THE CASE OF COL. JOAQUIN RUIZ, AND LOADED GUN, FOOLISH BOY

Walter Wellman.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, December 27, 1897.

THE CASE OF COL. RUIZ.

Discussed by Army Officers at Washington.

REMARKABLE SITUATION IN CUBA.

Looks Like an Opera Bouffe War to American Military Observers—Why Senator Frye Opposes Charles Page Bryan—Uncle Sam's Proposed Armor Plate Factory.

   WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.—(Special.)—During the discussion caused in official and military circles here by the killing of Col. Ruiz, the Spanish emissary in the insurgent camp near Havana, both views have been warmly supported. The weight of opinion now seems to be that if it is true Ruiz was acting as an agent of General Blanco, carrying authority to offer a bribe to Nestor Arangueren for leaving the insurgent army and surrendering to the Spanish, then the revolutionists are absolved from blame for taking the unfortunate man's life. Army officers who have made a special study of this question say the insurgents would have been justified, under the circumstances, in shooting Ruiz even if he did not carry authority to bribe, for it is admitted he did not approach the commanding general under a flag of truce for the purpose of proposing a treaty of peace or an armistice. If such was his purpose, he had no business with Arangueren, who was only a subordinate, but the man he should have approached was General Gomez, or at the very least the commander of the Cuban forces in that district, General Rodriguez.

   Although army officers thus acquit the Cubans of blame, especially in view of the warnings which they had issued as to the fate of emissaries who should approach their camps with any other proposals than those of independence, many public men still condemn the insurgents for shooting a man who was under a flag of truce. The net effect of the incident appears to be some little damage to the cause of Cuba in the opinion of public men at this capital.

A Remarkable Situation.

   One army officer pointed out to me the remarkable fact that the insurgents are able to maintain a camp so near Havana that Colonel Ruiz was able to travel to it within a few hours. They suggest that this is, after all, the chief significance of the Ruiz episode. They marvel that the Spanish military authorities permit an army of the enemy to camp almost within sight of the Cuban capital, which is at all times filled with the soldiers of Spain. To the suggestion that during the late rebellion a Confederate army was for a long time encamped near Washington, the reply is made that the cases are not at all similar. The Confederacy and the Union were about evenly matched in point of numbers at the outbreak of the war. Spain, on the other hand, has had in Cuba five times as many soldiers as the insurgents could place in the field, with all the advantages of ample supplies of weapons and ammunition. If there was a small party of rebels within 100 miles of Washington, they would be wiped out in 24 hours.

   A gentleman who recently spent much time in Cuba tells me that ever since the war started the Cubans have been able to maintain camps within a short distance of Havana. Various efforts have been made by the Spanish authorities to rout them out, and once or twice they have succeeded. But as soon as the Spanish approach their position the insurgents run away. No sooner have the royal troops won this sort of a "victory" than they gladly return to town to sit about the cafes telling of their prowess. Then, of course, the insurgents come back and reoccupy their old camp. So it is that today one may, if he knows how, start out of Havana on horseback in the morning and at night be in a camp of the insurgent troops. I notice the official dispatches sent out by the permission of General Blanco tell how the insurgents are burning canefields and sugar plantations in Havana province. It looks like an opera bouffe war to American military officers.

Joke on Charles Page Bryan.

   There is a good joke on Colonel Charles Page Bryan, the Chicago man who wants to be minister to China and who is likely to be nominated by the president after the holiday recess, though his confirmation is doubtful. Mr. Bryan has been in town for some time looking after his own interests, and among the many senators upon whom he called to talk of his case was Mr. Frye of Maine. In speaking of the matter afterward Mr. Frye naively said:

   "It was rather queer, but I was for Bryan till he called on me and talked with me about ten minutes, and then I was against him, and I expect to be against him to the end."

   Colonel Bryan's friends insist, however, that he is well qualified to be minister to China and that he will be confirmed.

