CORTLAND IN 1877, SAPHO SUPPRESSED, AND LOCAL NEWS

 

Attorney O. U. Kellogg.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, March 9, 1900.

CORTLAND IN 1877.

INTERESTING LOCAL EVENTS OF THAT YEAR.

Prisoners Break Jail—Soldiers' Monument Unveiled and Dedicated—A Year of Suicides—Democrats Elect Hon. O. U. Kellogg for Member of Assembly—Heavy Bank Robbery.

   One of the exciting events of 1877 in Cortland was the escape of four prisoners from the county jail on the night of May 15. The sheriff at that time was Harlow G. Borthwick. The prisoners were during the day hours allowed to occupy the main hall of the jail, and at night they were locked in cells. At about 9:30 o'clock Sheriff Borthwick proceeded to confine the prisoners in their cells, passing thro' the main door, which he locked. He then went through the door leading to the cells, which was immediately pushed to behind him and the hasp of the lock slipped into the staple. This was done by one of the prisoners concealed behind the door. The sheriff being securely fastened in the west hall, the prisoners at once unlocked the main door and walked out through the hall of the court house.

   Mrs. Borthwick saw one of them and tried to hold him, but she was knocked down. The same fellow ran across the Normal grounds and was tackled by Ernest Webster, who was walking in the grounds and had heard the cries of Mrs. Borthwick. The four prisoners—Seth E. M. Jones, Michael Murtan, Thos. Oliphant and Ryan—escaped. Mrs. Borthwick released her husband, who at once began a search for his boarders. Murtan was found in a cellar in a house east of Homer. Ryan was caught within a few hours. Oliphant concealed himself in a hole in the wall of John Sears' house at East River, where he was afterwards discovered. Jones wandered down in Tioga county, and was found several days later asleep in a brush heap in the woods six miles from Owego.

HEAVY BANK ROBBERY.

   The Cortland newspapers gave a lengthy account of the theft of a package of bonds, stocks, notes and mortgages, amounting to over $300,000, from the vault of the First National bank some time between Friday, Sept. 22, and the Monday following. The losses were, Wm. R. Randall $110,000, Franklin Hatch $4,000, Chas. W. Collins $1,500, H. Duell $1,000, Mrs. Louise Tanner $1,050, Mrs. Cecelia Holmes $900, Mrs. L. J. Holdridge $350, O. F. Forbes $7,000, Samuel Keator $3,500. As the vault had a time lock, it was known that the package must have been stolen in the day time, and we are informed by one who was quite a loser that it was supposed to be the work of a confederate of two strangers who went into the bank and engaged President Keator in conversation. Mr. Randall recovered his bonds by reason of the fact that they were not negotiable, but no other portion of the booty was ever found.

VERDICT OF MANSLAUGHTER.

   At the April term of court the case of the People against Robert Morris Johnson, charged with murder, was tried. The particulars of this case were given in the record of 1876 in last week's issue, Wm. Costello having died from injuries received at the hands of Johnson at the "Sand Bank'' house near Blodgett Mills. District Attorney B. A. Benedict and B. T. Wright conducted the prosecution, and the prisoner was defended by J. W. Lee, W. H. Warren and H. C. Miner. The jury found a verdict in the third degree and the prisoner was sentenced to four years in Auburn prison.

SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.

   May 30, Memorial Day, was a big day for Cortland, more people being in the village than at any time for years, the occasion being the unveiling and dedication of the soldiers' monument. People were present from every town in the county, and all villages on the line of the railroad sent large delegations. Maj. Gen. Wood of Syracuse and his staff were guests of the village, and several fire companies accepted an invitation to participate in the ceremonies. The procession was formed in the following order: Cortland band; Willoughby Post, G. A. R., of Homer; Maj. Gen. Wood and staff; Orator, president of the village, clergy, etc.; Homer band; Cortland County Tent of Order of Rechabites; Homer fire department; Marathon band; War Horse "Jim;" Marathon fire department; Odd Fellows band; Cortland fire department; Cortland county veterans; Grover Post, G. A. R.

   The dedicatory exercises were held near the monument, the program being as follows: Music; Prayer by Rev. Geo. Bayless; Singing under direction of A. D. Blodgett; History of the Monument, Judge A. P. Smith; Unveiling statue under direction of Rev. Thos. Street; Benediction, Rev. John Alabaster.

   Between $800 and $900 was raised at the service to aid in paying for the new monument.

JOHN COURTNEY ENTERS THE LAW.

   The Marathon Independent of August 18, 1877, pays the following compliment to Attorney John Courtney: "John Courtney, Jr., left yesterday for a position in the new office of Warren & Kellogg, Cortland. For the past two years Mr. Courtney has been with W. J. Mantanye in this village, and has now finished his studies and is ready for admission to the bar. During the time John has been here. he has shown by his strict attention to business that he possesses qualifications for a successful career, and in the practice which he has had the past year he has given satisfaction to his clients.

   We are sorry to have him go and shall miss his smiling face on our streets, but we are glad his fortunes are to be bettered by the change." From files of newspapers published in November of that year we learn that Mr. Courtney was admitted to practice law at Albany, passing an unusually creditable examination.

