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| William McKinley. |
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| Jules Cambon. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, August 4, 1898.
SPAIN'S REPLY KEPT SECRET.
Evidently Unsatisfactory to the Administration.
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE.
It Lasted One Hour but Nothing Was Accomplished.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4.—After a conference on the peace question lasting for just an hour between the president and M. Cambon, the French ambassador, the latter acting as the representative of Spain, Secretary Day emerged from the White House and announced that the conference was inconclusive, wherefore the parties to it had agreed to say nothing publicly as to what had occurred. The secretary did not appear to be discouraged as he made this statement, though he admitted that no time had been set for another conference. From this it is gathered that the long expected answer of the Spanish government to the president's note upon being received had turned out to be just as it was expected, either a counter proposition or a request for a fuller statement in detail upon some of the heads of the president's note.
Any attempt to state what occurred at the meeting at the While House will be nothing more than pure guesswork. Meantime, in consonance with the declared purpose of the president at the beginning of the overture, this conference is not operating to restrain military operations in any degree. Orders have gone out for a conference of leaders of the regiments to accompany General Wade to Porto Rico, and within 24 hours some of the troops for this expedition will be boarding the transports at Newport News. It is felt that even should an armistice be declared before these troops see active service at the front it will be beneficial for them to have made the trip for otherwise there was danger of the morale of the troops being destroyed through their craving to get away from the big concentration camps and at least see the shores of Cuba or Porto Rico. Profiting by its last experience, General Wade's expedition is going to be the most complete in detail of any that have left our shores and the soldiers will be protected in their health and comfort to the utmost degree.
Secretary Alger has himself conducted an inquiry into the conditions that led up to the fearful experience of the wounded soldiers who returned to the United States on the Concho, and he has taken the necessary steps to prevent a repetition of the bad management exhibited in that case. Thus there may be some delay in getting the troops away with General Wade in view of the determination to have everything shipshape before the men are on board, and as the transportation department was taken somewhat by surprise by the suddenly announced decision of the secretary of war to start this expedition some days must elapse before the necessary transports can be gathered at the ports of transportation.
TRANSPORTS OVERCROWDED.
Report on the Concho and Seneca Investigation.
BIG MISTAKES WERE MADE.
Might Have Resulted In the Loss of Many Lives.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4.—Colonel Charles H. Heyl of the inspector general's office has returned to Washington from New York, where he went at the direction of Secretary Alger to make an examination to fix the responsibility of the official who sent the transport Concho to New York from Santiago, [Cuba], in an unfit condition for carrying sick and wounded. Colonel Heyl reported verbally to Secretary Alger the result of his inquiries. The secretary made the following statement concerning the Concho as well as the Seneca which reached New York about two weeks after suffering many privations owing, it is alleged, to the unfit condition of the vessel.
"Concerning the unfortunate occurrence on the ships Concho and Seneca that brought home sick and wounded from Santiago, the secretary of war gives out the following statement, after a careful investigation:
"At the time they left Santiago the general desire of convalescents to come home doubtless overcrowded both ships. From the commencing of the Santiago campaign until within a few days the terrible conditions of that coast where our ships had no shelter and always with a high surf made the landing of troops, supplies, ammunition, artillery and medical stores very difficult, and there is no doubt much inconvenience and suffering was thereby caused that was unavoidable. The lighters that went with General Shafter's fleet were lost on the way. Two tows of lighters were subsequently sent, which were also lost, and it was impossible to get supplies ashore except with the boats from the ships and those supplied by the navy. Later on a lighter was furnished by the navy which was the only one there for many days.
"On account of the great number of sick and wounded, which was in excess of what had been anticipated, there was no doubt much privation and suffering, especially among the sick at Santiago, The captains of the Seneca and Concho did not report to General Shafter nor to Quartermaster Humphrey, that they needed water. Had they done so, of course it would have been provided. Then also a large number of civilians rushed aboard to get away and they occupied many staterooms that should have been given over to the soldiers. No recurrence of such conditions will be possible hereafter, and no one regrets more than the secretary of war that anything of the kind should have happened. The general commanding that army, the surgeon general and the quartermasters and commissary departments have done the best they could, hut unforeseen circumstances, named above, prevented the convenience being provided that otherwise would have been furnished."
Secretary Alger sent the following telegram to General Shafter at Santiago: "Whenever it becomes necessary to use transports for sick or wounded purpose it should be made the duty of some experienced and competent medical officers to see that only such transports as are in good sanitary condition and are best suited for the purpose are selected; that the water supply on board is ample and wholesome in quality; that sufficient supplies of food, medicines, dressings, hospital stores, including delicacies where possible to obtain them, ice, etc., are placed on board; that a sufficient number of medical officers and nurses accompany the sick and wounded on the voyage; that there is no overcrowding of the vessel, but that there are suitable accommodations for all; that the departure of these ships be telegraphed to the adjutant general and surgeon general."
