TURKEY AND RUSSIA, SUBJECTS KILLED, HUDSON RIVER DAMMED, TRAIN ROWDYISM, FAT MEN'S GAME, AND CORTLAND FAIR

 

Czar Nicolas II.

Sultan Abdul Hamid II.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, August 21, 1903.

YIELDS TO DEMANDS.

Turkish Minister So Informs Russian Ambassador.

ASKS SQUADRON TO WITHDRAW.

General Opinion of Europeans Is That Time Has Arrived For Vigorous Intervention In the Balkans—Insurgents Have Killed Bulgarians and Greeks Acting as Spies.

   Constantinople, Wednesday, Aug 20.—Tekfik Pasha, the Turkish foreign minister, yesterday visited the Russian ambassador and notified him that the Turkish government accepted all  the Russian demands and begged that the Russian squadron be withdrawn from Turkish waters.

   The news of the impending arrival of the Russian squadron is spreading notwithstanding the continued suppression of all news on the subject. The general opinion of the Europeans here is that the time has arrived for a vigorous intervention and the abandonment of all semi-measures which are regarded as the cause of the present rising.

   According to the Turkish official reports, the strongest positions of the insurgents are at Krushevo, Merihoro and Florina.

   The headquarters of the revolutionists are in the mountains in the vicinity of Monastir. Fortified dwellings occupied by Turks have been destroyed and Bulgarians and Greeks found acting as Turkish spies killed but women and children not molested.

 

Emperor Wilhelm II.

ENTERING A DARKER STAGE.

Insurrection Assuming Proportions Unexpected by German Diplomats.

   Berlin, Aug. 21.—The rising in Macedonia is regarded here as entering upon a darker stage. The insurrection is taking on proportions unexpected by the German diplomatic agents. Bulgarian feeling excited by the murders and tortures across the border is less restrainable by the Bulgarian government, and the movements of the Russian and British fleets add to the nervousness on the boerse and among the traders and bankers owning Turkish railroad shares or having commercial interests in Turkey.

   The German government maintains its passive attitude, with the desire to join the other powers in any communications to Turkey or Bulgaria designed to prevent war, and tending to confine the disturbances to an insurrection which Turkey must suppress.

 

M. Dimitri Rallis

Greek Subjects Killed.

   Athens, Aug. 21.—M. Rallis, the premier and foreign minister, has communicated to the representatives of the powers here the gist of the reports made by Greek consuls in Macedonia.

   It is stated that the Greek church schools and 322 houses belonging to Greeks at Ketchero have been blown up and that a number of Greek subjects have been killed.

   M. Ralli appeals to the powers to terminate the excesses in Macedonia.

 

Spier Dam.

HUDSON RIVER DAMMED.

Flow of Water Below Spier Falls Nearly Cut Off.

DAM 157 FEET DEEP, 115 BROAD.

Extends From Warren to Saratoga Side of River, 1,570 Feet—Reservoir to Be Filled Five Miles Long—Maximum of 50,000 Horse Power to Be Generated.

   Glens Falls, N. Y., Aug. 21.—The big dam at Spier Falls is completed. The four openings were closed by means of heavy gates and the completion of the great work was announced by a series of dynamite explosions.

   The closing of the gates cuts of absolutely the flow of the river at Spier Falls and the next 24 hours will witness an unprecedented change in flow of the Hudson. For a day or two the river between Spier Falls and Troy will be lowest in years. In fact the stream will be dry at various points and probably not a wheel dependent upon the water power of the river will turn. Milling interests will suffer temporarily, and navigation of the Champlain canal and the river above and below Troy will be greatly hampered.

   The dam extends from the Warren to the Saratoga county side of the river, 1,570 feet. It is of white granite 157 feet deep and 115 feet broad at the base. The reservoir back of the dam is more than half a mile in width and five miles long. It will take several days to fill it with water.

