PEACE TREATY RATIFIED AND HORSE RACING ON HOMER'S MAIN STREET

 

Senator John P. Jones of Nevada.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, February 7, 1899.

RATIFIED AT LAST.

Peace Treaty Finally Passes the United State Senate.

ONE VOTE OVER MAJORITY.

Senator Jones at the Last Moment Came Over Making the One Vote Necessary. Intense Interest In the Senate. The Vote Was Taken In Executive Session.

   WASHINGTON, Feb. 7.—The treaty of peace negotiated between the commissioners of the United States and Spain at Paris was ratified by the United States senate, the vote being 57 ayes to 27 nays or one vote more than the two-thirds majority necessary to secure senatorial concurrence in a treaty document.

   The vote was taken in executive session and until the injunction of secrecy was removed the result was supposed to be private, but the vice president had no more than announced the figures, before senators rushed out of every door, leading from the senate chamber declaring that the treaty had been ratified. Some made the mistake of stating that there were three votes to spare. There was in fact only one vote more than was necessary.

   No vote has been taken in the senate since that on the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law that has been followed with as close interest as was this vote. The anxiety was due to the magnitude of the question at issue, but to the uncertainty which attended the matter up to the last moment. Only the elect few knew how Senators McEnery of Louisiana and Jones of Nevada would vote half an hour before their votes were cast, and not even these knew when the bells rang for the executive session at 2:15 o'clock.

   Many of the vast throng which was turned from the galleries after the doors were closed in response to Senator Davis' motion, lingered in the corridors, all waiting eagerly for the first news from inside. It was generally understood that the first 45 minutes were to be given to speechmaking but the crowd apparently was prepared for this delay.

   Within the chamber the interest was even more intense. Very few senators left the chamber except those engaged in the cloak rooms in trying on the one side to gain votes for the treaty and on the other to prevent a break in the ranks.

   Senators Lodge, Aldrich and Elkins, who have given their especial attention to securing the necessary votes to insure ratification were doubtful of the result when the secret session began, while Senators Gorman and Jones, the leaders of the opposition, considered their forces intact. Half an hour afterwards it was whispered about that Senator McEnery had been won over on condition that his declaratory resolution should be adopted subsequent to the passage of the ratification resolution. When this news was confirmed it was known that ratification was assured, for Senator McLaurin had already announced his intention to vote for the treaty in view of the condition of affairs at Manila. Senator Jones came over at the last moment, making the one vote more than was necessary.

   There was no applause when the result was announced, but many senators heaved a sigh of relief and rushed from the chamber to give the news to the waiting world.

   In advance of the voting speeches were made by Senators Ross, Money and Fairbanks. Senator Stewart, who had just arrived, announced informally during the period of the session that in his entire trip across the continent he had not encountered one man who was opposed to the ratification of the treaty.

 

William Jennings Bryan.

BRYAN INTERVIEWED.

The Treaty Ratification Does Not End the Fight Against Annexation.

   LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 7.—William J. Bryan expressed no surprise over the ratification of the peace treaty and commented briefly on the matter. When asked if the ratification of the treaty would end the fight against the annexation of the Philippines he said:

   "Not by any means. While many have thought that the fight would be made against the treaty I have felt that the real fight is to be made for a resolution declaring the national policy. The opposition to the treaty has served a useful purpose and the opponents of the ratification made a gallant fight, but there was never any chance of defeating ratification. Now that the treaty is out of the way, it can be treated as a domestic question and the line can be drawn between those who believe in forcible annexation and those who believe that the Filipinos should be allowed to govern themselves. I have not lost faith in the doctrine of self-government, and believe that the people will repudiate the imperialistic policy."

 

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

The War with the Filipinos.

   It is hardly necessary to say that the attack of the Filipinos on the American forces at Manila on Saturday is no surprise to us. Not since Aguinaldo and his followers sold themselves out to the Spaniards have we been under any delusion in regard to them. From first to last they have shown themselves to be brigands rather than patriots. They have always been more anxious to feather their own nests than to secure the independence of their country. Had the United States chosen to buy them out, as the Spaniards did and as Consul Williams suggested some time ago, it is not at all likely that they would have taken up arms against us. They would have contented themselves with retiring to Hong Kong or to some other pleasant place and living the life of ease that the price of their baseness would have placed within their reach.

   But as the United States is not in the bribery business, these patriots had but one course to pursue in order to realize their dream of wealth and pleasure. It was to get possession of the revenues of the Philippine Islands. Accordingly they set themselves up as devoted lovers of freedom and undying defenders of the independence of their country. As successors to the rights and privileges of the Spaniards, they would be in a position to gratify their vanity and their love of power end luxury to a vastly greater degree than any bribe from either Spain or the United States. Despite their posing, it has been clear that they had no other object. Only a person helplessly incapable of reading character could have been blind to it.