POLITICAL MATTERS.

   The political complexion of the board of supervisors were changed from what it was the year previous, the Democrats electing only five members: H. M. Kingman from Cincinnatus, A. C. Carr from Preble, Dr. J. C. Nelson from Truxton, Roswell M. Price from Virgil, and Wilson Greene from Willet. The vote on supervisors in Taylor was a tie.

   The Democrats elected several important officers in the town of Cortlandville.

   At a Democratic county convention held in July the following delegates were chosen: to state convention, J. H. Palmer, A. T. Ney, C. L. Hathaway. To judiciary convention, O. U. Kellogg. To senatorial convention, John Courtney, Jr., B. B. Jones, M. Van Hoesen, F. P. McFeeley. D. I. Brownell.

   The Democratic county ticket was as follows: County judge, S. S. Knox; member of assembly, O. U. Kellogg; justice of sessions, L Tarbell.

   At the Republican county convention A. P. Smith was named for county judge, Jos. R. Dixon for member of assembly, and W. D. Hunt for justice of sessions.

   The campaign was very exciting, and the election in November resulted in the choice of O. U. Kellogg for member of assembly by 91 majority in the county. Mr. Knox was defeated by the same majority of 91.

BRIEF MENTIONS.

   W. H. Warren and O. U. Kellogg formed a law partnership in January.

   Dorr C. Smith was appointed village clerk in January. He resigned the position in April, and was succeeded by Edward S. More.

   Mark E. Holton and E. D. Mallery of Cortland took possession of the Junction House, Freeville, February 1.

   A musical organization in Cortland at that time was very popular, known as the Cortland Mozart club, composed of the following singers: Mrs. G. A. Sears, Mrs. I. R. M. Pomeroy, soprano; Miss Sue C. Ingalls, mezzo-soprano; Mrs. W. H. Twiss, contralto; W D. Murphy, tenor; Chas. Tillinghast, W. F. Burdick, baritone.

   At the annual meeting of the Cortland Co. Agricultural society, held Jan. 20, the treasurer reported a balance of $627.82 in his hands.

   Jas. S. Squires bought an interest in the grocery business with C. W. Stoker.

   Thomas Button opened a barber shop on his own account in February.

   On the 13th of February what was known as "Masonic Hall block" was badly damaged by fire, the loss being estimated at $15,000. The occupants of the block, besides the Masonic fraternity, were J. D. Sherwood & Co., groceries; P. Sugarman, clothing; E. N. Johnson, dry goods.

   A man named Roswell Lord, a sawyer in M. Wells' mill at Willet, was killed in February by falling against the saw.

   E. H. Brewer and A. M. Schermerhorn formed a partnership in April to conduct the harness business.

   R. H. Duell and B. A. Benedict formed a law partnership in April.

   H. Shapley of Willet committed suicide April 11 by hanging himself.

   During the month of April a petition was circulated asking that Lincoln-st. be changed to Lincoln-ave.

   The great Murphy temperance movement swept over the country in '77, several meetings being held in Cortland and something over 1200 people signed the Murphy pledge.

   John Northrup of Virgil committed suicide June 30 by hanging. He was 56 years old.

   The Cortland post office was broken into July 9, and $25 in stamps and change taken.

   Mrs. Frank Place was elected president of the W. C. T. U., organized in July.

   Two lads named Geo. Brooks and Frank Slater were drowned in the river east of the county house July 29.

   A fireman's tournament was held in Cortland September 4, the prizes awarded as follows: First, $75, Eagles of Marathon; second, $40, Tioughniogas of DeRuyter; third, $15, Water Witch company of Cortland.

   The new fire bell arrived September 1. The cost was $575.

   The project of building a horse railway between Cortland and Homer was seriously discussed in 1877.

   On December 1 Chas. H. Warren and Stearns A. Williams leased the Dexter House for five years.

   Alton B. Parker, a son of J. Brooks Parker, now chief judge of the court of appeals, was elected surrogate of Ulster county on the Democratic ticket.

   Chas. H. Price bought a meat market late in the year of Henry Snyder.

   In November, Abner A. Wilson of Willet committed suicide by hanging, making the third case in the county during the year, and the third in Willet within a year and a half.

   Daniel S. Lamont accepted an editorial position on the Albany Argus in December.

   Upon the completion of Gershom W. Bradford's new residence in November, 1877, some two hundred of his friends marched to his residence headed by the Odd Fellows band, and surprised him and his wife. Presents were made, and remarks were made E. A. Fish, Prof. Hoose, Dr. H. A. Bolles, A. F. Tanner.

 

SAPHO SUPPRESSED.

Principals in Production Arrested and Held for Grand Jury.

   NEW YORK, March 6.—Wallack's theater remained closed last night. Olga Nethersole, who has been playing the leading part in Sapho, Hamilton Revelle, the leading man, Marcus Meyer, manager of the company, and Theodore Moss, lessee of the theater, were each held in $500 bail for trial in special sessions yesterday by Magistrate Mott, in the Center Street police court. They were charged with producing a play that offended public decency, the complaints being made from the office of the district attorney.

