The
Cortland Democrat, Friday, April 29, 1898.
CONDENSED WAR NEWS.
Hasty
Readers Can Keep Posted by Scanning the Items of Each Days' Occurrences
Relating to Our War with the Spanish Government.
The flagship New York captured the Spanish
tramp steamer Pedro of Bilbao between Matanzas and Havana at 6 o'clock in the
morning, and put a prize [crew] on board. The Pedro was sent to Key West.
United States gunboat Helena captured the
Spanish steamer Michael Jover, bound from New Orleans to Barcelona with a cargo
of 2,000 tons of cotton and staves. She has a crew of [52] men and the prize is
estimated to value $400,000.
The governments of Denmark and the
Netherlands are cabling to West
Indian possessions to have coal reserved for naval uses.
Sub-marine mines have been placed in
position in connection with the defenses of the Delaware river, 40 miles below
Philadelphia.
The Vienna Fremdenblatt says the torpedo
manufactory at Flume declined to supply Spain because it had a pressing order
for Japan.
The Spanish Ironclad Numancia has
started from Toulon for Barceelona under sealed orders.
A subscription has been opened in Paris in
aid of the American and Spanish Red Cross societies.
 |
| William McKinley. |
Tuesday,
April 26.
President McKinley sent a message to
congress asking that body to adopt a joint resolution declaring that a state of
war exists between the United States and Spain. Both houses of congress acted
on the message at once and soon a bill was passed declaring a state of war
existing. This was returned to the president, who immediately signed the
measure.
The call on the governors of the different
states for the required number of troops from each commonwealth under the
proclamation of the president has been telegraphed from the war department.
It is rumored in Washington that Admiral
Sampson has asked permission of the government to bombard Havana.
The Catalina, a Spanish steamship
merchantman, has been captured by the cruiser Detroit and sent to Key West.
The Spanish torpedo boat destroyer Audaz
sailed from Queenstown, her destination unknown.
The report that American warships must leave
British ports within 48 hours is incorrect.
 |
| Capt. Gen. Ramon Blanco. |
Wednesday,
April 27.
Secretary of War Alger has received
telegraphic responses from nearly every state and territorial government upon
whom he made requisition for troops. Most of them heartily assure the ultimate
availability of their forces.
Captain General Blanco has cabled the
government at Madrid to the effect that the Spanish squadron of warships can be
utilized elsewhere, as he can account for the defense of Havana without the
assistance of the fleet.
The exchange of mails between this country
and Spain and all Spanish colonies has been stopped in accordance with orders
from Washington. Mails to Cuba are likewise stopped by the order.
The American ship Shenandoah said to have
been captured by the Spaniards, was spoken on April 4, southwest of the Azore
islands.
Many British colonies have notified the
United States that neutrality has been proclaimed between the United States and
Spain.
The state department has sent all foreign
nations notice of congress’ declaration that war has existed since April 21.
This was done to preserve our rights.
President McKinley issued a proclamation
declaring that the United States would do no privateering during the war with
Spain.
 |
| Rear Admiral William T. Sampson. |
Thursday,
April 28.
The British coasting steamer Killarney,
which has just reached Cork, reports having spoken the American four-masted
ship Shenandoah. The Shenandoah is bound from San Francisco to Liverpool, and
was reported to have been captured by the Spaniards.
An official dispatch from Manila announces
that the fleet has sailed to take up its position to meet the United States
squadron. The latter had not been sighted when the cable message was sent, but
the American warships were expected at any moment.
A dispatch from Manila says that the Spanish
squadron have captured the American bark Saranac loaded with coal. The gunboat
Eleano captured the bark and towed her into Hollo, Philippine island.
The torpedo boat Foote was fired on off
Cardenas harbor. The Foote ran close in shore when three gunboats opened fire.
One shot went over the Foote, and the later, having only small guns, withdrew.
The vessels of the American squadron steamed
away for Mirs bay for Manila. On board one of the ships was an insurgent chief,
who is to lead the Philippine insurgent forces. Many Spanish vessels are
leaving Manila with passengers, and the Americans are anticipating the capture
of rich prizes.
Colonel Wood left for the West to recruit
the regiment of cowboys of which Assistant Secretary Roosevelt is to be
lieutenant colonel.
