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| Gen. Nelson A. Miles. |
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| Gen. Wesley Merritt. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, December 22, 1898.
WAR INVESTIGATION.
General Miles and General Merritt Appear as Witnesses.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22.—General Nelson A. Miles, commanding the United States army, and General Wesley Merritt, commander of the American forces at the capture of Manila, were the principal figures before the war investigating commission. General Miles responded to the summons of the commission only after several days' consideration. He was accompanied by his own stenographer. His examination was comparatively brief and not sensational. He spoke with some bitterness as to the "embalmed beef" and the canned beef furnished the army in the field. This he characterized as an experiment for which "some one in Washington" was responsible. He said that the landing facilities of the Santiago expedition were inadequate and that the men were short of rations and medicines and might have been better protected from exposure to fever contagion.
General Merritt told the commission that he regarded the Philippine expedition as a decided success and would conduct it on the same lines if he had to do it over. He spoke in high terms of the troops under him, and said his army was well supplied with medicines and food.
Asked if he had the cordial and effective support of the administration, General Merritt said: "From the president I had the most hearty sympathy and support, and this applied also to the various departments. The only thing of which I might feel I had a right to complain was not having some contingent of regulars to act as a nucleus, even if they had to be taken from Tampa. I should like to have had the Fifteenth regular regiment, but I was told that I could not have it unless I furnished something to take its place. But I made the best I could of the situation and distributed my staff officers to aid and train first the volunteer officers and then the men. This worked very well and I was personally thanked, as were my staff officers, for this service."
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| Gen. Valeriano Weyler. |
CUBANS REJOICING.
Wild Demonstrations in Havana Over the Evacuation.
HAVANA, Dec. 22.—Effigies of General Weyler were hanged in Cerro, the suburb, surrounded by jeering crowds, while small processions marched and countermarched along the streets, shouting constantly.
Business is virtually suspended in consequence of the rejoicing over the evacuation. In some instances bands of Cubans have visited Spanish shopkeepers and compelled them to shout "Viva Cuba Libre" and to wave Cuban flags.
Senora Farres, the lady who entertained the Cuban Generals Sanguily and Lacret, and other Cuban officers at a dance at her residence in Cerro, sent a message to the United States military commissioners suggesting that the Spanish soldiery might invade Cerro and raid her home. Major Harrison, though taking no account of her fears, stationed two guards in front of her residence.
Printed papers, insulting to the Spaniards and threatening to kill them after Jan. 1, continue to be circulated in various parts of the island. The Alcalde of Santiago de Las Vegas has seized large quantities of such clandestine prints and burned them.
The Cuban patriotic committees are planning for a five days' feast after Jan. 1, during which all business is to be suspended.
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| Emilio Aguinaldo. |
Aguinaldo Arrives.
Aguinaldo jumped quickly out of his carriage as it stopped at the convent door—slight of stature, lithe and agile, a very military figure in his new khaki uniform and white helmet. He skipped nimbly up stairs and presently, with some of his councilors, appeared at the window. The crowd that had cheered a little when he came in, gave another shout at this sight of him, and then one of the councilors spoke.
The speech was in Tagalog, and it was full of nice things about the people, their loyalty to and suffering for the cause, the achievements they had won, the glory that would be theirs, the greatness of their leader and his devotion to their common cause. It wound up with a call for vivas for Aguinaldo and liberty, and then I heard how Filipinos can yell. They would make a notable impression on a football field.
The crowd, which had listened with absolute silence, turned itself loose at the word and filled the air with its shouts. There was a response from one of the local dignitaries standing in the crowd, Then Aguinaldo disappeared from the window, the bands played the Filipino national air, and the great home coming of the king was over.—Oscar King Davis in Harper's Weekly.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
No matter where the American goes he is not long without his American paper. Several papers have already been established in Santiago by Americans, and on Sept. 10 the first American newspaper was printed in Manila. It is called The American Soldier, is issued from the office of the El Espanola and is edited by George A. Smith. It is published weekly at 5 cents per copy in American coin, and no subscriptions are accepted. The first number contains about a dozen columns of reading matter about the American soldiers and the occupation of Manila, and there is about a page and a half of advertising. While the first issue is somewhat crude in its appearance, the paper seems to be full of American enterprise and is without doubt a valuable acquisition for Americanized Manila. In his editorial column the editor says: "Do not blame the proofreader nor the writer for all the errors in grammar and orthography; the type is set up by native Filipinos, and it would take a proofreader with a dozen pair of eyes to have discovered all the errors they have made." One of the features of the paper is called the American Soldier's School of Spanish, which gives in parallel columns the American and Spanish names of nouns in common use.
