ALLEGED JAPANESE BARBARITY IN SINO-JAPANESE WAR

Japanese troops firing at Chinese positions.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, December 17, 1894.

Alleged Japanese Barbarity.

   TOKIO, Dec. 17.—The ministry of foreign affairs informs the correspondent that the government's investigations into the Port Arthur excesses establish the following facts:

   Previous to the capture of that town the Japanese troops were infuriated by the wholesale atrocities perpetrated upon their comrades. Nevertheless, the Chinese who promptly surrendered received no injury. Several hundred Chinese are now in honorable custody.

   A majority of those in town, however, sought to disguise themselves in the clothing left by the peaceable inhabitants, most of whom had left the place days before. When detected, the disguised soldiers attacked the Japanese desperately, and treacherously killed many of them. Then discipline gave way, and great numbers were slain. If non-combatants were killed, which is not credited to any large extent, it was in the firm conviction that they were actual soldiers.

   It is reported that three women were cut down in the darkness owing to the similarity of male and female garb. Through three successive days additional groups of concealed Chinese were detected with mutilated Japanese corpses secreted among them. Maddened anew by these discoveries the conquerors destroyed hundreds whom they otherwise would have spared.

   The military authorities were totally unprepared for these outbursts of frenzy and were powerless to exercise control over the men.

   The government is amazed and distressed, but points to the fact that excesses were committed only in this instance, when the troops were made frantic by Chinese cruelties and treachery.

   This is not pleaded in justification, but to explain the single infringement of order and discipline which is deplored throughout the empire.

Further Fighting In China.

   HIROSHIMA, Dec. 17.—A dispatch from the front states that reinforcements were sent to the Japanese detachment, which on Dec. 12 was compelled by a superior Chinese force to retire from Saibashu.

   On Dec. 14, the strengthened Japanese force made another attack on the Chinese who were advancing from Saibashu. The latter fought with vigor, but were completely routed, fleeing in disorder.

   The Japanese pursued the enemy as far as Chokinshi and captured four guns and several prisoners. The Japanese loss was three officers wounded and 70 privates killed or wounded.

   The Chinese are still confronting the Japanese division commanded by General Tatsumi and fighting is expected shortly.

Dispatches From the East.

   LONDON, Dec. 17.—A special dispatch from Shanghai says Chinese reports say that Chang Yin Kwan, president of the board of revenue, has been appointed ambassador to Tokio to arrange terms of peace.

   A dispatch from Hiroshima says that Field Marshal Yamagata, commander of the first Japanese army, has arrived at that place, having been invalided home.

   The dispatch adds that the third Japanese army is still at Hiroshima awaiting orders.

WHAT DID HE WANT?

A TOUGH LOOKING INDIVIDUAL'S QUEER ACTIONS.

M. DeVer Westcott and Miss Alida Haynes Followed—The Man Put to Flight by a Revolver.

   Shortly before 7 o'clock Saturday evening as Mr. M. DeVer Westcott and his sister-in law, Miss Alida Haynes, were coming from the former's home at 9 Greenbush-st., they noticed a man on the opposite side of the street who had apparently just stepped from behind a tree and was intently watching them.

    At Venette-st. the man crossed [to] the east side of the road on which they were walking and as they turned up Railroad-st. [Central Avenue] toward Main he followed. The man rapidly gained on them, but diminished his speed as Mr. Westcott looked back over his shoulder. When Mr. Westcott turned his head the man again quickened his pace and was almost upon them when Mr. Westcott again looked around. The unknown man slowed up again.

   On reaching Mr. Barnes' residence on Railroad-st. Mr. Westcott gave Miss Haynes a tip and they turned in as if they resided there and waited for the man to pass. Instead of doing so he stopped.

   Mr. Westcott thought it time that something was done and accordingly leveled a thirty-eight caliber revolver at the man. The latter immediately had a pressing engagement up town and hastened to keep it, occasionally looking back over his shoulder as if expecting a dose of cold lead. Although deserving it, Mr. Westcott did not give him any, and he [the man] proceeded on a dog trot toward Main-st. Mr. Westcott and Miss Haynes followed and it is thought that he will not attempt any funny business again with Mr. Westcott very soon.

   It was so dark that Mr. Westcott could not get a very good description of the man. He noticed, however, that the fellow was of medium height with a dark moustache. He was dressed in a faded overcoat and slouch hat and altogether had a very tough look.

BREVITIES.

   —The Cortland wheel club has given up its rooms in the Democrat building and has disbanded.

   —New hatchways for coal were Saturday put through the sidewalk for coal in front of Fireman's hall.

