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| Governor General Basilio Augustin. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, August 17, 1898.
DETAILS OF SURRENDER.
How Manila Was Captured by Our Forces.
ONLY SHORT ENGAGEMENT.
War Vessels Opened by First Shelling the City.
HONG KONG, Aug. 17.—Further details have been learned of the bombardment and surrender of Manila on last Saturday, although no other vessel has reached this port but the German cruiser Kaiserin Augusta, which brought Captain General Augustin and his family. Admiral Dewey and General Merritt directed a joint note to Governor General Augustin on Thursday, calling upon him for the surrender of the city within 48 hours, threatening a bombardment should he not comply with the request.
General Augustin at once resigned his command to General Jandenes, commander of the Spanish forces in the field and made arrangements for his escape from the city.
He consulted with the captain of the Kaiserin Augusta, his friend, and made terms for his transfer to Hong Kong with his entire family. Late on Friday night, without answering the American note, the Spanish governor was transferred to the German warship on a steam launch.
On Saturday Admiral Dewey, after all arrangements had been made for an attack on the city, called on the Spaniards to surrender. The commander was given one hour to capitulate. General Jandenes, who had succeeded Governor General Augustin as Spanish commander, refused to surrender, and the American fleet opened fire.
General Augustin remained in Manila bay on the German ship in hiding until he knew of the results of the day. He then sailed for Hong Kong.
The bombardment, which began at 9:30 a. m., was continued for two hours and then the Americans stormed the trenches, sweeping all before them. Those within the walls attempted no resistance. The First Colorado volunteers stormed the outer trenches and drove the Spaniards into the second line of defenses. Then the American troops swept on, driving all the Spaniards into the inner fortifications, where the Spanish commander, seeing that further resistance was useless, hoisted the white flag and surrendered.
The losses, American and Spanish, are not known. The Spaniards in the trenches probably numbered 3,000 men. The American attacking force numbered 10,000; and the Americans were armed, better trained and in better condition.
The foreign fleets watched the bombardment with acute interest. The American warships engaged were the Olympia, Petrel, Raleigh, McCulloch, Boston, Monterey, Charleston and Baltimore.
The Spaniards assert that the fire of the Americans for the most part fell short, the only effective fire being from a small gunboat armed with quick firing guns that was close in shore. It is also asserted by the Spaniards that "the Americans lost heavily in the storming, owing to the faulty construction of their entrenchments, which the Spaniards could command from the heights and upon which they poured a galling fire."
The Spanish trenches extended around Manila at a distance of from two to four miles from the walled city, forming a circle 10 miles in circumference, and it was impossible, the Spaniards say, to hold so long a line against the American attack.
Admiral Dewey and General Merritt, it is reported, had issued orders to spare all except armed defenses of the city, and consequently the town is understood to have been but little damaged. Some street fights between the insurgents and Spaniards occurred on the outskirts, but order prevailed in the intramure section [sic].
The American version of the battle is not yet obtainable.
OFFICIAL NEWS FROM DEWEY.
Seven Thousand Prisoners Taken—Vessels Uninjured.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17.—Admiral Dewey's official announcement of the bombardment and surrender of Manila has been received as follows:
MANILA, Aug. 13.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington:
Manila surrendered to-day to the American land and naval forces after a combined attack. A division of the squadron shelled the forts and entrenchments at Malate on the south side of the city, driving back the enemy, our army advancing from that side at the same time. The city surrendered about 5 o'clock, the American flag being hoisted by Lieutenant Brumby. About 7,000 prisoners were taken. The squadron had no casualties, none of the vessels were injured.
On Aug. 7, General Merritt and I formally demanded the surrender of the city which the Spanish governor general refused, (signed) DEWEY.
Lieut. Brumby is Admiral Dewey's flag lieutenant.
OFFERED TO SURRENDER.
Augustin Would have Given Himself Up to Dewey Ten Days Ago.
