BOOMERANG FOR COMMISSARY GENERAL CHARLES P. EGAN

 

Commissary General Charles Patrick Eagan.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, January 14, 1899.

BOOMERANG FOR EAGAN.

His Sensational Testimony Rejected by the Commission.

PRIVILEGE OF CORRECTING IT.

The Subject Forms a Topic of Discussion by the Cabinet—General Miles Waiting For the War Department to Take Some Action on General Eagan's Language.

   WASHINGTON, Jan. 14.—There is no abatement in the interest exhibited here in all the incidents connected with the bitter attack made by Commissary General Eagan upon General Nelson A. Miles. As might have been expected, a matter of this official consequence was sure to attract the attention of the president and in consequence a greater part of the session of the cabinet was given to its consideration.

   The war investigation commission took prompt action on the sensational testimony submitted to it by Commissary General Eagan and sent the statement incorporating his testimony back to him with the proviso of resubmitting it if he chooses to revise its language. Further than this the commission regret that General Eagan proceeded as far as he did and it is explained that the vituperative nature of the testimony was a complete surprise to the commission and that but for the rapidity with which General Eagan read his long statement and the absorbing vehemence of its delivery, he would not have been allowed to proceed.

   The rejection of the testimony as it stands was unanimously voted at the executive session preceding the public session, on motion of ex-Governor Woodbury.

   If the statement is returned with only temperate and conservative language, the commission will accept it and consider it as any other testimony.

   While the action was unanimous, there were three absent members, President Dodge, Colonel Sexton and ex-Governor Beaver. Colonel Denby, the ex-minister to China, presided, and at the executive session expressed himself very vigorously, dispatching Major Mills, the official recorder, over to Commissary General Eagan with the rejected testimony immediately after he had signed the accompanying letter.

   Their letter returning the latter's statement may not indicate positively whether or not they would receive it as evidence even though the objectionable language were excised, nor did General Eagan himself give any sign of an intention on his part to avail himself of the offer made by the board. His friends did not hesitate to intimate that he would expunge the objectionable language, but he would say nothing for himself, and any intimation on that score must be obtained from the board itself.

   The war department officials are not yet clear as to what would be the effect of a withdrawal or modification of the statement. One element holds that officially the record failing to show that any objectionable language had been used there would be no legal offense. Another takes the view that while the amendment of the statement would mitigate General Eagan's offense it would not wipe it out.

   Another aspect of the case is the bringing forward of the plea of exemption which guaranteed in the name of the president all of the witnesses before the board from the consequences of what they might say. But again the officials were divided and this was also true of the members of the cabinet as to whether the exemption could be claimed in this particular case.

   Meanwhile General Miles is apparently waiting for the war department to act taking the position that it is incumbent upon it and the war commission to protect the army from such attacks.

   In the excitement created by this incident the pending issue before the commission, the quality of the army beef, was well nigh lost sight of. There were, however, two piquant additions to that part of the proceedings, one consisting of the testimony of General Wood to the effect that no one who amounted to anything had made any complaint as to the rations and the other from Theodore Roosevelt making a very severe complaint regarding the beef.

 

Admiral George Dewey.

New Decoration For Dewey.

   PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 14.—The Pennsylvania commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars in its meeting here unanimously voted to present to Rear Admiral Dewey the gold insignia of the order, which the United States government permits officers of the army and navy to wear.

 

Maj. Gen. Elwell Otis.

Emilio Aguinaldo.

SITUATION IS CRITICAL.

Rebels Are Concentrating Around Manila.

THE RESULT OF A FALSE ALARM.

United States Forces Called Out and in Fifteen Minutes Had the Entire City Covered.

   MANILA, Jan. 14.—The situation here is undoubtedly critical, but Major General Otis has it well in hand, and there is no such certainty of trouble as many believe. The rebels are concentrated on the outskirts of the town, but their leaders have issued strict orders that the Filipino forces are to act only on the defensive. An accident might precipitate trouble, but the idea of a rebel attack upon Manila is ridiculous and suicidal, as the Americans absolutely control the position.

