1898 Daily Herald Extracts

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The Daily Herald – 1898 Extracts

Feb 10 1898

Washington DC The publication of what purports to be an autographic letter written by Senor Deputy de Lome, the Spanish Minister to his friend, Senor Canajeles, criticizing the President with the utmost freedom caused a great sensation in official circles in Washington, and soon will be followed by Minister de Lome's departure.

In this letter which was published in the New York Press this morning copies having been circulated by the Cuba Junta, the Spanish Minister refers to President McKinley as 'weak and catering to the rabble," and as 'a low politician who desires to stand well with the jingoes of his party."

This letter was obtained, the story goes, by a man who risked his life to extract it form the envelope, after it had been received by Canajeles, recently Premier Sagasta's representative in Cuba. The envelope was left, for greater safety in getting away with the letter.

...

As soon as the letter appeared in the Press the State Department officials began an effort t settle its authenticity, and when it had learned all that could be developed on this point and had been told that the Minister himself refused to deny writing it, the consideration of the action was taken up.

Editorial

If Senor De Lome, the Spanish minister wrote the letter that is attributed to him he should be severely dealt with, but as the present administration seems to become suddenly afflicted with a nervous tremor whenever the name of Spain is spoken, it is not at all certain that any active steps will be taken in this matter.

Opera House Thursday Feb 10

D W Truss & Co

Announce a special tour under the

direction of

S Ean and Roy

Wang

Superior in its Spectacular Splendor

Hear these Songs

The Man with an Elephant o His Hands

A Pretty Girl

A Summer Night

Every Rose Must Have Its Thorn

You Must ask of the Man in the Moon

Wang's Wonderful Elephant

The Betwiching Charms of Little Children,

Presented upon a more sumptuous Scenic Scale than ever before,

A Famous Company of 50 and a Special Orchestra

Dan Packard as Wang

Mr. Geo. W. Atwood was this morning arraigned before Judge Drysdale upon a warrant sworn out by Alfreda Pacetti, charging him with assault and batter. The trouble seems to have grown out of a purchase of hogs between the two men and the shooting of Pacetti's dog by Atwood yesterday. The defendant pleaded guilty to a simple assault and was fined $1 and cost.

Tuesday Feb 22

For the Maine Victims

A concert will be given in the Casio Thursday evening at 7 o'clock for the benefit of the suffers of the Maine disaster under the patronage of ladies of the city and guests of the hotels. A number of visitors have volunteered their services and some home talent, promising a concert of unusually high order. Tickets on sale at all hotels. General admission 50 cents. Reserved seats $1 Plat at Casino.

The Jucklins

St Augustine’s theatre-going contingent rarely have the opportunity of enjoying so excellent and meritorious a performance as that presented by Stuart Robson and his company last night in 'The Jucklins" at Genovar's opera house. Mr. Robson has lost none of his old time charm and has perhaps never appeared in a character to which he is more adapted than that of 'Lem Jucklins,' the eccentric, but lovable old farmer with a mania for fighting chickens. Mr. Robson's support is of the best and the stage setting of the piece all that could be desired.

Not a single cablegram was received at the Navy Dept from Havana about the Maine.

A contract has been made today by the government with the Chapman & Merrit Wrecking Co to raise the Maine. The tugs Right Arm, Jones and Monarch with one hundred men are enroute to Havana.

The House refused to adjourn today

Spain has ordered six more warships to Cuba.

Spain's Women in Gay Colors

The contrast between the bearings of the Spanish and Cubans is strong At the funeral of the Maine's seamen the Cuban women in the streets were almost all dressed in mourning while the Spanish women wore colors.

I went on board the Alfonso XIII, and was received politely. The only expression of regret I heard there was from an officer, who complained that the force of the Maine's explosion had broken his toilet box. There can be no mistaking the indifference of the Spaniards in Havana over the loss of the warship and those on board. On Thursday while driving to the cemetery with two American friends, I was assailed with jeers, and someone threw a large stone at our carriage.

****

In the municipal court this morning Chas Reeves and Geo Adams both colored, were arraigned upon a charge of riding a tandem bicycle on King street Sunday afternoon at a speed greater than 10 miles an hour. They were fined $3 and costs each.

