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| Major General Elwell Stephen Otis. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, February 9, 1899.
MANILA IS NOW QUIET.
Provost Guard Is Absolutely In Control of the City.
PEACE ALSO PREVAILS AT CAVITE.
Filipinos Expect Their Prisoners to Be Executed—Natives Driven Out of a Village by the Utah Troops. American Troops Are In Excellent Spirits.
MANILA, Feb. 9.—The provost guard is in absolute control of Manila. All fears of a native uprising in the city were dispelled by the promptitude which quelled the outbreak on Monday evening.
The Filipinos, accustomed to Spanish methods are constantly inquiring of the American soldiers when the prisoners are to be executed. They seem unable to realize that orders have not already been issued for the execution. Indeed, headquarters is already besieged by women anxious to plead for the lives of their relatives and friends.
All is quiet at Cavite. Owing to the lack of supplies in the adjacent village of San Roque, Commissary Milliken has been authorized to sell necessaries to those able to pay for them; and there will be a distribution of free rations to others. The rebels, it appeared, had loopedholed [sic] a church tower in Cavite, evidently with the purpose of occupying it with sharpshooters.
Senor Aguilles, the Filipino ex-commissioner, made an unofficial visit to General Otis. Pumping at the water works has been resumed.
General Hale's brigade, consisting of the First South Dakota infantry, First Colorado infantry and the First Nebraska infantry, supported by a battery of the Utah Light artillery, occupies the most advanced post in the American line, fully 10 miles from the base of supplies. It has an almost perfect position. Four guns of the Utah artillery, stationed on a hill behind the water works, command the valley to the right and left and the foothills in front. Two companies of the Colorados support the Twenty-third infantry, which is encamped near the water works; while the Nebraskans are encamped at the reservoir, three miles to the rear. Outposts line the ridge overlooking the valley, while a sand bag entrenchment with gun epaulments fronts the river.
The Utahs dropped shells into the villages across the river yesterday. The natives disappeared among the hills, the main body retiring to the right and the others scattering. Subsequently the Americans reconnoitered and found the village of San Pedro completely deserted. They did not burn it, and the villagers returned in small parties, bearing bamboos to which white rags were fastened. They kept, however, out of range. Later signal fires were lighted along the ridge on the other side of the valley.
The American troops are in excellent spirits and appear to regard their experiences as a picnic rather than a stern reality. One burly Coloradan, who was discussing the capture of the water works, said it reminded him of a rabbit drive on the Colorado plains.
General Overshine's brigade, the Fourth cavalry, Fourteenth infantry and First North Dakota infantry, on the right, did some reconnoitering on the right but otherwise has been taking matters easily.
The First Washington Infantry, the First Idaho infantry and the North Dakotas are strung out from blockhouse 11 to the old Spanish trenches southwest of Malate fort, where the Fourteenth infantry is quartered.
A few native houses from which shots have been fired were burned; but most of the others are either vacant or marked with white flags.
The enemy is obviously concentrated at Paranaque. General King's brigade—which includes the First California Infantry, First Idaho infantry, First Wyoming infantry and First infantry—has been compelled to destroy the village of San Pedro Macate, as the natives moving from house to house fired from the windows as the Americans advanced.
The Fourth cavalry has hugely enjoyed foraging for food. All that is left of Paco and Santa Ana is occupied by the Californians.
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| Battle at Caloocan. |
THIRTY FILIPINOS KILLED.
Details of the Last skirmish in the Outskirts of Manila.
MANILA. Feb. 9.—As the Filipinos at Caloocan were evidently massing for a night attack upon the American left wing, Companies B, C and I of the Twentieth Kansas Infantry were ordered to attack and drive the sharp-shooters from a bamboo jungle in front of the firing line, where they had caused considerable annoyance all the afternoon. The battalion charged brilliantly, driving the enemy like chaff and penetrating to the very heart of Caloocan.
First Lieutenant A. C. Alford, as previously cabled, was killed while leading his company. He was shot in the forehead. Sergeant Jay Sheldon, Company I, was seriously wounded. Privates Daniel Hewitt (Healitt), Ernest Fritz, John Gillian and two others, members of Company B, were slightly wounded. Thirty dead Filipinos were counted in the brush, and there were many more wounded.