   Senator Frye's experience with the prospective minister to China reminds me of a story of Senator Wolcott. One day a western man with views concerning the way the government should be run and the finances in particular called on Wolcott at the capitol and talked to him for about an hour. He laid down the law in most eloquent and insistent style, the Colorado senator all the time doing his best to find a loophole for escape. Finally he reached the door and just before disappearing turned to his long winded visitor and said:

   "Yes, my friend, I agree with you notwithstanding your argument."

Wolcott and Nansen.

   When Dr. Nansen, the famous arctic explorer, was in Washington, a few prominent men were invited to dine with him. Among them was Senator Wolcott. When asked afterward what he thought of the man who had been nearer than any one else to the north pole, the senator replied:

   "He may or may not be the greatest explorer that ever lived, but there is one thing I know him to be. He is a poet, lf he would give up exploration and turn his attention to the muse, I am satisfied he would make a great name for himself."

   Uncle Sam talks of establishing a great armor plate factory of his own. I have seen the official figures of the estimates for the proposed plant and am surprised to note that the total estimated cost is nearly $4,000,000. Armor plate comes high, but if we are going into the vigorous foreign policy business we must have it.

   WALTER WELLMAN.

Settled Out of Court.

   "Madam," said the court, "do I understand that you have withdrawn your action against this man for stealing a kiss?"

   "Yes, your honor. He has returned it and agreed to pay the costs."—Detroit Free Press.

Stewart L. Woodford.

SPAIN'S HONOR TOUCHED.

Does Not Relish the Stand Taken by the United States Government.

   MADRID, Dec. 27.—General Woodford's note dwells at length upon the Spanish complaint against filibustering and other moral and material assistance given in the United States to the [Cuban] insurgents, which the Washington government reasserts it has done all in its power to check, with the view also of satisfying the representations made by Spanish diplomacy.

   The Madrid papers say the note is so very friendly and so laudatory of the present home rule policy in Cuba and Porto Rico that there is a general impression in official circles that the relations between the two governments have a decidedly reassuring aspect.

   At the same time, papers of every shade of opinion, including the ministerial organs, censure very sharply the conduct of the United States government, and are unanimous in saying that all the compliments the United States pays the new Spanish colonial policy cannot make a proud nation tolerate the pretension of a foreign government to have the right to criticize and condemn the conduct of the Spanish generals and of the late Spanish government in dealing with the rebellion.

   They equally resent the American pretension to interfere in the Spanish West Indies, which is so repeatedly claimed in the notes and the presidential message, and more recently in Secretary Sherman's advocacy of relief for distressed Cubans.

   The press is most dissatisfied with the Woodford note on account of the arguments used to refute the Spanish complaints against filibustering. America is charged with infringing all the rules and usages of international law in order to suit the aims of its encroaching policy in the West Indies.

   The government will delay replying to the note for several weeks, as the United States took nearly two months to reply to the Spanish note. When it does reply Senor Sagasta will rebut the arguments of the note in a friendly, but firm tone.

   The government cannot longer risk the accusation of not being in touch with national feeling, which is getting very weary of American interference. The Spaniards think the note gives them an excellent opportunity to reply to criticism which naturally could not be challenged or noticed diplomatically when set forth only in the presidential message.

United States After Greenland.

   LONDON, Dec. 27.—A dispatch from Copenhagen to The Daily Mail says the Washington executive has made overtures to Denmark for the sale of a narrow, but carefully defined stretch of land in Northwestern Greenland, where the Americans intend to establish naval and coaling stations.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Pink Oleomargarine.

   Until the decision of Judge Lochren of the United States court in Minnesota is reversed, that state will require oleomargarine sold within her precincts to be colored a bright pink.

   State inspectors seized a carload belonging to Armour at Duluth in 1895 because it was not pink. The owner replevined the goods and the controversy was taken to the United States court, where the constitutionality of the law has been affirmed. There is no doubt of the right of states to regulate trade in oleomargarine and require suitable means for identifying it when offered for sale. The Minnesota law is the most effective regulation yet enacted.

   Pink butter speaks for itself on any table and under all circumstances. The color also effectually removes from farmers the temptation to buy oleomargarine and sell it to city customers as fresh dairy butter. Such sellers do their errands quickly and never call again.

