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| General Arthur MacArthur. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, March 29, 1899.
OUT OF THE JUNGLES.
A Clear Country Now Ahead of Our Forces.
ARE ADVANCING ON MALOLOS.
The American Troops Have Four Days Rations With Them and Two Hundred Rounds of Ammunition In Their Bolts—Railroad Busy Furnishing Supplies.
MANILA, March 29.—The engineers are repairing bridges, the rebels having failed to destroy the iron work and the railroad is kept busy hurrying supplies to the front.
The country to Malolos is level with occasional streams and patches of wood, but there is no more jungle. The American troops will advance, taking four days rations with them and having 200 rounds of ammunition in their belts. They expect to take Bocavo, on the railroad, to the east of Bulacan first. It is a difficult position protected by streams.
The American line is about 1,200 yards from that of the rebels. Desultory shots were exchanged but no injury done.
The American report show 20 men were killed and 61 wounded on our side Monday. The Dakota regiment lost 10 men killed and had 37 wounded.
According to prisoners in the hands of the Americans, Aguinaldo's generals, Garcia, Tofreo and Pacheco, were with the Filipino army Monday and drove their followers into the first aggressive demonstration. The rebels attempted to charge across the plain east of the railroad, but the Americans charged to meet them and the Filipinos bolted after a few shots, leaving several men killed on the field. The Filipinos prisoners further declare that the rebels have lost all taste for fighting and their officers have to keep them in line by beating them with swords.
One of the most brilliant and costliest achievements of the campaign was the charge of Major Howard's battalion across the river. Advancing at the double, they found the river beneath them and splashed across with a yell, swimming and wading, with bullets spattering in the water, and rushed upon the rebel trenches. Ten men were killed and 11 were wounded in the charge.
At the capture of Marilao there were several incidents showing the bravery of our troops. Some Filipinos were entrenched on an island in a bend of the river. The Americans approached in a triangular formation, with the Third artillery in the apex and the Kansas and Pennsylvania regiments forming the sides.
Colonel Funston called for volunteers to swim the river. Two men crossed under fire and secured materials with which a crossing was eventually effected. Major Bell of General MacArthur's staff, with Company I of the Pennsylvania regiment and Lieutenant Abernethy and 10 men engaged in similar exploits. After the Filipinos had raised the white flag many of them attempted to run and several were shot for so doing.
In the church yard of Marilao the Americans found 30 newly made graves of Filipinos and a dozen bodies were seen drifting down the river with grewsome [sic] wounds.
Many huts are smoking ruins, having been burned by their inhabitants. The Americans are not burning any buildings. Our troops captured four Spaniards who were fighting with the insurgents.
General MacArthur was under a heavy fire.
The prisoners say Aguinaldo has declared that if the Americans can take the Filipino capital he will surrender.
RETURNING THE DEAD.
Bodies of Our Soldiers Who Died Abroad Brought Back.
SIX HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-ONE.
They Will Be Shipped to Friends or Relatives Who Claim Them, or Burled In Arlington Cemetery In Washington—They Will Be Taken Off the Transport Soon.
NEW YORK, March 29.—The United States transport Crook arrived here, having on board the bodies of the soldiers who died during the campaign in Porto Rico and the bodies of 671 of the soldier dead from Santiago. She stopped in the bay. According to the quartermaster's department the Crook will weigh anchor and go to the army pier at the foot of Pacific street, Brooklyn. The work of taking the bodies off will be begun at once.
The army officials are of the opinion that the last body will not be lifted from the hold until Friday. Great care will be taken that there will be no mixing of the caskets, thus making the identity of the deceased doubtful. Each body was positively identified before sealing the metallic caskets at the cemetery and the department is sure that there will be no cases of mistaken identity. As each body is checked off it will be turned over to the express company for shipment, if not going to Arlington. The Pennsylvania railroad company has promised the war department that they would send to the pier a float containing five cars and as those bodies going to Arlington are laid on the pier they will be carried to the cars.
Colonel Kimball said that about half of the bodies would be buried in Arlington cemetery. Bodies that are claimed by the relatives will be expressed to destinations at the expense of the war department. When all the bodies intended for Arlington have been placed on the float the cars will be started for Washington. There will go to Washington on the train as a guard of honor a detail of eight privates under the command of two non-commissioned officers from the Thirteenth United States infantry, now stationed on Governor's island.