   Aguinaldo has republished the second manifesto in reply to the proclamation of General Otis which was recalled on its first appearance, but it has proved ineffectual.

   On Wednesday a false alarm due to trivial incidents occurring simultaneously in opposite parts of the city, led to a general call to the United States forces. In 15 minutes the entire city was covered. The promptitude of the Americans, while it created a scare for the moment, effectually restored confidence throughout Manila and dispelled the excitement due to a passing fear on the part of the citizens that an outbreak was imminent.

   It is possible that the Filipinos after the diplomatic conferences that have been had between the representatives of General Otis and Aguinaldo have finally come to understand that the cautious and conservative policy of the Americans is not due to fear and that they will accept the inevitable with good grace. It is evident that at present they are unable to appreciate the full meaning of the independence demanded, and that when they do understand its extent the American propositions will be acceptable.

   According to dispatches received here the American domination in the Philippines is "limited to Manila bay." All other points, except Mindanao, where the Spaniards remain, are in the hands of the insurgents. One dispatch says:

   "The American volunteers are disheartened by the climate and bad food and are anxious to return home."

 

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE.

A Bill Will Be Introduced to Make a Few Extensions of the Law.

   ALBANY, Jan. 14.—The leaders representing the Women's Suffrage association have decided to adopt the recommendations incorporated in Governor Roosevelt's annual message to the legislature pertaining to the rights of women to vote on an equality with the men, and will not present to that body the usual amendment providing for an amendment to the constitution giving to women the rights of suffragist, the same as men.

   Instead a bill will be prepared and introduced in both houses providing that women residing in the cities be allowed to vote for school officers the same as their sisters residing in the country districts.

   The governor recommended that the right to vote on the part of women be extended gradually so that the results thereby could be carefully noted. His suggestion was that inasmuch as the right to vote had been extended to women for school officers in the country districts, and the courts had decided that this was not a violation of the present constitution, their city cousins should be accorded the same rights in school elections. A bill introduced covering this ground he thought would meet with the approval of the legislators.

 

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

A Palace for the President.

   The project to build a new White House in Washington for the presidents of the United States is bringing out some overwhelming pictures of possible executive mansions. The elevation of a presidential palace projected by Mrs. J. B. Henderson and reproduced in the New York papers is a most pretentious and noble affair, quite rivaling the capitol itself and as imposing as Windsor palace or the Alhambra. No one can very well dispute its beauty or its immensity, and it appears to have been designed less to afford a comfortable home to the president of the republic than to furnish a prodigious architectural monument to Washington. Largeness, which is an American characteristic, seems to have been the first requisite. Doubtless if the future presidents of the people retain the simple tastes and unpretentious manners of their predecessors they may grow tired of living under stupendous domes and losing themselves in labyrinths of corridors and wings. But, of course, the pride of the American people must be considered no less than the comfort of the president, and our national capitol itself forever furnishes the architectural idea which best satisfies the American ideal of immensity. Fancy a man like General Jackson or "Zac" Taylor or "Abe" Lincoln wandering in gorgeous loneliness amid the splendors of such a palace as the one Mrs. Henderson has designed, with unutterable longings for a log cabin or a lean-to somewhere far from the madding crowd!

 

   ◘ Albert J. Beveridge, whom the Republicans of the Indiana legislature will elect United States senator to succeed David S. Turple, Democrat, was born in Highland county, Ohio, thirty-five years ago. He spent his youth on the farm. He worked as a plow boy, helped to grade a railroad, and later took charge of a lumber camp. He worked his way through DePauw university. After graduating he went West on a ranch to recuperate from overwork. Returning to Indianapolis, he read law with Senator McDonald. Mr. Beveridge is considered one of the ablest lawyers in Indiana. His oratorical powers have won him widespread notice. During the past few years he has made notable addresses in a number of cities, one of the most remarkable having been delivered before the Pittsburg Bar association on "The Vitality of the American Constitution."

