MAY PREVENT A WAR, TELEPHONE LINE TO HARFORD, AND TAMMANY HALL

 

Jacob Gould Schurman.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, January 21, 1899.

MAY PREVENT A WAR.

Commission to Be Sent to the Philippine Islands.

   WASHINGTON, Jan. 21.—Two members of the Philippine commission, President Schurman of Cornell and Professor Worcester, Ann Arbor university, will leave Vancouver, B. C., Jan. 30 for Manila. They will be followed about a fortnight later by Colonel Denby, the remaining civilian member who is still sitting as a member of the war investigating commission. At Manila the three civilian members will be joined by Admiral Dewey and Major General Otis who will complete the commission.

   Both President Schurman and Professor Worcester have had their final interviews with the president and have received their instructions, which shall govern them in making their investigations and report as to the policy to be pursued by this government toward the islands. It will be in the early days of March before a majority of the members are ready to begin their work which the president expects will consume several months.

   Each commissioner will have assigned to him a clerk especially selected by him whom he deems best fitted to assist in the branch of the work undertaken.

   Mr. Schurman has selected for his assistant F. E. Gannett, a student in the graduate department of Cornell, who has made a specialty of the study of political science.

   Professor Worcester has left the city for Ann Arbor where he will select some one and Colonel Denby's son will accompany him.

   Major Sawyer of the army will be designated as disbursing officer and the offices of secretary, recorder and assistant secretary will be filled when the commission assembles at Manila. Two stenographers also will be taken.

 

Prominent Citizen Passes Away.

   SYRACUSE, Jan. 21.—George Penn, proprietor of the Penn Spring works of Baldwinsville, died at his home in this city. He was 57 years old. He was for a number of years a member of the Penn & Lee Manufacturing company of this city. Mr. Penn had been in business in Bridgeport, Conn., Gananoque, Ont., Watertown, Syracuse and Baldwinsville. He was the Democratic candidate for mayor of Syracuse in 1892.

 

James Arthur Roberts.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

State Expenditures.

   One of the most interesting features of the last report of Comptroller Roberts is the startling increase in the expenditures of the national and state governments. He shows that from 1820 to 1830, the expenditures of the national government were only $1.07 per capita. In the decade from 1851 to 1861, they were $2.06 per capita. In 1894, they had increased to $6.48. In other words the per capita expenditures were six times greater than they were in 1820 and three times greater than during the decade previous to the civil war. In 1850, the population of New York state was 3,097,394, and the expenditures, $4,033,590.80, or $1.30 per capita. In 1890, the population was 5,997,853, and the expenditures were $12,900,755.36 or $1.15 per capita. The estimated per capita expenditures in 1897 "reached the alarming amount of $4.495." The comptroller thinks that these figures are worthy of the most careful consideration. "There are nations in Europe," he says, "once great, and prosperous, which to-day seem dying of dry-rot, because to meet their immense expenses and to pay interest on their great bonded debts, taxation has been increased beyond the safe limit, and the very sources of national prosperity have been so taxed that they run dry, or send down a rill where it should be a river." He does not think that we have yet reached this danger point; but he appears to be quite confident that if the increase of expenditures continues in the future as it has in the past, the time is certain to come when the same condition of affairs will exist in this country that exists in the European countries that he has in mind. A warning of this kind ought to be heeded.

 

SOCIALIST MAYOR'S PLANS.

Haverhill's New Executive Recommends Measures for Workingmen.

   Mayor John C. Chase of Haverhill, Mass., in his inaugural speech the other day gave assurance that he would use the limited power of his office in the defense and support of the principles of socialism in so far as they may be applied to a municipality. With this aim he made these three specific recommendations:

   First.—The passage of an order establishing the minimum wage for street employees at $2 for eight hours' work.

   Second.—Union wages and conditions to prevail in all brick and stone masons' work performed under the direction of the street department.

   Third.—All city printing to bear the union label.

   In order to relieve the unemployed, he recommended:

   First.—That a suitable tract of land be secured for the raising of food products and that such of the unemployed as desire be permitted to use said land, the city to furnish proper seeds and tools.

   Second.—The enlargement of the fuel yard at the city farm to such proportions as will permit all who desire to earn by their labor such fuel as they may require.

   Third.—The appropriation of such an amount of money as circumstances may warrant to be used in providing employment directly upon public works, not in competition with the regular employees of the city, but upon special works, two kinds of which he suggests: First, improvement of the park system, and second, construction of a system of bicycle paths through all principal thoroughfares.—New York Sun.

 

AT THE TIOUGHNIOGA CLUB.

Last Evening's Progressive Whist a Social and Financial Success.

   The progressive whist reception at the Tioughnioga club rooms last evening for the benefit of the Cortland hospital was one of the pleasantest and most successful of the club's social efforts. Twenty-six whist tables were filled in the progressive play in the parlor and five tables occupied for miscellaneous games in the boardrooms while quite a number present did not participate in the playing.

