DEPARTMENT OF WAR

Daniel S. Lamont.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, November 27, 1896.

DEPARTMENT OF WAR.

Annual Report of Secretary Daniel Lamont.

BIG SAVING IN EXPENDITURES.

Coast Defense Work Reviewed and Progress Reported Under the Plan of

the Endicott Board—How the Defenses Are Distributed.

   WASHINGTON. NOV. 27.—Secretary Lamont's report of the operations of the war department for 1896 show total expenditures aggregating $51,803,299, of which $13,505,068 was for pay of the army, $1,488,785 for subsistence, $1,658,288 for regular quartermaster supplies, $720,726 for barracks and quarters, $2,321,727 for army transportation, $1,311,204 for clothing, $1,356,884 for ordnance, $2,867,464 for coast defenses, $17,344,560 for river and harbor improvement, $8,133,181 for national soldiers' homes and $1,436,795 for salaries and contingencies in the war office at Washington. This last item shows a saving of $582,750 from the expenditure under the same head for the year 1892.

   The aggregate of appropriations for this department unexpended and turned back into the general fund of the treasury at the end of the last fiscal year was $1,975,033. For the year 1895 it was $1,764,657 and for 1894 it was $1,387,922, an aggregate for three years of more than $5,000,000.

   Much of the report is devoted to a detailed exhibit of the work accomplished and now under way on the coast defenses as ordered in 1885.

   On the first of July, 1893, of our modern defense but one high power gun was mounted. By the 1st of July next we will have in position 70 high power breech loading guns and 95 breech loading mortars of modern design, and by the following July, on completion of work already under way or provided for, 128 guns and 153 mortars.

   The defenses now under consideration are distributed among the ports of Portland, Me., Portsmouth, N. H., Boston, Narragansett bay, eastern entrance to Long Island sound, eastern and southern entrance to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Hampton Roads, Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, Key West, Pensacola, Mobile, New Orleans, Galveston, San Diego, San Francisco, the mouth of the Columbia river and Puget sound.

   All of the emplacements have been located with a view to carrying out the project of the Endicott board on fortifications organized under the act of congress of March 8, 1885.

   The estimates of the department for the next fiscal year aggregate $10,452,268.

   The armament of troops with the new magazine arms was completed in May and the armory is turning out 125 rifles or carriages per day under the appropriation made last year. All the ammunition for small arms now made is supplied with smokeless powder of American manufacture and of satisfactory quality.

   The army consists of 25,426 officers and men, or 284 below the legal maximum. The effective field strength on Oct. 31 was 23,382.

   Secretary Lamont renews his previous recommendation that the infantry be reorganized on the general idea of three light and mobile battalions of four companies each to the regiment, instead of the cumbersome 10 company formation.

   The completion already of some coast defenses and the approaching completion of other modern batteries render necessary a larger force of artillerists, but no other increase of the army is asked for.

   The department commanders state that the discipline of the troops within their commands was never better than now.

   In no previous year of the history of the army has the health of the troops been so satisfactory.

   The 35 army officers assigned to do duty with the National Guard of the states report steady improvement in the militia.

Antonio Maceo.

DISPATCH FROM MACEO.

Cuban General Sends Greeting to His Friends.

SAYS HE CAN HOLD HIS OWN.

Courier Fresh From the Cuban Camp Brings Messages to the Junta In New York—Maceo Feels Safe For the Present.

   PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 27.—The first direct and authentic news from the mountain camp of General Antonio Maceo that has been received in this country since General Weyler left Havana for the front two weeks ago has come by special messenger, who stopped in this city.

   General Maceo sends greeting to his countrymen in the United States, and in a few words assures them and the friends of Cuba throughout the country that his gallant band is safe and able for a time, at least, to take care of itself, no matter what the Spaniards may do.

   The message is directed to the New York junta and reads:

   We have withstood the enemy in many encounters and are prepared for any move he may make. We have rendered him much injury and will be able to withstand any of his attacks for some time to come.

   Assure our noble friends in the United States that the cause of liberty will not suffer in Pinar del Rio. To those who are friendly to our cause I send greating.

   ANTONIO MACEO.

   The message was dated at the rebel army camp, near Las Pozas on the northern coast, at the farthest western end of the Rubi chain of mountains, along which are the several camps and strongholds of Maceo's forces.

   Cubans in this city are especially elated over the receipt of the message, for they were fearful of the position occupied by the Cuban forces during the past month or six weeks.

   The bearer of the message, whose name is not given out by the Cuban leaders, was a witness to the fight at Artemisa, which was first reported as a great Spanish victory and later as a "drawn battle."

   "It was a splendid fight," said the Cuban officer, "and gave great hope and courage to the entire army. You here in the United States, who read only meagre and untruthful reports, can have no idea of the nature of things in Pinar del Rio. But I will speak more especially of Artemisa, where one of the greatest Cuban victories was won.

