PLEA FOR THE CUBANS AND BRANCH STORE IN HOMER

 

William McKinley.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, December 3, 1897.

PLEA FOR THE CUBANS.

McKinley Urged to Recognize the Insurgents.

AUTONOMY IS A FOOLISH DREAM.

Spain May Quell the Rebellion, but the Next Generation Will Renew the

Battle For Freedom and Liberty in the Gem of the Antilles.

   WASHINGTON, Dec. 3.—Berkeley Balch, secretary of the Cuban league, appeared before President McKinley and presented the following argument in behalf of the Cuban insurgents:

   MR. PRESIDENT—We appear before yon in the name of those who have died for the cause of freedom in the island of Cuba and for those who are still ready to give their lives today or tomorrow for this cause.

   Also representing, as we claim, a majority of the people of the United States, who believe in that cause and demand that their wishes shall now be translated into efficient action by their chosen representatives.

   Thanks to the power, honor and patriotism of the American press, the people today know the essential facts of the Cuban situation. We submit to you, therefore, these 10 propositions for your consideration:

   1. The three wars in Cuba within the century are proof of a genuine movement for the extension of democratic principles and the attainment of liberty from a tyrannical, corrupt and alien government.

   2. Without the indirect aid given by this government to Spain, the patriots would be further advanced in their struggle.

   3. Spain has lost Cuba, as far as the present population is concerned. If, however, she is permitted to continue the cruel work of exterminating noncombatants she may possibly reconquer and repopulate the island.

   4. If, with our passive aid, she unfortunately succeeds in doing this, when another generation comes the revolution will surely again begin. The governing classes in Spain of all parties have regarded Cuba for 300 years as an orange to be squeezed. They are unable to consider it otherwise and no amount of diplomatic effort on our part is likely to change their point of view. The other classes are ignorant. Spain has held all her colonies with an iron hand until forced to let go. The war of liberation in Venezuela lasted 15 years, and during the last five years of the struggle no quarter was given by either side.

   5. Autonomy is a foolish dream. It is evident that neither side understands it, wishes it, or can administer it. Spain clearly offers it to amuse this government and to gain time.

   6. A majority of the people of this country desire to see a free and independent Cuban republic. An opposing factor of great force is the money power. It is fair conclusion to urge that a majority of our people believe that the assistance of our government till now has been given to Spain and withheld from the republic, on account of the influence that emanates from great financial interests, usually afraid of that patriotic aggressive movement.

   7. Our people have hoped for favorable action for Cuba from the present administration and have patiently waited to give the administration time for consideration of the wise road to this end. That patience is now exhausted.

   8. Very few Cubans and still fewer people in this country desire immediate annexation, but independence is clearly due to Cuban valor and sacrifices.

   9. It is of supreme importance to our future defense that Cuba should be in the possession of a friendly power. This Spain has never been and probably can never be.

   10. The friendship of the republic of Cuba is worth vastly more to us than that of Spain for reasons of business and defense. It is our duty and self-interest to recognize the belligerency, and logically following this, the independence of the republic, and to conclude with a defensive and offensive alliance. If this is not compatible with a continued friendship with Spain, so much the worse for Spain. If Spain attacks us we can take care of our own.

   The president said he would give the argument careful consideration.

EXPORT OF TOBACCO.

Sixty Thousand Bales Stored In Cuban Warehouses—Insurgents' Loss.

   HAVANA, Dec. 3.—In the engagement which took place in the province of Pinar del Rio between the insurgents under General Ducassi, and the Spanish troops under General Bernal, the former, according to the official Spanish report, lost 100 men killed.

   The Spanish forces of Jatibonico del Norte, province of Santa Clara, have been engaged with the insurgents under the leadership of Gonzales. The latter, the official report says, lost 19 men killed and the troops had one officer killed and 14 men wounded.

   A delegation from the city of Pinar del Rio, consisting of the mayor of that place and 200 merchants, planters and agriculturists of all political parties, called upon Senor Jose Canalejas, the special commissioner of Spain, and represented to him the necessity for the exportation of leaf tobacco of which, they added, there were 60,000 bales in the warehouses, and requested the commissioner to use his influence with Captain General Blanco to bring about such exportation.

