SPANISH WAR FLEET SAILS AND LEGAL OPINON CONCERNING VOLUNTEER FIREMEN

Spanish torpedo boat destroyer Terror.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, May 18, 1898.

SPANISH WAR FLEET SAILS.

Its Destination Either Cuba or Porto Rico.

WERE NEAR MARTINQUE.

May Be Off the Coast of Venezuela or Colombia.

   ST. PIERRE, Martinique, May 18.—The Spanish torpedo boat destroyer

Terror and the hospital ship Alicante are still at Fort de France. It is rumored that the repairs to the Terror are finished and that she will soon leave the harbor.

   The signal lights continue, and last night a large number were flashed from the hills. A Spanish vessel entered the harbor during the night, showing no lights, rapidly scouted and left immediately.

   About 10:30 at night an earthquake shock was distinctly felt here. This experience, combined with the excitement caused by the presence and movements of the Spanish warships, keeps up the public strain.

   There is no doubt that the Spanish fleet, which has been lying in these waters, has now left Martinique, going in the direction of Cuba or Porto Rico.

SPANISH FLEET WANDERINGS.

Supposed to Be Off the Coast of Venezuela or Colombia.

   CURACOA, West Indies, May 18.—The Spanish fleet is now supposed to be off the coast of Venezuela, or off the coast of Colombia.

   Only a portion of the fleet was allowed to enter this harbor to obtain provision, cattle and coal, which were purchased here. Confirmation was obtained of the report that the Spaniards left one of their torpedo gunboats at Fort De France, Island of Martinique.

Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete.

CERVERA'S ADVICE.

The Spanish Admiral Makes an Address to His Crews.

   MADRID, May 18.—At the moment of his departure from the Cape Verde islands Admiral Cervera made the following address to the crews of his ships:

   "After three years of struggle in Cuba, we were nearing the end of the trouble which certainly would have ended three months ago but for America's aid. That nation, believing she had created by underhand means a thousand embarrassments, but that nevertheless she would not be able to attain the object of her ambition, at last threw off the mask, and when the insurrection was on its last legs, commenced against us the most unjust war in the history of the world.

   "Spain," the admiral continued, "did not wish for war. Her conduct proved this, by conceding everything a self-respecting nation could concede. But the Americans, whose ambition is insatiable, always asking for something more, and even what belonged to us— that land discovered by Spaniards led by Columbus.

   "Forward, then, to the war, since we are forced thereto by the Americans' blind ambition. But let us enter the combat as did the Spaniards of old, strong in their rights and trustful in God, who will never abandon a just cause, and who will aid our efforts.

   "I need not enjoin discipline upon you, for during the past six months have only had cause for congratulations. Nor need I call on you to do your duty conscientiously, especially during the watches, which will often be most trying. Still less need I urge you to display courage. You are Spaniards, and that is sufficient in war.

   "Then, when I lead you to battle, have confidence in your chiefs, and the nation, whose eye is upon you, [you] will see that Spain today is the Spain of all time.

   "Viva Espana. Viva El Rey. Viva La Reina Regente.

   "ADMIRAL CERVERA."

WATCHING EVERY MOVE.

American Warships Will Balk the Spanish Plans.

THEIR FLEET HEMMED IN.

Will Be Kept in Gulf Waters or the Caribbean Sea.

   WASHINGTON, May 18.—The official bulletin boards failed to yield any news of the movements of the three fleets, Sampson's, Schley's and the Spanish flying squadron, and there is reason to believe that the department itself has received no information on that point. The department officials are beginning to show a little sensitiveness to criticism in the matter of delay in the engaging of the Spanish fleet, conscious as they are that they have made all dispatch compatible with due regard for the safety of our own ports as well as of the lives of the crews of our warships. Every day there is talk of a change in the naval plans brought about by some movement of the Spanish squadron but what the latest phase of campaign is nobody outside of the members of the war board is competent to say.

   The general impression is that no particular effort is to be made just now to pursue the Spaniards so long as they keep within the confines of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean sea, but that Sampson and Schley, in combination will encircle the island of Cuba, maintain the blockade and convoy troops across the Florida straits if necessary, meanwhile simply keeping a watch on the Spanish flying squadron to see that it does not do mischief either to the American fleet or escaping into the Atlantic to attack seaboard cities. By this plan the military and naval officials might hope to silence the rather severe criticisms that are being expressed because of delays in opening the military campaign in Cuba itself.

   Considerable pressure has come upon the administration from congressional quarters to have the campaign hastened, and there are thought to be signs of a resumption of the plans of the military, leaders for the invasion of Cuba at the point where they were suddenly suspended by the announcement of the arrival of the Spanish flying squadron at Martinique. One sign of this was the inclusion in the regular army orders of a direction to Captain Alger to go to Tampa to join General Miles. At army headquarters there was no sign of immediate departure, but after all, in view of the fact that three times at least everything has been prepared for a movement to Tampa, it may be presumed that everything is in train for departure at short notice without open manifestations of preparations.

