DE LOME ON CUBAN AUTONOMY AND CORTLAND HOSPITAL FAIR

Enrique Dupuy De Lome.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, November 30, 1897.

DE LOME ON AUTONOMY.

Has Only Words of Praise For the New Decree.

WHAT THEY HAVE LONG WANTED.

The Present Scheme Allows Cubans a Voice in Affairs of State—Will

Have Control of Banking and Customs—Improvement on Canada.

   WASHINGTON, Nov. 30.—Senor Dupuy De Lome, the Spanish minister, has received long dispatches from Madrid showing in detail the plan of autonomy which Spain is about to apply to Cuba.

   While these do not give the text of the new law, they explain all important features and clear up doubts which had arisen from the unofficial reports which have come from Madrid. Speaking of the new laws, the minister said:

   I regret that much misapprehension has arisen over the new law, owing to the very meagre reports heretofore received concerning it. I must admit also, that I have been astonished at the disposition in some quarters to criticize small technical features without looking at the broad, general character of the new reform law.

   It is a measure which will stand the closest scrutiny, and I am very desirous that the American people should look into it with care, studying it and comparing it with other constitutional methods of governing colonies. Such study I am sure will fully vindicate the law and commend it to the people of this country, outside of those irreconcilables who are always to be met with.

   One of the recent criticisms is that this plan of autonomy is the same as the old plan with some change of detail. As a matter of fact, the new plan is a complete realization of the policy and platforms of the Autonomist party during the last 20 years.

   The old plan of autonomy gave to Cuba an advisory body. In did not have final authority in making laws, but merely advised as to those laws. Now, however, the new law proposes to give Cuba a parliamentary body of full lawmaking power. The completeness of this legislative power is as great, if not greater, than that enjoyed by Canada or by any state of the United States.

   This is readily demonstrated by comparing the plan of the new law with that of the British North American act of 1867, which establishes the present parliamentary system of Canada.

   According to the Canadian law the Canadian parliament consists of two bodies. The upper house is made up of members appointed by the crown, each member holding a life tenure, with a qualification that no member is eligible unless he has an income of $4,000.

   The provision for the new Cuban upper house is along the same general line, but is far less stringent.

   Instead of the crown appointing all of the upper house, as in the case of Canada, the Spanish crown is to appoint one-half the members of the upper house of Cuba. The other half are to be elected by the people of Cuba every five years. There is a $4,000 property qualification for membership of the upper house of Cuba, which is the same as that in Canada.

   The same comparison holds good between the proposed lower house in Cuba and the lower house in Canada. There is a $2,500 property qualification for members of the lower house in Canada and also a qualification as to those who may vote for such members. But in the new plan for Cuba there is no property qualification as to the electors. It is one man, one vote; the same be he black or white.

   If the new home rule law is compared with the systems prevailing in the several states of the United States, it will be found that Cuba is to have a far greater measure of control of her own affairs than do the several states in this country.

   For instance, she is given control of her postal affairs, control of her banking and currency, control of her customs. This last feature is most important.

GERMANY AND HAYTI.

United States Will Not Allow Germany to Be Tyrannical.

   WASHINGTON, Nov. 30.—The attention of the department of state has been formally directed to the friction that has arisen between Germany and Hayti, as a result of the arrest by the officials of the latter country of a half-blood named Lueders.

   The state department does not feel that it has a right to interpose, so long as the demands of Germany for redress are kept within the bounds of sound practice in international disputes, following in this the precedent set by the last administration when it permitted the landing of British troops at Corinto, Nicaragua, to secure indemnity for the ill-treatment of British officers.

   It does not follow from this, however, that the administration will look with unconcern upon any harsh and unjust measures that may be sought to be put in force by Germany toward the little island republic.

   As an explanation for the apparently severe treatment of Lueders the Haytian government is prepared to show that he had been twice arrested and convicted of the same offense, namely, resisting and assaulting an officer.

   The first offense was committed a little over a year ago and the Haytian law, like that in our country in some cases, provides for a much more severe penalty in the case of a second conviction.

   Also, as an indication that there was no discrimination practiced towards Lueders on the score that he was a German subject, it can be shown by the Haytian government that the person arrested with him at the same time, for the same offense, a native full-blooded Haytian, was subjected to exactly the same penalty, $500 fine and a year's imprisonment, that was meted out to Lueders.

   Altogether the case is regarded at the state department as one that might properly be adjusted through the regular channels of diplomatic negotiations, instead of through the strong means of demonstrations in force, particularly in view of the fact that Lueders is now at liberty and in Germany, and the acute phase of the case has been passed.

   The Haytian authorities consider that the Monroe doctrine applies to the present case, and for that reason expect that the people of the United States will not approve the crushing of Hayti by a powerful European government, or that the authorities here will not remain inactive if the Monroe doctrine becomes involved.

Germany Grows Hostile.