   After twelve hands had been played intermission was announced and two recitations were given by Mrs. Maud Carroll of Philadelphia, who had kindly granted the request of the managers. Bret Harte's "Archie Dean" and "Miss Edith Helps Things Along" were the selections, and they were admirably rendered. Mrs. Carroll, who is a sister-in-law of Mrs. F. P. Mooney of this village, has not only a well trained voice and marked ability as a recitationist, but is a very charming woman. After refreshments had been served, consisting of ice cream and cake, playing was resumed till nearly midnight.

   Mrs. G. D. Jennings was awarded the ladies' prize, a beautiful sterling silver spoon, and Mr. Ira B. Dibble of The Kremlin [Hotel] received the gentleman's prize, a sterling silver paper knife. The receipts of the evening were $42.30.

   The affair was such a marked success in every way, that the suggestion was made by more than one person present that an evening could well be occupied by the club in a similar manner every year, thus furnishing social enjoyment and substantially aiding a deserving charity.

 

At the Y. M. C. A.

   Prof. D. L. Bardwell will address the men's meeting at the Y. M. C. A. Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock. His subject will be "Making the Most of One's Self." This will be the last opportunity to hear the professor before he goes to Binghamton. The music will be of a high order, and will include an anthem by the male chorus of the Presbyterian church under the leadership of Mr. Faville, singing by a boys' choir, violin music by Messrs. Carpenter and Dunn. Mr. Doolittle will act as preceptor. All men invited.

   The boys' choir will meet at 3:15 o'clock for practice.

 

Telephone Line to Harford.

   Manager Nolan of the Empire State Telephone and Telegraph company said to a STANDARD man this morning that nearly enough money had been subscribed by people interested to extend the telephone line from Virgil to Harford. This will prove a great public convenience when completed, though actual construction has not yet been begun. Freetown and Willet are two other Cortland county towns that will soon have telephone connection with the outside world.

 

Polly McGraw Dickenson.

   Mrs. Polly McGraw Dickinson died at 1 o'clock this afternoon at her home, 57 Greenbush-st., from cerebral hemorrhage, her immediate illness having existed for the last two weeks, though she had been in failing health for a number of years. Her husband, DeWitt C. Dickinson, died July 2, 1895. She is survived by one son, Attorney Henry A. Dickinson of Cortland. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the family home, and interment will be made in Cortland Rural cemetery.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The funeral of Mrs. Jacob Maus Schermerhorn will be held at the family residence in Homer to-morrow, Sunday afternoon, at 2:30 o'clock.

   —The subject of Dr. Houghton's discourse Sunday evening at the First Methodist church will be "Bishop Potter's Defense of the Saloons."

   —About fifty friends and neighbors pleasantly surprised Mr. and Mrs. George F. Price by calling upon them at their home, 166 Homer-ave., last evening.

   —Martin Gates, aged 80 years, died of pneumonia this morning at his home, 194 Railroad-st. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 1 o'clock P. M., and burial will be made in the Cortland Rural cemetery.

 

Richard Croker.

TAMMANY'S WHOLESALE RAID.

Property Valuation Increased by Almost Half a Billion Dollars—The Tax Rate Sent Skyward, While Tammany Sits by and Appropriates the Cash in the Treasury to Increase the Salary for the Faithful. The Taxpayers Groan.

   Tammany Hall is making the most audacious raid on the city treasury which has ever been seen on Manhattan Island. To make the necessary public improvements the assessed valuation for purposes of taxation was raised by the addition of $421,000,000. Then the tax rate was raised 59 points, so that the tax levy will be about $2.66 on each $100.

   In the face of this Tammany is reaching into the city treasury, thus replenished, and drawing out large handfuls of the money. For what? To build schoolhouses? Certainly not.

   To improve the transit facilities? Certainly not.

   To build the great public library which the people have authorized? No; none of these.

   While the taxpayers groan under sky-scraping valuations and the greatly increased rate the treasury has been levied on to raise the salaries of the Tammany officeholders. More than 1,000 have been presented with sums ranging from $100 to $1,000 since New Year's day. It is a wholesale job that Tammany is making of it. Those who have been faithful to Tammany in all the departments are coming in for the plums.

   Mayor Van Wyck started it in his office by increasing salaries of his entire staff from $100 to $300 each. From there the thirst for "more" spread to all the departments. In some instances salaries have been raised secretly, the official publication required by law failing to show that any increase has been made.

   Some of the increases for the faithful would be ridiculous if the wholesale raid were not so audacious and insolvent, a burden to the taxpayer. One expressman, who delivers packages from the office of the City Record, now receives $1,800 a year for driving his team. This is $300 a year more than the salary which the state pays an assemblyman or a senator.

   The total increases in the mayor's office amounted to $1,500; in the department of corrections to $10,200; charities, $7,000; law, $5,000; board of estimate, $2,000, and miscellaneous, $5,000.