The gunboats Concord and Callao kept up an incessant fire from the bay, the Concord dropping many shells in the town with telling effect. In order to avoid accidents from this source, General Otis was compelled to recall the Kansas battery after burning the outskirts of the town. Either the shells of the American warships or the natives themselves fired a number of buildings within the town limits. Presumably this was the result of the shelling. No further attempt to attack during the night was made by either side.
The Spanish papers generally comment in favorable terms upon the admirable order maintained in Manila. The Union Iberica says:
"We are satisfied that the Americans, who are for the greater part volunteers, fought coolly and with perfect discipline, though without entrenchments, at the various points defended and demonstrated the spirit which animates them. The Filipinos who are accustomed to fight in trenches and with guerrilla methods, also fought bravely, but with less precision and regularity."
The situation is practically unchanged. The American line has not has not been appreciably extended and the troops generally are taking much needed rest. Reconnaissances show that the Filipinos are in force at the villages of Pasig and Paranaque—probably 7,000 men at the latter place within strong fortifications. All is quiet along the line when this dispatch is filed.
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| Emilio Aguinaldo. |
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
Independent of Treaty.
Irrespective of the senate's action on the treaty, the United States' course in the Philippines was cleared. The attack of Aguinaldo's forces on the American troops did it. Previously an armistice prevailed. By the terms of the peace protocol the American forces could not advance beyond Manila, could not do anything aggressive, could only preserve the status quo.
At least nominally the Filipinos were our friends. They had fought our enemy, the Spaniards. We could not assault the latter pending action on the peace treaty. We would not, of course, attack our friends. With the ratification of the treaty we would be at peace with the Spaniards. Our relation with the Filipinos would be determined by the latter when the United States asserted its authority under the terms of the peace convention. If the natives resisted it would be the proper thing then for our military forces to compel submission. There might have been war lawfully and properly inaugurated by the United States to subdue insurrection.
Treaty or no treaty, the Filipinos by their attack Feb. 4 absolved the United States from obligations as protector, friend, ally. They declared war after a manner that could not be misinterpreted, by beginning war. They left our troops no alternative. They must defend themselves and punish their assailants. They left the United States government no alternative; it must accept war, and prosecute it to the subjection of the insurgents and their recognition of the power and authority of the United States. Ratification of the treaty does not change this obligation.
Inaction by the American forces in the Philippines—obligatory under the peace protocol—was misunderstood by the Filipinos. They attributed it to indecision, then to fear in the face of Aguinaldo's demands and preparations for strife. Hence the growth of insurrection and the precipitation of strife. Had the peace treaty been ratified promptly, the assumption of authority by General Otis not necessarily would have the aggressive. It surely would have been positive as well as persuasive, and it is believed submission and respect would have been won without a blow. Now the thing to do is to follow up the affair of Saturday and Sunday. The Filipinos violated truce and alliance. They elect to be enemies. They must be punished, that the authority of the United States may be respected in the Philippines, and its ability to govern vindicated throughout the world.
TOTAL CASUALTIES
In all the Battles Near Manila Since Saturday. Feb. 4.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.—A cablegram has been received from General Otis, dated Manila, Feb. 9, giving the casualties resulting from all the engagements since Feb. 4 which aggregate 268 as follows: Killed, three officers, fifty-six enlisted men; wounded, eight officers, 199 enlisted men. Missing, two enlisted men.
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| Soldiers' Monument on Church Street, Cortland. Normal School in background. |
STINGING COLD WEATHER.
Official Thermometer Records Fourteen Degrees Below Zero.
This has been one of the coldest days of the winter and the temperature does not seem to be warming up much even in the sunlight. By 9 o'clock last night the mercury went below zero, and this morning every one vied with every one else as to who could tell the largest story as to low temperature [in Cortland].
At E. J. Warfield's, 137 Groton-ave., the mercury was 17 degrees below at daylight; at Delos Bauder's, 32 Lincoln-ave., it was 18 degrees below zero. At Sager & Jennings' drug store at 7:30 o'clock this morning, 12 degrees below.
The official thermometer of the United States weather bureau located in the shelter next the soldiers' monument recorded 14 degrees below as the lowest temperature of the twenty-four hours just past, and the coldest time was at 9 o'clock this morning. At 2:30 o'clock this afternoon the thermometer in front of Perkins' drug store was 5 degrees below.
