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| Tomas Estrada Palma. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, May 22, 1902.
GALA DAY IN HAVANA.
Triumphal Arch Inaugurated on Independence Avenue.
CUBANS REALIZE THEIR DREAM.
Mr. Bryan and Senatorial Visitors Favorably Impressed With the Prospects of the Republic—Attitude of the Spaniards Problematical—Financial Future a Matter of Concern.
Havana, May 22.—The illumination of this city Tuesday night was probably never surpassed in an American city. The features of the fireworks display from the forts across the bay were an immense Cuban flag, which rose in the heavens and floated over the city, and portraits of President Palma, General Gomez, General Marti and other Cuban heroes.
Significant of the acquiescence of the wealthy Spaniards in the new government was the fact that a Cuban flag was hoisted over the Casino, by the side of the banner of Spain.
The general festivities were resumed at dawn when the buglers sounded the reveille in all parts of the city, and the bands gave their morning concerts.
At 8 o'clock the foundation stone of the triumphal arch commemorating the inauguration of the Cuban Republic was laid, with appropriate exercises on Independence Avenue by the Circulo Naccional.
In the afternoon the theaters were thrown open and free performances were given. At night a great public feast was held on the Prado. Tables were spread the whole length of the walk which runs between the double driveway.
W. J. Bryan and the United States Senatorial contingent sailed for Key West yesterday morning. They were all the more impressed with the chances of the endurance of the republic than when they came here.
Mr. Bryan said there was no reason why the republic should not be a success, and Senator Jones expressed the opinion that if it could weather two years it might be permanent.
It is generally recognized here that the attitude of the Spaniards, who have heretofore been annexationists, because of their fear of the Cubans, may be the determining factor at no distant day. They possess 70 per cent of the wealth of the Island, and if treated fairly and given a proper share in the government, as President Palma seems disposed to do, it is believed they may prove a strong bulwark of the republic.
The immediate financial future of Cuba is a matter of concern, as the customs receipts have fallen off appreciably during the last five weeks, and the aid of the wealthy classes may be essential to tide Cuba over a crisis. Should one come, with the small surplus turned over to the republic and the present rate of receipts, against the increase in expenditures on account of congress and the new salaries, the treasury might be in difficulties before next fall. For this reason Senor Palma insists upon the lowest possible salaries and the most rigid economy.
He is determined that the island shall live within its income. The new government will give this matter immediate attention and if it should be absolutely necessary, the expenses will be curtailed, or some changes may be made in the internal revenue taxes, to increase the revenues. The latter step, however, the new government will be loath to take because of its bad moral effect.
The chief hope lies in the immediate negotiation of a reciprocity treaty with the United States to permit of the marketing of the island's sugar. The sale of this product, it is believed, would stimulate importations, by distributing money and increasing consumption.
In addition to the cabled congratulations of President Loubet of France Senor Palma has received a flood of other congratulatory messages from friends in the United States.
EARTHQUAKE IN FLORIDA.
Accompanied by Reports Like Distant Cannonading.
St. Augustine, Fla., May 22.—Almost continuous shocks, presumably of earthquake, were felt here from 9 until midnight Tuesday night.
The earthquake was accompanied by a succession of short but decided reports like distant cannonading, seemingly from far out at sea. The sounds were unlike thunder, having no reverberating roll, and were accompanied by decided tremors, while the sky in the southwest was suffused with a glow.
The reports came at intervals of perhaps three minutes and persons who remember the earthquakes at Charleston say the noises were very similar to the subterranean noises accompanying that occurrence.
The sound traveled from the south to southeast.
The night was perfectly clear. A number of citizens gathered on the sea wall and timed the intervals between the reports.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.
Birth of the Cuban Republic.
The new republic of Cuba now hopefully takes its place in the ranks of independent nations, and no one more than the people of the United States should wish it abundant peace and prosperity.
President Palma, who had not visited the island for thirty years until he went to accept the office of chief executive, though he has labored no less zealously and effectively than the most ardent patriot in the long struggle for independence, was received with enthusiasm and confidence by the great majority of the people of the various portions of Cuba he has visited. As he entered Havana the Cuban flag was raised for the first time over Morro castle, and both the flag and the new president were greeted with salvos of applause. The cordiality with which the Cubans have received President Palma augurs well for the stability of the new government.
In his message to congress, which was convened a few days in advance of the inauguration, President Palma expresses an earnest hope that proper tariff reduction will be granted by the United States and that the reduction will be greater than that offered in the bill now before congress. This he considers absolutely necessary to the welfare of the country. It will be, he states, impossible to frame the proposed treaty between the two governments until congress has taken final action on the tariff question. General Palma lays stress on the fact that the new Cuban government will grant equal rights to all and will guarantee those rights regardless of religion, race or nationality. In his judgment the agricultural and educational departments of government should receive the first and closest attention. He proposes to send commissioners to this country to study the methods of agriculture and fruit growing in vogue here. Economy and practical administration will be the keynotes of General Palma's policy.