   New lists are being made every day and it is the declared intention to distribute favors in all the city departments. The men who are the beneficiaries have the one essential qualification that they are good Tammany men. No pretense is made that they were underpaid. Nor have they been so long in their respective places that they can fairly be classed as experts. They came in with Mayor Van Wyck's administration one year ago and without exception were willing and eager to take the place at the salary then fixed. Nor is there any claim made that they were overworked. They keep the usual Tammany office hours.

   The whole raid is simply Croker's method of "making himself solid" with his loyal subjects.

   There is in it all an apparently studied attempt to give a Tammany slap to Governor Roosevelt. In his message to the legislature he spoke of the possible necessity of reducing salaries in some of the city departments. The very next day Mayor Van Wyck led off by raising the salaries of the six or seven men employed in his office.

   The New York World, which supported Mr. Croker in his attempt to send the mayors brother to Albany in the recent campaign, is calling,  in double headed editorials, upon Governor Roosevelt to come to the rescue of the city and if possible take some action which may lessen the burdens of taxation.

   Increase in assessed valuations, $421,000,000.

   Increase in tax rate, 59 points.

   Tammany officials numbering thousands presented with fat checks at the city's expense.

   What would have been the possibility of relief if the voters in the "up state" counties had not buried Mr. Croker's candidate last fall?

SUPREME COURT NEXT WEEK

 

Judge Walter Lloyd Smith.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, January 20, 1899.

COURT NEXT WEEK.

HON. WALTER LLOYD SMITH WILL PRESIDE AT SUPREME COURT TERM.

A Large Calendar and Many Important Cases—Three Libel Suits—Twenty-two Mileage Book Cases—Many New Actions of Local Interest.

   The calendar for the term of Supreme court beginning next Monday is one of the largest in years, and should half the cases succeed in coming to trial, the term must necessarily run well into February. Of the 102 cases noticed for trial, eight are preferred and twelve are classed as issues of fact triable by court, several of the latter being divorce cases. A large number are suits that have been commenced within the past few weeks and now appear on the calendar for the first time. Incidentally it is an interesting fact that Messrs. J. & T. E. Courtney are connected with seventeen cases, Dougherty & Miller with sixteen, Kellogg  & Van Hoesen with thirteen, Bronson & Davis with eleven , Dickinson & Duffry with eight, and B. A. Benedict with twenty-six, twenty two of which, however, are practically one, as they consist of [railroad] mileage book suits. The more prominent cases of local interest are the following:

   Number one is Jane Benton, as administratrix, against the Elmira, Cortland & Northern Railroad company, an action brought to recover for the death of Christopher Benson.

   The three libel suits, Mary V. Francis against the Syracuse Herald, and two brought by Julia Lavan against the Elmira Gazette, are on the preferred calendar and will probably be reached the first week.

   Mary Conway's claim for damages against the village of Cortland is number 40 on the calendar. This action was brought August 21, 1897, the plaintiff alleging that she was injured by a defective sidewalk in East Court-st.

   A case of much interest it that of Martha Taylor against William Burnham. The defendant was riding his wheel on the sidewalk on Madison-st. and collided with the plaintiff, who seeks to recover damages for alleged injuries arising from the collision. Wheelmen's rights on the sidewalk will very naturally enter into this case.

   The county of Cortland will seek to recover from C. F. Wade for alleged violation of the state veterinary law.

   Something over a year ago Maurice W. Giles, as manager of Stowell's bargain store, caused the arrest of Mrs. Mary J. Alexander on the charge of stealing, and she brings suit for damages for false imprisonment. This case will be watched with much interest.

   The Erie & Central New York Railroad company is defendant in a suit brought by Clayton H. Peck, who claims $550 for wrongful conversion of land in the town of Solon., The plaintiff claims that the railroad company ran its tracks across his property without any compensation

   A spicy case, if it comes to trial, will be number 45, Kate Downs against William Greene of Willit. This an action brought to recover damage for breach of promise.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

May Buy More Land, and Discuss Kindergarten Department.

   While the board of education did little actual business at their regular meeting Monday night, considerable was talked over. The items for the annual budget to be voted on at charter election were largely made up but no definite action will be taken till January 30. In the meantime a committed will ascertain the cost to purchase some land adjoining the Central School lot which it is thought can now be had at very reasonable figure.

   The advisability of opening a kindergarten department in connection with the public schools was also brought up, and seemed to meet with favor.

   The library committee announced the addition of 300 volumes to the library.

   The figures showing the total cost of the two newly equipped rooms in the Central School were laid before the board. One hundred additional pupils can be accommodated therein and the cost was only $16.86 per sitting, a remarkably nominal amount. The board adjourned to Jan. 30.

 

Main Street, Cortland, N. Y., 1899.

VILLAGE TRUSTEES.

Jane S. Keator Claims $3,000 Damages from Pavement Grade—Protests Assessments.

   Only President Stilson and Trustees Sprague and Nodecker were present at Monday's meeting. R. H. Beard was present with the necessary deeds to show that Randolph Beard was down in the paving assessment for one foot of land he does not own. The matter was referred to Engineer Allen for correction.