◘ Mr. Edmond Kelly, a New York lawyer, describes in the January Century the experiences of "An American in Madrid During the War." 'When he announced his intention of going from Paris into Spain on the outbreak of hostilities, no one encouraged him to attempt it. Minister Woodford's secretary—a Spaniard, who had quitted Madrid with his chief—was consulted by our ambassador to France and asserted positively that Mr. Kelly would not get beyond the frontier. The Spanish charge d'affaires quietly informed him that if he was a spy he would be treated as a spy. But, disguised as a Frenchman by wearing a foulard cravat tied in a loose bow, Mr. Kelly slipped through the Spanish custom house "with a facility that was positively humiliating" and spent seven weeks in Madrid. Though known to be an American, he was absolutely unmolested.
◘ The treatment of President McKinley's message in England was in marked contrast to all previous receptions of the American documents. It was received with courteous dignity by all parties, even the once captious Saturday Review having an amiable word to say for it. This is in such strung contrast to the opinions expressed in France, Germany and Spain as to be a most significant fact.
KILLED THE BEAR.
One Shot Between the Eyes Did It—Weight 410 Pounds.
"Jim," the big black bear, which has been enjoying air but not freedom in a vacant lot on Fitz-ave. since his capture in the North Woods by a party of Cortland sportsmen in August, 1895, is no more. His demise occurred yesterday afternoon when D. E. Harrington pointed his rifle toward Bruin's head between the bars of his big cage, pulled the trigger and sent a leaden ball into his skull, entering between the eyes. Mr. Harrington is a bear hunter of old, having had considerable experience in the Adirondack region, and any intimation that he became over anxious to try his marksmanship at a real live bear must be relied upon, for he merely carried out the desire of Bruin's owner, Mr. C. Fred Thompson. The aim was correct, and the bullet did its work at once. The bear tipped the scales at 410 pounds and to-day adorns the market of Mr. Thompson on Railroad-st. where he is the object of considerable 'scrutiny. The body will be cut up in a day or two, when good, fat, genuine bear's meat will be passed out over the counter.
Lt. Martin Edgcomb.
DIED IN MISSOURI.
One of the Edgcomb Bros., All Veterans of the War.
Word has been received in Cortland of the death at Traverse City, Mich., on Dec. 17, of Clarke A. Edgcomb, formerly of Homer, at the age of 55 years, 10 months and 25 days.
Mr. Edgcomb was born in Groton, Tompkins county, N. Y., Jan. 22, 1843. In 1862 while visiting his sister Julia in New London, Conn., he enlisted for nine months in a Connecticut regiment of volunteer infantry and was mustered out of service with the regiment. He came back to Homer, his former residence, and re-enlisted in 1863 for three years in Company D, Sixteenth New York Heavy Artillery and served in this company and regiment till the close of the war. Upon being mustered out of the service he returned to Homer, where he went into the grocery business, but afterward sold out and went to Missouri. After moving to Illinois he later went to Traverse City, Mich., where he resided till his death on Dec. 17, 1898. For a number of years he had been a great sufferer with rheumatism complicated with other diseases. The interment was at Traverse City, and the burial services were in charge of the G. A. R. post of that city.
Mr. Edgcomb was twice married, to Miss Addie Lyon of Homer in 1867 who died a few years later in Illinois; and to Miss Julia Gault of Ohio, who survives him. There are also living one son and daughter of his first wife.
The deceased is the youngest brother of Charles A. Edgcomb of Spafford, N. Y., and of Isaac, Martin and George W. Edgcomb of Cortland, N. Y. His death is the first of the five brothers. His two sisters, Sarah T. Honeywell and Julia T. Wheeler died a few years since.
