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| Rear Admiral Winfield Scott Schley. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1901.
SCHLEY'S TURN NOW.
His Witnesses Will Now Appear Before Inquiry Court.
CAPTAIN COOK PRAISED SCHLEY.
Said, In Answer to Question, That He Had Always Regarded Him as an Enthusiastically Brave and Patriotic Officer—Other Witnesses Testify.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15.—Yesterday in the Schley court of inquiry Judge Advocate Lemly concluded presentation of testimony for the government and the first of Admiral Schley's witnesses was introduced. Captain Francis A. Cook, who commanded Admiral Schley's flagship, the Brooklyn, during the Santiago campaign, and who acted, though unofficially, in the capacity of chief of staff for the commodore, was on the witness stand the greater part of the day.
He was followed by Lieutenant Commander William F. Fullam, who was senior watch officer on the New Orleans during the Spanish war, and former Lieutenant Joseph Beale who, as an officer on the Harvard, translated the cipher dispatches between Commodore Schley and the navy department carried by that vessel. Among these dispatches was that sent by Commodore Schley May 28, expressing his regret at not being able to obey the orders of the department and explaining the reason why he could not do so. There are some verbal discrepancies between the original draft of this dispatch and the official print of it and these Mr. Beale explained.
Lieutenant Beale was the last of the government witnesses, although Captain Lemly explained that he would reserve the right to call others if reason should demand that he do so. He had no sooner retired than the first witness for Admiral Schley was called. This proved to be the Cuban pilot Edwardo Nunez, who told Schley on May 20, 1898, that he did not believe the Spanish fleet under Cervera was in the harbor at Santiago.
Captain Cook's testimony was a review of the entire campaign after [Admiral] Cervera's fleet beginning with the departure of the flying squadron from Key West, May 10, and concluding with the battle of Santiago, July 3.
He said that at first it had been believed by both Sampson and Schley that the Spanish fleet was in the harbor at Cienfuegos and that no information to the contrary having been conveyed to Commodore Schley until the arrival of Captain McCalla on May 24; that it was Commodore Schley's expectation to meet the Spaniards in the open sea and his constant care was to have coal enough for such emergency. He gave particulars concerning the retrograde movement and explained the Brooklyn loop in connection with a graphic account of the engagement of July 3.
"Brave and Patriotic Officer."
Asked for an opinion as to Admiral Schley's bearing as a commanding officer, he said: "I always regarded him as an enthusiastically brave and patriotic officer."
Lieutenant Commander W. F. Fullam, who was the senior watch officer on the New Orleans during the Santiago campaign, said the New Orleans had joined the flying squadron on May 30, finding the squadron lying about seven miles out. The distance of the line outside the harbor under Commodore Schley's command had been from six to eight miles and at night the vessels had steamed back and forth. He had heard of no orders except the order from the commander of the New Orleans to keep it always ready for action.
Describing the engagement with the Colon on May 31 he said that while the orders were to go in to within 7,000 yards of the Colon, the American vessels did not go nearer than 10,000 yards. All the shots fired, with one exception, had fallen short. The Colon was in sight for only two or three minutes at a time. The Colon and the shore batteries fired at the American ships, but no damage was done.
Referring again to the distance out of the blockading line at Santiago the witness said it was about the same at night as in the daytime and at night he could distinguish the mountains on shore, but that other objects could not be distinguished.
Mr. Beale was then called.
He had served as an officer on the Harvard. He detailed the meeting of the Harvard with the flying squadron on May 27 when that vessel carried dispatches to Commodore Schley from Mole St. Nicholas. There were five of these dispatches, which had come in cipher and which he had translated. One was from Admiral Sampson and the other four from Secretary Long. The last one from the secretary was received at Mole St. Nicholas at 8:30 a. m. May 26 and was the dispatch directing the commander of the Harvard to "proceed at once to inform Schley that all the department's information is that the Spaniards are at Santiago, etc." He read this dispatch and also one from Admiral Sampson saying that the Spaniards were at Santiago. Both these dispatches were, he said, delivered to the commanding officer of the Harvard by him.
Mr. Beale also said he had translated into cipher Commodore Schley's response to the dispatch of May 26. He explained the verbal changes in this message, saying they had been necessary because of the fact that the code book did not cover all forms of expressions used in ordinary English.
On cross examination Mr. Rayner questioned Mr. Beale about the dispatches. The witness said he had known nothing of the dispatches from the navy department after translating them and handing them to Captain Cotton of the Harvard.
Cuban Pilot Testifies.
