ADMIRAL SAMPSON TO MAKE AN ATTACK AND PAVING MAIN STREET

Admiral William T. Sampson.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, May 21, 1898.

WILL MAKE AN ATTACK.

Admiral Sampson to Go After the Spaniards.

INCREASING HIS SQUADRON.

Naval Battle Expected Within Forty-Eight Hours.

   WASHINGTON, May 21.—All of the news that was given out at the navy department was comprised in the one short bulletin, stating that the department had information believed to be authentic that Admiral Cervera with his Spanish flying squadron was at Santiago de Cuba. This went to confirm the newspaper reports and also the Madrid cablegram, the latter a rather unusual circumstance, for the Spanish bulletins have been notably deceptive ever since the flying squadron left Cadiz.

   For 12 hours the department had been diligently working the wires to all

West Indian points, in an endeavor to confirm or refute the dispatch. Secretary Long's bulletin ends with the positive statement that the department had succeeded in confirming the Madrid report.

   Secretary Long, however, absolutely refused to say a word in relation to the location of the American fleets. Asked if it were true that Admiral Sampson's fleet had reached Key West, he simply refused to say anything. It has been impossible for him, however, to keep some small inkling as to the situation from leaking out. Some vessels from Sampson's fleet have reached Key West.

   The most reasonable supposition is that they are the heavier vessels, the monitors, sent to be exchanged for some of the fleeter vessels of Schley's squadron. It is stated that Sampson, with the Iowa, New York and one or two others of his fleet, is in the Windward passage, guarding against any attempt on the part of Cervera to cut around the eastern end of the island to reach Havana. It is believed that he has been joined by the Oregon, the Marietta, the Harvard and the Buffalo. No one here doubts that when the Harvard quietly slipped out of St. Pierre, Martinique, she did so to join the Oregon and the others with her. With these vessels Sampson would have quite a formidable fleet with which to try conclusions with the Spaniards.

   The statement is made also through as reliable sources as may be in the present circumstances, and in view of the rigid censorship, that Schley has sent some of his heavier ships to join the blockade fleet off Havana, that he will dispatch other vessels to Sampson by way of the north coast of Cuba, and that he, with the remaining ships, will guard the gulf passage at the western end of Cuba. It is suggested that when Sampson succeeds in gathering what he may believe to be a sufficient force he will pass west and make an attack upon Santiago de Cuba in the hope of engaging the Spaniards, or chasing them into the path of Schley.

   Much alarm and discontent was caused by the report that Sampson with his squadron was at Key West. The report was such as to lead to the belief that the entire American fleet had reached the Florida port. Had this been the case it would have been a most stupendous blunder. With no guard at the Windward passage Cervera would be enabled to skirt the island and menace the entire Atlantic coast.

   Any attempt to split up the American squadron into a coast patrol would leave Cervera free to enter Havana and thus break the blockade which, according to the proclamation and war usage, to be binding must be effective.

   The fact that no feeling of apprehension or alarm is felt, or outwardly shown at any rate, in the navy department, leads to the belief that the Windward passage is quite well guarded. It is believed here that a battle within the next 48 hours is one of the possibilities.

Praxedes Mateo Sagasta.

NEW CABINET INTENTIONS.

Spain Will Continue Her War Policy.

SAGASTA'S EXPLANATION.

Why and How the Present War Was Brought On.

   MADRID, May 21.—In the senate's session the premier, Senor Sagasta, explained the ministerial crisis and asserted that the new ministry would continue the policy of the former ministry. He related how "Spain did everything to avoid war until America, violating all recognized diplomacy, attacked Spain with an injustice unprecedented in the annals of civilized history and compelled Spain to respond with war to war, which Spain would continue to do to the utmost, until an honorable peace is obtainable."

   "This," the premier continued "is a strong policy, and the new government will also energetically conduct negotiations with European and other states."

   Owing to the circumstances the new cabinet is already nicknamed the "circumstantial cabinet."

NEVER ABANDON CUBA.

Admiral Cervera Congratulated by the Spanish Senate.

   MADRID, May 21.—Shortly after the senate assembled Count Penaramiro proposed the senate's congratulations to Admiral Cervera on his arriving safely at Santiago de Cuba, "and cleverly dodging the America squadron."

   Captain Aunon, the minister of marine, responded in the name of the navy, highly extolling Admiral Cervera. In so doing, he said, the arrival of the Spanish squadron in Cuban waters would "cement the friendship of the Cubans at Spain, and will prove to the world that Spain will never abandon Cuba while the mother country retains her vitality."

   The congratulations were voted unanimously.

Damaging Evidence Discovered.

   KEY WEST, May 21.—Over 40 cases of ammunition have been found on the Spanish steamer Arganauta, captured during the first days of the war. It was on board this steamer that Lieutenant Colonel Cortijo, Weyler's brother–in-law, was captured with other Spanish soldiers now prisoners in Fort McPherson, Atlanta.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

We Are Hustlers.