   The parties defendant were paroled in custody of their counsel until  tomorrow, when they will again appear in Center Street court and give bail of $500 each.

   Colonel Gardiner at once gave information of the decision to Chief of Police Devery. The chief notified the theatrical authorities interested that every participant in the play would be arrested if radical changes were not made. The management decided that the required changes in the play could not be made on such short notice and the house was closed for the night.

 

Equipments For British Army.

   BINGHAMTON, N. Y., March 8.—The Faatz Brush and Felting company of Lestershire, has shipped to Southampton, England, an express car full of saddle clothes and saddle pommels to be used by the British army in South Africa. This is the first consignment in an order which will amount in value to about $50.000, and which will consume about 26,000 pounds of fine wool.

 

Samuel N. Holden.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

   American coal is sold cheaper in Paris, France than in Philadelphia.

   Reprinted copies of the city charter bill were received here Wednesday.

   Keep your ear turned towards Albany. That is where Cortland's fate rests just now.  

   American agricultural implements are lower in price in St. Petersburg, Russia, than in St. Paul, Minn.

   The National Democratic convention will be held in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, July 4. The day is well chosen.

   The spring elections, with hardly a break, have been carried by the Democrats. Elmira is the only city where the Republicans won anything.

   Thomas Fitzgerald is an old and respected resident of Cortland and his election to j the office of collector would be a just tribute to his age and integrity.

   What do the village people think of the propriety of circulating an anonymous sheet which resorts to profanity to bolster up the cause of anti progress?

   American sewing machines cost less in London, England, than in Leavenworth, Kan., and American boots and shoes are cheaper in Birmingham, England, than in Boston, Mass.

   The time for argument has passed. The fate of the city charter now rests with the legislature and "Teddy, ' and there is no reason to doubt favorable action at their hands, and that Cortland will soon be a CITY.

   While the Democratic and Republican village tickets are substantially alike, we urge all Democrats to make their cross under the star, as in that case they will not only vote for the city charter ticket, but will swell the vote for Democratic inspectors of election.

   The city charter ticket presents a candidate for assessor who has won the respect of all his townsmen and one whose ability to correctly and fairly assess property is not even questioned by the obstructionist party. You make no mistake in voting for Eugene W. Bates.

   No word of commendation need be spoken of the three candidates for school commissioner. Messrs. Brown, Hakes and Peck are men whose ability is well known. That such excellent candidates should be chosen on the ticket sure of election should be a matter of congratulation to all.

   After the various arguments to the contrary it cannot be denied that all taxes rest upon the people and that the majority of the people are poor. Therefore, the only way of relieving the people of the burden of taxation is by retrenchment and economy in the expenditure of public funds.

   The editor, or the publisher or the correspondent of the anonymous sheet yelept [sic] Citizens' Ticket (it is impossible to say in which capacity the writer serves) makes one assertion with which the people heartily agree, viz.: "The charter is practically sure to be a law."

   Can the people of Cortland chose a better pilot for the coming year than the one who has served so acceptably in the president's chair the past year? The DEMOCRAT thinks not and is sure a majority of our people think likewise. Vote the ticket under the star and help elect Samuel N. Holden.

   Syracuse having repudiated the Republican machine for some time past, it is proposed to bring an investigation to bear there, to add perhaps a little campaign thunder to the Republican fund of argument too woefully depleted in this state. But we fail to hear of an investigation in any of the regular Republican cities.

   Nearly two weeks have elapsed and none of the facts or figures claimed at the opera house for the city charter have been questioned or disproved. The opposition hand bill contains naught that is contradictory, and the columns of the DEMOCRAT and Standard have been open had honest figures been obtained to combat a city charter.

   ''The Citizens' Ticket," an independent paper to be published every little while, made its first appearance this week. Rev. J. L. Robertson, "for fourteen years pastor of the Presbyterian church of Cortland," is said to be one of the managing editors. The claim is also made, but we cannot believe it after perusing a copy. that the paper is run on the principle of the Sheldon experiment soon to be tried in Kansas, namely, that the acceptance of every article is based on the query ''What would Jesus do" about it. We welcome our whilom contemporary into the journalistic ranks.

   City charter opponents make a great cry about defeating the will of the people" and they quote the last town meeting to prove that the proposed city of Cortland would be dry "ten to one." Kindly reflect on facts. The town of Cortlandville voted to not license hotels, but did the village so vote? No. The votes cast within the proposed city limits show a balance in favor of licensing hotels. It is only when the figures of the McGrawville, Blodgett Mills and other outlying districts are counted that the balance is against granting hotel licenses.

   We have heard much about a mongrel ticket, meaning that at the head of this column. This is made up of Democrats and Republicans, all straight party men and none who have even been classed as kickers, reformers, etc. Have you examined the list of candidates on the Citizens' ticket? That is made up of Prohibitionists and Republicans and some of the latter have long been known as chronic kickers. Did not "the pot call the kettle black?"

 

HERE AND THERE.

   March will have two full moons. Bully for March.

   Regular meeting of the Cortlandville grange this evening.

