Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, December 30, 1899.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
Birth of a New Commonwealth.
It is now reasonably certain that the last year of the century will see the political birth of another new Anglo-Saxon nation in the Pacific. After an agitation which has gone on for the last eight years with various fortunes, but on the whole with steadily increasing intensity, the party of union has finally triumphed in four out of the six colonies occupying the island continent of Australia and its adjacent island of Tasmania. As yet, it is true, the two large colonies of Queensland and West Australia, which occupy the extreme ends of the great island, have not given in their adhesion to the new arrangement, but this will not delay the completion of the federation, to which will be given legal recognition as soon as the imperial parliament meets in its next session at Westminster.
It is rather more than probable that before the act can be passed the people of Queensland will have decided, by referendum vote, that they also will join as partners in the new Australian commonwealth and it is possible, though at present less probable, that West Australia will do likewise. In any case it can hardly be more than a question of a few years until both these colonies take advantage of the provision made in the commonwealth act for their subsequent inclusion.
In the birth of this new commonwealth there will be none of the travails of war. It is a peaceful development and not the outcome of revolution.
"There will," says Hugh H. Lusk in The Forum, "be no severance of the ties that bind Australia to Great Britain, no formal change in the relations of the government, and yet in reality the establishment of the Pacific commonwealth will mean vastly more both to England and to the rest of the world than any political event that has occurred for several decades."
*When the war in South Africa opened, certain British officers confidently asserted that they would eat their Christmas dinner in Pretoria. Some of them will make good their boast—on prison fare.
*Infectious diseases are said to be wholly unknown in Greenland. So are most of the other things that go with civilization.
CAPTURED BY FILIPINOS.
American Soldier's Experience While With the Insurgents.
WELL TREATED BY HIS CAPTORS.
Paul Spillane Tells How He Was Taken Prisoner Outside of Santa Rita—Offered a Commission in the Insurgent Army—What Filipinos Say About the Insurrection.
Paul J. Spillane of Company C, Ninth United States infantry, writing from Manila, Philippine Islands, under date of Oct. 10, to the Chicago Record, says:
"I was recently released as a prisoner of war by the insurgent army. I was captured just outside of the town of Santa Rita, in the province of Pampango, whither we had advanced a few days before. It is eight miles from San Fernando and not on the railroad. The climate here is very warm and compels a man to incline toward laziness. Thinking that a little exercise would do me good, I started to take a walk and happened to stroll on the outskirts of the town. The first thing I knew I was surrounded by well armed Filipino soldiers. I did not have any weapon, and at that time I did not understand their language, so I expected nothing but death. I folded my arms and waited.
"A sergeant stepped to the front. He could talk a little broken English, and he told me to surrender and not to make any noise. Then they took me into a house, where they kept me until night. In the darkness they marched me past the American camp, holding knives at my throat and telling me that if I made a sound they would cut my head off. Needless to say I kept quiet. They then marched me across rice fields and through sugar and cane fields, part of the time hip to waist in mud and water until nearly daybreak, when we reached a town, and they took me into a house and gave me a raw crab and two bananas to eat. There they told me to go to sleep, for I would have to march again soon. After that I had to march almost every night from town to town.
"I have been in almost every town in the northern part of the island and have met and talked with Aguinaldo and all his generals and principal officers; also his secretary of war and secretary of foreign affairs. We were used like gentlemen. My khaki blouse was stolen by a Filipino thief, and when I was taken before Senor Ambrosio Flores, secretary of foreign affairs, I had an undershirt and pair of trousers on, but no coat, shoes or socks. He asked me where my coat was, and I told him. He then ordered his servant to look among his clothes and see if he could find a coat. He could not find one, so Senor Flores got up from his chair and told me he had only one coat, the one he had on, made of white duck. He took it off and insisted upon my taking it, which I refused to do. Also when I and other prisoners were leaving Tarlac for the American lines Senor Flores sent word that he would like to see us. We went to his house in a body. He gave each of us one of the best cigars made on the island and said he hoped we were all happy at the prospect of going back to our friends. Three of us, Sergeant James Boyle of the Sixteenth infantry, Corporal Otto Schew of the Third infantry and myself, he offered commissions in the insurgent army. He said we should have plenty of money and good food, good houses to live in and free land after the war was over. The American authorities, he said, would never find us and we should never be on or near the firing line, as our sole duty would be to drill recruits.