NEW YORK, Aug. 17.—A dispatch to The World from Hong Kong says: Augustin claims that he offered to surrender himself personally to Admiral Dewey ten days ago. Dewey refused to accept his surrender unless he surrendered the city at the same time. He told Augustin that if he had a good chance to run away he had no objections. Augustin requested the Germans to carry him to Hong Kong. If the Augustin story is true it makes it more mysterious why the German consul denied to Consul General Wildman all knowledge that Augustin was in Hong Kong. He also denied that the Kaiserin Augusta brought him. The Philippine junta is delighted with the news and delegation after delegation is crowding the American consulate tendering allegiance and support.
OUR NEW TERRITORY.
Administration Endeavoring to Form New Governments.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17.—Gradually the framework of a government for the civil administration of the affairs in Cuba, Porto Rico and such portions of the Philippines as this government controls, is being formed. The development of this plan of internal administration occupied much of the attention of the cabinet and later Secretary Alger, Attorney General Griggs, Postmaster General Smith and Acting Secretary of State Moore, held a two hours conference at the state department going over the infinite details of establishing a civil administration. General Corbin was present part of the time. At the outset the military authorities will be in charge of all administration of affairs in Cuba, Porto Rico and other acquired possessions. The result of this conference will be made known through the various departments.
Already steps have been taken to restore mail communication between this country and Cuba, but the plans now under consideration are likely to take in the question of handling mail inside Cuba, Porto Rico and other points.
After the conference M. Thiebaut of the French embassy called and was made acquainted with the general plans of this government in restoring a stable administration throughout the Spanish West Indies. The French ambassador has also been advised by the state department of its selection of military commissions to meet at Havana and San Juan. The names of these commissioners have been awaited at Madrid, as it is the purpose to appoint Spanish commissioners of the same rank as those named by the United States.
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| Captain General Ramon Blanco. |
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
Evacuation Commissions.
The president yesterday appointed the two commissions to adjust the evacuation of Cuba and Porto Rico. As was expected, each is composed of military and naval officers, who by their experience are well fitted for the duties they are to perform. Rear Admiral Sampson and Major Generals Wade and Butler will have charge of the Cuban evacuation, while that of Porto Rico will be looked after by Rear Admiral Schley and Major Generals Brooke and Gordon.
The duties of the commissions will require some tact in their proper performance. An important matter for them to consider will be the extent to which the Spanish soldiers shall be allowed to leave the islands with "the honors of war." The latter may include the retention of small arms, but the commissioners are likely to insist that the big guns and ammunition shall be surrendered to the Americans.
The Cuban commission will be called upon to establish a temporary government for the island, in order to guard against lawlessness after the departure of the Spanish army. The insurgents of late have shown a disposition to acquiesce in whatever system the Americans may put into operation. It is to be hoped that they will steadfastly adhere to this disposition, as it will be greatly to their interest to do so. There is likely, however, to be some friction between the Spaniards remaining on the island, and a certain element among the Cubans, and it will be the duty of the commission to prevent this from resulting in anything serious.
General Blanco, the Spanish captain general of Cuba, has tendered his resignation to the Madrid government. In an address to the people of the island he maintains that he would have eventually put down the insurrection. He says the Havana army was "eager for glory," and intimates that, if the war had continued he would have disputed every inch of territory with the American forces. The fact that Blanco made no more progress against these insurgents than did his predecessors, despite his "disciplined army," belies his claim that he could have pacified the island. He doubtless could have resisted with sufficient obstinacy to make it necessary for the Americana to put a large army into Cuba. But in the end he would have been forced to succumb, and meanwhile the war would have been carried to the coast of Spain. The Madrid government realized this, and sued for peace. Blanco is entitled to whatever comfort he can get from his claims, but it is intimated from Madrid that however he may dislike to remain in Cuba, he will not be allowed to resign the captain generalship until the evacuation or the island is completed.
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| Main Street, Cortland, N. Y., circa 1899. |
WORK ON THE PAVING JOB.
It Had to be Temporarily Suspended Yesterday on Account of Rain.
The work of excavating for the new pavement on Main-st. was temporarily suspended yesterday afternoon on account of the heavy rainstorm which visited Cortland at 3 o'clock. This forenoon only the teams with plows were worked, and the street is now torn up from the hospital corner to Lincoln-ave. This afternoon the shovelers went to work again, and fifteen wagons have been engaged in carting away the dirt which is being placed on Homer-ave, beginning at Groton-ave.
