 |
| Walter Wellman. |
Cortland
Evening Standard, Monday, December 27, 1897.
THE CASE OF
COL. RUIZ.
Discussed by Army Officers at Washington.
REMARKABLE
SITUATION IN CUBA.
Looks
Like an Opera Bouffe War to American Military Observers—Why Senator Frye
Opposes Charles Page Bryan—Uncle Sam's Proposed Armor Plate Factory.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.—(Special.)—During the
discussion caused in official and military circles here by the killing of Col. Ruiz, the Spanish emissary in the insurgent camp near Havana, both
views have been warmly supported. The weight of opinion now seems to be that if
it is true Ruiz was acting as an agent of General Blanco, carrying authority to
offer a bribe to Nestor Arangueren for leaving the insurgent army and
surrendering to the Spanish, then the revolutionists are absolved from blame
for taking the unfortunate man's life. Army officers who have made a special
study of this question say the insurgents would have been justified, under the
circumstances, in shooting Ruiz even if he did not carry authority to bribe, for
it is admitted he did not approach the commanding general under a flag of truce
for the purpose of proposing a treaty of peace or an armistice. If such was his
purpose, he had no business with Arangueren, who was only a subordinate, but
the man he should have approached was General Gomez, or at the very least the
commander of the Cuban forces in that district, General Rodriguez.
Although army officers thus acquit the Cubans
of blame, especially in view of the warnings which they had issued as to the fate
of emissaries who should approach their camps with any other proposals than those
of independence, many public men still condemn the insurgents for shooting a man
who was under a flag of truce. The net effect of the incident appears to be some
little damage to the cause of Cuba in the opinion of public men at this
capital.
A
Remarkable Situation.
One army officer pointed out to me the
remarkable fact that the insurgents are able to maintain a camp so near Havana that
Colonel Ruiz was able to travel to it within a few hours. They suggest that this
is, after all, the chief significance of the Ruiz episode. They marvel that the
Spanish military authorities permit an army of the enemy to camp almost within
sight of the Cuban capital, which is at all times filled with the soldiers of
Spain. To the suggestion that during the late rebellion a Confederate army was
for a long time encamped near Washington, the reply is made that the cases are
not at all similar. The Confederacy and the Union were about evenly matched in
point of numbers at the outbreak of the war. Spain, on the other hand, has had
in Cuba five times as many soldiers as the insurgents could place in the field,
with all the advantages of ample supplies of weapons and ammunition. If there
was a small party of rebels within 100 miles of Washington, they would be wiped
out in 24 hours.
A gentleman who recently spent much time in
Cuba tells me that ever since the war started the Cubans have been able to maintain
camps within a short distance of Havana. Various efforts have been made by the
Spanish authorities to rout them out, and once or twice they have succeeded.
But as soon as the Spanish approach their position the insurgents run away. No
sooner have the royal troops won this sort of a "victory" than they gladly
return to town to sit about the cafes telling of their prowess. Then, of course,
the insurgents come back and reoccupy their old camp. So it is that today one
may, if he knows how, start out of Havana on horseback in the morning and at
night be in a camp of the insurgent troops. I notice the official dispatches sent
out by the permission of General Blanco tell how the insurgents are burning
canefields and sugar plantations in Havana province. It looks like an opera bouffe
war to American military officers.
Joke on
Charles Page Bryan.
There is a good joke on Colonel Charles Page
Bryan, the Chicago man who wants to be minister to China and who is likely to
be nominated by the president after the holiday recess, though his confirmation
is doubtful. Mr. Bryan has been in town for some time looking after his own
interests, and among the many senators upon whom he called to talk of his case
was Mr. Frye of Maine. In speaking of the matter afterward Mr. Frye naively
said:
"It was rather queer, but I was for
Bryan till he called on me and talked with me about ten minutes, and then I was
against him, and I expect to be against him to the end."
Colonel Bryan's friends insist, however, that
he is well qualified to be minister to China and that he will be confirmed.
Senator Frye's experience with the
prospective minister to China reminds me of a story of Senator Wolcott. One day
a western man with views concerning the way the government should be run and
the finances in particular called on Wolcott at the capitol and talked to him
for about an hour. He laid down the law in most eloquent and insistent style,
the Colorado senator all the time doing his best to find a loophole for escape.