   Mrs. Jane S. Keator presented claim for alleged damages against the village from the raising of the grade opposite her property Nos. 169 and 164 Main-st., in the sum of $3,000. She also protested against the assessment of $459.58, for paving in front of the property on the grounds that the trustees had no jurisdiction, that the damages are greater than the benefits; that it is illegal and unconstitutional and that she has not received pay for the damage done. Matter referred to village attorneys, Kellogg & Van Hoesen.

   A communication was received from Engineer Allen explaining his recent bill for $144. It is for time apportioning the paving assessment and looking up titles at $8 per day.

   Mrs. Fannie Knight reminded the board of her claim for $50 for cutting down a tree at the corner of Frederick-ave. As it was purely the fault of Engineer Allen or his assistant the clerk was instructed to refer Mrs. Knight to Mr. Allen.

   Clerk Crumbie read a communication from Mrs. Clara H. T. Whitmore in which she enquired what per cent the paving bonds will bear and how long they will run, and requested that some be in amounts of $500.

   A few bills were audited and the necessary blanks ordered for informing those assessed for the new pavement of their privilege of paying the whole sum on or before January 28. If you do not pay the amount before that time bonds will be issued therefor and you can only pay in annual installments and must pay interest on the amount outstanding. These notices will be mailed each one interested to-day as the assessment was to be approved at a meeting to be held last evening. Mr. Warren of the paving company had signified his intention of being present at the meeting and it is supposed he would ask the board to approve the pavement and curb and gutter. We go to press too early to give the proceedings of last night's meeting in this issue.

 

Supervisors Journal.

   The printing of the Journal of the proceedings of the board of supervisors was this year awarded to the Homer Republican and their job rooms have turned out an exceptionally fine job, in many respects better than any previous volume, thus setting a mark for future printers. In view of the preliminary proceedings taken in the matter of mandamusing [writ of mandamus or “we command”—CC ed.] the board of Supervisors and compel them to award the session laws to the Cortland Standard, it may now be in order for the editor of and part-proprietor of that paper to appear in the office of Messrs. Stevens & Danes of the Republican, accompanied by a lawyer and a stenographer, and ask for figures showing the actual cost of the journal to the printer and then get a law framed and passed making it obligatory with the supervisors to give this printing in future to the only office in the county having a Cox duplex perfecting press.

   Those desiring a copy of the proceedings can obtain it of the supervisors or at the various banks.

 

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   All the coin dies on hand at all the mints of the United States, bearing the date 1898 were sent to the mint in Philadelphia, at the opening of the new year, to be destroyed. The dies, which are made of fine steel, are heated in a furnace and hammered out of shape, so as to make it impossible to put them to any improper use if they should fall into the hands of dishonest persons. The task of defacing the dies is one of considerable magnitude, as their number runs away up into the hundreds every year. New dies have been prepared at the Philadelphia mint bearing the date 1899, for use at all mints where any coinage is done.

   In a short time all convicts in Oneida county will be required to work and the first thing they will be required to do is to break stone in the prison yard. The stone will be used for the improvement of the highway in the vicinity of the jail.

   The church deacons in Windsor know how to put the screws on unruly boys who disturb their meetings. At a recent occurrence of flagrant ill behavior, one young fellow was given his choice, either to get up in church and confess his wrong doing and ask forgiveness or to go before a magistrate and take what the law would give him. He chose confession and made it Sunday evening—Ex.

   The Canastota village authorities have been attempting to compel the Central railroad company to operate its gates at two of the village street crossings at night as well as in the day time, and the company has met them with the proposition to abolish grade crossings entirely under the state law. As this would cost several hundred thousand dollars, of which the village would have to pay a quarter, it is doubtful if the plan will be sanctioned.

 

Ad. from Cortland Evening Standard.

Cortland Opera House on Groton Avenue next to Cortland House Hotel.

REMEMBER THE MAINE

Is the title of a new sensational naval drama that will be seen for the first time in Cortland at the Opera House on next Thursday evening. It is Lincoln J. Carter's latest production.

   The play deals with the Cuban war and the Maine disaster, but the manner in which the subject is treated is said to be quite out of the ordinary. Hal Reid, who wrote "Human Hearts," had a hand in the making of this drama, and it is better than the average Carter play of this class in the matter of literary construction. Carter is strong on scenic effects and this excels anything yet evolved by Mr. Carter in the way of scenery and effects, though to one familiar with Cartersque plays, this does not seem possible. A special effort to make the production surpass his previous efforts has been fruitful of a mass of scenery, consisting of moving battleships, distant cities that are to be bombarded, tropical foliage and patriotic transformation scene containing pictures of Lincoln, Cuban slave, McKinley, "Remember me, Dewey," the Maine, "We have remembered tthe Maine" and Peace.

   The following artists are seen in the production: Misses Evelyn Selbie, May Stoddard and Anna Thomas, Messrs. Charles H. Mastoyer, A. Z. Chipman, Harry L. Hartel, Robert Irving, Ralph Bell, Anson Varnev, J. Hooker Wright, Frank W. Anderson and others. Seats on sale at Rood & Co.'s Tuesday at 2:30 P. M.