The office of Colonel Kimball in the army building is besieged by those who had bodies of friends or relatives on the Crook.
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| Andrew Dickson White. |
SAMOAN SETTLEMENT.
An Understanding Reached Between the United States and Germany.
BERLIN, March 29.—It has been obtained from the highest authority at this capital the following explanation of a feature of the Samoan question which has lately arisen. On the report that the American government had cabled to its admiral at Samoa to act in accordance with the decision of two out of three of the representatives of the powers, the German government made earnest representations to the American ambassador here, Andrew D. White, that the Berlin treaty requires the concurrence of the three powers, and called attention to the dangers which were sure to arise if there was anything like a violation of the treaty.
The American government made a frank and conciliatory answer which has caused much satisfaction here. It recognized the necessity for unanimity upon the part of all three powers under the treaty, as a condition of any settled policy or permanent action, and declared the admiral was only authorized to act in agreement with a majority of the representatives of the powers in a case of emergency which absolutely does not admit of delay. But, in such a case, the ratification or adjustment by the unanimous vote of the three powers must be sought at the first possible moment, and no permanent arrangement can be made without such unanimity.
The American government, it is added, cabled to its representatives in Samoa to pursue the most friendly and conciliatory policy toward the German representatives and German interests, carefully avoiding everything likely to be misconstrued or to create ill-will.
In consequence of the stories regarding Mataafa having sanctioned sectarian tyranny, the German government assured Mr. White that all its influence would be exerted against interference with the religion of any sect.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
Governor's Message on Taxation.
The governor's recommendation that a joint committee of the senate and assembly be appointed to investigate the subject of taxation and to make a full report to the legislature is an important one, and ought to be acted upon without delay.
As the governor points out, repeating the views of Comptroller Roberts, "the tax laws of this state are in an exceedingly unsatisfactory condition." He says furthermore that the "taxation is excessive and badly distributed," and that many of the efforts to remedy this state of affairs "are not only unwise but inefficient and often serve merely to put a premium upon dishonesty." In justification of his views he cites the fact that "at present the farmers, the market gardeners and the mechanics, and the tradesmen having small holdings, are paying an improper and excessive portion of the general taxes." The further fact may be cited that the taxation and regulation of corporations have been such that some of them are leaving the state.
The governor does not attempt to point out in detail a remedy for this state of affairs. He confines himself chiefly to the suggestion that corporations, which derive their just powers from the state, "should pay to the state a just percentage" of their earnings "as a return for the privileges" they enjoy. He says also that "franchises should, in some form, yield a money return to the government." In this connection he makes the interesting observation that "the question of municipal ownership of these franchises cannot be raised with propriety until the governments of all municipalities show greater wisdom and virtue than has been recently shown."
Whether action upon the recommendation of the governor will bear much fruit, we are not prepared to say. Commissions have been appointed in this state and in other states that have gone over the subject of taxation with great care and ability. They have in fact exhausted it. But no attention has been paid to their discoveries or to their recommendations. Possibly, as the governor hints, the cause may be due to the absence of members of the legislature from them. If that is the case, no such excuse will exist for ignoring the recommendations of the joint committee.
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| J. R. Birdlebough. |
A NOTABLE DAY.
Comrade Birdlebough Recalls Old Memories of March 29, 1865.
To the Editor of The STANDARD:
SIR—The 29th of March! What a host of memories come crowding in upon my mind as I recall that other 29th of March thirty-four years ago which witnessed the opening of the last great campaign of the war which culminated in the fall of Richmond, April 2, and the downfall of the Southern confederacy which was practically accomplished when Lee surrendered to Grant on that famous 9th of April in the little hamlet of Appomattox, Va. In imagination I see again the serried hosts of the invincible Army of the Potomac with their gleaming bayonets and hear the roar of cannon as they usher in the fray in which so many of our brave boys bit the dust. I recall the Sawdust Pile, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, and the continuous ten days' battles and skirmishes from Hatcher's Run to Appomattox. I see the immortal Grant, the victorious leader; little Phil Sheridan, as he swept along with his gallant troopers. I see the burning Long Bridge, the abandoned and ruined caissons of the enemy whom we pressed so closely that they had to abandon many of the munitions of war in their mad flight. Who but the participants in that glorious campaign can appreciate these things?