A similar dispatch was sent to the commanding generals of the army at Porto Rico and Manila.
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| Gen. Calixto Garcia. |
GARCIA'S TROOPS PRAISED.
General Ludlow Declared They Fought Bravely and Did Not Shirk Duty.
The following letter, written by General William Ludlow who commanded the American right, to General Garcia after the fall of Santiago, seems to show that much credit is due to the Cuban troops for the services they rendered during the investment of the Spanish stronghold, in spite of reports to the contrary:
NEAR SANTIAGO, Cuba, July 15, 1898.
DEAR GENERAL GARCIA—I beg to congratulate you as well as ourselves on what seems now to have been a fortunate solution of the Santiago problem, resulting in the success of our combined forces in the taking of the city, the departure of the Spaniards and the restoration of peace in Santiago.
Permit me to say to you that your forces have performed most notable service, and their work has been invaluable to us not only in scouting and procuring information, but in the vital matter of the construction of trenches and defense of the investment of the city. Your people have accomplished an immense amount of work with almost no appliances whatever, and have cheerfully surrendered the use of them to our own troops when the continuation of the investment rendered it necessary to move our regiments forward to the right. I make this statement, general, personally and not officially, because I am but a subordinate commander, but do so for the reason that I have been more closely in touch with your forces and have had better occasion to observe their work and the value of their co-operation than perhaps any other.
I desire to thank you also for the services of General Sanchez and his troops, which were placed at my disposal, and I desire to commend General Sanchez to your favorable consideration. He has promptly and willingly complied with every demand I made on him and has performed valuable service in extending our right flank to reach the cemetery and cover the Cobre road. I shall take another occasion to thank you for the innumerable personal courtesies that you and the officers of your command have shown me and which I hope to have an opportunity to repay in some wise hereafter.
I beg to remain your very obedient servant,
WILLIAM LUDLOW,
Brigadier General United States Army.—Philadelphia Press.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
Peace and the Philippines.
Spain's action on the terms of peace offered by the Washington administration is not yet announced. Acceptance of their general lines is understood to be determined on, but Madrid desires concessions on some points. These are believed to embrace the Cuban debt, war material in Cuba and the future of the Philippines. The conference of the French ambassador with the president yesterday its supposed to have been over these topics.
The United States will not assume any part of the Cuban debt or Spain's debt contracted on account of Cuba. It should not consent to burden Cuba with it, except parts that may be traced directly to internal improvement of which Cuba will reap the benefit. The war material in Cuba is part of the spoils of victory. It is as much lost to Spain as the ships captured and destroyed. The United States may bestow it on Cuba. It should not return any of it to Spain.
The future of the Philippines is to be determined. The administration has conceded nothing, and in so doing has the American people behind it. It safely leaves for determination hereafter what it will do there. For what it resolves upon after careful consideration and full information Spain must assent to. It has no sea power to support dissent with. It therefore is safe to assume that the Philippine settlement will be such as the United States decides upon. Spain's parleying can not affect matters. It may sacrifice some lives and property which immediate acceptance of the terms of peace would preserve, for the United States will not relax its prosecution of the war till Spain has cried, "hold, enough!"
The situation at Manila will not be cleared up by Spain's answer, whatever it may be. That is complicated by the attitude of the insurgents. Madrid and Washington may say "peace," but Aguinaldo remains to be reckoned with. This feature of the case is the cause of more uneasiness than the state of Spain's mind regarding the West Indies. The United States having subdued Spain can not retire from Manila before the insurgents. General Merritt must have the forces he needs to maintain order, protect lives and property and compel respect for United States authority.
RAIN! RAIN!! RAIN!!!
A DOLEFUL ENDING OF A GREAT CONVENTION.
Prize Drill in a Drizzle, Hook and Ladder Race in the Mud, Hose Race in a Deluge of Rain with Mud Inches Deep—Other Races Declared Off—Grand Parade Had to be Abandoned—Town Filled with Crowds of Wet and Bedraggled People—Still Everyone Seems Happy.
Rain, rain, rain. Nothing like it has been seen in Cortland this year. There has been no day in the abstract to compare with this in a long time, and certainly nothing like it when so much depended on the state of the weather. Some of the races were run in the mud this morning and some were declared off. The grand parade which is the great event of each convention had to be abandoned except for a short trip by the Umpville fire brigade of Binghamton, and some informal trips about town of a few individual companies with their bands.