President McKinley will not direct the
release of any Spanish vessels that have been captured by Rear Admiral Sampson’s fleet. The question whether these vessels or any of them are to be
released will be left to the judgment of a prize court.
MATANZAS
BOMBARDED.
Three of
Our Warships Shell the Town for Half an Hour.
KEY WEST, April 28.—The New York, Puritan
and Cincinnati bombarded the forts at Matanzas yesterday afternoon. The
engagement began at 12:45 and closed at 1:45. There were no casualties on the American
side.
Great damage is known to have been done to
Matanzas and it is believed there was loss of life.
PAGE
FOUR—EDITORIALS.
Peaceful
War.
We are introducing a new novelty, a peaceful
war. By an act of Congress, signed by the President of these United States, war
is declared to have existed since a week ago yesterday, but it is such a one as
will shock nobody. Our fleet proceed to blockade many Cuban ports and capture everything
that comes along—there are none of the enemy's warships there—flying the
Spanish flag. Any number of prizes have been taken and towed to Key West with prize
crews aboard but war, good hard war, has not so far been indulged in. Spain's
warships have been separated by the width of the Atlantic and while we had
things our own way on the water. Cuba and Porto Rico could have been placed
under the stars and stripes with little effort, but the administration has
become so permeated with the policy of delay that practically nothing has been
done beyond burning coal. As near as can be learned, Spain has several war vessels
headed for the northern coast of the United States where they are soon expected
to arrive. We have every confidence that upon their arrival they will break up
the diplomatic, do-nothing war, for Spain has good grit, if poor judgment.
Hawaii
Needed—Nit.
A great cry has recently gone up from the
friends of Hawaiian annexation that we must have those islands immediately, that
they are necessary for our protection. It seems as though this is poor return
for the support the Democrats have given the administration during recent
weeks. They have stood by those in authority in many moves which were
distasteful to Democrats in order that the country might present an unbroken
front Now these annexationists who know they could not possibly carry their
point by any sort of argument during peace, set up the claim and seem likely to
push it, that their precious islands must be seized in order to preserve the
Union. Thinking people will draw their own conclusions.
 |
| Wreck of USS Maine in Havana harbor. |
WASHINGTON
LETTER.
(From
Our Regular Correspondent.)
WASHINGTON, April 25.—One country, one flag
and one object—the licking of Spain. That is the all-prevailing sentiment in
Washington since the war actually began. Now that Mr. McKinley has shaken off
the Hanna peace at any price crowd and their benumbing influence, he has become
thoroughly alive to the necessities of the situation. This has been
particularly noticeable during the past week. He started on the right track
when he asked Congress for authority to use the army and navy to drive Spain
out of Cuba; he took the proper step when he sent that ultimatum to Spain,
again when he recognized the dismissal of our minister by Spain as an act of
war; again when he issued orders for our fleet to blockade Cuba, and yet again
when he issued his proclamation calling for 125,000 men to serve two
years unless sooner discharged.
Congress is right behind every one of these moves
and the people are right behind Congress. The enthusiasm is unprecedented, and
every Spanish flag captured by our warships add to it. The only regret that is
heard is that all who desire to participate in avenging the Maine cannot do so,
as each state will insist on furnishing its full quota of the troops called for.
The National Guard of the District of Columbia is already on duty in a camp of
instruction, and although only about one-third can hope to go every man of them
is anxious to start for Cuba.
The law authorizing the volunteer army, which
was enacted by Congress last week, provides for four Major Generals and the impression
is general is Washington that Fitz Lee, and Joe Wheeler of Alabama, will be
tendered commissions of that rank. "Teddy" Roosevelt, the scrappy
Assistant Secretary of the Navy, will resign that position in order to serve on
Fitz Lee's staff in Cuba.
When once our army gets in Cuba it will make
short work of whipping the
Spaniards,
but several weeks must elapse before that army can be gathered on the southern
coast, preparatory to embarkation for Cuba. Until then we shall have to content
ourselves with the knowledge that our warships will give a good account of themselves
in any engagements they will have either with the Spanish forts in Cuba or with
the Spanish warships, and we may as well also prepare ourselves to hear of the
occasional capture of an American merchant ship on the other side of the Atlantic
by the Spanish. We can hope that the boastful Spanish navy will come over and
fight our ships, but there are no indications now in sight that it will do so.
