EXCURSION TO THE THOUSAND ISLANDS

Steamer St. Lawrence.

The Cortland Democrat, July 31, 1891.

To the Thousand Islands.

   The E. C. & N. will run another of their popular personally conducted excursions to the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River, Wednesday, August 12, tickets good for return passage any time within 10 days from date, and cars will be run through without change. Fare for the round trip from Cortland $4.00. This will be the last opportunity of the season to visit this delightful resort at such an extremely low rate.

   There are three things that the visitor to the Islands should not miss; one is the steamer trip to the quaint old Canadian city of Kingston; second, the fifty mile ramble among the most attractive of the Islands; the third is the most novel feature of the season on the river, the Electric Search Light Excursion on the beautiful "Queen of the Water" the steamer "St. Lawrence," presenting a scene bordering on the weird and mysterious, and which once witnessed can never be forgotten. Good board can be procured at the Thousand Island Park, or Fine View Park at $1.00, $1.50 and $2.00 per day.

   Train will leave Elmira at 7:10 A. M. For further particulars apply to C. W. Williams, G. P. Agent, Elmira, J. W. Nelsh, T. P. Agent, Canastota or local agents.

E. C. & N. R. R. Special.

   Round trip summer excursion rates to 1000 Island points, via Camden, N. Y.

   Alexandria Bay $6.95

   Clayton  6.20

   Round Island Park 6.65

   1000 Island 6.65

   Westminster 7.05

   Children between 5 and 12 years of age half fare; over 12, full fare.

Houk Resigns the "Scorcher."

   Owing to the band concert and numerous other attractions in Cortland this week, many of the boys forgot the weekly wheel run to Little York and return; others had talked the matter over but decided to reserve their energy for Saturday's great field day.

   Houk was on hand Wednesday evening as usual wearing the "scorcher" badge and a confident smile. Fred W. Melvin was also at the starting line at 7 o'clock, and proposed to enjoy the run, and hustle the previous victor if not lead him in at the finish. Speculation was varied as to the result, many not knowing Fred's ability on a long run. The anxiety of the crowd was relieved as the two wheelmen came down North Main street, Melvin crossing the line in 57 minutes, and Houk a close second. The wildest excitement followed and good nature closed the third run for the badge.

Death From Total Syncope.

   The examination of the body of Mrs. Cora Pidge, an account of whose sudden death appeared in the DEMOCRAT last week, resulted in the verdict that "Death resulted from total syncope (fainting away) after prolonged exercise in a hot room, aided by certain aggravations.'' Deceased was in delicate health at the time of her death. The funeral took place on Saturday, burial being made at New Hope, Cayuga county.

Y. M. C. A. Notes.

   The cottage prayer meeting held last Friday evening at 118 N. Main street, conducted by H. M. Dunbar, was one of special interest and profit, thirty-three being present.

   On Friday evening of this week Mr. G. C. Jeffers will conduct the meeting at Mrs. Bunnell's, 58 Fitz Avenue subject: Christ Our High Priest.

   On Sunday afternoon at the rooms the 4 o'clock meeting was one of unusual interest and power. F. A. Ingraham, the general secretary, addressed the meeting upon the subject, God's People—Farmers. The secretary spoke with feeling and his words were listened to with profit; in the consecration meeting which followed, one young man said he had made up his mind to be a christian.

   All boys are cordially invited to attend the boys' meeting at 3 P. M. every Sunday in the Association rooms.

   The speaker for next Sunday has not been secured yet, but the young men can rest assured of a profitable hour at 4 o'clock in the Association rooms.

   Mr. G. C. Jeffers has been appointed assistant secretary of our local Association and entered upon his duties July 24th.

Universalist Church Notes.

   The special evening services of lectures, concerts and vesper services, which have been given of late in this church have increased the attendance greatly. The lecture on "Beecher" last Sunday evening drawing the largest congregation which has ever greeted the new pastor. These special services will be continued through the warm weather. The excellent music given the last few weeks has also added greatly to these meetings. The choir under the leadership of F. E. Plumb, with Mr. Arthur Ingalls as organist, has been so satisfactory that several persons have volunteered to help defray the extra expense incurred by the reorganization of the choir.