"Most of Aguinaldo's staff officers are well educated men and can talk good English. They told us that they had been fighting for three years, and in one year more they would be ready to fight for six years. If they should get cornered and have to lay down their arms, they said, the trouble would not be ended, for they would not allow an American to live on the island. The American would be assassinated at his own door at night or would be poisoned in his own house by his servants. They are capable of keeping their word. They also told us that General Otis had offered them autonomy under American protection if they would lay down their arms, but this, they say they will never do.
''They say they are only fighting for their rights, the same as we did in 1776, and they demand their independence with the right to maintain a standing army. They want, however, American naval protection for ten years, offering to pay well for the protection of three warships to patrol the waters of the archipelago. At the end of that time, they say they could have a navy of their own. To secure the Americans their money they will allow the Americans to hold the customs receipts. They also claim that all of their higher officers are rich men, who serve in the army without pay and give money to help the cause. I believe every word of this, for after what I have seen I cannot do otherwise.
"They say that the United States has always encouraged independence and that now it is breaking the Monroe doctrine. They hate Otis because he will not stop fighting once in awhile and talk the matter over. They all admire the American soldiers, with the exception of one tribe called 'Pampangas,' and they have no use for any white man. They would have murdered us if they had not been restrained by their Tagalog and Spanish officers. In one town in the Pampanga country, Arayat, a mob organized one night to kill Boyle and myself, but were driven off by our Tagalog guards.
"While traveling from town to town our guards would not allow us to walk if it were possible for us to ride, and if they could get transportation no other way they would seize it. We have ridden Spanish mules, horses and caribaos, with and without saddles. We have been hauled in carts, on sledges and in carriages. When we would come to a river where there was no ferry, they would chase up a caribao, and we would cross the river on his back.
"I will briefly describe their mode of punishing prisoners. A thief they shoot, but other prisoners for petty crimes are not put in jail, being kept under guard and receiving every morning from 10 to 50 strokes of either a rawhide or rattan cane."
GREEN AND WHITE RECEPTION
Given by Mrs. N. H. Gillette in Honor of Guests.
Mrs. N. H. Gillette last night gave a very elaborate reception at her home, 20 West Court-st., Cortland, in honor of her guest, Mrs. Lucien C. Warner of New York. Three hundred fifty-one invitations had been issued and about 300 people were present during the evening.
Over the entrance to the house were two arches of evergreens illumined with incandescent lights. The interior decorations were all of green and white and the color idea was carried out in every detail including the costumes of the receiving ladies and the refreshments.
Mrs. Warner is chairman of the executive committee of Sorosis, the pioneer ladies' club of New York, and the hour from 8 to 9 o'clock was devoted exclusively to the reception of the members of the Ladies' Literary club and of the Fortnightly club of Cortland, with their husbands or escorts, the ladies all wearing knots of mulberry colored ribbon, the colors of Sorosis. Others came after 9 o'clock. The guests were cordially greeted by Mrs. Gillette, Mrs. Warner, and Mrs. C. S. Winters of Binghamton, who is Mrs. Gillette's sister.
Very elegant refreshments were served in the dining room which was presided over by Mrs. N. H. Waters assisted by Mrs. E. E. Ellis. Miss Mabel Brewer held the ribbons at the dining room door, and the following young ladies assisted in the serving: Misses Cora Winchell, Wilhelmina Newkirk, Grace Wallace, Florence Hubbard, Katherine Collins and Lola Strowbridge. A grotto filled with hemlock bows formed a pretty retreat from which delicious lemonade was dispensed by Mrs. H. B. Pomeroy and daughter Miss Dorothy of Syracuse. Charming music was provided throughout the evening by the Susan Tompkins harp orchestra.