   BERLIN, Nov. 30.—The Berliner Tageblatt says it is reliably informed that the German government only wants monetary  reparation from Hayti for the recent arrest and imprisonment of Herr Emile Lueders by the Haytian tribunals, but that it will not brook any interference in the matter on the part of the United States.

German Ambassador Arrives.

   WASHINGTON, NOV. 30.—Baron von Holleben, the recently appointed German ambassador, presented his credentials to President McKinley, qualifying as the diplomatic representative of Germany at Washington.

Cortland County Poor House and Farm.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Town vs. County Support of the Poor.

   Considerable attention has been drawn to the following resolution, introduced by Supervisor Lee of Cuyler and adopted by our board of supervisors last week by a vote of 13 to 2:

   Resolved, That pursuant to Chapter 225, law of 1896, giving boards of supervisors power to revive the distinction between town and county poor, that from and after Jan 1, 1898, each town shall support its own poor.

   Last year Mr. Lee took strong ground in favor of a similar resolution, and made out a table showing the expenditure for support of the poor of each town, and further, that on the basis of what had been expended the previous year, only two towns, Cortlandville and Marathon, would have their charge for supporting the poor increased if a change were made from the county to the town system. This year he succeeded in getting the resolution passed, the only towns apposing it, through their supervisors, being the two named above.

   As the taxpayers throughout the county, and especially in the two towns named, will be interested in knowing what reasons, aside from individual town interests, were influential in securing the passage of this resolution, we have obtained from Supervisor Lee the following statement:

   First. The town system is to be preferred to the county system on the broad principle that it is but fair that each town should pay for the support of its own poor, as well as other legitimate town charges.

   Second. By having the accounts for the support of the poor audited by the several town boards, the bills and charges for work by the overseers of the poor will be more closely scrutinized than they would be by the superintendent of the poor. The town boards will also be less apt to be imposed upon—as they will have more intimate and personal knowledge of the circumstances of the persons receiving aid, and of what the overseers ought to charge for services. The result will be that much more benefit will be derived from the same expenditure.

   Mr. Lee says that Supt. Miner called his attention to one case where an overseer of the poor charged $6 for his services and only $5 for relief, and that Mr. Miner said there were many similar cases. Mr. Lee believes, and justly, that an unwise distribution of public charity encourages idleness and begets vice, and that the best system of helping the poor is one which insures the most thorough knowledge of each individual case. He is also of the opinion that in time, under the town system, the expenses for support of the poor will be cut down one-half, without detriment, and even with benefit, to those receiving aid.

   The town system of poor support, Mr. Lee says, is in operation in most of the counties of the state, and—so he is informed—in every county adjacent to Cortland, in time he believes it will do away with one official, since it will so lessen the work and responsibility of the superintendent of the poor that he can, and will, also be the keeper of the county alms house.

   The town system will be in operation next year in this county, at all events, and the taxpayers and humanitarians will have a chance to observe its workings and judge for themselves as to its merits and faults.

   ◘ There is in Germany already insurance against old age, accident and sickness. The government aids the old age and sickness fund. But a new one is to be started which the government will not aid. It will be called Industria. Its aim and object will be to insure its members against losses from strikes. Thus with a fund at his back to support him the German workman could go on strike when and where he pleased, except that such a course would soon cut up all the profits of the concern.

Cortland Hospital was located on North Main Street near Arthur Avenue.

THE HOSPITAL FAIR

TO BE HELD IN TAYLOR HALL DECEMBER 9 TO 11.

Encouraging Prospects, Much Interest Shown—Liberal Contributions— Meeting of the Decoration Committee—Plans for Its Work.

   A meeting of the ladies of the hospital board was held yesterday to perfect plans for their fair and bazaar which is to be held next Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The prospects are encouraging for the finest fair ever held in Cortland. People are showing great interest in the undertaking and are responding liberally.

   It has been the intention of the ladies to solicit contributions of every one in town, but it is feared that some may have been missed. If any have been omitted, it is hoped that such ones will feel themselves specially invited to contribute something. Articles may be left with any member of the board or taken to Taylor hall Wednesday forenoon, Dec. 8.

   The committee on decorations held a meeting last night at the office of Dr. E. M. Santee and adopted general plans for the adornment of the hall, appointed chairmen of committees on special work and made general arrangements for the whole undertaking. It was decided to place a pyramid of potted plants in the center of the hall under the chandelier. These plants will be for sale, and the pyramid will probably be in charge of one of the florists of Cortland or Homer.

   There will be three booths upon the south side of the hall. In the southwest corner near the stage will be the refreshment booth, and the decorations of this booth will be in charge of Mr. A. B. White.

   At the center of the south side will be the fancy booth, and the decorations will be in charge of Harry B. Greenman.

   Near the southeast corner will be the Mexican booth, and the decorations will be in charge of Mr. T. N. Hollister.

   There will be two booths along the north wall. The one nearer the street will be the art gallery and the decorations will be in charge of Mr. Scott Hyde.

   The other booth on this side of the hall is the doll booth and the decorations will be In charge of Mr. E. S. Reed.