Mr. Beale was the last of the government witnesses, and when he concluded Edward Nunez, the Cuban pilot, was called.
Nunes said that he first met Commodore Schley on May 26, having been taken to him by the St. Paul. The commodore, he said, had asked him if he knew of the presence of the Spanish fleet at Santiago. He replied that he doubted it, as he did not think the water was deep enough for vessels of such size. On June 1 he had gone on the Vixen to the Cuban coast with a message for General Calixto Garcia which he had delivered to Colonel Cebereco. Commodore Schley had sent him on this mission and he had been told by Cebereco that the Spanish fleet was in the harbor. This information, Nunez said, he had carried to Admiral Sampson under the direction of Commodore Schley.
Captain Parker then read a copy of the letter which the pilot said he had carried from Commodore Schley to the Cubans in which he suggested a code of signals similar to the code arranged by Captain McCalla at Cienfuegos. On cross-examination the witness said that Cerbereco had given him the names of the Spanish vessels inside the harbor. He gave the names of these vessels saying that they were given to him at that time by Cebereco.
The witness also said that prior to going ashore June 1 he had not seen the Colon. He had not seen that vessel, indeed, until July 3. He said that his reason- for thinking the vessels could not get into the harbor at Santiago was that such large vessels as those of the Spanish fleet had never before been seen there. He thought the harbor both too narrow and too shallow. He had expressed the opinion that unless they had "double machinery" (twin screws) they could not get in without the assistance of tugs. Nunez was then excused and the judge advocate was about to call Commander Mason when Admiral Dewey suggested the court should adjourn. Accordingly the court adjourned.
WANT TO SEE HIM DIE.
Thousands Ask Permission to See Czolgosz Executed.
NUMBER WILL BE LIMITED TO 26.
Stories That Assassin Is In Continual State of Collapse Are Denied—Knows He Must Die and Expresses No Fear—Many Letters and Express Parcels For Him.
ALBANY, Oct. 15.—Prison Superintendent Cornelius V. Collins will send a request to Secretary of State Hay to designate an official representative of the government to be present at the electrocution of Leon F. Czolgosz, the murderer of President McKinley. There will be but 26 witnesses in the chamber of death when the sentence of law is executed. Warden Mead of Auburn prison has sent to Superintendent Collins the requests he has received for permission to attend the electrocution, over 1,000 in all. The law will limit the number of witnesses and the superintendent will decide who the witnesses will be.
It was stated at the state department of prisons yesterday that statements to the effect that Czolgosz is in a continuous state of collapse and that he breaks down and weeps every time anything is said to him concerning the electrocution is false. Superintendent Collins had a talk with the condemned man some days ago and at that time he said he knew that he had to die. He expressed no fear as to the electrocution, but said that he would not care to go outside of the prison for he believed that the people would kill him.
Since his confinement at Auburn prison several thousand letters have been received for him at the prison as well as a large number of express packages containing flowers and fruit. Neither the letters nor the flowers nor the fruit have ever reached the condemned man.
The flowers and fruit it is learned have been sent by Christian societies, as have a number of letters consoling him in his last moments. Other letters have come from cranks who have written about the species of torture to which they would put him if they had the execution of justice in his case.
It is stated, however, that it would be a matter of surprise if the names of senders of fruit and flowers were made public. The state prison department has pursued a uniform policy in regard to Czolgosz. An effort has been made to prevent the murderer from gaining any notoriety while awaiting death and to surround him by as perfect an isolation from the world as possible.
PAGE FOUR—BRIEF EDITORIALS.
◘ The first conflict of authority between the civil and the military regimes at Manila has occurred. General Chaffee attempted to deport a civil employee who refused to obey certain orders from the commanding general. The supreme court issued a writ of habeas corpus. The military authorities declined to produce their prisoner in obedience to the writ, and the matter has been referred to Washington for settlement. The importance of the case lies in the fact that both General Chaffee and the Taft commission owe their official existence to the war power of the president. General Chaffee holds that his power is equal to that of the commission and that the supreme court has no right to interfere with him in what he considers the prosecution of his duties.
◘ Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt, who recently became a member of the New York national guard is, it is said, to be made a brigade adjutant. From which it appears that a good soldier rises rapidly in the state militia.
GOOD JOB ON A ROAD.
Commissioner Smith Repairing Highway Near the McGrawville Hill.
Highway Commissioner W. A. Smith of the town of Cortlandville is making needed improvements to the road near Walter Angell corners, between Cortland and McGrawville. For years the road just west of these corners has been in a deplorable condition, owing to beds of quicksand that made it almost impossible for teams to pass over the road at certain seasons of the year.