   Senor Canalejas promised the delegation that he would make proper representations to the government on the subject.

   It was announced from the palace that 40 prisoners have been released at Manzanillo and that 50 persons in prison have been pardoned at Sancti Spritus.

Dauntless Returns from Cuba.

   JACKSONVILLE. Fla., Dec. 3—The filibustering steamer Dauntless has arrived in port after having successfully landed another expedition in Cuba.
   The Dauntless is reported to have landed a cargo including a 16-pound Hotchkiss gun. A large quantity of quinine was also landed for the insurgents.
   The steamer returned with scarcely any coal left and high out of the water. She was promptly boarded by an officer from the dynamite cruiser Vesuvius, but nothing was found.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

   ◘ Not a single American in a Cuban prison! The McKinley administration has accomplished something.—Syracuse Post.

   It has. And without any bluff or bluster. President McKinley represents the civil American in civil life. But he arrives there just the same.—Troy Times.

   ◘ It looks as if the one word "money," money from the word go, straight through, would explain the escape from Havana of Evangelina Cisneros, without the invention of a romantic tale of opiumized candy and bottles of acid to eat away iron bars.

   ◘ England withdrawing from the Bering seal conference in deference to the wish of Canada is a case of the tail wagging the dog.

   ◘ The successful crossing of the English channel by Charles Pollock in a balloon marks a step of progress in air navigation. From Eastbourne, England, the point of departure, to Abbeville, where the airship was sighted in France, is 150 miles. When the safe and leisurely descent was at length made, the aeronaut was near Amiens. This shows that to some extent at least, balloons may be steered.

   ◘ A real stroke of genius has just been manifested in a Baptist church at Trenton, N. J. Pretty girls have been appointed to take the collection, and the contributions are doubled. The men think that the girls will get all their money anyway, and might as well take it in church. Women are making progress in church matters. Recently a movement has been begun to remove bonnets in church, and thus dispel a tradition that is a badge of servitude. And after taking off the hat, what more natural than to pass it?—Troy Times.

DELIGHTFUL PARLOR TALK

Before the Ladies' Literary Club by Rev. O. A. Houghton, D. D.

   The Ladies' Literary club has this year been making a study of Greece. At the quarterly entertainment held Wednesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. G. W. Bradford, 70 Tompkins-st., the ladies enjoyed a rich treat in a delightful parlor talk by Rev. Dr. O. A. Houghton, pastor of the First M. E. church, who spoke to them upon the subject of their study out of his own experience and observation in travel through Greece. The doctor's manner of speaking was, as usual, very pleasant and the fact that he was talking from personal knowledge lent an added charm to his words. He had with him a large number of remarkably fine photographs, which he had gathered upon his travels, and also some specimens of pottery and curiosities, among them a piece of Pentelicon marble from the Parthenon at Athens.

   At the conclusion of the talk chocolate and cake were served and a social hour followed, during which the photographs and specimens were examined.

   Several selections from an [orchestra,] composed of Miss Jennie Newkirk, piano; Miss Wilhelminia Newkirk, violin, and Fred Case, mandolin, added not a little to the pleasure of the afternoon. Taken altogether the meeting was one of the most enjoyable in the history of the club.

   The next meeting will be upon Dec. 15, and at the home of Miss Mary E. Goodrich, 29 Tompkins-st., Cortland.

A Bowling Alley.

   Cortland is to have a bowling alley. Mr. A. Gutches is fitting up the building at 11 Orchard-st., formerly occupied by James Kane, for a bowling alley, which he will open to the public to-morrow. He will have four beds fitted up for use, and will also keep on hand soft drinks and a supply of the finest brands of cigars.

BRANCH STORE AT HOMER.

A. S. Burgess Stretching Out in the Clothing Business.

   A. S. Burgess, the popular clothier at the corner of Main and Railroad-st. in Cortland has rented the store in the Clark block on Main-st. in Homer, where he has opened a branch clothing house. The location is one of the best in Homer, and the store will be in charge of Mr. John B. Latimer. At the Homer store will be kept a full line of clothing, hats and caps, and furnishing goods of the same large variety, the same excellent quality, and at the same low prices consistent with the goods that prevail in the large store in Cortland.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin."

