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| General Adna Chaffee. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, September 26, 1900.
WITHDRAWAL ORDERED.
Chaffee Instructed to Reduce American Forces In China.
GRACEFUL EXIT FROM TANGLE.
Troops Will Be Removed to Philippines, Leaving Enough to Guard Legation, But These Will Take No Part In Military Operations With Allies.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26.—The United States government yesterday took the first step toward the redemption of its pledge made to the Russian government Aug. 28 last, by cabling instructions to General Chaffee to reduce the American forces in China to the proportions of a legation guard. Nearly a month ago the Russian government was told through M. De Vollant, its charge here, that if the Russian forces and ministry were withdrawn from Pekin "we shall give instructions to the commander of the American forces in China to withdraw our forces from Pekin, after due conference with other commanders as to time and manner of withdrawal."
That time has come, and yesterday's action marks the beginning of the disappearance of the American army from China, for although some military force is to remain, it will not be of the character of an army, but under the conditions laid down in the order to General Chaffee, and especially under its official designation as a "legation guard" will be rather of the nature of a civil guard. This small force will not be included in any military operations which may be conducted by the allied armies, and so will not fall subjects to the direction of Field Marshall Count Von Waldersee, the commander-in-chief.
Much thought has been given to the proper number of troops to be allotted for this purpose, and it is believed that the 1,400 men selected will be quite sufficient to protect the American legation against any force that could be brought against it. It is noteworthy, too, that the most complete arrangements have been ordered for the maintenance of the men, while care has been taken that there shall not be a shortage of ammunition as there was in the British legation during the siege. It is estimated that about a week will be required to bring the 3,500 soldiers away from Pekin, but the start cannot be made immediately and it will be at least at the end of the first week in October before the movement can be completed.
It is stated at the quartermaster's department that there are enough transports available to bring off the force which will come out of China. Three or four vessels will be at Taku by the time the troops are ready to move. Besides the transports for the men, a number of animal ships will take away the horses and mules which will not be needed in China. General Chaffee is authorized to take from the ships [not at] Taku such stores as will be necessary to last him through the winter.
AUTOMOBILES IN WAR.
Successful on French Field But Would Not Be Here
PARIS, Sept. 26.—Major J. B. Mott, U. S. A., who represented the United States at the recent French maneuvres, is preparing his report to the war department. He said to a representative of the press:
"The maneuvres proved extremely interesting and instructive. From several points of view the extensive use of the auto cars was a most striking innovation and the results attained have fully justified the claim for their practicable utility in European warfare. They did excellent work, enabling the generals and their messengers to cover great distances in a few hours.
"Auto-traction cars, moreover, facilitated the task of the commissariat department immensely, each drawing six or seven cars heavily laden with provisions. They have undoubtedly come to stay.
"I, however, examined this question of military automobiles from the American standpoint, and, while fully appreciating the enormous service they render to the armies of Europe where the highways are level and well built and the distances comparatively small, I do not believe they would be of sufficient value on the rough American roads and over enormous tracts of country, as in the United States, to justify the heavy expense of their introduction and maintenance in the American army. Our needs differ considerably from those of the European countries. The latter must always prepare for possible war on their own soil and these conditions favor the use of auto cars, while the possibility of hostilities within the United States are remote and their utility is highly problematical.
"Another feature of the maneuvers which much impressed me was the new artillery. The latest French cannon is undoubtedly a most efficient weapon and involves a new method of working, which is a vast improvement on the old style. The French artillerymen know their business, too, and their prompt and effective maneuvering, combined with rapid serving of the gun, is simply admirable."
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| Carl Schurz. |
PAGE TWO—EDITORIAL.
Carl Schurz at His Old Tricks Again.
Some stress has been given to the fact that Mr. Carl Schurz, who opposed Bryan in 1896, has this fall come to his support in order that he may more effectually oppose President McKinley whom he supported four years ago. He thus withdraws his opposition to a debased currency which he declared during the last campaign would work ruin to business and be destructive to labor. He tries to excuse his treason to labor and the business interests of the country upon the flimsy plea that a Republican congress could prevent Mr. Bryan from doing the harm be would like to do in breaking down the gold standard. He ignores the probable fact that the same vote and the same states which would give Mr. Bryan his election would also result in a Bryan congress.