   The first robin story is postponed on account of the weather.

   Miss Grace Stevenson was the guest of friends in Syracuse last week.

   A conundrum: If March comes in like two lions, how ought it to go out?

   Butter and cheese producers are looking forward to a successful year. So let it be.

   The trolley cars in Cortland have been playing in hard luck since the heavy storm.

   Runaways [horses] were quite numerous Monday, but none of them were of a very serious nature.

   Why shouldn't Cortland become a city, when the Pullman Palace Car company names a sleeper "Cortland?"

   The Loyal Circle of Kings' Daughters will meet with Mrs. S. N. Gooding, 148 Port Watson-st., at 1 o'clock.

   The recent cold snap and heavy body of snow will hold the sap in maple trees until the proper time for a rush.

   Mr. Barney, proprietor of the restaurant in the DEMOCRAT building, has chosen a pretty name, the "Laurel," for his cafe.

   If any one in Cortland believes that figures lie, let him read the six column financial report of the retiring officers in this issue.

   The first of March was tough on the moving brigade. Many changes of residence, however, took place in the village during the week.

   Our correspondents must bear with us until the close of the Truck trial. We are simply obliged to condense, but we mean to treat all alike.

   Albert Sheffield of Homer, who has been at the Cortland hospital for some time, was on Monday pronounced insane and taken to the Binghamton state hospital.

   Shortly after Easter Cortland will have a cake-walk in which many prominent dancers from Binghamton, Syracuse and other places will participate.

   An old maid's convention was held at Knoxboro, over in Oneida County, last Friday. Cortland could hold a similar convention and fill every seat in the Opera House.

   Ed. N. Sherwood, who has worked for the Benton Lumber company for several years, had the misfortune to run his left hand against a saw last Friday afternoon and three ringers were terribly lacerated.

   Hundreds of people, many of them small girls and boys, are turned away daily from the court-room because there is no room for them. A large number of ladies are daily spectators of the proceedings.

   The first M. E., First Baptist and Presbyterian churches united with the Congregational church Sunday evening in a farewell service for Rev. W. H. Pound, who closed his pastorate with that church at that time.

   The old residents Cortland were tickled half to death with the storm of last Wednesday night and Thursday, as they were so forcibly reminded of their boyhood days, when they had snow storms that were storms.

   Arch W. Stevens, who has conducted a barber shop on Railroad-st. for several years, has sold out to Everett C. Warlick, who can handle a razor equal to any expert. Mr. Stevens will engage in the poultry business on Fitz-ave.

   Time evens up all things. While we have been congratulating ourselves that the winter was to pass without the usual familiarity with the snow shovel, along comes enough of the beautiful to make one's back ache for a month.

   Mrs. S. E. Maine has assumed the management of the Manlius Eagle, and we believe she will run that paper successfully. The subscribers of the Eagle will doubtless be admonished to "remember the Maine" when their subscriptions are due.

   Among the many turnovers of cutters and other vehicles since the heavy snow of last Thursday, none have made a bigger spread than the upsetting of a mammoth load of wallpaper consigned to Messrs. McKinney & Doubleday, at the junction of Church and Railroad-sts., last Friday afternoon.

   Prof. F. E. Smith and Mrs. Martha Sampson were the opposing counsel in police court Tuesday morning, in the case of The People against Mrs. Sampson, the charge against the defendant being a violation of the truant law. Prof. Smith won his case, Mrs. Sampson being found guilty. She was given a suspended sentence upon the promise that she would send her daughter to school.

THE HANGING OF O'DONOGHUE, AND RILEY CHAMPLIN LETTER

 

Cortland Semi-Weekly Standard, Tuesday, March 27, 1900.

THAT ONE EXECUTION.

HANGING OF O'DONOGHUE IN COURTHOUSE IN 1853.

Description of the Scaffold Erected in Grand-Juryroom—Military in Attendance as Guards—Sheriff Frederick Ives the Executioner—Reprint from an Old Paper.

   Reference was made a few days ago in these columns in connection with the conviction and sentence of John Truck for murder in the first degree to that first conviction and that one and only execution in the county. The prisoner was a man named [Patrick] O’Donoghue who was convicted of the murder of Mrs. [Daniel] Kinney in Truxton. Mrs. Frederick Ives, the widow of Sheriff Ives who was the executioner upon that occasion, has loaned to us an extra of the Cortland County Whig published at Homer, and issued with commendable enterprise the afternoon of the execution on Friday (hangman’s day) Sept. 2, 1853. It is a little sheet 12 by 9 inches in size printed on one side, but it told the story and no doubt was eagerly seized upon by the readers of that day.

   As this was the only execution ever performed in Cortland County and as the method of it was so crude as compared with modern ways we reprint it, feeling sure that all the younger generation will be interested in it, and perhaps also those older ones who remember the occurrence. It is as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 1, 1853.

   We have to-day visited the grand-juryroom in which O’Donohue is to be executed for the murder of Mrs. Kinney. The scaffold is now ready for use. It is a very simple construction, and yet appears to be a perfect piece of machinery.