The Farm Colony Plan.

   At a recent Salvation Army meeting in New York Booth-Tucker raised $35,000 for his proposed farm colony. When he accumulates $100,000, he will purchase cheap lands for farms and remove thither thousands of families from the slum districts of the cities. It is the beginning of a migration from the city back to the country. The management of the $100,000 fund will be placed in the hands of five trustees, who will use it according to their best judgment in defraying the expenses of poor families from city to farms and supporting them, while they learn to live by agriculture.

   The project is not a charity, which is its worthiest feature. The people assisted will from the products of their industry pay 5 per cent interest on the sums used for them. As they become good farmers they will likewise pay back the principal of the money that purchased their lands and become themselves the owners. The principal will in turn be used to assist other families from the slums of cities to a living in the country. The experiment is certainly worth making, and its results will be watched with profound interest. In the course of a few years it will be ascertained whether it is possible to reclaim and make useful citizens out of the slum denizens.

LOADED GUN, FOOLISH BOY.

AIMED IT AT HIS BROTHER AND PULLED THE TRIGGER.

It Was all In Fun, but the Boy Is Badly Hurt—Sixty Shot in his Head and Neck—Hopes That He May Recover—Part of the Christmas Sport.

   TRUXTON, N. Y., Dec. 27. (Special)—A sad accident that may prove fatal happened to Frank, the 12-year-old son of Wilford Young, who lives on the town line about two miles from Truxton village. Frank and his 14-year-old brother Fred were in the barn doing chores on Christmas day, when Fred remarked to Frank that he might go up and throw down some straw for the cows, and if he did not do so, he would not let him out the door. Frank replied that he would not go and that there was another door through which he could get out. He started for the door when Fred picked up a gun that was lying in a wagon and, not knowing that it was loaded, pointed it at his younger brother, playfully saying "Your money or your life," and pulled the trigger. The gun was discharged, the charge taking effect in the back of the younger boy's neck and head.

   The injured boy was taken to the house, where he lies in a critical condition. Dr. H. I. Van Hoesen was summoned and dressed the injured boy's wounds. The boys were about sixty feet apart when the gun was discharged, and it is thought about sixty of the shot which were No. 65 lodged in the boy's head and neck.

   Although the boy is suffering much pain, the physician has hopes of his recovery. The older boy is nearly overcome with grief. Both the boys are bright little fellows and it is hoped that the injured boy may speedily recover.

Family Christmas Tree.

   A notable annual Christmas and family gathering was that on Friday at the residence of Mr. Harmon Kinney of Blodgett Mills, N. Y., in which the families of Mr. Curtis Harmon, Mrs. Ann Harmon, Miss Carrie Harmon, Mr. Alva Harmon and Mrs. Aurelia Gilbert of Cortland, Mr. Dell Woodward and Mr. Will Bean of East River, and Mr. George Harmon of East Homer were represented. A few other friends were present also. After an enjoyable reunion and dinner the assembly numbering about thirty-five gathered around the Christmas tree on which were many gifts for old and young. All report a happy Christmas.

Died in Illinois.

   Word has been received of the death of Mrs. John Bouton of Illinois, formerly of Virgil. Friends will pass through Cortland on the 9:28 A. M. train via D., L. & W. R. R. Tuesday with the remains. Burial will be at Marathon. Deceased was the stepmother of Mrs. S. Adelbert Jennison, 32 North Church-st.

Christmas Reunion.

   The family of Chauncey Tuttle of Freetown came together for a Christmas reunion at the home of his son, Wm. D. Tuttle, 26 Orchard-st. in this village on Saturday. Four generations were represented, the youngest being Leon Watrous, a great grandson, aged about seven months. Visiting, music and a Christmas tree, especially for the smaller ones, made a most enjoyable day for all. At the appointed time sixteen sat down to dinner, it being all of the descendant relatives and members of their families now living. The following named persons made up the guests: Chauncey Tuttle, Supervisor Harvey Z. Tuttle, his wife and daughter Carrie; Emma Tuttle Watrous, her husband Austin A. Watrous, and sons, George Watrous and A. A. Watrous, Jr., and daughter Mary Watrous, Howard C. Watrous, also a son, his wife and son Leon.

