PEACE OR WAR

 

Rear Admiral George Dewey.

Cortland Semi-Weekly Standard, Friday, July 22, 1898.

PEACE OR WAR.

DEWEY MAKES PERTINENT INQUIRIES OF THE GERMAN ADMIRAL.

Says if America and Germany are at War He Wants to Know it, so He Can Govern Himself Accordingly—German Fleet’s Queer Action —Four United States Officers Looked for “Valuable Information,” and Will Probably be Court-Martialed.

   NEW YORK, July 19.—A dispatch to The World from Manila, July 14, by way of Hong Kong, China, says: Admiral Dewey sent a messenger to the German admiral recently to inquire whether America and Germany are at peace or at war.

   If they are at peace, he demanded that the German warships here pursue a different course.

   If they are at war he wanted to know it, so he could govern himself accordingly.

   Admiral Dewey was prompted to send this peremptory message by the action of the German cruiser Irene in preventing an insurgent attack upon the Spanish garrison at Subic Bay, which greatly displeased him.

   Admiral Von Diederichs, in command of the German fleet in the Pacific, returned a verbal answer which was apologetic in tone and satisfactory. But afterwards he sent to Admiral Dewey a note stating that he objected to the Americans stopping German ships which have been in the bay only and been visited. The German ships have made a practice of coming into Manila and then making trips outside the bay, cruising among the islands and returning in two or three days. The German contention is that a ship should not be stopped after the first time.

   Admiral Dewey replied that Manila is a blockaded port and that he would continue to have all ships communicated with when he desired, whether on the first or hundredth time of entering the bay.

   The German admiral responded, still objecting, and saying that he would submit the question to the senior officers of his other warships.

   The Germans continue to keep a large squadron of warships in the bay here and about the islands. The armored cruiser Kaiser and the protected cruiser Irene have remained at Manila. The protected cruisers Kaiserin Augusta, Prinzessin Wilhelm and Cormoran returned to-day from the Island of Cebu of the Visayas group, commercially a very important part of the Philippine archipelago. They have been coasting about the island. The four entered the bay on returning in column form.

   All the vessels in the bay dressed ship to-day in honor of the French holiday, the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille.

   General Aguinaldo, the insurgent chief, has established headquarters at Bakor. He still has headquarters at Cavite, but is not expected to occupy them. The insurgents continue to maintain their lines about Manila, but make no attempt to capture the city. The report that they intended to attack Manila on Sunday, July 10, was false. There is a little firing every night, but no general engagement. The American troops are active in drilling. There has been no movement toward Manila.

   The cruiser Boston left yesterday to meet the second fleet of transports, which is expected here this week. There is no probability of action until General Merritt arrives.

   Four volunteer officers from Oregon—Captains Heath, Wells and Prescott and Lieutenant Lelfer—obtained permission to spend last Sunday within the rebel lines. There was much uneasiness when they did not return Sunday or Monday, but they arrived safely on Tuesday morning. They explained that they got further away than they thought and could not return on Sunday, so they decided to make a tour of investigation along the Pasig river, back of Manila, and got some valuable information. They are confined to their quarters and will probably be court-martialed.

 

OUR SOLDIER BOYS

Passed Through Cortland Last Night on Their Way to Camp Black.

   Of the twenty-four young men who passed the physical examination in Cortland and went to Syracuse to take the second and more rigid physical examination preparatory to enlistment in the volunteer service of the United States as a part of the Two Hundred Third regiment of New York state, twenty-one have been accepted, and three failed to get through, much to their regret. The three rejected were William Harry Morgan, Edward B. Crozier and Norman Morse.

   The twenty-one accepted were Glenn R. Atwood, Frank X. Brady, Jay R. Bump, Ernest E. Butterfield, James W. Cashin, John C. Dormody, Robert D. French, Collins Holcomb, Fred A. Mantanye, Edgar D. Phillips, Fred O. Pierce, Aaron Sager, Jr., William H. Smith, George O. Tibbetts, Philip J. Theis, Charles L. Towle, and Allie V. Wright, all of Cortland; Elbert D. Crane of McGrawville; Alfred C. McClure of Syracuse; Arthur L. Williams of Apulia and Luther Potts of Port Jervis.

   The boys passed through Cortland last night on the 11:25 train on the way to Camp Black and a large crowd of friends attended by the band gathered to give them a good-by send off. There was a display of fireworks.

 

NO SPANISH RAID.

May Interfere with Peace Prospects—Watson’s Squadron Disbanded.

   NEW YORK, July 21.—A special to the New York Journal from Washington says the raiding squadron under command of Commodore Watson has been disbanded. Some of the vessels will come north and others will go to Porto Rico. This action is the result of a conference of the war board this morning at which Secretaries Long and Alger were present. All idea of sending warships across the Atlantic has been definitely abandoned. This announcement is official. The decision is looked upon as removing serious obstacles to peace and will give Spain an opportunity to take the initiative in seeking a settlement of the war.

