COAL GAS EXPLODED

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, March 8, 1899.

COAL GAS EXPLODED.

HAVOC WROUGHT AT DR. NEARY'S THIS MORNING.

Stove filled With Fresh Coal, and the Gas Exploded With Great Force, but the Damage Was Comparatively Small—Was Heard at a Great Distance.

   Between 7 and 8 o'clock this morning many people in Cortland were alarmed by a loud sound as if of an explosion of a boiler in some of the factories. The report was so loud as to be heard in nearly all parts of the village. It emanated, however, from the office of Dr. P. M. Neary at 12 Tompkins-st. and was caused by an explosion of coal gas in the doctor's small coal stove used in heating his office.

   When he opened the office this morning he found that the fire was quite low, so he opened all the drafts and filled the stove with fresh coal, which was taken from the bottom of the bin and was consequently full of dust and dirt. He placed his ear down close to the stove and found that the coal was crackling and also noticed that the interior of the stove was filled with the blue flame. Just as he had turned to go away, he was suddenly pushed headlong over a chair by some unseen agent, landing flat on the floor about 6 feet from the stove. The elbow of the stovepipe shot upward to the ceiling, tore a hole in the plastering and then darted over across the room into a framed picture, breaking the glass, and fell to the floor all out of shape. All the stovepipe was distributed about the room, the top of the stove was blown off, the doors forced open and the stove overturned. The doctor gathered himself up as quickly as he could and scraped up the live coals which had not succeeded in doing any material damage.

   The wonder is that the doctor was not hurt, and that no damage was done by the explosion of the gas. The doctor says that he had no idea that it could have been heard far from the immediate vicinity of the house, though he said he must admit that for a minute it made about all the racket he cared for. A peculiar circumstance is that the top was lifted from a stove in a room on the second floor about 40 feet from this one, the pipe from which enters the chimney about 25 feet above the entrance of the office stovepipe.

   The force of the explosion was so great as to jar the windows in the Standard building 100 feet from the scene. The report was heard by Mrs. James Fairchild of 225 Port Watson-st. by residents of Argyle Place, Elm-st. and by people north of the Cortland House.

 

Fire at New Berlin.

   A fire at New Berlin, Chenango county, yesterday morning burned over about three acres of territory, destroyed the opera house, principal hotel, meat market, harness shop, one dwelling house and six barns and damaged considerable other property. The total loss is estimated at $60,000 with insurance to the amount of about $40,000.

 

Pneumonia Follows Grip,

But pneumonia cannot follow the use of Foley's Honey and Tar. Pneumonia is striking down hundreds of those who thought they were cured of grip. Foley's Honey and Tar, taken during or after grip, is guaranteed to prevent pneumonia. Sold by C. F. Brown, druggist. [paid advertisement.]

 

Brig. Gen. Irving Hale.

BATTLE WITH REBELS.

A Two Hour's Engagement Outside of Manila.

ENEMY COMPLETELY ROUTED.

Driven Back Three Miles During Which Time a Running Fire Was Kept Up. The Rebel Loss Was Heavy but the American Loss Was Small. Latest Details.

   MANILA, March 8.—A detachment of General Hale's and General Wheaton's brigades was engaged for two hours clearing the country in front of their lines on both sides of the river, the enemy concentrating with the apparent purpose of cutting off the garrison of the waterworks. The rebels bolted at the first sign of the advance, but separated into small bodies whenever the covert afforded opportunities and kept up a running fire. By a series of rapid advances, followed by flank movements, the enemy was completely routed as far out as Quadaloupe on the right and almost to Mariquina on the left.

   The casualties reported are: Captain O'Brien of Company F, First Wyoming volunteers and two men slightly wounded. The rebel loss was heavy.

   Later General Hale's brigade continued the work of driving out the rebels from the country between the reservoir and the waterworks, a distance of about three miles. The country is now clear on the left of the river, but the enemy is still in front of General Wheaton's line.

   Near San Pedro Maciti they have been actively attempting to make the positions of the Sixth artillery on the hills untenable, their sharp shooters keeping up a constant fire.

   Private Lovejoy, Company C, Washington volunteers, was killed by a stray bullet. Major Bell, Seventh United States cavalry; Private Young, Company M, Twentieth infantry; Private Curran, Company H. Twentieth infantry, and Private Sparks, Company I, First Wyoming volunteers, were wounded.

   The enemy in front of General Overshine's line sent out a flag of truce, but retired when Lieutenant Hohler with two men advanced to meet it. Later they again showed a white flag and a general with two officers and an interpreter advanced. When the Americans were within about 200 yards of the rebel party, the latter dragged rifles from behind their backs and opened fire upon them, but fortunately without effect.

   Hawthorne's battery fired two shells, killing several of the enemy.

   In accordance with instructions to the land and naval forces a general order was issued, directing the United States troops to give particular attention to the specific duty of furnishing full protection to the lives and property of all German, Austrian, Dutch, Italian and Portuguese residents and, with the cooperation of the resident German consul, to give aid and assistance wherever necessary.

   At 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon the temperature was 84 degrees Fahrenheit, but the heat is intense, especially on the lines where 25 men were temporarily prostrated during the day.

   The rebels are busily preparing their defenses at various points, and are most aggressive near San Pedro Macati, where their sharpshooters maintain a persistent annoyance. Scott's battery on the hilltop is the center of fire from both sides of the river.