   The editor of The Century mentions rather disapprovingly the everlasting hurry and action of all phases of American life. Society in our large cities is one gallop the season through, without breathing space for anybody who is unfortunate to be caught in its whirl. The spirit of our national life is that of one who is hurrying to catch a train, whether we are engaged in business or pleasure.

   The Century is not altogether right in deprecating this spirit of hustle. We have not much time for repose, but do we need it? Our climate, our bright electric atmosphere, is developing a new race. The American can do in one day what it takes old world people two and sometimes three to accomplish. We think quickly; we act quickly. What other nation on the face of the earth without any standing army could have got ready for war as rapidly as we did?

   Nevertheless The Century is quite correct in calling attention to the real home life that exists in many American families in an inner circle, beyond the wear and tear and blare of the "American fortissimo:"

   Life in our villages is probably richer, healthier and more interesting than it was a generation ago, and a reaction from this living in the street, as it were, toward the simpler joys of home is sure to come. Moreover, in the heart of every great city there are men and women who by sheer force of character are realizing an ideal of repose, holding their thresholds against the engulfing storms of the outer world. The sensational newspaper comes not near them, and the society reporter does not wait at the door for the names of their dinner guests. They bear a share in the good works of the day, but they do it only by withdrawing from the senseless demands of a fashionable life. And they are all the better prepared for public and family duties by rigidly guarding for themselves a little domain of leisure. It is in such secluded hours, rescued from the clash of the world that life grows deep and strong, in moments of meditation or in communion with loyal friends, good literature and inspiring music.

Sale of Horse Meat.

   Late news from Europe shows that the use of horseflesh as an article of food is steadily increasing, especially in France. It is worth noting, too, that most of the horses thus used are believed, justly or not, to come from America. European newspapers are circulating throughout the continent the information that a company is now shipping horseflesh regularly from the United States to Germany, France and other countries. The design in publishing the paragraph is to injure the sale of American meat in Europe, though it can hardly accomplish that object.

   In the United States we do not need to eat horse meat, because we have plenty of other kinds that are more to our taste. If the poor of Europe want the cheaper horseflesh, though, there is no reason why we should not sell it to them. By this means we shall work off a good number of our superfluous fourth and fifth rate horses that have made the equine trade drag so heavily in the past half dozen years.

   The horse meat is sold in Europe fresh, smoked, salted or made into sausages. In no case is the same dealer allowed to sell this flesh and other meats together. He must be a dealer in horse meat only and must have plainly displayed the sign, "Horse Meat Market." The flesh must be duly inspected and pronounced wholesome and furnished with a health certificate.

Empire State Express.

A Record Breaker.

   The Empire State express of the New York Central has not been running over six years (since November, 1891), and has undoubtedly made by far the largest aggregate of "record runs" for a regular train that can be found anywhere, says the Railroad Gazette. The permanent establishment of such fast schedules makes it of interest to examine the record more in detail than is usually done, and we have therefore procured from General Superintendent Van Etten a condensed summary of the train sheet record of this train, both westbound and eastbound, for the calendar year 1897.

   The schedule speed westbound New York to Buffalo, 440.2 miles, including stops, is 53.85 miles an hour. Eastbound, Buffalo to New York it is 48.9 miles an hour (50.0 Buffalo to Albany and 46.4 Albany to New York.) The train consists of four cars, weighing about 330,000 pounds, and is drawn by engines weighing about sixty tons, with cylinders 19 by 24 inches, and driving wheels about 7 feet in diameter. The monthly table is self-explanatory. It will be seen that the westbound train arrived at the end of its trip within five minutes of schedule time on 268 days out of 313, 80 per cent, and the eastbound 308 times out of 313, or 98 per cent.

Main Street, Cortland, N. Y., about 1899.

NO OBJECTIONS OFFERED

TO THE PAVING OF MAIN-ST. AS PETITIONED.

Meeting of Sixty Property-Owners and Taxpayers in Fireman's Hall Last Night—No One Offered Objections to Paving,

 Hence all Were in Favor—The

Meeting so Declared Without a Dissenting Voice.

   There are no objections to paving Main-st. from the hospital corner [East Main Street] to the south line of the plant of Wickwire Brothers. At least that must be the only conclusion that can be drawn from the public meeting held in Fireman's hall last night. The meeting was called by the board of village trustees in accordance with the provisions of the charter to hear approval of or objections to the petition recently filed with the board asking for the paving of Main-st.

   About sixty property-owners and taxpayers were present when Village President A. F. Stilson called the meeting to order. There were present also Village Trustees L. T. White, Peter Nodecker and A. A. Sprague. President Stilson briefly stated the purpose of the meeting, and threw it open for remarks from any one. After a period of silence, C. H. Price arose and said that he was not a speechmaker, but he did not anticipate that a single man came there to object to the improvement. It seemed to him that the best thing to do was to make some rousing speeches and encourage the board of trustees to get to paving as soon as possible.