 

Death of Mrs. John Kenyon.

   Mrs. Bertha Payson Kenyon, wife of Rev. John Kenyon, who resigned the pastorate of the Universalist church last summer, died last night at the residence of Dr. L. A. Strowbridge on Monroe Heights from complications attending  childbirth.

   Mrs. Kenyon's maiden name was Payson and her parents reside at Hope, Me., where also two sisters and three brothers reside. Mr. Kenyon was in Moravia last night to deliver a lecture, the condition of Mrs. Kenyon not having been considered alarming. Mr. Kenyon was notified by telegraph, and hastened to Cortland this morning.

   The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon from 21 Monroe Heights and the remains will be placed in the receiving vault in the Cortland Rural cemetery, to be later transferred to Hope, Me., for burial. Two sons are left, Harford, a lad of five years, and the little one born nine days ago.

   Mrs. Kenyon was 35 years of age and was a lady of the most lovable character, making friends with every one with whom she became acquainted. The sympathy of a great many friends will be extended to the bereaved husband, and many are the words of sorrow expressed for the little ones left without a mother.

 

SEEDS FROM ROSE HILL.

F. B Mills Has Just Issued His Annual Catalogue.

   F. C. Mills, the seedsman of the celebrated Rose Hill nurseries and greenhouses at Rose Hill, Onondaga county, has just issued his annual catalogue which will be of interest to all gardeners. It is a large sheet pamphlet of sixty-six pages filled with illustrations and descriptions of the vegetables, fruits and flowers from which he furnishes seeds. Mr. Mills' seed business is something immense. STANDARD readers will remember a two-column description of his establishment published a year or more ago. He now has on hand about 13,000 bushels of seed potatoes and 30,000 bushels of other farm seeds, to say nothing of flower seeds. He calls particular attention to a new tomato, of which he is going to furnish seeds this year for the first time. It is one of his own propagation, and be claims that it is the earliest tomato in the world. He offers a cash prize of $50 for the best name submitted for it. Send for a catalogue and learn all about the seeds. Address: F. B. Mills, Rose Hill, N. Y.

 

ITHACA BAND COMING.

Grand Concert at Opera House on Friday Evening, Jan. 27.

   Mr. P. Conway, leader of the Ithaca band, one of the finest musical organizations of central New York, was in Cortland to-day arranging for the concert by his band at the Opera House on Friday evening, Jan. 27. The band will number thirty-five pieces and its personnel will be the same as at Binghamton where it captured the prize at the state firemen's convention. Among its soloists will be Mr. Conway himself, cornet; Mr. Leo. A. Zimmerman, slide trombone; Miss Maybelle Adams of Homer, violin; and Miss Lucy I. Marsh of Ithaca, soprano. Its program will include the well-known and always popular William Tell Overture. Tickets 25, 35 and 50 cents on sale at the Candy Kitchen, Monday, Jan. 23. More particulars later.

 

The Avalon Party.

   Among the social clubs of Cortland, none gives more pleasant dancing parties than the Avalon club, which is now giving a series of winter parties in Empire hall. The party last night was no exception. Thirty-five couples were in attendance, and McDermott's orchestra furnished the music. Refreshments were procured at Bennett's cafe and oysterhouse. The party broke up at 1 o'clock.

 

Sleighride Party.

   Mr. Dan Kernan, proprietor of the North Cortland House, will give a sleighride party to be followed by a dance at the North Cortland House, Wednesday evening. Jan. 18, 1899. Music by McDermott's orchestra. Carryalls will leave the Messenger House and North Cortland House at 8 P. M. sharp for the sleighride. Bill, $1.

 

BREVITIES.

   —There will be a prayer-meeting at Good Templars' hall on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, and it will be led by S. W. Baldwin.

   —The Republican league will meet at the office of T. H. Dowd on Monday evening, Jan. 10, at 8 o'clock to elect officers for the coming year.

