llliiiii o"^ i ^0^3 - "W^r^^sfiM^^^-aisM^QhsQM^Qka&M^KsfiJM^ Woi'-sGM^'^sfurC^ -1896- ^1897- ...THE ANNALS OF CLEVELAND, r r ^i A Review Of the First Year of Our Second Century. ••*=EoiTED Br Eugene Zerno.=*~ PRICE, 25 CENTS' — PUBLISHED BY — THE ANNALS PUBLISHING COMPANY, ROOM NO. 54, CASE BUILDING, CLEVELAND, OHIO. PRESS OF THOMAS & MATTILL, 265-265 WOODLAND AVE., CLEVELAND. TiKl^ .^f Our CV^ebTAtioB Tie Ci"v CoL-_--, TIfce SpriTi^ Klec: - X XI < »r Schools^ M^5:c b>ueU^ PaM f'i nd I ^resent. hofik WdiM with nut a hundrt^A ytcur^ a^o, Of t/yiljng th/yi; r/Lartfe of traide By ban4 of man a p^aerlefe* beauty nia4/e. 'Tw«» thien a wil4 -expanse unturnie4 the «^, It« \'\r%\n fe^/il al/yne l^/y re4 men trod; Yet heritage from O'^yd ty> man \itt\fm Where he i>houhl buiM, *hryuM t/yil, and reap and tjow, A va«t estate that would by proper care And nature* help beoc/me in beauty feir, A tempting pla/jt where man in eaf>e should rest, Arid from his Ua\ and enterpri{>e be blest. It* tyeauteous lake, its lovely wo^yds and streams. Us rolling lands, its shady, deep ravines, Combined t/> makfz in natuf way A ^rdt^n bjxyt where man sK . g to stay. Where he should build and exercise his brain, And add by knowledge t/y this great domain. In all the workings of his living day. Where he should live in peace, and toil and pray. And build by works of good an honored name, Till all around should know and read the fame Of this fair city by l/ake Erie's shore S^v strong in beauty and of go^ydly store. And now behold the record of the past, Survey full well the scene s^y great and vast ; Heboid the city which now proudly stands A welcome greeting with her open hands. To all of just repute to cease to roam And here in Greater Cleveland make their home, Where nature smiles, and art and science show How much of good a hundred years can grow. 7/ie Scrih/i for Wliilf Yn/alun f^,iini. TEL.EPHONE 1V39. ADOLPH R. NUNN, UNDERTAKER AND EMBALMER. CARRIAGES FURNISHED FOR ALL PURPOSES. EVERYTHING NEW. 1097-1099 LORAIN STREET, CLEVELAND, O. MRCHITECTS. C. F. CRAMER, Associate. F^oom 3o. 89 Euclid flvenue. Telephone 2650. Home Telephone 545. THE ANNALS OF CI^E^V^E 13 1896 1897. A REVIEW OF THE FIRST YEAR OF OUR SECOND CENTURY. EDITED^ BY EUGENE ZERNO. SECOND COPY, 57935 I^HINGS present themselves to iis in the way in which we are accustomed to look at them. As mental visions differ, the same thing never appears the same to two of us. Bear, therefore, with an honest man's opinion, whatever it ma}' be. Such should be tolerance in the present, as it will be in future times. The Editor. Copyrighted, 1897. ^i^^m^^ Looking Backward. NASCITUR. It was some time subsequent to the discovery by man that the Creator had caused the earth to exist for the benefit of hu- manity, that Columbus discovered America — and Moses Cleave- land the spot at the swamp-hidden mouth of the Cuyahoga River, where, in 1796, he purposed founding a city. The record of the event first named above is of some consequence, inasmuch as the editors of our urban newspapers seem to observe the order of things as in a mirror, the city of Cleveland first, the rest of the universe later in date. I propose writing the true history of our beautiful town. In the light of the present, it is remarkable that the land upon which Cleveland stands to day was owned, a century back, by a company or corporation of real estate men ; a class which would be referred toby many citizens as that of "land-sharks," for whom Moses Cleaveland acted as agent. I have often won- dered that this fact has never occurred to our Franklin Club, and that its members have never filled him with dynamite as he stands alone and unprotected upon the Public Square. Nothing easier, for this bronze man is a hollow man. The real, but now defunct Moses Cleave- land, was undoubtedly a man of courage and enterprise — note his long, energetic nose, and well-rounded, protiuding chin. As the gen- eral agent of the Connecticut Land Company, which bought millions of acres as would an up-to-date syndicate, he must also have been a shrewd man. Moses surveyed the land and left the rest for the people who came after him. It was a rude task — this doing "the rest." Tiue, the Indians of the neighbor- hood were of a peaceful disposition — from an Indian point of view. After Mr. Cleaveland's departure, three white men remained behind him, whose names are the first and last of the list we give later on. A few small houses, not as strong as the Centennial block house standing until recently upon the Square, were erected near the mouth of the river, the waters of which were then less noisome than nowadays. It must be true that the advance of civilization pollutes Nature's courses. We seem to be an un- clean set. The advent of another pioneer, in the person of Ed. Paine of Painejrville, niaiks the first epoch in our history. He of Painesville was a trader by trade. He dealt exclusively with the Indians and made their furs fly while his whisky kept their legs dancing. A few more people arrived "in town." We began to increase by inches, one of our early fathers becoming the husband of Chloe Inches, a servant girl employed by Lorenzo Carter. But let not your hearts be troubled, for even though one of our fore- mothers was a servant girl, yet was one of our forefathers a gentleman able to employ one. I mention this fact as one of equal consolation to rich and poor, both of which classes may partake of our })ride in our Cleveland ancestry. At the end of the last century there were, besides the Car- ters, the Doan, Edmonds and Hawley families in Cleveland. The rest of the people — stragglers, chiefly — lived in the immediate neighborhood, in Newburg and Kinsman. Having Newburg already at hand, the next thing in order was to lay out a grave- yard. People began to die before they were well rested in this neighborhood. The saloon could not have been at a great dis- tance. Cleveland became part of a town — at least, a county seat, in 1810. The first memorable occurrence in our history was the session of a court, a fact which chimes with the civilization of our century. Two years later a court house was built and a murderous Indian was hung. The place of execution was our beautiful Public Square, since then desecrated once more by the slaughter of the Artistic Sense upon the same spot. In the month of June, 181 2, the clarions of war caused no little consternation among our brave townsmen. They hurried from their homes — not to meet the enemy, but to seek salvation in flight. A few, however, true patriots, organized an armed force, 56 strong, to defend their country. The English forces dared not come near us for two months following. In that time General Perkins and Elisha Dibble arrived with their troops, engaging in bloody warfare the few hostile Indians and Redcoats who dared bear arms against American independence. Neither side gained much through the miHtary tactics of the enemy. An arsenal was built, giving the town the distinction of becoming a military post. The victory of Oliver Hazard Perry belongs to the history of the nation, and I refrain from