BREVITIES.

   —Two tramps enjoyed the hospitalities of the police station last night.

   —Mr. N. H. Gillette is moving from McGrawville to the Waters house at 20 West Court-st., so as to be more conveniently located for his business.

   —Regular meeting of W. C. T. U. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 2:45 P. M. Consecration service led by Mrs. Anna Bentley. Business meeting and reports will follow.

   —The semi-annual election of officers of the Men's Bible class of the Presbyterian church will be held this evening at the home of the treasurer, Mr. A. W. Edgcomb, 22 Court-st.

   —There were sixteen passengers waiting at East Freetown this morning to take the 8 o'clock train to Cortland. This was the first regular passenger train from that station.

   —The Christmas concert given by the Homer-ave. M. E. Sunday-school last night was of an unusually high order, the musical portion of the program being especially fine, under the direction of Mr. A. McNett.

   —The installation of the new officers of Grover Post. No. 98, G. A. R., Grover corps, No. 96, W. R. C. and Kellogg camp, No. 48, S. O. V. will be held in G. A. R. hall next Monday evening, Jan. 3, and will be public.

   —Through some mistake the false understanding has gone out in certain quarters that admission to the Traction company's rink is ten cents. It is not and never has been but five cents. The ice is in fine condition now.

   —New display advertisements to-day McKinney & Doubleday, Standard diaries, page 8; W. J. Perkins & Co., new year experiences, page 4; Smith & Beaudry, Happy Christmas Holidays, page 4; Palmer & Co., Holiday goods at cost, page 6; The Illustrated American, free trips to Europe, page 4.

   —The clock upon the United States Weather Bureau's thermograph from which is taken The STANDARD'S thermometer report which usually appears at the head of this column wanted a vacation last Friday night and declined to work on Christmas day or on Sunday, and in consequence the detailed temperature report has to be omitted to-day. The clock has been repaired and is again in working order, so that the report will appear all right to-morrow. The maximum and minimum thermometers give the extremes of temperature on these days, but there is no way of telling at what hours these extremes were reached.

MARATHON, N. Y.

   MARATHON, Dec. 27.—Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Price of Cortland were guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Seamans Christmas.

   Mr. and Mrs. F. M. McFall of Cortland were guests of their son over Sunday.

   Mrs. Effie Cowles and son Wallace have returned from a visit at Albany.

   Mrs. Will Brooks and children of Syracuse are visiting relatives here.

   Mr. and Mrs. James H. Waters of Cuyler visited Mr. and Mrs. Jay Turner last week.

   Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Smith visited friends in Syracuse on Thursday.

   Mr. and Mm. Charles Brown are visiting Auburn friends.

   Among the Marathon people who were at Cortland on Christmas day were Mrs. M. R. Hulbert, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Seeber, Mrs. Mary Ball, Mr. James Lombard and family.

   Among the out of town people who were in town on Christmas day and who are spending their vacation here were: Mr. Orrie Palmer of Binghamton, Mrs. Will Bentley of Oxford, Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Corwin of Homer, Mr. Harry Crain of Kingston, Pa., Mr. Harry Mack of Cornell university, Mr. and Mrs. J. V. N. Williams of Binghamton.

   Mr. and Mrs. James S. Burgess have returned from their wedding trip. On Wednesday evening Mrs. A. F. Smith a sister of Mrs. Burgess and her son Georgie with other relatives gave them a reception at the home of Mrs. Smith and Mr. Burgess.

   A telegram was received last evening from Mr. Ed P. Gray at Englewood, Ill., that he would be here on the 9:57 A. M. train with the remains of his mother, the widow of Ogden Gray. There will be prayer at the grave.

   The Christmas exercises for the three churches passed off very nicely. The Presbyterian Sunday-school held their exercises at the hall on Thursday evening which consisted of two Christmas trees and a cantata, "Christmas Dream," which was finely rendered by the school and showed great credit to Rev. R. H. Merill, who had drilled them.

