CUBAN INSURGENTS DEFEATED

1893 map of Cuba.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, January 29, 1897.

INSURGENTS DEFEATED.

Cubans Lost Thirty-nine Men and Two Hundred Horses.

CHARGED CUBAN'S LEFT FLANK.

Engagement In the Woods of Bayamo, Province of Havana—Spaniards Met a Strong Resistance, but Cut Them Down as They Tried to Escape.

   HAVANA, Jan. 29.—Lieutenant Colonel Zabalanza, in command of the Villaviciosa regiment, was engaged in the woods of Bayamo near San Jose de Las Lajas, province of Havana, with the insurgent forces commanded by Castillo, Hernandez and Acosta.

   The attack of the Spanish troops was met by a heavy fire from the insurgents, under the cover of which a squadron of cavalry succeeded in turning the flank of the insurgents and occupying a position near the ground over which the enemy was expected to retreat. When this movement had been carried out the Spanish cavalry and infantry advanced upon the insurgent positions and carried them.

   The insurgents thereupon tried to escape, but the Spanish charged their left flank and cut down 39 of them.

   The enemy left 26 carbines and 200 saddled horses in addition to two medicine chests, a banner and a number of documents. The troops had seven wounded.

   General Montaner was engaged on Jan. 26 at Colon y Sequeiro, province of Santa Clara, with the insurgents commanded by Pancho Perez.

   After an hour's firing the insurgents were dislodged from their positions, leaving 11 men killed and 12 carbines on the field. The troops had a lieutenant and nine men wounded.

CUBANS LAND ARMS.

Reported Engagement in Which the Cubans Whip a Guerrilla Band.

   HAVANA, via Key West, Jan. 29.—An engagement is reported to have occurred Jan. 22 at the Volcan Farm, near Managua, five miles from Havana. The Spanish forces were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Vicario. The insurgents first met a band of guerrillas numbering 49 men, commanded by Lieutenant Menedes. The guerrillas finally succeeded in overpowering Lieutenant Menedes, the chief of the Cubans, who was seriously wounded. Four of the guerrillas were killed and 25 of them wounded.

   The insurgents, numbering 500 under the direct command of Brigadier General Castillo and Brigadier General Delgado, finally succeeded in effecting a retreat, killing a soldier of the Battalion Espana as they retired and seriously wounding Captain Jose Tallaveron, who died the next day. Lieutenant Tallaveron, son of Captain Tallaveron, and two of his soldiers were also badly wounded.

   The local guerrillas of Mordasa on Jan. 25, near Sagua, were completely overwhelmed by a superior number of insurgents and obliged to retreat, losing eight killed and 15 wounded. The insurgents commanded by Chucho Monteague, Julio Dominguez and Evaristo, numbering about 600, marched in the direction of Encrucijada, province of Santa Clara, and united with a larger band of Cubans now in the vicinity of Sancti Spiritus.

   The report that the insurgents succeeded in landing an expedition well supplied with arms at La Caleta, near Puenta Maisa, is confirmed.

   The expedition effected a landing while the gunboats of that zone hurried to Barracoa and Mata, a feigned attack having been made on these two towns for the purpose of assisting filibusterers.

Spain Submits to Home Rule.

   LONDON, Jan. 39.—A dispatch from Madrid says that negotiations are actively proceeding between Spain and the United States, Secretary Olney acting as intermediary for Cuba. Spain has submitted the Cuban home rule project. The new autonomy program gives Cuba two legislative chambers and reserves to the island the power to govern all tariff and revenue bills, Cuba paying an equitable share of the Spanish army and navy.

Colonial War Society.

   NEW YORK, Jan. 29.— The Society of Colonial Wars in the state of New York commemorated the signing of the contract in 1609 between Henry Hudson and the Dutch East India company, which resulted in the discovery of Manhattan island, by holding its fifth annual banquet at Delmonico's. There was a large attendance at the feast.

Railroad Incorporated.

   ALBANY. Jan. 29.—The South Vandalia and State Line Railroad company was incorporated with a capital stock of $40,000 to operate a steam road from South Vandalia on the Western New York and Pennsylvania railroad up the valley known as the Chipmunk river for a distance of four miles.

Trolley and trains waiting at the D. L. & W. railroad crossing at Cortland depot.

STRUCK THE LOCOMOTIVE.

Electric Car on the McGrawville Division Injured.

   Electric car No. 16 on the McGrawville division had a slight accident last night on its return from McGrawville [to Cortland] at 11 o'clock, which was fortunate in that it was not more serious. The car was in charge of Motorman P. J. McSweeney and Conductor Bert Snyder. There was but one passenger on board, J. H. Ryan of 74 Madison-st. The car had crossed the main tracks of the D., L. & W. at the station and was approaching the tracks leading to the yard. On the first track stood the snow plow at the north side of the street which had just come in. The engine, having left it standing there, had backed to the switch and taken the next track west to run in to the turntable.

