FILIPINO TROUBLES AND DEATH OF RUTH ASHMORE

 

Emilio Aguinaldo.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, December 27, 1898.

FILIPINO TROUBLES.

Their Congress Suddenly Adjourns and the Cabinet Resigns.

   MANILA, Dec. 27.—The so-called congress of the revolutionary government of the Filipinos, which has been in session for some time at Malolos, has unexpectedly adjourned, owing to the difficulty of formulating a constitution.

   The cabinet of President Aguinaldo, appointed at Bacoor on July 15 last and named in the Bacoor proclamation issued that day, has resigned.

   General Aguinaldo, who had been at Malolos, came from there to Santa Anna, a suburb of Manila. He then visited Paterno and now, it is reported, he has gone to Cavite Vieja, the old town of Cavite.

   Reliable advices say that while at Paterno he was indefatigable in his efforts to overcome the policy of the militant factions, which is hostile to the Americans. It is probable that his influence will avail to avert trouble.

    The Filipino cabinet, proclaimed at Bacoor on July 15 in conformity with a decree issued by the revolutionary government on June 24, was made of the following personnel: President of the council of ministers, with the ad interim portfolios of foreign affairs, marine and commerce, General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy; secretary of war and public works, Senor Don Baldanoro Aguinaldo, nephew of General Aguinaldo; secretary of the interior, Senor Don Loandro Ibarra; secretary of agriculture, Senor Don Mariano Trias.

 

Maj. Gen. Elwell S. Otis.

TROOPS SENT TO ILOILO.

Two Regiments and a Battery Dispatched There.

ACTIVE MEASURES IF NECESSARY.

Reported That the Spanish Forces There Have Been Attacked by the Insurgents.

   WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.—The administration has taken steps to safeguard American interests at Iloilo in the island of Panay, one of the Philippine archipelago, and a military and naval expedition is now on its way there from Manila.

   Cable advices have been received here from General Otis, commanding the military forces in the Philippines, and Admiral Dewey, commanding the naval forces there, showing that they are acting in concert in the matter.

   General Otis reported that he had dispatched two regiments and a battery of artillery to Iloilo on army transports, and Admiral Dewey notified the navy department that the cruiser Baltimore had sailed from Manila for the same place.

   It is explained that these officers are acting upon their own discretion in the matter, and that no official advices have been received here to indicate that there is any unusual lawlessness in Iloilo. Several days ago it was reported by way of Madrid that the Spanish forces in Iloilo had been attacked by the insurgents and had driven them back with heavy loss, but this report lacks official confirmation. The United States expedition is more in the nature of a precaution, but will take active measures for the suppression of lawlessness in case the condition of affairs requires it.

   Admiral Dewey is anxious for the arrival of the Buffalo, which is now near Malta, en route to Manila, in order that he may send home a number of men whose terms of enlistment have expired.

 

Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood.

OBSERVED CHRISTMAS.

Americans at Santiago Enjoy the Season in American Fashion.

   SANTIAGO, Cuba, Dec. 27.—Most of the Americans in Santiago celebrated Christmas, though hardly able to realize that this is the Christmas tide season, in the midst of most of the discomforts of summer weather. The palace clerks presented General Leonard Wood with a magnificent gold mounted tortoise shell walking stick in a mahogany case.

   The various regiments endeavored to enjoy the season in American fashion, while the Hist and hospital ship Bay State were gaily decorated.

   As the result of the charges brought by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Ray, commanding at Guantanamo, against Chief of Gendarmes Valtento, General Wood will appoint a commission to investigate affairs in their district.

 

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Woman as a Police Helper.

