ROOSEVELT CALLED DOWN AND FIREMEN'S CONVENTION CLOSED

 

Rough Rider Theodore Roosevelt.

Russell A. Alger.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, August 5, 1898.

ROOSEVELT CALLED DOWN.

Secretary Alger Says the Rough Riders Are No Better Than Other Volunteers.

   WASHINGTON, Aug. 5.—The following correspondence has passed between Colonel Roosevelt and Secretary Alger:

   "SANTIAGO, July 23. My Dear Mr. Secretary:

   "I am writing with the knowledge and approval of General Wheeler. We earnestly hope that you will send us most of the regulars, and at any rate the cavalry division, including the Rough Riders, who are as good as any regulars and three times as good as any state troops, to Porto Rico. There are 1,800 effective men in this division: if those who were left behind were joined to them we could land at Porto Rico, in this cavalry division, close to 4,000 men, who would be worth easily any 10,000 national guards armed with black powder Springfield or other archaic weapons. Very respectfully,

   "THEODORE ROOSEVELT."

   The following reply was cabled to Colonel Roosevelt:

   "Your letter of 23d is received. The regular army, the volunteer army and the Rough Riders have done well, but I suggest that unless you want to spoil the effects and glory of your victory you make no invidious comparison. The Rough Riders are no better than other volunteers. They had an advantage in their arms, for which they ought to be very grateful.

   "R. A. ALGER, Secretary of War."

 

P. Mateo Sagasta.

SENOR SAGASTA SEEKS ADVICE.

Prominent Men Conferred With on the Peace Terms.

GREAT SECRECY OBSERVED.

Nothing Will Be Given Out Regarding Negotiations.

   MADRID, Aug. 5.—Senor Sagasta, the premier, conferred with the presidents of both chambers of the cortes and is now conferring with Marshal Martinez Campos and the Duke of Tetuan, minister of foreign affairs in the last cabinet of the late Senor Canovas. Until the official account of the peace negotiations is published, the utmost secrecy will be observed. The consultations between the premier, the presidents of the chambers and other prominent persons are described as being really of a national character, with a view of ascertaining the opinions of all parties. The government has not yet entered upon any engagement regarding the terms for concluding the war with the United States. The cabinet will follow the advice of the party leaders and will leave to the crown the liberty of choosing new advisers.

   All the leaders consulted thus far have observed the strictest reserve, with the exception of Senor Romero y Robeldo, the leader of the Weylerite party, who declares himself in favor of continuing the war.

   The queen regent has summoned several generals for consultation. La Correspondencia de Espana says the government has no present intention of convoking the cortes. El Correo, the ministerial organ, says that in addition to the monarchist chiefs, the queen regent will consult Professor Salmeron, the Republican leader, and an influential Carlist chief.

   It is announced from Havana that the town of Gibara on the north coast of Santiago de Cuba province has been evacuated by the Spanish troops, and that the rebels on entering killed 18 volunteers. General Arolas, military governor of Havana, has asked the local newspapers to take up the question of the best way to distribute the available food supplies in the city. General Blanco has decreed a suspension of the sittings of the insular chamber.

 

HAWAIIAN COMMISSION.

Views Expressed by Several of Its Members.

ENTERTAINED IN CHICAGO.

What Will Follow the Annexation of Hawaii.

   CHICAGO, Aug. 5.—The Hawaiian commission, composed of Senator Cullom of Illinois, Senator Morgan of Alabama and Representative Hitt of Illinois, met here and had informal talks with a number of business men. They were given a luncheon by Hon. Alexander H. Revell, president of the Union League club, where they met a number of prominent Chicagoans. Brief addresses were made. Senator Morgan said the annexation of Hawaii would result in the construction of the Nicaraugua canal. Cuba was free, Porto Rico belonged to the United States, Hawaii was annexed and the canal was unavoidable. Our flag has been raised in the Philippines and no man in America would permit it to be hauled down. Not only would the Nicaragua canal be constructed, but there would be a ship canal connecting Lake Michigan, the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico, and one between New York and Albemarle sound. He was of the firm belief that in the next century the United States would be, by common consent, the leader of the nations of the earth.

   Senator Cullom said the commission would ascertain what legislation should be enacted by congress for the government of the people of the islands and they expected to examine the condition of the people, their industries, the land question, labor, etc., and to look at the harbor at Hawaii and see what ought to be done to make it a great harbor. He also said the Nicaraguan canal would be built.

   Representative Hitt also spoke of the certainty of the Nicaraguan canal as one of the results of the war, also a cable to Hawaii.

   Ex-Senator Regan was called on and said it might as well be written down that Cuba would soon be a part of the United States. The Americans were interested in the construction of the Nicaraguan canal and he believed we ought to have coaling stations in Samoa, in the Ladrone islands and at Manila. It was now within our reach to become the greatest commercial nation in the world.

