ERIE & CENTRAL NEW YORK R. R. AND AFTERMATH OF USS MAINE EXPLOSION

Fast mail train at Cincinnatus, N. Y.

Cortland Standard Semi-Weekly Edition, Tuesday, March 1, 1898.

ERIE & CENTRAL NEW YORK

PLAN TO EXTEND AT ONCE TO SYRACUSE.

Syracuse Chamber of Commerce Asked to Co-operate—Letter from President George E. Mellen —Advantages Enumerated.

   The Syracuse chamber of commerce on Thursday night had before it a proposition for the extension of the Erie & Central New York from Cortland to Syracuse. A letter was read from Mr. George F. Mellen, the president of the Mellen Construction Co., the builders of the road. The Syracuse Standard publishes the letter and comments upon it as follows:

   The Erie and Central New York railway company holds a charter to build a standard gauge steam railway between Syracuse and Cortland and between Cortland and Deposit, 110 miles; also a charter to build from the mouth of the Gee brook, sixteen miles from Cortland, up the Otselic valley through Cincinnatus, Taylor, East Pitcher, Pitcher, South Otselic, and on towards Norwich, 30 miles.

   The railway has been under contract since summer. The work of construction has been actively pushed. The line from Cortland to Cincinnatus, twenty miles, is completed and in operation.

   The railroad will open a country without railway facilities. It will at once put all points on the line in touch with Syracuse and will provide an additional outlet for Syracuse and will make connections with the Lehigh Valley at Cortland, the Delaware & Hudson at Ninevah, and the Erie at Deposit. This gives Syracuse the choice of at least two additional routes to the coal fields and to prominent points on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western and the Delaware & Hudson not now open to them.

   The new section of country opened up, and which is wholly void of railway facilities, will forward a larger part of the products to Syracuse, and the people of this section will do their trading in Syracuse, for it is a well-known fact that the people on the line of a railway all tend towards the largest city on the line. Syracuse being the terminus for the proposed road, the shops and principal yards would naturally be located there, provided a suitable location could be secured.

   As the railway company is desirous of at once extending and building from Cortland into Syracuse, and to that end has been investigating the routes leading thereto, with a view of ascertaining the most feasible way of reaching and entering your city, we now deem it the proper time to place this matter before your honorable body, so that you may, if you see fit, co-operate with and give such assistance as you deem wise for the best interests of the community, both as to the most suitable and feasible entrance and assistance in securing the right of way to enter your city.

   As the owners of the controlling interests in the Erie & Central New York railway, we respectfully place the matter before your honorable body for consideration, and we shall be pleased to meet and discuss the matter with you at such times as you may suggest. Yours for the G. F. Mellen company.

   GEORGE F. MELLEN, President.

   The G. F. Mellen company is a New York City corporation which built a road south [east] from Cortland now in operation. The corporation wishes Syracuse instead of Cortland for the terminus of its line for the reasons given in the letter. To that end conferences have been held between the Mellen company and the promoters of the Skaneateles and Moravia railroad that the two lines shall come into Syracuse over the same tracks from Onondaga Valley, a union station near Tallman-st. accommodating both corporations. The Skaneateles and Moravia people prefer their original plan of entering the city from near Solvay rather than to take the sweep to the valley, but negotiations have not been broken off and the two companies may petition for entrance from the valley. In this case the line will enter the city over private land, crossing city streets, but not running along them.

SOLON’S CENTENNIAL.

The Town Was Organized March 9, 1798—Only Homer is Older.

   To the Editor of The STANDARD:

   Sir—Please pardon me for again intruding upon your good nature, but I wish to refer you to an item of local history in which the writer feels interested. A few days ago I was looking in a copy of H. C. Goodwin’s History of Cortland County, published in 1859, a copy of which I am the happy possessor, and I noticed that the town of Solon was organized on the 9th of March, 1798, one hundred years on Wednesday, the 9th of March next. I think there is only one town in the county organized at an earlier date—the town of Homer. There are at present only a few representatives of our old town left within its borders, and the writer with them feels much interested in this event of a century. What hath God wrought in those years!

   C. G. M.

   Winona, Minn., Feb. 23, 1898.

A CHANGE IN FIRM.

Kellogg & Curtis Succeeded by Kellogg’s Cash Drygoods House.

   The old and well established drygoods firm of Kellogg & Curtis has been dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Kellogg purchasing the interest of his partner Mr. Curtis. The change in the firm takes place to-day. The firm has been doing business at the present location, 52 Main-st., for the past nine years. Hereafter the style and title of the concern will be Kellogg’s Drygoods House, and the business will be conducted on a strictly cash basis.