   The periodical forays of the police in New York city upon congregated vice and crime have this time been supplemented by a genuinely moral movement. In cleaning out the dens of vice on the east side the police are accompanied by a woman. The innovation is in the interest of those unfortunate women who are thrust upon the street and have no shelter. A home has been opened in the heart of the worst neighborhood, where they are all invited and cared for. We are thus presented with the unusual spectacle of the police pulling a dive and a matron standing by to soften the blow. The scheme, new as it is, promises to work well, for it gives the only possible reformatory touch to what is a mere punishment and for the most part only an expedient. In no movement has woman in her new activity so effectually supplemented mere force as in this. Her plan is—when you wish to reform a neighborhood reform it. To merely dislodge it is barbarous and futile and takes us back to times when every householder in cleaning house threw all the filth into the street. Some years ago the Five Points of New York was the most notorious den of civilization. It took rank with Seven Dials. It was a dangerous jungle in the heart of a metropolis, where cobras crawled and tigers lurked. For 20 years municipal law and the police struggled with it vainly, and it grew worse and worse. Then the women took hold of it. They went down there and bought the property, set up altars and schools and built a magnificent mission house. After that the Five Points began to disappear and in a few years became a matter of history. No finer example of what woman can do when force fails can be pointed out than that once malodorous district.

 

DEATH OF "RUTH ASHMORE."

Known to Thousands of Readers of the Ladies' Home Journal.

   NEW YORK, Dec. 27.—Mrs. Isabel Mallon, known to the reading public under the pen names of "Ruth Ashmore," and "Bab," died early this morning of pneumonia. She was one of the editors of the Ladies' Home Journal. Her career as a writer began sixteen years ago in Baltimore and her early struggles to make a living for herself were full of disappointments.

   Grief over the death of her mother, Mrs. Mallon's inseparable companion for many years, so weakened her that she was already victim to the dread disease. Mrs. Mallon's illness began the very day of her mother's death, last Oct. 8. She suffered from neurasthenia. A month ago she was attacked with the grip and this was followed by pneumonia.

   Mrs. Mallon was 36 years of age. She was a member of the old Sloan family of Hartford county, Maryland. She was one of the pioneer newspaper women. She came to New York sixteen years ago, suddenly thrown on her own resources by the death of her husband who possessed considerable wealth and began her career as a newspaper correspondent.

   She began writing the "Bab" letters in 1878. They made a hit, and there was much curiosity as to who was their author. Under another nom de plume, "Ruth Ashmore," her letters directed particularly to young girls, were full of advice brightly presented.

   For several years past Mrs. Mallon had also written under her own name, so she was known to three circles of readers as "Bab," "Ruth Ashmore" and Isabel Allderdice Mallon.

 

CLAIMS DAMAGES.

Asks for $6,500 for Change of Grade—Meeting of Village Solons.

   The [Cortland] board of village trustees held a meeting last night and the record of claims against the village being presented was not broken, for a single claim amounting to $6,500 was presented by Mrs. Julia E. Hyatt through her attorney, Benjamin T. Wright. Mrs. Hyatt alleges in her statement of claim that the change of grade of the new pavement opposite her premises on Main-st. near the Lehigh Valley tracks, and the consequent change of grade of Union-st. has caused damage to that amount to her property. The claim was referred to Village Attorneys Kellogg & Van Hoesen.

   Last night was the time appointed for the hearing of grievances or objections to the assessment for payment for the Main-st. pavement. Two objections were referred to Engineer Allen. The first was that of Dr. H. O. Jewett who claims that he is assessed for one foot more than he owns, and the other was from the Messenger estate, the claim being made that 21 feet assessed to the estate was erroneously assessed.

   At the request of Chief Barber of the fire department, $50 was appropriated to each of the four fire companies having bunkers in their rooms, the Water Witch, Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co., Emeralds and Hitchcocks.

   After auditing the following bills, the board adjourned until to-morrow evening to act on the paving assessment roll as corrected:

   Warren-Scharf Asphalt Paving Co., $15.50

   Street Commissioner's payroll, 148.75

   H. M. Kellogg, 14.51

   John Livingston, 2.00

   Jas. F. Costello, salary, 25.10

   Police force, 173.00

   W. T. Linderman, salary, 14.00

 

Family Christmas Tree.

