen regent through the war office.

Thomas B. Reed.

Reese De Graffenreid.

SPEAKER REED'S REFORMS.

His Experience Trying to Stop Smoking on the Floor of the House.

   One of the reforms which Speaker Reed has wrought during his second administration is the abolition of smoking on the floor of the house. Formerly the habit was indulged by members without restraint, but now, under the rules adopted last congress, members who want to smoke must retire to the cloakrooms. The rule is not violated while the house is in session, although it applies at all times, and the speaker, who is a great smoker himself, insists on its observance.

   There are some members who persistently break it when the house is not in session. Not long ago Mr. Reed entered the hall of the house and found tobacco smoke curling up from big cigars in the mouths of the Texans.  Turning to the chief page, who has instructions to enforce the rule against smoking, he said:

   "What is this, a barroom?"

  The page was somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Not exactly, Mr. Speaker." He then explained that he had frequently called the attention of members on the floor to the rule prohibiting smoking and said that he had twice mailed to the Texas delegation copies of the rules with the nonsmoking paragraph marked and the page turned down.

   "Less than ten minutes ago," he said, "I called the attention of these gentlemen to the rule, but they are still smoking."

   Mr. Reed turned to look at the smokers, and the first figure that caught his eye was that of De Graffenreid of Texas, sitting with the chair tilted back, his feet with boots on cocked upon the desk in front of him, the very picture of one of the bad men in "The Texas Steer," pulling away at a big cigar. The speaker contemplated him for a moment, then in an awestruck whisper asked:

   "Is he armed?"—Philadelphia Press.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

A Year of Recovery.

   The year 1897 is closing amid splendid vindications of the wisdom of Republican principles and statesmanship. Financial and business confidence re-established throughout the country; industry supplanting idleness; capital seeking investments instead of being vainly sought; wages excepting in a part of the cotton manufacturing field, advanced; better prices for farm products; the gap between the government's receipts and expenditures practically closed! These are some of the facts patent to all men, which the first ten months of the return to Republican control of affairs witness.

   The monthly treasury deficit disappears in the summing up of national receipts and expenditures for December. Including the receipts from the Union Pacific sale the treasury receipts for December at the close of business Wednesday, 29th, exceeded expenditures by $31,492,836.51. Exclusive of the Union Pacific moneys a small balance was on the side of receipts. With two days' business to be added, the total receipts from customs and internal revenue during the month were $24,164,009. Adding receipts from miscellaneous sources, other than the Pacific railroad sale, the $25,929,000 expenditures were met by the month's receipts. The surplus for the month is estimated approximately at a million and a half.

   The Dingley law is vindicating the wisdom of its framers. Sooner than its friends thought probable it is stopping the deficit. The heavy importations in anticipation of its enactment have passed or are passing rapidly into consumers' hands and trade is resuming its natural flow. Customs receipts are increasing steadily. Those of December will exceed by nearly $3,000,000 those of November, which were about $2,000,000 better than those of October, which passed by a good margin those of September. January is expected to improve on December.

   And it is not to be forgotten that the present good showing of government receipts, activity in private business, enlarged employment and better wages, are a year in advance because of President McKinley's calling of the fifty-fifth congress into extraordinary session. The settlement of the tariff then removed it from consideration now. Had not the special session been called, the period of waiting would have been prolonged till the present time in every business which must know the tariff rates before it ventures beyond present needs of the market. One of the greatest services the McKinley administration and Republican congress were, or will be, able to render the country was their prompt attention to the revenues and restoration of the protective [tariff] policy.

NOT MUCH OF A FIRE.

But It Might Have Been a Bad One in Otto's Furniture Store.

   An alarm of fire was rung in soon after 9 o'clock last night from box 432 at the Messenger House corner [in Cortland]. The department responded promptly, but before any water could be thrown the flames were extinguished.

   The fire was in the basement of the furniture store of Robert Otto, at 18 Port Watson-st. in the McFarlan building. Mr. Otto and Mr. C. F. Blackman, the undertaker who has his headquarters in that store, sat talking in the little workroom at the rear of the store. Mr. Otto went down stairs to get a scuttle of coal for the stove in the workroom. For ten minutes more they visited and then decided to close up and go home.

   Mr. Otto went down stairs again to bank the fires in the furnace which heats the main store, Mr. Blackmail following on and continuing the conversation. As they opened the door at the head of the stairs they were met by a strong smell of smoke. Near the furnace was a pile of swings covered with burlaps, and the burlaps was all in a blaze. Mr. Otto rushed down and commenced tearing off the burlaps and stamping out the fire on the grouted floor.

   Mr. Blackman ran back to the cistern in the workroom and began carrying water down stairs. He shouted "fire" once out of the front door. Mr. Andrew J. Murray was passing and he with others ran in. Pails were brought into requisition and several people carried water down to Mr. Otto and Mr. Murray who applied it to the best advantage. Meanwhile the fire seemed to be spreading in the swings and other furniture, and Mr. Blackman, fearing that it could not be extinguished by the bucket brigade, turned in an alarm at the Messenger House box.

