VENEZUELAN SITUATION AND CONGRESSMAN HOWARD'S BOOK

Venezuela twists the tail of the lion.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, October 18, 1895.

VENEZUELAN SITUATION.

Another Test of the Monroe Doctrine Likely.

BRITAIN'S SIGNIFICANT ACTION.

America May Find Herself Arrayed Against the United Front of Several European Powers

—Our Diplomats Very Reticent on the Subject.

   WASHINGTON, Oct. 18.—Even after the practical confirmation from British sources of the statement that the state department had addressed a strong letter upon the Venezuelan boundary dispute to Ambassador Bayard for delivery to the British foreign office the officials at the state department refuse to make any admission touching the subject. The guarded and evidently inspired comment of the leading British newspapers upon this letter has attracted serious attention among the diplomatic body here, and they see in it a good deal of significance and possibly a threat of grave complications to follow.

   The statement that is held to be of particular significance is that the British government regards the views set forth in Secretary Olney's letter as so important that a long time must be taken for its consideration.

   As there is nothing new to Great Britain, especially in an enunciation in a mild form of the Monroe doctrine, it is assumed here that the only purpose of delaying a response is to afford the British government an opportunity to consult some of the other great European powers upon this subject.

   Most of these powers are concerned in the fortunes of the American states, some directly, as France and Spain through their colonial possessions, and others through heavy investments of their citizens in securities and concessions.

   The doctrine laid down by Secretary Olney, if carried to its logical conclusion, probably would stop any interference by force on the part of a European power in the affairs of an American republic, and also as in the case of Venezuela, which may find a parallel in the case of the boundary dispute between France and Brazil, prevent any of these European nations from extending their colonial possessions in this hemisphere.

   Therefore, it is believed by some diplomats here to be within the range of possibility that Great Britain may have in contemplation a union with some of the other European powers in a joint refusal to accept the doctrine laid down by Monroe.

English Mission Destroyed.

   LONDON, Oct 18.—A Shanghai dispatch says that there is rioting in Chang Pu on the Island of Amoy. The English mission was destroyed. The Mandarin refused to protect the missionaries.

Brazil's Recognition of Cuba.

   WASHINGTON, Oct. 18.—The cable report from Buenos Ayres of Brazil's willingness under certain circumstances to recognize the Cubans as belligerents is causing much comment in official circles, although cable inquiries have not yet brought either confirmation or denial. Under ordinary circumstances little reliance is placed in the Brazilian reports coming via Buenos Ayres, but in this case it is known that an extensive agitation in favor of the Cuban insurgents has been going on recently through Brazil. The Brazilian papers up to the 25th ult. have been received by officials here, and show that the press and public have been besieging the Brazilian congress, now in session, to recognize the Cuban insurgents.

JOHN L. WALLER'S CASE.

Fatal Flaws Found In the Proceedings of the Courtmartial.

   WASHINGTON, Oct. 18.--It has been understood all along that the fate of ex-Consul Waller, who is still held in imprisonment by the French at Marseilles, hinged on the proceedings of the courtmartial who sentenced him and, therefore, the state department has directed its efforts mainly to securing a copy of the record of the court.

   Now that the record is in Paris a careful examination of the documents is being made and already there have been developed some points in the nature of what may be fatal flaws, that in the end may form the basis of a demand for the release of the prisoner. In at least two points it has been found that the proceedings of the courtmartial were in violation of the French law and if such a case arose in the United States this would be sufficient ground for the setting aside of the proceedings and the sentence and the release of Waller.

   In the first place, the court was composed of five officers, whereas the French military regulations are said to require at least seven persons to sit on the court. But more important than this, it has been discovered that Waller was not really tried as charged, but that as the trial progressed evidence was taken on another charge not included in the original matter and that it was upon what might be called a supplementary but irregular charge that Waller was convicted.

   Aside from the other points in the case, this matter of irregularity of the proceedings may in the end go far to make up the case of our government as presented through Ambassador Eustis.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

The French and the Hovas.

   It was inevitable from the beginning that the Hovas must succumb to French arms in Madagascar, yet the sympathies of the disinterested must certainly be on the side of the brave, high spirited and handsome young brown race whose queen the French have driven from her capital.

   Madagascar is an island four times as large as England and Wales together. If it were territory adjacent to the coast of America, north and south, the United States would have long since taken a hand and settled the trouble by sending the French off. But Madagascar is on the African coast, and that is the difference. French aggression will go on unchecked till the big, rich island is a mere French dependency and the Hovas on the road either to extinction or to a condition in which the millions of natives now are in India under British rule. It is a pity, for morally the Hovas are in many respects superior to the French. They are certainly superior physically.

   France could not bear to see England taking possession of India, Australia and South Africa while she herself was gaining neither wealth nor foreign territory. So she looked about for something to grab and found it in the island of Madagascar. That is the whole story.