In this connection it may be stated that three of the five brothers, Martin, George and Clarke, all served in the Union army during the civil war. Martin enlisted first for three years, but after serving for three years and three months re-enlisted for another three years. He was at first in the Seventy-sixth New York regiment of infantry, but when this regiment was mustered out at the end of three years he was transferred to the One Hundred Forty-seventh regiment, where he served to the close of the war.
George W. Edgcomb enlisted for two years in the Twenty-third New York infantry, served his time and re-enlisted for three years in the Fifteenth New York engineers and was mustered out at the close of the war.
Clarke A. Edgcomb enlisted for nine months in a Connecticut regiment, served his time and re-enlisted in 1863 for three years in the Sixteenth New York Heavy Artillery and served till the close of the war.
George and Clarke were both under 21 years of age when they enlisted for the first time and both had to secure the consent of their mother, their father being dead, before they could be accepted.
The three brothers represented six different regiments during the war, and all were widely separated from the geographical point of view and never saw each other while in the service. Martin and George were in the Army of the Potomac, but in different divisions. Clarke was in the Department of the Gulf and was most of the time near New Orleans.
All were in a number of battles, but no one of them ever received a scratch that broke the skin, though Martin was struck by a spent ball that made him very lame for a few weeks. It was before Petersburg. He was leaning over one morning folding his blanket. From his position his trousers were drawn tight over his legs. One of his comrades shouted out at him in a joking manner ''Lookout, Edgcomb, those Johnnies have got a bead on you." Before he could reply a spent ball struck him on the back of the right thigh midway between the knee and the hip. The pain was sharp and he dropped down into the trench in which he was standing. "Sixty days in the hospital," shouted his comrade, Foster, close by. "Well I guess not," replied Mr. Edgcomb, "but come over here, Fos, and see how large a hole I have got." An examination was made and there wasn't a scratch nor even a tear in the trousers. The ball had struck the leg and glanced off. But that muscle was sore for several weeks. There was a black and blue spot as large as an English walnut and the whole thing puffed up to considerable size. But Mr. Edgcomb never went to the hospital, and though he had to hobble about for a fortnight as though afflicted with rheumatism he kept in the ranks and did his duty.
Death of Daniel H. Burr.
Mr. Daniel H. Burr, formerly of Cortland, died at the Masonic Home in Utica on Monday, Dec. 19, at the age of about 75 years. Mr. Burr was for many years engaged in the insurance business in this village. During the administration of Judge R. Holland Duell as commissioner of patents he was appointed a clerk in that department. Mr. Burr was both a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and during the past three years has lived at the Masonic Home at Utica.
Mr. Burr is survived by his wife, one son, Mr. Charles H. Burr, formerly deputy collector of the port of New York, and one daughter, Miss Kate Stella Burr, all now of New York.
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| Adelbert Barber. |
THIRD TERM FOR BARBER.
AGAIN RE-ELECTED CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
H. P. Davis First Assistant—Daniel Reilly Second Assistant—David S. Godfrey, Secretary, and E. N. Sherwood, Treasurer—Annual Meeting a Harmonious One—Efforts to Induce Village Fathers to Purchase a Team.
The annual meeting of the Cortland fire department was held in Fireman's hall last night and was a very harmonious affair. Unlike the contest of a few years ago when pink ballots figured prominently in the election of officers, all officers were chosen last night by empowering the secretary to cast a single ballot for each.
Chief Adelbert J. Barber was in the chair, and first called for the annual report of the secretary, M. V. Lane, which is published below and which was accepted and ordered spread on the minutes.
Treasurer John H. Phelps then read his annual report which showed receipts amounting to $798.86, and disbursements $698.58, leaving a balance on hand of $105.28.
Chief Barber then reported that the village now has 3,900 feet of good serviceable hose and 400 feet that is not very good. He would not urge the purchasing of any new hose the coming spring, but believed that every influence possible should be brought to bear upon the village trustees to induce them to purchase a team to haul the hook and ladder truck, and work on the village streets. He thought it wise that the sum of $500 should be put into the annual budget for this purpose rather than to pay $3 per day for team hire the year round. The apparatus has all been rebuilt during the past year, and the steamer will probably need overhauling soon.