Finally he reached the door and just before disappearing turned to his long
winded visitor and said:
"Yes, my friend, I agree with you
notwithstanding your argument."
Wolcott
and Nansen.
When Dr. Nansen, the famous arctic explorer,
was in Washington, a few prominent men were invited to dine with him. Among
them was Senator Wolcott. When asked afterward what he thought of the man who
had been nearer than any one else to the north pole, the senator replied:
"He may or may not be the greatest
explorer that ever lived, but there is one thing I know him to be. He is a
poet, lf he would give up exploration and turn his attention to the muse, I am
satisfied he would make a great name for himself."
Uncle Sam talks of establishing a great
armor plate factory of his own. I have seen the official figures of the
estimates for the proposed plant and am surprised to note that the total
estimated cost is nearly $4,000,000. Armor plate comes high, but if we are
going into the vigorous foreign policy business we must have it.
Settled
Out of Court.
"Madam," said the court, "do
I understand that you have withdrawn your action against this man for stealing
a kiss?"
"Yes, your honor. He has returned it
and agreed to pay the costs."—Detroit Free Press.
 |
| Stewart L. Woodford. |
SPAIN'S
HONOR TOUCHED.
Does Not
Relish the Stand Taken by the United States Government.
MADRID, Dec. 27.—General Woodford's note
dwells at length upon the Spanish complaint against filibustering and other moral
and material assistance given in the United States to the [Cuban] insurgents,
which the Washington government reasserts it has done all in its power to
check, with the view also of satisfying the representations made by Spanish
diplomacy.
The Madrid papers say the note is so very
friendly and so laudatory of the present home rule policy in Cuba and Porto
Rico that there is a general impression in official circles that the relations
between the two governments have a decidedly reassuring aspect.
At the same time, papers of every shade of
opinion, including the ministerial organs, censure very sharply the conduct of the
United States government, and are unanimous in saying that all the compliments
the United States pays the new Spanish colonial policy cannot make a proud
nation tolerate the pretension of a foreign government to have the right to
criticize and condemn the conduct of the Spanish generals and of the late
Spanish government in dealing with the rebellion.
They equally resent the American pretension
to interfere in the Spanish West Indies, which is so repeatedly claimed in the notes
and the presidential message, and more recently in Secretary Sherman's advocacy
of relief for distressed Cubans.
The press is most dissatisfied with the Woodford
note on account of the arguments used to refute the Spanish complaints against
filibustering. America is charged with infringing all the rules and usages of
international law in order to suit the aims of its encroaching policy in the
West Indies.
The government will delay replying to the
note for several weeks, as the United States took nearly two months to reply to
the Spanish note. When it does reply Senor Sagasta will rebut the arguments of
the note in a friendly, but firm tone.
The government cannot longer risk the accusation
of not being in touch with national feeling, which is getting very weary of
American interference. The Spaniards think the note gives them an excellent
opportunity to reply to criticism which naturally could not be challenged or
noticed diplomatically when set forth only in the presidential message.
United
States After Greenland.
LONDON, Dec. 27.—A dispatch from Copenhagen
to The Daily Mail says the Washington executive has made overtures to Denmark
for the sale of a narrow, but carefully defined stretch of land in Northwestern
Greenland, where the Americans intend to establish naval and coaling stations.
PAGE
TWO—EDITORIALS.
Pink
Oleomargarine.
Until the decision of Judge Lochren of the
United States court in Minnesota is reversed, that state will require
oleomargarine sold within her precincts to be colored a bright pink.
State inspectors seized a carload belonging
to Armour at Duluth in 1895 because it was not pink. The owner replevined the
goods and the controversy was taken to the United States court, where the
constitutionality of the law has been affirmed. There is no doubt of the right
of states to regulate trade in oleomargarine and require suitable means for
identifying it when offered for sale. The Minnesota law is the most effective
regulation yet enacted.
Pink butter speaks for itself on any table
and under all circumstances. The color also effectually removes from farmers
the temptation to buy oleomargarine and sell it to city customers as fresh
dairy butter. Such sellers do their errands quickly and never call again.
The Farm
Colony Plan.