 

Gen. Calixto Garcia.

GARCIA WON’T PLAY.

Says He is Ill Treated and Will Act Independently of the Americans.

   NEW YORK, July 21.—A special from Santiago to the New York Journal says that the insurgent Gen. Garcia has written to General Shafter declining to further co-operate with the American troops. Gen. Garcia complains of ill treatment at the hands of the Americans, and says he will withdraw his forces to the hills and act independently as he did before the landing of the Americans. Among his alleged grievances is the fact that he was not invited to be present at the formal surrender of Santiago and that the Spanish municipal government is continued in office.

 

THE NEW DIRECTORY

Gives Cortland a Population of About 10,070—Now Being Delivered.

   Samuel Parsons, who is now delivering his new directory of Cortland, Homer, Marathon and McGrawville, reports that the Cortland directory contains 4,240 names. On the usual basis of figuring directories to population that would give Cortland a population of 10,070. Mr. Parsons figured on this same basis a few years ago in Tonawanda, a place of 15,000 inhabitants, and his results were within 150 of the official census of 1890. So he thinks his figures are pretty accurate.

   The directory this year is a little larger in size of page than in previous years, and consequently is not quite as thick. Every page contains four more names than those of previous directories. As usual they retail for $2.50 each. As soon as Mr. Parsons completes his delivery the balance of the directories will be on sale at the stores of McKinney & Doubleday and of Smith & Beaudry. If any one desires to procure a copy before they go on sale at these stores they can be obtained of Mr. Parsons at the Messenger House.

 

A NEW FACTORY BUILDING.

To Extend the Manufacture of Poultry Netting—A New Engine.

   Messrs. Wickwire Bros. have let to Beers & Warfield the contract for the stone and brickwork for a new factory building, 144 by 235 ft. in size, one story and a half high. Work has already been begun on the foundations, which are being laid on the rear portion of the present factory lot. The new building is to be used in the manufacture of poultry netting. Mr. N. P. Meager has charge of the woodwork. The building is expected to be finished Sept. 1, and the looms to be set up and in operation by Nov. 1.

   The firm also purchased last week of the Fishkill Corliss Engine Co. a new 100 horse power engine, which will be in addition to their present engines, and for which a new boiler will soon be purchased.

 

Funeral of J. Henry Parker.

   The funeral of J. Henry Parker, who died Sunday morning, was held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from his late residence three miles west of Cortland, and was largely attended. The services were conducted by Rev. John T. Stone, pastor of the Presbyterian church and a quartet consisting of Mrs. Elizabeth M. Greenman, Mrs. J. A. Graham and Messrs. A. D. Blodgett and T. N. Hollister sang appropriate selections. The bearers were the three nephews of the deceased, Chief Justice Alton B. Parker of the court of appeals, Fred H. Parker and John A. Parker and County Judge Joseph E. Eggleston. Interment took place in the Cortland Rural cemetery.

 

VILLAGE TRUSTEES’ MEETING.

Wheelmen Must Keep Off the Sidewalks in Good Weather.

   The regular meeting of the board of village trustees was held Monday night with a full board present, but little business was transacted. After the reading and approval of the minutes of the three previous meetings, several sidewalks were ordered repaired and rebuilt.

   An application of Dennis Hanley for appointment as special policeman during the firemen’s convention was placed on file. Appointments of special policemen will probably be made next Monday night.

   The application of Byron D. Bentley for appointment as pavement inspector was filed, but the board did not consider that it had the power of appointment in this case. The paving engineer, H. C. Allen, will make the appointment, subject to the board’s approval.

   Auditing of bills was next in order, and when the bill for policeman’s salaries for the last two weeks was presented, Trustee Nodecker objected to paying Chief Linderman his salary, claiming that the officer spent one night at Elysium park recently. On his motion, that part of the bill was held for correction, and the salaries of the other officers were paid. Other bills were allowed as follows:

   W. B. Landreth, expenses and fees in suit, village vs. Traction Co., $20.24

   Chas. Deremer, labor, 7.50

   Street commissioner’s payroll, 152.20

   Jas. F. Costello, salary, 25.00

   A. L. Smith, labor, 6.00

   Gas bill, 25.06

   The clerk was authorized to ascertain the names of those property owners who have not made sewer and water connections on Main-st. as directed by resolution some time ago and report the same to the board next Monday night. All connections must be made before the pavement is laid.

   Trustee White as special committee on repapering and repainting the whole interior of Fireman’s hall, reported sealed bids for doing the work, which when opened was found to be from McKinney & Doubleday, who bid $90.50, and Smith & Beaudry $96. The contract was awarded to McKinney & Doubleday, and the work will be completed before the firemen’s convention.

