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| Rear Admiral Winfield Scott Schley. |
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| USS Brooklyn. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 1901.
SCHLEY NOT A COWARD.
Witnesses Tell of His Bravery In Action.
ALWAYS IN EXPOSED POSITIONS.
Highly Complimentary Testimony Before Inquiry Court—Schley's First Report of Battle Ruled Out—Commander Beers Describes the Battle of July 3.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16.—Only one new witness was heard in detail by the Schley court of inquiry yesterday. This was Lieutenant Commander James H. Sears, who was Admiral Schley's flag lieutenant during the Spanish war. He gave a detailed account of the entire Cuban campaign. He placed the distance out of the blockading line at Cienfuegos at from one to four miles and at Santiago at from three to six miles. He expressed the opinion that in the battle of July 3 it had been the Viscaya's intention to ram the Brooklyn.
Mr. Rayner sought to secure the introduction of a brief report of the battle of July 3, which Commander Schley prepared for transmission to the secretary of the nary. It was stated that Commander Sears had taken this dispatch ashore to be cabled to the secretary but that it never had reached that official. The dispatch was ruled out on the ground that as it was not received it was an official communication. It was not read in the courtroom, but the following is a copy of it:
"The Secretary of the Navy, Washington.
"Spanish squadron came out of Santiago harbor this morning, July 3, at 9:30 and were all captured or destroyed in a running fight to the westward of about three and one-half hours. Very few casualties in our fleet; Ellis, chief yeoman, killed, and one man wounded on Brooklyn. Reports from other ships not in yet. The commander-in-chief now superintending the transfer of prisoners from the Cristobal Colon which surrendered to the Brooklyn and Oregon at 1:15 p. m. About 1,000 prisoners in all, including Spanish admiral. Victory complete; details later.
"SCHLEY."
Captain Cook was recalled during the day and in response to a question by Captain Lemley made an additional statement concerning the retrograde movement of the flying squadron May 26 to May 28. He also said in answer to a question by the court that Commodore Schley during the battle of July 3 was "cool, brave and enthusiastic. I could not imagine any conduct in battle more admirable."
Viscaya Tried to Ram Brooklyn.
During Lieutenant Commander Sears' testimony he described the battle of July 3, saying that when he heard the alarm he ran to the quarter deck and met the commodore who directed the signal to clear ship for action, followed by the signal to close in, and they were made. As the ship came out he remarked to the commodore that it looked as if the second one was going to try to ram the Brooklyn. The commodore, he thought, assented. The Brooklyn was handled by the captain and quartermaster. As the Viscaya turned to westward, Yeoman Ellis told witness his stadimeter showed 900 yards to the Viscaya. Then the order was "hard aport," said the witness, adding:
"I am not positive who gave that order. I think the commodore said 'hard aport' and Captain Cook said 'it is hard aport.' I looked at the next vessel in our fleet—the Texas—and in my judgment we were completely clear of her. After ten or twenty minutes we were hotly engaged. When the Viscaya turned in, the commodore spoke of the advisability of signaling through the Oregon to the Texas to stay by the Viscaya and insure her surrender, but after a moment's thought he said: 'Philip will know enough to look out for that' and we proceeded.
"Soon we began to gain upon the Colon, which we estimated to be 12,000 yards away, and the commodore directed the Oregon to try her guns at her. Then the Oregon and the Brooklyn fired deliberately at the Colon and at 1:15 she hauled down her flag."
Answering questions as to Commodore Schley's bearing witness said:
"His bearing to me was a model for anybody. Under fire his faculties, if possible, seemed to be clearer and he more in possession of them than at any other time."
Witness said the commodore had not been excited, but absolutely cool and calm, adding:
Schley Always In Exposed Positions.
"He was always putting himself in exposed positions. I requested him many times not to expose himself as it was useless to do so."
Judge Advocate Lemley then took up the cross-examination. Commander Sears said that Commodore Schley had discussed the coal situation freely with him and when the retrograde movement had begun the Texas had had only a little more than enough coal to carry her to the nearest coaling station. He had been averse to the westward movement. At Commodore Schley's instance he had made the signal for the movement.