Emilio Aquinaldo.

NATIVES TO ATTACK MANILA.

Americans Anxious to Complete Their Conquest Before Troops Arrive.

   LONDON, May 18.—The Hong Kong correspondent of The Times says:

"Aquinaldo and the principal leaders in the recent rising left in the United

States dispatch boat McCulloch for Cavite! They will attempt to persuade the natives to attack Manila in a few days. They have promised Admiral Dewey to regulate their conduct in accordance with the principles of humanity.

   "The Americans are evidently anxious to complete their conquest before the arrival of the troops from San Francisco. British residents now take a more hopeful view, and a famine is no longer feared."

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

A Waiting Contest.

   Says the Utica Herald: We are not of those who are looking every day for an engagement between the Spanish squadron, late of Cape Verde Islands, and that of Rear Admiral Sampson, or Commodore Schley. We do not catch the force of the London Times' contention that the Spanish admiral sacrificed a material advantage by sailing for Curacoa from Martinique. He secured information and coal by the movement, and doubtless affected the movements of American ships. To be sure, if he had hurried from Martinique for Havana or Cienfuegos he might have caught some of our unarmored blockaders, and anchored in Havana harbor. The captures would have decided nothing, and exceedingly foolish would his bottling himself up in Havana harbor have been.

   The Spaniard knows he is not strong enough to fight Admiral Sampson's squadron. He is not strong enough to fight the flying squadron, reinforced as it will be in Cuban waters by the monitors Miantonomoh and Puritan. He is strong enough to require all but the best of the American warships to keep out of his way, and for the latter to keep together in view of a possible encounter. While afloat and in the neighborhood he prevents invasion of Cuba, and the detachment of ships to threaten the Spanish coast. He is thus doing better service for Spain and causing the United States more trouble, expense and guessing, than he could by rushing into battle and annihilation. If his desire were to do that which would most please the United States he would seek Admiral Sampson's squadron without delay.

   If it is Admiral Cervera's aim to avoid battle, to harry, to keep our navy engaged guarding exposed places and prevent an invasion of Cabs, he is well equipped for his work, and is doing it well. His squadron can run away from ours, that is from the fighting part of it. The New York, Brooklyn, Minneapolis, Columbia, New Orleans and some others of our cruisers, could outsail the Spanish squadron, but the latter would not run from these. It greatly overmatches them in fighting strength. The Spanish torpedo boat destroyers are faster than the fastest of our scouts. The enemy, therefore, can gather information safely, and the speed of his squadron enables him to use it to keep out of danger. Barring mishaps and errors the outlook is good for a prolonged game of hide and seek.

   The coal problem theoretically gives us an advantage. Practically it has not hampered the enemy thus far. It may compel Admiral Cervera to movements that will bring him where he must fight. Strategy may bring him into that position. That he will get into it deliberately is altogether improbable. He is doing Spain his best service by continuing a menace. Our navy has a difficult problem to solve to bring about the removal of that menace. The people must be patient while it is working it out.

  

Cartoon image of Nicola Tesla.

   ◘ Another horrible and blood curdling war idea is in the air. Nikola Tesla is accused of owning the powerful mind that gave it to us. It is that fearful waves of electricity, "electric currents of high potentials," to speak in the lingo of the learned, can be sent out in any direction desired and that each one is warranted to shrivel up a whole Spanish squadron like a potato bug before a blast of paris green. In short, it will be artificial lightning sent out in oscillating waves. Tesla, if he is the originator of this fearful scheme, should try it on a dog first. There are plenty to try it on, and if the supply ran short there are the cats that make night hideous and keep people awake.

Louis Polo y Bernabe.

BERNABE INVESTIGATED.

CANADA MAY SUDDENLY SHOVE HIM OUT OF DOORS.

If British Authorities Find Him Managing a Spy System They Will Take Him And His Crowd Under Escort to the Nearest Vessel and Ship Him to Spain.

   NEW YORK, May 18.—A special to The World from Washington says: Senor Polo y Bernabe, the former Spanish minister in Washington, whose actions in Montreal, Canada, have become open to suspicion, may find it convenient in a few days to make a hasty departure for Spain. In fact it is believed that he is already making preparations to embark, or at any rate that he will decamp when he finds a corps of Canadian detectives on his trail.

   It will better suit the desire of America and avoid any trouble which the wily Spaniard might precipitate if he is taken in custody and escorted to the nearest port at which he can take passage for Spain.

   But if Senor Polo does not go soon of his own accord Canadian officials will perhaps find it expedient to execute the plans which were adopted to-day by Secretary Day and Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British ambassador.

   Polo's actions and the actions of others in America whom he is directing from his headquarters in Montreal were discussed by Sir Julian Pauncefote and Secretary Day.

   The British ambassador called to inform the state department that an investigation of the ex-Spanish minister was already under way.