   The attendance in the Sunday school has also increased, and notwithstanding that it has been the time of warm weather and vacations—the average attendance the past month was the largest, with a single exception, of any month in the history of the school.

   The children connected with the school will soon enjoy a picnic at the Trout Ponds.

   A friend of the Sunday school having given $50.00 towards the library fund, a goodly number of new books will soon be added to the library. The Young People's Social Club will hold its first regular monthly meeting in the church parlors next Tuesday at 7:30 P. M.

   The pastor will preach in McLean next Sunday, the pulpit here being supplied by Rev. H. H. Graves, of the Canton Divinity school, who is now engaged for summer preaching at McLean. The morning topic will be—"The Religion of Jesus Christ," and in the evening he will give "Rest."

Item.

   Mr. Delos Bauder, owner of the Cortland House, will take possession of the same to-morrow and conduct it in future. Since the death of Mr. Rogers, who held a lease of the same for a term of years, his widow has managed the same to the satisfaction of the public, but the care necessary to run the house was more than she desired to be burdened with, and she has sold the furniture and fixtures to the owner of the house. Mr. Bauder has had a rest for nearly two years, which he has heartily enjoyed. The house is one of the most popular in the country, and as its reputation was mainly built up by Mr. Bauder, it goes without saying that its excellent standing will be fully maintained.

HERE AND THERE.

   Cortland Wheel Club meeting to-morrow.

   See tax collector's notice in another column.

   To-day is the last day you can fish for trout this season.

   Be sure and see the wheelmen on the fair grounds to-morrow.

   The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will soon hold a reunion and picnic.

   Be sure and see Wilson's Minstrels in the Opera House, Monday evening.

   A fine stock of wedding stationery may be seen in the DEMOCRAT Job rooms.

   The annual parade of the Cortland Fire Department will take place August 15th.

   Attention is called to the "Assembly Programme" to be found in another column.

   Four new members were received into the Cortland Sexennial League at the meeting Tuesday evening last.

   The prizes to be awarded at the Wheelmen's tournament to-morrow may be seen in J. E. Briggs' show window.

   Prof. Bond gave a free exhibition on a rope stretched across Orchard St., Tuesday evening. Pass around the hat.

   The Warden hotel in Solon was sold last Saturday under foreclosure proceedings to Hon. Robert T. Turner, of Elmira, for $2000.

   Bear in mind the fact that the trout season in this county closes August 1st, and that the game constable will be after you if you trespass the law.

   Mr. Jay H. May, proprietor of the Owego Valley House in Harford Mills, will give a harvest party at his hall, Friday evening, Aug. 14th. Music by Happy Bill Daniels' full orchestra. Bill, $1.50.

   Swindlers operating under the firm name of Bartlett, Thomas & Haynes, are victimizing women all over the State by inducing them to send on $5 on promise of being appointed agent for fashion catalogues.—Ex.

   Mattie Carpenter was having an interesting interview with John Barlecorn, on the corner of Court and Main-sts., Monday night, and an officer gathered her in. Tuesday morning Justice Bull fined her $8, which was paid. [On prior occasions several members of the Carpenter family were arrested for conducting a house of ill repute in Cortland and in Cortlandville—CC editor.]

   The Emeralds of this place beat the Auburns on the fair grounds, last Saturday. Score, 8 to 7. This was the first game played by the Emeralds since their organization, and it was a most interesting one. William Corcoran acted as umpire.

   An open air temperance service will be held on the corner of Court and Main streets, on Sunday next, Aug. 2d, at 3:30 P. M. Should the weather prove unfavorable, the service will be held at the W. C. T. U. headquarters. A most cordial invitation is extended to all.