   The store is to undergo a thorough renovation, the counters will have new tops, new shelving will be placed in position, the store will be newly ceiled and a new business desk will be added to the furnishings. Upstairs, one large new room has been secured by removing a partition, opening up the large office formerly occupied by Attorney Horace L. Bronson and extending to the street. The room will be used for a cloak salesroom. The cellar is to be lowered, and a furnace will be put in. When all these improvements are completed, the store will occupy a position in the front rank of up-to-date drygoods stores in central New York.

   Mr. Curtis resides on his farm two miles west of Cortland, and when asked this afternoon as to his future business intentions, he said that he was as yet undecided.

A Change of Location.

   J. R. Ingalls, manufacturer of carriage tops and trimmings, who has been conducting his business in the upper part of the McKee & Webb Mfg. Co.’s building on Crawford-st., has leased the building just across the track from the Lehigh Valley station formerly occupied by the Hayes chair factory and has taken possession.

GOING INTO COMMISSION.

Cruisers Minneapolis and Columbia to be Manned and Equipped.

   New York, Feb. 26.—A dispatch to the World from Washington follows: The most important step yet taken in preparing for war will be announced to-day. The cruisers Minneapolis and Columbia, now in reserve at the League Island nay yard, are to be placed in commission. These vessels will require an aggregate of 800 sailors to man them. Secretary Long will ask congress to authorize the enlistment of 1,500 additional men in the navy. Eight hundred will be distributed among the various vessels from which the crews of the Minneapolis and Columbia are taken and the other 700 will be available for bringing up the complements of other ships to their full quotas.

   The letter requesting congress to give authority for the enlistment of 1,500 more sailors was transmitted by Secretary Long late yesterday. It is now in readiness to be laid before both the senate and house immediately after convening.

   It is believed that this request from the secretary of the navy will inspire such a feeling of patriotism in the national legislature that the necessary law will be enacted with the least possible delay.

   The Minneapolis and Columbia are both protected cruisers, designated as first rate ships. They are each of 7,375 tons displacement. Both carry a main battery of eleven guns. These vessels are regarded as the swiftest in the navy, having the highest indicated horse power of any ships in the service. Both are propelled by triple screws. The indicated horse power of the Columbia is 18,509 and that of the Minneapolis is 20,862.

   No intimation has been made as to what orders will be given these vessels when ready for sea, but the belief prevails that they will be assigned to reinforce the North Atlantic squadron now off Key West.

Spain Increasing its Navy.

   Madrid, Feb. 26.—The cabinet has considered the situation and no incident was reported as altering the “cordiality of the relations with the United States,” though the ministers expressed “regret at the passion which has crept into public opinion during the present incident.” A million pesetas was voted to develop the navy.

SPANIARDS ARE SCORNFUL.

Dons Deride the Maine Court of Inquiry.

SAY THEY WORK TOO SLOW.

In the Meantime Spain Is Preparing For the War She Expects.

   HAVANA, Via Key West, Fla., Feb. 28.—Many Americans and some Spaniards here insist that the investigation into the Maine disaster has thus far been superficial and barren of vital results. They claim that, though nearly two weeks have passed, no knowledge has been gained as to the condition of the forward part of the hull or as to whether the 6 or 10-inch ammunition magazines forward to the starboard exploded.

   They insist, moreover, that expert divers, with experience enough to make drawings of the condition of things submarine, might have been at work a week ago and might have settled the question as to the magazines at least ere this. Those who hold these views demand that the hull forward should be raised without further loss of time and before it has sunk too deep in 40 feet of soft mud.

   There are some who go so far as to charge the United States government with adopting the Spanish policy of delay until the disaster shall be partially forgotten or discounted. Many of the Spanish officials are said to entertain the opinion that this is the case, and to be very well pleased with the notion. On the other hand, however, good judges say that all criticism in this vein is made without a knowledge of the facts, and that no one, save the members of the court of inquiry and their superiors, is aware of all the testimony developed or of what submarine plan's have been made.

   Those also urge that there is no use trying to raise the hull until the wreckage of armor, superstructure, engines, decks, guns and masts have been taken out. To do this will take time and the apparatus for it can only be found in the north.

   It is said no company in the world ever took a contract for such work where the blowing up of the wreck by dynamite was prohibited lest important evidence be destroyed.

   But even the most moderate strongly deprecates any more delay than is absolutely necessary; while all agree that the American people are not likely to forget so readily. Rumors of this, that, or the other discovery, setting on foot this, that or the other theory, are still rife. In most cases, when run down, they are easily proved false. It is useless to deny that the interest here is much less intense than it was a week ago, but it is ever ready to be kindled into acuteness by any established facts.

   The members of the court of inquiry are courteous, but they feel the deep responsibility resting upon them. To talk indiscreetly might not only cost a commission, no matter how high the rank of the holder, but would surely precipitate trouble either here or in the United States. They were not exclusive when on shore and they dined with Consul General Lee now and again, but the wreck was always a prohibited topic.