   By Mr. Day's request several days ago Sir Julian Pauncefote said the

Canadian premier had detailed officials to inquire into the doings of Polo and his retinue of Spanish spies and if, Sir Julian continued, it is found that the Spaniards have been conducting business detrimental and hostile to America, Polo and his whole crowd will be landed upon the next vessel bound for Spain.

   Secretary Day believes that when Polo learns that his actions are being investigated he will find it convenient to immediately depart for Spain.

HURRAH FOR THE OREGON!

Believed to be Safe and to Have Joined Admiral Sampson's Fleet.

   WASHINGTON, May 18.—The Oregon is believed to be safe and probably now is a part of Admiral Sampson's squadron.

Cortland Park.

EXCURSION FROM CINCINNATUS, N. Y.

To Cortland Over the E. & C. N. Y. R. R. Saturday, May 28.

   The first excursion into Cortland over the Erie & Central New York railway will be run from the Otselic valley on Saturday, May 28. It is expected that every one in that section will take a day off and visit Cortland and her beautiful park. The people expect to spend the whole day in Cortland, and consequently will hold a basket picnic. The special excursion train will leave Cincinnatus at 10:15 A. M. sharp, and on the arrival of the train in Cortland at the Lehigh Valley station, electric cars will be in readiness to convey the crowds to the park. The return trip will be made on the regular evening train, leaving Cortland at 6:14 P. M.

   A State league baseball game will be played on that day between Cortland and Palmyra and every one who desires can see the game and get their train for home. Excursion tickets will soon be placed on sale at the stores of Corning & Haskins in Cincinnatus, A. K. Bennett in Taylor and Baldwin Brothers in Pitcher.

GEORGE T. LATIMER.

Died of Cancer in St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse this Morning.

   Many people in Cortland were pained to-day to learn of the death in St. Joseph's hospital in Syracuse this morning of Mr. George T. Latimer of Cortland, though his death was not entirely unexpected.

   Mr. Latimer went to Syracuse Jan. 15 and entered St. Joseph's hospital for treatment for cancer, and has been there all the time since with the exception of two weeks, when he was at his home, 90 Fitz-ave. He died shortly before 6 o'clock this morning. The remains were taken directly to the family home from the train which reached Cortland at 9:28 this morning from Syracuse. During all Mr. Latimer's illness he has exhibited remarkable patience and cheerfulness, which were especially remarked upon by the hospital attendants. During the latter weeks his wife has been continually at his bedside, leaving it only to get needed rest. Mr. Latimer was a member of the Congregational church in Cortland, and his pastor, Rev. W. H. Pound, will deliver the sermon at the funeral services which are to be held from his residence Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment will be made in the Cortland Rural cemetery.

   He was a man who took a prominent part in public affairs, and on two occasions he served the village of Cortland as collector of taxes, and has been a member of the village board of health.

   A wide circle of friends and acquaintances who have known Mr. Latimer only to honor and love him, unite with the bereaved family in sympathy.

   Mr. Latimer has been a resident of Cortland all his life. He was 37 years, 6 months and 15 days of age. His father, William Latimer, is a resident of Cortland. He leaves five brothers, John B. Latimer of Homer, Rev. William H. Latimer, pastor of the M. E. church at Watkins, Robert J., David J. and Fred F. Latimer of Cortland. He leaves one sister, Mrs. Eugene Sprague of Homer, and three sons, Ward E., Alvah W. and Lloyd G. Latimer. A wife, formerly Miss Mary Wadsworth, to whom Mr. Latimer was married 16 years ago also survives.

Change of Offices.

   The offices of the Cortland & Homer Traction company and the Cortland & Homer Electric company are about to be removed from the Garrison building to the car barns between the two villages. Convenient offices are being fitted up there and the new location will save many steps for the superintendent and others. For the convenience of the electric light customers and those desiring to buy car tickets, students' books, etc., a branch office will be opened at Brogden's drug store.

W. C. T. U. Convention.

   The next convention of the Cortland county W. C. T. U. will be held in the Methodist church in Virgil on Wednesday, June 1, beginning at 10:30 A. M. A good program has been arranged. Rev. O. A. Houghton of Cortland will give the address in the evening. Let all make special effort to be present, as far as possible.

   DELLA E. HIGGINS,

   County Rec. Sec.

BREVITIES.

   —Everybody is patriotic now-a-days. Each day sees several new flags come out.

—A board of trade meeting will be held this evening at 8 o'clock at their rooms in the Wallace building.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—C. F . Brown, Paints, page 6; Cately & Ettling, Buggy Prop Springs, page 6.

   —Invitations have been issued by Vesta lodge, No. 255, I. O. O. F., for the last of their series of parties to be held in their parlors, May 21, at 8 o'clock.

   —The Normal graduating class has chosen for its class colors bluet and white, as a class flower the white rose and the motto is "Work, Hope, Conquer."

   —Invitations are out for the wedding of Mr. Henry H. Lucas of Elmira, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Lucas of Cortland, and Miss Sarah Hatler, which will occur at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. Hatler, 44 , Union-st. in Cortland on Wednesday afternoon, May 25, at 5 o'clock.