   Trustee White brought up the question of the use of the sidewalks for bicycling, and strongly urged the passage of an ordinance excluding wheelmen from all sidewalks when the roadways are in condition to be ridden, and providing that when the walks are used, a moderate rate of speed shall be observed. The other members of the board concurred in the ideas expressed by the member from the Second ward. There are a few riders who abuse the privilege of sidewalk riding by scorching, and pay little deference to the rights of pedestrians. Action on the matter was deferred for a week and in the meantime Clerk Crombie will draw up an ordinance embodying the ideas as brought out in the discussion.

 

A CIRCUS COMING.

Sparks’ Great Railroad Shows to Exhibit in Cortland July 29.

   Spark’s great railroad shows and trained animal exposition will exhibit in Cortland Friday afternoon and evening, July 29, on the vacant lot at the corner of Railroad and Pendleton-sts. just east of the D., L. & W. station. The company comprises about forty people. The advertising car with eight men is here to-day billing the town. This show has not missed an exhibition on a week day in over seven years, traveling in the South winters, and in the North summers. It is claimed to have the finest performing lions, wolves and elephants in the world. A troop of highly educated horses, ponies, mules, dogs, goats, and monkeys, with acrobats, gymnasts, contortionists and six funny clowns forms part of the attractions. An opportunity to secure a fine bedroom set is offered to any couple who will be married in the balloon which will ascend for a limited distance. Admission 10 and 25 cents.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

Modern Bullets and Surgery.

   The final report of the casualties in the American army since it landed in Cuba three weeks ago shows that there were 246 killed, of whom twenty-one were officers; 1,584 wounded, of whom ninety-eight were officers; and eighty-four missing, among whom were no officers. The total casualties were thus 1,914. It is probable that many of those classed as missing were killed.

   An interesting fact in reference to the wounded is that only sixty-eight of the1,584 have died. The number of septic wounds has been remarkably small. In the field hospitals only two cases of gangrene developed. These cases may have been due to wounds made by brass covered bullets, which were used by some of the Spanish guerrillas. The wounds made by the regular steel covered bullets of the Mauser rifles generally yielded to the antiseptic treatment. There was no fever, and no pus formed. The gauze pads supplied to the soldiers in the emergency packages were all rendered antiseptic with bi-chloride of mercury. Very intelligent use of these packages was made by the men. They were about the only things except their guns that they would not throw away in their anxiety to lighten their burdens when advancing to attack. The result was that, when a soldier was wounded, his own emergency package furnished the material with which not only to stop hemorrhage, but also to make his wound aseptic.

   During the civil war many of the wounded died because larvae of flies and gangrene got into their wounds. Bi-chloride of mercury as an antiseptic was practically unknown then. In a hot climate like that of Cuba the scent of blood at once attracts swarms of insects. But they will not touch a wound treated with the bi-chloride, and if larvae get in before treatment the drug will at once kill them when it is applied.

   The small percentage of deaths among our wounded in Cuba was due to the extra ordinary effects of the Mauser bullets, as well as to the antiseptic treatment. This is shown by some remarkable cases among the 274 wounded men the Olivette has just brought to New York. These cases are without precedent in surgical history. Several of the men were almost shot to pieces. But although they can show as many as eight bullet holes, they will recover.

   The Utica Herald notes some of the most interesting cases of bad wounds with good chances for recovery as follows: Norman Orme of the Rough Riders was lying down and aiming his rifle during the advance on the Spaniards at Santiago. A bullet went into his bent forearm and his upper arm, entered his body elbow the arm pit [sic], ranged downward through the lungs, and smashed a rib on the opposite side of the body; it missed important arteries and nerves by the thickness of a sheet of paper. It must have passed the heart between beats, and so did not injure that organ. Although the bullet is yet in Orme’s body, it is believed he will recover.

   Captain Thomas Knox of the Rough Riders was struck in the small of the back to the right of the spine. The bullet passed up through the right kidney, liver and right lung, and turning sideways came out of the body, making a big hole on the surface. Had it turned before instead of after it passed through the organs mentioned, it would have destroyed them and caused death. As it was, Captain Knox was soon out of danger, and is now recovering rapidly.

   G. H. Dorwood of the Seventeenth infantry was struck on the collar bone. The bullet made a hole at the surface as big as an orange, and then passed clear through the man’s body, making a hole of the normal size. How it happened to miss the windpipe esophagus and the upper part of the lungs is a mystery, but it did, and Dorwood is almost ready for duty again .

   Joseph Bily of the Sixteenth infantry was struck just over the left eyebrow. The bullet passed downward through the brain, coming out at the back of the neck. It destroyed the sight of the left eye by clipping the optic nerve, but the man was not killed, and is now convalescing.

   William Clark of the Twenty-fourth infantry was struck in the center of the forehead. The bullet passed downward through the brain, came out at the back of the neck and went through his humped back, touching the lung. He is getting well.

   During the civil war the death rate for perforating wounds of the abdominal cavity was nearly 90 per cent. In the present war it will be less than three per cent. Again, out of all the wounded on the Olivette, the surgeons did not have to perform a single operation.