narrating the events of September 13, 1813, on Lake Erie. But here is a bumper to you Oliver — one of the big bum- pers you emp- tied with a rel- ish. May you acknowledge it gracefully, for we have treated you shabbily in these days of degen- eracy ! Albeit, it is not our fault that the sons of the Rebellion have relegated to the lower shelf the sons of the Revolution. OUR BOYHOOD. The restoration of peace found us with a population of a hun- dred souls. We had now waxed sufficiently strong to withstand our first dose of politics and a bank. The latter was founded by Leonard Case, a man of sterling quality. Political activity was instituted by the first men who found it profitable to meddle with their neighbors' affairs. In the year 1817 a church was erected at the corner of St. Clair and Seneca streets. We were in possession of nearly everything a community is more or less in need of: A tavern, school house, prison, gallows, government with its tax-gatherers, graveyard and church. I mention the church last, because its functions are to guide us to heaven after our earthly careers are ended, to open the gates with a brotherly "bon voyage." A railroad, whose reckless employes alarmed our city fathers by running trains through the city at the frightful rate of twelve miles an hour, survived from the many attempts at railroading (which developed general- ly only "two streaks of rust and a mortgage") and it became possible to make the trip through the State in less than a week. We were thus connected with our rival city, Cincinnati, and became a lake port of some consequence. Even the penurious Congress awoke to this fact at length, and an appropria- tion of $5,000 for improve- ment of our harbor fol- lowed. The old river bed was abandoned and a new ' one made. Piers and docks - were built. How busy our fathers were. Quite as busy as ~ "- '~ we are nowadays, un- doing their work, remodeling, enlarging, digging, building — talking. In 1834 was built another church, which was four years later consumed by fire; perhaps a deserved fate. In its place the Old Stone church, still standing, was built. It really appears that churches were as much needed then as now. The people of Cleveland fell a prey to the fever of specula- tion. A business and building "boom" was inaugurated in Ohio City (now the West side) by the Buffalo I^and Company (land cormorants, in later phrase) and for a time everything bloomed and boomed. People generally believed that they were becoming rich, until the inevitable reaction set in. It was then discovered that if we had advanced one step it was only to be hurled back two and three. We, the people, were pros- trated for a time, which might have been used to better advantage. A quarrel prevented a hopeless collapse. The people of Ohio City were envious of their neighbors of Cleveland, which surpassed the trans-Cuyahoga town in many ways. They were a proud people, and were wont to look upon Cleveland as a younger sister of theirs, their char- ter having been issued March 3, 1836, while Cleveland's articles of incorporation were dated March 5, 1836. Real estate men, ever active, helped matters along. Two of them built a bridge over the river to facilitate traffic between the two cit- ies. The good people of Ohio City mistook the peaceable structure for a menace and knocked its timbers from under it. A lawsuit followed, our friends came to their senses and an era of prosperity followed. According to optimistic philosophers we are still "in it," thanks to the L,ord. In the van of this era was a city election which gave us a mayor, a few other officials, a half dozen councilmen and three justices of the peace. Later on another school house and two additional public buildings were erected. Then followed a rail- road (in 1 851) to Columbus. In 1854 Ohio City surrendered and became our West Side, adding 4,000 inhabitants to the 20,000 souls of the rapidly growing town. Waterworks, a street rail- road and a market house were the next improvements. In i860 the city contained 43,836 inhabitants, including many patriotic citizens who took up arms and faced the sea of trouble which in the following 5'ear flooded the entire country. There were others — others who preferred to evince their patriot- ism by sending substitutes to the fields of battle. They, too^ were loj'al citizens, for they opened their purses (never mind that the generosity was compulsory to a degree), a heart-rending ta.sk to many good people. The monument upon the Square pays a loving tribute to tho.se who risked or lost their lives in that long, brotherly season of bloodshed — -the pension bureau does the rest. 1 1 In the years following the close of the war our city grew with the rapidity and effulgence of a mushroom, in all directions ; it became an industrial center, a real lake port, a home for the wealthy who created Euclid avenue with all its splendor, and were wise enough to preserve the grand old trees, nature's gift. Have you never, on a rainy day, when the atmosphere was laden with the outpour from thousands of chimneys, gazed south- ward from the Superior street viaduct ? Should you fail to appre- ciate the beauty of the landscape then, I opine that you lack the soul of an artist. It is the picture of a dream such as dreams the devil —who is, with all his faults, a painter of merit. Go, look and ponder. -ui — 7 -_s.r^. The society for Atmospheric Purity can not be sensitive to the picturesque, though it counts among its members a Professor Olney and a "Cooney" Mizer. We are a practical people. The history of our Public Square will demonstrate it. A court house and a jail graced this green spot in bygone years. Then came a revulsion of sentiment, and iiowers grew and Perry's pretty monument arose upon it like an enchantment— only to vanish, like other sweet visions— for it was seen to have been all a mistake. In the light of newly - a Cleveland artist (Bandlow), and were built in this city. * * * Jupiter Pluvius still interfered with the festivities. The soldiers felt that they were seeing service of the severest kind, but the official program went on. It became a bit tiresome, as we went from one celebration to another. The bicycle parade made a hit. It was modern, brilliant, full of color and motion. Viva le bike ! More meetings. More parades. A beautiful floral exhibi- tion. The Knights of Pythias encampment, full of gayety and pleasure. Finally, the celebration of Perry's Victory. Of Woman's Day I find one wicked mention among my notes. It reads thus : 23 "Woman's Day. — The exercises at the Central Armory on Woman's Day drew a large assemblage of the fair sex. I stood at the door, listening to the speeches. An elderly, heavy-set lady spoke with a loud voice, the ring of which, more metallic than pleasant, filled the vast hall. All that I was able to under- stand were the words: 'Beer — millionaires— something radically wrong in Cleveland. ' "I thought so myself, and left — on account of the great heat pervading the hall." THE CENTENNIAL BALL. There exists at least one woman who will not soon forget the Centennial Ball. Not