He abuses McKinley because his administration has not suited him. But this is nothing new on the part of Mr. Schurz. He never yet supported an administration through its term which he had helped to elect. He is simply at his old tricks again. As long ago as when the lamented Lincoln was president he was a thorn in his side. Mr. Lincoln was induced to appoint Mr. Schurz a general in the army in the civil war, and he made a conspicuous failure. He was in the habit at that time of writing long letters to Lincoln, each of which contained "a piece of his mind." He criticized his brother officers, he found fault with the policy of his commander-in-chief, and in 1864 he conspired to defeat the renomination for the presidency of Lincoln himself, upon whose character he has since uttered so many eulogies.
In November, 1862, the elections went against the party of Lincoln, and General Schurz immediately wrote a letter on the subject. Lincoln's reply to that letter is said to have been the sharpest rebuke he ever administered in writing to any man:
General Carl Schurz:
MY DEAR SIR: I have just received your letter of the 20th. The purport of it is that we lost the late elections and the administration is failing because the war is unsuccessful, and that I must not flatter myself that I am not justly to blame for it.
I certainly know that if the war fails the administration fails, and that I will be blamed for it whether I deserve it or not. And I ought to be blamed if I could do better; therefore you blame me already. I think I could not do better; therefore I blame you for blaming me. I understand you now to be willing to accept the help of men who are not Republicans, provided they have "heart in it." Agreed. I want no others.
But who is to be the judge of hearts or of "heart in it?" If I must discard my own judgment and take yours, I must also take that of others; and by the time I should reject all I should be advised to reject I should have none left—Republicans or others—not even yourself. For be assured, my dear sir, there are men who have "heart in it" that think you are performing your part as poorly as you think I am performing mine.
A. LINCOLN.
If Mr. Lincoln, with all his burdens and perplexities could not escape the captious criticisms and vindictive opposition of Mr. Schurz, how could any other president hope to be free from his venom and rancor? In Mr. Lincoln's case as we have said above he finally went into a fierce opposition to his reelection just as he now opposes the second election of Mr. McKinley. Four years ago he denounced Mr. Bryan. Now he viciously assails Mr. McKinley. He could not control the martyr president and he turned against him. He has failed to coerce Mr. McKinley and, Schurz-like, he goes over to the enemy. He became a terror to Mr. Lincoln and his cabinet and Secretary Stanton had finally to refuse him leave of absence to come to Washington to make complaint in person. Mr. Bryan is welcome to his support this year. He is that kind of man whose hand is against everybody and everybody's hand is against him.
Member of the Light Brigade.
NEW YORK, Sept. 26.—Alexander Huston, bugler of the first section of the light brigade which made the famous charge upon the Russian guns at the Crimean battle of Balaklava on Oct. 25, 1854, was buried yesterday at Maspeth, L. I. He was 89 years old.
Howard Found Guilty.
FRANKFORT, Ky., Sept. 26.—James Howard has been found guilty of being a principal in the assassination of Governor Goebel. A verdict was returned shortly before 10 o'clock this morning and entailed a death sentence.
RUSSIA AND CHINA.
HOW THE BEAR WATCHES THE DRAGON ALONG THE FRONTIER.
Vladivostok as a Viewpoint—A City That Narrowly Escapes Greatness. Climatic Conditions Forbidding Even to Rugged Russians.
Vladivostok means "ruler of the east," and Russia intends to demonstrate that the place is not misnamed. It is originally the terminus of the great Siberian railway and is the position from which Russia will watch China. Vladivostok is on the forty-third degree of latitude north, which is about the position of Florence and not far from the latitude of New York, but the climatic conditions are different. During nearly the whole summer the coast line is veiled in fog. In September the sun attains its fullest power and shines brilliantly until the end of October. The summer temperature is greatly affected by the fog. In winter the thermometer falls to 22 degrees below zero F.