   The electrical equipment of the dam is designed to generate a minimum of 20,000 and a maximum of 50,000 horse power for the greater portion of the year. This power is to be transmitted through feeders to the various centers of distribution located within a radius of 45 miles from Spier Falls, to Troy, Albany, Schenectady and intervening towns and cities.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Suppressing Train Rowdyism.

   The Washington Post tells of a plan adopted by the Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern railroad to police its trains for the protection of patrons from drunken ruffians and hoodlums and from all persons whose conduct is annoying to the passengers. This determination of the officials of the railroad is most commendable and should be followed by similar action by other companies.

   The rowdy is a nuisance everywhere and shows no partiality in his selection of the railroad he is to patronize. Passengers who can afford to patronize the sleeping cars and parlor cars are practically exempt from the annoyances of this kind, but the occupants of the day coaches on nearly every train in the country are daily subjected to annoyance, and frequently to insult and abuse, by the rowdy traveler. One drunken ruffian is sufficient to disturb the peace and comfort of a car load of women and children, and other passengers are usually powerless to protect themselves unless some overt act is committed. The average traveler will submit to a great deal of offensive and indecent language from a rowdy before he will take the matter of enjoining good behavior into his own hands.

   The rowdy and the ruffian are in their element on excursion trains, where the crowds keep the train crews busy with duties other than looking after the comfort and protection of the passengers. The Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern proposes to detail competent police officers to accompany such trains to preserve order and protect peaceful passengers from insults of the hoodlums. The service will be extended as rapidly as possible to all passenger trains of the company.

   It is unquestionably the duty of railroad companies to protect its passengers from annoyance and insult as well as personal injury, and it is somewhat surprising that action similar to that of the Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern was not taken long ago by the railroads generally.

 

FAT MEN'S GAME.

Cortland Won After a Spirited Contest—Score 23 to 16.

   A good sized crowd witnessed the baseball game between the fat men of Cortland and Homer yesterday and it is safe to say that every one present enjoyed the occasion to the utmost.

   The game was preceded by a parade which was unique and mirth provoking enough. The home team were attired in white overalls and the Homer team made a striking appearance. Their team included clowns, hobos, buffoons, etc. Their costumes were excellent and the parade attracted considerable attention. It was headed by a Homer giant carrying the Stars and Stripes, next came a drum corps, followed by the officials of the day and the members of the two teams.

   The game was called about 3 o'clock and lasted seven innings, Cortland winning out by the score of 21 to 16.

   It was in the seventh inning that the game was won as eight locals crossed the plate during that inning.

   District Attorney Doud, who played first base for the locals, put up a good game, he got five hits out of six times at bat. McCarthy, Crabb and Mack also played a good game. Newcomb and Foster played good ball for Homer doing excellent stick work.

   The umpires were armed with horse pistols which they were forced to draw quite frequently. The pitchers often threw as wide as possible to avoid hitting the better but did not always succeed.

   It is expected that a return game will be played in Homer in the near future.

   The score by innings:

 

SCOTCH PICNIC.

Fifteenth Annual Reunion Held in Groton, N. Y., Wednesday.

   The fifteenth annual Scotch picnic was held last Wednesday at the home of Mr. O. Cross in Groton. That the clan spirit is still strong in the second or third generation is proved by the hold these gatherings have taken on the Scotch people of the section in which they have been held. Over one hundred people sat down to dinner in the tent erected by Mr. Cross on his lawn. Of the dinner and the good cheer it is enough to say that they maintained the tradition of past years.

   After dinner Cary D. Briggs pleased the company with an elocutionary entertainment of pantomimes and recitations. Mrs. Archibald Robinson of Ithaca recited a poem.

   Officers of the Scotch association for the ensuing year were elected as follows:

   President—D. MacIntosh of Locke, N. Y.

   Vice President—Mrs. Lena Stevens of Groton.

   Secretary—Fred J. White of Cortland.

   By invitation the picnic next year will be at the home of Mr. William Lamont of McLean. The date is to be changed to the last Wednesday in August. Those present from Cortland were, Mr. and Mrs. James White and family, Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Sears, Miss Flossie Sears and Mrs. A. J. Sears, Mrs. Kate J. Lamont and family, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Bouton and Archibald L. Bouton.