   For a score of years or more it has been the custom of the Hamlin family to assemble at the home of some one of the relatives on Christmas day (or its substitute) and have an old-fashioned Christmas tree. Yesterday the relatives assembled at Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Bowen's, 101 Homer-ave. Mrs. Bowen is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hamlin. About seventy-five were present, old and young, many being absent. A Christmas dinner was served from 12 to 2 P. M. The tables were heavily laden with all the good things of the season. After this the presents were distributed from the Christmas tree, the tree was loaded with useful and ornamental articles as well as some luxuries. No one present was forgotten. It was a gala day for all present. The party finally broke up, all declaring that It had proved most enjoyable.

   The place for the next gathering was not fixed. It will undoubtedly be at some member of the family. Mr. Frank Hinman read a selection and Rev. Mr. Pearsall made some very interesting remarks appropriate for the occasion.

   Those from out of town were Rev. and Mrs. Geo. A. Pearsall of Conquest, N. Y., Ebenezer Hopkins and wife, Geo. Hamlin, wife and daughter of Moravia, Cyrus Heath and wife and Mrs. Henry Heath from west of Cortland.

 

Going to New York.

   Next week Tuesday, Jan. 3, Mr. W. T. Yale expects to leave for New York to begin the practice of law in that city. He has been fortunate in securing office room in the office of Frank S. Smith, 54 Wall-st. Mr. Smith is a prominent corporation lawyer, is the attorney for Andrew Carnegie and for other men of large business interests. The opening is a very fine one and Mr. Yale is to be congratulated upon it, but he is a young man of ability, of enterprise and push and of the most undoubted integrity, and will no doubt make a place for himself among the 17,000 lawyers of the metropolis.

 

BREVITIES.

   —A special meeting of the A. O. H. will be held Wednesday evening, Dee. 28.

   —The mothers' meeting (north) will be held with Mrs. A. W. Stevens at 3 o'clock to-morrow afternoon.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—M. A. Case, Cloaks, page 6; Smith & Beaudry, Wall Papers, page 7; McGraw & Osgood, Did You Get One, page 5.

   —The Ithaca Y. M. C. A. has decided to suspend on account of lack of financial support. The Journal says it had been in existence tor thirteen years and had done a great deal of good.

   —Attention is called to the brilliant speech of the Hon. Chauncey M. Depew before the Independent club of Buffalo on Dec. 23, which appears on our third page to-day. His subject was an inspiring one to every American, "1898."

   —Eclipse of the moon to-night. The shadow will be first observed to impinge upon the full moon at a quarter before 5 in the afternoon. The eclipse becomes total about 6 o'clock, continuing for an hour and a half. The shadow will finally leave the disk at quarter before 9 o'clock.

   —Cortlandville lodge, No. 470, F. & A. M., and Cortland commandery, No. 50, K.T., go to Homer to-night to attend the services attendant upon the festival of St. John the Evangelist's day at Calvary Episcopal church, Homer lodge, No. 352, and Marathon lodge, No. 438, will also be present. The services will be conducted by Rev. Leonard J. Christler.

   —The Men's Bible class in the Presbyterian Sunday-school presented its teacher, Rev. John T. Stone, [with] a Christmas gift with a set of Victor Hugo's works in twelve volumes, bound in half calf, and with a set of Shakespeare, the Temple edition in forty volumes, bound in full morocco. The books were taken down to Mr. Stone's house Saturday night in his absence. Mr. Stone made a very pleasant acknowledgment, however, to the class on Sunday before the study of the lesson.

APPEAL OF FILIPINOS AND A SMALL SMUDGE

 

Don Felipe Agoncillo.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, December 24, 1898.

APPEAL OF FILIPINOS.

Two Supplicating Letters Received by Senator Hale.

THEY PRAY FOR INDEPENDENCE.

Strong Protests Made Against American Military Occupation of the Philippine Islands and Our Proposed Territorial Expansion—Aguinaldo's Government Approved.

   WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.—Senator Hale has received two letters from Filipinos in London, touching the proposed annexation of the Philippine islands. The first letter is from Agoncillo, the Filipino representative, who came to Washington in behalf of Aguinaldo's interests, and later went to Paris with the hope of influencing the peace commission. The letter says:

   LONDON, Dec. 10.