The election of officers was then taken up, the following tellers being appointed: H. L. De Clercq, W. A. Wallace, T. N. Leach, C. H. Drake and M. O'Brien.
Secretary Lane read the list of nominations as proposed by a committee consisting of three representatives from each company. The nominations were approved and are as follows:
Chief Engineer—Adelbert J. Barber of Water Witch Steamer & Hose Co. No. 1.
First Assistant—Harley P. Davis of Orris Hose Co. No. 2.
Second Assistant—Daniel Reilly of Emerald Hose Co. No. 4.
Secretary—David S. Godfrey of Hitchcock Hose Co. No. 6.
Treasurer—Edward N. Sherwood of Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. No. 3.
The annual report of the secretary is as follows:
CORTLAND N. Y., Dec. 21, 1898.
To the Officers and Members of Cortland Fire Department:
GENTLEMEN—As your secretary for the year 1898, I would submit the following report:
The department has enjoyed an extremely prosperous and harmonious year. Its officers and members have been constantly on the alert to promote its interests, and it has been remarkably fortunate in battling with the one great enemy, "fire."
The records of the past year give your secretary very little information that will enable him to make a very interesting report, whether due to the interest manifested by the members of the different companies in an endeavor to make the C. N. Y. convention held here in August a success, or to the exciting unpleasantness this country has experienced with Spain within the past year. This fact is plain, the department has experienced a year of unusual quiet. While we may at times differ in opinion over trivial matters we should not forget that unity means success.
The board has stood as a unit on all questions pertaining to the good and welfare of the department, and under the genial disposition of your chief all petty jealousies seemed to have vanished and the better natur of men made more prominent.
The board of engineers has held during the year eleven regular and one special meeting with an average attendance of 8.5. The deliberations of the board have been conducted with perfect harmony, all its members standing as a unit for anything that would add to the efficiency of, or would in any way promote that friendly feeling which should exist in the ranks of a volunteer department.
The following changes have been reported by the different companies within the past year:
W. W. S. & H. Co., No 1, resigned 3, dropped 3, admitted 6.
Orris Hose Co., No. 2, resigned 1, dropped 1, admitted 3.
E. H. & L. Co., No. 3, resigned 7, dropped 1, admitted 6.
Emerald's No. 4, resigned 2, dropped 1, admitted 4.
Hitchcock Hose No. 6, resigned 4, dropped 3, admitted 4.
Leaving the numerical strength of the department at this date 156, a loss of four members during the year, divided as follows: W. W. S. & H. No. 1, 32; Orris Hose No. 2, 30; H. & L. Co. No. 3, 36; Emerald Hose No. 4, 30; Hitchcock Hose No. 6, 28.
The following alarms have been responded to within the past year:
December 30, 1897, 9 o'clock P. M., box 432, fire in basement of Robert Otto's furniture store in Port Watson-st. The department responded promptly, but before any water could be thrown the fire was extinguished. Supposed to have been caused by the head of a parlor match snapping off while lighting the gas. Loss $125, covered by insurance.
Jan. 3, 1898, 7 o'clock P. M., box 333, was turned in for a fire in storehouse of the Lehigh Valley Railroad company containing oils and other supplies for the road. The department responded, but before they arrived a line of hose had been laid by the Wickwire men, and also one from the car shops which kept the fire from spreading and with a little assistance from the department it was soon extinguished. The origin of the fire in unknown, but is supposed to have been spontaneous combustion. Loss unable to find.
January 17, 4:35 P. M., box 332, was turned in for a fire in combination baggage and express on the vestibuled train due in Cortland at 4:38 on the D., L. & W. The department made good time and succeeded in reaching the depot as soon as the train stopped. The fire was quickly subdued and the train pulled out only a few minutes behind the schedule time.
January 20, 12:45 A. M., box 314, fire in factory of Cortland Wrench Co. The department experienced considerable difficulty in making good time as a slight rain during the night had frozen and had made the streets one sheet of ice upon which it was almost impossible to stand. This delay, together with the delay of sending in an alarm, gave the fire considerable headway before the department arrived. The building and contents were entirely consumed. The origin of the fire is not definitely known, but is supposed to have originated in the tempering room. Loss on building $1,000, insurance $900. Loss to Wrench company $8,000, insurance $3,800.