The rain began last night at about 7:30 with a terrific shower that set everything afloat and that gradually settled down to a steady rain lasting half the night. This morning it was cloudy, but had every appearance of rain. By daylight, however, people began to flock into town on excursion trains, trolley cars, in carriages and on foot. The Lehigh Valley R. R. brought in about 1,950 people, the E. &C. N. Y. R. R. about 175, and the D., L. & W. R. R. twenty-eight excursion carloads, averaging about seventy-five to the car aside from the hundreds that crowded the regular cars. The trolley cars from Homer and McGrawville were loaded at every trip. Every public stable yard and private yards were filled with carriages. In fact, by 10 o'clock it was impossible to get a team in anywhere, and in the hours of downpour that followed the streets were filled with carriages, the occupants of which tried their best to keep out of the wet. It is estimated that at least eight thousand people were here from outside, and all for naught. The sidewalks were crowded. The people themselves did not know where they were going or why they were walking about.
Between 8 and 9 o'clock there were a few minutes of sunshine. Then it rained an hour and then it stopped for an hour, and then it rained again.
Just about noon the windows of the heavens opened and for two hours and a half the water came down in a perfect deluge. The streets were all afloat. In many cases it was impossible to get from the curb to the crosswalk to get across the street on account of the overflow. Strangers not acquainted with Cortland's gutters and not knowing the depth of them learned of them to their sorrow. White dresses were everywhere in evidence, or at least dresses that had been white for everything quickly became bedraggled. Every store door and hallway was thronged with people trying to get in out of the wet, but it was little use. It was indeed a bad day for Cortland.
The races were to take place at the fair grounds at 9:30, but it was nearer 10:30 when the prize drill began. Three companies competed and all did well, but it was plain that the judges made no mistake in awarding first prize to the Henry B. Endicott Steamer Co., No. 1, of Lestershire, who received a per centage of 93 1/3, Douglas Hose of Earlville came second with 78 2/3, and Independent Hose of Lestershire, third, with 77 2/3. The judges were Charles H. Drake, Frederic L. McDowell and Fred G. Christenat of Cortland.
The races were then called, the judges being T. H. Wickwire, L. J. Fitzgerald and W. J. Greenman. The companies were very slow in getting ready to start, and it was after 1 o'clock when the second race was completed. The races might have been run in a quarter of the time and before the rain came down again in torrents, had the competing companies been so inclined. As it was most of the racing was in a perfect downpour of rain and with mud two inches deep.
The hook and ladder race was won by Orient Hook & Ladder Co. of Homer, in 45 seconds, G. Harry Lester Hook &Ladder Co. of Lestershire second, 51 seconds. These were the only competing companies.
Nothing approaching record time could be made in any of the races, but they were run with vim and good time was made considering the mud and water. The first company to run was Torrent Hose of Ithaca, whose running time was 51 seconds, but was debarred from the race because the coupling was not made. This was owing to the slippery ground. The race was won by Independent Hose of Lestershire in 49 3-5 seconds, Cayuga Hose of Ithaca second, 521/2 seconds, and C. F. Johnson Hose of Lestershire third, 54 seconds. When the men who ran got through they were completely soaked and plastered with mud.
The hub and hub race was declared off because of the storm. There were probably 800 people at the fair grounds to see the contests.
About 3 o'clock the rain stopped somewhat and then the Umpvilles paraded and made fun and some of the individual companies paraded about with their bands. If it does not rain to-night the band contest will occur according to program. If It does rain it may be held in the Opera House.
WEDNESDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
Wednesday afternoon's session of the convention was called to order at 2:15 by President Baker, who called upon Delegate T. L. Dunham of Lestershire for his paper on "The Advisability of Fire Drill in Public Schools." Secretary Hyatt read the paper, which contained an article from the pen of E. T. Graves, principal of the high school at Lestershire, who is also a graduate of the Cortland Normal in the class of '91, giving the plan of drill in that school, and showing the very brief time in which at a given signal, the pupils can be gotten out of the building, and then inside again. He strongly urged this drill on the grounds that it will make citizens who will have better control of themselves in all emergencies.
County Judge Joseph E. Eggleston, who is a director of the Firemen's Home at Hudson, was called upon by President Baker to say a few words concerning the Home which he did, pointing to its purpose and value as a home for the aged, infirm, dependent fireman.
The resolution introduced at the morning session was taken up for consideration, and Wing T. Parker of Moravia moved to amend by reducing the annual dues of members from $2 to $1. The amendment was declared lost. The original motion as proposed by Mr. Mercerenu of Union was then put, and rollcall ordered. The resolution proposed to amend the constitution by giving delegates the privilege of becoming life members of the association upon payment of the annual dues, $2. The vote resulted 33 ayes and 22 nayes, and the resolution was declared adopted.