   If memory did not give a tinge of tragedy that will linger long around Havana’s harbor, the same would be commonplace enough. One would have to be told of the wreck of that $3,000,000 battleship before one could realize anything more than an unsightly pile. Sailboats, tugs and launches ply to and fro all day. Steamers, large and small, arrive and depart; and the bustle of a busy and not especially picturesque harbor comes and goes in the usual fashion.

   In the mass of steel that seems to have writhed in pain, lie the bodies of more than 80 men who, a short time ago, prided themselves on being members of one of the best crews that ever sailed the seas. When bodies are brought up they are taken to the Spanish dead barges, and as his boat sails by this marine hearse, jolly, jose, pope, or calsario, drops his mainsail and doffs his red cap in honor of the dead. Well does he know the perils of the sea; and in the presence of a ghastly reminder his political opinions, if need be, are forgotten.

   Consul General Lee is not a nervous man. He has been under fire too often for that. But to be told by a Spanish friend of a conversation he had overheard in which it was said that the American representative would be killed on Feb. 25, was not a pleasant morsel of news.

   It is generally expected that the court of inquiry will return here after taking testimony at Key West and it is more probable that efforts will be made by trusty agents during the court’s absence to secure other and perhaps valuable testimony.

   The arrival of a battalion of more than 8,000 regular troops from Barcelona, as already cabled, excited public interest only for the day. Guns were fired, “vivas” shouted, and decorations hung, which the rain soon spoiled, but that was all there was of it. These men, so it is alleged, are the advanced guard of a division of 11,000 Spanish regulars, sent to take the place of the sick and wounded who have returned to Spain within the last few months.

   If the streets and cafes of Havana are any criterion, Spain does not seem in need of any more officers. Handsome fellows many of them are, though it seems funny to see gold lace on uniforms that look as if they were made of common bedticking.

   The Spaniards know that Senator Proctor is a close friend of President McKinley, and despite his disclaimer of a political mission they continue to attach considerable importance to his visit at this juncture. Some think that he has been sent here by the president to make a report on the situation, as Mr. Blount was sent to Hawaii by President Cleveland.

   The Spanish, who in the main are ignorant of American customs and political methods, cannot understand why a former secretary of war should come to Havana, and there are many expressions of surprise that Senator Proctor is not in uniform instead of in the ordinary and unimpressive dress of a civilian.

   American divers, under Captain Sigsbee’s direction, will be at work on the wreck at the same time as the Spanish divers, and will afford them as much help as is consistent in viewing the condition of wreckage under water.

LOOKING FOR WAR.

Spaniards Believe a Declaration Will Be Made in April.

   MADRID, Feb. 28.—Senor Sagasta, commenting upon an alleged interview with Prince Bismarck, in which the latter is represented as suggesting that the Cuban trouble should be submitted to the powers for arbitration, expressed his astonishment that such an idea could emanate from Prince Bismarck, and declared emphatically that “nothing but ignorance of the question could inspire the notion that Spain would suffer foreign intrusion or submit to arbitration her in disputable rights of sovereignty. Nobody,” said the Spanish premier, “would dare propose such an absurdity; and no Spanish government would listen to or dream of such a proposal.”

   The Imparcial in an editorial blames Spanish weakness in the Allianca, Venadito, Competitor and other affairs as encouraging the United States in “their present bellicose attitude.” It counsels the government to “awake to the reality of a situation which the good sense of the Spanish people understands and is ready to meet.”

   The cardinal archbishop of Valladolid has published a pastoral letter blaming America for the prolongation of the Cuban war. His eminence says: “The hypocritical friendship of the United States fosters the rebellion and wastes Spain’s resources in order the better to attack her when weakened.”

   He exhorts all true Spaniards to “unite in defending the rights and honor of the nation.”  The letter has caused widespread comment.

   The Correspondencia Militar, organ of the army, says: “The prevailing impression is that war between Spain and the United States will break out in April.”

   A former captain general of Cuba, presumably Marshal Martinez Campos, interviewed by a representative of Correspondencia Militar, is reported as saying: “I never entertained a doubt that if the rebellion was not suppressed before 1898 war with the United States would become an accomplished fact. Unhappily my prophecy will be fulfilled. But I have the consolation of having done all in my power to avert it and, therefore, I do not regret the blame which has been heaped upon me. All that is now possible is that we should all unite to meet the danger that threatens the country.”

   The work of naval construction and armament is being pushed by the government with the greatest activity at the arsenal and dockyard at Ferrol.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

If Not an Accident.

   It will be two weeks to-night since the Maine was blown up, and 253 lives destroyed. As yet there is no official knowledge of the source of the disaster. The country is observing with wonderful patience the admonition, wired on that fatal night by Captain Sigsbee: “Suspend judgment till further reports.”