At about 10 o'clock as a prelude to dancing there was a striking object lesson presented of the passage of the old year. Little Dorothy Gillette attired all in black and representing 1899 entered the parlor bearing a lighted candle. She was followed by her little cousin Mildred Winters of Binghamton attired in white who represented 1900. The latter had a candle which she lighted from the candle of 1899 and then with a single puff she extinguished the candle of the old year. Dancing then followed and was continued by those who desired for some time. The chill wintry weather outside was in marked contrast with the warmth of the hospitality within and a very pleasant evening was passed.
Among the guests from out of town were Dr. and Mrs. Lucien C. Warner of New York, Mrs. C. S. Winters and daughter Mildred of Binghamton; Dr. and Mrs. David Eugene Smith of Brockport, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Griggs of Jamestown, Mrs. A. F. Aird of Buffalo, Miss Lena R. Bowen of Orange, N. J., and Mr. A. L. Bouton of New York.
New Year's Reception.
The annual New Year's reception by the Young Men's Christian association will be held in the association rooms, Monday, Jan. 1, 1900. In addition to the reception the affair will this year partake of the nature of a gymnasium inspection. It will be "open house" all day and all members of the association and their friends are cordially invited at any hour. Special hours for reception will be as follows: From 2 to 3 P. M., boys; from 3 to 5 P. M., the ladies will receive and women are especially invited; from 7 to 10 the reception will be more particularly for men. In the evening there will be some special attractions in the new gymnasium.
In Honor of Guests.
Mr. Halsey M. Collins entertained a small party of friends at a 6 o'clock dinner at his home, 18 Clinton-ave., Cortland, last evening in honor of his guests Mr. John W. Lumbard of Greene and Mr. Dudley Wilcox of Canaseraga. The guests were Misses Anna Place, Grace Dunbar, Mabel Brewer, Anna O. Collins, and Messrs. John W. Lumbard, Dudley Wilcox and R. H. Miller.
Elaborate Dinner Party.
Mr. Mahlon Day Murphey gave a very elaborate dinner party on Thursday at 2 o'clock at The Kremlin to a number of his friends. A special menu was prepared which included all the delicacies of the season. The tables were set in the form of a Maltese cross and were tastefully adorned. After the dinner had been served the whole company repaired to Mr. Murphey's home on Port Watson-st., where a couple of hours were spent very delightfully in examining the artistic treasures which that gentleman possesses in such large numbers.
The guests included Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. F. Daehler, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. V. Elliott, Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Waters, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. MacDowell, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Parsons, Mrs. Julia F. Twiss, Mrs. Geo. P. Hollenbeck, Miss Marguerite Force, Misses Belle and Mary Atkinson and Miss Harriet Allen.
New Year's Turkey Dinner.
A turkey dinner will be served at the Homer-ave. M. E. church on New Year's day from 12 to 3 o'clock. Price, 25 cents. The following is the menu:
Death of George Allport.
Just before The STANDARD went to press word was received of the death of George Allport, the well known contractor and builder, which occurred at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Mr. Allport had not been in usual health for several weeks, but had not neglected any of his customary duties. He helped in the decorations at the Memorial Baptist church on Monday in preparation for the entertainment that night. He was taken ill Thursday evening but did not call a physician till yesterday morning when Dr. Reese was summoned. The doctor speedily discovered that the difficulty proceeded from ulceration of the bowels. He continued to grow worse and this morning Dr. Higgins was called in counsel. Perforation of the bowels had set in and death followed at 2 o'clock.
Mr. Allport was 43 years old and had always lived in Cortland and was respected by all who knew him as a thoroughly upright and honorable man. He was a first class carpenter and was always in demand. He was a member of the Memorial Baptist church and was an officer in the church. In politics he was a Prohibitionist. The news of his death will be a shock to many who did not even know that he was ill. He is survived by a wife and two daughters. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 2 o'clock.
Death of Abram Letts.
Abram Letts, a well-known farmer living 4 miles west of Cortland on what is known as the Gulf road, died at his home early this morning of old age, being in his eighty-second year. The funeral will be held from his late residence Monday at 11 A. M. Burial in West Homer cemetery.
Cortland Hospital.
The matron's report for November, 1899, is as follows:
No. of patients in hospital Nov. 1, 8.