 

HERE AND THERE.

   Three January thaws so far this year.

   One Cortland doctor attended 138 cases of grip the first fifteen days of January.

   This office has been badly afflicted with grip the past week and any shortcomings in this issue are due thereto.

   The Homer Congregational church have nearly completed arrangements to buy the Murray property and use it for a parsonage.

   Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Miner were surprised by a visit of about thirty friends at their home on Maple-ave. last Friday evening.

   The DEMOCRAT would like to have a number of our subscribers bring in some wood. Anything can be used up to 30 inches in length, hard wood or slabs.

   The concert in the First M. E. church Wednesday evening by the Choral and Orchestral society of the Conservatory of Music was an excellent one and was well attended.

   Get your auction bills at the DEMOCRAT office. We do your work quickly and our prices are right. Furthermore, we give each one a complimentary notice in the DEMOCRAT.

   Prof. D. L. Bardwell has accepted the call to become superintendent of schools in Binghamton and has gone to that city to familiarize himself with the new duties which he will undertake Feb. 1.

   Elmira and Cortland Y. M. C. A. basket ball teams will contest in Cortland to-morrow night. Tickets can be had of Smith & Beaudry and McKinney & Doubleday.

   At 1:30 o'clock last week Wednesday morning the Lehigh Valley roundhouse at Camden was burned. The night watchman says the flames originated from an oil can which he was thawing out on a stove.

   McGraw & Osgood have an adv. in another column quoting prices on their "19-day mark down shoe sale." The sale will begin to-morrow, Jan. 21, and ends Jan. 31. Look over the prices. They are all right.

   A resident of Homer, whose name is at present not given out, has offered to give $10,000 for a public library for the town on condition that he receive a small rate of interest during his life time. The offer should be accepted.

   A benefit whist will be given in the Tioughnioga club rooms to-night in the interest of the Cortland hospital. This takes the place of the usual ladies' night and many invitations have been issued. Refreshments will be served.

   Two great basketball games in the Normal [School] to-morrow night. The Elmira team is a strong one—so is Cortland, and the game between the Normal ladies and gentlemen between the halves of the big game will be worth going miles to see.

   Cortland musicians and cigarmakers are arranging for a benefit dance to be held in C. A. A. hall Tuesday evening, Jan. 13.  The tickets are only 50 cents and the proceeds will be divided between Chas. Maas and Louis Holdridge who have recently met with adversity.

   With commendable enterprise Brother E. A. Beach of the Moravia Valley Register is keeping his paper in the front rank. Its columns are always newsy and last week in the body of the paper appeared a brand new dress. He also announces new type in his job room.

   Mrs. Mary E. Corcoran, wife of Officer John H. Corcoran, died Saturday evening, grip causing other complications. She was 36 years of age and leaves, besides her husband, a daughter, Miss Anna May, aged 10 years. The funeral was held from St. Mary's church Tuesday morning.

   If you want the freshest of oysters and clams go to Bennett's cafe in the DEMOCRAT building. He gets them fresh from Baltimore in the shell and opens at your order. If you are hungry and want a lunch of any kind, drop in any way. The cafe has been newly papered and painted and new furniture and kitchen utensils added so that it is complete in every respect. Open till 2 A. M.

   The officers of the Oneida County Wheelway League have prepared a bill imposing a license fee on bicyclists who ride on wheel paths, which will be submitted to the Legislature. Similar laws are now in operation in Monroe, Niagara and Albany counties. The bill, if it becomes a law, will compel every rider who uses the paths to pay a license fee of 60 cents or be liable to prosecution for misdemeanor and fine of $6. Here is a chance for the Cortland County Sidepath association to get in their work and help the good cause along.

ASHES OF COLUMBUS AND ONE OF THE OLD RESIDENTS

Statue of Christopher Columbus in Havana, Cuba.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, January 20, 1899.

ASHES OF COLUMBUS.

They Reach Seville, Spain, and Are Transferred to the Cathedral.

   SEVILLE, Jan. 20.—The Spanish auxiliary cruiser Giralda (formerly Mr. Calmont's yacht) arrived here with the reputed ashes of Columbus on board, which had been transferred from the cruiser Conde de Venadito, on which they were brought from Havana. The municipal authorities took charge of the coffin on board. The Giralda fired a salute, to which the land batteries replied, and the procession was then formed and the coffin transferred to the celebrated cathedral of Seville.

   The route to the cathedral from the wharf was thronged, troops and sailors being drawn up on each side the way. The chapter of the cathedral received the remains, which will lie in state until finally placed in the vault. After another salute the funeral service was celebrated in the presence of an enormous crowd.

   The cathedral of Seville, a structure of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, occupies the site of an ancient mosque. It is 400 feet in length by 260 feet in breadth and has a square tower, 337 feet in height, surmounted by a colossal bronze statue of Faith. The interior is still richly adorned, though many of its treasures were removed by the French, and it has numerous chapels, pictures by Murrillo and other great artists, organs and the tomb in which the remains of Columbus were first deposited. Around the edifice are the archbishop's palace, the chapter house, the alcasar and the exchange in which are the archives of Spanish America.