It was in the afternoon of the 28th of March, 1865, (if my memory serves me correctly) that Gen. Grant with his official family arrived on the field to take command in person; also brave Phil Sheridan, who had been summoned from the scene of his late victories in the valley. We who were wholly uninformed as to the plans of our general yet knew that something was going to happen, and it did as daybreak saw us on the move and the enemy were very soon uncovered, and the desperate fighting that ensued made it very plain that we were not to have a walk over. Here many of our men were killed and wounded, among the killed was Lucien Randall of Solon. Bravely did the boys in blue charge the boys in gray and bravely were they met. It was American against American, the bravest and best soldiers in the world pitted against each other.
You all know the result. It is a matter of history. I saw Gen. Grant on the 2nd day of April as he rode up to a house on the line of March and made the announcement in a calm low voice that Richmond had fallen. The cheers and shouts that went up from the war-worn veterans I never heard equalled until we reached Appomattox, and then the scene beggared description. A short distance from Burkesville Junction on, I think, the 7th of April, General Ewell and his army of 10,000 men together with his staff, were taken prisoners. I distinctly remember the chaff we fed them as unarmed they marched to the rear, the general and his staff riding in the center of the column.
Although conquered they were not subdued. We greeted them with cries of "Hello, Johnnie, where's your gun?" They answered in kind "Oh, back up the road a piece;" "Where are you going?" "Oh, down to the junction;" "Well, where is Lee?" "You'll find out where Lee is before you get much farther," and so on. Everybody happy although tired about to death. I remember falling asleep in the saddle. I was then on detached service with the quartermaster's department.
As a sequel to this let me relate a little incident that occurred a few years ago when I was enroute from Chattanooga to Petersburg. It was a long ride and at the end of every division the crews changed, conductor and all. It was midnight and I was conversing with a young traveling man from New York and speaking of the Confederate veterans how easy it was to recognize them, etc., a point which he could not see, when the car door at the opposite end opened and a new conductor came in to collect fares. I at once said to my New York friend "that man is an ex-Confederate," and in a moment I added "and he was an officer too." My friend could not see how I could tell, as I had never seen the man before to my knowledge. I said "I will ask him when he comes this way;" so when he came up I put the question, "if he was a confederate veteran and he said he was. I asked him what command; he answered, "Gen. Ewell." I asked him if he was in the surrender the 7th of April and if he remembered such and such circumstances referring to what I have already related above and he said he did, but he didn't seem very friendly and not much disposed to talk about it. He said, however, that he was adjutant of his regiment which verified my statement.
I could fill volumes with the memories of those old days so long gone by, but I must not. The war is long over, our country is united, the flag still waves and the glorious spirit of '76 and '61 still lives, as evidenced in the late Spanish-American war. Let us who are soon to pass away from the scenes of action remit unimpaired to our posterity that love of country, that spirit of patriotism that should ever prompt every true American to the conscientious fulfillment of every thing that may be thrust upon him at no matter what sacrifice, that this Union may forever remain one and inseparable and that the Star Spangled Banner may forever wave "Oe'r the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave."
J. R. B., Cortland, N. Y., March 29, 1899.
SIDEPATH COMMISSIONERS.
Five Men Appointed by Judge Eggleston to Serve for Cortland County.
County Judge J. E. Eggleston this afternoon appointed Dr. E. M. Santee, H. L. De Clercq and Thomas J. Kennedy of Cortland and Charles H. Danes and Edward W. Hyatt of Homer sidepath commissioners of Cortland county in accordance with the provisions of the new state sidepath law signed by Governor Roosevelt on Monday, March 27. Cortland county is probably the first county in the state to get its commissioners appointed.
The commissioners in the future will serve for five years each. These five just appointed will meet at sometime within a month and draw cuts to determine the length of the terms of each. One of these commissioners will retire each year for five years and his successor will be appointed for five years. This will make a single change in the board each year in the future.
The sidepath commissioners, under the new law, will have entire charge of the maintenance of all existing sidepaths in the county and the construction of all future sidepaths. They have authority to issue annual licenses to wheelmen and wheelwomen at an annual license fee of not less than 50 cents nor more than $1 at their discretion. The evidence of possession of a license is a tag to be attached to the left front fork of the wheel or to the left side of the lower bar within 6 inches of the head. The speed of all riders is limited to ten miles per hour while passing other riders or pedestrians. Otherwise the speed is not limited. The commissioners have power to impose a fine of not to exceed $25 for riding on a sidepath in the county without a license or for injuring it in any way, or or leading or driving horses, cattle or swine on the path except to cross it to or from adjacent fields. Riders possessing a license in any county are privileged to ride on sidepaths in any other county in the state. The commissioners are empowered to set out shade trees along any sidepath with the consent of the adjacent property owner. Paths may be constructed along the side of any highway within highway limits on the written consent of the highway commissioner or the town supervisor.
