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| Capt. Gen. Ramon Blanco. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, October 8, 1898.
STRAINED SITUATION.
Hostilities Almost Resumed at Manzanillo.
MISUNDERSTANDING ORDER.
Out Troops Enter the City and Surprise the Spaniards.
MANZANILLO, Cuba, Oct. 8.—A fight was narrowly averted between the Spanish garrison under Colonel Parron and the United States troops under Colonel Ray who have arrived here from Santiago to take possession of the city. The arrivals of the Americans had taken the Spanish commander by surprise.
Colonel Ray, accompanied by Collector Donaldson of Santiago and an interpreter, visited the Spanish Colonel Parron, in command of the local garrison, numbering 900. He informed Colonel Parron that he had arrived to take charge of the government buildings and to assume military command of the city in accordance with the agreement reached between the United States and Spanish evacuation commissioners at Havana.
Colonel Parron, who was exceedingly courteous, welcomed the American officers, said he had received a telegraphic communication from General Blanco informing him that the date for the American occupation had been changed to Oct. 10 and requested Colonel Ray to cable General Lawton at Santiago for further instructions.
Colonel Ray offered to take over the customs house and to allow the other buildings to await a formal surrender until next Tuesday. Colonel Parron objected to this saying that all or none should be delivered. It was finally arranged that both commanders should telegraph their superiors.
The next question that arose was regarding the landing of troops. Colonel Parron wanted Colonel Ray to pitch his camp two miles off for fear of a clash. Colonel Ray objected to this, saying he wanted his men in the city and moreover, to have them on land in order that they might get cooked provisions, and pledged that there would be no clash so far as his men were concerned. Colonel Parron replied that he also could answer for his own garrison, but he feared the Cuban element. The Spanish commander courteously offered Colonel Ray half his commissariat supplies if necessary. Colonel Ray thanked him for the offer, but declined to take advantage of it.
Colonel Ray not having heard from General Lawton to the contrary, sent word by Adjutant Collins to Colonel Parron that in accordance with his instructions he should march his men to the city from the dock a mile away, where the United States transport Reina de Los Angeles had moved at the request of Colonel Parron, and would take possession of the public buildings in the name of the United States.
Soon afterward the battalion was in motion with colors flying. Colonel Ray marched toward the city, but before the troops reached the city gate Adjutant Collins arrived with Colonel Parron's reply. The latter said he had no objection to surrendering the custom house at once, provided the American flag was not raised.
Colonel Ray retorted that the United States was not accustomed to taking possession without displaying the insignia of its sovereignty. The march was then continued toward the city. When the troops passed the guard at the gate, a body of 25, the latter lined up and saluted.
The report soon spread through the city that the Americans had arrived, and the streets were soon thronged by apparently the whole population, men, women and children turning out by thousands, as the regiment marched toward the principal square, where it halted. At this point, a Spanish bugler sounded the call to arms; and the Spanish garrison turned out to the number of 500 men on the other side of the square.
Colonel Ray visited Colonel Parron and a somewhat stormy interview took place between them with the aid of an interpreter. The Spanish commander said he had understood from Colonel Ray that matters were to remain over until October 10, and that he considered himself tricked.
Colonel Ray explained that he had never said anything of the sort, that his instructions were to take possession of the city on October 7, that he had cabled for further instructions and, not having received any, that he had proceeded to act upon his original orders.
Thereupon Colonel Parron said the American troops must be removed at once. Colonel Ray refused. Colonel Parron declared he would use force, Colonel Ray answered: "If you wish to precipitate further hostilities with the United States, I am unable to prevent it. But so far as I am concerned, I have certain orders which, as a soldier, I am bound to carry out. I appreciate the position in which you find yourself, but I am unable to help you. If the United States troops are fired upon I believe the men who are with me are able to take care of themselves, even though a little outnumbered, and although I am opposed to a useless waste of life, I shall face the issue in any way it suits you."
Colonel Parron said he would immediately order the arrest of the officer who allowed the American troops to pass the city gate. Colonel Ray reported: "If he had refused, I should have been under the unpleasant necessity of shoving him aside and then forcing an entrance."
After considerable discussion and many requests on the part of Colonel Parron that Colonel Ray should take his men out of the city until General Blanco could be communicated with, it was decided not to take action until the cable office had closed at 6 o'clock, Colonel Ray asserting that if at that time no further instructions had been received he would take action immediately before nightfall.