   There will also be two octagonal booths near the front of the hall. The south one will be for the sale of confectionery, and the decorations will be in charge of Mr. F. M. Thomas. The other one will be for the sale of aprons and the decorations will be in charge of Mr. Wm. H. Brown.

   The decoration committee has apparently used very good judgment and no little tact in the selection of chairmen of these committees. It will be noted that each of the gentlemen named above in charge of the separate booths represents one of the leading dry goods houses of Cortland. There will doubtless be no little rivalry in the adornment of the booths, and excellent taste will be shown in all.

   Upon each side of the stage and close up to it will be a flower booth, and the decorations of both will be in charge of Mr. N. H. Waters. These two booths will each take the form of a half of an octagon. The stage will be lined with palms.

   The hall will be turned over to the hospital next Monday morning and the work of building the booths will be completed on Monday and Tuesday. The management would be glad if any carpenters who are out of employment and who desire to aid the hospital in any way would donate their services in building the booths upon these two days or upon any part of them. If there are any such will they please leave word with Mrs. F. H. Cobb or with Dr. E. M. Santee.

   The booths will be completed Tuesday afternoon and that evening the gentlemen named above with whatever helpers they may select will decorate them.

   On Wednesday the general decoration committee will complete the work of decorating the rest of the hall. The fair begins on Thursday and lasts three days. There will be special entertainments and dancing each evening.

Business School Notes.

   Mr. James E. Joiner, principal of Joiners' Business school, spent the Thanksgiving vacation visiting the business schools of New Jersey and Greater New York.

   Miss Jennie Spencer of Killawog has finished the course in bookkeeping and has now entered the shorthand department.

   Miss Grace Hatfield, a graduate of the business department, has been engaged as bookkeeper in the Gillette Skirt Co.

   James Ray began a business course in the school Monday.

On a Serious Charge.

   Cora Phillips of Homer was arrested this morning by Chief of Police Linderman on the charge of larceny in taking a suit of boy's clothing from the store of Simmons & Grant on the evening of Nov. 13. She was a witness before Justice Dowd this morning in the examination of Charles Phillips, on the charge of abduction, and was arrested immediately after giving her testimony. Her arraignment was held open until 3 o'clock this afternoon in police court.

   The examination of Charles Phillips was adjourned until 1 o'clock to-morrow afternoon.

SKATING AT THE RINK.

Preparations for a Grand Time on Ice this Winter.

   As mentioned some days ago in The STANDARD the Traction company has been enlarging and deepening the place for its rink east of the Tioughnioga river. The water has been let in and there are now over 50,000 feet of skating space in the rink. The snow yesterday injured the ice as it was forming and the rink has been flooded again to-day and it is expected that by to-morrow morning the ice will be in prime condition and ready for skaters. If this proves to be true the cars will bear skating signs upon them, and the skating flag will be displayed upon the flag pole upon the STANDARD building.

   The skating house at the rink will be comfortably heated and skates for rent can be obtained there. The rink will also be lighted evenings. The crosstown car will make its usual trip to the rink, and the McGrawville car will pass it each hour.

Angell & McFall

Have purchased a power [saw] and are prepared at any time to cut sausage meat in any quantity. Farmers and any one having meat to cut can be accommodated. Their stock of groceries is complete. A good tea for 25 cents per pound. Coffee as low as 12 cents per pound. Spices, canned goods, molasses and syrup, also a fine butter salt. Ground and rock salt always on hand. Their market is stocked with state and choice western dressed beef, home cured hams, their own tried lard and in fact anything you may need in meats, groceries and provisions may be found at this store, corner Owego and Park-sts. [paid advertisement.]

BREVITIES.

   —Beard & Peck's furniture store will be open evenings until after the Holidays.

   —The Fortnightly club will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with Mrs. F. M. Van Hoesen, 4 Madison-st.

   —Several members of the local council of the Knights of Columbus are in Ithaca this afternoon and evening assisting in the institution of a new council in that city.

   —Chief of Police Linderman has in his possession a lady's boa, which was picked up on the street last night. The owner can secure the same by identifying property.

   —The address of Superintendent of the Poor Miles G. Frisbie will hereafter be postoffice box 108, Homer, N. Y., instead of at Scott. All mail should be addressed to him as above.

   —The Ladies' Literary club, will meet to-morrow afternoon at 8:45 o'clock with Mrs. G. W. Bradford, 70 Tompkins-st. An entertainment will take the place of the customary program. Note the change of hour.

   —Floyd M. Welch, the 8-months-old son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Welsh, who reside west of Cortland, died Sunday night of bronchopneumonia. The funeral will occur at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning, and burial will be made at Homer.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—D. McCarthy & Co., Sterling Silver Novelties, page 8; C. F. Brown, Bristles, page 7; Warren, Tanner & Co., Reductions in Prices, page 8; J. G. Bussing, Commonwealth Brand Coffee, page 5.