   Stowe & company will present to the people of Cortland their double "Uncle Tom's Cabin company" for the first time at the Opera House, Monday, Dec. 6, and it is safe to say it will be one of the biggest and best productions ever given of that drama that seems destined to live forever. This production will be provided with a clever, capable cast, including Harry Webber, Joseph Rith, Florence Ockerman, and other people who are renowned for their dramatic ability. As additional features the management have provided two bands of music, a fife and drum corps, a pack of bloodhounds, ponies, horses and mules, two quartets, twenty jubilee singers, ten buck and wing dancers, and a host of cake walkers. Every night a grand cake walk will be given for prizes, and the audience will be the judge of the winners. The scenery will be new and includes an allegory that is renowned for beauty.

   A grand street parade will be made, in which all the features will be shown. The company numbers fifty-two people, and requires two cars to transport them. A grand matinee will be given on Monday afternoon and the low prices prevalent here will enable all to have the children see it.

   Prices, matinee 10 and 20 cents. Evening 25, 35 and 50 cents. Sale at Rood's Friday at 2:30 P. M.

Caught by the Truant Officer.

   Truant Officer J. R. Birdlebough finds plenty of work to do in dealing with truant boys. One of the boys who attends  the Pomeroy-et. school has acquired the habit of skipping school a day or a half a day at a time. Yesterday afternoon the youngster was absent, and his case was given over to Truant Officer Birdlebough, who this morning discovered the would be truant near the D., L. & W. freighthouse, and started to apprehend him. The boy made a bold break for liberty, but was very shortly intercepted by the officer and turned over to Superintendent F. E. Smith, who first had him wash his hands and face, for they were wonderfully dirty, and then took him back to his school. Unless the boy at once turns over a new leaf, he may find himself in the Rochester Industrial school or some similar institution.

Emily G. Ormsby.

BREVITIES.

   —The regular Friday evening service at Grace church will be omitted to-night

   —On Saturday evening from 8 to 10 o'clock Mrs. S. E. Curry and Miss C. M. Curry will hold an informal reception for Normal students.

   —The Normal Basket Ball association has placed baskets in the gymnasium of the Normal and will continue practice during the winter.

   —The skaters are enjoying the skating on the cove near the Wickwire roller mills on Clinton-ave. Last night over 100 enjoyed the sport there.

   —Since Aug. 14 T. M. Marks, the baker,  has furnished to the Italians who are working on the new railroad to Cincinnatus 10,442 loaves of bread.

   —Dr. L. T. White, who for a few days has been ill and confined to his home, is again able to be at his office, 58 Port Watson-st., and to attend to his practice.

   —Miss Emily G. Ormsby pleasantly entertained on Wednesday evening the teachers of the practice department at the Normal and Dr. Cheney in honor of her guest, Mrs. M. C. Eastman of Binghamton.

   —Miss Boyce, the artist, will deliver a studio lecture on German artists at the conservatory on Tuesday evening, Dec. 7, at 8 o'clock. All who are interested in art are cordially invited to be present. Admission free.

   —Messrs. J. E. Bliss and B. C. Hollister of Cortland have bought a farm of 174 acres on Pendleton-st., South hill, three miles south of Port Watson-st. They are securing their stock and implements and will soon take possession.

   —Dr. F. J. Cheney goes to McLean this evening to open the lecture course instituted under the auspices of the McLean public school. Mr. James A. Shea, a graduate of the Cortland Normal, is principal of the school. The subject of Dr. Cheney's lecture will be "Good Citizenship."

   —New display advertisements to-day are—S. J. Sherman. Rupture Cure, page 5; F. E. Brogden, busy store, page 7; Case & Ruggles, special sale extended, page 6; Opera House, "Under the Dome," page 5; Palmer & Co., great special sale, page 7; W. J. Perkins, Christmas bargains, page 7.