LIGHTNING'S QUEER FREAKS.
House on Prospect-st. and Another on Elm-st. Struck Yesterday.
Lightning often leaves very queer evidences of its visit. Yesterday two houses in Cortland were visited by lightning during the afternoon thunder shower, but very fortunately no one was injured seriously.
The house at 72 Prospect-st. owned by T. P. Benjamin of Canastota and occupied by H. G. Lathrop was visited by the electric fluid, which traveled about in a peculiar manner. The lightning struck the brick chimney, cracking it clear to the cellar bottom, and rendering it almost unfit for use. Going down the chimney, the lightning ripped off the lath and plaster in two chamber rooms, scattering splinters and plaster promiscuously about the floors. Continuing down the chimney, a large hole was torn in the wall just above and back of the stove, and leaping across the stove tore a small wooden block from the corner of the sink, and set it on fire. Mrs. Lathrop and children were seated in the sitting room when the bolt came, and suffered quite a shock.
Mrs. Lathrop saw the piece of burning wood on the kitchen floor, and her presence of mind enabled her to pick it up and throw it in a dish of water near by. In the front room of the house, another hole was torn in the wall at a point about four feet from and on the other side of the wall from the hole torn in the kitchen. A small rocking chair was standing directly beneath the hole torn in the front room wall, and a peculiar thing is that one round of this chair was broken out slick and clean at each end.
Lightning also played about the house at 99 Elm-st., corner of Crandall-st., owned by John Southard and occupied by John McMahon. None of the family were at home at the time. The chimney was struck first, and then the fluid followed a rafter, escaping at the eaves. Shingles were torn from the roof, and the rafter was split into kindling wood. An old sheet iron stove in the attic belonging to Mrs. Southard was knocked over on its face.
BARNS BURNED.
William Merchant's Barns Near Cincinnatus, N. Y., Struck by Lightning.
About 10 o'clock last night lightning struck the barns on the William Merchant farm, two and one-half miles west of Cincinnatus. A large cow barn, 80 by 70 feet in size with basement and a horse barn, 30 by 40 feet in size were burned. About seventy-five tons of hay, three wagons, a new horserake and other farming tools were also burned.
There was an insurance of $400 on the buildings but this will not begin to cover the loss. There was no insurance on the contents.
CORTLAND SPECIALTY COMPANY.
A New Manufacturing Firm Composed of J. H. Wallace and W. W. Hout.
The Cortland Specialty company is the title of a new manufacturing firm in Cortland composed of Messrs. J. Hub Wallace and William W. Hout.
These gentlemen have secured the shops formerly occupied by the McKee & Webb Manufacturing company on Crawford-st., near the Lehigh Valley station, and are fitting them with the newest and most approved appliances for the manufacture of carriage specialties in the line of accessories to the carriage trade, and they will also manufacture a welding compound in connection with their other line. The company expects to begin operations within a month, and will employ about twenty-five men at first. Messrs. Wallace and Hout are hustling business men who are well-known in Cortland, and are sure to command a large trade.
Little York, N. Y., Notes.
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Payne of Candor, who have been visiting at Elm Bluff cottage, returned to their home yesterday.
Mrs. J. B. Santee and William Santee of Dalton, Pa., returned home to-day.
The Sunday-schools of Preble, Cold Brook and Little York picnic at the Raymond House grounds Friday.
The terrific screaming which was heard on the lake one night recently brought all the cottagers to the shore expecting to learn of a drowning accident or something worse, but the screams were found to emanate from a young lady whom Frank, the obliging Raymond House porter, was rowing across the lake, and who was at the same time smuggling a turtle across.
WHEN TO SHOOT PARTRIDGES.
An Item of Interest for Local Sportsmen.