 

General Leonard Wood.

CUBA'S REQUIREMENTS.

General Wool's Views as to the Needs of the Island.

THE NECESSITY OF A VAST ARMY.

A Large Percentage of American Soldiers Incapable of Effective Service on Account of the Climate—Building of Railroads Advised—Native Cubans For the Army.

   WASHINGTON. Jan. 20.—General Leonard Wood continued his testimony before the senate committee on military affairs, dealing especially with the requirement as to troops on the island of Cuba. He explained at some length his estimate of 50,000 as the number of troops necessary to be kept in the entire island, saying that he had placed the number so high because the effect of the climate is such as to render a large percentage of American soldiers there ineffective for aggressive action. Malaria is the prevailing disease and as a rule while not more than 20 per cent [sic] may be on the actual sick list not to exceed 35 or 40 per cent will as a rule be found capable of effectual action. A day's active exercise would cause half of any force to drop out of any military force. Of his present force he did not believe that to exceed one half was now fit for effective service.

   As a matter of fact it could be almost he said that no troops stationed there had escaped the diseases due to the climate. This fact accounted for the non-aggressive character of the Spanish campaign in the island, and he thought explained why as many as 280,000 Spanish soldiers were required in the service there. He had found that the Spanish were affected by the climate just as the Americans are and also that the Cubans themselves were under constant liability to malaria. Often as many as 60 per cent of the Cubans were disabled. It was as yet too early to say whether our troops in the island would become so acclimated that they would be able to resist disease. This was an important point and if decided in the negative would require the frequent change of troops. He was hopeful that by an elaborate system of sanitation in the island improved conditions might be secured just as Great Britain had produced an improvement in Jamaica. Still it might prove as it had in India that Cuba was not a white man's country. A year or two at least would be necessary to decide this.

   Replying to a question from Senator Proctor, General Wood said that it was feasible to construct a railroad line between Santiago and Havana and that a Santiago firm had agreed to guarantee the funds for the enterprise. The most practicable route would be along the central plateau of the island and the general thought the enterprise would be a great civilizer. "It would," he said, "afford employment to many men in the interior whose present principal employment is that of carrying guns."

   He spoke at considerable length in this connection in regard to the resources of Cuba, saying that it could be made the market garden of the world. He thought that this government should grow there the vegetables used by the army in Cuba and said he meant to confer with the secretary of agriculture on this question.

   Speaking of the timber of the island, he said the cross ties of the railroads and the wharves at Santiago were composed largely of mahogany and other more valuable woods. General Wood also expressed the opinion that the native Cubans might be used to an extent as soldiers in the United States army.

 

POSTOFFICE APPROPRIATION.

Fast Mail Service In the South Will Be Abandoned.

   WASHINGTON, Jan. 20.—In considering the postoffice appropriation bill, the house struck out of the bill the appropriation of $171,000 for the Southern mail and $25,000 for special mail facilities from Kansas City to Newton, Kan. This appropriation for the Southern mail has been fought annually for six or seven years, but has always been retained.

   The increase in the appropriation for the pneumatic tube service from $225,000 to $300,000 was knocked out by the elimination of the provision which fell under a point or order, for the repeal of the law against the extension of this service.

   The house adjourned with a motion to recommit pending. The motion carried instructions to strike out the words "newly acquired territory" in connection with an appropriation of $300,000 for mail facilities in Porto Rico, Cuba and the Philippines.

 

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

   General Wood's statement of matters in Cuba which he has seen, and of which he has been a part, is highly encouraging. "We went to Cuba to give these people liberty," says the general, "and it is my experience that they have demonstrated, thus far at any rate, that they are quite capable of appreciating what we can do." They have been impressed, by word and deed, that the Americans want to put Cubans in the way of helping themselves. They are confirmed in this by seeing Cubans selected to fill the offices. They realize the benefits wrought by cleaning up Santiago. Friction has disappeared. Americans and the American flag are respected in good faith. General Wood's methods have brought forth good results in the province of Santiago, and may well be followed in other parts of the island. The Cubans are found responsive to kindness, and yield readily to firmness exercised for the public good.

 

BASKET BALL.

Make up of the Two Teams for To-morrow Night.

   For Cortland W. A. Reynolds at center has probably had more experience and with his height will probably jump higher than any man he has faced. Because of his long arms and very handy jump many a forward too has wondered if he did not realty drop the ball into the basket that is ten feet above the floor. He is captain of the team and will play center.

   Chas. O'Connell is another long legged fellow who has in many a practice game kept the captain on his toes, while his basket throwing is exceptionally good. He will be a substitute.

   William B. Mills, last year's captain, has worked faithfully to hold his old position at forward and will be found there to-morrow night, the best all round man for the place.

   Mills' running mate in throwing for baskets is Johnnie Hotchkiss, one of the most popular men in the "gym." He is in the game from start to finish, and if you ask him can tell you how to play any position on the team, or how to umpire a game. He will play right forward.

