FLEETS NOT HEARD FROM AND AT ALEXANDRIA BAY

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, May 27, 1898.

FLEETS NOT HEARD FROM.

Cervera Supposed to Be at Santiago De Cuba.

SCHLEY LYING OUTSIDE.

But Still There Are Doubts About This State of Affairs.

   WASHINGTON, May 27—Secretary Long said that no word had come from any scouting vessels so numerous in West Indian waters, concerning the Spanish flying squadron, wherefore he concluded that Cervera was still in Santiago harbor. Supposedly Schley is lying outside watching the entrance to prevent the egress of the Spanish vessels, but while there is evidence of a certain kind on that face, there has been no official confirmation. This is a little remarkable in view of the fact that it is only a day's run for one of Schley's swift torpedo boats from Santiago to a cable port in Hayti.

   There is also a curious lack of information from the newspapers dispatch boats on this point. It was supposed that the censors might have excised from the dispatches of the newspapermen any reference to the fleets, but this would apply, according to the statement of the navy department officials here, only to that part of the dispatches that might relate to the movements and whereabouts of the United States forces, and the censors rules would not exclude reference to the Spanish squadron.

   Notwithstanding that the officials profess unshaken confidence in their original belief that the Spanish squadron is securely bottled up in Santiago harbor, there is no concealment by them of an intense desire to secure some absolutely trustworthy information on that point. It is not to be doubted that with the question still open, the beginning of the military operations is retarded, for as long as there exists a possibility of the Spanish naval force being at large there for an indisposition to start the troop transports for Cuba.

   Probably it was this uncertain state of affairs that induced the president to call a consultation at the White House between Secretaries Alger and Long, General Miles and the members of the naval war board, Admiral Sicard, Captain Crowninshield and Captain Mahan. As stated by one of the members of the conference, the purpose was to go over the whole situation, from the Philippines to Cuba and Porto Rico, and decide just how far the plans already laid should be modified to meet existing conditions.

   This involved a discussion of such important points as the propriety of the immediate advance of the military forces upon Cuba; the credibility of the advices as far as had, touching the location of the Spanish squadron; the policy of preceding the Cuban expedition or accompanying it, with one directed against Porto Rico, and finally the extent of the military assistance to be sent to Admiral Dewey at Manila.

   As already indicated, the proceedings were rather in the nature of a consultation than of a war council, where a full decision of these important questions were disposed of at the council. None of the members of the conference felt authorized to tell what had taken place, but there are thought to be patent indications of a decision to embark military expeditions. But whether for Cuba or Porto Rico can only be conjectured in the course of the next few days.

PRISONERS TO BE EXCHANGED.

Four Spaniards to Be Given For the Two Americans.

   KEY WEST, May 27.—Colonel Vincente de Cortijo, former commander at

Cabanas fortress, and understood to be a brother-in-law of Lieutenant General Valeriano Weyler, Surgeon Major Sincon Garcia Julian, and two private soldiers who were captured on the Spanish steamer Argonauta, and who have been confined at Fort McPherson, Atlanta, arrived here on the steamer City of Key West. They were immediately taken in a small boat to the United States revenue cutter Hamilton, where they will remain until exchanged for Hayden Jones and Charles Thrall, American newspaper correspondents, who landed in Cuba recently and were captured.

   The details of the transfer have already been arranged; an American vessel will convey the Spaniards to Havana harbor and the exchange will be effected by boats carrying flags of truce.

Gen. Calixto Garcia.

CONDITION OF CUBAN ARMY.

Interesting Accounts of General Garcia's Forces.

TOLD BY TWO OF HIS STAFF.

From Twenty to Twenty-Five Thousand Men Are in the Field.

   WASHINGTON, May 27.—Secretary Alger and General Miles conferred with two officers from the staff of General Garcia, General Enrique Collazo and Lieutenant Colonel Hernandez, who come direct from Garcia's headquarters bearing credentials from him to effect a plan of co-operation with the American forces. They accompanied Lieutenant Rowan of the United States army on his return from Garcia's camp and shared with him the dangers of a two days' voyage in an open boat from the north coast of Cuba until picked up by a small sloop which carried them to Nassau. They reported first to the Cuban delegation here and Secretary Quesada was careful to keep their presence secret until General Miles had made the fact known.