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| Delaware, Lackawanna & Westerm R. R. Depot, Cortland, N. Y. |
THOSE BROKEN PLATES.
Fault Seems to be the Grade of the Railroad Tracks.
Superintendent of Public Works E. L. Becker states in reference to the broken sluice covers at the Lackawanna crossing at Port Watson-st., Cortland, that the ones that are broken are those that are adjacent to the switch that leads into the Cortland Carriage Goods Co.'s factory. The rails of this switch are lower than grade, the superintendent says, and the plates break as fast as they are placed by these tracks. He has notified the Lackawanna company of this defect, but it has not yet been remedied. About six weeks ago he ordered plank coverings for the gutters at that place, but these have not as yet been supplied.
The Lackawanna company was notified by Mr. Becker that it would be liable for any accident occurring at the crossing on account of the defective covers.
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| Soldiers' Monument and Cortland Normal School viewed from Church Street. |
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| Cortland Fire Chief E. N. Sherwood. |
A SUCCESSFUL TEST,
Fire Put Out in Short Order with Buckland Extinguisher.
G. W. Buckland of Binghamton, N. Y., gave a public test last night of the merits of the Buckland fire extinguisher which is manufactured by the E. S. Buckland Co. of Binghamton. He built a bonfire on Church-st., Cortland, near the soldiers' monument, using several dry boxes and barrels, and over these he poured a gallon of kerosene oil. When the blaze was fiercely burning from bottom to top of the pile he suddenly struck the plunger of his extinguisher a blow and advanced toward the flames. The blow broke the glass bottle of acid in the extinguisher, permitted the acid to mingle with the bicarbonate of soda and water in the receptacle below and started the generation of gas. Instantly a stream of the fluid proceeded from the 3/8-inch nozzle upon the hose and was turned upon the fire. The operator attacked the flames low down in the fire and as the gas arose through the flames it drove the oxygen out and put out the fire. The pressure of gas that threw the fluid is said to be 75 pounds to the square inch. The extinguisher used had a capacity of six quarts, and the supply lasted much longer than would be expected and continued after every last spark had disappeared. Then the operator turned the hose along the street and a stream fully 20 feet long was thrown.
Many members of the fire department were among the spectators, among them being Chief E. N. Sherwood, who congratulated Mr. Buckland upon the success of his experiment, saying that he was perfectly satisfied with the result.
The mechanism of this extinguisher is marvelously simple. But one direction need be given: strike the plunger a hard blow with the right hand as the operator advances toward the fire with hose in the left hand and nozzle pointed toward the base of the flames. This virtually presses the button and the extinguisher does all the rest.
THE PREBLE APPEAL.
From the Report of the Equalization Committee
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
Testimony Taken Before the State Tax Commissioners—Statistics and Tables Offered in Evidence—Decision May be Reserved for Several Weeks.
Evidence is being taken today at the court house before State Tax Commissioner George E. Priest of Ithaca, J. Edgar Laycroft of New York and Lester F. Stearns of Dunkirk in the matter of the appeal of the town of Preble from the report of the equalization committee of the board of supervisors. The appeal was made by the supervisor of the town, Dr. H. D. Hunt of Preble. Messrs. J. and T. E. Courtney appear as attorneys for the town of Preble and Messrs. Kellogg & Van Hoesen represent the board of supervisors as counsel.
Thomas E. Courtney, one of the attorneys for the appellant, made a brief statement of the grounds upon which the appeal had been made. He stated that the citizens of the town of Preble, N. Y., were paying more than their share of the taxes of the county, and reviewed the history of the equalization for the town since 1876, touching briefly upon the changes that had been made during these years and alleged that the equalization value of the town of Preble had been increased more in proportion than that of any other town in the county.
Documentary Evidence.
Most of the evidence thus far in the hearing has been of a documentary nature. The official record of the board of supervisors for 1901, containing the minutes pertaining to the appeal made by the town of Preble, was offered in evidence as were also the assessment rolls of the various towns of the county. The attorneys for the town of Preble also offered in evidence tables and statements from various railroad companies owning property and operating roads in the county. Such statements were submitted from the Lehigh Valley railroads, Erie & Central New York, Cortland & Homer Traction Co. and the Syracuse, Binghamton & New York railroad. A table was also admitted in evidence showing the number of lots in each town in Cortland county.
Real Estate Transfers.
A list of all the real estate transfers made in the county during the two years ending Dec. 31, 1901, was likewise submitted and sworn to by Deputy County Clerk S. K. Jones as being a correct duplicate of the county records in his office. This statement showed tbe names of the grantors, grantees, number of acres and the consideration, and covered all the towns of the county. It was stipulated that any action that might arise in reference to this schedule of transfers which was not brought out ii the hearing today, but concerning which it was necessary to produce further evidence, that such evidence might be taken before Attorney E. C. Alger, clerk of the board of supervisors. Mr. Kellogg requested that he might be allowed to submit an additional statement showing list of transfers from Dec. 31 to the present time should he deem such a statement advisable, and this request was granted.