The Russians wanted to build up a great trading port in Vladivostok, so of course they reserved the quay for the vessels of the so called "volunteer fleet," called into being after the last Russo-Turkish war. Merchant vessels were compelled to anchor in the offing, and naval authorities and customs officials refused to encourage trade. For a long time neither the town nor commercial firms were able to obtain the requisite site for landing their goods, and so late as 1894 passengers were landed in flat Chinese boats.
The society of Vladivostok is not the best. Bands of convicts employed in making the railroad used to escape in great numbers. These found a hiding place in Vladivostok, and neither life nor property was respected by them. When night fell, the townspeople were in the habit of barricading their houses and of firing guns from their windows to warn marauders that the inmates were armed.
THOSE FORGED CHECKS.
Earl W. Smith Waives Examination to Await Action of Grand Jury.
The young man arrested yesterday afternoon by Sheriff Brainard for attempting to pass upon two business men of Cortland checks which were believed to be forged was Earl W. Smith, a papermaker, living at 41 Hubbard-st., Cortland, and until quite recently employed at the works of the Wallace wallpaper factory on Elm-st. He was put through a rigid examination yesterday afternoon by Sheriff Brainard and District Attorney Edwin Duffey and made some damaging statements. Before the close of the examination Smith made an affidavit implicating one B. L. Cooper of Pitcher. Samples of Smith's writing were obtained and were found to correspond to a marked degree with the writing upon the checks. Smith was also asked to write some specimens and these also had marks of similarity to the forgeries.
Upon the affidavit made by Smith a warrant was sworn out for the arrest of Cooper and he was arrested last evening by Constable Meritt Duval of Cincinnatus and brought to Cortland. This morning Smith told an entirely different story from the one he gave the officers yesterday afternoon and claimed that Cooper was in no way connected with the matter. Cooper was put through an examination and was asked for specimens of his writing which he readily gave. Both were arraigned before Justice of Peace Howard J. Harrington this afternoon. Smith waived examination and was committed to jail to await the action of the grand jury. Cooper pleaded not guilty and his bail was fixed at $500 for his appearance at an examination set down for 10 o'clock Thursday morning, his father, Robert Cooper of Pitcher, going on his bond.
A Bunch of Heather.
Mr. James Grant, 107 Homer-ave., has received from his brother, Mr. John Grant of Glasgow, Scotland, a bunch of heather which was picked by him while with his family in the highlands of Scotland, during what is called by them the holiday season, corresponding with what is here generally known as the summer vacation. The dainty pinks stood their long journey well and look as though just plucked from their highland haunts.
Funeral of Mrs. Ballard.
The funeral of Mrs. Horatio Ballard will be held at her late home on Court-st. to-morrow (Thursday) afternoon at 4 o'clock. A telegram was received by Mr. A. W. Edgcomb this afternoon announcing the fact that Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Ballard, who were on their way home from Europe, landed in New York at 1 o'clock to-day and would arrive in Cortland on the 11:33 train to-night.
HE WAS NEARLY DROWNED.
Mother Tries to Save her Son and Finds Herself in Perilous Condition.
Mrs. Sarah E. Benton, who with her two sons, aged 9 and 4 years, lives at 149 South Main-st. and attends the Normal school, had an exciting experience at the Wickwire reservoirs Monday afternoon. She had taken her youngest son Millard with her to the Wickwire yards and was busy in gathering toad flax for her botanical studies while the little fellow interested himself in playing near by her. Mrs. Benton had become absorbed in her work of getting as perfect specimens as possible for her herbarium when she heard a faint cry. Looking up from her work and not seeing the little fellow anywhere about, she at once thought he had fallen into the water in one of the reservoirs which is about three feet below the level of the ground around it. Running quickly to this, Mrs. Benton was unable to see the child in the water which was somewhat roily but bubbles arising to the surface appealed to the mother's heart, and seeing a crude raft near by the place where air was rising she sprang for this, thinking that she might give assistance from this. The raft, however, shot out from under her and she was left almost powerless in the water. Her cries for help before leaping into the water had attracted the attention of several wire weavers who were working in the building nearby and these came to the rescue. Mrs. Benton says that it seemed hardly possible that help could reach her so soon. She was taken out of the water but little the worse for her ducking and the little boy, who was nearly unconscious, was also rescued and was quickly relieved of the superfluous water he had swallowed and was soon able to walk home.