   —All members of the Y M. C. A. who are desirous of joining a class in vocal music will hand their names to the general secretary at once.

   —All members of the Y. M. C. A. who are desirous of joining the class in penmanship will meet in the classroom this (Monday) evening at 7:30 o'clock.

   —The annual election of officers of the Cortland fire department will be held December 19 at Fireman's hall. The meeting will be called to order at 7:30 o'clock.

   —The STANDARD will be given free for the month of December to any new subscriber who pays for one year in advance on either the daily or semi-weekly STANDARD.

   —"Shore Acres" will be the attraction at the Opera House on Saturday evening, Dec, 29. It is said to be a play of the "Old Homestead*' style and the company is an excellent one,

   — A special meeting of the Sexennial league will be held in the G. A. R. hall this evening at 8 o'clock. Important business is to be transacted and every member is urged to be present.

   —The presentation of "Sin and its Shadow" by the Howard Stock Co. at the Opera House Saturday evening was fully up to the standard of the excellent previous performances of the company during the week.

   —The regular meeting of Co. B, senior grade L. T. L., will be held at the W. C. T. U. rooms on Tuesday, Dec 18, at 3:45 P. M. Note change of time from evening to afternoon. All young people near thirteen years of age or over are cordially invited.

FIRE AT DRYDEN.

The Woolen Mills Badly Damaged on Saturday.

   Dryden Woolen Mills were the scene of a disastrous fire Saturday morning, which broke out in the wool room on the third floor of the main building about 10 o'clock. The hose companies were soon at hand after the alarm of fire was sounded, and worked faithfully for an hour, before getting the flames under control.

   The proprietor, Hugo Dolge, is traveling in the Eastern states, and has been summoned home. No definite estimate of loss can be made till his arrival, but it will probably be three or four thousand dollars. The loss will be much more than the damage to building and goods, as Mr. Dolge has recently taken orders which would have kept the mill running day and night form six mouths.

   Mr. Dolge has the sympathy of his numerous friends, especially as this is the second fire from which he has suffered this year, his mill at Dolgeville, valued at $35,000, having been entirely destroyed in the Spring.

HOMER DEPARTMENT.

Gleanings of News From Our Twin Village.

   The Eva Langney comedy company are booked for Homer this week. They will appear at Keator opera house every night, with a change of bill at each performance. "Reddy, the Waif" will be the attraction to-night. The troupe arrived in town this morning and are registered at the Mansion House.

   A kittenish mare hitched before a light buggy belonging to Mr. Gransberry, late of the Salvation Army, conducted herself in an unseemly manner while standing near a lamppost on James-st. this morning. It is thought by her owner that her sudden agitation of muscle was caused by her becoming frightened at Mr. Chas. H. Stevens of the Homer Republican, who rode past on his bicycle on the sidewalk, a few seconds before the animal commenced its antics. Mr. Stevens heard the disturbance and dismounting, returned where the horse was kicking itself loose from the wagon. The animal was soon quieted, but not until the thills and one wheel were reduced to kindling wood and the washing which the owner was collecting had been precipitated into the muddy street. Mr. H. E. Hannum, who was standing across the street when the accident occurred, affirms that the horse was frightened by a passing wagon and not by the bicycle which is very probable, though the owner has a different theory.

Capt. Jack Crawford.

   Capt. Jack Crawford will give a lecture at the Opera House on Wednesday night, Dec. 19. His subject will be "The Campfire and the Trail."

   WHITEWATER, Wis., March 15, 1894.

   One thousand people, including many boys and young men, listened to the simple soul-stirring eloquence of Capt. Jack Crawford at the M.E. church on Sunday night. Capt. Jack is not a minister of the gospel, but he possesses elements of power which fit him for great usefulness, and he has a standing invitation to occupy the pulpit in any church which I may be appointed to serve. Especially timely are the lessons which he gives upon the drink evil, and his scathing words against the yellow-covered publications, that poison the minds and debauch the morals of the boys. For an hour and a half the audience gave closest attention, and eyes unused to weep were at times suffused with tears.

   WALTER D. COLE, Pastor First M. E. church.

   Captain Crawford uses the Winchester rifle exclusively, in his remarkable exhibition of skill in handling the rifle. The wonderful exhibition of dexterity in handling the Colt's revolver as given by Capt. Crawford astonishes all who witness it. He illustrates how "Wild Bill" killed two men, one in front and one behind him, in less than half a second.

   Tickets now on sale at store of D. F. Wallace & Co., at 25, 35 and 50 cents.