A number of tables were admitted from the request of the board of supervisors; the official canvass of the assessment rolls [was] submitted as evidence and [was] marked for identification. These schedules were prepared by Dr. Hunt, supervisor for the town of Preble.
Property Classified.
Messrs. L. D. Mallery, Frank P. Hakes and T. H. Holcomb of Cortland had prepared a table showing lists of three classes of property in the city and what were considered its actual value and rental value. These gentlemen were called and sworn as witnesses to show that they had prepared this table and the grounds upon which they based their figures.
Statements are being offered in evidence from each town in the county prepared by persons who are familiar with the property of each town, showing the actual value and rental value of the property in the representative towns. These statements divide the property into three classes, and several pieces of property representing each one of these particular classes are taken as examples in making the statement.
The state tax commissioners are hurrying the proceedings as much as possible in order to get the evidence all in today, as they have engagements which will prevent them from continuing the testimony longer at this time. It is expected that the evidence will all be in before the adjournment is taken this afternoon, but a decision may not be reached in the matter for several weeks.
Interested Spectators.
Among those present at the hearing, either as witnesses or as interested spectators are Hon. James H. Tripp, George P. Squires and H. E. Wilson of Marathon; William H. Crape, ex-supervisor of the town of Homer; County Treasurer William H. Foster, Ex-District Attorney Miles G. Burlingame and John D. Cole of Willet; D. K. Cutler of Scott; Peter D. Muller of Truxton; Daniel E. Morris and Henry Kelley of Solon; Henry D. Waters of Cuyler; L. C. Bennett and Abraham Craig of Scott; F. M. Surdam and David Young of Lapeer; L. L. Schellinger and Patrick O'Donnell of Truxton.
The appellants closed their case at 3:15 and after the opening for the defense by Mr. Kellogg the hearing was adjourned until some future date to be fixed by the commission. The report of the afternoon's proceedings will be given tomorrow.
HELP THE KING'S DAUGHTERS.
There is a Call for Second Hand Clothing in Several Places.
The King's Daughters have a call for second hand clothing for several families at present, and clothing suitable for men, woman and children can all be used to advantage just now. If any one has it to spare, kindly notify Mrs. Callery, 29 Greenbush-st., and she will see that it gets where it will do the most good.
Odd Fellows' Minstrels.
One of the principal features of the Odd Fellows' minstrels which appear in this city next Friday evening is Miss Cornie E. Ford, who recently made such a wonderful hit in vaudeville. Miss Ford in her sketch has a "prop" watermelon 6 feet high and 14 feet long. Through the seeds which are painted thereon negro heads appear and assist her in the chorus of her negro melodies. Miss Ford is also assisted by Mr. Hal Noyes, a very clever comedian and singer. Tickets on sale at The Grand Central restaurant. Admission 25, 35 and 50 cents.
WEATHER SIGNALS FOR DRYDEN.
Walter Angell Secures Dispatch—Whistle to Sound Forecast.
Walter. L. Angell found the weather forecast so helpful to him each day while he was conducting a farm east of this city that he is determined to let the farmers in the vicinity of Dryden, his present home, have the benefit of the same thing. Accordingly he has arranged to have the forecast wired to Dryden each morning and the proprietor of the Woolen mill has promised to sound the whistle at 11:30 each forenoon. The code of whistle signals is found at the head of the "brevity" column in this paper. Cut it out for reference.
BREVITIES.
—The choir of Grace Episcopal church will rehearse Saturday night at 7:30 instead of tonight.
—The subject of Mr. F. D. Sturgis' talk at the Congregational church tonight will be "Our Greatest Need."
—The Cortland Hospital association this morning received a check for $25 from Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Keese.
—The Cortland Praying band will hold a cottage prayer meeting tomorrow night at 7:30 at the home of Frank Yeoman, 140 Elm-st.
—Cortland Commandery, No. 50, Knights Templar, will hold their annual conclave and election of officers for the ensuing year, Friday evening at 8 o'clock.
—Miss Hortense Hodges, a graduate of the Normal school in '84 and for several years past a teacher in the Whitney's Point school, was last week married to George B. Ross of New York City.
—P. M. Heifer, who will be graduated from Syracuse university next month, has been elected principal of the Marathon Union school to succeed Principal Carr, who declined re-election some weeks ago.
—T. L. Corwin of Marathon who still owns a farm on Pendleton-st. in Cortland has sold several building lots from his farm. The demand for real estate he is confidant comes from the prospect of need for more houses owing to the enlargement of the plant of Wickwire Brothers.
New display advertisements today are—M. W. Giles, Syracuse white China, page 7; Opera House, "Moving pictures, page 5; New York store, Skirts, page 8: Cortland Fish & Oysters Co., Fresh fish, page 5; Gas Light Co., Gas ranges, page 8; Hollister Hardware & Plumbing Co., Hardware, etc., page 6.
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