   "Maceo did not use his entire force against the Spaniards, but the latter, who numbered between 6,000 and 8,000, were driven back from the foothills and many of them were slain upon the hard plateau before the town. As night came on Maceo ordered two batteries to the brow of the hill and shelled the town. Fires began in various places in the city, and the effect of the cannonading was something wonderful. The two dynamite guns did fearful work, some of which I had a chance to witness a few days ago when I passed through the city on my way to Havana.

   "Artemisa was almost destroyed. You would be surprised at the work of our cannon. The walls of the city wore torn apart and many of the big houses were completely demolished. I learned that many were killed during the four hours bombardment. The loss of the enemy in the city alone was in the neighborhood of 150, according to those with whom I talked while my brief stay lasted."

   The bearer of General Maceo's message will confer with the leaders in New York, deliver the message to Estrada Palma and return to Cuba.

Filibustering Expedition Captured.

   MADRID, NOV. 27.—An official dispatch from Havana says that the Spanish gunboat Baracua has captured three boats laden with insurgents, arms and ammunition in the Majari river, province of Santiago de Cuba.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Cuba's Appeal.

   It would redound to the glory of the Spanish-American republics if they should respond favorably to the burning appeal the government of free Cuba has made to them and should recognize at least the belligerency of the island which is struggling as they struggled against Spain 60 years ago. They are of the same blood as the Cubans. Over the path of blood and terror which she now treads with torn feet they also traveled to freedom.

   Even if the United States did not see fit to lift a finger or speak one word for Cuba, these sister republics could secure her recognition. The countries of South and Central America, with Mexico, solidly combined for the recognition of warlike rights for Cuba would present a front that would insure her liberty. Spain might be able to attack and embarrass one or two of them. She would not dare to oppose them united. They are bound by the ties of kindred, bound by the memory of the past, to at least say the word that will give the real government of Cuba recognition.

   Nearly all of Cuba is in the hands of the revolutionists. They have a president, Cisneros Betancourt, and a secretary of state, Portuondo y Tamayo. The names of these two officials are signed to the appeal made by the patriots to the Spanish-American republics. The Cuban republic has maintained itself for a period, which lacks only two months of being two years. It issues money and has representatives to foreign governments. It is a nation.

   ◘ Immigration will never again reach the gigantic proportions it assumed in the early eighties. In 1882 we had 788,992 arrivals. It was confidently expected then that the number would swell to 1,000,000. It never did, however. That year the tide was highest, and it began to recede in 1883. The laws which we passed restricting immigrants began to tell about that time. These laws have been made more and more exacting, until last year 2,799 persons were returned by our authorities to the countries whence they came because they were undesirable subjects. The panic of 1893 also served to discourage immigration. There is now indication of recovery from the falling off occasioned by that, however, and the number of arrivals this year is much larger than it was last year.

Jurors Drawn.

   The following panel of jurors was drawn at the clerk's office this morning to serve at a trial term of county court which will convene at the courthouse in Cortland on Monday, Dec. 14: 

   Cortlandville—Carroll Day, George W. Edgcomb, Adin Grant, Merton Harvey, Albert Hoffman, John M. Olds, William J. Perkins, George Ryder, Thomas Scott, Frank H. Sears, Daniel Thomas.

   Cuyler—L. S. Barber, Lucian Hathaway, Adam Robbins.

   Freetown—L. L. Harvey, Chauncey Smith, Norman Underwood.

   Harford—Martin Kells, W. H. Norton.

   Homer—Hontetter Bower, Thomas Knoble, Wright A. Perry, Arthur Rogers, Benjamin Starr, Winfield S. Stephenson, Nelson Watros.

   Lapeer—Watson J. Bliss, Myron Polard.

   Marathon—James E. Fish, Robert Lee, Jay E. Turner.

   Preble—George M. Baldwin, Henry Harter.

   Taylor—George Potter.

   Virgil—Edward P. Leach.

   Willet—Emmet Delevan.

Disturbed the Meeting.

   For several nights a number of persons have been creating a disturbance in the hallway lending to the W. C. T. U. rooms during the time when the Volunteers are holding their regular meetings. Last evening the disturbance was even more marked than usual. Lieut. Barber states that unless this annoying feature is at once discontinued the names of the disturbers will be handed to the police and means will be taken to put a stop to the disturbance. To disturb any religious meeting whatsoever is a serious offense against the law and the offenders are liable to severe punishment at the hands of the law.

OFFICER GOODING SURPRISED.

His House Taken Possession of by a Numerous Company.