   While we must seek in the depraved character of Aguinaldo the fundamental cause of his attack on the American forces, it is fit that we should recognize the encouragement that he has received from the opponents of the treaty of Paris. Their ridiculous laudations of his patriotism, their strained parallels between him and George Washington, have made him believe that he could count upon a division of opinion in the United States that would enable him to realize his ambition. If the government did not have the united support of the whole country, he would have no difficulty, he believed, in forcing the United States to recognize the independence of his sham republic and thus give him an opportunity to plunder his misguided followers. Feeling that it was needful to show his hand before the ratification of the treaty, or else be placed in the attitude of a traitor to the United States, he took the step that he did on Saturday.

   It is hardly necessary to say that he made the same mistake that Gomez would have made had he rejected the small sum offered for the payment of his troops and taken to the forests and mountains of Cuba. He has made it necessary for the United States to suppress him, not only for the sake of its own honor but for the welfare of the Filipinos themselves. How would we stand before the world if we permitted such a brigand as he is to oppress and plunder the people to whom we have promised freedom and good government? The answer to this question will be found in the united front that the American people will present to this new danger. They will insist upon no truce until Aguinaldo and his piratical crew have been put down.

 

Maj. Gen. Elwell Stephen Otis.

NEWS FROM THE BATTLE.

Successful All Along the Line—Troops in Excellent Spirits.

   WASHINGTON, Feb. 7.—The war department to-day received the following  dispatch from General Otis:

   MANILA, Feb.7.

   Adjutant General, Washington:

   The insurgent army concentrated around Manila from Luzon provinces numbering over 20,000 possessing several quick firing and Krupp field guns. Good portion of enemy armed with Mauser's latest pattern. Two Krupp and great rifles captured. Insurgents fired great quantity of ammunition. Quite a number of Spanish soldiers in insurgent service who served artillery. Insurgents constructed strong entrenchments near our lines, mostly in bamboo thickets. These our men charged, killing or capturing many of the enemy. Our casualties probably aggregate 250. Full reports today. Casualties of insurgents very heavy. Have buried some 500 of their dead and hold 500 prisoners. Their loss killed, wounded and prisoners probably 4,000. Took waterworks pumping station yesterday six miles out.  Considerable skirmish with enemy which made no stand. Pumps damaged, will be working in a week. Have number of condensers set up in city which furnish good water. Troops in excellent spirits. Quiet prevails.

   (Signed) OTIS.

 

PUSH HARD AND FAST.

Insurgents to be Given no Opportunity to Recover.

   WASHINGTON, Feb. 7.—It is understood that the campaign against the Philippine insurgents is to be prosecuted vigorously. At to-day's cabinet meeting the conclusion was reached before a permanent peace and the security of life and property could be secured Aguinaldo's forces must be made to lay down their arms. It is expected that Gen. Otis and Admiral Dewey will be directed to push forward and give the insurgents no chance to recover from their defeat of last Sunday.

 

CORTLAND WON.

Second Victory Secured from Elmira at Basket Ball.

   The Elmira Advertiser of this morning says:

   As was predicted, the basket ball game at the Y. M. C. A. between Elmira and Cortland last evening was the hottest and hardest contested game that has ever been played in the gymnasium and those who saw it were only disappointed in it, in that Elmira lost and that, as before, by two points. The game resulted in a defeat by the narrow margin of twenty points to eighteen.

   During the first half the Elmira supporters were quite jubilant, as the home team seemed to have it in for the visitors and kept for the most of the time a substantial lead of five points, but in basket ball even with five points it is not victory, and coupled with the swiftness of the visitors and their accurate passing, the result was changed within but a short space of time and the Elmira team was obliged to acknowledge its second defeat at the hands of the Cortland aggregation.

   The Cortland boys have had more experience in the game than has Elmira and played the game with good success last year. It will be remembered that the Elmira team has been in existence only since December and thus it is probable that Cortland a longer familiarity with basket ball has enabled them to pull out of many tight places.

   The points in the game are so very evenly divided that it would hardly be fair to say that one team played a better game than the other. In goals from fouls both Reynolds and Donahue threw six, they each having the same number of opportunities, there being fourteen fouls called on each team. In goals from the field the home team were having decidedly the best of it till in the middle of the second half, when Hotchkiss played with remarkable rapidity and threw two goals in quick succession, being followed by a goal by Mills. This surprising spurt was what lost the game for Elmira.

   Hotchkiss played a brilliant game for Cortland. He was very materially assisted by Smith and Richards, however, in obtaining his points. Mahoney succeeded in besting his opponent and did good work for Elmira, getting two goals from the field. Donahue and Sullivan also placed the ball in the basket twice. It was quite amusing to watch Mills try to shake off his opponent, but Deister followed him closely and without doubt put up his best game last evening and played with deserving credit.

