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| Gen. Carlos Alban. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, Nov. 21, 1901.
PANAMA IN DANGER.
Colombian Rebels May Repeat Their Success at Colon.
ALL DEPENDS ON GEN. ALBAN.
Fate of Government Hinges on His Success at Chorrera—Rebels Careful Not to Disturb Isthmian Transit or to Cause Our Interference. Marines Landed.
COLON, Nov. 21.—According to the latest news received here from Panama nothing has yet been heard in that city concerning the outcome of General Alban's expedition against the Liberal forces at Chorrera. It is said that information of the capture of Colon by the rebels has been sent to him.
In the meantime the [Columbian] government troops at Panama, numbering about 300 men, are busily engaged in the construction of earthworks and barricades at the railroad bridge going into the city in anticipation of an early Liberal attack.
Colonel Shaler says that no request has been made upon him for a special train to convey government troops to Colon. If such a request is made it will be granted, but Colonel Shaler does not consider it likely. The Liberals claim to have at least 700 men in possession of the different railroad stations on the line between here and Panama. These men would doubtless do their utmost to prevent the transportation of government troops to this point.
Traffic across the isthmus by the railroad continues uninterrupted. Marines from the Machias are guarding the railroad station and property here.
How Colon Was Captured.
The attack on Colon, it is understood, was decided on by the rebels on receipt of the news that General Alban, the military commander of the isthmus, had started to attack the Liberals at Chorrera, near Panama. One hundred and sixty men, under General Patino were sent to the attack. This force embarked on board a train, bound from Panama to Colon, Tuesday evening at Las Cascades station, previously cutting off telegraphic communication across the isthmus. On arriving at the outskirts of Colon, where the government usually maintained a small guard, the Liberals left the train and in the initial skirmish, which began soon afterwards, Patino was killed.
The command of the Liberals then devolved on Colonel Frederico Berrera, and they continued their march on Colon, arriving there a few minutes after the train, thus surprising the whole town. The government troops at Colon were outnumbered by the Liberals.
Fighting immediately began at the barracks, which was soon taken. There Senor Jaen, a judge of the criminal court, was killed, and Senor Muskus, the district representative of the department of the interior, was mortally wounded.
Fighting subsequently occurred at the town hall, which was also taken by the Liberals. Among the prisoners captured there by the Liberals were the prefect Guardia, and the commandant of police.
Senor Paredes, the mayor, managed to reach the gunboat General Pinzon, which sailed immediately for a destination unknown, probably Carthagena.
The whole affair was over in less than three hours.
Communication with Panama was restored yesterday. This reveals that no fighting has occurred there, that everything is quiet, and that the city is still in the hands of the government.
The issue now entirely depends on the result of the fighting which is doubtless now occurring at Chorrera, news of which is anxiously awaited here.
The Liberals are now busy raising reinforcements locally. They are reported to have several hundred men at different railroad stations between here and Panama.
ALL DEPENDS ON GEN. ALBAN
If He Defeats Insurgents at Chorrera, Colon Could Easily Be Retaken.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21.—The news of the situation on the isthmus came to the Colombian legation here yesterday in the following cablegram from General Argona, acting governor of Panama, in the absence of General Alban who is leading the Chorrera expedition:
"Panama, Nov. 20.
"Colon is being attacked. Scarcity of troops here. Traffic may be interrupted."
While the above dispatch did not state that the city had fallen Mr. Herran, the Colombian charge d' affaires, credits the news to this effect that has come through diplomatic and naval channels.
When asked as to what results may be expected from the capture of the city Mr. Herran said: "It will depend entirely upon the success or failure of the expedition under General Alban, which is headed for Chorrera to engage the insurgents at that point.
"If General Alban is successful, the recapture of Colon should be a comparatively easy matter. But if, on the other hand, the government expedition should be defeated, the results undoubtedly would be disastrous, for the insurgents then would have, temporarily at least, undisputed sway over the entire isthmus."
Mr. Herran naturally was considerably concerned at the news, especially because of the close proximity of Colon to Panama, the leading city on the isthmus and second only in importance to Bogota…General Castro is known to be a staunch friend of the deposed President San Clemente.