   The Binghamton Driving Park Association will hold a four days' meeting, commencing Aug. 11th. Handsome purses have been hung up and a large list of entries for the trotting and pacing events have been received. The outlook for a very successful meeting is very promising.

   Judge Eggleston has appointed Calvin P. Walrad, C. Fred Thompson, of Cortland, and Byron H. Bierce, of Scott, commissioners to determine the necessity of a highway leading from the "salt road" to Lorenzo Coonradt's, in the town of Marathon, and if they find a highway is necessary they are to assess the damages.

   Mr. L. S. Johnson, of this place, brought to this office on Wednesday several samples of both white and red currants that were fully as large as cherries, and of a most delicious flavor. Mr. Johnson has very little trouble in raising this variety of fruit in large quantities. Mr. W. B. Stoppard, the grocer, takes his entire crop this season and has them on sale. A little later in the season Mr. Johnson will have the plants for sale at his place in this village.

   Anson Van Slyke is again reported to have gone crooked. This time a warrant is out for making fraudulent returns to central office of the installment plan, of which Mr. Vanderpool, Railroad street, is a branch house. Van Slyke worked for him. During the week an Ithaca officer, failing to locate his man, left the matter in the hands of two Cortland officials, who called at a house on Excelsior street, but he retired on the approach of the officials. Officer Jackson still holds the warrant under orders not to serve it, as the matter is to be adjusted.

   Old Man Coup, who retired from the show business several years since, and has latterly been enjoying a life of comparative ease and enjoyment, has finally been induced to join the Farmers' Alliance and become chief organizer for Central New York. The working tools and insignia of the craft came to him last week by express, and he is now prepared to initiate all who can prove themselves entitled to membership, into the mysteries and intricacies of the order, to the service of which he proposes to devote the remainder of his business career.  

School Superintendent Draper Concurs

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, August 7, 1891.

DRAPER CONCURS.

Superintendent Draper Keeps His Promise to the Politicians and Goes Back on the People.

   Draper has finally acted in the Normal school matter and if there were any who expected he would keep the promise he made to the people here, through Deputy Skinner, they will undoubtedly be disappointed. It ought to be pretty evident to the people of this community now, that Draper is entirely unreliable and that his only interest in the schools of the state, is a selfish one. It is quite evident that he intends to use the power of his office to further his own political aspirations and the prosperity of the schools is a secondary consideration with him. The following dispatch from Albany tells the story:

   ALBANY. Aug. 5.—Dr. Francis J. Cheney's nomination by the local board of trustees of the State Normal school at Cortland to be principal, was approved by State Supt. of Public Instruction Draper to-day. Dr. Cheney succeeds Dr. James H. Hoose. Dr. Cheney was recently displaced as an inspector under the Regents of the University, that office being abolished because the Civil Service Commission insisted on making it competitive.

   This is the decision after informing the Local Board a little over a month ago, through his Deputy, that Dr. Hoose would open the next term of school as usual. It is very unfortunate that the important office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is occupied by a politician instead of a professional teacher. His interests are not in harmony with the aims and desires of the profession and he cares nothing for the schools except so far as he can use them in advancing his personal and political end. He discharges teachers simply because Local Boards composed of politicians of his own selection, request him to do so, and in direct opposition to the wishes of the scholars and the patrons of the institution.

   So long as Draper is at the head of the department, no teacher, however eminent in his profession, is secure in his position. He holds his place simply by sufferance, and whenever the Local Board or a majority thereof chooses to displace him and put an incompetent man in his place, Draper will concur. The members of the profession throughout the State owe it to themselves to make a fight to prevent the recurrence of such outrages as has just been perpetrated on the people of this town. The President of the Local Board has succeeded in securing the dismissal of Dr. Hoose, but he has not gained any laurels that are worth having by doing so. If we do not mistake the temper of the people of Cortland, he will soon be made aware of this fact.

A Dark Case Unsolved.