so much on account of its great splen- dor, its social success, its unique "raison d'etre," but because oi her meeting with an adventure as annoying to herself as amus- ing to the spectators, will the fete cling to her memory. It had, as usual, been raining during the day and evening, and it was her misfortune to place a dainty foot, on alighting from her car- riage, in one of the nvimerous mud puddles in the neighborhood. As she entered the blazing ball-room (at the Gray's Armory), a long and broad streak of mud became visible. It formed a band, a foot in width, in the front of her white, silk skirt. The elec- tric light shone mercilessly upon the stain and forced the lady guest to retire from the hall. My heart went with her. It grew dark before my eyes, but when vision returned all was changed. Governor Bushnell, the superb cavalier, was bowing in courteous attitude before a lady. Both, however, had congealed to marble statues, white as snow. In great bewilderment I looked about the hall. Wherever my gaze rested I beheld couples or groups of guests, all rigid stone. The picture was full of animation, but the actors were void of life, warmth or movement. I seemed to be lost in a museum of Grecian sculpt- ures. I recognized many faces — no Venus nor Apollo among them. Little of the ideal beauty of classical art could be detected. 24 The forms were those of everyday people. Some were too full; some angular. No silken gowns or fine embroideries hid the faulty lines of the white and lifeless statues. Evidently I had gone astray in some museum of modern sculpture, probably an exhibition of the works of materialistic art. I observed that, even though modern artists had lost the sense of the beautiful, they were eminently successful in portray- ing the facial characteristics of their subjects. Every marble face betrayed the thought of the living being at the moment of transmutation. Here was a smile frozen to the lips; there a grin. The lines of one face were disdainful ; another bore an expression of scorn. The scornful face looked into that of a young man of mean appearance. Apparently the owner of the face was not over pleased with an invitation to dance. The eyes of a beautiful male statue were fixed upon a lady who seemed to enjoy a confidential confab with another man-figure. They looked almost life-like in their earnestness. The grotesque was approached by the statue of a corpulent woman, leaning upon the marble arm of an attenuated young man. This group was watched by a comely, slender maiden, whose face was full of solicitude. Another young woman was immortalized in the act of secretly wiping a tear away. Near her stood a young man in the act of blowing his nose with a handkerchief. The linen had doubtless crumbled to dust. The musicians, frozen, like the guests, in the midst of the fete, formed a picture at once life-like and amusing. As I paused, admiring the great skill and natural execution of the unknown sculpture who had created the marvels before me, the arm of the bass drummer moved suddenly. I was startled, and heard a loud "thud." l^o my mortification I discovered that I had fallen asleep, and had been rudely awakened by the dropping of my head upon the railing of the balcony whence I had been looking down upon the brilliant scenes of the Centennial Ball. It was i o'clock in the morning, and I had been afoot all the previous day. 25 The celebration finally wound up in a "fizzle." The fire- works exploded an hour prior to the time set. The sham battle was fought before a vast multitude of people, who were unaware of what was going on before their eyes. It was a sham battle in the severest sense of the term. As the last public demonstration came the popular "howl" next day. The Centennial Celebration began July 19 and ended Sep- tember 10. For it weie expended $70,000 in fireworks, decora- tions, parades, meetings, and arch and other ephemeralities. We enjoyed ourselves like children, and when all is over grumble over our folly. Still, the log cabin is left. It might have been a prouder monument- that's all. ^^^^^^^^^^^; 26 McKinley vs. Bryan. THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF 1896. The remarkable presidential campaign of 1896 found, in Cleveland, its most varied expression upon our Public Square. There politicians of all shades expounded their theories. Upon that beloved spot the man who called not a dollar his own coun- selled the nation and its millionaires as to their financial policy. There will the coming Revolution (?) be fought. Beware of the Square ! Was not the mayor Forced to appear upon that historic spot, after the police had arrested a number of the "people's orators," and assure the infuriated "mob" that the freedom of speech should not be impaired? Somehow or other, it seems that the guardians of the peace must always be first in breaking it. At all hours of the day and night groujjS of men could be seen assembled upon the square. Half the populace had turned orators — some bad, some mediocre and a few good. Populism made considerable headway. At length the campaign commit- tees found it expedient to send emissaries to stop the tide of anarchistic (sic) doctrine. Gold and silver floated in the air like soap bubbles, intangi- ble, but pleasant to behold. Money talkers (but not money mak- ers) were present. The latter pulled the wires while the former danced. It was a never-to-be-forgotten sight. After all (hats off!) many a sound argument was advanced from the riclcety board rostrum. The people of the United States, mark you, are not confirmed in folly, though as good-hearted as those of any nation. They are so patient, too. One need fear no upheaval as long as politicians utilize argument for weapons. 27 Mckinley. Myion T. Herrick bowed low toward his own carriage, which he had left but a moment before to enter the Sociel\- for Savings building. Thus, with due respect, he saluted his friend, William McKinley, Jr. , the next president of the United Slates, who was at the time his guest. I like Myron for this courtesy of a well-bred gentleman. Grand Dieu ! If your friends lift not their hats to 3^ou, your enemies never will. Mr. McKinley, it must be said, has little of which to com- plain in the treatment which he received at the hands of his political adversaries. As a gentleman and a citizen, at least, he was respected by all. Even his political record, though turned upside down and inside out, gave little satisfaction in the way of criticism to the searching eyes of the eager and hungry news- paper wolves around him. Was it a golden mediocrity that protected him ? I shall dwell upon neither the monej^ controversy nor the tariff question, because neither has ever yet been solved and neither will be settled until universal socialism has become reality. No tariff and no money will be required in that felicit- ous future millennium. Certain it is that Mr, McKinley is a man of fair abilities, good working power, a model husband (your bow is acknowl- ■edged, ladies), a loving son, an earnest citizen. There be those, however, who doubt whether he will prove