   At the Baptist church on Friday evening the Sunday-school had the Brooklyn bridge with a trolley car, the bridge reached across the church and was a fine piece of work made of evergreens. After a fine program was rendered the presents were distributed.

   At the M. E. church the exercises consisted of singing, speaking, etc., and were by the younger members. At the close presents were distributed from two trees.

   C. [Initial of local correspondent.]

THE GOOD ROADS QUESTION AND END OF AUTONOMY FOR CUBA

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, December 24, 1897.

THE GOOD ROADS QUESTION.

   Editor Cortland Democrat:

   I regret very much that, owing to business, I was unable to attend the Dairymen's and Farmers convention held in this city last week. Judging from the account given of same it must have been a very interesting meeting but, strange to say, the subject which in my opinion ought to have interested the farmers most at the present time was not mentioned at all.

   I have reference to the Higbie-Armstrong good roads bill, which provides for three State highway commissioners to take charge of all improvements and to designate the style of road. The assessment for all road improvement to be borne, 50 per cent by the State, 35 per cent by the county and 15 per cent by the town or benefitted district. Is it possible that such an infernal bill as this can become a law, in the midst of so many intelligent farmers?

   It is a duty that we owe to ourselves and our fellow farmers, to oppose it with all of our might and strength. Let us act at once before it is too late; let us pass resolutions demanding of the Legislature to leave the road question entirely alone, for we have at the present time the best road system known to the world.

   But the politicians are not willing to leave the management of country roads to the farmers any longer. There are big salaried offices mapped out, and I think it safe to say, without fear of contradiction, plenty of candidates for the same. Farmer candidates, bear you well in mind, need not apply; the dude with wheels in his head that does not know gravel from muck nor muck from gravel will take the preference providing, of course, that he be a live politician

   There are in this town of Cortland, if I am not mistaken, 85 pathmasters and certainly one competent road commissioner, representing 85 districts. Taking Cortlandville for an example, with 15 towns in the county, would give us about 1,275 pathmasters in Cortland county with 59 counties yet to be heard from, and still these politicians would have us believe that those three commissioners can give to this State better service than the seventy odd thousand farmer pathmasters. God pity us as a class if such is the case, for this is the lowest rating I ever knew farmers to have. I fully realize my incompetency to do justice to a subject of so much importance, and where there is so much at stake. The only apology I have to offer is this: where the farming interest of the county is threatened with such a calamity as now confronts us, some one ought to act. Keep the country roads out of politics. Let me ask the individual who owns a house and lot in this city of Cortland, or in any city or town in the United States, if he is willing to be taxed extra for the support of country roads when they are, as now, in a good and satisfactory condition to the public. To you I say join the farmers in opposing this bill and prevent it from becoming a law.

   Fellow farmers, is it not cheaper and better for us to do as our forefathers did, work our road taxes during the dull seasons of the year, as we are always permitted to do, than to pay the extra State, county, town and district taxes.

   I'll simply add let us make known our wishes in the strongest terms to our representatives.

   FARMER.

Capt. General Valeriano Weyler.

END OF AUTONOMY.

CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CUBA OPPOSED TO IT.

Apezeteguia Regains His Power. Policy of Weyler Indorsed and Support Promised. War Will Continue.

   HAVANA, Dec. 21.—At to-day's meeting of the Conservative party, over 300 delegates, said to represent 81 per cent of the wealth of the island, were present. In all twenty seven speeches were made against autonomy, all the speakers agreeing that autonomy will not bring peace to the island, as proved by the protests of the members of the Cuban Junta of New York and the recent death of Lieutenant Colonel Ruiz and five other Spanish commissioners who have been killed by the insurgents.

   Senor Santos Guzman, a former President of Congress, began his speech at 4:30 o'clock this morning. He skillfully touched upon the patriotic sentiments of the Spanish people, and referring to President McKinley's recent message to Congress, he protested against it, alleging that it was offensive to Spain, to General Weyler and the Spanish army, and holding that it indicated probable early intervention, a "warning to a most haughty nation, which will not permit such a humiliation."