   In order for our readers to gain something of an idea of the manner in which it is built, we will attempt a description. Through the upper floor of the northeast corner of the room a rope passes, on the end of which in the juryroom, a solid piece of iron is attached of about 300 lbs. weight. This rope passes through the floor into the upper room and over pulleys fixed on each side of a beam, which is about eight feet long; then passes again down into the juryroom; thus leaving a space of eight feet from the spot where the prisoner is to [stand and] to the place where the weight appears.

   When the fatal cord is placed around the neck of the prisoner, who is to stand erect, the weight spoken of will be hoisted about six feet from the floor. Near the weight is fastened horizontally a small piece of timber made to turn, on the end of which is fixed a drum, which appears similar to a windlass. In the center of this piece of timber a piece of iron projects three or four inches. On this iron the weight rests when drawn up. The weight is removed by pulling a lever, the end of which rests in a notch on the drum. The lever being pulled down releases the purchase and the weight falls and lifts the body not [far] from [five] feet from the floor, which immediately falls backward with such force as to dislocate the neck of the prisoner.

   We are informed by the sheriff that O’Donoghue has seemed more penitent to-day than ever before. He even expressed regret that he spoke so harshly to the judge when his sentence was pronounced. He talks freely of his execution and has made a number of singular requests.

   When being told that his coffin was finished he requested to have it brought to him in order that he might get into it for the purpose of ascertaining whether it was of the proper size. He also wished the sheriff to [conceal] the print which the rope would make upon his neck by drawing his collar closely around it. It is his earnest desire to be buried in consecrated grounds. He has eaten heartily to-day and says it is his intention to walk with a firm step to the gallows.

Friday, Sept. 2, 1853.

   O’Donoghue, we learn, retired to his couch at an early hour and slept remarkably well through the whole night. Early this morning the sheriff on visiting his cell found him in the attitude of prayer.

   At 6 o’clock we were permitted, through the politeness of the sheriff, to attend the ceremony of celebrating Mass in the presence of the prisoner. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Father Catlean of Oxford, assisted by another priest from Owego. The scene was truly affecting and seemed to work seriously on the mind of O’Donoghue, causing him to [weep almost to cry]. He seemed very penitent and says he is prepared to meet his fate.

   At 11 A. M. the unhappy man proceeded to enrobe himself, assisted by Father Catlean and the sheriff. From a glance at the prisoner we thought he appeared more excited than during Mass this morning.

   The military arrived on the ground at 11 o’clock commanded by Colonel Legg.

   After being enrobed religious ceremony was performed in the cell during which the prisoner was calm, and expressed himself perfectly prepared to meet his fate.

   At twenty minutes past 12 the prisoner appeared in the room prepared for the execution, accompanied by the sheriff, under-sheriff, two constables and the clergy, and after confession took his seat beneath the rope. He was very pale, but unusually calm.

   The room at this time was filled with requisite number of witnesses and police, in all numbering about forty persons. After confession he took an affectionate farewell of his counsel, and said, “I forgive the whole world; I hope the priests will pray for me.”

   At twenty-five minutes past 12 the drop was touched. His convulsions were very strong and continued about five minutes.

   After hanging about fifteen minutes Drs. Patterson and Goodyear, examining physicians, pronounced him dead. That ended the unhappy career of O’Donoghue.

   The jail was guarded by the Virgil guards, Capt. E. F. Gould; Spafford Guards, Capt. Henderson; Truxton Light Guards, Capt. Pierce. The military made a fine appearance and their soldier-like deportment reflected much credit upon themselves.

   There was an immense crowd of people outside the jail, all anxious to get a sight of the prisoner. In the crowd were noticed a large number of women, whose curiosity was much excited as the men’s. Good order, however, was maintained during the execution and the preceding services.

   O’Donoghue was born in the province of Munster, Ireland, and is 66 years old; he came to this country thirty years ago and has been a resident of Cortland county twenty-five years. He has formerly stated that his real name is O’Neil, and that he shot a man in Ireland, for which he [fled] his country and assumed the name of O’Donoghue. This, however, he denied and said his real name was O’Donoghue.

   O’Donoghue’s remains will be taken to McLean for interment.

   [On the 2d day of September, 1853, the first and only death penalty ever inflicted in Cortland county was paid by Patrick O'Donohue, for the murder of Mrs. Jane Ann Kinney, of Truxton, on the 3d of September, 1852. The following account of the tragedy is condensed from Goodwin's history:

    "O'Donohue's daughter, Elizabeth, a girl of ten years, had been forbidden to visit the house of Mrs. Kinney. This command she disobeyed, and to escape the vengeance of her father's fiend-like temper, her two elder sisters secreted her in a ledge of jagged rocks, and then informed their father that she had been stolen. O'Donohue hastened from his work in the woods, accompanied by his wife and two or three children, all in a high state of excitement. He was falsely made to believe that the abductor was no other than the husband of Mrs. Kinney, whom he presumed to be his enemy.