In the first place Mr. Smith has cut into the bank five feet and built a new bed for the sidepath, giving the extra room for the roadway. This was absolutely a necessity, as the road was not wide enough before to accommodate the street car line, the sidepath and the large amount of traffic that daily passes over the roadbed proper. The extra 5 feet, however, will afford a wide roadbed for vehicles to pass over, after room for the trolley line and the [bicycle] sidepath has been given.
Then, in order to get rid of the sink holes in the road at that place, Mr. Smith had the dirt of the roadbed all removed to a depth of from 2 to 3 feet, and then about 7,000 feet of old bridge planking and about 300 old railroad ties were thrown in and covered up. It is expected that this treatment will stop the trouble with the quicksand holes.
Mr. Smith states that in removing the dirt from the roadbed old horseshoes in large quantities were found, some of them as far down as the third plowing. These had evidently been pulled off of horses' feet, as they had wallowed through the deep mud for years past. Slate also from George Stevens' stone quarry was found deep down in the bed. These slate stones were put in the road many years ago for the purpose of helping to fill up the wet holes, and these had worked down to a considerable distance.
The town of Cortlandville had previously appropriated $250 for fixing the road at this place, but this was found to be insufficient for the work, and an additional $250 was appropriated at the meeting of the board Friday. The roadbed was taken up and fixed for a distance of 117 yards.
WARREN-TENNANT.
A Noon Wedding at the Bride's Home in Willet, N. Y.
Last Wednesday, Oct. 9, a very pretty noon wedding occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Tennant two and one-half miles west of Willet, when their younger daughter Susie May was united in marriage to Wellington Harmon Warren. At noon the bridal party marched to the strains of Mendelssohn's wedding march taking positions in the parlor under an arch of evergreens festooned with white ribbon, the background of which was a complete bed of ferns, with here and there a spray of autumn leaves.
Clayton Harrington of Cincinnatus acted as best man, and Miss Lucy A. C. Johnson maid of honor. The bride's sister furnished the music.
The bride wore a beautiful white dress of Persian lawn trimmed in liberty silk and battenberg lace with cream ribbon. White roses and buds adorned her hair and a bouquet was carried tied with white ribbon. The maid of honor wore a white dress with lace trimmings and carried variegated roses.
Rev. D. W. Sweetland of Coventry performed the ceremony. Many beautiful and useful presents were received, several of which arrived at a later date from friends afar. About fifty guests of the seventy-five invited were present.
An elaborate luncheon was served after which the happy couple departed for a trip to the Pan-American and Niagara Falls.
When the party were about to leave, they found their vehicle well decorated reminding one of a small museum, but as their time was limited, they did not try to investigate matters but quickly disappeared amid a shower of rice and a chorus of good wishes for their trip and future life.
Mr. and Mrs. Warren will be at their home after the 16th at Five Corners, Cincinnatus, N. Y.
Hospital Election.
The [Cortland] Hospital association held its adjourned annual meeting yesterday afternoon for the purpose of electing eight new members of the board of lady managers and electing an advisory board.
Mrs. B. H. Beard, Mrs. W. H. Crane, Mrs. D. W. Carr. Mrs. F. J. Doubleday, Mrs. S. N. Holden, Mrs. C. Hitchcock, Mrs. A. P. McGraw, Mrs. N. J. Peck, were elected members of the board of managers, and Messrs. F. E. Whitmore, H. S. Bliss, A. A. Carley, H. A. Dickinson, W. J. Greenman, N. H. Gillette, H. M. Kellogg, B. T. Wright, A. H. Winchell were elected as, and will constitute, the advisory board.
TIOUGHNIOGA CHAPTER.
Daughters of the American Revolution Held Regular Meeting.
Tioughnioga Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held its regular meeting yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. James Sherwood on Church-st., Cortland, and a very interesting program was given. The chapter is taking up the study of the early history of our own country.
At roll call each responded with a quotation on Native Lands. Mrs. W. A. Stockwell gave a very interesting paper on the "Hunt Family and Early Settlers." Dr. Japheth Hunt, then 83 years old, was the first white settler in this valley, coming from Hillsdale, Columbia Co., in 1794, and settled about a mile south of what is now the village of Marathon. Two years later his son John and his wife came, and to them the first white child was born in 1798. Dr. Japheth Hunt's daughter's son was father of the late Judge A. P. Smith.