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| USS Iowa (BB-4). |
OUR INTERESTS SAFE.
Orders Sent to Our Consul and Warships to Keep Isthmian Transit Clear.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21.—The confirmation of the reported capture of Colon by the Colombian Liberals caused a decided commotion in the state and navy departments yesterday. There were long conferences between Secretary and Admiral Crowninshield and between the admiral and the acting secretary of state, Dr. Hill. Later the latter two went over to the White House and saw President Roosevelt. This was the first time since 1885, when Admiral Jouett opened up transit across the Isthmus of Panama, that communication had actually been stopped in such fashion as to seem to require the interference of the United States naval forces.
The first news of the trouble at Colon came from United States Consul General Gudger at Panama. He telegraphed the state department that a considerable number of Liberals had taken passage on the railroads (he did not indicate where) and arriving at a certain point had cut the telegraph wires and taken up a rail, thus breaking communication.
Later there came a second message from Consul General Gudger announcing that Colon had been taken. This was confirmed more explicitly by United States Consul Malmoros, stationed at Colon. The latter official said that Colon had been taken by the rebels Tuesday night. While all business is suspended, transit is not interrupted and American life and property are safe and not likely to be in danger.
Must Not Block Transit.
Taken altogether these dispatches were regarded by the officials here as indicating a lack of purpose on the part of the Liberals to interfere with transit across the isthmus.
Still, as a result of the consultation, Secretary Hill cabled Consul General Gudger a direction to notify all parties who are engaged in molesting or interfering with free transit across the isthmus that such interference must cease. He was also directed to consult freely with Captain Perry, the commander of the United States battleship Iowa, now lying at Panama.
Then Captain Perry was cabled by Secretary Long to land marines if necessary for the free transit across the isthmus in accordance with the treaty rights and obligations of the United States. At the same time Captain Perry was enjoined to avoid bloodshed if possible. Meanwhile news came that Commander McCrea of the Machias, which is now lying at Colon, had anticipated this instruction from the navy department by landing a force of bluejackets at Colon and occupying the railway station. The understanding at the navy department was that the landing party consisted of about 100 sailors who are employed in lieu of marines, of whom the Machias has an insurgent force.
The text of Commander McCrea's dispatch is as follows:
"United States Steamer Machias, Colon, Nov. 20.
"Secretary Navy, Washington:
"The insurgents have possession of the city. At the request of the proper authorities I have landed force for the protection of the property of the railroad. M'CREA."
A cablegram received from Captain Perry at Panama confirms what Consul General Gudger communicated to the state department yesterday. It does not appear that Captain Perry has yet landed a force.
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| Emilio Aguinaldo. |
ALGUINALDO'S REQUEST.
Wants to Plead Filipino Cause Before Congress.
ANOTHER AMERICAN VICTORY.
Marines Overcame Many Obstacles, Attacked and Destroyed Three Almost Impregnable Camps and Killed 30 Insurgents—Trying to Save Torres' Life.
MANILA, Nov. 21.—Aguinaldo has written General Chaffee, the military governor of the Philippines, asking the latter's permission to go before congress and express the desires of the Filipino people.
Aguinaldo further requests to be accompanied by eight friends, whom he designates, four of whom are prisoners at Guam, while the others are prominent in Manila.
MANILA, Nov. 21.—Major L. W. T. Waller of the marine corps has cabled Rear Admiral Rodgers at Manila a full and detailed account of the attack Nov. 7 by the men of his command upon the rebel stronghold at Sohoton, near Basey, island of Samar.
Three insurgent camps were destroyed, 40 bamboo cannon were captured and much rice and other stores were destroyed. The rebel stronghold was almost, impregnable. The trails leading to it were lined with poisoned spears sticking from the ground and were hidden with hidden pitfalls.
Major Waller's command attacked the enemy unexpectedly. To do this they had to scale a cliff 200 feet high, and they climbed barefooted over bamboo ladders. At the top they found boulders piled ready to precipitate upon an attacking party. Major Waller says he was personally not present at the action.