 

ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION

Of International Order of King's Daughters.

   The Loyal Circle of King's Daughters wish to call the attention of all the different circles of the county to the fact that the annual state convention of the International Order of King's Daughters will be held in Cortland next October.

   The home circle is doing all in its power to make this meeting a profitable one, and desire all others to join them in hearty co-operation.

   If any societies are working under the name of King's Daughters and are not members of the international order, they are earnestly requested to pay their dues and become members at once, so they can send delegates who can take part and vote at this convention.

   Any further information may be obtained by addressing the secretary.

 

PERSONALS.

   Mrs. John C. Barry and daughter Florence are spending some time at Mountain View in the Adirondacks.

   Miss Faith Santee of Towanda, Pa., is visiting her cousins, Coroner and Mrs. E. M. Santee at Elm Bluff cottage, Little York.

   Messrs. Dana M. Chaffee and Earl W. Bentley left yesterday for Blue Mountain lake in the Adirondacks for two a weeks' vacation.

   Daniel W. Carpenter, Company A, Seventy-sixth regiment, G. A. R., and family of Philadelphia Pa., formerly of Homer, are visiting Mr. Carpenter's brother at Homer and Martin Edgcomb, 36 Grant-st., Cortland.

   Coroner and Mrs. E. M. Santee returned last night from a visit among friends and relatives in Towanda, Hughesville, Williamsport, Pa., Candor, Wellsville, Hornellsville and Buffalo, N. Y., and Akron, O. They also attended the Santee family reunion at Akron, Aug. 15.

 

William Greenman.

THE CORTLAND FAIR.

Preparations for the Big Event Nearly Completed.

PROMISES TO BE THE GREATEST YET.

Good Weather Promised by the Weather Man—New Buildings on the Grounds—Fine List of Entries m All Departments—Many Special Attractions—Grand Display of Fireworks for Thursday Evening—Secretary Greenman Has Details Well in Hand.

   Final preparations for the Cortland county fair are rapidly nearing completion. Everything points to the largest and most successful exhibition ever given in the history of the Agricultural society. The record of past years has established the reputation of the annual Cortland county fair and it is confidently expected that in the record of attendance, list of entries, special attractions and general excellence the fair this year will eclipse ail predecessors.

Magnificent Fireworks.

   Secretary Greenman has just completed arrangements with the famous Payne Fireworks company for a $4,000 display of Manhattan Beach fireworks, to be given on the fair grounds [sic] Thursday evening. This will be the grandest and most elaborate display ever seen in this vicinity and will no doubt attract a large crowd of spectators. Don't miss the opportunity of seeing this pyrotechnic display as such chances are rare.

New Stock Sheds.

   It was a step forward when the society decided to build over one-eighth of a mile of new stock sheds this year, thus removing the monster tents from the center of the grounds, affording a large area of space for witnessing track events. Besides the stock building is moved south upon the fence line, furnishing a grand opportunity for sight-seeing which heretofore was practically unavailable for any purpose.

   It is hoped that the weather man has sent in a requisition for an abundant supply of fair weather for the four days, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. While Tuesday is the opening day there is always a big crowd on hand and there will be much of interest to view on this day which might be overlooked on the succeeding days.

   [We did not copy a long list of premiums or prizes—CC ed.]

 

Sage College at Ithaca, N. Y.

BREVITIES.

   —Hear the Ithaca band at the [Cortland] park tonight.

   —The days are growing shorter, about two minutes a day.

   —The old hitching sheds at the rear of the Presbyterian church have been torn down and excavation was begun this morning for the new manse.

   —The Presbyterian church at Trumansburg was struck by lightning during Wednesday's thunder storm. The damage done amounted to about $100.

   —The annual reunion of the Griswold family was held at the home of Charles Griswold Fitts in Dryden yesterday and was attended by 131 members of the family.