   The summary of last night's game follows: Referee, William Phillips; umpires,  Physical Director Mosher of Cortland and Physical Director Huntress of Elmira; scorer, Roger; timekeeper, Swan; score: Elmira 18,  Cortland, 20; goals from field,  Hotchkiss 4, Mills 2, Reynolds 1,  Donahue 2, Sullivan 2, Mahoney 2; goals from fouls, Reynolds 6, Donahue 6; fouls on Cortland, 14; Elmira, 14.

   The Cortland team spent the night in town and to-night will play the Binghamton Y. M. C. A. at Binghamton. Elmira wishes the Cortland team success and hopes itself to show "Bingo" a few points in basket ball later on.

   The team is naturally greatly elated by its victory in a strange gymnasium, for Elmira was confident she could redeem her defeat received here two weeks ago.

   The Cortland boys play at Binghamton this evening, and a number of their friends are going down on the 6:13 to cheer them on to victory.

   Cornell university plays here in the Normal [School] gymnasium at 8 o'clock Friday evening. Seats are selling fast as the tickets are limited. Buy at Brogden's or the book store.

 

Cortland Opera House.

"The Girl from Ireland."

   A delightful engagement may be anticipated at the Opera House next Friday night, Feb. 10, when that charming little artist and universal favorite, dainty Katie Rooney, will appear here at the head of her clever company in that successful and uproariously funny musical farce comedy, "The Girl from Ireland"—a comedy in which the fun runs riot from rise to fall of curtain. Pretty girls, bright and catchy music, clever and novel specialties, beautiful costumes, and handsome stage pictures complete a performance, which as a laugh-provoker is said to be not surpassed.

 

VILLAGE TRUSTEES

Held a Meeting but Transacted no Business.

   At the regular meeting of the village board of trustees last evening, no business of importance wan transacted and at exactly 8:25 o'clock the board went into executive session for nearly three-quarters of an hour, after which President Stilson called the meeting to order. Clerk Crombie then read the minutes of the lust meet lug which were approved.

   President Stilson inquired if there had been any complaints entered since the last meeting of the board. Trustee Nodecker said a complaint had been lodged with him regarding the icy sidewalk in front of the Wheatley property on the corner of Main and Grant-sts.

   The annual report of the board of education was read by the clerk and laid upon the table for future consideration.

   A short discussion followed regarding the apportionment of the annual budget. An adjournment was then taken until Feb. 20. It was said that if anything came up before that time regarding the Warren-Scharf Asphalt company, a special meeting would be called.

 

A Fine Address.

   There was a large attendance at the University Center last night. The whole period was taken up by a lecture by Dr. F. J. Cheney upon "Louis XIV and His Times." The paper was very carefully prepared and gave evidence of a vast amount of research and study. It is no slight task to cover and at the same time to condense the many events of a reign of seventy-two years into an address of forty-five minutes. But Dr. Cheney [principal of the Cortland Normal School] did this with remarkable skill and success. The more important features were made to stand out with great prominence while events of less interest took a relatively minor position, but yet were alluded to in a way to stimulate study and reading on the part of the hearers. All were greatly interested and profited by the address.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The Normal [School] reopens to-morrow.

   —The Kindergarten association will meet Thursday afternoon, Feb. 10, at 3 o'clock in the kindergarten room.

   —Miss Grace Moul died at her home in Auburn, Feb. 6, after a long illness. Mrs. Moul was a former resident of Cortland. She leaves two sons to mourn her loss, Harry and Louie Moul.

   —The Conservatory of Music pupils gave a fine concert at the Y. M. C. A. rooms last night before a large and appreciative audience. The program as published yesterday was carried out.

   —The kindergarten department of the Normal school will reopen Friday, Feb. 10. The following names were drawn to fill the present vacancies: Millard W. Benton, Vernon D. Smith and La Verne Hesse.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—A. S. Burgess, Spring Style Hats, page 8; Bingham & Miller, Reduction of Stock, page 6; Opera House, "The Girl from Ireland, page 5; "Rip Van Winkle," page 5.

   —Mrs. Esther Allen, wife of Elijah Allen, who resides a mile west of Cortland, died this morning at her home. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and burial will take place in the Cortland Rural cemetery.

 

HOMER, N. Y.

Gleanings of News from Our Twin Village.

   Nearly 300 persons were congregated on the sidewalks last evening to see the fast horse racing between Daniel Riggs' horse and Ray Shepard. The first three heats were won by a close margin by the Riggs' horse driven by Andy Johnson, but after these three the Shepard horse had the best of everything. Not being driven as much he would break as he went over the crosswalks, but in a little time he got down to business and they both made a very even race. Mr. Rockwell and a gentleman from Cortland had a preliminary between heats, but the Cortland horse was too slow. Main-st. is a bad place for races, but it draws to our streets a large crowd which we like to see.