   The following resolution, offered by Hon. George R. Peck, was unanimously adopted:

   "Resolved, That we rejoice in the assured prospect of an early and honorable peace, and in the unparalleled triumph of our brave sailors and soldiers in the existing war. We hereby express our hearty admiration for and confidence in the wise, patriotic and able administration of President McKinley. He has been equal to every need and has shown the entire world how worthy he is to lead a great people in a great cause."

   The commission left for San Francisco, whence they will sail on the 10th  inst. for Hawaii.

   Congressman Hitt was accompanied by his wife, two sons and his congressional clerk, Henry L. Hayes, secretary of the commission; Senator Cullom by Mrs. Cullom, Mrs. William Barrett Ridgely of Springfield, his daughter and his stenographer, J. Castle Ridgeway; Senator Morgan by his son, George W., and a private secretary. The remaining members of the party are D. A. Ray, disbursing officer; Albert S. Berry of Newport, Ky., sergeant-at-arms, and M. W. Blumenberg, stenographer.

 

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

What Blocks the Way.

   The peace negotiations halt. Spain does indeed accept most of them, but she is not as yet prepared to agree to what has been proposed to her touching Cuba and the Philippines. Of course she asks for some "concessions"—that was to have been expected. A conquered nation always feels called upon to amend the terms which are offered her by her conqueror in some particulars, regarding failure to do so as an evidence of lack of spirit.

   The Sagasta ministry is reported as wanting to know what is to be done to prevent the insurgents from carrying on war and committing outrages in other parts of the Philippines, while the United States occupies Manila and the immediate surrounding territory. The Sagasta ministry also is represented as asking that Spain's soldiers shall be allowed to leave both Cuba and Porto Rico with all the honors of war and that the evacuation shall not be considered in the light of a surrender. It further asks that Spain shall be allowed to retain all of her military property; that, having consented to end the war at this time in the interest of humanity before the United States has taken full possession of either Cuba or Porto Rico she shall be allowed to retire with all the honors of war and to retain possession of her war materials.

   Such, in substance, is what prevents Spain from endorsing the terms of peace which have been submitted to her. It will be seen that her proposed amendments are not of a very serious nature. They do not call for any radical change in the terms. Hence there is good reason to believe that an understanding will presently be reached—-very likely before the week is out—which will result in ending the war. This is the feeling at Washington, as appears from the tenor of all the dispatches. We may be sure that there will be no change of front on our part. The terms of peace may be modified in certain particulars, but they will not suffer any charge so far as the essentials are concerned. Spain cannot but be aware of this and we may be sure that when it comes to the pinch the United States will have its own way. Spain is in no position to dictate terms. She is merely in a position to take what she can get from a foe, who ever since hostilities began, has treated her with undeserved generosity.

   Two things ought to be impressed upon the Spanish authorities at Madrid. First, that the United States will insist upon a reasonably prompt acceptance or declination of the proposed terms. Second, that pending the result of the peace overtures the war on our part will be prosecuted at all points with unabated vigor. If our forces by land or sea could win another substantial victory this week Spain would be glad to accept the peace terms just as they stand "and no questions asked."

 

CONVENTION CLOSED.

FAIR SKIES TO USHER THE BOYS OUT OF TOWN.

Patsey Conway's Splendid Band from Ithaca Won the Prize in the Contest—Groton Was Highly Complimented too and Did Well—Lestershire Failed to Appear—Pick Pockets Largely in Evidence—Flags Stolen—Closing Notes of the Convention.

   The firemen's convention closed with the band contest last night and shortly after its termination the long excursion trains on all three railroads began to depart and the skies began to clear. Today, the day after the convention, is one of the most beautiful that could be imagined, and it stands out in marked contrast with the terrible downpour of yesterday.

   The last remnants of the companies departed on the morning trains to-day for their homes, including the special men from each of the companies detailed to take charge of the handsome pieces of apparatus that were shipped in here to take part in the parade and which never left their places of shelter while in town till ready to be drawn on the sidewalks this morning to the cars to be loaded for home.

   Toward 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon the rain began to slacken and soon after that hour had ceased altogether. Then individual companies began to get together with their bands with the idea of making a short sidewalk parade. Quite a goodly number of companies got into line and started down Tompkins-st. As they returned other companies and bands fell into the line at various places till when Church-st. was reached there was a fine array of men. But this parade was nothing like what was planned. The original makeup of the procession included forty-one companies and fourteen bands. As a matter of fact forty-four companies and sixteen bands were in town ready to take part in the parade and many of them brought with them handsome pieces of apparatus.