   —Sage chapel at Ithaca, upon which expert workmen and decorators are now at work will be, when extensive changes and improvements are made, one of the finest college chapels in the country.

   —The new trolley road from Oneonta to Richfield Springs is doing a great business, trains being run every hour. An express train is also run over the road several times a day, making the 40 miles in a little over an hour.

   —The new display advertisements today are—Giles, Fair specials, page 8; McGraw & Elliott, Roofs, page 8; Warren, Tanner & Co., New fall goods, page 6; Syracuse Trust Co., My bank, page 6; Cortland Business Institute, Success in business, page 6.

 

SUNDAY FILLER: I, PENCIL

 

NEGRO CONVENTION, BRIDGE CASE, HEAVY SHOWER, RETAIL CLERKS, LUKER-CLARK AND MOOT-FULLER WEDDINGS, AND LIGHTNING'S PRANKS

 

Booker T. Washington.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, August 20, 1903.

A NEGRO CONVENTION.

National Business League at Nashville.

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SPOKE.

Rapid Growth of Organization in Five Years—Way to Win Confidence and Esteem of the American People. Disadvantages of Negro and Jew in Europe Compared.

   Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 20.—Following is an abstract of the address delivered last evening by Booker T. Washington before the National Negro Business league:

   The National Negro Business league assembled here constitutes, I think I am safe in saying, the largest and perhaps the most representative secular organization among our people in this country. Its growth during the five years since its first organization at Boston, has been at a very rapid rate.

   More and more, I am glad to see, the black man is beginning to appreciate and take advantage of the opportunities for commercial and business development in this country. It is much wiser for us to emphasize opportunities than grievances. The world soon gets tired of the man or the race with a grievance. We must learn to be bigger than those who would insult us. We must learn to hold up our heads, and march bravely forward in spite of obstacles and discouragements. The mere fact that there can assemble in this beautiful state capitol building in a Southern state hundreds of colored men and women, from all parts of the country, representing as you do nearly every line of business in which the white man is engaged, is an indication of growth which is more potent and helpful than much abstract argument. The race that can produce such an assembly of men and women after only 40 years of freedom is one to be proud of.

   We shall succeed in winning our way into the confidence and esteem of the American people just in proportion as we show ourselves valuable to the community in which we live, in all the common industries, in commerce, in the welfare of the state, and in the manifestation of the highest character. The community does not fear as a rule the vote of the man, no matter what his color, who is a large taxpayer. It is not the negro who owns a successful business or works at a trade who is charged with crime.

   While we are in many cases surrounded with disadvantages, when we compare our condition and opportunities with those of the Jew in many parts of Europe, it is easy to see that almost every opportunity denied the Jews is open to us.

   The greater the difficulties to be overcome, the more strength we shall gain by succeeding. Every house owned, every farm cultivated, every bank account, every store operated, every tax receipt, is one influence which will operate tremendously in our favor.

   The negro is not ungrateful for all the benefits he has received at the hands of the white people of this country, and should on every proper occasion never fail to express this gratitude in no uncertain language. But the mere fact that we are not easily satisfied, and seek still further opportunities of advancement, is an indication of the value of the race. People who are easily satisfied are people of few wants. Wherever you find a race that is easily satisfied, and one that has few wants, there you will find a race that is of little value to its country, industrially, commercially, or in any other direction.

 

POMPEII IS THREATENED.

Lava of Vesuvius Has Taken a Course Like That of 1,800 Years Ago.

   Naples, Aug. 20—Vesuvius continues active and eruption has now lasted two weeks. On nights when there is no moonlight the spectacle is magnificent, the crater belching flames and smoke to the height of nearly 4,000 feet.

   In spite of the legend that Naples will be destroyed by Vesuvius, the Neapolitans truly believe that their patron saint San Gennaro, will stop the flow of lava with a gesture, should it advance too near Naples.

   The stream of lava, after flowing 2,650 feet in the direction of Ottajano has stopped, while the other stream is still moving and has reached a point 2,550 feet towards Pompeii.