   General Collazo and Colonel Hernandez gave an interesting account of Garcia's forces and surroundings and the general equipment of the Cuban army. Colonel Hernandez says Garcia has his headquarters at Bayamo, one of the large towns in the central part of the island. It was surrendered by the Spanish forces a few weeks ago after Garcia and his troops had maintained a long siege. General Garcia and his staff with a body guard of several hundred men are quartered inside the city. The commanding general's headquarters are in one of the principal building on the main street. With him is general Rabi and his staff and body guard.

   The infantry and cavalry are quartered in the suburbs of South Bayamo. Tents are not used, but in their place the men have illy constructed coverings made of palm leaves and guinea grass, which are more effective than canvas as a shelter against the hot sun. In all about 3,000 men are thus quartered. They are well armed with Remingtons and Mausers captured from the Spaniards. Most of them have machetes, but only the officers carry other small arms. The cavalry have small horses, much like the Indian mustangs, hardy and reliable.

   Colonel Hernandez says that the commissary and quartermaster's department is unknown in the sense used by army officials here. In lieu of the companies not fully armed are organized "predios." The duty of the "predios" is to bring meat, ample supplies being secured from Puerto Principe and vegetables grown in the woods. The system works perfectly, Colonel Hernandez says, and the troops are kept well fed and in good spirits. There are no dress parades and none of the regularity of daily drill usual in the United States army. The main occupation is in making long daily marches to keep the men hardened.

   The Cuban generals say the arrival of Lieutenant Rowan aroused the greatest enthusiasm throughout the Cuban camp. There was no notice of his coming, and the first seen of Lieutenant Rowan was as he galloped up Commercial street, followed by the Cuban guides who accompanied him. He was warmly greeted by General Garcia and the two held a three hours' conference. It was decided that Lieutenant Rowan should return that afternoon, and General Garcia assigned General Collazo and Colonel Fernandez with the guides to accompany him. He had come in from the south shore, but the party went out northward. They had expected to secure a large sailboat, but the best thing available was an open yawl with a cubic space of only 104 feet. Sails were improvised out of tents carried by the officers. They were picked up by a sloop off Bahama Key and carried to Nassau, coming thence to Washington.

   Colonel Hernandez says that communication is maintained with General Gomez, and other points along the coast. From these he has a general idea of the Cuban forces outside of those with General Garcia at Bayamo. He estimates that there are 12,000 men, all of them well armed, east of La Trocha, and constituting the forces in the eastern division of the island under General Garcia. These include the 3,000 at Bayamo, the others being scattered at various points. He estimates General Gomez's immediate command at about 3,000 men, with 6,000 men scattered at various points. In all there are about 20,000 to 25,000 troops actually in the field.

   It is understood the purpose of the present visit of Garcia's officers is to give that general's assurance to the authorities here of his desire to give every possible co-operation to the American movements. Similar assurances have come from General Gomez and have been presented by Secretary Quesada.

   The Cuban officers have made a good impression here, and the authorities were agreeably surprised to find them men of ability and soldierly bearing, speaking English well. They will remain some days longer and then return to General Garcia's camp.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Spain's Last Card.

   It is becoming clearer every day that Spain has reached the conclusion that she can make no headway against the United States vincet armis. The impression with which she began the war that the United States so far as she is concerned is an invincible force now has the strength of a conviction. Hence she is directing her energies to the task of endeavoring to discover a way of accomplishing by the co-operation of the powers what she knows she cannot accomplish by brute force.

   A dispatch from Biarretz, to the New York Sun states that certain members of the new government at Madrid are spreading assurances that Spain is about to become a member of the Franco-Russian alliance. It is reported at the Spanish capital that the Spanish ambassador to France hopes shortly to conclude negotiations to that end with the assent of Prime Minister Sagasta. Furthermore Senor Castillo's presence in Madrid and his refusal to accept the portfolio of the foreign office are explained on this ground, he urging the negotiations as his reason for remaining at the Paris embassy. The correspondent of The Sun adds that "all this is credited by a large section of the Spanish public."

   This is interesting as indicating the desperate plight in which Spain finds herself. But it is only the significance of one of the straws at which drowning men catch as they are going down for the last time. We may be sure that neither France nor Russia is going to take any steps in the present emergency which can be construed as unfriendly to the United States. Attention was lately directed to the fact that the French embassy at Washington has given our government emphatic assurances of the good will of France. Russia, which for so many years has been our friend, and which exhibited her friendship for us during the war of Rebellion in a most unmistakable manner, we may be sure is not going to reverse herself at the present time. "Diplomats know," says The Sun's correspondent, "that Russia has taken a full and final decision not to identify herself with any anti-American pressure. The chief concern of her representatives abroad is to prevent England from succeeding in appearing an America's only friend. Monarchial sentiment had no weight whatever in framing Russia's policy." It is not unlikely that the powers will presently do something for Spain, but the something will not be in the direction in which she is vainly looking. The powers would be justified in using their individual and combined influence to induce Spain to abandon the hopeless struggle with the United States, in which she is now engaged and to sue for "peace with honor."