The section of the present game law relating to partridge, and all members of the grouse family, says "they shall not be pursued, shot at, hunted, caught or killed except from the 1st day of September to the 15th day of December, both inclusive. No person or persons, shall kill, catch or take alive more than thirty-six of the above named birds, under the above named provisions in any one year." The penalty is $25 for each bird. The law for gray squirrels contains the same provisions as the above, except there is no limit to the number to be taken. The penalty is $25 for violation, plus $10 for every squirrel.
BICYCLE BRIEFS.
It is frequently just as well to look up the signal service [weather] report before planning a long ride.
It is easier to climb a hill against a head wind than to ride a furlong on asphalts with a punctured tire.
The cycle division is now a regular and permanent portion of the English army. Lately 600 men were added to it.
The man or woman who keeps his or her wheel clean in their days of showers and mud must either work at them continuously or walk.
An automatic starting machine, lately used at Australian cycling matches, is being taken to London by its inventor, a colonist, with a view to floating a company to work it.
A puncture clamp for tires is the result of a Chicago thinker's efforts. It has an outer clasp of metal, with a facing of rubber, and is affixed with a thumbscrew. It may be put on in ten seconds, and its inventor claims it will temporarily cure the worst leak or cut.
A new style of grip is much larger than the ordinary and will meet with favor from many riders who think a large grip would not cramp the hands so badly as the present styles. The new grip has another peculiar feature. On the top it is rounded, but on the underside it is irregular, and conforms to the fingers when clasped around it.
A pneumatic tire, which it is claimed requires no cement to hold it to the rim is an invention for a New Brunswick (N. J.) man. Its object is attained by molding or otherwise forming the tire with its inner or rim surface grooved longitudinally by an inwardly projecting portion or fold, and by rendering the outer edges of the groove inextensible [sic] by inserting wire or other suitable material. When deflated, the edges of the groove lie close together, and the tire is easily slipped over the ordinary rim. When the tire is pumped up, the fold is forced out, and the wires are pushed flat against the edges of the rim, holding the tire firmly.
Montreal is the only city in Canada that taxes bicycles, and it has been found very difficult to enforce the regulation there. An attempt to repeal the law resulted in reducing the tax by one-half, but it is reported doubtful whether the city will try to enforce it. The question of a similar law was raised in London, Ont., and the city solicitor gave his opinion that it would be illegal.
An enterprising boy of sixteen who wanted a bicycle, but who had not the money for purchasing the coveted machine went to work and made one. He procured a couple of old wheels and built a frame; the chain came from an old binder; the bell from an alarm clock; the saddlespring from a single-tree; the saddle leather from a boot, and the handle-bar from the bent limb of a tree. The machine is said to be complete and quite ridable.
BREVITIES.
—The trolley ride advertised for to-night has been declared off until further notice.
—There are two full moons in August, an incident which will not happen again until 1901. The first full moon was on Aug. 1 and the second one comes on Aug. 31.
—The forty-second semi-annual session of the district conference of the Cazenovia district will be held in the Methodist Episcopal church, Cazenovia, N. Y., Sept. 6 and 7, 1898.
—The school board of Baltimore has been lately perplexed by the fact that a coal dealer succeeded in putting forty-three tons of coal in a bin which was made to hold but thirty-seven tons.
—The bicycle ride which was planned by the members of the First Baptist Sunday-school for to-night has been postponed until further notice on account of the condition of the roads.
—A customer in a Main-st. shoe store one night recently was heard to inquire for "Congregational gaiters." Congress gaiters were probably desired. The customer was not a resident of Cortland.
—The revenue produced by the war tax approximates $1,000,000 dally. This is said to be greatly in excess of the expectations of the framers of the law. It is probable that certain features of the law will be allowed to stand even after we have returned to a peace basis.
—The Sullivan assessors have run across an amusing incident in the refusal of a Chittenango man to pay tax on his dog, claiming that the canine was bought with pension money. Expert legal advice was secured and it was determined that the man was right and that the dog could not be legally assessed.—Norwich Sun.
—A new style of milk cars is being placed on the O. & W. Instead of the wide platform and steps on each end, a small narrow platform with sidesteps, similar to a boxcar is being put on. The object is to shorten the length of the cars and not detract from their carrying capacity and being more solid lessens the jar on the cars when starting and stopping the trains.
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