Asked about the range given for the firing of the American guns on May 31 Mr. Hoars said he had given it at 7,000 yards under direction of Commodore Schley. Asked if he had had any conversation with Commodore Schley concerning that range, he replied in the negative.
"Did you not state otherwise in the wardroom of the Massachusetts?" Mr. Lemley asked.
"Now, refresh your memory. I ask if you did not say in the wardroom of the Massachusetts for God's sake don't discourage him. It is all we have been able to do to work him up to this,' or words to that effect?"
''No, I never said anything of the kind," replied the witness.
The witness said that while no conclusion could be reached from the signal fires on shore at Santiago on July 2, that the Spanish fleet was preparing to escape, yet the situation had been so tense that Commodore Schley had felt something unusual was going to occur.
While Captain Cook was on the stand Captain Lemley took occasion to ask a number of questions especially concerning the retrograde movement of May 26. He said he had had a conversation with Commodore Schley concerning that movement. The commodore had said he must have coal and would start in the direction of Key West and go toward that base until the weather moderated so he could coal from colliers.
Several questions also were asked by the court. One of these related specifically in regard to the conduct of Commodore Schley in the battle of July 3. He replied: "I cannot imagine any conduct more admirable. He was cool, brave and enthusiastic from the beginning to the end of that action."
He said in reply to a question from Mr. Rayner that on the occasion of that engagement the commodore's position had been one of as great danger as had been that of any other person.
PAGE FOUR—BRIEF EDITORIALS.
A Washington dispatch to a New York newspaper states that there are "unofficial reports from Paris that if this government desires the Panama route it can purchase the property and the rights from the Panama Canal company for about $50,000,000." It is also intimated that the delay in presenting the report of the isthmian canal commission is "caused by important developments regarding the Panama route." The American people generally are not especially particular as to which of these routes is chosen, but they want a great national waterway built across the dividing line between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the earliest reasonable time.
Chauncey M. Depew is to marry a lady who speaks four languages fluently. Serves him right. The New York senator has himself been speaking at least one language with a good deal of fluency and frequency for a long time.
A hunter in Maryland mistook a brier pipe for a squirrel and killed the smoker. If the victim had been smoking a cigarette, his execution would have been more commendable.
FOR STEALING CHICKENS.
Frank Hayes Sentenced to Ten Days in County Jail.
Frank Hayes appeared in city court this morning and pleaded guilty to the charge of petit larceny in stealing two fowls from B. F. Samson on Aug. 4. In relation to the matter Hayes stated that on the day in question he saw two chickens on the fair grounds, and that he captured the birds. He then proceeded to go to the river to cook his ill gotten possessions. When he had nearly finished this process, the chief of police suddenly appeared on the scene, and he, Hayes, beat a hasty retreat, leaving the untasted and tempting morsels behind. When asked what became of the fowls, Hayes replied that he supposed they were transferred from his kettle to that of the chief.
The officers have been looking for Hayes since the chickens were taken. Yesterday he was located at the North Cortland House and was arrested by Chief Barnes. Hayes owned up to the judge this morning that he had been keeping shady. He was given ten days in county jail. The chicken catcher was given a suspended sentence by Judge Davis about three months ago.
COMMON COUNCIL
New Electric Lights—Fire Alarm System Discussed.
A regular meeting of the common council of the city of Cortland was held at the office of the clerk of said city last evening. Present, Mayor Chas. F. Brown and Aldermen E. M. Yager, E. R. Wright, G. F. Richards, R. S. Pettigrew and Vern W. Skeele.
Only a small amount of business was transacted by the board. Mr. Yager stated that it was necessary to have more light on Maple-ave. and Mr. Richards also requested an incandescent light for South Main-st. On motion of Mr. Skeele, seconded by Mr. Wright and declared carried:
Resolved, That two additional incandescent lights be placed on Maple-ave and one on South Main-st. between Argyle place and Union-st.