   —The Cortland Political Equality club will meet with Mrs. Parsons, 88 Tompkins-st., Monday, Jan. 16, at 3 P.M. All interested are welcome.

   —The second trial of Frank N. Sheldon of Cayuga county for the alleged murder of his wife has been set down for Feb. 27. An extra panel of 150 trial jurors has been drawn.

   —The theme of the morning sermon at the Homer-ave. M. E. church to-morrow by the pastor will be "What Paul Saw at Athens." In the evening the subject will be "The 'Knows' of Scripture."

   —At the meeting of James H. Kellogg camp, No. 48, Sons of Veterans, last night, two candidates were shown the mysteries of each of the three degrees by special dispensation of Division Commander E. W. Estes of Albany.

   —Mrs. Webster, mother of Ernest and Ida Webster, all formerly of Cortland, died yesterday morning at her home in Elmira. The remains will be brought to Cortland on the 10:38 A. M. train Monday, and burial will be made at once in the Cortland Rural cemetery.

   —The $10,000 breach of promise suit of Laura Dickson of Cortland against Millard Crane of this village, which was to be tried at the term of supreme court now in session at Auburn, was dismissed Monday by Justice Dunwell, with costs against the plaintiff. Hull Greenfield represented the defendant.—Moravia Republican.

 

"REMEMBER THE MAINE."

Carter's Celebrated Play Meets With an Accident.

   Lincoln J. Carter's celebrated play, "Remember the Maine," will be the attraction at the [Cortland] Opera House on Thursday evening, Jan. 20. Those who have seen his other plays with their strong companies and their complicated electrical apparatus and elaborate scenery can well imagine that this, his latest production, is quite up-to-date and up to the standard of the others.

   But the property of this company recently met with an accident at Weehawken that was after the Maine order. The Hudson County Dispatch of Weehawken, N. J., of Jan. 3, thus describes it:

   On the morning of Feb. 15 last the big battleship Maine, while riding at anchor in the presumed peaceful harbor of the city of Havana, Cuba, was destroyed by a mysterious agency. Its destruction lead to a war.

   Just before 6 o'clock Saturday evening the battleship Maine, this time in miniature, was again destroyed by an explosion fully as mysterious as the one that destroyed its prototype.

   The "Remember the Maine" Theatrical company, which is now touring the country, were about to start for Saratoga. They brought their scenery and stage paraphernalia over from New York via the West Shore ferry on big trucks and proceeded to load it into a chartered freight car which bad been sidetracked for the purpose on one of the National express company's tracks at the Weehawken depot.

   One big steel-bound trunk contained a miniature model of the battleship Maine. In this trunk also must have been stored some kind of an explosive, in the play the ship is blown up on the stage by this explosive. The car was packed full of trunks and scenery and the doors were about to be sealed when a terrific explosion rent the air.

   The forward part of the car and its roof were sent sky high and the battleship Maine was torn into a million fragments.

   Stage Carpenter Hartel of the theatrical company had been supervising the loading of the car, but he was in the railroad company's diningroom when the explosion took place. He said to s Dispatch reporter that the explosive used for blowing up the ship on the stage was only a harmless flashlight powder and he did not think it had any destructive force. He was at a loss to explain how the accident took place.

   Singularly enough, nothing else in the car beside the trunk containing the ship was injured. The contents of the car were transferred to another car and started on its way for Saratoga a few hours later. The destroyed car was numbered 732.

   Station Agent Delaplain found a can containing about a peck of flashlight powder which he refused to allow to be loaded on the car to which the goods had been transferred.

   The damage was the total destruction of the superstructure of the car, the trunk and the ship, in money value about $3,000. An investigation as to the cause which led to the disaster is now under way.

   Three men are known to have been hurt. Two were porters and the third was a brakeman. The railroad officials were very reticent regarding the affair and refused to give the names of the injured men for publication.

   The name of one of the injured men, it was learned from another source, is Rudolph. Those hurt were sent to the Roosevelt hospital, where the railroad company has beds.