   A case was before Justice Bull during the latter part of July wherein a colored woman as wife No. 1 laid claims for support to one William Stewart, who for some time had been basking in the graces of a white woman who was performing the duties of a wife at William's residence on Maple avenue. Little of the evidence appeared in print, but William agreed to support the dusky woman and was discharged. He kept his promise by assigning to her use the best room in the house and stocking up with provisions, but declined to occupy the rooms with her.

   Last Saturday a bill of groceries was delivered to wife No. 1 and in the afternoon the police were sent for. When Chief Sager arrived a one-half pound package of tea was shown to the officer and Health Officer Moore, who had also been called in. A liberal quantity of Paris green was discovered mixed with the tea, the other parcels were not disturbed by the officials, but the tea was taken to police headquarters. How the poisonous powder became mingled with the tea is a question yet unsolved. The officers assert that Mrs. Stewart No. 1 was anxious to obtain admission to the apartments occupied by William and his family—though the locked doors was conclusive evidence that her visits were unsolicited.

   There is no clue to the purchaser of the Paris green although Section 402 of the Penal Code provides for the registering of all purchases of drugs or liquids of poisonous properties. At last reports everything was quiet at the double yet divided household. No charges have been preferred and the mystery still remains unsolved.

Homer Band.

A Grand Musical Event.

   The Homer band gave an open air concert at the Messenger House corner on Friday evening that attracted an immense crowd and was highly appreciated by all who heard it. The cornet solo by Mr. P. Conway, the clarionet solo by Ed. Alger and the trombone solo by Mr. Charles Maas, were fine and called forth rounds of applause. A handsome bouquet of flowers was presented to Mr. Conway.

   As some of the newspapers in this place and Homer have been engaging in some warm words over the merits of the Homer and Cortland bands, Mr. Jewell of the former organization, took this opportunity to announce that so far as the Homer band was concerned, they regretted that anything of the kind had occurred, and he assured all present that the members of his organization had no part in it and he did not believe that the members of the Cortland band had had anything to do with it. That the members of both organizations were friendly and that it was the desire of those he represented to have such friendly relations continue. He was loudly applauded when he resumed his seat.

   There certainly ought not to be any jealousy or unfriendly feelings between the members of these organizations and we do not believe there is, notwithstanding the attempt of outsiders to create an unpleasantness. Homer people feel justly proud of theirs and this is as should be. The band boys are all right.

Cortland Driving Park Races.

   Advanced science is remarkably correct in announcing the weather prognostications from twenty-four to a less number of hours in advance, but the weather program for weeks in advance is still materially obscure from human observation, at least so thought the public upon the occasion of the heavy rains in the midst of the mid-summer races at the opening of the past month, and the officers of the society were greatly embarrassed thereby.

   But by public notice they displayed the business integrity of the association in redeeming season tickets issued; immediately arranging, at no small expense and loss to personal interests, for a new set of dates and purses aggregating $3,600, besides personally interviewing owners of noted horses that were here in July as well as new ones and now, weather being favorable, are ready to announce a grand series of turf exhibitions for four days during the present month—18th to 31st inclusive. The purses are $400 in each event.

   Tuesday will be devoted to the 2:45 and 2:25 trotting, and 2:35 pacing class.

   Wednesday, 2:29 trotting and 2:23 pacing class.

   Thursday, 2:37 trotting and 2:27 pacing class.

   Friday, 2:33 trotting and 2:20 trotting class.

   Of the new grand stand it is sufficient to state that the view obtained is so perfect and clear that the hundreds who occupied it on the opening of the July races pronounced this new feature as adding fully 100 per cent to the pleasure of witnessing the sport upon as perfect a half mile track, as is to be found in the state.

   Note down dates and arrange to be "in it" and aid those who are striving to serve the people with a season of enjoyment. The section of the grand stand to the right of the entrance is reserved for ladies and affords equally as good view as the seats assigned to the general public.

   August 18, 19, 20 and 21, 1891. Circulars may be had of F. N. Harrington, secretary, Cortland, N. Y.