   As Officer S. N. Gooding was Wednesday evening about to leave his home, 58 Fitz-ave., to take his place on his beat, his home was invaded by about sixty friends, including members of Vesta lodge, No. 255, I. O. O. F., and their wives who had come to spend the evening. Officer Gooding was informed that another officer had been deputized to take his beat that night and he need not report for duty. Mrs. Gooding was at the Opera House, but was summoned home. The evening was consequently given up to enjoyment, and a fine time followed. A fine pair of draperies and a handsome set of diningroom chairs were presented to Mr. and Mrs. Gooding before the guests departed. The presentation speech was made by Mr. C. B. Roethig, who was in his happiest mood, and the speech was heartily applauded.

   The guests were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hilligus, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Roethig and daughter Sara, Mr. and Mrs. Adelbert DuBois, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest H. Medes, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Moore, Mr. and Mrs. H. L. deClercq, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. M. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Marks, Mr. and Mrs. C. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Goodell, Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Chalfant, Mr. and Mrs. Vera Coville, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dunn, Mr. and Mrs. T. N. Leach, Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. K. L. Chatterton, Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey Genung, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bangs, Mr. and Mrs. M. McMillen, Mr. and Mrs. Burdette Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Daniels and daughter Abbie, Mr. and Mrs. Porter Bunnell, Mr. and Mrs. M. Medes, Mrs. Chapin and son, Maurice Chapin, Pearl Williams, Fred Williams, Edith Bunnell, Frank Bunnell, Arthur Lewis, Florence Lewis, Ira and Jennie Medes.

Protectives Elect Officers.

   At the regular meeting of the Protective Police Co., No. 5, Cortland fire department, held Wednesday evening at their headquarters, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

   Captain—E. Depuy Mallery.

   Lieutenant—Dr. Ellis M. Santee.

   Sergeant—F. M. McFall.

   President—Richmond J. Lucas.

   Vice-President—J. L. Watrous.

   Secretary—J. A. Jayne.

   Treasurer—Calvin P. Walrad,

   Representative on Board of Engineers—Aaron Sager.

   Delegate to the State Firemen's Convention—E. Depuy Mallery.

   Alternate—Aaron Sager.

   Delegate to the Central New York Five-County Fireman's Association—Dr. E. M. Santee.

   Alternate—Eugene W. Powers.

   Property Clerk—Henry Bates.

   Chaplain—Rev. Edmund B. Gearhart.

A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

Mrs. Ransom Brooks Falls From a Scaffolding and is Paralyzed.

   On Wednesday afternoon about 8 o'clock Mrs. Nancy Brooks, wife of Ransom Brooks, fell from a scaffolding in the barn at the home of her father, Mr. Henry Smith, four miles from Cortland on the Virgil road, and sustained injuries of the spine which completely paralyzed her from the waist down.

   Mrs. Brooks had been at the home of her father, who has been in poor health for some time, helping to care for him and was hunting eggs in the barn when the accident occurred. She was upon the scaffolding over the barn floor when a board gave way and she fell a distance of twelve or fourteen feet to the floor below. Her brother, Mr. Frank Smith, was in the barn and saw the accident. He carried Mrs. Brooks to the house and as soon as possible summoned Dr. A. J. White of Cortland. Dr. White found that she was suffering from a serious injury of the spine and the lower part of her body and limbs completely paralyzed. She is no better to-day and is in a very dangerous condition.

The Kremlin on Court Street.

BREVITIES.

   — James Diedrich paid a fine of $5 in police court yesterday morning for public intoxication.

  —One tramp occupied the cooler last night and started about his business this morning.

   —A special and extra dispatch announcing a cold wave was received at 3:55 this afternoon.

   —Dr. Lovejoy Robertson of Cortland occupied the pulpit of the First Presbyterian church on Sunday last, preaching two good sermons.—Owego Times.

   —There was the customary large crowd at the armory last night at the dance, Daniels' orchestra was at its best, and the dancing was enjoyed until a late hour.

   —The Central school football team defeated the Marathon team at the fair grounds in Cortland Thanksgiving day by a score of 30 to 0. There was a large crowd in attendance.

   —A quantity of stone has arrived at the Lehigh station which will be used in laying the foundation for new car scales which will be much larger and better than the present scales.

   —The Rev. F. A. Strough will give an illustrated sermon with his stereopticon on "The Modern Prodigal Son" in the Congregational church Sunday evening. The public is cordially invited.

   —Prof. Cortez's cantor light attracted attention in the north window of the clothing store of F. Daehler this afternoon. It will be in full running order to-morrow, and is well worth inspection.

   —Sixty-two Cortland people were attracted by the splendid menu published in Wednesday's STANDARD to take dinner on Thanksgiving day at the Kremlin, in addition to quite a large patronage of transients from out of town, and the regular boarders. The dinner was said to be superb.