Mrs. C. P. Walrad's paper on "Gospel Lands'' tells us that each township in the state of New York had a military tract especially set apart by legislature in 1782.
In February, 1789, by act of legislature provisions were made that in each township one lot should be given for promoting the spirit of the gospel and for public schools. The gospel and school lands of Cortland and Homer were situated just south of the old cotton factory or woolen mill.
The lease of this land was found in a strong box belonging to Mrs. Walrad's father, the lease dating back to 1818.
The chapter is making arrangements to offer a prize for the best historical essay written by pupils of the higher grades in the public schools.
The next meeting will be held with the Misses Conable on Port Watson-st., Nov. 11, at 4:30 P. M., instead of 3:30 as usual.
King's Daughters.
The King's Daughters are in great need of clothing in their local charity work. Garments of every description can be used, especially dresses, underwear, coats, hats or shoes to enable children to attend the public schools. Any one having such articles to donate kindly notify our superintendent at 29 Greenbush-st., and parties will call for same.
Preparing for Winter.
The Cortland Garbage Reduction company is making extensive preparations for keeping its large number of pigs on the farm a mile west of the city, in a comfortable condition during the winter. A large building 20 by 56 feet is being erected, and this will be divided into twelve pens, each 8 by 10 feet in dimension. A large 10 by 10 feet work and feed room will be arranged, and cement floors and troughs will be provided throughout. A system of pipes will run water to every pen in the building. The building will house seventy-five porkers in an up-to-date and improved manner.
Some Real Estate Changes.
L. M. Loope, real estate agent, in conversation with a STANDARD representative at his office today told of the following real estate transfers of recent date that were affected through him:
Roswell S. Randall, Norwich, to John McAllister, DeRuyter, property at 116 Elm-st.
Exchanged, Miles J. Peck, the property at 28 Elm-st., with E. H. Richards, property at 14 South Franklin-st.
Mrs. Fred B. Corey, Schenectady, N.Y., to Walter A. Moore, Cortland, property at 29 Cleveland-st.
Helen Runyan, property at 78 Groton-ave. to Benjamin Teed, Homer, N. Y.
LeRoy Hopkins, New York, property at 19 Arthur-ave. to John E. Gladding.
Almon H. Sanders, as administrator, property at 20 West Court-st., to N. H. Gillette.
In the first two transfers noted, deeds have been given; in the others only two contracts have been signed.
BREVITIES.
—The Fortnightly club will meet tomorrow afternoon at the home of Mrs. H. L. Smith, Prospect-st.
—More than 1,000 requests have been received by the officials of Auburn prison to witness the execution of Czolgosz Oct. 28.
—An Ithaca thief stole an overcoat from a dummy in front of one of the clothing stores in that city Saturday evening.
—Mr. W. J. Spaulding leaves tonight for the Pan-American. During his absence Mr. Lee Greenman will take charge of the milk route.
—The funeral of Arthur Pickert will be held at the home of his mother, 156 South Main-st., tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.
—The Knights of Columbus will give a progressive euchre party in their rooms Wednesday evening to the members of the club and their lady friends.
—Mr. James Lillis of Tully, father of Mr. Richard F. Lillis of Burgess' clothing store, died at his home last Friday. The funeral was held yesterday at Tully.
—Elon encampment No. 59 will confer the patriarchal degree at their regular meeting tomorrow night, after which a smoker will be held. All patriarchs are invited.
—Mark Twain has declined regretfully to take the stump for Seth Low in the mayoralty campaign in New York because, he says, he cannot persuade folks to take him seriously.
—Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mason and daughter Alma have gone to Montclair, N. J., to attend the funeral of Mrs. Mason's sister, Mrs. Lane, who died in that city on Sunday.
—The regular meeting of the Order United American Mechanics will be held in their rooms Wednesday evening, Oct. 16, at 7:30. Business of importance will come before the meeting, and all members will try and be present,
—New display advertisements today are: M. A. Case, $15 Suits, page 6; W. W. Bennett, The Kelsey warm air generators, page 6; City Steam laundry, Have you a shirt, page 5; L. R. Hopkins, Palms, page 6.
—Norwich is planning for a big day Wednesday. The annual inspection and field day of the fire department occurs then and Governor Odell has accepted an invitation to be present as the guest of the village and make an address.
—A parsnip 3 ft. 4 1/2 in. in length, grown in the vegetable gardens of W. L. Bean, McGraw, N. Y., was brought to the STANDARD office today. The edible spindle shaped biennial was exceedingly spare in its dimension as to thickness, but what it lacked in this respect is certainly made up in length.
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