   The Umpville fire brigade of Binghamton made considerable fun for the crowd in its special parade about town in the rain about 3 o'clock. The Umpvilles are composed as follows: President. W. F. Lentz; vice-president, Lud J. Rummer; chief, James O'Mara: assistant chief, James Garvey; secretary, George Dann; treasurer, Jerome Quilligan; Edward Allen, John Courtney. Charles Cain, John Cole. William Dodge. William Gumee, Daniel Hanrahan, William Hickey, Charles Hickey, H. E. Johnson. W. H. Lettington, Philip Moloney, Patrick Naylor, Andrew Osborn, John O'Hara, M. K. Russell, Frank Sparks, Charles Schaap, Lewis Strauss, Charles Turk, Leopold Wagener, H. J. Werner, A. K. Martin, Burt Ellis, J. J. Brady, U. S. Grant Little, John Christian, J. E. Morrison, Irving Schaap, Willie Stafford, R. Hamlin.

   Its guests were Hon. Jerome DeWitt, mayor of Binghamton, Judge F. W. Downs, Fire Commissioners J. W. Lyon, Joseph Gilbert, A. D. Fancher, Arthur Kent, Chief Engineer C. N. Hogg. Assistant Chief A. H. Lyon, Civil Service Commissioner J.M. Henwood and E. H. Freeman, editor of the Saturday Globe.

   When the company arrived in the morning before the rain began it made a very handsome appearance. The members were attired in fatigue uniforms consisting of a blue serge coat, square cut, white duck trousers and Dewey caps. They carried canes decorated with red, white and blue ribbon.

   They were headed by the celebrated Baker's band of Binghamton which for two consecutive years won the first prize at the band contest in connection with the firemen's convention. This band consists of nineteen pieces and its playing was among the very finest among all the fine bands present, including the famous Packer band of Sayre and the Ithaca band, each of which now has the honor of having captured the first prize twice. Its membership is as follows: W. H. Baker, leader, L. B. Pierce, Frank Beaman, W. H. Johnson. John Turn, E. R. Benjamin, Thomas Rowley, Jerry Mahoney, T. W. Doolittle, A. L. Forse, Wallace Nimms, B. J. Terry, Wm. Hennessy, Dan Ring, Theodore Robinson, A. T. Lacey, C. L. Talbott, L. Dimmick, Chas. Stebbins.

   The STANDARD received a most delightful serenade from this band and a call from the Umpvilles at about 7 o'clock last night, and will think of this among the pleasantest recollections of the convention.

   When the company paraded in Umpville style in the afternoon its hose cart was drawn by a donkey and its engine by two donkeys, one of which serenely wore a white plug hat, through which holes had been cut for his ears. The engine is only about three feet from the ground and the iron wheels ten inches in diameter, the donkeys are well suited in size to the apparatus. The hose cart had no two wheels alike and the hose reel with its bicycle attachment for winding up and unreeling hose is certainly novel. In the parade the members appeared in grotesque costumes and black faces.

   The band contest always proves to be one of the most interesting features of the conventions, and much disappointment was expressed on all sides at the fact that the storm would probably prevent it, for the rain began again before the parade was over. But as it was only a drizzle it was decided at about 7:30 o'clock to go ahead, and a big platform was erected on Church-st. in front of the soldiers' monument. Light was provided by a connection with the electric light wires from an adjoining pole. Crowds of teams filled the streets in the vicinity and hosts of people were standing upon walks, upon the Normal school grounds, the Presbyterian church lawn and upon every available foot of ground in the vicinity, The large reviewing stand, the seats of which those at the gates recklessly declared to be dry for the boards had "just been turned over," were also well filled. Each person as he sat down on the dry (?) boards that seemed to have a very damp feeling for boards just turned over, laughed as he watched for the next victim.

   There were three bands entered for this contest. The first according to the places drawn was Patsy Conway's splendid aggregation— the Ithaca band. Cheers for the leader, who is so well known in Cortland were heard on all sides, and cheers for the band as well, as the thirty-three men took their places on the platform. Each band was to play a march and an overture. The Ithaca band's selections were the inspiring "Citizen Soldier," by Taylor, and that grand "Overture from William Tell'' by Rossini. Both were well rendered, but the last was specially effective, including as it did so many passages that are hard to be produced by wind instruments, but which were brought out with all the effects of strings. The shading and technique displayed were remarkably fine, and Leader Conway may well be proud of his band. Cheers were loud and prolonged at the finish.

   Then there was a long wait, during which time it began to rain harder and a perfect sea of umbrellas was disclosed to view. It appeared that the Lestershire band had drawn the second place in the contest, but no member of it was anywhere to be seen. Messengers were sent after it, and then it turned out that Lestershire had decided not to play, though no word of that intention had been sent to the committee of arrangements.