   This the powers may feel constrained to do in the interest of Spain and in the larger interest of civilization. They cannot fail to realize that the continuance of the war means only a tremendous waste of natural resources and a corresponding loss of human life and that the outcome, certain as fate, is to be Spain's humiliation and defeat. If there was a reasonable doubt as to the final issue, they would he justified in keeping their hands off. As it is they will merely show that they are indeed "powers," in the best sense of the word, if they persuade Spain to accept the inevitable and that at an early day.

AT ALEXANDRIA BAY.

Plans for a Busy Season at and Near the Thousand Islands.

   ALEXANDRIA BAY, N. Y., May 20, 1898.

   The old adage that "it is an ill wind that blows no one any good" is being fully anticipated if not already realized by this beautiful resort. In consequence of the present war, Alexandria Bay will, from report and present indications, have a greater influx of tourists this summer than ever before. Many timid people will not visit the Atlantic coast. Large numbers have already engaged apartments here and all the hotels are making great preparations for a lively season. Mr. Charles W. Crossmon, of The Crossmon, is furnishing and modernizing his house with a lavish hand, and expects to begin business in a few days. The Cornwall Brothers have greatly enlarged and beautified the Marsdon House, and Mr. O. G. Staples is making improvements in and about the Thousand Island House. The Columbia, and other less pretentious hostelries, are also showing life and enterprise, and are looking for a fine harvest.

   Some of the islanders are laying vast sums of money in beautifying their possessions. Among the most lavish is Geo. C. Boldt, proprietor of The Waldorf in New York City, the owner of Hart's Island opposite Alexandria Bay. He is erecting a large castle-like structure, of native rock, with a tower of about 80 feet in height, which will involve an expenditure of over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. J. W. Jackson will expend about ten thousand dollars on Keenaydin island, and Louis Marx, a Havana tobacco and banana planter, has contracted for improvements on Melrose Lodge on Cherry island, which will exceed an investment of fifteen thousand dollars. All the rentable cottages have already been leased which is also regarded as a sure indication of a lively and prosperous season.

   But for the stringent game laws, fishermen both expert and inexperienced, should have heaps of sport just now. Muscalonges, the queen fish of the St. Lawrence, averaging from 15 to 40 pounds each, have been seen this week in about 4 or 5 feet of water near the Crossmon dock and other places. They were leisurely straggling about the spawning grounds evidently aware of their protection and safety until the 9th day of June proximo. This is a truthful fish story.

   Daily boats are now plying between Clayton and Alexandria Bay, and every day adds life and activity between those two points. G. J. M. [George J. Mager of Cortland?]

Fireman's Hall, Main Street, Cortland, N. Y.

TO DISCUSS PAVING.

Meeting to be Held at Fireman's Hall on Tuesday Evening.

   There will be a meeting of the citizens of Cortland at Fireman's hall on Tuesday evening, May 31, at 7:30 o'clock to discuss the matter of what kind of pavement is the best to use on Main-st. The special speakers will be Messrs. H. M. Kellogg, H. F. Benton, B. L. Webb, J. J. Glann and others. Samples of several of the different kinds of paving are expected to be on exhibition: Every citizen should be present.

COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET

Given by Dr. O. A. Houghton to Dr. Ion A. Jackson and Others.

   The Rev. O. A. Houghton, D. D., last night gave a complimentary banquet at The Kremlin at the close of the [Mahan] festival concert to Dr. Ion A. Jackson and to the resident members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Dr. Jackson was a member of the class of '95 at Syracuse university, but did not complete his course in college, dropping out to go to Germany to study music. Since his return from Europe he has been graduated from a medical college in Philadelphia and began the practice of his profession in New York, but musical demands have become so great that he has about abandoned medicine to devote himself exclusively to music.

   While in Syracuse university he was a classmate of Dr. Houghton's son, Mr. Harris A. Houghton of Syracuse, and knew both father and son very intimately. Dr. Houghton is himself a most enthusiastic member of the D. K. E. fraternity and yesterday determined to have a little gathering of the Dekes at The Kremlin [Hotel] after the concert last night. The resident members of the fraternity were seen and invited, and all were able to accept of the doctor's hospitality except Judge S. S. Knox who was unavoidably detained. Dr. Houghton telegraphed to Syracuse for his son to come home, and he arrived at 6:12.