The fire alarm system was discussed and the board is of the opinion that something must be done at once to place it in order. Mayor Brown said that so far as could be learned by him there were no places that are using the telephone system of alarms exclusively. He had talked with Mr. J. O. Terrell of Syracuse, who is on the line service of the Western Union Telegraph Co,, and who visits all cities in this section of the state, and he stated that no place to his knowledge was depending solely upon telephones for fire alarms. He thought, too, that if the city went ahead and put its wires on the top of the telephone poles, there would never be any trouble raised by the Home Telephone Co. in the matter.
Mayor Brown and the fire board are making investigations of the cost to places that support a paid fire department, and reference was made to one of these places that is supporting a paid department on $5,000 a year, which includes the maintenance of two teams.
The meeting adjourned till Nov. 5. after the minutes of the present meeting had been approved.
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| Restored Glen Haven School and Library. |
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| Viewing Skaneateles Lake, south to north, at Glen Haven, N. Y. |
THE GLEN HAVEN LIBRARY.
A Public Library, not a District School Library.
Some misunderstanding seems to exist as to the character of the library, the opening of which in a new building in the Glen Haven school district was recently had. The library is a public, not a district school, library. There is a decided difference. The Glen Haven library is chartered under the regents of the university of the state, is free to all, and books may be taken home by any one who applies and is regarded as trustworthy, A school district library is under the supervision of the department of public instruction and may be used only by children and teachers, usually in the school only. The public library may claim $100 from the state if its managers have $100 in hand for books, while the school library cannot hope to get more than $10 a year. The Glen Haven public library occupies a room in the district school building only because it seems advantageous to have school and library thus associated. It would be setting in operation a powerful educating and refining influence if such an arrangement could be made in every school district in the county.
In our notice some days since of the opening exercises of the new library and school building, the name of Mrs. Warner J. Banes of Philadelphia, who contributed two thirds of the building fund, was erroneously given as Mrs. Warner J. Barnes; also the name of Mr. Andrew Lieber of Spafford, the builder, as Mr. Andrew Liebel.
It was at first hoped to put up the new building for $1500, but it has cost with furnishing something over $2000.
Were it not for the on willingness on the part of Miss Anna R. Phelps of Syracuse to have public praise bestowed on her for her work in connection with this library and building, the STANDARD would take pleasure in making proper recognition of the labor and devotion on her part which have aided so materially in building up the library to what it now is and in securing the erection of the new building. Her efforts have been as unselfish and unostentatious as they have been successful.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
No Official Meeting Last Evening—Several Matters Discussed.
The board of health did not hold the special meeting which was called for last night for the purpose of instructing the city attorney to bring actions for violations of the health ordinances. In the first place, a quorum was not present at the city clerk's office, and in the second place the city attorney advised those who were present against enacting so important a resolution at a special meeting at which it was impossible to have all the members of the board present.
City physician Paul T. Carpenter stated that the greatest drawback to the present system of notifying to clean up was that the same places which were ordered cleaned, and which were cleaned, would be just as filthy in ten days after the work was done. Mr. Stockwell thought this difficulty could be avoided by ordering the parties to clean up just as soon as they began to throw out garbage or in any way failed to conform to the health ordinances, even if a notice had to be served every day. He was of the opinion that a few days of such treatment would bring the offender to conform with the codes.
City Attorney Miller stated to the members who were present that the health board could bring actions against tenants for violations of the health laws, in fact he was of the opinion that they, rather than the property holder, should be proceeded against. He declared that they were the people that created the nuisances, and that consequently they could be held for the violations. The property holders, he said, could be held accountable only for maintaining a nuisance.
The next meeting of the board of health will be held Friday evening, Oct. 25, at which time it is probable that the board will instruct the city attorney to bring actions against all violators of the health ordinances.
Town of Scott.
SCOTT, Oct. 13.—Mr. B. H. Potter and son in-law Bedell have their cabbage house nearly completed and will soon be ready for storing cabbage.
