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| Major General Arthur MacArthur, Jr. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, December 24, 1900.
AFFAIRS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Report on General Conditions in the Islands.
CURRENCY QUESTION A HARD ONE.
Use of American and Mexican Dollars Causes Confusion—Judicial Department Has Given General Satisfaction—Change In Mining Laws Necessary.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.—The war department has made public a series of reports made to General MacArthur by the subordinate officers constituting the heads of the various bureaus and departments which have administered the civil affairs of the Philippine islands during the last year. These are closely, but sufficiently summarized, in the report of Lieutenant Colonel Crowder, Thirty-ninth infantry, secretary to the military governor.
Under the head of the treasury department, it is said that the problem of securing a stable currency has never approached a definite solution in the islands, though it had not been pressed for immediate settlement until very recently when United States and Mexican dollars were for a few days evenly exchanged. This was terminated by a provisional order whereby the government arranged to reimburse the banks for any losses they might sustain through paying out Mexican silver for United States currency from disbursing officers and trade. Doubt is expressed, however, as to the desirability of continuing this arrangement.
Attention is directed to the marked increase in the customs receipts under American management. This is explained in part by the fact that formerly a large part of the imports came from Spain and paid no duties. Also the American system of collection is said to tend to honest collections. The new tariff adopted for the island is set out in detail. In almost every case specific duties are fixed following the established system in the islands which it was believed to be dangerous to change to the ad valorem system.
The extension of the United States emigration laws to the island without substantial change to meet the local conditions is said to have proven of doubtful expediency, and especially so with regard to the contract labor law. It is essential, says the report, for the mercantile interests to secure employees from abroad under contract, else business will suffer. These laborers do not come into competition with the native residents. More than 25,000 Chinese entered and left the islands last year. Only one ninth of the land in the archipelago has been brought under cultivation and there is no land tax.
Regarding the judicial department it early was found to be necessary to provide a system which would be divested of those harsh and oppressive features so much in conflict with American standards. It was impossible for lack of time to supply an entirely new system, so some changes regarded as indispensable were made by a general order. It appears that the operations of the law as thus qualified have been satisfactory in securing the defendants in criminal cases the fundamental rights of Anglo-Saxon criminal law. The writ of habeas corpus has been frequently invoked and under its speedy operation nearly 100 prisoners, the heritage of Spanish regime, have been liberated from unwarranted detention.
Colonel Crowder thoroughly endorses the recommendation of Lieutenant Burritt, in charge of the mining bureau, looking to a thorough change in the mining laws. He says that they are extremely cumbersome and once they are brought up to American standards, the mineral condition of the country soon will be enormously improved, as experienced prospectors and competent mining engineers now in the islands stand ready to undertake the work of exploitation.
Colonel Crowder closes with a summary of the report of General J. F. Smith, military governor of Negros, showing that this island, which has under the entire period of American control, a substantially autonomous form of government, has progressed in marked and favorable contrast with the other islands. The attitude of the people is highly favorable towards the United States, and the largely autonomous government which they now enjoy seems to be their fitting reward, and the people are naturally desirous that it should be continued. But it will be impossible to discriminate in favor of Negros, the report says, in the scheme of government to be ultimately adopted, so that complications are expected, not easy of adjustment.
Lord Kitchener.
BOER RAIDS CHECKED.
British Said to Have Stopped Invasion of Cape Colony.
BURGHERS OCCUPY BRITSTOWN.
Central French Has Been In Contact With Delarey's Force For Two Days and Is Pursuing the Boers—Clements Gets Reinforcements at Oliphants Nek.
LONDON, Dec. 24.—The war office has received the following dispatch from Lord Kitchener, dated Pretoria, Dec. 22:
"So far as it is possible for me to form an opinion from the reports of officers on the spot, I think the Boer movement into Cape Colony has been checked. Of the two forces that entered the Colony, the eastern is still north of the Zoutpansberg range, while the one that entered west appears to have been turned in the direction of Britstown and Prieska. Our troops are getting around both bodies and a special column is also being organized which will be dispatched immediately when I know where its services are most wanted.
"The Boers have not received much assistance in Cape Colony, so far as my information goes. We have armed some of the colonists who are assisting our forces. Railway and telegraph communication has been much interrupted by the very bad weather.
"Dewet is in the neighborhood of Senekal. General French, in conjunction with General Clements, attacked a force under Beyers, south of the Magaliesberg. The Boers broke away in a southwesterly direction towards Potchiefstroom, and were followed by General Gordon with a column of French's troops.
"Yesterday evening about 5 o'clock Clements' force was engaged south of Oliphants Nek but I don't yet know the result."
A later dispatch from Lord Kitchener dated Pretoria, Dec. 22, says:
"The western column of Boers occupied Britstown and cut the railway south of DeAar junction. The enemy is being followed up.