At a recent Salvation Army meeting in New
York Booth-Tucker raised $35,000 for his proposed farm colony. When he
accumulates $100,000, he will purchase cheap lands for farms and remove thither
thousands of families from the slum districts of the cities. It is the
beginning of a migration from the city back to the country. The management of
the $100,000 fund will be placed in the hands of five trustees, who will use it
according to their best judgment in defraying the expenses of poor families
from city to farms and supporting them, while they learn to live by
agriculture.
The project is not a charity, which is its
worthiest feature. The people assisted will from the products of their industry
pay 5 per cent interest on the sums used for them. As they become good farmers
they will likewise pay back the principal of the money that purchased their
lands and become themselves the owners. The principal will in turn be used to
assist other families from the slums of cities to a living in the country. The
experiment is certainly worth making, and its results will be watched with
profound interest. In the course of a few years it will be ascertained whether
it is possible to reclaim and make useful citizens out of the slum denizens.
LOADED GUN, FOOLISH BOY.
AIMED IT
AT HIS BROTHER AND PULLED THE TRIGGER.
It Was
all In Fun, but the Boy Is Badly Hurt—Sixty Shot in his Head and Neck—Hopes
That He May Recover—Part of the Christmas Sport.
TRUXTON, N. Y., Dec. 27. (Special)—A sad accident
that may prove fatal happened to Frank, the 12-year-old son of Wilford Young,
who lives on the town line about two miles from Truxton village. Frank and his
14-year-old brother Fred were in the barn doing chores on Christmas day, when
Fred remarked to Frank that he might go up and throw down some straw for the
cows, and if he did not do so, he would not let him out the door. Frank replied
that he would not go and that there was another door through which he could get
out. He started for the door when Fred picked up a gun that was lying in a
wagon and, not knowing that it was loaded, pointed it at his younger brother,
playfully saying "Your money or your life," and pulled the trigger.
The gun was discharged, the charge taking effect in the back of the younger
boy's neck and head.
The injured boy was taken to the house,
where he lies in a critical condition. Dr. H. I.
Van Hoesen was summoned and dressed the injured boy's wounds. The boys were
about sixty feet apart when the gun was discharged, and it is thought about
sixty of the shot which were No. 65 lodged in the boy's head and neck.
Although the boy is suffering much pain, the
physician has hopes of his recovery. The older boy is nearly overcome with
grief. Both the boys are bright little fellows and it is hoped that the injured
boy may speedily recover.
Family
Christmas Tree.
A notable annual Christmas and family gathering
was that on Friday at the residence
of Mr. Harmon Kinney of Blodgett Mills, N. Y., in which the families of Mr.
Curtis Harmon, Mrs. Ann Harmon, Miss Carrie Harmon, Mr. Alva Harmon and Mrs.
Aurelia Gilbert of Cortland, Mr. Dell Woodward and Mr. Will Bean of East River,
and Mr. George Harmon of East Homer were represented. A few other friends were
present also. After an enjoyable reunion and dinner the assembly numbering
about thirty-five gathered around the Christmas tree on which were many gifts
for old and young. All report a happy Christmas.
Died in
Illinois.
Word has been received of the death of Mrs.
John Bouton of Illinois, formerly of Virgil. Friends will pass through Cortland
on the 9:28 A. M. train via D., L. & W. R. R. Tuesday with the remains.
Burial will be at Marathon. Deceased was the stepmother of Mrs. S. Adelbert Jennison,
32 North Church-st.
Christmas
Reunion.
The family of Chauncey Tuttle of Freetown came
together for a Christmas reunion at the home of his son, Wm. D. Tuttle, 26
Orchard-st. in this village on Saturday. Four generations were represented, the
youngest being Leon Watrous, a great grandson, aged about seven months.
Visiting, music and a Christmas tree, especially for the smaller ones, made a
most enjoyable day for all. At the appointed time sixteen sat down to dinner,
it being all of the descendant relatives and members of their families now
living. The following named persons made up the guests: Chauncey Tuttle,
Supervisor Harvey Z. Tuttle, his wife and daughter Carrie; Emma Tuttle Watrous,
her husband Austin A. Watrous, and sons, George Watrous and A. A. Watrous, Jr.,
and daughter Mary Watrous, Howard C. Watrous, also a son, his wife and son Leon.
BREVITIES.
—Two tramps enjoyed the hospitalities of the
police station last night.