Negroes to Emigrate.

   WASHINGTON, Aug. 1.—A movement of considerable magnitude is now on foot to arrange for the deportation of the negroes of the Southern States to Liberia. Capt. John Murray and W. B. Lewis, representing Elder, Dempster & Company of Liverpool, owners of an important line of steamships, have been at Chamberlins for some days in consultation with Benjamin Gaston, the authorized agent of the Liberian Emigration company. The negotiations between them have been carried to a successful point, and an agreement has been reached whereby a fleet will be at the disposal of the colored people.

   Ships will sail at frequent intervals from Southern ports direct to the African coast, and it is believed that the first contingent will be ready to start out inside of two months. One of the company's vessels is now at Baltimore. Captain Murray talks enthusiastically of the good to accrue to the negroes by immigrating to Liberia.

Liberian Exodus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberian_exodus

 

WELCOME VISITING KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS

The Cortland Democrat, July 31, 1891.

WELCOME VISITING K. OF P.

The Latch String Off and Doors Wide Open—Election of Grand Lodge Officers—Other Details.

   Preparations for the annual session of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, Knights of Pythias, with St. Bernard Lodge, No. 217, K. of P. at Cortland, had been carefully made for some time prior to July 28 the opening day, citizens aiding the local brethren to a great extent. A few decorations were in position as early as Saturday preceding and Monday was generally devoted to arranging the red, orange and blue—emblematic of the order—in pleasing harmony with the national colors and other banners, until with the dawn of Wednesday morning every business house and numerous private residences imparted a holiday air to residents of the village as well as the stranger within her borders.

   The delegates to the Grand Lodge assembled in Vesta Lodge, I. O. O. F. hall on Tuesday and transacted a large routine of business of interest to the order, and electing the following officers:

   G. C.—Samuel T. Hull of Kingston.

   V. G. C.—William Ladew of New York city.

   G. Prel.— S. H. Salisbury of Seneca Falls.

   G. K. of R. and S.—John J. Acker of Albany.

   G. M. of Exc.—Peter W. Mead of New York city.

   Supreme Rep. (long term)—James C. De LaMare of New York city.

   Supreme Rep. (short term)—Dr. O. M. Shedd of Poughkeepsie.

   The contest during the balloting was very exciting and considerable feeling was manifested, yet as each result was officially declared harmony again reigned and brotherly love prevailed. No member of the order who is not qualified as a past G. C. is eligible to the office of supreme representative. District-Deputy Nathan S. Long of No. 7 New York, the silver tongued orator of the Pythian Knighthood, was accorded great credit for work accomplished upon the floor during the session of Tuesday. D. D. Gurney is credited with rendering the ablest decision ever made by a district deputy in the case of the Hudson River lodge.

   The origin of the order of Knights of Pythias dates back to 1863, having been founded in Washington, D. C. during the civil war by Justus H. Rathbone, the initials upon the badge being F. (friendship), C. (charity), B. (benevolence). To-day the order claims a membership of 200,000 in the United States, and the lower provinces boast a large membership, and throughout the states lodges are being instituted.

   A movement is now being carried forward to establish a Pythian home within the borders of the Empire state — the site for which is not yet selected, on the same plan as that of the Masonic home at Utica, in support of which lodges of the ninth district of New York under the leadership of P. D. D. G. Cs. Mier and Klee [sic] have set the ball in motion and realized the sum of $800 from an entertainment given on July 4 and 5 at the metropolis.

   Wednesday was devoted to matters of import to the order.

   Thursday morning was taken up with the disposal of unfinished business among which was the approval of the project to establish a K. of P. Home in this state. The following committee being appointed to prepare and draft plans for the furtherance of the project, establish rules and report at the next annual session of the Grand Lodge to be held in Troy: A. B. Gardinier, H. Lemmerman, J. C. DeLaMar, N. S. Levy, H. Meier.