He praises Captain David D. Porter and Captain Hiram I. Bearss for their splendid work and says too much praise cannot be given the marines themselves, whose behavior he characterizes as brilliant in every respect. The major considers the scaling of cliffs 200 feet high as a new feature of warfare and says such men would be able to do anything anywhere. Thirty of the enemy were killed. The marines sustained a few trifling wounds.
Rear Admiral Rodgers has replied to Major Waller congratulating him in this successful action by his command.
Trying to Save General Torres.
MANILA. Nov. 21.—A fund is being raised by the Federal party in Manila for the purpose of attempting to prevent the execution of the Filipino General Isidore Torres, who surrendered to the American authorities in the early part of this year and who was later tried on charge of having violated the rules of warfare and sentenced to death. Several congressmen will be asked to exert influence in favor of General Torres.
CENTURY TELEPHONE CO.
Independent Long Distance Company Trying to Reach Cortland.
A representative of the Century Telephone Co. spent last week in the town of Dryden securing the right of way. The line follows the Bridle Road to Willow Glen, thence to Updike Cut, with a loop to Freeville. From the cut the line follows the road to Burlingame's corner, with a loop to Dryden village, and thence over the hill to Cortland.—Dryden Herald.
The Century Telephone Co. is an independent long distance company which does no local business. It has extensive connections in the West and has lately secured a charter to erect its poles and operate in New York state. It has already made a New York connection with Buffalo and is building offshoot lines connecting the different local independent companies. It is understood that negotiations are now in progress between the Century Telephone Co. and the Home Telephone Co. of Cortland for a local connection with this company, and that a conclusion will probably be reached within a few days.
Concerning That Snow Record.
Mr. Benjamin Smith of Prospect-st., Cortland, has kept a pretty careful record of the weather for years and is able to tell by looking back at his diary pretty nearly what was the state of affairs each day for a good many years. His record for twenty-eight years ago does not tally exactly with the recollection of Mr. Spencer published a few days ago, that the early snow continued all winter. He says the snow fell on Nov. 8 to quite a depth, but it went off in a few days and a period of warm and pleasant weather followed. Christmas day that year was warm and the grass on his lawn was nearly as green as in June.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Majority and Minority Reports on Erroneous Assessments.
At the Wednesday afternoon session of the board of supervisors, on motion of Mr. Phelps, the rules were suspended for the remainder of the day, and the committee on erroneous assessments reported. The committee consisted of Messrs. Phelps, O'Donnell and Parker. The committee was unable to agree throughout and majority and minority reports were both put in. The former was signed by Messrs. Phelps and Parker, the latter by Mr. O'Donnell, The two reports were identical with the exception of two particulars. The majority recommended that the petition be granted of the assessors of the town of Willet that $12.87 collected from the executors of the estate of John Miller be refunded and that the sum of $12.87 be added to the abstract of the town of Willet for the purpose of refunding the same. The minority report was the same except that it did not specify that the amount be added to the abstract of the town of Willet for the purpose of refunding.
The majority report recommended that $22.96 be refunded to the estate of the late J. B. Parker, having been erroneously assessed, and that this sum be added to the abstract of the town of Cortlandville. The minority report recommended the refunding of this sum, but recommended that the county of Cortland refund $8.33 and the town of Cortlandville refund $14.63.
All joined in recommending that the request of the Solon assessors be granted adding to the assessment roll of that town the omitted assessment of Lee Maybury amounting in valuation to $1,400, also that $9.44 previously erroneously assessed and collected from George Ryan in Solon be added to the assessment roll of that town for refunding; also that the assessment on the Connic place in Truxton be reduced from $2,000 to $1,500, the former figures being the result of a clerical error; also that the assessment of $500 for personal property against Mason K. Blanchard of Truxton be stricken from the roll as he has no such property; also that the assessment against the E. & C. N. Y. R. R. in Truxton for five highway crossings be stricken from the roll, as the assessment is erroneous and illegal, as the law under which the assessment was made was repealed in April, 1901; also that the petition of the assessors of the town of Truxton reducing the assessment against W. R. Woodward be reduced from $200 to $50, the former being a clerical error; also that the assessment of $500 against Mrs. John Steele of Truxton for personal property be stricken from the roll, as she had no such property; also that the omitted assessment of $1,800 against Stephen Parker of Cuyler be added to the assessment roil; also in the matter of the petition of the assessors of the town of Homer in relation to the assessment of the stockholders of the Homer National bank, that the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and that the sum of $8 be deducted from the assessed value of each share of such stock.