firm as a president. Mark Hanna's ascendancy upon the political horizon has some- w^hat overshadowed our Napoleon of tariff fame. He is not the only rock in the ocean. Yet he represents all that is staple, today, and all disinclination to fall into the abyss of the social question is embodied in him. He stands for our culture, our institutions, our manufactur- ing interests. He is a friend of workingmen, and they are his friends. We refer doubters to the result of the election. Our next presklent is a pleasant and social gentleman, a man of tact and deconim. Dignity is a fitting quality in a man chosen to high office, and is not to be lightly regarded providevi it be not a mantle to co\*er the hollowness of a quack. Reiiig no disciple of Jeffersonian Democracy, no reason called him to go among the people and preach his political doctrine. The pev^ple went to him and he spoke of pleasant thingfs. referred to his and their patriotism, praised their common-sense in matters of national importance, and prophesied a brighter future. Mark my word — his prophecy will be fulfillevl. Sunshine follows rain, even in human affairs. Who will ^ly that Mt MoKiuley is not a wise man — ^a seer of the future? He has been called a man of one idea. But what if that one idea be the idea that gives work to the unemployed and secures for every woikingman a fair wage ? If his idea furnishes the means to these blessings, it is not his fault that the manutacturer pockets the profits. He can h;irdly prevent that. We of Cleveland have seen and heard much of Mr. McKiu- ley during the past summer. He was our guest. We cheered him and he bowed and smiled upon us. He spoke to us in nice, scholarly phrases, and here, as in Canton, his words were pleas- ant. And why should not the sky appear rose-hued to him ? He has reached the goal of his life's ambition, his triends are numer- ous and powerful, his health and appetite are good, he sleej^s well and must view with pleasure the prospect of going to Washing- ton clothed in a suit made entirely of American fabrics. An urbane occupant of the presidental chair promises to give a pleasant tinge to the disappointment of unsuccessful politicians. If Mr. >CcKinley succeed in this, peace and prosperity must soon pre\-ail the cc>untr>- over. All hail to our new president 1 29 MARK HANNA. Our u^wiisnian, M;irk Hajina, did not make jjolilics his busi- ness. He rather made a business of politics. The ever-success- ful business man, Hanna, was therefore sure to succeed in politics. The event proves our assertion. He mu.st have conducted the presidential campaign in the same manner as he attends to his large business interests. The organization of liis forces was per- fect. He proved himself the posses.sor of the eagle eye and massive brain of the High Sheriff of Nottingham, but he also proved a better jester than that important personage of comic opera, 'i'hcre is a striking similarity between the opera and the last campaign. The worthy sheriff fought robbers, outlaws, men of the road. Our Marcus Alonzo denounced the silverite host as anarchists, cheats and frauds. The majority accepted the joke in dead earnest and worked with a will to destroy this band of fire- brands. I venture that Mark Hanna often laughed over the success of the farce — played, I will also admit, for the good of his coun- try. He understood his fellow citizens better than his neighbors. He played upon their patriotism, their selfishness, their conser- vatism ; in short, upon their good and bad qualities. Who will deny that it was a masterly hand that swept the multifarious strings of his political instrument? Our Marcus Alpnzo has been attacked as a monster. His enemies do not know him. He is a man of many good qualities — even a man of heart. He can not be classed with the "Pluto- crats," the rich men of the Eastern States. His tastes are sim- ple. He loves pleaj-ant company, enjoys a good joke, laughs heartily and is as accessible to a poor man as the next of us. His business methods are those of every business man in the country. In that respect he is neither better nor worse than his peers, but to his business affairs he applies an enormous power for work, a clear vision, a money-making talent. 30 His love of politics is rooted in his fondness for strife and conquest. He does not seek office — has no taste for it — but he rejoices in the power of a deus ex-niachinae or a United States senator. BRYAN. Since his defeat, the American people will accord Willian Jennings Bryan greater justice than before. He came as comes a comet, and disappeared like a Phoenix. After all, the boy- orator was a man captor. He will yet be heard from. If you will read with candor what I have to say, you will agree with me, for I am writing not as the "Leader," nor as a follower of "parties." It is not the men who march in the uni- formed ranks of polit- ical clubs who shape publicopinion,but the gifted citizens of the nation. Of such is Bryan. In this respect it matters little wheth- er he be right or wrong. You perhaps saw and heard him at the Central Armory. Unless they be mere jesters, there are few men of great eloquence who do not utter some })owerful truths. Bryan, whose honesty of purpose has never been as- sailed by the fair-minded among his opponents, was in earnest. If he quoted the Bible, he .spoke as did Christ to the poor. Err- ing, he yet voiced the manhood and the patriotism of our day. Neither a god nor a demon, he towered a giant above many patriotic pigmies. He attacked, like a fearless Roman, the 31 abuses of the times, and prescribed remedies of doubtful ingredi- ents. He was referred to as a bajazzo, but I say he has the forehead, the clear, friendh^ eye, and protruding chin of some great think ers and humanitarians of the world. No man of his power of speech, his breadth of comprehension, his grim humor, his sym- pathetic heart can be a charlatan. Political injustice can not change the harmonies of a great nature to monstrosities. The Republican leaders did not underrate this man, for their private speech concerning him was not in. keeping with their pulilic ut- terances. In political strife, as in war, "everything goes." Men are brutes, after all. The man was great even in the hour of defeat. He was 'tried in adversity and conquered himself. He sowed an idea, not cultivated a personal ambition. In doing him justice we are but just to nearly half our citizens. It would have been a mo- mentous spectacle, had milBons of our citizens followed an empty- headed, babbling, mouthing, insincere idol. It were folly to ignore the enthusiasm with which this leader of men was greeted, to regard as airy nothing the current of social reformatory ideas upon which he was raised and carried before the American na- tion. The sooner the Republican party takes cognizance of this Mene ! Tekel upharsin ! the better will it be for its own future and that of the entire country. DEBS. The hero of the workingmen, Eugene V. Debs. He spoke at Music Hall before an audience of boundless enthusiasm. Bryan's reception did not excel his. Debs, a tall, lean man, with a shining cranium, piercing eyes deeply set, and rather small and "foxy," is not an erudite speaker. His are the manners of a bajazzo, but the heart of a humanitarian. His gesture is violent, profuse ; his attitude sometimes painful. He stoops when reasoning, until he seems unable to resume an erect position. 