   The engine was scarcely moving as the car approached that track. The motorman reports to headquarters that he thought it was stopping and could not see it clearly behind the snowplow. Instead it was just moving along into the yard. As the electric car emerged from behind the snow plow it struck the locomotive broadside, but the car was moving very slowly and so the damage was slight. The vestibule was quite badly jammed and the car pushed off the track. The motorman escaped with slight bruises by jumping, and the conductor was struck in the face and right eye by flying glass. Mr. Ryan was bruised upon the shoulder.

   Car No. 8 came down and helped get No. 16 upon the track, then it was able of its own power to go up to the barn. No. 17 is to-day running on the McGrawville line.

MARY ELIZABETH WRIGHT

Died at the Home of Her Son, B. T. Wright, Thursday.

   Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wright died yesterday afternoon at the home of her son, Attorney B. T. Wright, 8 North Church-st. She had been in her usual health up to about three weeks ago, when she was stricken with heart disease, which developed into paralysis and caused her death. She was born in Carmel, Putnam Co., N. Y., July 29, 1818, and was married Jan. 25, 1837, her husband's name being Thomas S. Wright. In 1850 they removed to Richford, Tioga Co., where they resided until 1860, when they removed to Lisle. Mr. Wright died in 1876. For the last nineteen years Mrs. Wright has lived with her son, B. T. Wright.

   She is survived by one brother, Benjamin T. Crane of Carmel, also four sons and two daughters, Attorney B. T. Wright and Sackett L. Wright of Cortland,  Rueben A. Wright of Ithaca, Fred K. Wright and Mrs. Mary A Stone of Denver, Colo.

   Mrs. Wright united with the Methodist Episcopal church in her youth, but for the past ten years has been an active member and worker in the Congregational church of Cortland. She was very reserved in her manners and had a good Christian character. She made many friends by her kindly ways and the saying proved true, "Once a friend, always a friend."

   The funeral will be held from the residence of her son Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and will be conducted by her pastor, Rev. W. H. Pound. Burial will be made in Cortland Rural cemetery.

BREVITIES.

   —New advertisements to-day are—Warner Rood, "Dan Ryan," page 5.

   —The graduating class at the Normal [School] hold a banquet to-night at the Kremlin [Hotel].

   —The Good Templars will serve a ten-cent supper in Good Templars' hall tomorrow evening, beginning at 7 o'clock.

   —The Cortland County Beekeepers' association will hold their annual meeting in Good Templars' hall in Cortland on Saturday, Feb. 13.

   —The musical for the benefit of the Y. M. C. A,, occurs at 8 o'clock to-night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Wickwire on Tompkins-st.

   —Every Republican should remember the town caucuses to-night from 7 to 8 o'clock. The places where they will be held are noted in the caucus call on the second page.

   —The Democratic electors of the town of Cortlandville will meet in caucus in Fireman's hall on Monday, Feb. 1, at 2 o'clock to nominate a ticket for town meeting.

   —The regular meeting of the board of managers of the Hospital association for February will be held at the hospital Monday afternoon, Feb. 1 at 8 o'clock. A full attendance is desired.

   —The members of Grace church choir are asked to meet for practice at the church on Saturday evening at 7 o'clock. A full attendance is desired. The Friday evening service will not be held this week.

   —The baggage cars of the New York Central railroad are being fitted with a new scheme for holding bicycles. A steel spring clasps the handle-bar of a bicycle and a hardwood block holds the machine against the side of the car.

   —The remains of Mrs. Charles E. Hills, formerly of McGrawvllle, who died at her home in Syracuse, Tuesday, were brought to Cortland this morning and taken to McGrawville for interment, the funeral having been held yesterday.

   —In Justice Dowd's court this morning the case of the Cortland Water Works Co. against Irving Fairchild was called, a jury drawn and an adjournment taken to next Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. This is a dispute over a line fence.

   —Jay Steele, the seventeen-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Steele of 15 Washington-st., who was operated upon for appendicitis Tuesday night by Dr. Jacobson of Syracuse, assisted by Drs. Sornberger, Didama and Moore, died at 12 o'clock to-day. The funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

   —The Lillian Kennedy company in "A Deacon's Daughter" drew a good house last night considering the inclemency of the weather and the number of other attractions in town. The play was an excellent one and was well staged. The singing was of a high character, the acting good and the costumes fine. The audience was well pleased with the entertainment.

THE Y. M. D. C.

Fifty-fifth Anniversary Celebrated—Banquet at The Kremlin.