   As substitute Capt. Callahan of the "Scrubb" is always there and but for his lack of experience in games would be a regular. Per Lee Smith and Ed Richards will occupy their old positions in the back field and with them in the way opponents will have to try more than once to get a basket.

   But the above regulars will have to put up exceptionally good ball to keep the two hustling substitutes from taking their places. These are Allie Gillette and Gustavus Dillon, each one being familiar with all the "old wrinkles" and having some peculiar new ones all their own.

   The lineup:

CORTLAND.        POSITIONS.        ELMIRA.

Reynolds               Center                     Mahoney

Hotchkiss              Right Forward        Sullivan

Mills                      Left forward           Donohue.

Richards                Right Guard           Deiste

Smith                     Left Guard             Drake

 

ONE OF THE OLD RESIDENTS.

Death of Mrs. Jacob Maus Schermerhorn of Homer.

   Many of the longtime friends of Mrs. Jacob Maus Schermerhorn of Homer were pained to learn of her decease at 5 o'clock last night after an illness of only five days from grip which quickly developed into pneumonia. It is a number of years now since her face, once so familiar to the older generation of both Homer and Cortland, has been seen in public or riding upon the streets in the family carriage behind the well-known pair of bay coach horses. In fact because of failing health she has not left her room since September, 1890, the fall after the death of her husband. But she has until recently been accustomed to receive in her room her most intimate friends and greatly enjoyed a quiet chat with them, and her interest has been maintained until the last in her friends, in the affairs of her native village and in the country at large.

   Mrs. Schermerhorn was a daughter of Jedediah Barber, one of the pioneer residents of Homer, and she was born in that village on June 2, 1810. Her maiden name was Miss Louisa A. Barber. On Oct. 26, 1831, she was married to Jacob Maus Schermerhorn and they went at once to Rochester to make that city their home. Ten years later they moved back to Homer and continued to live there till the death of Mr. Schermerhorn on Feb. 22, 1890, and now until Mrs. Schermerhorn's own decease. In 1881 they celebrated their golden wedding and the occasion was a very happy one and was observed in an appropriate manner.

   Mr. and Mrs. Schermerhorn both united with a Presbyterian church in Rochester and upon returning to Homer transferred their membership to the Presbyterian church of that place, which some years ago was changed to the Congregational denomination. Her life has always been that of an earnest and consistent Christian, and she was accustomed to give liberally of her means to all benevolent and charitable objects, and many families will miss in her death the helping hand quietly extended here and there as she saw the need of it, without the public in general ever learning anything about it.

   She has lived to see children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up around her. She is survived by four children, Mrs. Lewis B. Henry of Orange, N. J., Mrs. John W. Fisher of Homer, and Messrs. George J. and J. Maus Schermerhorn of New York City; by eight grandchildren, seven of whom are sons and daughters of Mrs. Henry, the eighth being a son of Mr. George J. Schermerhorn; and by eight great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Mrs. Charles A. Oliver of Philadelphia, Pa., Mrs. Franklin Carter of Fall River, Mass., Mrs. Robert Stevenson of Orange, N. J., Miss Louise S. Henry of Homer, and Messrs. Edward S. and Louis C. Henry of Orange, N. J., who are brokers in New York City, and Mr. Jacob S. Henry, who is now in his senior year in Stevens Polytechnic Institute at Hoboken, N. J., also Schuyler M. Schermerhorn, the young son of Mr. George J. Schermerhorn of New York.

   The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made, but notice of the time will be given to-morrow. Mrs. Schermerhorn's two sons arrived from New York on the early train this morning, and Mrs. Henry and Mrs. George J. Schermerhorn were expected to arrive this afternoon.

 

LOCAL PERSONAL.

   FRED H. GEE, formerly of Cincinnatus, has purchased and is publishing the Liverpool Telegram.

   MISSES JENNIE and Susie Sharpe of New York City are guests of their aunt, Mrs. J. B. Morris.

   MRS. DAVID ALGER of Oneonta is in town the guest of her son, Mr. Grant Alger, at 20 Washington-st.

   MRS. JOHN CARBERRY went to Cortland yesterday morning to spend a week with friends.—Whitney Point Reporter.

   MR. AND MRS. H. C. LOVELL drove down from Cortland last Friday and have been visiting at J. P. Wells' for a week.—Whitney Point Reporter.

   FLORIST L. N. HOPKINS, who fell in a fainting spell one day last week in the drugstore of C. F . Brown, striking his head on the base of a showcase, is still confined to his house at 140 Groton-ave.

   MRS. GRANT ALGER, who has been seriously ill with pneumonia at her home, 20 Washlngton-st., is very much improved to-day and her recovery is expected.

   DARWIN L. BARDWELL, the newly elected superintendent of schools, has in company with Superintendent R. H. Halsey, completed the circuit of all the schools in the city and examined the work being done.—Binghamton Republican.

 

Proof?

PAVING BOND ISSUE

Ordered by Village Trustees at Last Night's Meeting.