On motion of Mr. Hunt, the majority report of the committee on erroneous assessments, submitted by Messrs. Phelps and Parker was, after the roll call, declared carried. The vote was as follows:
Aye—Kinyon, Walrad, Johnson, Allen, Peck, Kingsley, Phelps. Wavle, Bennett, Robinson, Hunt, Webb, Crosley—13.
Nay—Barber, Mynard, Shuler, Jordan O'Donnell—5.
Absent—Rowe, Parker, McBirney.
The following report was submitted by the special committee appointed by the chairman the seventh day.
CORTLAND, N. Y., Nov. 20, 1901.
Your committee to consider the care of indigent children would recommend that the superintendent of the poor be directed to pay the existing bills for the care of such children and charge the same back to the towns where such children had a settlement so far as ascertainable, and the balance be paid by the county. That hereafter the care of such children be a town charge under the direction of the poormaster of such town.
JOHN O'DONNELL, A. H. BENNETT, N. JAY PECK, Committee.
On motion of Mr, Jordan, such report was accepted and adopted.
Death of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Call.
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Call, wife of Mr. J. D. Call, died at her home, 138 Main-st., Cortland, this morning at 6:15 o'clock, aged 51 years, 3 months and 6 days. The funeral will be held from the residence Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Mrs. Call was born in New York City, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Meldrim. With her family she moved to Truxton while she was yet a young girl, and it was there that she married Mr. Call on Jan. 1, 1868. Seventeen years ago they moved to Cortland, where they have since resided.
Mrs. Call was the mother of four children. Messrs. William A. Call, Arthur LeRoy Call and Joel D. Call, and Miss Florence Elizabeth Call, all of whom survive her except the youngest son, Joel D., who died about ten weeks ago. Aside from these she is survived by a brother, William Meldrim of Manley, Ia., and by a sister, Mrs. J. J. Lambert of Patterson, N. J., and by the following half brothers and sisters, Mr. J. J. Meldrim, Miss Hattie Meldrim, Mrs. Isabelle Frost of Truxton, and Messrs. Charles and Frank Meldrim of Cincinnatus.
Mrs. Call has been ill from cancer of the bowels for the past three years, and her death is due to that disease, hastened by the death of her son, for whom she mourned constantly. She was a patient sufferer in all of her afflictions, a good mother and a devoted wife.
A strange coincidence in her death and the death of her father is worthy of mention. He died twenty-one years ago, on the 21st day of November as did Mrs. Call, and at the identical hour of the day.
BREVITIES.
—The New York State Dairymen's association will convene at Olean, N. Y., Dec. 11 and 12.
—There will be a meeting of the official board of the First M. E. church at the church parlors tonight after prayer meeting.
—Fourteen applications for admission to Cortlandville grange, No. 461, will be presented at the regular meeting tomorrow night.
—The STANDARD is indebted to Mr. J. D. F. Woolston for copies of the Lewiston, Me., papers containing accounts of the National grange in session there.
—New display advertisements today are—Warren, Tanner & Co., Corsets, page 6; Gardner's 5 and 10 cent store, Special sale, page 4; C. F. Thompson, Malta Vita, page 5.
—Mr. John Hartnett of Rickard-st. fell and broke both bones of the right arm just above the wrist while carrying coal up a flight of stairs last evening at his home. Dr. F. D. Reese was called and reduced the fractures.
—Mrs. G. T. Chatterton entertained the members of her Sunday school class in the First M. E. church Tuesday afternoon from 2 to 5 o'clock at her home, 68 Elm-st. An elaborate dinner was served at 5 o'clock and a very pleasant time enjoyed.
—On account of the difficulty of making exact schedule time with the heavy snows during the winter the three car service on the Homer division of the electric car line will on Sunday and thereafter be changed back to the two car service. Cars will leave both Cortland and Homer on the hour and half hour as formerly. To give a twenty minute service and reach the proper meeting points the cars must be exactly on time, which is not always sure in the winter.