32 The fluency of his diction is remarkable ; his language, how- ever, frequently commonplace. Still, he is not posing as a learned orator. He is the friend of the poor, and a workingman. I liked the following sentences of his speech : "There is a conflict between /-- s, man and the dollar. The dollar has ruled long enough. Lincoln said that man was born before the dollar." "The tramp has grown into a grand army ; his march — tramp, tramp, has grown into a funeral march to the grave. ^!^ Through his rags, through his squalor, I can see the lineaments of man." "I plead for no human sym' pathy. I ask office from no one. lyabor can give me no office. I pre- fer to remain free and speak the truth. The palpitating, the quiver- ing heart of humanity demands consideration from all true men." "It is becoming so now that a tnan who does nothing to earn the ;title of anarchist is a fit subject for .suspicion." "The New York press hailed Lincoln as a freak from the morasses of Illinois, and the Boston pre.ss said that a kangeroo had estaped from his keepers in the west." "The pulpit no longer dares to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In all His beautiful, self-denying life He never had a dollar. In this respect he differs materially from Archbishop Ireland. This priest of Christ, who has had time enough to 33 accumulate $1,000,000, has no real sympathy for the suffer- ing poor." SPARKS. Mr. X., once chairman of the Republican committee! It is remarkable how such as he should ever reach the top of the ladder; but, come to think, lightmaterialusually rises to thesurface. An owl's nest — the Democratic headquarters. The inmates seemed to fear their own incapability and locked themselves in. ' -The secretary appeared furious as a chained dog, ready to snap at every newcomer. Bryan association — Colonel Lipps, small in stature, small in politics. Charley Salen, an indefatigable newspaper reader. Poor results upon either side were the sequence of such leadership. It must be dirty work which is known as "practical politics," since our "best citizens" hold aloof from it. Hustlers were plenty in this campaign, but not of the kind which create bread and butter. The drones were flying about. SMALL FRY. Redeeming features: That not everyone becomes crazed over politics. That the entire nation regains its mental composure after election day. That the lies of the partisan press find yearly fewer believers. That political campaigns arebecoming campaigns of education. That the American school teachers are ladies. That the so-called anarchists existed only in the imaginations of people who do not know the meaning of the word anarchy. That we may still criticise the unjust findings of our courts of law. That workingmen in general are satisfied with their condi- tion since they repudiated the calamity howler on the other side. That McKinley is the Napoleon of the comic papers only. That our Public Square was not carried away as were some of the enthusiasts who listened to the speeches delivered thereon. That Mark Hanna was not declared a labor-crusher by his employes, for they must know the facts in the ca»e. That the golden days are to come, now that election is over. ROBERT E. m'KISSON. 35 Robert E. McKisson. AS MAN, POLITICIAN AND MAYOR. In one of the chairs upon the floor of our municipal council chamber, not many years since, there sat at each returning ses- sion a young man, beardless and rather pale in complexion. He was quick at repartee, vehement in argument (for he was fond of battle) and yet quiet and dignified in bearing. Ringlets of gold were formed by his hair upon an interesting head As a council- man he was a thorn in the flesh of the existing city administra- tion, as represented by John Farley. "The boy," was the appellation habitually used by that municipal giant in referring to his young adversary. They represented a modern David and Goliath. At the battle for spoils in the spring of 1895 Farley and his friend Blee were slain by the hero of the younger Republican element, who shortly before, at the primaries, had also routed the Old Guard of his own party. Thus Robert E. McKisson became mayor of Cleveland. Behold the young man in the administrative chair. Acci- dentally, perhaps, or by misadventure and through inexperience, he had himself deposited in the resting place of the great sundry sharp pointed tacks, which were for a time ministers to his own discomfort. Biting his lips (figuratively and actually) he reso- lutely brushed them away, whereat was heard from among the politicians more or less loud "squealing" and distant grumbling. A new era, however, dawned in our city afiairs. Youth and vigor supplanted love of comfort and repose. When mistakes were made their consequences were less serious to the welfare of Cleveland than the stagnant calm under which municipal aflfairs had been rusting for a decade or more. The mayor surrounded 36 hitnsell' with iiK-n of fair al)ilit\-, honesty of purjiose and good standing in the coninuinity. If in one instance he made a mis- take, he did not hesitate to correct it. The hitter fact demon- strates his possession of a iinn character, when all the circum- stances under which the remedy was ai)plied ire taken into consideration. As a man Ro])ert Iv McKisson is generally liUle known. Yet, a great part of the olhcial is made up of the man. So far as one may Judge from outward appearances the mayor is of a jiosi- tive nature, relentless, active, {luick-temjiered and somewhat moody. His mind is of a practical turn, lacking in imagination. As a speaker, therefore, he is uninteresting, without power of modelling language into beautiful [)iclures or of ex])rcssing happy thoughts in an attractive manner. He often falters, repeats himself or becomes confused and fails to find the right word at the right time. He is never carried away by his subject, but rather treats it in a foiuial wa>- — and very formal at that. He sticks to his "proposition," which in turn sticks to him. In polemical strife, however, he rises far above his habitual adversaries. His retorts are spontaneous, sharp as a tlagger, frequently personal and nearly always to the point. They (his retorts) spare no feelings and invariable hud the weak spot of Ihe enemy. They are quick as the stroke of a viper, and almost as venomous whenever his antagonist forgets the respect due his positi(m. h)ven Dan Reynolds, himself a valiant free-lance in debate, hnds it prutlent to couch his weapon before this master of verbal warfare. Mr. McKis.son is a man of plain habits. He likes, without yielding too much to the liking, pleasant company, but he is fond of teasing his friends in a good-natured manner. It has been said of him that he is heartless, and yet I know of instances in which he has proved a man of