In the meantime the United States troops were to be marched up to the barracks which the Spaniards left on departing for Cienfuegos, Colonel Ray consenting to encase the colors out of deference to Colonel Parron's fear that the sight of the American flag might excite the Spanish element beyond restraint and so provoke some overt act leading to bloodshed.
On leaving the palace the two colonels walked to the square where they arrived just in time to prevent a collision between their forces. It appears that some Spanish officers, who had misunderstood an order from Colonel Parron had just notified the American troops that they must leave immediately. Captain Frost, in command during Colonel Ray's absence, refused to comply, whereupon he was told that the blood of his men would be upon their own heads.
At this moment Colonel Ray came up and Colonel Frost reported the occurrence. Colonel Parron promptly ordered his overzealous subordinates away. Then began the march of a mile to the barracks through the crowded streets, most of the onlookers being evidently pro-Spanish judging from their scowling looks and uncomplimentary remarks. The march led around the square. As the Americans passed the Spanish garrison the latter presented arms.
The barracks were found in a healthful locality and in good condition. It was Colonel Ray's firm intention to take action as soon as the cable closed; and it was evident that the soldiers on both sides were quite ready to try conclusions, the Spanish officers especially not taking at all kindly to evacuation. But some time before the cable closed Colonel Ray received a dispatch from General Wade explaining that the commander of the Spanish troops at Manzanillo had requested a delay until Oct. 10 and that the formal evacuation was therefore postponed. The United States troops remain in the barracks by permission of Colonel Parron.
Considerable alarm was experienced by the civilians, who understood the call to arms and its full significance. Senorita Parron, daughter of the Spanish commander, and a very beautiful girl, was greatly distressed and in tears. Her father is a fine looking, dignified man, about 50. So far as duty permits Colonel Ray will extend every possible courtesy to Colonel Parron and his officers with their families in the evacuation.
Colonel Ray immediately began the work on inaugurating American institutions here. Mr. Donaldson is ready to begin the collection of customs. Mr. L. Kempner, who is supervising the establishment of postoffices and who arrived by the Josefita en route for Washington, has arranged with the postal alcade and the chief of police to continue in office for the present. Most of the other local officials will also be continued temporarily.
Most of the inhabitants of Manzanillo look healthy. Many people are arriving from various parts of this richest section of the island.
When the Reina de Los Angeles was docking the crowds poured from all directions to see the first American troops ever on view at Manzanillo. There were no cheers, but neither was there any antagonistic display. There was one amusing incident connected with the docking. The captain of the port called upon Colonel Ray to produce a bill of health. The American officer replied that he represented everybody on board himself, and would be personally answerable for all.
The Spanish gunboat Cuba Espanola has been burned, presumably under orders from Havana. She was of no great value. She ran ashore when chased by the United States cruiser Marblehead, and was never hauled off though she might have been.
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| Admiral George Dewey. |
PROTOCOL NOT VIOLATED.
Spain Sends Troops to Reinforce the Garrison at Iloilo.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8.—Admiral Dewey has cabled the navy department that he has been advised that a number of Spanish troops have arrived at Singapore, bound for the Philippines to reinforce the Spanish garrison at Iloilo on the island of Pana. At this place is concentrated about all that remains of the Spanish army of occupation of the Philippines outside of the few troops on the island of Luzon. In dispatching troops from Spain to the islands, the Spanish government has raised the direct question as to the right to reinforce troops now engaged in active hostilities with the insurgent forces.
The weight of opinion here is that this action is permissible and does not constitute a breach of the terms of the protocol suspending hostilities. A good deal, however, depends on whether the Spaniards confine themselves to a defensive position or undertake to carry on an offensive war against the insurgents. The cabinet gave some consideration to this subject which in the end is likely to be left to the disposition of the peace commission.
Believes In Vaccination.
The Duke of Argyll has given the antivaccinationists the following testimonial: "I look upon the effects of vaccination as one of the great triumphs of science, and I deplore the mania which has set in, as the result of a long immunity from the disease, which has led to a discreditable and stupid forgetfulness of its cause. The highlands of Scotland in the last century used to be swept by the pestilence to a fearful extent. 'Decimation' is now inadequate to convey an idea of the effect on the population. Whole parishes were depopulated. All this stopped when inoculation came and vaccination subsequently. No fact in history is more clearly established."
WANTED IN CORTLAND.
Horace Cole Will be Charged With Stealing Mr. Downs' Horse.