   The Executive Committee was authorized to cable a message to General Weyler, the substance of which was that at a mass meeting of the reunited Union Constitutional party the policy of His Excellency was indorsed and the party assured the General that he had its support.

Christmas Services.

   A children's service will be held at Grace church in this village on Christmas eve at 7 o'clock. A regular service with special music will also be held on Christmas day, Saturday, December 25 at 10 o'clock, A. M., concluding with the celebration of the holy communion.

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   Searchers for ginseng root of whom there are hundreds in Central New York may be interested in knowing that those who buy the stuff from them realize enormous profits. It sells to the Chinese for $15 a pound. The cost of exportation runs from $2 to $3 a pound. Those who dig the roots get about $3 a pound. The middleman receives a profit of $10 on each pound sent abroad. The market is unlimited —Exchange.

   Four years ago a system of savings banks was instituted in the Geneva schools whereby scholars in the day schools might deposit any sum from one cent to one dollar weekly or oftener with their teachers. The result has been that the children of that city have saved $7,000 in four years.

   Binghamton has its money all in sight for a new $400,000 beet sugar refinery and is about to send two of its residents to Europe to look up the latest and most improved machinery for use in the plant. It will have a capacity of 400 tons per day.

   An exchange says: "During the canaling season of 1897, 1,591 canal boats passed through Cayuga and Seneca canal, a marked increase over the business of a number of previous years."

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

Merry Christmas.

   We extend to the readers of the DEMOCRAT a greeting: We wish them a very "Merry Christmas."

   Wherever the sun shines on a Christian people to-morrow, it matters not in what part of the world they may be, the day will be celebrated as the chief of Christian festivals. It is right and proper that we should rejoice and be glad of heart in celebrating the day which marks the greatest event in the world's history; the beginning of a new era, which caused even the heavenly hosts to rejoice as they proclaimed: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

   It does not matter whether we celebrate the exact date of the Nativity or not, as to which there is some doubt, if glad hearts rejoice and happy voices join in songs of praise in commemoration of the event, for it is that which we celebrate and not the day, and it is certain that early in the history of the Church, as early as the fifth century, that the 25th of December was accepted as the day and never has been changed.

   The Nativity has furnished a theme for song and verse through all the centuries of the Christian era, and will for centuries to come.

   ◘ It will be seen by dispatches on our first page, how utterly hopeless the scheme of autonomy for Cuba really is. The people of Spain are not willing to grant any real autonomy. The Spanish Conservative party in Cuba now openly oppose it, and the Cuban patriots have refused to listen to propositions which they knew were not made in good faith, and never would be carried out. In the meantime the war continues, the slaughter and devastation still goes on. What will [our] Congress do?

William McKinley.

Washington Letter.

(From Our Regular Correspondent.)

   WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 1897.—Mr. McKinley has surrendered to the anti-civil service wing of the Republican party and has promised to remove the bars to some thousands of offices by issuing an executive order annulling a large portion of the extensions of the civil service rules made by Mr. Cleveland. This is just what was expected when the antis developed so much strength in the House. Mr. McKinley has always deferred his own opinions to those of what he considered the controlling element in his party. He couldn't stand the threats that were made to him by both Senators and Representatives of what would happen in Congress after the Christmas recess, if he didn't open some of the offices to hungry Republicans.

   A glance of what was accomplished during the two weeks that Congress was in session, before adjourning to January 5, shows that the Republican talk about rushing things at this session was only talk.

   Mr. Nathan B. Scott of West Virginia must have undergone a radical change since last spring, when he announced publicly that he would not accept the position of Commissioner of Internal Revenue unless the Deputy Collectors, Gaugers etc., were taken from under the civil service rules. As no change has been made in the civil service rules, although one has been promised, and the nomination of Mr. Scott to be Commissioner of Internal Revenue was among those sent to the Senate just before adjournment for the holiday recess, it is natural to presume that Mr. Scott's mind did the changing.