E. & C. N. Y. R. R.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS.
Two Tickets In the Field for Director. Protests and Counter Protests—Courts May be Invoked to Review the Election—Officers Also Chosen.
The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Erie & Central New York railway was held yesterday afternoon at the office of I. H. Palmer, attorney for the road. The polls were open from 2 to 8 o'clock. Two tickets were in the field for directors. The contest was very spirited and the tension was exceedingly severe, though the utmost courtesy was observed in every particular and detail. It is said that the men whose names appeared on both the tickets had most deeply at heart the welfare of the road and the idea of giving the best service possible to its patrons, but they differed quite materially in their ideas as to how best to attain those ends. A number of protests were entered on both sides against the voting of certain stockholders and copies have been ordered made of all the papers in the case on both sides for both sides, so that it seems altogether probable that the courts may be invoked to review the election. What the outcome will be cannot be forecasted with any degree of certainty at this time.
The meeting was called to order by Charles O. Scull of Baltimore, Md., president of the road, and W. D. Tisdale of Cortland was made chairman, and H. M. Kellogg of Cortland, secretary.
The whole number of votes cast for directors was 3,961, of which one ticket received 2,646 votes and the other 1,315.
The ticket declared elected was composed as follows: Charles O. Scull, Baltimore, Md.; Harley P. Davis, Cortland; George H. Holmes, Cincinnatus; George F. Mellon, New York; George F. McKeough. Syracuse; H. I. Jenkins, Cortland; F. M. Hall, Baltimore; C. W. Stoker, Cortland; Walter M. Meserole, Brooklyn; N. A. Bundy, Philadelphia; I. H. Palmer, Cortland; W. D. Tisdale, Cortland; A. P. McGraw, McGraw; B. R. Corning, Cincinnatus; H. M. Kellogg, Cortland.
The defeated ticket was composed as follows: Charles O. Scull, Baltimore; George F. Mellon, New York; Benjamin F. Gladding, South Otselic; William S. Greene, Fall River, Mass.; E. Hinman, Pitcher; Hector M. Hitchings, New York; George H. Holmes, Cincinnatus; Melvin G. Palliser, Dobbs Ferry; Frank H. Cobb, Cortland; William Peabody Reid, New York; Frank M. Benjamin, Cincinnatus; Thomas F. Lawler, New York; Irving H. Palmer, Cortland; Charles W. Stoker, Cortland; Edward C. Moen, New York.
At the close of the stockholders' meeting a meeting of the directors way held and the following officers were elected:
President—Charles O. Scull.
Vice-President—N. A. Bundy.
Secretary—H. M. Kellogg.
Treasurer—W. D. Tisdale.
These officers are all re-elected except Mr. Tisdale who was elected to succeed C. P. Walrad. Mr. Walrad declined to accept re-election as either director or officer. Mr. Tisdale was formerly auditor of the company, but the duties of that office were combined with those of treasurer, and Mr. Tisdale will perform the duties of both offices. A bond for $10,000 will be required of him with some incorporated surety company, the premium upon which will be paid by the railroad company.
The four officers, ex-officio, and one other director were by vote declared an executive committee of the board. I. H. Palmer was elected as the other member. The meeting then adjourned.
CAMP LIFE AT GREENVILLE.
Letter from Ernest Butterfield of the Two Hundred Third.
GREENVILLE, S. C., Feb. 1, 1899.
All sorts of rumors are flying around camp in regard to what is to become of the Two Hundred Third. Some still believe that the regiment will see service in some of the island possessions, but this does not seem probable unless there is some unexpected trouble. It seems certain that we are soon to leave Greenville and it will probably be for Augusta, Ga. The present camping place is a very healthy one, and the men have gained in strength and weight until there is not a finer volunteer regiment in the service.
There is still some dissatisfaction among the men over the rations issued. In order that The STANDARD readers may have some idea of the food issued I will give the bill of fare for Thursday, Feb. 2.
Breakfast—Beans or rice bread and coffee.
Dinner—Potatoes, boiled beef, bread and coffee.
Supper—Tomato soup, bread and coffee.
These rations differ but slightly from day to day; bacon often takes the place of the beef and oatmeal is sometimes given for breakfast. There is seldom anything to eat on bread and potatoes, and coffee is served with sugar, but no milk.