   Ever since 1642 the French have been trying to get Madagascar by fair means or foul. In 1883 they had advanced so far in their designs as to declare a protectorate over the island. Being hard pressed then, the Hovas made an agreement ceding to France the beautiful port of San Diego, on the north of the island, with all adjacent lands within a mile of the port. This was the entering wedge. The Hovas signed a treaty which France has twisted to mean that she shall regulate all intercourse between the Hovas and the outside world, even to the control of trade concessions and the appointment of consuls. This arrogant claim the Madagascar government resisted, with the result that it has been overthrown. The capital, Antananarivo, now in the hands of the French army, is a handsome, modern built city, containing 100,000 inhabitants.

M. W. Howard.

Congressman Howard's Book.

   "To the toiling millions of America, to all who love freedom, to all who oppose plutocracy, to all who favor a government of the people, for the people and by the people," Congressman M. W. Howard of the Seventh Alabama district dedicates a remarkable screed which he has written and named "American Plutocracy." Congressman Howard believes that the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few is the present danger that threatens to destroy this country. He calls on the American people to rise and prevent it by constitutional methods. He quotes from one of Chauncey M. Depew's own speeches the assertion that 50 men in this country have it in their power to paralyze the whole country," for they can control the circulation of the currency and create panic whenever they will."

   Mr. Howard apostrophizes the spirit of Lincoln, praying that God speedily raise from the ranks of the people another such great soul, or the American people will be in a bondage more galling and cruel than ever the black man was. The wealthy corporations rule the country by bribing and frightening legislators, both state and national. The result of their plotting is seen as follows:

   This organized band of plutocrats has managed to control legislation and to get possession of every avenue of commerce and trade and crash the life out of all competition and opposition, and plutocracy reigns supreme, and instead of fawning for favors, as was its wont in its embryo days, it now forces all the world to come and worship at its shrine. From 1800 to 1890 this country accumulated $100,000,000,000, enough to secure a competency for every man, woman and child in all the land; enough to provide a comfortable home for every family; enough to educate every child, clothe every half naked little body. Where is this wealth today? Half of it has gone into the coffers of 30,000 men,  [50 per cent] of the remainder into the coffers of 250,000. How long will it be ere a few hundred men will own all the wealth of this magnificent country? We can yet save our American institutions. Shall we do it ere it is too late?

NATIONAL COLORED CONFERENCE.

A Call Issued For a Meeting In Detroit For Dec. 12.

   A committee of prominent negroes from many states in the Union has issued a call for a national conference of colored men to meet at Detroit, on the 12th of December, 1895. The call, which is a lengthy one, says in part:

   "Here we are today, 30 years from the event of emancipation, and millions of free men are practically disfranchised. The constitution of the United States set at defiance, colored citizens not allowed freedom of locomotion, the freedom of decent transportation, municipal corporations granting license to private citizens to deny us accommodations in hotels, restaurants, barber shops, places of amusement, etc."

   The existence of mobs and lynch law is also mentioned.—Cincinnati Gazette.

A Cycle Wagon.

   Mr. Ivan C. McGraw appeared upon the streets this afternoon in a novel kind of a vehicle. It is called a cycle wagon. In size it is much like a small boy's express wagon that is sold at all the toy stores. There is a square hole in the bottom through which the feet drop down to a pair of pedals. A chain and gear connects with the rear wheels. Bicycle wheels are used. The machine is steered by the handle dropping over back. It is a very ingenious contrivance and is calculated to delight the children.

   Mr. E. A. McGraw has taken the agency for these quadricycles, as they may very properly be called. The manufactory is in Buffalo.

Lawrence J. Fitzgerald.

Stockholder's Meeting.

   Notice is hereby given, that the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Cortland Wagon company will be held at the office of said company in the village of Cortland, N. Y., on the 13th day of November, 1895 at 2 o'clock P. M., for the purpose of electing a board of directors, for the management of the affairs of said corporation for the ensuing year, and the transaction of such other business as may come before said meeting. By order of the board of directors.

   L. J. FITZGERALD, President,

   F. C. STRAAT, Secretary.

   Dated Cortland, N. Y., Oct. 9.

Carnival Notes.

   One of the leading features of the fair and carnival to be held by Emerald Hose company the week beginning Oct. 28, will be "The Darktown Fire Brigade." Rehearsals are being constantly held under the direction of Mr. B. D. Hakes. The play itself is a laughable bit of nonsense and is interspersed with specialties consisting of negro and Irish songs and burlesque drills. The fire scene will be a great feature.

   Arrangements are being made for a mammoth street parade on Tuesday noon which will be made up of the Cortland City band, the Darktown drum corps, the Johnson family and over forty people who will take part in the evening's entertainment.

"The Country Circus."