   The last of the club publics for this commencement season were held at the Normal [School] last night. There was a large crowd in attendance and the exercises were fully up to the standard established years ago and maintained by the club. It had been expected that Hon. Charles T. Saxton would be present and speak for the alumni, but a telegram was received yesterday from him saying that he was in New York and that it would be impossible for him to be present. This was very much regretted by all who had anticipated a rich treat in listening to Mr. Saxton, who as former lieutenant governor and a prominent statesman has a wide reputation and many personal friends in Cortland.

   But the society was very fortunate in being able to present Judge J. E. Eggleston, who delivered a very interesting speech, recalling the days when he was an active member of the club thirty years ago.

   The president's address by Mr. Elliott was of a historical nature. The club was formed in 1842, the constitution being drafted by Messrs. James S. Squires, Henry L. Rogers and Charles Goodyear in the house at 16 Church-st. The constitution has not been materially changed since. At one time ladies were admitted to membership, and later young people of the town. In 1869 the club was transferred with the old Cortlandville academy to the Normal school. In 1879 was founded the Normal News, the first publication ever issued from a Normal school in the state and which the society has continued to publish ever since.

   Mr. Squires delivered in his usually forcible manner his oration on "Talkers and Talking" and brought out several new ideas from the subject. The debate which followed showed how carefully the speakers had prepared themselves and showed the practical benefits derived from active club membership.

   The young men spoke with emphasis and intelligence of the relative merits of natural and political science in their relationship to mankind. The music for the occasion was furnished by a double quartet from Cornell university whose singing was much appreciated by the audience. They were compelled to respond to an encore at each appearance.

   On the wall at the rear of the rostrum was arranged in evergreens the figures, '42, '72, and 1897.

   The program was as follows:

   Music—Selected, Octet.

   President's Remarks—Historical, Ernest L. Elliott.

   Oration—Talkers and Talking, Fred D. L. Squires.

   Music—Selected, Octet.

   Debate—Resolved:

   That Natural Science has done more for mankind than Political Science.

   Affirmative:     

   Howard M. Tracy.

   Wilbur F. Saxton.

   Negative:

   Joseph L. Beha.

   Grant L. Munson.

   Music—Selected, Octet.

   Alumni Address, Hon. Joseph E. Eggleston.

   Music—Selected, Octet.

   It was a few minutes past twelve when Judge A. P. Smith as toastmaster of the evening arose and with mirth provoking words introduced the speakers of the evening, all of whom responded joyfully. Owing to the enforced absence of Dr. F. J. Cheney from the speech-making, his toast was handled by Prof. D. L. Bardwell in his usual happy vein. Hon. Charles T. Saxton was down for a toast to "The State," and his absence was keenly regretted, but in his stead, Mr. L. D. C. Hopkins gave some reminiscences of club days when he was an active member. Mr. F. P. Gleason, who was to respond to the toast, "The Teacher," was absent, and his place was acceptably filled by J. A. Jayne. The program of speech-making was as follows:

   Toastmaster, Judge A. P. Smith.

   The Alumni, Arland D. Weeks,

   "I was a stricken deer that left the herd, long since."

   The Active Members, John Hinds,

   "Hard words or sense."

   The Faculty, Prof. D. L. Bardwell,

   "And still they looked and still the wonder grew,

   That one small head could carry all he knew."

   The State, L. D. C. Hopkins,

   "Thou, too, sail on, O Ship of State,

   Sail on, O Union strong and great."

   The Legal Profession, Judge J. E. Eggleston,

   "For e'en though vanquished, he could argue still."

   The Schoolteacher, J. A. Jayne,

   "A man he was to all the country dear,

   And passing rich at forty pounds a year."

   The Collegiate, Howland L. Davis,

   "Full in the midst of Euclid dip at once.

   And petrify a genius to a dunce,

   Who stifle nature, and subsist on art,

   Who coin the face, and petrify the heart."

   The Corlonors, Prof. J. E. Banta,

   "Corlonor fraternity, give them room."

   Those at the banquet were Judge A. P. Smith, Judge J. E. Eggleston, Dr. F. J. Cheney, Prof. D. L. Bardwell, Prof. J. E. Banta, R. L. Davis, A. D. Weeks, R. Paul Higgins, John Hinds, J. A. Jayne, L. D. C. Hopkins, James S. Squires, Clyde Griswold, Howard F. Brooks, L. R. Mooney, A. W. Armitage, W. Down, C. R. Lord, R. R. Male, Mr. Dean, S. W. Stoppard, W. H. Smith, W. Elwell, Joseph L. Beha, P. F. Gillette, F. A. Beardsley, G. O. Moore, L. R. Hurlbut, H. G. Grubel, M. J. Kerwin, Mr. Morse, G. L. Manson, G. H. VanTuyl, E. S. Wooster, Harry Oday, W. T. Hutchings, F. D. L. Squires, James A. Shea, Howard Tracy, and E. B. Cummings.