   The board of village trustees held an adjourned meeting in the office of Village Clerk W. C. Crombie last night and ordered notices sent to owners of property abutting on the new Main-st. asphalt pavement informing them that they can pay their local paving assessment on or before Jan. 31, and in case this is not done, it will be collected in ten annual equal installments at 4 per cent interest.

   The resolution authorizing this was a long one and was prepared by Corporation Counsel David W. Van Hoesen. It recites the total estimated expense of the pavement, the share payable by the Cortland & Homer Traction company, the share payable by the village at large, and the table of local assessment, all of which have been published in The STANDARD. These several amounts are as follows: Against the village at large, $17,797.12; against the Cortland & Homer Traction Co. [ink blot]; against the local property-owners, [ink blot]42,751.12. The resolution provides for the issue of bonds at once for $17,797.12 in the following lots:

   Number one for $797.12, due Oct. 1, 1899; numbers two and three for $500 each, due Oct. 1, 1907; numbers four, five, six and seven, for $500 each, due Oct. 1, 1908; numbers eight, nine, ten and eleven, for $500 each, due Oct. 1, 1909; numbers twelve and thirteen for $1,000 each, due Oct. 1, 1910; numbers fourteen and fifteen for $1,000 each, due Oct. 1, 1911; numbers sixteen and seventeen, for $1,000 each, due Oct. 1, 1915; numbers eighteen and nineteen for $1,000 each, due Oct. 1, 1916; numbers twenty and twenty-one for $1,000 each, due Oct. 1, 1917; numbers twenty-two and twenty-three for $1,000 each, due Oct. 1, 1918. These bonds will be sold by Village Treasurer Hubert R. Maine to the highest bidder, probably Feb. 1 or Feb. 2, at which time also bonds will be issued and sold to cover the amount then remaining unpaid on the local assessments.

   Village Treasurer Maine was present and called the board's attention to a clerical error in the village assessment roll, by which a vacant lot at 40 Arthur-ave. owned by Miss H. C. Henry was assessed at $2,200 instead of $200 as intended. The board authorized the payment of a rebate to Miss Henry to cover the difference in the tax $15.14.

   Mr. W. B. Warren of the Warren-Scharff Asphalt Paving Co., who was expected to be present and take some action toward turning the pavement over to the village, was not in attendance, but had written to President Stilson that he would be unable to reach Cortland before Monday night, and to that time the board adjourned.

 

TIOUGHNIOGA CLUB.

Whist Entertainment for Benefit of Cortland Hospital.

   There is every indication of a large attendance at the benefit whist entertainment at the Tioughnioga club rooms this evening. This entertainment takes the place of the regular ladies' night program and while admission to the rooms will be free all those who play whist will be charged 50 cents a couple. Refreshments will be served during the evening and there will be an opportunity for all who desire to do so to make a voluntary offering for the hospital benefit.

 

MARRIED SIXTY-FIVE YEARS.

Norman Palmer of Kansas, Brother of Prosper Palmer of Cortland.

   Mr. O. F. Allen, the Railway-ave. grocer, yesterday showed a STANDARD man a copy of the Atchinson, (Kan.,) Globe of Jan. 5, which contained a very interesting account of the celebration of the sixty-fifth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Palmer, who live at Nortonville, near Atchinson with their son-in-law, Dr. H. R. Maxson.

   Mr. Palmer and Miss Huldah Sabin were married at the parsonage of the Baptist church in McGrawville Jan. 5, 1834. The house is still standing, occupied by a niece of Mr. Palmer. Mr. Palmer was born in Homer, Dec. 5, 1810, and is consequently in his 89th year. He was the youngest of a family of seven children, his sisters all being now dead. He has but one brother living, and that is Prosper Palmer, who lives at 50 Greenbush-st., Cortland, and who with Mrs. Palmer celebrated the sixty-sixth anniversary of their marriage Jan. 3.

   Mr. Palmer never used liquor or tobacco in any form. He cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and has been a Republican ever since the formation of that party. He gets around well and reads and writes without glasses. Mrs. Palmer was born in Petersburg, N. Y., May 13, 1811. They have four sons and two daughters. They moved west from New York in 1855 to Miller, Wis.; in 1864 to Dodge City, Minn., and in 1882 to Nortonville, Kan. Mrs. Palmer has been blind for fifteen years, but is always knitting or sewing, and has made several quilts since being deprived of her sight.

   This record of one family is believed to be hard to beat— two sons, and each of them being able to celebrate his sixty-fifth and sixty-sixth wedding anniversary respectively.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Vesta lodge, I. O. O. F., will give another social hop to-morrow evening.

   —The Virgil Republican caucus is called for Monday, Jan. 30, at 1 o'clock. The Lapeer Republican caucus on Saturday, Jan.28, at 1 P. M., at the Whig schoolhouse.

   —Mr. A. E. Thompson and Mr. B. T. Coleman will address a meeting of the Christian Alliance at the W. C. T. U. rooms at 7:30 o'clock this evening. Everybody welcome.