—Mr. N. H. Gillette is moving from
McGrawville to the Waters house at 20 West Court-st., so as to be more
conveniently located for his business.
—Regular meeting of W. C. T. U. on Tuesday,
Dec. 28, at 2:45 P. M. Consecration service led by Mrs. Anna Bentley. Business
meeting and reports will follow.
—The semi-annual election of officers of the
Men's Bible class of the Presbyterian church will be held this evening at the home
of the treasurer, Mr. A. W. Edgcomb, 22 Court-st.
—There were sixteen passengers waiting at
East Freetown this morning to take the 8 o'clock train to Cortland. This was
the first regular passenger train from that station.
—The Christmas concert given by the Homer-ave.
M. E. Sunday-school last night was of an unusually high order, the musical
portion of the program being especially fine, under the direction of Mr. A. McNett.
—The installation of the new officers of
Grover Post. No. 98, G. A. R., Grover corps, No. 96, W. R. C. and Kellogg camp,
No. 48, S. O. V. will be held in G. A. R. hall next Monday evening, Jan. 3, and
will be public.
—Through some mistake the false
understanding has gone out in certain quarters that admission to the Traction
company's rink is ten cents. It is not and never has been but five cents. The ice
is in fine condition now.
—New display advertisements to-day McKinney
& Doubleday, Standard diaries, page 8; W. J. Perkins & Co., new year
experiences, page 4; Smith & Beaudry, Happy Christmas Holidays, page 4;
Palmer & Co., Holiday goods at cost, page 6; The Illustrated American, free
trips to Europe, page 4.
—The clock upon the United States Weather
Bureau's thermograph from which is taken The STANDARD'S thermometer report
which usually appears at the head of this column wanted a vacation last Friday
night and declined to work on Christmas day or on Sunday, and in consequence
the detailed temperature report has to be omitted to-day. The clock has been
repaired and is again in working order, so that the report will appear all
right to-morrow. The maximum and minimum thermometers give the extremes of
temperature on these days, but there is no way of telling at what hours these
extremes were reached.
MARATHON,
N. Y.
MARATHON, Dec. 27.—Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Price
of Cortland were guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Seamans Christmas.
Mr. and Mrs. F. M. McFall of Cortland were
guests of their son over Sunday.
Mrs. Effie Cowles and son Wallace have
returned from a visit at Albany.
Mrs. Will Brooks and children of Syracuse are
visiting relatives here.
Mr. and Mrs. James H. Waters of Cuyler visited
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Turner last week.
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Smith visited friends in
Syracuse on Thursday.
Mr. and Mm. Charles Brown are visiting
Auburn friends.
Among the Marathon people who were at
Cortland on Christmas day were Mrs. M. R. Hulbert, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Seeber,
Mrs. Mary Ball, Mr. James Lombard and family.
Among the out of town people who were in
town on Christmas day and who are spending their vacation here were: Mr. Orrie
Palmer of Binghamton, Mrs. Will Bentley of Oxford, Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Corwin of
Homer, Mr. Harry Crain of Kingston, Pa., Mr. Harry Mack of Cornell university,
Mr. and Mrs. J. V. N. Williams of Binghamton.
Mr. and Mrs. James S. Burgess have returned
from their wedding trip. On Wednesday evening Mrs. A. F. Smith a sister of Mrs.
Burgess and her son Georgie with other relatives gave them a reception at the
home of Mrs. Smith and Mr. Burgess.
A telegram was received last evening from Mr.
Ed P. Gray at Englewood, Ill., that he would be here on the 9:57 A. M. train with
the remains of his mother, the widow of Ogden Gray. There will be prayer at the
grave.
The Christmas exercises for the three
churches passed off very nicely. The Presbyterian
Sunday-school held their exercises at the hall on Thursday evening which
consisted of two Christmas trees and a cantata, "Christmas Dream," which
was finely rendered by the school and showed great credit to Rev. R. H. Merill,
who had drilled them.
At the Baptist church on Friday evening the
Sunday-school had the Brooklyn bridge with a trolley car, the bridge reached
across the church and was a fine piece of work made of evergreens. After a fine
program was rendered the presents were distributed.
At the M. E. church the exercises consisted of
singing, speaking, etc., and were by the younger members. At the close presents
were distributed from two trees.
C. [Initial of local correspondent.]
No comments:
Post a Comment