    "A search for the little girl was instituted by the father and his son, the former carrying a loaded gun. The search was given up about the middle of the forenoon; at about this time Mrs. Kinney and her daughter were on their way to the residence of a neighbor, and of necessity had to pass by the house of O'Donohue. Just as they drew near it they were met by the murderer, who angrily asked Mrs. Kinney if she had seen Elizabeth. Receiving a negative answer, he flew into a terrible passion, leveled his gun and fired at Mrs. Kinney; the contents of the weapon grazed her side, causing her to stagger forward. O'Donohue was now more enraged than before. Reversing his gun he struck the defenseless woman several blows, the second of which dislocated her neck. Not yet satisfied he flew at the daughter, who had fallen from fright, and plunged the bayonet of the gun into her body; although she seized the weapon, the demon wrenched it from her grasp and thrust it again and again into her body. The tragedy was discovered, soon after it was committed, by Charles McKnight. As he approached the spot his life was threatened by O'Donohue, but he gained a full view of the victims. He advised the murdered to go to the village and give himself up to the authorities, presuming him to be crazy. He told him that men suffering from a diseased mind were not always responsible for their acts; perhaps he would not be punished. The murderer seemed to accept the counsel, for he, with his wife and son, started toward the village, where he was afterward arrested. His indictment followed at the October term of the County Court, and he was tried at the following July Oyer and Terminer. Hon. Schuyler Cripen was the presiding judge, associated with John S. Dyer and Noah H. Osborne. R. Holland Duell, then district attorney, and General Nye, appeared in behalf of the people; Horatio Ballard and Daniel Gott, counsel. The prisoner was found guilty of murder in the first degree, on the 3d of August, 1853. O'Donohue was hung in the court-house on the date before mentioned."—1885 Smith's History of Cortland County.]

 

NEUTRALITY IS ESSENTIAL.

Sympathy Must Not Interfere with Diplomatic Lines Between Nations.

   To the Editor of the Standard:

   SIR—Less than two years ago, the United States was engaged in war with Spain. While all of our citizens believed in the ultimate triumph of our arms, the fact was not overlooked that Spain had in many previous contests proved herself a sturdy opponent and had by her dogged obstinacy, as well as by the bravery of her men been able to make all of her wars long and severe, even when the conflict was with France under the leadership of the great Napoleon. Our people while confident and determined were not free from anxiety and apprehension. Every one can recall the intense interest with which the morning and evening papers, and the bulletin boards were scanned by eager eyes to ascertain what degree of success had attended our arms on land and on sea.

   But thoughtful people watched the newspapers and the bulletin boards with equal anxiety to ascertain what course the great European powers would take with reference to the then pending conflict. The newspapers and even the bulletin boards furnished rumors more or less defined indicating that two or more of the European powers were about to intervene in the interests of Spain. These rumors during the early weeks of the war were persistent and in some instances, not altogether devoid of foundation.

   The French press influenced doubtless by the fact that French citizens held a large amount of Spanish bonds, were in almost every instance partisans of Spain, and the press very naturally voiced the sentiments of the French people, especially in Paris and its surroundings.

   The tone of the German press was in the main unfriendly and the press of Russia not as friendly as we should have expected. So far as Austria was concerned its press was almost unanimously bitterly hostile and the Austrian government as hostile as its press. Austria would doubtless have gladly entered into any combination with the other powers to aid Spain. She showed clearly that such was her wish, but fortunately she was powerless to make her wishes effective.

   The result was that the European powers proclaimed their neutrality and fairly observed it, and even poor, despicable, and despotic Austria, failing in her efforts to form a combination against us, put on the garb of neutrality.

   So great was the feeling of indignation here against the treatment we had received at the hands of the French press, that congress came very near refusing any appropriation for, or to take any part in the Paris Exposition, notwithstanding the fact that the French government at all times remained neutral.

   If any government in Europe had failed to observe the neutrality due from a friendly power during the conflict between the United States and Spain, it would have aroused a storm of indignation, and very likely have resulted in a declaration of war against the power who had thus offended.

   The neutrality we were so insistent that the European powers should observe and which without exception they did observe during our war with Spain, is equally binding upon us at the present time. Notwithstanding the manifest propriety of our remaining strictly neutral in the unfortunate conflict now waging between England and the Boer states, there are those who insist that we should intervene in some way in the interests of the Boers and stop the war.

   The sympathies of the American people with almost one accord are with the Boers. The same feeling of sympathy and in equal measure existed for the Greeks when they were being crushed by Turkey. But sympathy for one contestant as against the other does not justify our violation of neutral rights or make it incumbent upon us to intervene in conflicts between foreign powers. To attempt such intervention would be dangerous as well as useless. Had the sympathy of the French, German, Italian and Austrian people prevailed in the late war with Spain, over enlightened diplomacy, and the usage which one friendly power has the right to expect from another friendly power, it would have greatly prolonged the war with Spain and very likely have resulted in a war with the other powers named. A failure to observe neutrality would make us a party to every controversy that might arise either in the old world, or upon this continent.

   In May, 1890, the country was ably represented in the Hague Peace Conference in which twenty-six of the principal powers of the world took part. The primary purpose of this “Conference” was to lessen the chances of war, by providing a board of mediation and arbitration to adjust international differences without a resort to arms. The mediation provided by this conference is purely advisory, but not compulsory.