Genuine regret was expressed by every man in the regiment over the resignation of acting Col. W. C. Sanger, who has left the regiment to accept the office of inspector general of the New York national guard, to which he has recently been appointed by Governor Roosevelt. Wednesday afternoon as he was paying his farewell visit to the officers, he was followed by nearly the whole regiment which cheered him again and again. Mrs. Sanger who often visited the camps presented each company with $10 for a Christmas dinner.
There is at present less drilling than ever before, it consisting mainly of sham battles, gun and bayonet practice. The whole regiment, scattered over a large field, takes the gun drill together, and as the men keep perfect time with the band it is a fine sight. There are always a large number of spectators of both white and black. The latter are continually hanging around the mess halls and streets, asking for something to eat, or cast off clothing, and most all of them have some article of Uncle Sam's clothing generously furnished them by the now overstocked soldier.
Private John Searles, Co. F, of Jamaica, Long Island, died of pneumonia at Second division hospital. Friday, Feb. 3. His death is rendered very sad by his leaving a young wife, whom he married only a few weeks ago. His body was shipped home.
COL. WILLIAM C. SMITH,
Who Died of Apoplexy in the Recent Battle at Manila.
The STANDARD is in receipt of a marked copy of the Delaware (O.,) Gazette from Capt. C. W. Wiles, formerly of Cortland, containing the following notice:
In this morning's news from the battle with the Philippine insurgents occurs the following item:
"Colonel William C. Smith of the First Tennessee infantry was in the thick of the fight, when he was attacked by apoplexy and fell from his horse."
When the Fourteenth regiment, O. N. G., went to Nashville two years ago, it encamped adjoining the camp of the First Tennessee regiment, on the Centennial grounds, and the regiments became well acquainted during their stay there. Colonel Smith extended many courtesies to the officers of the Fourteenth, and the ladies in camp with them, and is kindly remembered by all of them. Colonel Smith was a Confederate soldier, and was with General Lee all through the civil war up to the close at the battle of Appomattox, and that he should pass through the bloody battles of that war untouched and finally die of apoplexy just as he was going into battle for our reunited country, is peculiarly sad. He was an architect of great talent, and some of the finest buildings in Nashville were designed by him. He was the architect of the fine reproduction at Nashville of the Acropolis of Athens, which was used for the art exhibit at the Centennial. Capt. Wiles, who gave us the above facts, says that he, and in fact all the members of the regiment who met Col. Smith at Nashville, esteemed him very highly, and that the news of his death comes as a shock to them.
Death of Miss Viele.
Miss Minnie Viele, daughter of Mr. L. G. Viele, died at 2 o'clock this afternoon at her home, corner of North Church and Grant-sts., Cortland. She was 30 years of age, and had been ill for a year past with consumption of the bowels. The funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
BREVITIES.
—A regular meeting of the Sons of Veterans will be held to-morrow night at 7:30 o'clock sharp.
—A regular conclave of Cortland commandery will be held to-morrow (Friday) evening at 7:30 o'clock.
—Rev. Herman Lang of Sayre, Pa., will preach in the First Baptist church Sunday both morning and evening.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Pearson Bros., Special Bargains, page 5; Bingham & Miller, Correct Styles in Colored Collars, page 8.
—The Wide Awake Literary club will meet at the home of Mrs. Cyrus Oothoudt on Chestnut-st., Friday evening, Feb. 10, from 7 to 10 o'clock.
—Rev. Amos Watkins will lead the meeting of the University Center next Monday night. The subject will be "A General Review of the State of Europe at the Beginning of the Eighteenth Century."
—At the state convention of the Knights of Columbus held this week in Brooklyn Mr. Thos. H. Dowd of Cortland was elected a delegate to the national convention which will be held in New Haven, Ct., in March.
—On account of the prayer-meetings this evening the concert at Normal hall by the Old Homestead quartet will not begin till 8:30 o'clock. This will permit all who desire to do so to attend the meetings first, especially as the meetings at the churches on Church-st. are all to close ten minutes early.
—So many friends of the late Miss Alice C. Fairchild have expressed a desire to attend her funeral and her home is so far distant that a change has been made in the funeral arrangements. A brief prayer will be offered at the home at 225 Port Watson-st. on Friday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, and the funeral services will be at 3 o'clock at Grace Episcopal church.
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