 

Merchants' Bridge.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

The St. Louis Bridge Case.

   An interesting question is raised in the demand of the secretary of war upon the owners of the Merchants' bridge at St. Louis to show cause why the charter should not be forfeited for violation of the conditions under which the grant was made and the bridge erected.

   At the time the charter was granted the Eads bridge enjoyed an absolute monopoly of communication across the Mississippi and was charging tolls which the public considered excessive. So strong was the feeling that it was insisted that the charter for the new competing bridge should contain clauses for the revocation of the grant if the owners consolidated with any other bridge company, entered into any pooling agreement or its officers became the officers of the other bridge corporation. The Terminal association, composed of the railroads entering St. Louis, is said to have acquired control of both the Eads and the Merchants' bridges. It imposes a charge of 25 cents upon every passenger, whether he walks or rides, and $1.25 upon every freight car. This tax upon transpontine traffic has resulted in the creation of the town of East St. Louis, although upon a swamp, because manufacturers desired to escape the toll.

   The outcome of the pending litigation, in which the validity and wisdom of the antimonopoly provision of the charter are to be tested, will be awaited with general interest. While the question is vital to St. Louis, it is of concern to the rest of the country by reason of the principle involved.

 

Main Street, Cortland, N. Y.

A HEAVY SHOWER.

Cortland Visited by Worst Storm of the Season.

THE STREETS TURNED INTO RIVERS.

Sluiceways Blocked and Gutters Flooded—Drenching Downpour Came Just as Stores and Shops Were Closing.

   Cortland experienced the most severe rainstorm ot the season yesterday afternoon and last evening. The day was hot and sultry and just the day to generate thunder showers. It was a day which is called a "cyclone breeder" in the West, and the shower was by no means unexpected.

   The shower began to gather in the north about 4 o'clock and as it commenced to grow dark and the wind increased it was evident that the city was to experience a severe storm. Just before it began to rain the wind blew a gale and it was almost impossible to see on the streets on account of the dust.

   When it did begin to rain shortly before 5:30 o'clock, the water came down in sheets. In ten minutes [Tompkins] street in front of the postoffice was covered with water from curb to curb on all sides the entire square formed by the intersection of Main, Tompkins, and Port Watson-sts. being covered with water. The sluices were unable to carry it off and it came up over the walks to within six feet of the postoffice. It is said that the lower part of Port Watson-st. seemed a veritable river, being full from curb to curb.

   At the corner of Main and Court-sts. the water rose above the walks and flowed into the Randall garden.

   The new sluices under the Lackawanna tracks on Railroad-st. were unable to carry the flood and there was an overflow there for a short time. Employees of the Cortland Beef company endeavored to persuade one of their number to float through the channel, he to do so for $10. It took less than two minutes to get the $10 but the sum was evidently too small and the passage was not made. It was suggested that perhaps the water in Dry and Otter creeks rose high enough to induce some of the property owners there to subscribe more towards clearing out the channels of the streams and that it would be a good time for the committee to go among them for that purpose.

   The rain came at a bad time for those working in stores, shops, etc., and many did not get home until late, others started out at once and rode their wheels through water that reached the pedals. It continued to rain hard at frequent intervals until well into the night, but not enough to flood the streets as during the first part of the big shower.

 

CAUGHT IN THE SHOWER.

E. B. Richardson and Dr. M. R. Smith Have an Automobile Experience.

   Dr. M. R. Smith of McGraw had his first experience with an automobile yesterday afternoon. Upon invitation of E. B. Richardson of the City Cycle Co. he took a ride with that gentleman to Tully. The doctor bought a brand new automobile cap before starting out.

   The trip to Tully was accomplished without accident or mishap. On the return, however, they encountered the storm about a mile this side of Little York. As the rain increased the wheels of the machine began to slip, and as the downpour continued the automobile, as well as the riders, was drenched and literally soaked.