tender feeling toward the poor. He gives liberally, and it is established that the remuneration of his oflice hardly meets the demands upon his check book. His 37 exertions on behalf of the needy and unemployed are honest efforts, and it is the slanderer which decries them as movements for political effect. His action during the progress of the great Brown Company's strike has been complained of. But, if his attitude as a private citizen was favorable to the cause of work- ingmen, as an official it was more so. Few know of his long and arduous struggle with that corporation, how he endeavored to induce its managers to yield to just demands, how he besought them to make peace with their employes. Not many know of his dejection for days after the failure of all his well meant efforts was assured. Yet he reaped the devil's thanks, sown by the very men on whose behalf he had labored long and faithfiilly. He never made a loud complaint against his judges, even those whose decision was dictated by passion and malevolence. And in spite of all, the poorest of men ever finds the door of the mayor's office open to him whenever he chooses to enter it. More than that, he finds ever a willing ear. If the demands of the poor are not always granted, it is less the fault of the mayor than that of the hour. And then, some of us have now and then a foolish wish. THE POLITICIAN. Mayor McKisson may be regarded as a politician of un- doubted ability. His success in the field of statesmanship (the latter may be a limited one) within the brief period of two years is remarkable. Few novices in that oldest of sciences can hope for progress as speedy. He has the instinct and temperament of a politician, and it may safely be predicted that no defeat at the polls will find him — as his enemies like to express it — in the gutter. His wisdom in forming strong alliances comes to the surface now and then. By and through that faculty he has be- come a power. Determination, tenacity, love of supremacy, self- reliance, make him not subservient to others, and when he joins a general-in-chief it must be with the understanding that his 38 banner shall float near the standard of the army and be visible to all. His early political errors were quickly corrected. He has become true to his friends, and is to be found to-day with a strong following. If not invariably truthful, it is rather an error of the head than of the heart. He may have held, in common with many others, that a politician must be cunning ; and with it that other belief that to be "cunning" is synonymous with artifice and deceit. Time and experience have done much to convince him of the fallacy of first views on that subject (if he ever held them). A politician, having to deal with all sorts of men, must be crafty, but need not necessarily be dishonest. We need fair and honest politicians, men of strong will power, of good working capacity and capability. One might love Mayor McKisson for the enemies he has made — for some of them, at least. From the first he has encount- ered the opposition of corrupt rings in the Republican party. His candidacy was distasteful to the old, easy-going element. None of that element have ever found it in their hearts to forgive him for his victory over their heads. Again, to-daj^ the cry for a businessman's administration is raised. It is a fooling clamor. Business men, as a rule, have slight understanding of the multi- tudinous wants of a large community, and most of their number would be easy prey for ward politicians. The whole training of a business man lies in another direction, aims at rapid gains, and evinceslittle respect for the welfare of his fellowmen in the deeper meaning of the term, "personal freedom." The sphere of a city's government is wider than that circumscribed by financial ques- tions. Beside, the history of business administiations in various cities proves that they are failures in nearly every instance. The civic virtues of the Spartans, the Greeks and the Romans of classical times have not been inherited by our money-making people. Great epochs may awaken within us a spirit of willing- ness to make sacrifices upon tlie public altar; ordinary times and 39 everyday life find us insensible to "heroic" means, indifferent and dull. Our mayor's adversaries have carried their judgment of the man to extremes. The motive of his every act has been ques- tioned by them. They have infected the unaware with their ven- omous belittlement of Robert E. McKisson. The greater an absurdity the more easily will it find adherents. Why, was there ever a man of whom no good could be said .-* Is the chief exec- utive of our beautiful city the worst of men? Have we fallen so far that the majority of us saw fit to cast their ballots for a Mc- Kisson ? Anon, sir ! They be knaves who thus cater to our superficialties. No partisan spirit, but a desire to do justice to a man whom we have honored with high office, dictates these lines. His vir- tues and faults shall be shown according to the knowledge and comprehension of the writer. A cry has been raised that he is the builder of a party "machine." It can not be denied that our mayor has succeeded in forming a strong organization. In this, too, he has evidenced his talents as a leader. And it may be claimed that the bitter attacks made upon him from the very first necessitated the formation of a strong defense. Under existing circumstances this became a matter of self-preservation, and as he is not one who would yield before an enemy he could not choose but smite his political adversaries. To-day he is master of the situation, the better, no doubt, for the citizens at large. His partisans have the open sesame to political preferment, but they are probably as capable as the partisans of another man. His action in this regard may not differ materially from that of his predecessors, and it is a known fact that in some instances civil service rules have been adhered to by his order. The followers of Mr. McKinley are full of admiration for Mark Hanna's strong party organization in the last presidential campaign. They seem to despise, however, in McKisson, that which they admired in Hanna. I fail to observe consistency 40 in their view. Mr. Hanna has performed that which no National chairman ever before attempted in perpetuating his "machine" after the clo.se of the last great and most wonderful battle for Republican supremacy. No one has ever questioned the mayor's loyalty to his party. He fought for the successful candidate, notwithstanding the disdain which he was well aware the general-in-chief of the Republican forces nursed for him- self. Mr. Hanna belonged to the opposition from the beginning. The "youngster" was not of his henchmen, and had had thetemer- ily to "carve for himself." The young men and the strong men were with him. Once mayor, the Hannaites sought to draw their coils about the new power, only to see them torn asunder. The old faction had found its match — the coming contest will be a sharp one. In our degenerate days no man, whatever his personal merits, can hope to win political prominence without the aid of a strong organization. This is fact, not a matter of ethics. Political " machines," it must be admitted, are detrimental to the public good. In some form or other, they have always existed. They are as old as the oldest government in the world. Smash them, and they reset themselves; oust them, and the}' grow again. They may, in brief, be likened to the brothel, which no wager oi w ir was ever yet sufficient to exterminate. Talk of political machines, like a Reverend Knight, who thought to cleanse our city of the social evil ! You remember the result? Were we, as citizens, to co operate with our mayors enter into their plans, assist them when we honestly can, instead of acting the high-executioners, the critics at a foggy distance, then the influence of politicians would become less powerful, the machine less of a necessity. Thus all political sins come back upon the people under a republican form of government. 