   To the Hon. Eugene Hale:

   SIR—The opening of the present session of the American senate will put you in a position to influence the just and good understanding between the American and Filipino nations, and I beg you to help my efforts to this end. The free citizens and senators of the United States of America cannot follow the steps of the monarchial countries whose institutions are based on force and oppression, but they are expected to contribute to the realization in history of the great people of submitting the government of every country to the wish of the inhabitants thereof under the form adopted by your republic. Freedom, suffrage and independent self-government are the only basis of an ordained state in the present times.

   Like America, the Philippines will grow prosperous and happy if, instead of sowing oppression and militarism and their inevitable consequences, war and disorder, the senate of the United States, complying with the expectation of my countrymen and the formal promises made before the war by all the representatives in the Far East of the American administration, will recognize the independence of the Philippines and proclaim the everlasting friendship and alliance of two countries, joined by their common sentiments created in the field of honor, combating as comrades for justice arid humanity.

   Do, pray, help the Filipinos to obtain their noble aspirations.

   I intend to return to America at the first opportunity and will not fail to personally offer you the assurance of my respect and high consideration.

   I am, sir, your obedient servant, FELIPE AGONCILLO.

   The second of these letters reads as follows:

   LONDON, Dec. 13.

   Senator Eugene Hale, Capitol, Washington:

   SIR—We have addressed to George F. Hoar, United States senator for Massachusetts, the following cable:

   "Filipinos everywhere congratulate and thank you, Hale and Vest, for noble efforts against military rule and colonial expansion. We want American alliance, citizenship, not subjugation; pray, you, oppose military occupation."

   PHILIPPINE COMMITTEE.

   We beg to confirm the foregoing request and pray you to complete your noble task by opposing military occupation of the islands by the American army. General Aguinaldo has established in the Philippines a regular and orderly civil and military administration, and everybody there approves of and obeys his commands and those of his authorities. Life, property and the legitimate rights of all are respected. Order prevails everywhere under his government. The American officers, military and naval, in Manila and Cavite, maintain a regular connection such as is required by the comity of nations, with the recognized authorities. Why disturb these peaceful conditions by the enforcement of an American military occupation? We are, sir, your obedient servant,

   F. MADRIGAL, Chairman.

 

TO TAKE WAKE ISLAND.

The Bennington Ordered on a Special Mission.

STATION FOR A PACIFIC CABLE.

The Stars and Stripes will Soon Float Over Another Island Far Out In the Pacific Ocean —The Bennington Will Make a Survey of the Guam Island.

   WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.—The government has determined to hoist the flag over another island far out in the Pacific ocean and orders have been sent out to the commander of the Bennington, Captain Taussig, to proceed at once to take possession in the name of the government of the United States of Wake island lying in latitude 19 north, longitude 168 east. It is distant about 2,000 miles from Nihau, the westernmost of the Hawaiian islands, and 1,300 miles east from Guam. It is almost in a direct line between these possessions of the United States and is admirably adapted for use as a station for a Pacific cable to connect the Philippines with Hawaii and the United States. It is about three miles in length and encloses a lagoon of salt water. The average height of the island is eight feet above high tide. It is scarcely capable in itself of sustaining life but it is expected that a cable station can be maintained without difficulty by the erection of a condenser to supply fresh water.

   Some station in this locality is deemed to be absolutely necessary to the maintenance of a cable and, for that reason, the American peace commissioners at Paris endeavored to secure one of the Caroline islands, but without success. Wake island is said to be by right already American territory, for in 1851 Admiral Wilkes surveyed the place and asserted title. It is not inhabited so far as known at the present time, though in the past some guano gatherers have temporarily lived on the island.

   The Bennington is now at Honolulu and the orders to her go out by steamer. After hoisting the flag on Wake island she will proceed to Guam and make the survey of the island which was ordered some time ago. She has already completed a survey of Pearl harbor, seven miles from Honolulu, which will form the foundation of the government plans for the enlargement of the harbor there and the straightening of the channel connecting the inner harbor with the ocean.