   The machine refused to go, owing to the combined influences of mud and water, and the assistance of Mr. Gutchess, who lives on the Little York road, was enlisted to bring the two to Cortland. The machine was left until the roads should become more passable and the prospects for a pleasure trip more inviting. They reached Cortland shortly after 9 o'clock. The doctor does not contemplate visiting his patients in an automobile just yet.

 

A Communication.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir—Local branch No. 870, R. C. I. P. A. wishes to express its thanks to the affiliated unions, and to the merchants and people of Cortland who have assisted them by their hearty support in the endeavor to secure the same rights extended to those of other crafts.

   It is known to every one that the mechanics, professional men, and even the Italian laborers who dig in the ditch rarely ever exceed ten hours of work in a day. Why then should the clerk be compelled to work twelve, fourteen, and even sixteen hours? Is his or her work any easier than that done by the others? Are the salaries any larger? Are the powers of endurance any greater?

   It would seem that some people consider the clerk a prodigy, at least as far as power to endure physical and mental work is concerned.

   In the large cities arrangements have been made whereby clerks need not work half the night after working all day. The stores are either closed or a new force takes up the work in the evening. In all other concerns this plan is followed. Why should it be considered unreasonable because they have asked the same right?

   The plan of closing so as to give the clerk a chance to get the amount of sleep and recreation necessary has been successful and it is to the trading public that they are largely indebted because they have found a majority of the people willing to do their trading in the day time.

   (Signed) E. M. Watrous, J. J. Ogden, W. C. Wolcott, Committee.

 

LUKER-CLARK.

Impressive Wedding Ceremony In Grace Episcopal Church Last Evening.

   Grace Episcopal church was last evening the scene of a very pretty wedding, the contracting parties being Charles Ross Luker and Frances Jane Clark, both well known and popular young people of this city.

   The church was decorated with ferns, golden rod and flowers, and with the brilliant lighting presented an attractive appearance. Before the ceremony and while the guests were arriving, the following musical program was rendered by Miss Jennie Guild at the organ.

   Allegro, C. H. Whittier

   Gavotte in B flat, Hendel

   Norwegian Wedding March, Soderman

   As the bridal party entered the church the Lohengrin wedding march was played by Miss Guild and at the close of the ceremony the Mendelssohn march was heard as the wedding party passed down the aisle.

   The ceremony was performed by Rev. W. B. Clarke of Seneca Falls, formerly of Cortland, assisted by Rev. W. W. Way, rector of the church. Harry A. Vail of Cortland acted as best man and Mss Alma O'Brien was bridesmaid. The ushers were Messrs. Herman W. Carver, Charles P. Dunbar and Charles H. White of Cortland and Frank F. Gray of Stony Point. The bride, preceded by the ushers and maid of honor, entered the church leaning upon the arm of her father, Mr. Nathaniel O'Brien, by whom she was given in marriage. She wore a handsome bridal gown of white silk mull over white satin, with a veil fastened with rosebuds and carried a large bouquet of bride roses.

   The maid of honor wore white dimity and carried a shower bouquet of pink carnations.

   A reception and wedding dinner followed the ceremony at the home of Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien on Washington-st. at which about thirty of the near relatives and friends of the bride and groom were present. The house was tastefully trimmed with sweet peas, asters, golden rod and ferns. Miss Grace Theis presided at the lemonade bowl, which was upon the enclosed porch and Mrs. O'Brien was assisted in serving by Miss Florence Park, Miss Allport and Miss Frost.

   The bride was generously remembered in the way of gifts, which included silver, linen, cut glass, articles of furniture and handsome pictures. Mr. and Mrs. Luker left on the midnight train for a wedding trip of about two weeks, after which they will be at home in Cortland.

   Among the guests from out of town who were present at the wedding were: Miss Rebecca Mosher of Rochester, the bride's aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gates and family, Mr. Thomas Luker, Miss Eleanor Wright of Little York, Miss Eleanor E. Miller of Rochester, Prof. George D. Sykes and Frank F. Gray of Stony Point.