It looks as though we will have to go after them when we have captured Cuba.
But Cuba comes first.
 |
| Pink line shows Erie & Central New York R. R. between Cortland and Cincinnatus, N. Y. |
RUN TO CINCINNATUS.
GRAND
EXCURSION RUN OVER E. & C. N. Y. R. R. YESTERDAY.
Four
Trains Run Each Way—Big Crowd and Big Celebration at Cincinnatus—Had Waited
Thirty Years for the Arrival of the Iron Horse.
Yesterday was a day which must have been one
of infinite pleasure to Mr. Nathan A. Bundy, the promoter and general manager
of the Erie & Central New York R. R. It saw the celebration of an event for
which he has labored harder than anyone knows and toward which he has given
most liberally of his means. To be sure he was not alone in the jollification,
for the people of Cincinnatus and of every town through which the railroad
runs, and for many miles on each side, were out to help celebrate.
The history of the many failures and
disappointments of the last thirty years in connection with a railroad from
Cortland to the eastern part of the county, is well known but they have served
to make the pleasure and appreciation of its final completion the more keen,
and thanks for this completion are primarily due to the efforts and untiring
zeal of N. A. Bundy.
Yesterday four excursion trains were run from
Cortland to Cincinnatus and return, leaving here at 6:50 and 10:00 A. M., and
at 1:15 and 6:14 P. M.
At Cincinnatus the crowds were well taken
care of, great preparations having been made for their reception under the
leadership of Dr. Benjamin Kinyon, who was chairman of the day. The arrival of
the first train was made known by the firing of canon, ringing of bells, etc.
Cincinnatus was very hospitable and seemed to enjoy taking on city airs and
crowds. The afternoon was occupied with speeches, music by three brass bands,
etc. All visitors were provided with free refreshments and every one was made
welcome, and thus one of the greatest, if not the greatest day in the history
of the town is passed.
HERE AND
THERE.
Milliners are said to be much distressed at
the war prospect. The other day one of the guild said—"Here I am all loaded
down with Spanish yellow that was a-going to be so fashionable this season, but
which not one of my customers will consent to wear as things now stand. Why, I
never saw the women so set against a thing. 'Not a knot of it,' they say, 'nor
anything else that in any way suggests the colors of Spain.'"—Ithacan.
The heavy rains of the past week filled the
Tioughnioga river nearly to the top of the banks.
M. B. Filzinger, confectioner and fruit dealer
at No. 14 North Main-st., now carries a full line of fresh bakestuffs.
Mrs. W. S. Copeland fell at her home
on Homer-ave. and one bone of her left arm was broken. Dr. Dana attends her.
Messrs.
Loucks & Petrie, painters and decorators, are doing some fine work on the
offices and billiard room of the Cortland House.
Miss Myra M. Ladd died Tuesday at her home in
Lafayette, four miles west of Cortland, aged 29 years. The funeral was held
Thursday at 1 o'clock.
Our Virgil correspondent notes the calling
of a physician for the first time in his life for Mr. Josiah Chrisman of that
place, who is over eighty years old.
G. F. Beaudry was the first Cortland man to
display the American flag in front of his place of business. Many others have
now followed suit and many have Cuban flags out.
The queer combinations that arise in placing
the family names of the contracting parties at the head of wedding notices are
laughable. One at Groton reads:"Moore-Fitts." Owego Record.
Jeweler W. G. Mead has purchased the Edgcomb
building on Main-st. and will make some changes and improvements in it, after
which he will occupy it with his own business. Hyatt & Tooke,
photographers, will remain in the second floor.
The superintendent of public instruction
reports that ninety-one school districts in the state have failed to live up to
the law requiring instruction in the effects of alcohol and narcotics, and that
public money will be withheld from them in consequence.
Action for divorce was commenced in the
supreme court Wednesday by Messrs. J. & T. E. Courtney as attorneys for Ida
E. Gross against Frank J. Gross. Mary Gardner is named as correspondent in the
complaint.
Mrs. Polly Reed Gillette died Tuesday night
at the home of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. M. F. Gillette, 97 Pendelton-st., at
the age of 92 years. She has been a resident of Cortland 84 years. The funeral
will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock.
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