April 7, 9:45 P. M., box 333 rung in for a fire in building at the rear of and belonging to the Martin block on Main-st. and occupied by Augustus Lohr as a storeroom for tobacco. Stock considerably damaged by water. Loss on stock $500, covered by insurance. Damage to building slight, covered by insurance.
April 25, 10:45 P. M., box 333 was turned in for a fire in the living apartments of Mr. and Mrs. John Greely in the third floor of the Ives block. The clerks in the department store of Palmer Bros. first discovered the flames and formed a bucket brigade which did effective work, as the fire was extinguished upon the arrival of the department. Damage slight.
April 28, 2 P. M., box 224 was turned in for a fire in a dwelling owned and occupied by Porter Bunnell, corner of Fitz and Copeland-aves. The department responded but as the location is beyond the reach of the water works they could be of little service. A bucket brigade rendered valuable assistance in subduing the flames. Caused by a spark from chimney. Damage slight.
May 2, 9 P. M., box 324 was turned in for a fire in dwelling on Pendleton-st., owned and occupied by Mrs. Quinlan, the upper floor being occupied by Mr. and Mrs. James Costello. The fire originated in a clothespress near chimney. The fire itself did little damage, but owing to the density of the smoke it became necessary to turn on the water which did considerable damage. Loss estimated at $500, covered by insurance.
May 11, 7 A. M., box 333, fire in building owned by J. A. Graham and occupied by Mrs. G. M. Hopkins as bakery. The department arrived in time to stop what promised to be a serious fire, as all adjoining buildings were of wood and easily ignited. But by the prompt and efficient work done by the fire department the fire was confined to the bakery which was quite badly damaged.
May 25, 7 P. M., box 134, corner Tompkins and Owego, was turned in to test the efficiency of the department. On account of a previous notice being given that the test might be looked for any time, the companies were on the alert, and a nice race occurred between the Emeralds and Hook & Ladder up Tompkins-st. The latter succeeded in getting a man over the ladder in exactly 3:12 from the first tap of the bell, thereby winning the chief's prize of $5, the Emerald's a close second, Hitchcock third. Water Witch and Orris went to the wrong box. This caused the chief to turn in the second alarm to bring the boys to the right place.
June 10, 9 P. M., box 414 was pulled, but the bell did not ring, owing to some misplacement of the machinery in the tower. Superintendent Costello quickly grasped the situation and pulled the bell by hand and directed the companies where to go. An overheated oven in the Carriage Goods Co.'s plant was found to be burning through the roof, but was extinguished by a few pulls of water before the arrival of the department. Damage slight.
June 11, 4:45 A. M., box 314, was turned in for a fire in a barn owned by James Ryan at 161 Railroad-st. The department was quickly on the scene, but the fire had gained considerable headway before their arrival. The barn and part of contents were totally destroyed as was also some damage to adjoining property, Loss $500, partially covered by insurance.
July 2, 7:15 P. M., box 314, fire in Montague's livery. The department responded, but the fire was extinguished before the arrival of the department. No damage done.
Aug. 23, 9:30 A. M., box 214, fire in dwelling owned and occupied by M. O. Erway, 75 Lincoln-ave. The department responded promptly and succeeded in subduing the flames, but not before considerable damage had been done to the interior of the house. It is suspected that the fire was of incendiary origin, as $80 in money was missing when Mr. Erway arrived. Damage $300, insurance $100.
August 27, 8 P. M., box 232, corner Main and Maple-ave, was rung in for a fire in the living apartments over the marble shop occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Allen Weeks. The fire was thought to have been of incendiary origin, but no proof could be obtained. No damage was done, the fire having been extinguished before the arrival of the department.
August 29, 2 P. M., box 418, corner of Port Watson and Pomeroy, was turned in for a fire in a building occupied by J. Conrad & Son as a blacksmith shop, just off Port Watson-st. The department responded, but the fire was extinguished by a few pails of water before their arrival. Damage to building $10, no insurance.