   Our representatives, while anxious to aid in any effort that might tend to increase the chances of universal peace, did not propose to obligate the United States to enter into the controversies of the Old World, nor did they propose to abrogate our right to primacy in all questions relating to affairs upon this continent. How admirably our representatives succeeded in both purposes is best shown by the following provision, which they succeeded in having incorporated in the treaty.

   “Nothing contained in this convention shall be so construed as to require the United States of America to depart from its traditional policy of not intruding upon, interfering with, or entangling itself in the political questions, or policy, or internal administration of any foreign state; nor shall anything contained in the said convention be construed to imply the relinguishment by the United States of America of its traditional attitude towards purely American questions.”

   The Hague treaty was entered into many months before the Boer war began. When President McKinley sent his annual message to congress in December, 1899, the contest between England and the Boer states was then going on. In that message the president clearly states the willingness of this government to tender the good offices in the interest of peace, whenever desired by the contending parties. We quote briefly from the message to show the attitude this government has borne in reference to the Boer war:

   “The government has maintained an attitude of neutrality in the unfortunate contest between Great Britain and the Boer state of Africa. We have remained faithful to the precept of avoiding entangling alliances as to affairs not of a direct concern. Had circumstances suggested that the parties to the quarrel would have welcomed any kindly expression of the hope of the American people, that war might be averted, good offices would have been gladly tendered. The United States’ representatives at Pretoria were early instructed to see that all neutral American interest be respected by the combatants. This has been an easy task in view of the positive declarations of both British and Boer authorities that the personal and property rights of our citizens should be observed.

   “Upon the withdrawal of the British agent from Pretoria the United States consul was authorized upon the request of the British government and with the assent of the South African and Orange Free State governments, to exercise the customary good offices of a neutral for the care of the British interests. In the discharge of this function I am happy to say that abundant opportunity has been afforded to show the impartiality of this government towards both the combatants.

   “The contending powers have not asked the United States to mediate between them, though the good offices were substantially tendered as early as December last. There is ample evidence that this government has maintained absolute neutrality. In view of the traditional policy of this government, not to interfere in foreign controversies, we could not do more than we have done. There is not the slightest evidence that the administration has accorded any right to one of the belligerents that it has denied to the other. Sympathy for the liberty loving Boer in the hour of his peril is natural, creditable and properly finds expression in the public press and in public assemblages. Deep as is this feeling of sympathy, every intelligent citizen recognizes the obligation of our government to observe strict neutrality in all controversies not involving the rights of the United States, or its citizens.”

   Blatant mendacious demagogues like Sulzer and Lentz have sought to create a prejudice in the public mind, by charging that the observance of neutrality was in pursuance of an alleged alliance with England. Their assertion that such an alliance exists, or ever existed between this country and England, is unsupported by a single fact or a single circumstance, and has been met with prompt, explicit and emphatic denial. Those who make such charges have little confidence in the intelligence of the American people. They certainly cannot expect that sensible people will believe their mendacious falsehoods, and assuming that the fool killer has done his full duty, it is difficult to imagine where such falsehoods will find credence, unless they find receptive soil in some lunatic asylum and take root among the delusions of the chronic insane.

   There are doubtless some Anglo maniacs in this county, who might desire an alliance with England, but they are about as scarce as white blackbirds. They bear about the same ratio to our entire population that the Albinos bear to the entire colored race.

   England in its commercial and diplomatic relations is friendly with all powers, except the Boer states, but the word friendly must be considered in its diplomatic sense, for really England has but two friends in the whole world, one of which is her gigantic and well equipped navy and the other is her army. In parliament recently, Lord Roseberry stated that England had sought an alliance with Germany and the United States, and in tones almost despondent said, that both Germany and the United States had summarily declined to enter into any alliance with her.

  President McKinley in a recent speech expressed the exact situation when he said: “We are neither in alliance nor antagonism with any foreign power but on terms of amity and cordiality with all.”

   The doctrine of neutrality was not born in the conflict now going on in South Africa, but has been the settled policy of this government ever since the adoption of the federal constitution in 1789. It was not the policy of one political party and one administration; but the policy of all political parties, and every administration since the adoption of the constitution,

   RILEY CHAMPLIN, March 24, 1900.

   [The oldest law firm in the county at present is that of Bouton & Champlin, the partnership having been formed in 1869. Lewis Bouton was born in Virgil in May, 1838, and was admitted to the bar in 1867. In November, 1870, he was elected to the office of district attorney, which position he held three years. He was elected one of the justices of the peace in 1883, and is still in office. His partner, Riley Champlin, was born in Solon in 1838, and studied law in the office of Ballard & Warren, in Cortland. He was admitted to the bar in November, 1868, at Binghamton, and within a few months entered into partnership with Mr. Bouton. In April, 1870, he was appointed district attorney of the county in place of Alvah D. Waters, deceased. The firm has been very successful in business, and has attained a very satisfactory position at the bar of this section of the State.—Smith’s 1885 History of Cortland.]

 

Election Expenses.