 

Maj. Gen. Nelson Miles.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

   Both Lieutenant General Schofield and Major General Miles have appeared before the military committee of the house and strongly advocated the increase of the standing army to 100,000 men. Both officers looked at the matter with purely military eyes, and from their point of view their arguments were forcible. General Miles believes that the mere increase in population and area of territory to be governed makes such an army absolutely necessary, and General Schofield virtually agrees with him. Both officers, in alluding to the American repugnance to a large standing army, point out that this is not a large army when compared with the exigencies of the nation and that quite independently of the unsettled foreign policy with respect to the Philippines the borders of our own states and the preservation of peace in Cuba and Porto Rico call for this expansion of the regular force. It is understood in Washington that the committee on military affairs is not opposed to this view. There are two bills ready for presentation. They differ in details of organization, but both recognize the necessity for an increased force.

   History seems to be repeating itself when we read about General Lee and Captain Sigsbee and their doings in Havana. Every American will heartily pray that history may not repeat itself in the case of the Maine's sister ship, the Texas, which has been sent to Havana under command of the man who saw 266 of his brave men done to death in that city's harbor by Spanish treachery.

   For the most part what is known in Europe as the labor party looks upon the acquisition of the Philippines by the United States as a gain for the cause of humanity. Several of the labor organs have expressed themselves without reserve to that effect, and Jean Jaures, one of the most radical of the socialists, speaks in his newspaper of "the old and clumsy Asia being invaded by the most intense and vibrant life of the west." He declares that this western life is going to absorb and make over the dull masses of orientalism. This is not the view of the foreign conservative organs, many of which predict for the United States a new era of difficulties for which nothing in our theory of government provides a remedy.

 

Entertained the Students.

   Dr. and Mrs. Francis J. Cheney entertained last evening at their home on Church-st., a number of Normal students who live at such a distance from Cortland that they do not go to their homes for the Holiday vacation. Refreshments were served and the evening was passed in games and in a social way. About twenty were present. The thoughtfulness of Dr. Cheney in extending the invitation was thoroughly appreciated by the students.

 

Will Furnish Textbooks.

   The committee on textbooks of the board of education opened the bids for supplying the new books for the [Cortland] Central school library Friday afternoon, the following figures being given: Smith & Beaudry, $422.55; McKinney & Doubleday $426. 94. The contract was awarded to Smith & Beaudry at their figures. The state will pay one-half this amount.

 

A Small Smudge.

   The [Cortland] fire department was called out at 9 o'clock last evening by an alarm sent in from box 232, corner of Main-st. and Maple-ave., but though hose was laid, no water was thrown. The blaze was in a storeroom on the second floor of S. M. Benjamin's marble shop in the rear of rooms occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Allen H. Wicks. Michael Burns, who was passing, rushed in and with a couple of pails of water put out the fire, which was among some grape baskets. The origin of the fire is a complete mystery, as it is not known that any one had been in the room in some time. This is the third time within a year that a blaze has occurred in the same room. No damage resulted.

 

A Handy Little Booklet.

   Superintendent Jas. F. Costello has just issued a neat little book, giving the location of all fire alarm boxes in the village, and the places where keys can be found. It is a handy little booklet, and also contains instructions to key-holders to the department code of bell signals and a number of "don'ts" which can well be observed to prevent fire. It can be obtained from Mr. Costello at Fireman's hall.

 

Chinese Social.

   Mrs. J. W. Keese, superintendent of the junior Christian Endeavor society of the Congregational church, entertained the members of that organization at a Chinese social at her home, 15 Prospect-st. last evening. The entertainment was a novel one and thoroughly enjoyed by the young people. Chinese lanterns and Chinese decorations of unique character were arranged with pleasing effect throughout the rooms. Refreshments were served in Chinese fashion by young ladies and gentlemen in Chinese costumes. Games and other forms of entertainment completed the program for the evening. A large number of the members were present.

 

C. O. C. E.

   The annual Christmas reunion of the C. O. C. E. was held last evening at Little York. Mine Host Raymond surpassed all his former efforts in his zeal to entertain his guests and advance the good of the order. The evening was passed in a manner characteristic of the club. The banquet was followed by informal toasts, after which the party broke up at the usual hour.