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| Main Street, Cortland, N. Y. |
VILLAGE TRUSTEES.
Routine Business Only Transacted Last Night.
The board of village trustees met in adjourned regular session last evening in the office of Village Clerk Crombie, but transacted only routine business.
John Ireland and his attorney Thomas E. Courtney appeared before the board with a petition relative to the switch from the S., B. & N. Y. railroad tracks, leading into the former's lumber yard. Attorney Courtney spoke for Mr. Ireland, stating that about thirty years ago Mr. Ireland purchased some land west of the S., B. & N. Y. tracks between Grant-st. and Mill-st., now Clinton-ave. He laid out Railroad-ave. About twenty-four years ago he laid out the land into village lots, but in the rear of them reserved a place for a lumberyard and mill. About nineteen years ago he applied to the village trustees for permission to lay a switch across Railroad-ave. The petition was granted, but Mr. Courtney said that he had been unable to find the resolution on the minutes of the board. Mr. Ireland was sure such a resolution had been passed for he was present at the meeting when such action was taken.
Mr. Courtney asked last night that such a resolution be adopted and placed on record. The petition was granted with the restriction that the space between the rails where they cross the street be kept planked.
This is the switch the railroad company removed Feb. 24, and from which litigation will doubtless ensue.
The bills of the inspectors, poll and ballot clerks who served at the charter election March 14, were allowed $4 each, and the officers at the polls $2 each.
Bills were audited as follows:
H. F. Benton Lumber Co., $14.50
H. M. Kellogg, supplies, 7.45
Street Commissioner's payroll, 189.90
Telephone bill, .45
McKinney & Doubleday, 21.54
Police force, 189.00
J. J. Gillette, use of horse, 1.50
E. E. Mellon, salary, 276.80
W. C. Crombie, salary, 33.33
Jas. F. Costello, salary, 25.00
G. W. Allen, rent of store, 1.50
Savings bank, interest , 160.00
John Garrity, hauling truck, 5.00
D., L. & W. mileage book, 10.00
The bond of George V. Clark, the new village treasurer, in the sum of $92,000 was approved. The sureties are Edward Alley, Edward Keator, Samuel Keator, R. B. Smith, A. A. Carley, C. W. Stoker W. F. Clark, C. F. Brown, O. U. Kellogg, D. W. Van Hoesen.
Clerk Crombie was directed to order a new blade for the village road machine.
President Holden was authorized to arrange with the First National bank in regard to overdrafts the village will need before the taxes are collected. The orders for the bills audited last night will be dated April 1 and will be left with Treasurer Clark at the First National bank Saturday morning, when they can be procured by those to whom they belong. It seemed to be the opinion of the majority of the members of the board that bills should be audited only at the first regular meeting in each month, and bills or salary should be made for only one month, so that each month's business can be kept by itself.
The matter of street lighting for the coming year came up for discussion informally, but no action was taken. The present contract expires April 1, and the Electric company has made no move toward a renewal of the contract.
BREVITIES.
—The national W. C. T. U. has designated the week of April 9-16 as a week of prayer in behalf of Sabbath observance.
—March seems to be taking its departure in quite the lion-like manner that would have been expected from its lamb-like entrance.
—Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Nelson last night very pleasantly entertained the whist club of which they are members at their home on Monroe Heights.
—There will be a regular meeting of the Men's Bible class of the Presbyterian church at the home of the president, Mr. E. E. Ellis, 93 North Main-st., at 8 o'clock to-night. Every member is urged to be present.
—Justice of the Peace Kelley is to-day hearing evidence in the case of R. B. Kibbe against Adam Ranson. George B. Jones Is the plaintiff's attorney, and W. D. Tuttle looks after the defendant's side of the case.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Glann & Clark, Last week closing out sale, page 7; W. W. Bennett, Bicycles, page 4; Pope Mfg. Co., Bicycles, page 7; C. P. Brown, Easter offerings, page 4; Opera House, "The Real Thing," page 5.
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