 

MOOT-FULLER.

A Cortland Man Claims His Bride in Lincklaen, N. Y.

   A pretty and quiet home wedding occurred Wednesday at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Fuller in Lincklaen, when their youngest daughter, Mertie L., was united in marriage to Mr. Arthur Moot of Cortland.

   The ceremony took place at 11 o'clock and was performed by Rev. W. Jasper Howell, pastor of the First Baptist church of Cortland, assisted by Rev. F. G. Webster, pastor of the Congregational church of DeRuyter, N. Y. Irving Moot of Valley Mills, a brother of the groom, was best man and Miss Kirby L. Bradford of Homer was the bridesmaid. The wedding march was played by Mrs. F. M. Davis of Pitcher.

   About twenty-five guests from Cortland and elsewhere, besides the home friends, witnessed the ceremony. Hearty congratulations followed the ceremony and the wedding dinner was a bountiful feast. There were many beautiful presents, including silverware, furniture and a purse of nearly $200.

   After a brief wedding journey, Mr. and Mrs. Moot will be at their home, 6 Union-st., Cortland.

 

CALVERT FAMILY REUNION.

Held Wednesday at the Home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haskins.

   The third annual reunion of the Calvert family was held at the home of Frank Haskins near South Cortland yesterday and was attended by between sixty and seventy members of the family. People were present from New York, Brooklyn, Corning, Grand Rapids, Mich., and from various places in Cortland, Tompkins, Onondaga and Cayuga counties. Before sitting down to dinner two photographs of the family were taken and a third while they were at dinner, the photographers being Earl S. Haskins and Mr. Patchell.

   Shortly after dinner the president, Marvin Wood, called the assembly to order. Mr. Wood was re-elected president and Lamont Calvert, secretary and treasurer. The president called upon Rev. John B. Calvert, who reviewed the history of the family from 1780 to the present day in a most interesting manner. N. F. Webb, G. H. Hyde and Ben M. Jaquish of Brooklyn also spoke interestingly. The married and single men had a game of baseball in the afternoon in which the benedicts were worsted.

   Letters of regret were read from various members of the family. Everything passed off in a most enjoyable manner until in the return trip when many of the family were caught in the rain shower.

 

LIGHTNING'S PRANKS.

House on T. C. Scudder Farm Struck Last Evening.

   During the thunder storm which swept over this vicinity last evening, lightning struck the house on the T. C. Scudder farm, occupied by George Severance, on the back road to Homer. The roof was somewhat damaged and some of the clapboards were torn off. The bolt struck the chimney and also entered a room occupied by one of the men who works for Mr. Severance. The man received a slight shock but suffered no serious injury. A mirror in the room was completely shattered, the glass being broken into pieces so small that not one the size of a five cent-piece could be found.

 

BREVITIES.

   —An Italian giving his name as Corloman Mastrofort had the middle finger of his right hand taken off at Wickwire's [wire mills] this afternoon. He was taken to Dr. Higgins' office to have the injured hand dressed.

   —Potatoes are attaining a marvelous growth this season and some record breaking sizes are being reported. One of the Carmen variety was dug on the W. L. Bean farm at McGraw this morning that tipped the scales at 2 lbs. 3 1/2 oz.

   —The annual reunion of the Delevan family was held at the Cortland park yesterday. About seventy-five members of the family were in attendance and a most enjoyable time is reported. A full account of the gathering will appear latter.

   —Excelsior Hook & Ladder company No. 3 left on the 8:11 train this morning for Gloversville where they will participate in the annual parade of various fire departments in the firemen's convention which is being held at that place this week.

   —New display advertisements today are—L. & K. Freeman, Special sale of ladies' hats, page 6; Mitch, Men wanted, page 5; Hollister Bros., Perfection bread, page 5; Brokerage Co., Consumer's picnic, page 8; G. H. Wiltsie, Anniversary sale, page 5; M, A. Case, Fair week special, page 5; City Drug store, Spices, page 5.