   As yet not an official word has been uttered as to the cause of the disaster, except negatively. None of the Maine’s crew or officers, no diver or member of the court of inquiry, has used the word “accident” in speaking of the affair. The unofficial developments all point to outside agency. The spontaneous combustion theory has been disposed of, by information that there was no coal in the bunkers in which combustion might have wrought harm. The forward magazine is found not to have exploded. The boilers are intact. Correspondents aver that on Friday divers testified that the keel and bottom plates are bent upward, inward. If this is true the loss of the Maine is established as due to explosion from without.
   Will war result if the report of the naval court is that accident within the ship had nothing to do with the loss? Its possibility is clearly recognized in the preparations making by navy and war departments. Yet it is only wise to be ready for an emergency. Readiness for war is a strong argument for peace. While every known fact points to treachery in Havana harbor, nobody associates the Spanish government with it. And if Spain promptly accept an adverse report of the board of investigation, declare its readiness to render all possible redress and act accordingly cause of war would be removed [sic]. The United States could not strike in such case.

   It is intimated from Washington that assurances have been received from Madrid that if the destruction of the Maine prove to have been other than accidental, Spain will accept the verdict, disavow sympathy with the deed and proffer indemnity to the government for the loss of the Maine and to the families of the murdered sailors. From Paris and London similar intimations come based, it is said, on information received from official quarters in Madrid.

   These intimations, like the information from Havana, are unofficial. They wait confirmation. Meanwhile these facts are apparent: The war and navy offices are preparing for active operations; belief is almost universal in the United States that accident did not cause the Maine disaster; the country feels implicit confidence in the administration at Washington and will uphold its action.

BREVITIES.

   —The Epworth league of First M. E. church will give a young people’s social in the church parlors Wednesday evening.

   —A dozen Cortland young people enjoyed a sleighride to McLean Friday night and a supper at the Elm Tree House.

   —In Justice Kelley’s court Friday morning the case of the Cortland & Homer Traction company against Sarah Ryan, an action for rent, was adjourned to March 4.

   —St. Mary’s choir will give a sacred concert in St. Mary’s church St. Patrick’s night, March 17. An address will be delivered on this occasion by Rev. John F. McLoghlin of Tully.

   —The Normal basket ball club was defeated by the Syracuse university club at the university gymnasium in Syracuse Saturday night by the score of 6 to 2. A return game will be played soon.

   —The Republican village committee met Friday night and nominated Dr. Samuel J. Sornberger for school commissioner of Union Free school district No. 1, to fill the vacancy caused by the declination of F. B. Nourse.

   —About sixty Cortland people went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Winter near Blodgett Mills Friday night, and gave them a surprise. “Happy Bill” Daniels orchestra of three pieces was present, and dancing and cards were the order of the evening.

   —Mr. Joseph P. Sheehan and sister, Miss Julia Sheehan, of the Normal entertained a company of school friends at the Raymond House, Little York, Friday night. They had a fine sleighride, going and coming, a first-class supper and a delightful social time while there.

   —The first new sugar of the season is at hand and Mr. L. C. Greenwood is the maker. The sap ran on Thursday, the sugar was made on Friday and The

Standard can testify that it is fine. Mr. Greenwood says that it didn’t run very fast, but there was enough to make the sugar.

   —The 9-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Riley Baker of Prospect-st., while attempting to jump a sleigh for a ride Thursday, missed his footing and fell under the sleigh, one runner passing over the left foot, breaking both bones of the leg just above the ankle. He was attended by Drs. Sornberger and Dana.

HE WAS A FAKE.

Supposed Apple Buyer Got Three Meals and a Lodging and Skipped.

   One day last week a fairly well dressed stranger appeared at the residence of a Cortland woman who is living alone and stated that he desired to procure board for a few days for himself and an assistant. He said his name was Charles Sherwood, a farmer living three miles out of Syracuse, and he came to Cortland to dispose of a carload of apples. Apples, he said, were but 15 cents per bushel in Syracuse, and he thought he could do better than that in Cortland. He expected the car in Cortland the next day and with it his assistant, who was to help him in his speculation.

   The alleged apple dealer was taken in, secured his dinner and supper, remained overnight, occupying the spare bed, and has not been seen since he departed after eating breakfast the next morning. He has probably gone to some other town to sell his apples, and he may be the same person who worked a similar deal on a Homer-ave. resident some weeks since. Moral: Be careful what glib tongued stranger you admit to your house either as a boarder or otherwise.

   [Due to an unavoidable break—January 1 to May 2, 1898—of Cortland Evening Standard numbers at our source, CC editorial staff has decided to copy the Cortland Standard Semi-Weekly beginning with the first available issue March 1, 1898. We intend to resume the Cortland Evening Standard with the issue of May 2, 1898.]