   Hon. A P. Greeley, Acting Commissioner of Patents, who has been instrumental in ridding the patent bar of its most notorious crooks, is now gunning for some of the minor crooks—those men claiming to be patent attorneys, who induce inventors to pay them to secure foreign patents on their inventions by making them believe that the foreign patent can be sold as soon as obtained, when they know absolutely that any foreign patent granted on the invention would be invalid and unsalable.

   The National Board of Trade, which held its annual meeting in Washington after telling Congress just what its duties were toward every imaginable sort of legislation, indorsed the work of the little "Monetary Commission" before knowing what that work was, a mark of confidence, which neither Congress nor the people will repeat when the wonderful financial bill, brought forth by the "Commission," is laid before Congress. The "Commission" has completed its work—it was really completed before they met—and adjourned sine die, after calling for a reassembling of the Indianapolis gold bug convention in that city on January 25. But the wildly impatient public is not to be kept waiting until then to learn the exact nature of this great work of finance, members of the "Commission" say it will be ready for introduction in Congress when that body reassembles January 5. Meanwhile the substance of the bill may be found by the curious in the bill submitted to the House Committee on Banking and Currency by Secretary Gage.

   Some things are funny enough to make a horse laugh. For instance, at almost the precise moment that Senator Chandler was solemnly protesting in the Senate against Senator Stewart's assertion that the administration of Mr. McKinley was for the single gold standard, Secretary Gage was telling the House Committee on Banking and Currency that the administration was in favor of the maintenance of the present gold standard at all hazards.

   It seems a bit strange that what is likely to prove to be the most far-reaching legislation of Congress, previous to the Holiday recess, or for that matter, of the entire session, should have been entirely overlooked by all of the eagle-eyed newspaper correspondents, as well as by about nine out of every ten Senators and Representatives until the bill containing it had been passed by the Senate and the House and sent to Mr. McKinley for his signature, which it, of course, will get, as it is an administration scheme to try to make up for the utter failure of Mr. John W. Foster's effort to get England and Canada to agree to stop pelagic sealing in the Pacific. The bill purported to be merely a measure to stop pelagic sealing by American citizens, and as such, received little attention, but it stops much more than that. It stops the greater portion of the mammoth income of the rich Londoners who control the secret process of dying sealskins, and it stops the profits of the Canadian sealers, because it destroys the best market the sealskins have, by prohibiting the bringing of sealskins in any condition into the U. S. under penalty of confiscation.

   It may interest certain Marylanders to know that Senator Gorman has no idea of leaving that State; also that he intends to remain actively in politics after his retirement from the Senate March 4, 1899.

HERE AND THERE.

   The DEMOCRAT wishes you a very Merry Christmas.

   The Holiday vacation at the Normal [School] continues until Tuesday. Jan. 4.

   Our subscribers should all get an 1898 calendar with their paper this week.

   The case of the People vs. Fred Davis comes up in Justice Dowd's court this morning.

   A mothers' meeting north will be held Wednesday, Dec. 29, at 1 o'clock, at the home of Mrs. Bentley, 22 Woodruff-st.

   S. W. Aldridge, Optician, will be at the office of Dr. M. L. Halbert in Cincinnatus Thursday, Dec. 30, 1897. Examinations free.

   Cortland E. Corwin, an old resident of this county, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hiram J. Reese in Blodgett Mills, Sunday Dec. 19, aged 86 years.

   Don't miss seeing the funny comedy, Out of Sight, at the Opera House to- morrow afternoon and evening. They carry their own band and orchestra.

   We have all the symptoms of good sleighing soon. There is a fine foundation and about an inch of snow now. Two inches more would make fine slipping.

   Fleming & Co. will give a New Year's party at the Summit House, Summer Hill, N. Y., Friday evening, Dec. 31, 1897. Good music and a good time guaranteed.

   The class in sight singing conducted by Mr. George Oscar Bowen, met as usual Monday evening, but will not meet again until after the holidays, one week from Monday evening.

   The Salvation Army will serve a free dinner to the poor in the large store under their rooms on Port Watson-st. to-morrow. If you have not been called upon, volunteer some eatables and send them. It is a worthy cause.