   But there was an abundance of water in the cistern and plenty of help. Everything was pulled away from the fire to which the flames could spread and in a few moments the blaze was entirely extinguished. The cellar however, and the lower floor were so thick with smoke as to almost suffocate those at work. Some one very thoughtfully closed the door leading to the upper doors where the upholstered furniture is kept, thus preventing that from being damaged by smoke.

   Mr. Otto was at first, entirely at loss to account for the origin of the fire. The furnace was closed up tight and the fire in it was very low. But he remembered that when he went down the first time to get the coal for the stove he struck a parlor match at the foot of the stairs to light the gas. The match he thought went out and he threw it down on the grouted floor. He struck another match, lighted his gas and threw the extinguished match into the coal bin. He now thinks that the head of the first match must have snapped off into the burlaps about ten feet away and started the fire. It is fortunate indeed that he had occasion to return to the cellar and discover the fire before it got much of a start. Ten feet away were several bales of curled hair. Had it got into that it would have spread with great rapidity, and great loss must have resulted.

   Mr. Otto estimates his loss at from $100 to $125, and is abundantly covered by insurance placed with G. J. Maycumber and Theodore Stevenson.

TWO BULLETS IN BODY.

GEORGE E. DICKINSON ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

Pointed a Thirty-two Caliber Revolver Toward His Heart, Pulled the Trigger Twice, Walked up Stairs and Laid Himself Down to Die—There are Hopes of His Recovery.

   George K. Dickinson, a meatcutter in the employ of Robert E. Reilly of 6 North Main-st., who resides at 8 Woodruff-st., attempted to take his own life a sometime between 2 and 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon by deliberately pointing a thirty-two caliber revolver toward his heart, and pulling the trigger a couple of times. He was in the barn of E. P. Halbert, 18 Lincoln-ave., where Mr. Reilly's delivery horses are kept, when the deed was committed.

   Mr. Dickinson was at work as usual yesterday forenoon, and returned from dinner apparently in good spirits. A little before 2 o'clock, Mr. Reilly asked him to go to the barn and hitch one of the horses to a cutter, and drive down to the market. He did this, and then Mr. Reilly requested him to take a strap to the harness shop of F. J. Hackett, a short distance north of the market on Main-st. to be repaired. Mr. Dickinson passed the time of day with Mr. Hackett, and went out. He stepped into the candy store of M. B. Filzinger, and there asked to borrow the latter's revolver, saying that he had a cat in the barn and he wanted to shoot some other cats that were bothering it. Mr. Filzinger suggested that he take a shotgun, but Mr. Dickinson said the revolver would be all right at short range.

   The revolver was of the 32-caliber variety, and at Mr. Dickinson's request, Mr. Filzinger put three shells in it. Mr. Dickinson left the store and started north. A little later he was seen on Lincoln-ave. but so far as learned nothing more was seen of him until about 5 o'clock, when Thomas Clancy, another employee at Reilly's market, discovered him in the barn on Lincoln-ave. Mr. Dickinson's absence had been noticed at the market, and an inquiry was made at his residence, but nothing had been seen of him there since dinner time.

   At 5 o'clock in the afternoon, Mr. Clancy went to the barn to put out the horse. As he stepped inside the door, his foot struck something, which he picked up and quickly recognized as Mr. Dickinson's hat. Five or six inches from the hat lay a revolver. His suspicions were aroused, and at once he instituted a search for Mr. Dickinson. On going up stairs he saw a horse blanket spread over something on the hay, which proved to be Mr. Dickinson. Mr. Clancy says that Mr. Dickenson recognized him and spoke saying, "Hello, Tom."

   Mr. Clancy asked him what the matter was and the injured man replied that nothing was the matter. Mr. Clancy assisted him to his feet, and steadied him as he walked down the stairs. Dickinson said he was not shot and claimed to know nothing about the revolver, when Mr. Clancy called his attention to it. Mr. Clancy could see no evidences of injury, but unbuttoning his sack coat his suspicious were confirmed by the mass of clotted blood on his clothing in the region of the heart. Mr. Clancy left Mr. Dickinson leaning against a feed box, and started at once for Dr. Dana, who was soon on the scene. Dickinson was placed in a cutter and taken home. He seemed to be perfectly conscious, but nothing was said about the affair on the homeward trip. Dr. Dana at once sent for Dr. W. J. Moore, that he might be present as coroner in case death should result.

   The physicians made a careful investigation, and found two bullet holes in the left breast. One was just at the lower edge of the fifth rib, at the apex of the heart and the other was between the third and fourth ribs just above the heart.