"General French has been in contact for two days with the commandos of Beyers and Delarey, south of the Magaliesberg. He is pursuing them. The enemy have lost considerably and Commandant Kreuz and others have been captured.
"General Colville engaged two separate commandos Dec. 21, near Vlakfontein, with a light loss, the enemy retiring."
FUNERAL OF DORR C. SMITH
Held at the Cortland House and Largely Attended.
The funeral of Mr. Dorr C. Smith, who died last Thursday, was held at 2 o'clock in the private parlors of the Cortland House to-day, and was very largely attended.
The fire department was represented by a large delegation from each of the companies, which met at Fireman's hall at 1:30 o'clock and marched to the Cortland House. The board of engineers, represented by Chief H. P. Davis, Second Assistant E. N. Sherwood, Secretary Eugene M. Eastman, Treasurer S. S. Horton and Representatives F. G. Christenat, M. B. Crane and D. F. Waters, led the companies, followed by the Orris Hose company of which Mr. Smith was a member, the Water Witch Steamer and Hose company, the Hook and Ladder company, the Emerald Hose company and the Hitchcock Hose company.
The Cortland County Bar association was represented by about forty members and occupied the corridor next to the private parlor where the casket rested. A male quartet made up of Messrs. G. O. Bowen, F. Daehler, C. F. Brown, and J. G. Osgood sang two selections. Rev. W. W. Way of Grace church read the Episcopal service. A large number of beautiful floral designs rested on and near the casket. The bearers were Messrs. O. U. Kellogg, Henry A. Dickinson, J. E. Eggleston, Jas. D. Sherwood, C. S. Strowbridge and J. S. Bull.
A large number of hacks, with the fire department on foot as an escort, followed the remains to the Cortland Rural cemetery, where Rev. W. W. Way read the commitment service.
THE POULTRY SHOW.
General Summary of the Exhibits and Prize Winners.
There were 784 birds exhibited in the poultry show last week and 104 Belgian hares. As usual the Plymouth Rock class was the largest in the show, 184 birds divided as follows: Barred, sixty; buff, thirty-one; and white ninety-three. Of the Wyandottes there were ninety-one; leghorns, 133; Minorcas, forty-five and most of the other classes were represented by numbers varying from one to twenty.
The hottest competition in the show was for the White Rock silver cup, which brought out one of the finest classes ever seen together. The Barred Rock class was also exceedingly warm; Mrs. Monroe had it pretty much all her own way in the Black Minorca class, but showed some very fine birds. In the Buff Rocks Henry Trafford divided the honors with Al Smith of Homer; in the Wyandottes there was some heart burnings, the famous $2,500 pullet having to be satisfied with second place; but so far as we can learn this is the only visible disappointment in the show; in fact the general satisfaction among the exhibitors was one of the features of the show and speaks well for the class of men [Mrs. Monroe?] who exhibited. This was especially noticeable in the White Rock class. Here at least six men made large exhibits that were fit to win almost anywhere and the interest was at fever heat until after the ribbons were placed; when it all subsided and not a word of complaint was heard from any one.
The association will be a little behind financially, but not so much so as they expected to be and every dollar will be paid. This was its first show and the members determined to make it a record breaker even though the awards had to be a little out of proportion to the entry fees and the result is perfectly satisfactory to them. After hearing the expressions of the competitors in this show their only worriment now is where to find a hall large enough for next year's show.
In Bantams, G. Archie Turner scooped everything except where he ran up against J. F. Kirkpatrick of Easton, Pa., who won everything in Black and Buff Cochin Bantams. Mrs. R. D. Button of Cottons won everything except two firsts in her classes of water fowls, and Mantanye & Betts of Cortland carried off the pigeon blue ribbons. Arnold Ladd of McLean showed two pairs of mammoth bronze turkeys that were a center of attraction. Either pair is fit to win in any company. Secretary Santee bought one pair of them for his Brookside poultry farm.
In old Belgians John Moss of Preble won first pair, first buck and first doe. R. H. Newcomb of Homer won second pair, second buck, fourth and fifth doe. Mrs. F. H. Cummings of Preble won four and five buck and three doe. J. J. Cummings won three buck and two doe. In young Belgians J. J. Cummings won one pair, two buck and three and four doe. R. H. Newcomb, one, three and four buck. Mrs. F. H. Cummings, two pair five buck, two and five doe.
In the special winners, Basil D. Miller won the White Rock club, $50 silver cup; Irving F. Rice the State society $50 cup; Schwab Bros., the Barred Rock club cup, and the Clark & Santee cup; L. J. Brundage the Postmaster Brown cup; F. B. Lampman, the President Greenman cup; J. M. Lotridge, the Mayor Holden cup.
At the meeting of the New York State society the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
President—D. Lincoln Orr, Orr's Mills, N. Y.