Representatives of the sheriff's office have in the past two weeks been making diligent search for the horse and wagon stolen from the barn of John Downs near Blodgett Mills Sunday night, Sept. 18, and they believe their efforts have located the party or parties who were responsible for the stealing. They have found the whole rig and it was returned to Mr. Downs Wednesday. The horse was found at Towanda, Pa., and the wagon at Mansfield, Pa. When the case of Horace Cole, a man whose place of abode seems to be doubtful, and who is now in the Towanda jail awaiting his trial for stealing a horse at Athens, Pa., is disposed of he will be prosecuted by the Cortland officers for stealing Mr. Downs' rig. The chain of evidence against him is said to be thought by the officers to be quite conclusive.
If reports are true this man Cole seems to have had an interesting career in the horse business. A horse believed to have been stolen from Elmira by him has been found in this county and was returned to the Elmira parties to-day. A horse stolen at Elmira, N. Y., and another at Hudson, N. Y., are each attributed to Cole. Another individual who has been in company with Cole is detained in the Cortland county jail until his record can be looked up, and a close watch is being kept on other parties who are supposed to be connected with the same gang and who are thought to be doing a wholesale horse speculation in this manner in Southern New York and northern Pennsylvania. It is also said that the alleged gang does not confine its operations to horses, but anything else that comes under their observation.
LECTURE ON FOOD.
One of the most practical tendencies of the times is the interest taken by everyone in scientific preparation of food. The days of careless culinary preparations are over. Domestic economy has come to mean more than a mere fad. The lectures on domestic science that are given each year in our cities and larger towns have become very popular. Different schools are adding a department along this line to their course of study. Some of the latest to do this are the Syracuse schools and the Clarkson School of Technology at Potsdam. Why can't Cortland have one?
Will Remove to Buffalo.
Dr. Wallace L. Baker, veterinary surgeon, has arranged to move with his family to Buffalo, where he will practice his profession. He will make the change in the course of a week or two. Dr. Baker has associated himself with Dr. H. R. Ryder, a graduate from the Cortland Normal and from the Toronto Veterinary college, and who has been with him in Cortland some time. The firm will be known as Baker & Ryder, and has leased the Buffalo Veterinary hospital at 455 Ellicott Square for a term of years.
"Finnigan's Ball."
"Finnigan's Ball" which will be seen at the Cortland Opera House Thursday evening, Oct. 13, continues its wonderful success. Farce comedy seems to be the rule this season, but this attraction will doubtless prove to be one of the best that has been seen in Cortland. The play itself furnished plenty of fun, and there are excellent specialty artists in the company who find an opportunity to amuse the audience outside of the lines of the play. In fact it is the excellence of the company that puts it ahead of its predecessors. Prices 25, 35, and 50 cents. Sale at Rood & Co., Tuesday at 2: 30 P. M.
BREVITIES.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Burgess, fall style men's shoes, page 8.
—The Epworth league of the First M. E. church will hold a business meeting Monday evening at 7:30 o'clock.
—Bible study rally day at the Y. M. C. A. rooms will be observed to-morrow by an address at 4 P. M. by Rev. John T. Stone. All men are invited.
—A regular meeting of the board of directors of the Y. M. C. A. will be held at the association rooms Monday evening at 7 o'clock. Note the early hour.
—In Justice Dowd's court this morning the case of The People against Arthur O'Donnell, charged with cruelty to [unfed] animals, was adjourned to Oct. 15.
—The asphalt heaters to be used in the paving on their low wheels suggesting chariots, were drawn up to the head of Main-st. to-day to begin work next week.
—The telegraph and electric light poles on Main-st. are being replaced with new, larger and straighter poles which is an improvement in line with the new pavement.
—Delos Bauder, owner of the Cortland House block, is improving the looks of his corner by putting down a new cement walk. G. T. Maxon & Co. are doing the work.
—The Cortland commandery will have another drill at the asylum on Monday evening next at 8 o'clock preparatory to attending the grand conclave at Geneva the 25th inst. All Sir Knights are urged to be present.
—The regular meeting of the Y. M. C. A. Auxiliary will be held in the parlors Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 3:30 o'clock. As very important business is to be brought before the organization it is hoped that all members will be present.
— Mr. John Tuthill of 28 Duane-st. is the possessor of a copy of The Log Cabin, a newspaper printed in New York in January, 1841, that bears the marks of age. In its congressional report the names of the persons mentioned are all those who have long since passed into history—a speech by Henry Clay being a prominent feature of the paper.
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