   General Hale withdrew his outposts from the left bank of the stream and is now occupying his original position.

   Further trouble is probable in the vicinity of the waterworks when the rebels rally, but it would be almost an impossibility for them to interfere with the water supply, owing to the strength of our position.

 

Open Door Policy, Puck Cartoon.

SITUATION IN CHINA.

Minister Wu Ting Fang Talks With Secretary Hay.

STRONG EVIDENCE OF GOOD WILL.

The Minister Highly Gratified That the United States Will Take No Part In the Proposed Partition of the Celestial Empire—Surprised at Italy's Move.

   WASHINGTON. March 8.—The Chinese minister, Mr. Wu Ting Fang, expresses himself as highly gratified at the definite determination of the United States to keep hands off China and to resist intimations of other powers that the time is ripe for this country to take for itself a part of the coast line of China as made known by an authorized statement recently given out.

   "I am sure the Chinese government and people will not fail to observe this strong evidence of good will," said Mr. Wu. "It is not only another bond between the two countries, but it has a special significance just now. While the Old World powers seemed moved by a spirit of rapacity, the United States takes that lofty position of equity, justice and humanity which has characterized her dealings with other international questions of late, and instead of joining in encroachments on China, assumes an attitude of strict neutrality."

   The minister had a long conference with Secretary Hay as to the situation in China. While he will not discuss the conference, he undoubtedly learned in an official way what was made known to the public later and communicated the information to Pekin. It is expected the position of the United States in refusing to seize any territory will have an important effect on affairs in China, strengthening the [hands] of those in authority.

   Speaking of Italy's action in seeking an "open door" on the Chinese coast by the acquisition of San-Mun bay, Mr. Wu says he was much surprised at this move, as Italy has practically no trade with China. He said that he never has seen more than two or three Italians in China; there are no Italian commercial houses that he recalls, and no Italian colonies. Under such circumstances the minister is inclined to believe Italy would not have acted until some of the other powers had been sounded.

   What China will do as to accepting or rejecting the Italian claims, Mr. Wu has not been advised officially. He says, however, that the reports that the Tsung-Li-Yamen has returned the Italian request should not be construed to mean that any summary course has been adopted. All his information indicates that the return of the request was in no offensive spirit, but was merely to explain the difficulties of complying with such a request.

 

Cuban Gen. Maximo Gomez.

TO PAY THE CUBANS.

A Warrant Issued by the United States Treasury For $3,000,000.

   NEW YORK. March 8.—The sum of $3,000,000 in coin will be drawn from the sub-treasury in this city by Paymaster General Carey, U. S. A., on a warrant just issued by the treasury department at Washington. This money will be shipped to Cuba in General Cary's care and will be used to pay the Cuban troops in the field as arranged some time ago by Special United States Commissioner Porter and General Gomez the latter representing the Cuban army.

   Half of the money will be in $5 gold pieces, $1,000,000 in standard silver dollars, and the balance of $500,000 in halves, quarters, dimes and nickels. This will be the first shipment of United States silver dollars ever made to Cuba by this government. Shipment will be made on one of the regular steamers plying between this port and Havana.

 

BIENNIAL SESSIONS DEAD.

Democrats Object to It Unamended Because It Would Help Republicans.

   ALBANY, March 8, (Special.)—Much uncertainty still exists in the legislature over the attitude of the Republican senators on the subjects of biennial sessions and police legislation. As the situation still remains, these measures are all tied up just as firmly as they have been at any other time during the past two weeks and there is no indication as yet that there will be a letup. The police legislation may be so amended that the senators bolting the caucus will consent to come back and stand for the passage of the measure, but it will only be after radical amendments have been inserted in the bill.

   As for biennial sessions, they are as dead now as the proverbial doornail. The biennial sessions resolution may be passed by the legislature at this session, but if it is, it will be the present resolutions amended which would necessitate their going through another legislature before being submitted to the people thus delaying up till 1903 the possibility of cessions every two years. But even this is not likely as it is believed that if the matter comes to a vote it will be beaten and beaten outright. This is brought about by the attitude taken by Senator Brackett of Saratoga, and Senator Malby of St. Lawrence, who firmly opposed the proposition leaving but 25 Republican votes in its favor, one short of a sufficient number to pass.

   Democratic votes will not be given to the proposition under any circumstances. The attitude of the Democrats in caucus, while it upheld the declaration made at the Syracuse state convention last fall in favor of biennial sessions, is against the present resolution which would bring the election of the state senate once every four years beginning with 1900, or during a presidential year, which is concededly one of great Republican advantage. The Democrats have demanded many amendments to the biennial sessions resolution, and as these amendments will not be granted, they will vote against the proposition in its entirety together with Senators Brackett and Malby, thereby killing the proposition. Neither Senator Brackett nor Senator Malby show any indication of weakening and both declare that a constitutional amendment is not a fit subject for caucus action by any party. C. N. A.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The daily STANDARD is seven years old to-day.

   —The Rob Roy dancing club will meet in Empire hall this evening.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—T. S. Mourin, Furniture, page 6.

   —A teachers' institute for the Second commissioner district of Cortland county will be held in Homer the week beginning May 15 with Dr. Henry R. Sanford as conductor.

   —There will be a special meeting of the Young Men's Christian association at the rooms on Friday evening of this week at 7 o'clock for the purpose of electing a new board of directors.