L. S. Barber and S. J. Barber drilled a well last week for Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Cobb, going down some forty feet, finding a large supply of excellent water. Mr. Arthur G. Greene being there and assisting some about pumping the water out, had the misfortune to have some of his clothing caught in the machinery which drew him in in such a way as to break the machine, and a bone in his arm. It is said by those present if the machine had not broke, it would have killed him.
Mrs. Emily Clark and Mrs. H. E. J. Potter started last Tuesday for Allegany county. Mrs. Clark will stop at Alfred with her son, Roscoe Clark, and Mrs. Potter will go to Nile to visit her father Leonard Coon, and her sister Mrs. Fran. E. Stillman.
Mrs. Ellery Barber is canvassing for the life of William McKinley with very good success, as she gets a subscription at almost every house and some houses two.
The first snowstorm of the season came on Sunday, Oct. 6.
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Knapp were guests of his sister Mrs. Euretta Burdick and daughter May a few days since.
Hallie Alvord who has been a clerk in Mr. H. D. Palmer's store, has gone to Rochester to attend a business college. John Cottrell takes the place vacated by Alvord.
Mrs. John Pidge of Glen Haven was a guest in the family of Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Barber a few days recently.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Stoker visited her parents Mr. and Mrs, Holben, in Skaneateles a few days quite recently.
Mr. James Dalton has moved to O. U. Kellogg's farm, and will be employed in taking care of Mr. Kellogg's Angora goats.
BREVITIES.
—New display advertisements today are—Baker & Angell, Women's $3.25 mannish shoes, page 4.
—Elmira college students will visit the Pan-American exposition next week in a special train of vestibuled cars.
—Quarterly meeting will be held at Elm Stump church, Oct. 19-20 by Rev. W. N. Bailey of Tracy Creek, N. Y.
—The Men's club of Grace church will meet tonight at the home of the president Mr. I. W. Angell, 48 Church-st.
—At 7:30 o'clock, P. M., Oct. 17, the Republicans of the Second ward will meet at Fireman's hall to discuss plans for the fall campaign.
—Chas. Fuller was fined $3 in city court this morning. He was arrested last night by Officer Day Baker on the charge of public intoxication.
—James Kelloway of Hamilton raised in his garden this year enough sweet potatoes for his own use. He will plant more extensively another year.
—The Knights of Columbus will give a progressive euchre party in their rooms Wednesday evening to the members of the order and their lady friends.
—John L. Lewis lodge, No. 587, I. O. O. F., will hold a musical and card party at the lodge rooms on the evening of Oct. 30. Refreshments will be served.
—The Normal football team will play the Cazenovia seminary team at Athletic field next Saturday afternoon. The game will be called at 3 o'clock. Admission, 25 and 15 cents.
—Edward A. Cudahy of Omaha, Neb., has withdrawn the reward of $25,000 offered nearly a year ago for the arrest of the abductors of his son. Meanwhile the famous Pat Crowe is still at large.
—The trustees of the First Presbyterian church of Syracuse have received an offer from Mr. and Mrs. James J. Belden of the homestead at 602 West Genesee-st„ on condition that the society builds a church on the site.
—The Fifth ward Democratic committee to fill vacancies has filed with the county clerk the name of Wilbur L. Wingate, as the party nominee for alderman of that ward in place of A. L. Boice, who declined the nomination.
—Invitations are out for the wedding of Miss Gertrude Haskell of Moravia and Mr. M. Frank Erb of Groton, to be held at the M. E. church in Moravia next Wednesday. This morning Miss Julia Enos of this city went to Moravia to spend a week with Miss Haskell and to be the maid of honor at the church wedding.
—The postoffice department has issued a special notice to all postmasters announcing that the sale of postage stamps of the Pan-American issue will be discontinued at the close of business Oct. 31, with the close of the exposition. On Nov. 1 all Pan-American stamps on hand at every postoffice will be sent by registered letter for credit to the department at Washington. Pan-American stamps in the hands of the public will continue to be good for posting indefinitely.
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