1902

Taken from the Cameron County Historical Society microfilm files of the September 25, 1902 issue of the Cameron County Press.

Washington Letter

Washington, Sept. 22nd, 1902.

If the congressional campaign in the west is not started with a boom, it will not be from lack of interest on the part of the federal authorities. President Roosevelt has started west on a trip which will occupy nearly three weeks, and during which he will cover 5,438 miles. In addition to his regular physician, he is accompanied by Dr. Richarson, a Washington throat specialist, who will render such aid as is necessary to keep the President’s throat in condition for the trying amount of public speaking which is before him. It is confidently stated, by those in a position to know, that the President will advance no new and startling ideas, no innovations in political economy, but will appeal to the people on the ground of a plain common sense and the magnificent record which the Republican party has made in the past. He will warmly advocate his policy of transferring the control of corporations from the several states to the Federal Government and will remind his hearers that the same objections now advanced against this policy were advanced when the creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission was first advocated. The conditions which then governed the railroads, and which still prevail, have come to govern the great industrial corporations and the same general supervision by the federal authorities that has proved so salutary in the case of the railroads will prove equally efficacious in regard to the corporations, or “trusts.” He will present no new phases in his representation of the Cuban situation but will urge the people to uphold his hands in his efforts to secure reciprocity for the new republic on the ground that by so doing, he is carrying to its fulfillment the policy of his lamented predecessor and is sustaining the honor of the nation. He will discuss freely and frankly the tariff question and will prove to the people how chimerical and unsound are the arguments of those Democrats who would reduce the tariff and endanger the whole financial fabric of the country for the purpose of retaliating on a few trusts which are taking advantage of their power to unwarrantably advance prices. On the other hand, he will declare that the party is wedded to no particular tariff schedule and that, as conditions necessitate, it will modify such schedules as have outgrown their usefulness. He will easily demonstrate that the welfare of the nation demands that such changes in the tariff as it may become necessary to make be made by the Republican party which created it and which is capable of revising it, rather than by the Democrats who are avowed unbelievers in the protection of American industries and maintenance of the high wages now received by American workmen.

In addition to the President, Secretaries Root, Shaw and Wilson have also gone west and will address audiences at various points. Secretary Root, whose destination is Peoria, will take the occasion to pay a high tribute to Gen. Wheaton who makes his home there and who was recently retired. Secretary Shaw will elucidate the policy of the administration from the standpoint of a businessman. Secretary Wilson will address a few audiences on political questions but in the main he will confine himself to an explanation of the practical benefits which his Department is accomplishing for the American farmers and outlines of the work the Department now has under way but the results of which will not be attained until some future date. Before leaving Washington, Secretary Shaw increased by $10,000.00 the deposits of the government in the regularly appointed depositories in New York thus obviating shortage of currency at that point, which has recently been made a factor in the stock market. As might be expected from President Roosevelt’s cabinet officers the speeches which they contemplate making will be in no sense, strongly partisan, but rather an accounting of their stewardship and an explanation of the plans along which they will work in the future.

Stop That Spitting

Dr. Benjamin Lee, secretary of the State Board of Health, is sending out notices to the effect that the Board has adopted a resolution requiring cities and boroughs to enforce the ordinance prohibiting the spitting on sidewalks, floors of cars and public places. The penalty for a violation of the ordinance is $5 to $25 fine or imprisonment.

Train Robber on Buffalo Flyer

Last Sunday night an attempt was made to rob the Buffalo Flyer which leaves here at 12:10. The robber performed his work with a boldness that stamped him as a professional.

Never before in the history of this section has there been an attempt to “hold up” our railroad trains. Evidently for fear that Teddy Roosevelt would bore some of those western mechanics full of holes, they have come east and last Sunday night made their first grand stand play. Evidently the gang are scattered, for at the same hour that Buffalo Flyer was held up the passenger agent at Johnsonburg was attacked and beaten. The following dispatch from Williamsport gives a truthful account of the “hold up.”

When the train stopped at Emporium a man about 35 years of age, six feet tall and wearing a dark suite and slouch hat entered the front coach, which is divided into smoking and baggage apartments. He quietly occupied a seat in the smoking apartment until the train was passing Huntley, about four miles west of Driftwood, shortly after midnight, when, unobserved by the other passengers, most of whom were asleep, he tip-toed into the baggage car.

Baggage master Whitehouse of Renovo, who was in charge of the car  was in a stooping position, doing some work. He heard some one enter, but thinking it was one of the train crew did not look up until he felt the cold muzzle of a revolver thrust into his face.

“If there are any valuables or money on this train I want them and I want them quick,” said the desperado. “Hold up your hands or I will bore you full of holes. I mean business and my time is limited.”

The surprised baggage master had no alternative but to obey the order to hold up his hands, and he then told the intruder to help himself, knowing there was little of value in the car.

Keeping Whitehouse covered with the revolver the desperado made a hurried but thorough search of the car including the pigeon-holes used for sorting the mails. After convincing himself that there was no booty to be secured the man backed out the door.

Whitehouse at once telegraphed to Renovo and a posse of special officers were on hand and surrounded the train when it arrived. The desperado, however, had either jumped from the rapidly moving train before it reached Renovo or escaped unobserved through the posse.

A number of arrests have been made but up to the hour of going to press it is not known whether the would be robber has been captured or not.

First Fork

Dr. D. D. Colcord, celebrated his 81st birthday to-day. Several of the “old timers” were invited in and dinner was served. Uncle Hugh Caldwell was the oldest one present, being about 87 years old. Old time reunion scenes were reviewed and on leaving the guests wished the Dr. many happy returns of the anniversary.

Goss Bro’s cellar was entered by a burglar - not a sneak thief last Monday night and  a quantity of eggs, butter, bread and milk taken. No arrests have been made as yet.

The mill men have moved into their new houses, and will soon put up a mill.

Cameron

John Schwab visited Emporium Friday evening.

Adam Richey returned home the first of the week with a “high stepper.”

Tim Kenealy and son Nick were called to Austin last Friday to attend the funeral of the former’s grand son.

Men are busy at work clearing away the rubbish from the old mill site for the new mill, which will be here in a short time.

J. A. McFadden wears a broad smile since Monday on account of the arrival of that little girl at his home. Grandpa, Ed. has opened up to the boys.

Personal Gossip

Little Arthur Baldwin, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Baldwin on East Allegany avenue, who has been very ill, is now rapidly recovering. Mr. Baldwin’s youngest daughter, Katherin, has also been quite sick, but is now convalescent. Dr. Baker is attending them.

Ralph Ostrum, of West Creek, severely cut his right knee with a corn knife on Tuesday. Dr. Baker was obliged to put in ten stitches to close the wound.

Jasper Harris visited Buffalo, N.Y. and other cities the past week. M. J. Harris, of Olean, was looking after his store during his absence.