Sept. 6, 6:15 P. M., box 224 was turned in for a fire in the top of the spire of St, Mary's Catholic church. A few minutes previous lightning had struck the spire, completely demolishing the cross and igniting the timbers. On account of the close network of timbers it was impossible to reach the flames. Chemicals were used to no advantage and it was decided to let it burn a hole down through. This required [sic] until about 4 the next morning, when Chief Barber turned in a second alarm from box 333 and at the same time sent word to the pumping station to give more pressure to the water works. This was immediately done, 135 pounds pressure was put on, a line of hose carried up through the inside and with the aid of the heavy pressure the fire was soon under control. Damage to church $2,000 covered by insurance.
October 16, 1:10 A. M., box was turned in for a fire in a building on Clinton-ave. owned by J. L. Watrous and occupied by Bennett & Horton as a wagon shop. The department responded promptly, but the fire had gained such headway before their arrival that little could be done but save adjoining property. The building and part of contents was totally destroyed. J. L. Watrous' loss was estimated at$1,000, with an insurance of $1,000. Bennett & Horton's loss, $1,500 with an insurance of $1,000. The origin is not known.
This ends our fire record for 1898. Total alarms 18, trial alarms 1.
Alarms where the services of the department were not needed five, making twelve alarms where the services of the department were actually needed.
I find the same trouble existing to-day as confronted us one year ago that in regard to a team for the hook and ladder truck, and now that the time is ripe for making a demand upon the village, the influence that we are assured of having on the next board will, I trust, bring about the proper results.
Thanking the members for their loyal support in the past, and wishing you all the compliments of the season, I am, Sincerely Yours,
M. V. LANE, Secretary Cortland Fire Department.
A CHRISTMAS APPEAL
To the Boys and Girls of Cortland, Also to the Older Ones.
Will the boys and girls who are looking forward to a "Merry Christmas," with lots of presents and plenty of good things to eat think for one moment of the other boys and girls in our town, who have no Christmas unless it is provided by the more fortunate ones. It does not take much self-denial to part with toys, games, and picture books of which you have grown tired, but which will give great pleasure to other children. Will you help the King's Daughters to make this a happy Christmas for others by looking through your playroom and collecting such things as you have no further use for? And while looking over your playthings look through your wardrobe also and collect your cast off clothing, shoes, rubbers, etc , all of which will be very acceptable for the Christmas distribution. Whatever you have to give, kindly leave with Mrs. Lyman Jones, 50 North Main-st., by Saturday, Dec. 24. And each of you will have a happy Christmas for the giving.
LOYAL CIRCLE OF KING'S DAUGHTERS.
BREVITIES.
—James H. Kellogg camp, No. 48, Sons of Veterans, meets to-morrow night at 7:30 o'clock.
—There's one good thing about this week's thaw; it is cleaning the snow and ice off the lazy man's sidewalk.
—Justice of the Peace Dowd has rendered decision in favor of the plaintiff in the case of Mary Ann Knapp against George Green.
—A Binghamton man read an advertisement of a pocket fire escape. He sent a dollar and in a few days received a New Testament.
—The sixth annual midwinter reunion and banquet of Delta chapter of the Gamma Sigma fraternity will be held at The Kremlin on Monday evening, Dec. 26, at 9 o'clock.
—Mr. Albert D. Hillman of Cuyler and Miss May K. Locke of Fabius were married last night at 8 o'clock at the First M. E. church parsonage by Rev. O. A. Houghton, D. D.
—The present schedule of Lehigh Valley trains is so unfavorable to Ithaca that the merchants estimate it has cost them $10,000 a month for the past two months that it has been in operation.—Journal.
—New display advertisements to-day are—C. F. Brown, Gifts for New Years, page 8; Glann & Clark, Slippers for Christmas, page 6; The New York World, page 7; Opera House, The Great Flint, page 5.
—Mrs. Horace Seamans has to-day brought to this office a little bunch of beautiful pansies picked from the south side of her house on Willow-ave., where they have been blossoming all winter. This is unusual indeed.
—Invitations are out for the wedding of Mr. Edwin J. Henry and Miss Margaret Kirkup, both of East Homer, which will occur at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kirkup of East Homer, on Wednesday, Dec. 28.
—The meeting of the University Center scheduled for next Monday night will be postponed one week on account of the general observance of Christmas on Monday. All other meetings the programs of which have been arranged for during the coming month will in consequence each be one week later.
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