   A committee of nine was appointed to have charge of the moral support of the institution, viz: F. J. Martin, J. W. Van Demark, H. C. Kanski, C. W. Hinson, M. Selonick, A. Muller, G. Seims, I. P. Hubbard, C. Manners.

   The following appointed officers were also designated:

   G. M. at A.—J. C. Ladow of Mechanicsville.

   G. L. G.—John V. Tibbals of Kingston.

   G. O. G.—W. D. Crittenden of Freeville.

STANDING COMMITTEES.

   Laws—J. T. Robertson, H. Lemmermann, N. A. Calkins.

   Finance—A. Bedell, J. H. Callanan, J. A. Kehlbeck.

   Appeals—J. W. Root, C. T. Goodrich, H. E. Plaisted.

   Returns—G. H. Guardeneer, E. L. Requa, M. D. Beneway.

   Printing—S. T. Hull, J. J. Acker, P. W. Mead.

   Foreign Correspondence—James L. Baker.

   Transportation—J. Irwin, M. Selbuick, C. Brickmayer.

   The 9th district reported having $1,000 already in readiness for the project of the home. Franklin lodge of Kingston came to the front stating that their lodge of 400 members would come to the rescue at $1 per member. Other lodges and districts reported various amounts which gave great impetus to the undertaking.

   At 12 o'clock the session adjourned, having completed its business.

   Owing to the heavy rain the field sports were omitted, but a magnificent fancy drill was witnessed at the armory yesterday afternoon. The parade was declared off.

                                 PICKED FROM THE KNIGHTS.

   Among the prominent delegates are D. D. Price of Brooklyn; Assemblyman Aaron B. Gardinier of Yalatia, S. R., and influential Knight; John T. Robertson the retiring G. C., whose rulings have met full approval throughout the state; Grandfather Grant, as usual, is on hand boasting of his 26 grandchildren and filling the atmosphere with brightness; Dr. David Randall of the famous lodge No. 266 is hard at work; P. C. Frank Wolfe of John Logan lodge; Thomas W. Tomlinson of Allegany lodge and a hundred other lights in this order.

   The uniform rank K. of P. from Oswego, Syracuse and Amsterdam were on hand as advertised and made a favorable impression while executing fancy military maneuvers. Delegations were present from Ithaca, Freeville, Susquehanna, Homer and other lodges in addition to those previously mentioned.

   Music was furnished by the Hitchcock M'f'g Co. band until Thursday when the Homer Cornet band appeared upon the street and the air resounded with sweet strains throughout the day.

   The Oswego duster and broom martial band was no small factor of the convention's music brigade, during the late twilight.

   Banks, the Railroad street barber, was awarded the most novel decoration.

GOLD IN ABUNDANCE.

Nuggets Weighing from Six to Thirty-Eight Pounds—A Bonanza.

   GRANDA, Nicaragua, July 23.—The famous placer miners of Prinzapolka have again started the gold fever throughout Central America. Gold nuggets weighing from six to 38 pounds, 22 carats fine, were lately found there. A Nicaraguan soldier stationed at the mines discovered a nugget weighing 18 pounds, which he sold at Leon for $2,800.

   Senor Cabezas, who has just come from the mines, has with him rich specimens of native gold. He says there are numerous pockets distributed in all directions obviously caused by a volcanic upheaval of the lower strata, throwing the gold mineral to the surface. The excessive heat melted the gold, causing it to flow over the ground like a stream of lava. He states that this district, which is near Bluefields, is destined to become as celebrated as the bonanza mines of California. The land environing Prinzapolka for nearly 30 leagues in circumference is a rich primeval pasture where numerous wild cattle graze.

Mining in Honduras.

From the N. Y. Press. July 19.

   I met yesterday Mr. A. F. Safely, a Colorado miner, who has been operating for some time past in Honduras, and returned from that country within a few days.

   "Mining operations are looking up," said he, owing to the number of Americans going in there to invest capital.