   Aaron Sager thought that the petition was the most expressive speech that had been or could be made. He could hardly see the necessity of making speeches in favor of the improvement, the necessity of the pavement was so apparent. He would like to hear from objectors if any such were present. He hoped the matter would not be delayed longer than absolutely necessary in order to make a proper contract.

   W. D. Riley inquired if the board had decided what material would be used. President Stilson replied in the negative. Mr. Riley stated that he was opposed to anything but brick. This was the only expression of preference of material made in the meeting, but it was very apparent that there was more interest in that matter than any other when it was asked if the citizens would be allowed a hearing on material. President Stilson stated that the charter did not provide for such a meeting but it was his opinion that such a meeting should be called by a citizen or body of citizens or the board of trade, where the matter could be thoroughly discussed. He suggested that such a meeting might appoint a committee to convey to the board of trustees its sentiments. He thought too, that he could assure the presence of the trustees at such a meeting.

   L. J. Fitzgerald offered a resolution instructing the trustees to proceed as rapidly as possible in the matter. C. F. Wickwire seconded it. E. E. Mellon offered to amend by declaring that the sense of the meeting was that the matter should be pushed with all possible diligence. The motion as amended was carried unanimously, not a voice being raised in opposition.

   The board of trustees will, without doubt, pass a resolution at their meeting next Monday night deciding to pave.

LIEUT. COL. D. L. BRAINARD

To be Chief Commissary to Gen. Merritt at the Philippines.

   A letter from Lieutenant-Colonel David L. Brainard has come to Sheriff and Mrs. A. E. Brainard which bears the date of "May 19, on the train near Chattanooga, Tenn." Col. Brainard wrote that he had been ordered to duty at the Philippines as chief commissary to General Merritt, and he left Washington Wednesday night, May 18, for San Francisco, going via New Orleans. He says he looks forward with much pleasure to the trip, and expects to get away from San Francisco about the end of this month.

Cornell University State Scholarships.

(Notice Pursuant to Title xii. Chapter 536, Laws of 1894.)

   A competitive examination of candidates for the state scholarships in Cornell university, falling to the county of Cortland will be held at the court-house in the village of Cortland on Saturday, the 4th day of June, 1898, commencing at 9 A. M.

   Candidates must be at least 16 years of age and of six months' standing in the common schools or academies of the state during the year immediately preceding this examination, and actual residents of this state.

   No person should enter an examination unless prepared to accept a scholarship should one be awarded.

   The examination will be upon the following subjects, viz.: English, history, plane geometry, algebra through quadratic equations, and either Latin, French or German, at the option of the candidate.

   There will be as many candidates appointed from this county as there are assembly districts in this county. Candidates will become entitled to the scholarships in the order of merit.

   Dated at Cortland, N. Y., this 12th day of May, 1898.

   NATHAN L. MILLER.

   School Commissioner, First District.

   I. W. VAN BUSKIRK,

   School Commissioner, Second District.

NEW CAR SCHEDULE.

Additional Trips to McGrawville—Cars to the Park.

   Commencing Monday May 28 the McGrawville car will make two additional trips over the present schedule, the last car leaving the Messenger House at 10 P. M. except on Saturdays when three additional trips will be made, the last car leaving the Messenger House at 11 P. M. Cars will run to the park to-morrow commencing at 2 P. M. provided the weather is pleasant, and will continue to run every twenty minutes thereafter during the remainder of the day.

BREVITIES.

   —One tramp was lodged at the police station last night.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—Stowell, screen doors, refrigerators, page 7.

   —At the Dewey social in Normal gymnasium this evening. Judge J. E. Eggleston has consented to speak.

   —The branch of the Lehigh Valley R. R. from Geneva to Seneca Falls is expected to be completed next week.

   —The subject of Dr. Houghton's address Sunday evening at the First M. E. church will be ''Wm. E. Gladstone."

   —The Normals defeated the Cascadilla team from Ithaca at baseball this morning at the fair grounds by the score of 15 to 12.

   —The Rev. Wm. B. Clarke of Seneca Falls will officiate at the usual services in Grace church to-morrow in exchange with the Rev. A. Watkins.

   —The Coxsackie News of May 20 contains a lengthy obituary notice of Mrs. Charlotte Amelia Whitbeck, grandmother of Mrs. Grant J. Woolston, who died on Monday, May 10, at the age of 103 years, 1 month and 28 days.

   —A meeting of the Women's Literary and Educational organizations of western New York will be held in Salamanca on June 1 and 2. An elaborate program has been prepared. Full particulars can be obtained from the corresponding secretary, Mrs. Eugene Helmer, Salamanca.