   A notable attraction at the Opera House will be C. B. Jefferson, Klaw & Erlanger's "Country Circus," which will hold the boards next Tuesday evening, Oct. 22. Notwithstanding the fact that this unique entertainment is now well into its fifth season, it still retains all the novelty of a premier production, being practically a new show this season. The play has been revised and brought up-to-date, and several [talking] specialties introduced. The first two acts have been condensed into one, thus making but three acts into the piece, each distinct in character, viz: Play, parade and circus.

   The circus performance is entirely new this season, and thoroughly up-to-date, every act is a novelty. The magnificent street circus parade upon the stage still remains one of the novel and attractive features of this great production.

BREVITIES.

   —Register to-night or to-morrow.

   —If you are not registered you cannot vote.

   —Registration places open from 9 A.M. to 9 P. M.

   —Personal registration is required in Cortland village.

   —Don't fail to register and vote. It is your duty as a citizen.

   —No one can put your name on the registration lists in Cortland village but yourself,

   —It is estimated that it costs, in wear and tear of equipment, $3 to stop one of the Lehigh's fast trains.—Ithaca Journal

   —Two tramps were lodged at the police station last night and this morning were ordered out of town never to return.

   —F. Daehler, the clothier, is having his store front repainted. The interior also is to undergo a thorough renovating and repainting.

   —The game bird in W. G. Mead's window is a loon. Mr. Mead shot it while in the North Woods and considers it a rare specimen.

   —The street car tracks on Groton-ave. opposite the Cortland House which have settled some since the putting in of the sewer were raised to-day.

   —The first party of the season by the Crescent club will be Nov. 8 and it is expected that the series of parties this winter will be more enjoyable affairs than ever.

   —Messrs. Charles H. Fenner and George Watson are now located in their new rooms, 59 Railroad-st., where they will be at home to their friends until further notice.

   —William Henry Lape and John Moore, inmates at the county almshouse, have been examined by Drs. P. M. Neary and C. E. Bennett and declared insane. They will be taken to the Binghamton State hospital to-morrow.

   —A postal card passed through the Sidney postoffice a few days ago addressed to "Sarah cuss," This was probably intended for Syracuse, but such spelling is enough to make Sarah cuss.—Sidney Record.

   —The rooms of the W. C. T. U. have been engaged for a sewing school to be held every Saturday afternoon. All children and young girls wishing to join such a school are requested to meet there next Saturday at 9 o'clock.

   —Prof. A. O. Palmer and Miss J. Grace Edgcomb were quietly married at 6 o'clock last evening at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Edgcomb, 86 Grant-st., by Rev. L. H. Pearce, D. D., in the presence of only a few of the immediate relatives. They will reside on Salisbury-st.

   —The registration places are open from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M. in Cortland village to-day and to-morrow, outside of Cortland village those hours to-morrow only. Personal registration is required in Cortland village. If you are not registered, you cannot vote. Be sure and register to-night, you may be hindered by something to-morrow.

   —Last evening upon invitation Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Davern with fifteen ladies from their [millinery] store were pleasantly entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Wallace. At 9:80 o'clock refreshments were served, after which several elections of choice music were given. The evening was a very enjoyable one for all concerned.

   —The case of The People vs. Ed Huguenin, charged with assault in the third degree on the person of Charles Altmark on Oct. 7 was called in police court this morning. T. H. Dowd appeared for The People and T. E. Courtney for defendant. A jury trial was demanded, a panel of jury was drawn and the case was adjourned to 3 o'clock this afternoon.

   —Many persons may not know that 1896 will be the last leap year of the century and another will not occur until 1904. The year 1900 will not be leap year. The unusual occurrence is due to the fact that the addition of one day to each fourth year more than makes up the presumed deficiency in the calendar year, and consequently the world is constantly losing it, therefore there was danger that in the course of a few years the Fourth of July would come on Christmas.

   —To-morrow was the day to which the proceedings were adjourned before Commissioners Eggleston, Carley and Van Hoesen in the matter of the appraisal of damages for the taking of land of Wm. R. Randall and others for railroad purposes by the E. & C. N. Y. R. R. It is altogether probable that another adjournment will be made necessary, as Mr. Van Hoesen has written to the attorneys employed in the case that he was run into and hurt last night while going home from a store in Preble. He says that he will not be able to be out for several days.

MR. CHAMPLIN DECLINES

To be a Candidate for County Judge on the Democratic Ticket.

   This morning Attorney Riley Champlin filed with County Clerk Palmer a notice of declination to stand as a candidate for county judge upon the Democratic ticket. A STANDARD reporter called upon Mr. Champlin this afternoon at his office and inquired about the matter. Mr. Champlain stated that before the Democratic county convention occurred he declined to accept a nomination; he was absent from the county when the convention was held and the nomination made; he had never accepted the nomination, and this morning he directed the county clerk not to put his name on the printed ticket.