   It was a most enjoyable affair. Proprietor Carns prepared an excellent menu, and while that was being discussed the time was spent in renewing college days. Eight members of the fraternity were present, five representing Syracuse university, and three Amherst college. It was nearly 1 o'clock before the last Deke song was sung and good nights were said. Profuse were the expressions of approval of the thoughtfulness of Dr. Houghton in arranging for this reunion.

   Those present were Rev. O. A. Houghton, D. D., '69; Dr. Francis J. Cheney, '72; Dr. Samuel J. Sornberger, '78; Dr. Ion A. Jackson, '95; Mr. Harris A. Houghton, '95, all of Syracuse university; Prof. J. Edward Banta, '80; Edward D. Blodgett,'87; and Rev. John T. Stone, '91, all of Amherst college.

   The menu was as follows:

Main Street, Cortland, N. Y.

A FLAG RAISING.

Immense American Emblem Suspended Over Main-st. Yesterday.

   In the past few days several prominent citizens have interested themselves in securing a large American flag and suspending it over Main-st. Their efforts culminated yesterday afternoon, when they flung to the breezes an immense American emblem on a tight cable stretched from the Taylor hall block to the Schermerhorn building. The gentlemen interested in project were E. D. Mallery, J. H. Wallace, B. P. Taylor, John Courtney, Jr., E. E. Mellon, G. A. Grossman, Burdette Howard, Wayne Watkins, John Kane, W. A. Wallace, N. P. Meager, Dr. L. T. White, P. Daehler, P. D. Smith, C. P. Brown, A. E. Brainard, C. W. Stoker, A. D. Wallace, Wm. Grady, W. W. Hout, A. C. Kinney, John P. Dowd, Burdette Richardson, G. S. Van Hoesen, John Miller and Dorr C. Smith.

   After the flag had been appropriately floated, the party adjourned to the European hotel, where an informal banquet was held, followed by impromptu speeches with E. D. Mallery as toastmaster. The war question of course received consideration, and it is said that the general opinion seemed to be that "war is inevitable." It is certain that if Admiral Cervera had been within their reach, he and his whole fleet would have been quickly and totally annihilated, judging from the oratorical pyrotechnics which were directed towards him though at long range. Toastmaster Mallery was in his happiest mood, and called upon the following gentlemen, who responded: G. S. Van Hoesen, A. E. Brainard, J. H. Wallace, W. W. Hout, John Courtney, Jr., F. Daehler, C. F. Brown, B. F. Taylor, E. E. Mellon and C. W. Stoker.

BREVITIES.

   —Mrs. M. G. Weeks will not be at the Conservatory this week.

   —Major Aaron Sager will deliver the Memorial day address at Dryden Monday evening.

   —The members of the choir of Grace church are requested to meet for practice to-morrow evening at 7:30.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—C. F. Brown, Huyler's Candies, page 6; J. B. Kellogg, Special Sale, page 6; Opera House, Markham Stock Co., page 5.

   —Mr. N. H. Gillette, the skirt and flag manufacturer, very kindly contributed the use of several beautiful flags for decorating the Opera House for the [Mahan] festival concerts.

   —To-morrow the people of the Otselic valley will run an excursion from Cincinnatus to Cortland over the Erie & Central New York railway and will picnic in Cortland park.

   —Owing to some other arrangements that have been perfected the Order of United American Mechanics will not participate in the Memorial day exercises along with the G. A. R.

   —The Rev. John Kenyon will preach a sermon before Cortland council, No. 74, O. U. A. M in the Universalist church Sunday evening, June 19. The council will meet at their rooms at 7 P. M. and march to the church.

   —Mr. W. J. Mantanye was finally compelled to give notice of his inability to speak at Virgil on Memorial day on account of the condition of his health. Mr. Enos E. Mellon has promised to deliver the address at Virgil.

   —The children of the public schools and all others having flowers to contribute for decorating soldiers' graves Memorial day will please leave them at G. A. R. hall Monday morning, May 30, at 8 o'clock sharp, where there will be a committee to receive them.

  —The services at the Y. M. C. A. on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock will be in charge of James H. Kellogg camp, No. 48, S. O. V. The address will be delivered by B. T. Wright. An especial invitation is extended to members of the G. A. R. and all old soldiers to be present.