   The following statements of election expenses have been filed in the city clerk’s office.

   Samuel N. Holden, Republican and Democratic candidate for president of the village of Cortland—Republican committee $25, Democratic committee $25, extra additional teams $5, total $55.

   Verne W. Skeele, Democratic and Republican candidate for trustee, Fourth ward—Democratic committee $5, Republican committee $5, total $10.

   Benjamin L. Webb, Citizens’ and Prohibitionist candidate for president of the village of Cortland—Citizens’ committee, $20.

   Eugene W. Bates, Republican and Democratic candidate for assessor—Teams, etc., $15.

   Edwin M. Yager, Republican and Democratic candidate for trustee, Second ward—Republican committee, $10.

   F. W. Higgins, Citizens' and Prohibitionist candidate for trustee, Second ward—Citizens’ committee, $10.

   Frank P. Hakes, Democratic and Republican candidate for school commissioner—Republican committee, $5.

   F. E. Whitmore, Citizens’ and Prohibitionist candidate for school commissioner—Citizens’ committee, $5.

   O. A. Kinney, Citizens’ and Prohibitionist candidate for school commissioner—Teams, printing, etc., $5.

   N. Jay Peck, Republican and Democratic candidate for school Commissioner—Republican committee, $5.

   Chas. F. Brown, Republican, and Democratic candidate for school Commissioner—Republican committee, $5.

   H. M. Kellogg, Citizens’ and Prohibitionist candidate for treasurer of the village of Cortland—Citizens’ committee, $5.

   E. H. Richards, Republican and Democratic candidate for treasurer of the village of Cortland—No expense.

   The following inspectors of election have filed statements showing no expenses: Harry Vunk, Oliver F. Allen, Geo. A. Loucks, Michael B. Burns, Frederick M. Quick, Allyn I. Edgcomb, Timothy P. Keefe, George Peters, John Tuthill, Judson L. Marritt, Joseph G. Jaryis and Chas. H. Miller.

   C. A. Lowell for school commissioner and R. D. McMillan for assessor—No expense.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The Y. W. C. T. U. met at 102 Clinton-ave., Saturday evening, March 24.

   —The snow is getting off in pretty fine shape without a season of high water.

   —The daily newspaper is on speaking terms with all classes. Therefore it is the best advertising medium.

   —The Delphic fraternity at the Normal [School] initiated four candidates in to the mystic shrine of Delphi Friday night.

   —A regular meeting of the Royal Arcanum council will be held Tuesday evening at G. A. R. hall at 7:20 o’clock.

   —Otsego County has decided to build a new county clerk’s office at Cooperstown at a cost of not to exceed $25,000.

   —A mass-meeting in the interest of the starving people of India will be held at the First Baptist church on Friday evening, March 20, at 7:30 o’clock.

   —George Moore of South Cortland has a White Leghorn hen that recently produced an egg scarcely larger than a good sized robin’s egg. It easily drops into an ordinary pill box.

   —The jury in the case of Tobias L. Rose vs. Harrison Wells which was on trial in county court, brought in a verdict of $75 for plaintiff Thursday. Court was then adjourned.

   —Helena Frances Dell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Bell, died at her home, 85 Lincoln-ave., Thursday afternoon. Her age was 2 years, 5 months and 19 days. Funeral Saturday at 2 o’clock at the house.

   —A law has been passed by the present legislature providing a penalty of $50 for a first offense, and $150 fine for subsequent violations for watering milk furnished to butter and cheese factories conducted on the co-operative plan.

   —The Gillette Skirt Co. moved Friday from the Wells block on Clinton-ave. to the building on Homer-ave., formerly occupied by the Cortland Corset company. Mr. Gillette expects to be ready to start business Monday morning in the new quarters.

   —Ralph Brown of the South Otselic fishline factory was in town yesterday calling on friends and looking after the spring trade. The fishline factory sold over $50,000 worth of its products last year and will probably do better during 1900.—Norwich Sun.

   —Twenty members of the seventh grade B of the intermediate department of the Normal school with their teachers, Miss Mantanye, Mrs. Smith, Miss McCarthy and Miss Snyder took a sleighride Saturday afternoon to McLean to visit Miss Bessie LaMotte, the other teacher of that grade.

   —The English grammer [sic] upon which Dr. James M. Milne has been working for more than a year past has been accepted by a leading publishing house, and will be brought out at once. It will be upon the market in time for the opening of schools in the fall. Critics who have seen the copy have said some very complimentary things about it.

   —The board of education will have to give new names to the ward schools now that Cortland has become a city and has six wards. We hardly knew how to refer to the former Second ward school in the mention of its reopening. It was once called the Schermerhorn-st. [Grace Street] school, was renamed as the Second ward school and is now located in the First ward.

   —The call for the Republican county convention at Taylor hall in the city of Cortland at 1:30 o’clock on Thursday, April 12, and for the Republican caucuses all over the county on Thursday, April 5, at hours mentioned in the call appears on the editorial page. The convention will consist of 159 delegates. At the county convention delegates will be elected to the state, congressional and senatorial conventions. The number of delegates to be elected in each district in the county appears in the call.