41 AS MAYOR. Whatever the faults of Mayor McKisson, he is an honest man. Never the shadow of a suspicion has risen against him. Having learned to know him as a man and as a politician, we like him best as mayor of Cleveland. He is Hberal-minded, if not broad-minded ; industrious, if not ingenious. His distinctive faculties are common-sense, an enormous working-power and a great love for his work. His heart is in his duties. He glories or frets according to success achieved or defeat encountered. Not an easy master, he is exacting to a degree. He is more feared than loved at the City Hall. Still, the desire is in him to do right. He can not be looked upon as a spendthrift of the people's money, even though Councilman Black be convinced that some of the department expenses are high. A little story will illustrate the situation in this connection : The health officer had purchased for himself, at public expense, a handsome office chair. When comfortably nestled therein a few days later, the mayor entered. The chair's elegance at- tracted his attention. "A beautiful piece of furniture you have here," he remarked, bluntly. "It is pretty," answered the doctor, blushingly. "Your own acquisition?" "It belongs to the office." The doctor's face was burning by this time. "How much? " "Thirty-four dollars." "What?" exclaimed the mayor, indignantly. "Why, man, your mayor has an old, stiff-backed chaii for comfort, and I trust that you will not be less modest." The next day the doctor sat in an unassuming, yet tasteful chair, the price of which was $9.00. 42 Mayor McKisson is very aj^t to cut down the traveling ex- penses of his officials. He scrutinizes their expense bills with the eye of a hawk. His knowledge of details of city affairs is little less than astonishing ; his watch over men and their acts incessant. He has frequently been censured for meddling with the workings of the various departments. "I am the responsible head of the city government, and I want to know what is going on," he answers you. Hardly a day-laborer is engaged without his knowledge. He has an excellent memor}- for faces and names — a valuable faculty for a public man. How and where he does his work is almost a mystery to the uninitiated. The most of his time seems to be employed in the reception of callers, who throng his office at almost every hour of the day. He is often compelled to hide awa}- in the private office of the city attorney or the city engineer ; his own private office affording no seclusion from intruders. His plans for great city improvements have been conceived in the silent hours of the night, or worked out during intermissions between flux and re- flux at his office. His seemingly reckless spirit of enterprise created a com- motion among influential citizens, many of whom could see nothing but prospective increase of expense in his activity. It did not, apparentl3^ occur to them to inquire whether a new sys- tem of sewerage, widening the river, a garbage plant and exten- sion of the waterworks plant were not among the necessities of the large and rapidly grownng city of Cleveland. Our people had been too long accustomed to dull inactivity in the City Hall. It is not to be wondered that the fresh breeze of energy, spring- ing from that quietus, should have been at first unpleasant. Soon, however, the more thoughtful of the citizens began to comprehend the aims of the young mayor, who, for that matter, was engaged simply in carrying to fruition the promises made before his election and upon whicl) he was chosen for the office. 43 This in itself is the strange feature of the situation— so little are we prepared, nowadays, to believe in pre-election utterances. The realization of his plans was the cause of much up-hill work for the mayor. It required all his audacity and tenacity, liis push and vigor, to master the immense task before him. Had he been less of a politican his exertions would have been unavail- ing. Not only the opposition of public prejudice, but the general assembly of Ohio was to be converted. In Columbus he con- tended with men of his" own stamp; there he was obliged to do battle with private interests, to rout the hidden enemy from his own city upon his favorite battle ground. By capitulation to or even a truce with them, he might have facilitated matters, but he preferred to be a free champion, to win or fall single-handed. All through the last session of the general assembly he was actively engaged, night and day, in the city's interest. His power of endurance grew with the difficulties before him. He was artful or bold, as occasion demanded, but never lost sight of his purpose. His victory was complete, and if he has made •enemies by his achievements, the future historians of the city of Cleveland will name him as one of her best citizens and mayors. As would a good general he followed up his victories, carry- ing the fight into the council chamber, where he met frequent •opposition. Already, however, actual work has begun upon some •of the most important improvements. Ten years hence the city will have shed its habiliments of a conglomeration of villages. Mayor McKisson's energy and enterprise have aroused Clevelanders generally to a more active participation in public affairs. Whether their efforts be opposed to his plans, or in sup- port of them, they and the city will be improved through him. It proved after all not a bad thing that the citizens choose a young man as their chief executive. The resulting increase in our bonded indebtedness should be cheerfully supported, for it must be admitted that each and every- one of the improvements under construction or in preparation is 44 not only of great utility, but is imperatively needed. Without exception they tend toward the betterment of the city's sanitary and commercial condition. As a result we shall have a healthier town and healthier homes for rich and poor alike. Increased health means increased happiness. As a rule we incline to criticise a man of whom we know much by his small dealings, quite forgetting the great results fol- lowing his actions. Thus the methods of Mayor McKisson are questioned by many citizens. But