   The bullets could not be located, and it was not thought safe to probe for them, for fear of severing an artery. Neither of the bullets severed an artery. Dr. Dana states that the bullets may have taken a course towards the left, owing to the position the revolver must have assumed when the trigger was pulled. The aim was correct, and had the bullets gone directly inward, death would have been instantaneous as the heart would have been pierced.

   Mr. Dickinson is resting comfortably to-day, and the physicians express the hope that he will recover, though nothing definite can be determined. Mr. Dickinson advances no reason or excuse for the act, remaining silent on the subject when questioned. He says, however, that he shot himself at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. It is known that he has been in the habit of indulging in intoxicating liquors quite freely, and that of late he has been making a persistent effort to break himself of the habit, which had fastened itself upon him. It is reported that a few days ago he made the remark that he would break himself of the habit or die, and that too pretty soon.

   It is thought that worriments and anxiety over the matter led him to commit the deed. Nothing unusual was noticed about his demeanor by anyone yesterday, and the physicians say that he showed no signs whatever of having been drinking.

   The news of the affair was a great shock to his friends and to none more so than to his wife and relatives, who are almost overcome with grief over the sad occurrence. They have the sympathy of the entire community in their affliction. Besides a wife, Mr. Dickinson has one son, 11 years of age.

New Editor for the Democrat.

   Mr. Frank W. Collins, who has been the editor of the Cortland Democrat since the death of its editor and proprietor, Mr. Benton B. Jones last December, closes his connection with the paper with the close of the year. He will be succeeded by Mr. Fay C. Parsons, who is the son-in-law of Mr. Jones, and who has been brought up in that office and knows the details of all its operations. Mr. Parsons has for years done more or less of the local work upon the paper, so that he is well fitted by experience to undertake his new duties. The STANDARD wishes him the best of success.

THE HUMPHRIES FAMILY

Held a Family Reunion on Christmas Day With William King.

   A very pleasant gathering of the Humphries family took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William King on Christmas day, when about forty of their friends and relatives gathered at their home to enjoy the bountiful dinner of turkey and plum pudding prepared by Mrs. King, and which she is very capable of preparing on such occasions. The grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Humphries, and children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were present, making the occasion a very pleasant one.

   A ring and silver thimble were placed in the pudding. The thimble was found by Miss Libbie Humphries, which entitled her to the old maids' fate, and Charles Reakes was the lucky finder of the ring which will entitle him to a speedy marriage.

   After dinner had been served all retired to the parlors and listened to some music on the organ by Mrs. Henry Bell of Truxton, also to some fine singing by Mr. Mell Hart, which was very appropriate for the occasion. John Curtis had a cabbage chicken which he turned loose, making a great deal of sport for the little ones, as well as the larger ones.

   Those present were Mr. and Mrs. John Reakes and son Charles of McGrawville and little grand daughter Jessie, Mr. and Mrs. James Humphries and two daughters, Winnie and Jessie of Galatia, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Curtis of Truxton, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bell and daughters, Carrie, Bell, and Hazel of Truxton, Mr. and Mrs. Burt Curtis and little daughter of Taylor Valley, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Humphries and son Deloss and daughter Goldie of South Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Mell Hart and daughter of Cortland, Mr. and Mrs. George King and two grandsons, Freddie and Lynnie of Cortland, Libbie and Edith Humphries of East Freetown, John and Fred Curtis of Truxton, Mr. and Mrs. Will Reakes of Taylor Valley.

   ONE OF THE FAMILY.

BREVITIES.

   —Three tramps occupied bunks at the police station last night.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—Case and Ruggles, Inventory sale, page 6.

   —Wish you a Happy New Year. To-morrow being a legal holiday, no paper will be issued from this office.

   —Chief of Police Linderman has found an umbrella, which can be procured by the owner upon identification.

   —The Joint installation of the new officers of the three societies, G. A. R., W. R. C. and S. O. V., will be held in Grand Army hall Monday evening at 7:30 o'clock.

   —The Sunday services at the Y. M. C. A. will hereafter begin at 8:30 o'clock instead of at 4 o'clock, and the hour from 4:30 to 5:30 o'clock will be occupied by Mr. Corliss' Bible class in the Association parlors.

   —The Quality club of Cortland will meet with Mrs. G. J. Mager this evening. It will be the last meeting of the year, and its main business is the awarding of the scarlet ribbon to the champion of Lincoln-ave.

   —In Justice Kelley's court this morning Herbert Flanders pleaded not guilty to the charge of cruelty to animals preferred by Liveryman F. H. Maricle. He gave bail for his appearance for trial Jan. 10. I. H. Palmer appeared for the prosecution, and John Courtney, Jr., for the defendant.

   —To-morrow morning the carrier boys in Cortland, Homer and McGrawville will call upon the subscribers of The STANDARD and present them with a handsome calendar for 1898. If the boys have been faithful in the delivery of their papers during the past year they will be glad to be remembered in some way on this occasion.