Mrs. Benton feels very grateful to those who were so prompt in coming to her rescue. The water is only three feet deep in the reservoir but she had slid off the raft that she had jumped for and had struck on her back and was unable to regain her footing.
About a year ago the same boy came near being drowned in the Tioughnioga river while playing along the bank. At that time he was rescued by a young man by the name of Garlick.
Condemnation Proceeding.
A condemnation proceeding was started Monday by the Home Telephone Co. in the special term of supreme court now in session at Binghamton against the property along the east side of South Main-st., the south side of Port Watson-st. and for some distance along the west side of Pendleton-st. A hearing will be given next Tuesday.
BREVITIES.
—Cortland Chapter, No. 194, R. A. M., will hold a regular convocation this evening.
—Mr. W. W. Hout of the Cortland Specialty Co., will address the members of the A. O. U. M. to-night at their rooms in the Burgess block.
—Another invoice of a thousand McKinley and Roosevelt buttons has been received and the buttons are being distributed from the Republican headquarters.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Glann & Clark, Fall opening of shoes, page 6; Opera House, "A Bell Boy," page 5; J. W. Cudworth, Optical talks, page 3 .
—The Normal football team has scheduled games for three weeks as follows: Sept. 29, Hamilton college at Clinton; Oct. 6, Colgate university at Hamilton; Oct. 13, Rochester university at Cortland.
—Howard C. Benham of Batavia recently acquitted of the murder of his wife after spending several years in prison and being tried three times and convicted twice, has became a drummer and gone on the road for a Cleveland wall paper company.
HOMER, N. Y.
Gleanings of News from our Twin City.
HOMER, Sept, 26.—At 12:45 o'clock this afternoon fire was discovered in the hedges at the Schermerhorn place on Main-st. These hedges run from Main-st., clear through the property to Cortland-st., and the fire started about midway between the two streets. The wind was blowing from the west and drawing the fire directly toward the house. An alarm of fire was sounded and the department called out. Hose company No. 1 succeeded in getting first water. No damage was done except to the hedges, of which about 600 feet were burned.
McGRAW.
Breezy Items of Corset City Chat.
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Fancher and son Erskine of New York, who have been spending the summer in the Adirondacks, are visiting Dr. and Mrs. H. C. Hendrick.
Miss Alice Rathbun of "The Hillside," Lower Cincinnatus, has been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Luell Harvey for a few days.
M. W. Dutcher, Lehigh Valley agent at McLean, formerly United States express agent here, has been the guest of Dr. and Mrs. F. H. Forshee.
G. L. Marks has "swapped" his fine bay for a trotter with Lewis Rood. Mr. Marks gave $1 boot.
Mrs. Charles F. Grey, Mrs. H. T. Scoville and Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Grey of Chicago, Ill., were guests of Mrs. D. L. Maine last week. The two former were daughters of Deacon Asher Graves, one of the pioneers of this section and the one who built the residence now owned by Maine and the old tannery, where he not only tanned hides, but made them into boots and shoes. Mr. Graves owned nearly all of Church Heights and gave the land where the two churches stand and where the old cemetery is located in their rear. They visited this disgrace [old cemetery] to our village and like all strangers our people fell considerably in their eyes upon seeing its condition. The only attention this berry and alder patch, where many relatives of people living in our midst, to say nothing of the old pioneer families, are buried, has received in years has been the annual cutting of the brush under the direction of the late Hon. P. H. McGraw and later by A. P. McGraw at his own expense. It would seem as if a little public pride would be a good thing in this case.
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