No. of patients admitted during Nov., 10.
No. of patients discharged during Nov., 8.
No. of deaths during Nov., 1.
No. of patients remaining Dec., 10.
No. of operations in Nov., 8.
The Carriers' Greeting.
The STANDARD has issued a calendar this year as usual and on Monday the carrier boys will distribute them to all the people on their routes. The calendars are given to the carrier boys by the publishers and if they have been faithful in the delivering of their papers they will no doubt be very thankful of any little reminder which the subscriber may give them as an encouragement to be still more faithful.
Michigan Hill, Harford Township.
MICHIGAN HILL, HARFORD, Dec. 29.—Our school has had a recess of a week. The teacher, Miss O'Hearn, took this opportunity to change her name to Mrs. Clarence Smith.
Miss Katie Burcher visited her sister Mrs. George Seamans at Harford Mills the first of the week.
Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Mollet of Wattles district spent Christmas at G. S. Mollet's.
Mrs. [Dantz], Mrs. P. N. Decker and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Decker were in attendance at the Jayne-Rood wedding at Harford Mills on Wednesday evening of this week.
Mrs. Rhoda Tryon is caring for Mrs. Isaac Bliss at the Hay district.
A good many from the hill attended the Christmas exercises at each church at Harford Mills.
Watch Meeting.
Zion Mission will hold a watch meeting Sunday night in W. C. T. U. rooms from 9 to 12:15 o'clock. Preaching at 9 o'clock by Rev. Win. Parmiter: at 9:45, song service; at 10:15 class meeting; at 10:45, preaching by Rev. Geo. C. Smith, pastor; at 11:30, prayer meeting. All invited. Come and take part in the work. Pray for love, temperance and manhood in our town in 1900.
GEORGE C. SMITH, Pastor.
BREVITIES.
—Wish you a happy New Year.
—No paper on Monday, as it is New Year's day, and a legal holiday.
—A meeting of the A. O. H. will be held on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 3:30 P. M.
—There is urgent need at the hospital for great quantities of old muslin.
—The members of Grace church choir are asked to meet for practice to-night at 7:30 o'clock.
—The regular meeting of the hospital managers for January will be held at the hospital on Tuesday next, Jan. 2, at 3 o'clock.
—Let no one interested in the establishment of a canning factory in Cortland fail to be present at the meeting of business men at Fireman's hall to-night.
— New display advertisements to-day are—Bingham & Miller, A Happy New Year to all, page 8; Buck & Lane, Skates, page 8; McKinney & Doubleday, Souvenirs, page 6.
—A meeting of the Cortland Science club will be held this evening at 8 o'clock sharp at the Hatch library. Subject, "American Ethnology;" speaker, Rev. U. S. Milburn.
—Mrs. Willard Ives of Antwerp has given $40,000 to endow a professorship in Syracuse university, in memory of her husband. Mr. Ives in his life time gave $25,000 to the university.
—Paving assessments may be paid on Tuesday, Jan. 2, at the First National bank, but not after that day. One day of grace is thus given because the bank is closed on Jan. 1, a legal holiday.
—Monday is New Year's day and a legal holiday. The postoffice will be open from 7 to 10 A. M. and from 6 to 7 P. M. There will be one complete delivery by carriers. The money order department will be closed all day. The last mail closes at 7 P. M.
— The vocal recital given in the vocal department of the Conservatory of Music last night by the students of that department was well attended in spite of the cold weather and the numerous attractions about town. The program given was practically the same as printed in The STANDARD last evening.
BLOG NOTICE.
This is the last post of articles and news obtained from regional newspapers covering the Gaslight and Gilded Ages. It is fitting that it contains a reference to Mrs. N. H. Gillette, wife of the proprietor of the Gillette Skirt Co.
About the year 1905 Mr. Gillette employed a relative, Chester Gillette, at the skirt factory on Miller Street, Cortland, N. Y. The tragic story of Chester Gillette and Grace Brown followed.
There will be a hiatus while we consider another project for this blog. Meanwhile our readers may take advantage of the drop down menu by year and month, found on the right side of each post.
Thank you for your patronage—Cortland Contrarian.
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