   Trenton rock has finally been struck by the drillers for gas at Auburn, at a depth of 3,315 feet and they are now expecting a flow of gas at any moment. People are confident that gas will be struck and the price of farm land in the vicinity of the well is advancing.

   Glenn Bowker and Edward Crozier, the two boys arrested last week for robbing Pierce's candy and cigar store on North Main st., when brought up for trial on Saturday morning, pleaded guilty to the charge. Police Justice Mellon, after giving the boys some timely advice, sentenced each to thirty-five days in jail.

   They had a wet time in the basement of McKinney & Doubleday's store on Saturday, caused by the bursting of the large water main which supplies water to run the elevator. The break occurred in the alley way back of the store, but sufficient water reached the basement to damage quite an amount of wall paper stored there.

   Mr. John C. Seager, the wide-awake coal dealer, proposes to take advantage of the new territory opened up by the E. & C. N. Y. railroad. Seeing an opening for business in the eastern part of the county, he is about to open a branch establishment at Cincinnatus for the sale of coal, feed, fertilizers, cement, etc. He will occupy the store of P. H. Heed in that place and the branch will be in charge of a Homer man.

   Cora Phillips, who was arrested last week charged with stealing a bunch of keys from Fred J. Hilligus, and who on being arraigned pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial, was brought up for trial Saturday morning. Through her Attorney, T. H. Dowd, she changed her plea to guilty and asked for the clemency of the court. Police Justice Mellon sentenced her to four days in jail and ordered her to leave town at the expiration of that time, on penalty of putting into execution a previously suspended sentence of fifty-nine days.

  

TOMPKINS COUNTY.

   TOMPKINS.—Quite a large number of new houses were built the past summer in Ithaca but there are more vacant ones than have been seen for years.

   Simpson & Casey have let the contract for remodeling the Ithaca hotel to Messrs. Driscoll Bros. & Co., who were the lowest bidders. The improvements are very extensive in character and will cost $l7,900 for this contract alone.—Ithacan.

   Ten Groton men are working their level best to raise each $1 000 with which to go to Klondike. Three already have the money and the others are well started. Groton will be represented in the gold region.

   The Anatomical Department of Cornell University is the recipient of the body of another chimpanzee. The museum now contains eight well preserved ape brains, namely, one gorilla, two chimpanzees and five orangs.—Ithacan.

   The steel cylinders which the Groton Bridge & Manufacturing Co are making to be used in the foundations for the Monroe, La., bridge, are seven feet in diameter. They will rest on wooden piling and be filled with concrete.

   Efforts have been made and arrangements are about completed for a lecture course for Freeville during the winter. Many speakers of note it is expected will be present and take part. The first lecture will probably be given about the last of January or the first of February, and a complete list of speakers will be given later.

   Some trouble has occurred of late between boys from the George Junior Republic and Freeville boys and has resulted in several fistic encounters, one young man from that village being quite roughly handled last Friday night. It is reported that a party of the Republic boys came down Saturday night with the avowed intention to "clean out" the town boys, but the evening passed without disturbance.

McGRAWVILLE.

   MCGRAWVILLE, Dec. 21.—Mrs. W. C. Taylor of Syracuse spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. H. K. Alexander.

   Christmas tree exercises will be held at the Baptist and M. E churches on Friday evening.

   Mr. and Mrs. G. O. Barnes, who have been canvassing for the McGraw skirts in Westchester Co. returned on Tuesday and expect to spend the winter here.

   Arthur Benjamin, who has been undergoing treatment in a Syracuse hospital, has so far recovered as to be able to spend Sunday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Benjamin.

   Cortland Corwin, a resident of this village for over forty years, died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Hiram Reese at Blodgett Mills, Sunday morning. The funeral was held on Tuesday at 2 o'clock P. M. Mr. Corwin is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Lafayette Laken of McGrawville, and Mrs. Hiram Reese of Blodgett Mills.

   Quite a number of the workmen who worked on the E. & C. N. Y. R. R., and who have been waiting a long time for their pay, were made happy on Tuesday by the announcement that Contractor Jacoby was in Cortland ready to pay every man in full. They were not long in making the journey to Cortland and came back with the needy in their pockets.