   The party was chaperoned by Mrs. H. H. Nixon of Homer. The members present were Misses Beasie, Morgan, Sears, Lamont, Southworth, Nixon and Towers, and Messrs. Case, Tanner, Sears, Gibbs, Tower and Burgess.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The STANDARD is indebted to Mr. Samuel T. Sarson of Plainfield, N. J., for copies of the Plainfield papers.

   —Monday being the day to be generally observed in Cortland as the Christmas Holiday, no paper will be issued from this office.

   —All trains leaving Cortland last night and this morning were crowded with Normal students going home for the Holidays.

   —The funeral of Lewis E. Job is to be held from 82 Groton-ave., Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment in Cortland Rural cemetery.

   —Miss Halbert's Christmas musicale will be held at her studio on Tuesday evening, Dec. 27, at 8 o'clock. After that the studio will be closed till Jan. 2.

   —Frank Braman of Cortland has bought a half interest in the grist mill of his uncle Henry Braman at Whitney Point, and will move to that place soon.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—Wm. G. Leland, Grand Hotel, page 5; A. S. Burgess, Merry Christmas to All, page 8; Bingham Bros. & Miller, Wish You Merry Christmas, page 7.

   —The new electric lights at the Presbyterian church were tested last night and proved entirely satisfactory. The church will be lighted by electricity to-morrow night for the first time at a church service.

   —An order for the Eureka egg preserver was a few days ago received from a London concern, and the shipment was promptly made. The knowledge of the excellence of this preserver seems to be spreading.

   —Mr. O. V. Eldridge has just secured from Delaware county the skin of a pure white fox. The fox is very beautiful indeed. The animal was killed there. A white fox is a rare find. The fox measured 46 inches from tip to tip.

   —All of the churches have services with special reference to Christmas day to-morrow morning. In the evening many of them have Christmas programs. The special programs were published either yesterday or to-day in other columns.

   —The subject of the sermon by Rev. U. S. Mllburn at the Universalist church to-morrow night will be "The Secret of the Power of Christmas." Miss Verdine Peck will lead the praise service at 6 o'clock. The Sunday-school entertainment will occur on Monday night.

   —The December number of the Teachers' Institute, published by E. L. Kellogg & Co., New York, has a fine picture of the Cortland Normal building and also a portrait of the Principal, Dr. Francis J. Cheney. The paper gives a page to the picture, portrait and descriptive matter in reference to the school, its organization and efficient work.

    —A Christmas entertainment for the Sunday school of the Presbyterian church was held this afternoon at 3 o'clock. Entertainments for the schools of the First M. E., First Baptist, Grace Episcopal, Memorial Baptist will be held this evening. Exercises for the Homer-ave. M. E., and the Congregational churches will be held Sunday evening. The Congregational East Side Sunday-school and the Universalist churches hold their entertainments Monday night.

CAN IT BE?

    

Joe Bakewell.

                                                  CAN IT BE?

Is it possible that, as a society, we have everything we need in one form or another? Transportation, housing, food, entertainment, communication, and anything else you can think of?

Of course, the benefits are not properly or fairly distributed, and there’s room for performance improvement in every category. For transportation, think all electric, self-driving cars. I can hardly wait.

Even when our economy is not growing in the classic way, competition insures improvement. I remember that, as a child during the Great Depression, I looked forward to seeing each year’s new car offerings, featuring some new, must have, technology.

Given the current state of our political and social world, it’s understandable that we are now focused on social issues. By their nature, these divide us, as individuals, groups, and nations. In the U.S. we’ve struggled for years and still haven’t fixed inequality and race.        

Why can’t our so-called democracy allow us to work out our differences, our mutually recognized problems?

Is it Tribalism, driven by our politicians and media? Do we all harbor a secret desire to hate? Have we gone too long without using democracy, allowing others to push us aside?

Joe Bakewell.

https://joebakewell.wordpress.com/