Wing T. Parker, chairman of the committee on resolutions, presented his report which was adopted and is as follows.
Mr. President, and Members of Central New York Volunteer Firemen's Association:
Your committee on resolutions report the following:
In Memoriam—During the year last past and since our last convention, there have departed from the ranks of active firemen by the visitation of the hand of Divine Providence and his grim reaper, death, Stanley Whittemore of Continental Engine and Hose Co., Union; John E. Dean of Defiance H. & L. Co. of Owego; Cornelius Donahue of Tioughnioga Hose Co. of Homer; Eugene Norton of Triumph Hose of Homer; and Samuel Taylor of Conger Hose of Groton.
We take this occasion to express our sorrow at their death and to give this expression of our esteem.
Resolved, That we return our heartfelt thanks to the citizens of Cortland for the friendly greeting and warm welcome extended by them to this convention and for the beautiful decorations that greet us at every turn.
Resolved, That the business-like manner with which the Firemen's league of Cortland has provided for our entertainment while in Cortland is worthy of our commendation, and the able and efficient manner in which it performed its duties for our pleasure meets with our hearty appreciation.
Resolved, That our hearty thanks are hereby extended to the Hon. J. E. Eggleston for the warm words of welcome at the opening of this convention.
Resolved, That we extend our sincere thanks to the officers and members of the Cortland fire department for the cordial reception given us at their several headquarters, and for the many courtesies extended to us.
Resolved, That these resolutions be printed in the Cortland papers and in the minutes of this meeting.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
WING T. PARKER,
J. A. KARLEN,
D. F. WATERS,
C. A. DANFORTH,
F. B. FURNISS,
Committee. Dated, Cortland, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1898.
The election of officers then followed resulting as already reported in The STANDARD last night:
President—Edward W. Hyatt of Homer.
Secretary—Percy L. Lang of Waverly.
Treasurer—N. Jay Peck of Cortland.
The formal business of the Central New York Volunteer Firemen's association was brought to a close and adjournment taken at exactly 4:15 o'clock yesterday afternoon. At the time of closing The STANDARD'S forms, the election of officers for the coming year had just been completed.
CONVENTION NOTES.
All of the Cortland merchants have their windows neatly decorated with bunting, designs, etc., and some of them are deserving of special notice.
Buck & Lane, hardware dealers, have a dummy fireman in their window about to ascend a ladder. He is constructed of stovepipe, tubing, basins and pails, and is quite unique.
The window of F. D. Smith, hardware is also a very pretty one. Aside from the collection of badges belonging to A. G. Bosworth, mentioned in Tuesday's STANDARD, Mr. Smith has a beautiful illuminated sign of his "Red Cross'' stoves and ranges. In the same window L. R. Lewis, the plumber, has two illuminated designs, each having the word "Welcome," one having in addition a crossed hook and ladder, and the other two trumpets.
The large window in the drygoods store of D. E. Shepard is also a very attractive one. The whole background is a huge American flag, and near the front is a fence with gates open, signifying that the firemen are welcome.
The residents of Lincoln-ave. are proud of their arch of evergreens located in front of the residence of A. Sager, adorned with American flags and bearing the words, "Lincoln-ave., Welcome Firemen." Madison-st. also has a similar arch near Schermerhorn-st. A beautiful ladder arch of evergreens spans Railroad-st. at its junction with Main-st., and another similar arch is located on Tompkins-st. at Reynolds-ave. There is also another one on Union-st. near Main-st.
BREVITIES.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Stowell, granite ware sale, page 6.
—A canopy top bicycle was a novelty on the streets to-day.
—The Republican county convention will be held at Taylor hall to-morrow afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.
—The Bristol family of South Cortland, about thirty in all, picnicked Wednesday at the home of Frank Bristol at South Cortland.
—James Kirk died Tuesday at 11:30 o'clock at his home one mile south of Groton City, at the age of 65 years. Funeral Friday at 10 o'clock. Burial at Homer.
—Officer Shirley arrested a man at the D., L. & W. station this morning on suspicion that he was a pickpocket. He gave the name of Hall, but intimated that it was not his own name. He declined to tell where he came from or to give any account of himself. At present he is boarding with Sheriff Brainard.
—Brakemen on the Lackawanna were recently instructed to call out the names of stations in "clear, pleasant voice" and to add "Please don't forget your parcels." A very marked decrease in the number of parcels left on trains has been noticed since the order went into effect.—Norwich Sun.—This has been the custom on the Lehigh Valley for some time.
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