Vice-Presidents—Mrs. Geo. E. Monroe, Dryden and Irving F. Rice, Cortland.
Secretary and Treasurer—Dr. E. M. Santee, Cortland.
A resolution was also passed referring the resolution relating to the recommendation of qualified judges, recently passed by the State Breeders' association, to the judges' committee of the New York State Poultry Institute.
Owing to the pressure of other matter it has been found impossible to print to-day the remainder of the list of premiums awarded at the recent poultry exhibition, as the list is a long one. They will probably appear on Wednesday.
Railroads in the Schools.
In many of the schools in the United States as well as in England, Scotland and Wales, practical geography is being taught upon entirely new lines. It has been found that the study of railroads in connection with the study of geography makes a very interesting subject; and naturally the New York Central comes in for its share of these exercises. A few questions and answers will illustrate this new method in education.
Question—Which is the great through passenger system of railways of the United States?
Answer—The New York Central lines.
Question—Why?
Answer— Because they begin at New York and Boston, and passing through the centers of population and gateways of commerce—such as Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, Columbus and Indianapolis—they reach Pittsburg, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Chicago.
Question—Why is the New York Central System called "The Great Transcontinental Route?"
Answer—Because it begins at the Atlantic ocean, and connecting with the Canadian Pacific on the north, the Southern Pacific on the south, and through Cincinnati, St. Louis or Chicago, with every intermediate line across the continent to the Pacific ocean, it forms a part of every transcontinental line.
Question—What are the names and what is the mileage of the New York Central Lines of railway?
Answer—
"South Before the War."
Probably one of the truest pictures of southern darkey life now presented on the stage is Harry Martell's ''South Before the War" which will occupy the stage of the Cortland Opera House next Saturday, matinee and night. It is thoroughly realistic and should be enjoyed by those who delight in old southern plantation festivities. The old time darkey is truly depicted, his sorrows, his joys, his love and his merry-making. Through it all there runs a story of deep romantic interest and the whole is intensely picturesque and enjoyable. The play is presented with a strong cast of capable players and during its action a host of specialties are introduced, fully in keeping with the spirit of the drama. The dancing, the cake walk, the landing of the steamboat and the camp meeting are striking triumphs of realistic stage art. While most of the company, to the number of fifty or more, are composed of colored people all of the leading parts are played by competent while artists.
SUICIDE AT ITHACA.
President of the Ithaca Paper Co. Hung Himself.
Andrew Watts, president of the Ithaca paper mills, committed suicide by hanging himself in his manufactory Saturday afternoon. He accomplished his purpose by fastening a piece of broom cord to a beam in the attic of the factory.
He probably committed the deed when his employees were absent at dinner but a searching party did not discover his body till late in the evening. He had not been in good health lately having had serious illness in his family and, it is believed, was temporally insane when he committed the deed.
Mr. Watts was a resident of York, Pa., and was 65 years old. He lived with his daughter, when attending to his duties here.
BREVITIES.
—"Wish you a Merry Christmas."
—The ladies of Ithaca cleared $512 from a rummage sale last week.
—To-morrow being Christmas day no paper will be issued from the office. Full news of the two days on Wednesday.
—There will be a meeting of the Sacred Literature club of the First Baptist church Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock in the church parlors.
—New display advertisements to-day are—A. S. Burgess, Merry Christmas, page 8; Opera House, "The South Before the War," page 5.
—The poultry show exhibits were let loose this morning and a grand procession toward the railroad stations has been kept up during the day.
—It looks almost as though it would be a green Christmas. From 12 degrees below zero ten days ago to the present mild day is a marked change.
—A study of the Christmas windows at all the business places in the city would well repay one. They are unusually artistic and beautiful this year.
—The Clover club held a most delightful party for the entertainment of friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Ellis, 93 North Main-st., last Saturday night.
—Mrs. Silas-Schermerhorn, 20 Maple-ave., this morning picked a full size and full bloom pansy from her pansy bed in her yard. A few weeks ago she picked a whole handful. Pansies grown out of doors for Christmas is unusual in this climate.
—Portland is the new station on the Lehigh Valley R. R. six miles north of Ithaca on the Cayuga lake division. It marks the location of the new Portland cement works. Here is another opportunity for confusion between Cortland and Portland.
—Over 600 students were taken out of Ithaca on the two special Lehigh trains yesterday. One ticket was sold for over one thousand dollars. It will take the fifty members of the Cornell Glee, Mandolin and Banjo clubs on their round trip that will end one week from to-morrow morning.—Ithaca Journal Saturday.
—The beautiful appearance of the planet Jupiter just above the horizon in the southeast shortly before daylight is strongly suggestive of the star in the east at this Christmas season. It was remarkably brilliant in the clear sky this morning.
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