it must be borne in mind that he has to deal with a city council. Like a statesman with a par- liament "upon his hands," he must enter into combinations, fight his way through as best he can, if he is to accomplish anything. He has never been charged with the employment of dishonorable means, even by the opposition newspapers. His predecessors were compelled to employ similar methods ; his successors can not do otherwise. His strong personality brings him promi- nently before the public, causes him to be hated by some and ad- mired by others. And after all, he is a man of the people. The verj'- rich, the corporations such as railroad companies and others who seek to encroach upon public property, are among hi.s enemies. They will oppose him at the polls. Only one mayor, within the history of our city, has ever been honored with a re-election. The one exception to the gen- eral rule was Mr. Stephen Buhrer, mayor of Cleveland from 1867 to 1 87 1. Will history repeat itself ? Robert E. McKisson has the confidence of his success. Mot long since a group of councilmcn, enemies to his candi- dacy, were engaged in discussing the coming campaign. "Every time a new mayor is elected the city is out by $200,- 000," said one of them, and not one of the gentlemen present cared to question the judiciousness of the remark. It remains with the citizens to decide whether or not they find a change at the City Hall expedient. 45 Our City Administration. A FEW REMARKS CONCERNING FACTS— NOT TALK. The city administration stands or falls with the mayor. Much is said concerning the political methods of Mayor Mc- Kisson. It is conceded that he is an accomplished politician. Everyone says so. Now, if this be true, I take it that the same degree of wisdom which dictates his political movements will lead him to direct the affairs of the city in the best manner possi- ble. He will seek to please the people, which he can only do by giving them a satisfactory administration. During the two years of his official life he has accomplished more than was expected of him. If that be a fault, I will not seek to shield him from his enemies. If it be no reason for criti- cism, they must stand corrected, and hide themselves as slan- derers, of dishonest purpose, and with no regard for the city's interests. The man is ndthing to me. I receive no favors from him. I hold no office under him, but I am not a man-hunter. It is within my knowledge that his appointments are made according to political merit ; yet appointees are expected to do their duty and to be strictly honest in the discharge thereof. In- capability or dishonesty are eradicated, immediately upon dis- covery, by discharge of the incapable or dishonest employe. Under our system of government no more can be asked. We are } et far from an ideal administration in municipal affairs, and it is only natural that, among some hundreds of official employes, some men should be found who ought to be displaced. Such is the situation on every government, in every business house. There are few men employed at the City Hall to-day who do not each day perform a full day's work for the city ; many there 46 are who are overworked. It is "cheap talk" which asserts that nothing is done at the City Hall. It is the mouthing of men who are not acquainted with the working of the municipal machinery. Let us take a look at the diflferent departments : The law department has, up to this time, won every one of the cit}' cases taken into court. This fact ought, even in the eyes of his critics, excuse the presence of Minor G. Norton, as the head of the department. He, withal, is a man who has courage to stand by his convictions, as is proven by his stand upon the labor ordinance. The department of public works, with its many branches, is well conducted, considering the means at its disposal. It is con- tinually overwhelmed with work. Director Wright is a poor politician, but a good, honest business man. One may safely- trust his word, as well as his ability. Councilman Black's in- vestigating committee could find but a minimum of paltr}^ short- comings — a great and sincere compliment to the department. It placed the stamp of success upon the administration thereof, and no better proof can be desired than that which the enemy is compelled to furnish. The glory of the City Hall clusters about the fire depart- ment. Having a man of integrity, ability and common-sense at its head, and being provided with experienced and brave chiefs, it can not fail to perform good work. The insurance companies acknowledge its efficiency by reducing their rates. Here, too, no better proof can be sought. The department of police is always more or less exposed to censure. Captain Abbott wielded a vigorous broom in this Augean stable. His selection of a superintendent, which became necessary through the resignation of Chief Hoehn, was a wise one. The department to-day is well managed, and the disposition of its director to rid it of intemperate men and incapable men deserves approval. Civil service rules have been of late 47 recognized to a certain measure— another reason for congrat- ulation. Director Horace L. Rossiter and his department of accounts are not much heard of through the public prints. The reason for this lies in the nature of the business transacted in that de- partment, which, so long as everything runs smoothly, is not productive of "news." The system of book-keeping in vogue is perfect, and totals of the city's finances may be extracted at an hour's notice. And now for the department of charities and correction. If the mayor ever made a wise choice, it was in placing Mr. G. R. Warden at the head of it. Never before, in the department's history, has the workhouse yielded a surplus, at the end of the financial year, as it now does. More than that, the surplus is a large one, and Director Warden has demonstrated the fact that public institutions may be profitably conducted. The same business methods are appHed to the administration of the In- firmary, of which no criticism has been heard during the last two years. This is significant in the light of the outcries against this institution under former administrations. Judgmg the present city administration by its general re- sults, and by the working of its various departments, we can but wish for its continuance. That improvements might be made in some of its details, neither the mayor nor his directors will deny. They know this better than any of us, and are striving to remedy existing evils. The great improvements under way should be carried on by the men who conceived and planned them, as any sensible man must admit. Partisan politics must be put aside if the coming two years are to yield the fruits of the past two years' labor. ^ Board of Control, — OR — THE KNIGHTS OF THE SQUARE TABLE. On any Monday or Friday morning visitors at the City Hall will find the Board of Control in session. Mayor McKisson will be found at the head of the table. He leans back in his chair, smoking, his half-shut eyes piercing the blue clouds of smoke with a forlorn look. He follows the pro-