 

  So the Groton band of twenty-two pieces took its place on the platform with Leader Byron D. Nobles wielding the baton. Because of the smaller number of pieces certain of the especially fine effects that can be produced by additional choice pieces in a larger band were in some degree lacking, but the band played remarkably well. It showed careful training and its renditions were warmly applauded. Its selections were Bedford's Carnival," by Russell Alexander and "Poet and Peasant" by Suppe.

   The judges were Mr. William E. Hall of the Pease Piano Co. of New York, Prof. Walter L. Webb of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Mr. F. Daehler of Cortland. The judges decided in favor of the Ithaca band, but expressed their warm approval of the work of the Groton band. Under the rules governing these band contests only one prize can be awarded when two bands compete, and three bands are necessary to the awarding of a second prize. The fact that Lestershire so unceremoniously backed out was a great disappointment to the Groton band, for it had hoped to secure the second prize, and was surely worthy of it. Leader Nobles said last night that his band would not have entered against the Ithaca band alone, for he expected that the Ithaca band with its large numbers would win over them, but he expected a fair contest for second place with the Lestershire band.

   After 12 o'clock last night some one made off with the string of flags across the street from the Gillette Skirt Co., as well as with some of the flags on the front of the building. Thirteen flags in all were taken: A United States flag of bunting, 8 feet long, bearing the names "Hawaii, Cuba, Philippines, Carolines, Ladrones, Porto Rico, Canaries, Ceuta;" a Christian flag, 8 feet long, a white flag with a red cross in a blue field, a Cuban flag 8 feet long with the words "Cuba Libre;" a Spanish flag of cotton, 5 feet long with the word "Nit"' at the lower end; a French flag, 8 feet long, two 8 feet cotton flags of the United States; one 5-foot flag of the United States, cotton; and five 3 feet Cuban flags, all cotton.

   The Rescue Chemical Engine Co. of Newark Valley was one of the companies in town yesterday which had made extensive preparations for a fine display in the parade and was one which would have come in for more than the average share of attention had the weather been fine and the parade taken place as expected. Their display consisted of a float mounted between two [bicycle] tandems which would have been propelled by the four riders had the roads been in condition. As it was, when the company started out for a parade through Main-st. after the downpour of rain, they obtained a rope and the members of the company assisted in propelling the bicycles. On a low platform in the front part of the float was a Cuban flag near which stood a lad of 5 years blacked up and dressed to represent a Cuban. On a higher platform farther back were two older boys dressed as marines with cannon and large American flags. At the head of the company marched Uncle Sam, nearly 6 1/2 feet tall, dressed in the red, white and blue. The entire company presented a fine appearance in their neat uniforms and white duck trousers, and were not a little disappointed at the turn of affairs caused by the rain.

   One of the prettiest and most unique decorations along the line of march was that of Mr. G. J. Mager on Lincoln-ave. It consisted of the capital letter F about five feet in height, made wholly of sunflowers and suspended in the front, span of his large veranda. The letter was flanked upon the right and left with the National colors, and these by two mammoth flags, making a very harmonious and attractive appearance.

   The convention brought of course a gang of crooks to Cortland, but through the efficiency of the police, several flim-flam games were broken up. A gang doing business on Clinton-ave. was pulled and paid a fine of $10. While Officer Gooding was gathering in the gambling device of a party near the store of Warren, Tanner & Co., the operators skipped out, but the game was broken up nevertheless.

   The man arrested by Officer Shirley yesterday forenoon, who was thought to be concerned in picking the pockets of R. R. Smith of Lestershire, was released, because Mr. Smith could not positively identify him. He said his name was Hall. When put in the lockup, he had a good growth of side whiskers but when Sheriff Brainard went into the jail again fifteen minutes later the man had shaved them off with his pocket knife. He was undoubtedly a crook, but there was nothing else for the police justice to do but release him under the circumstances as he had already been held twelve hours.

   The house of Charles S. Day, 31 Groton-ave., was entered last night and $16.50 taken. Pickpockets relieved Delos Bauder of $72 and Daniel E. Smith of about $125, and another party is understood to have been relieved of $35.

   The dancing floors at the armory where "Happy Bill" Daniels furnished music, and in C. A. A. hall, where McDermott's orchestra was playing, were thronged all day long yesterday and late last night, not only with dancers but with spectators.

   Most of the visitors returned to their homes last night, but outgoing trains this morning were well loaded. The decorators are to-day busy in taking down the water-soaked bunting.  

 

BREVITIES.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—Angell & McFall, groceries, page 6.

   —The Homer Wagon Co., Homer, has been connected with the telephone exchange. The Cortland County Agricultural society has also put a telephone in at the office of Secretary G. J. Maycumber after the fair closes.

   —This office returns thanks to Irving Alexander of Cortland county, N. Y., who is the guest of S. W. Maxson, for a copy of the Cortland STANDARD, a stalwart Republican publication of the Empire state.—St. Cloud, Minn., Journal-Press.