   There are valuable gold and silver mines all over the country, which have been worked by hand labor for centuries at great profit to the natives, but are capable of still further development, and even marvelous development, with modern machinery and methods. The building of the Nicaragua Canal will bring these properties into as much prominence in New York as the mines of Colorado, Nevada and Montana.

   There was great excitement in the country, just before I left, over the shooting of ex-President Charez. He was sitting in a car at the railway station when a bullet struck him in the head. It was at first reported that he was killed, but the wound appeared afterward to be only trivial. He was President from January to March, what is known as the intermediate period. The old President had been re-elected, but under the Honduras Constitution no President is allowed to hold a second term without an intermediate period of three months, during which time some other citizen occupies that office. No one seems to have been able to discover whether this affair was an attempted assassination or not."

   BEN ABOU.

Watch the Little Ones.

   The Dryden Herald says: "Louie, a five year-old son of [railroad] Section Boss Joe Basil, choked to death upon a piece of meat which he obtained from the pantry without the knowledge of his mother, Thursday afternoon. When the condition of the child was discovered, the mother made every effort to remove the obstruction, and likewise to force it downward, but to no purpose. Upon the arrival of Dr. Montgomeroy, who had been speedily summoned, life was nearly gone, and the child survived but a few moments. The child was buried at McLean, Saturday afternoon.

Baptist Church Items.

   Dr. Cordo returned in time to occupy the pulpit Sunday morning, but receiving a telegram announcing the death of his mother, there were no services in the evening. Mrs. Phelps was in the choir as soprano, Mrs. Abbie Crandall Hughes, of Parish, sang the solo "I Need Thee, O, My Jesus."

   Ladies' Home and Aid Society met on Wednesday with Mrs. Will J. Perkins. Preparations were completed for providing for the fresh air children at Freeville two days.

Causes the Clouds to Weep.

   CANTON, O., July 26.—Rainmaker B. Melbourne was exultant to-day over the success of his experiments. He set to-day for his eighth experiment and it was a wet and unqualified success. He now claims to his credit seven successes against one failure, and that is set down to a broken machine, as he calls his mysterious, rain producer. The weather this morning was clear and cool, but about 2:30 o'clock this afternoon the skies clouded and rain fell at intervals until evening.

Edwin Booth.

Edwin Booth Doomed by Tobacco.

   BUZZARD'S BAY, Mass., July 28.—There is a well authenticated rumor here that Edwin Booth is dying from the effects of too much smoking. Though he is aware that it is killing him he cannot shake off the habit. Ex-President and Mrs. Cleveland and Joseph Jefferson have striven to reform Mr. Booth in this respect and for a while they partially succeeded, but the habit had too strong a hold on him and his indulgence became more unrestrained than ever. It is because of this relapse and because he knows he cannot recover that he left here suddenly on Saturday and went to Narragansett.

Uncle Rufus Peck's Canvass.

From the Syracuse Courier, July 25.

   Uncle Rufus Peck of Cortland is still hustling around Onondaga [Co.] building Senatorial fences. But he must be careful or he will make himself ridiculous and become the laughing stock of the town. One day he is consorting confidentially with the leaders of the Hiscock faction, and the next day he is reported to be dallying with the leaders of the Belden faction and confidentially informing them that he has his suspicions of the Hiscock men.

   In fact Uncle Rufus seems to be endeavoring to blow hot and cold at the same time. He should remember that between two stools one falls to the ground. Which side does he train with, anyway? Or is he all things to all men?

   The story comes from Cortland that Uncle Rufus' canvass for the Senatorial nomination has not tended to harmonize the Cortland Republicans worth a cent. Indeed, some of the Cortland leaders go so far as to declare that there will be a contest in Mr. Peck's own district and that the Cortland Republicans are by no means united over the question of his nomination. In fact, some of them say that

Uncle Rufus couldn't get the nomination in any event, if Cortland were to be given the Senatorship. If these reports are true, Brother Peck had better return to Cortland at once. It is evident that there is more need of missionary work in that county than in Onondaga.