May 4, 1898

Mob at Santiago De Cuba

They are said to have attacked the British Consul and Killed Him. Three Warships to go there

Not Afraid of the Fever

A Proposition to Raise a force of 10,00 Immunes in the south

The Washington Post of Friday said:

Senators Caffery and McEnery, of Louisiana, have been consulting with reference to the raising of regiments of yellow fever immunes in Louisiana and other Southern States for service in Cuba The Secretary of Was has been most favorably impressed with the idea, and has already signified his intention of accepting the regiments f immunes raised by the son of General Hood, the famous Confederate commander.

The Plaza

The Plaza is one of the prettiest spots in St Augustine and a source of pride to the citizens The city pays a stipulated sum to keep it in good condition, but unless certain rules are made and adhered to regarding the park it will be always impossible to make of it the place of beauty its position merits.

For instance, on Monday during almost the entire day there were one thousand or ore colored excursionists from Jacksonville romping ver the sward and border beds and throwing broadcast lemon peel, waste paper, peanut hulls, tin cans and almost every other conceivable description of refuse So far as this was concerned it could be removed the next day, but the damage alone to the grass plats was more permanent and will take weeks to repair.

Further than this the practice of allowing the old market to be converted into a lunch and ice cream stand is one which should be discontinued. If it is to be put to such uses it had best be removed altogether. As it stands now it is cool and comfortable for those who wish to spend a short while in the shade, yet it is not and could never be made ornamental Therefore, if it is to be made a place for the dispersing of suspicious pies and other questionable edibles to colored excursionists by all means let it be razed to the ground.

C F Hopkins offers a 6-room house facing paved street, for rent at $10 per month

Jerome Avice, before the probate court this morning was fined $1 and costs or five days in jail for stealing vegetables form the garden of W W McOmber.

The Hook and Latter company are making big preparations for their picnic next Tuesday. The boys say that while the militia is away doing duty for their country they propose to give the people of this city plenty of amusement.

Notice to the Public

There will be a meeting at the court house this Wednesday, May 4th, 1898, at 8 p.m. for the purpose of arranging a program for a suitable demonstration upon the departure of our militia boys Let everybody attend

A call is hereby made for a meeting to be held at the Bucket-Brigade hall in the City building Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm. for the purpose of organizing a home guard.

Let all who are interested attend.

W. H. Allen

Robt. Mills

E. E. Boyce

Unknown date May 1898

Happenings of the Day in and Around St Augustine

Crowds gather to see them off

Three-fourth's of the City's Population Turn out to bid farewell to the soldiers --- the Lie of March thronged with Humanity --- Many affecting Scenes

It has been a great many years since St. Augustine witnessed such a demonstration as that occasion yesterday evening by the departure of the two military companies to the fort..

Early in the afternoon the people began together at the armories and on the streets, and in an hour or two it seemed as if three-fourths of the entire population was out.

About 4:30 'clock the two companies marched to the ort green and there had their photographs taken. They then marched back to their armories to make final preparations for departure. All of the baggage had been set to ??? to Lodge I.O.OF., marched to the opera house and the procession was formed these bodies with the East Coast Band forming an escort of honor for the troops.

The line of march o the depot was literally thronged with people, most of them bearing flags and all cheering as the soldiers passed. At the Memorial church there was an especially notable gathering who waved their colors and cheered continuous applause as the soldiers filed past to the inspiring strains of El Capitan.

Decorations of national colors marked the entire route, and at the residence of Mr. D. B. Usina hung a huge banner inscribed with the words 'God Bless our Boys."

When the depot was reached the leave taking began and there were many affecting scenes as the mother strained the son to her breast, and the wife clung sobbing to the soldier husband, the sister's tearest embrace and the stern handclasp of the father as he muttered words of broken farewell to his boy. And even over to one side might be seen the fair young girl with tear lade eyes who grieves for the departure of her brave and manly soldier.

But the crowning glory of the boys departure were the magnificent floral decorations of the four extra coaches reserved for the troops The ladies had been working all day and had converted the cars into perfect floral bowers. The ladies who did the work of decoration were Mrs. Yocum, Mrs. Wakely, Miss Pearl Wakely, Mrs. Zehnbar, Miss Irene Zehabar, Miss Susie Zehnbar, Mrs. Goff, Mrs. Root, Miss Lucas, Miss Canfield, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. W. A Lynn, Miss Usina. These were assisted by Capt Joe Baker and his tow porters Phillip Walker and Ben Brown. When the train pulled out cheer after cheer ?? responded to by the boys.

It seemed also that those who could not get the station assembled at the western ends of the streets abutting on the railroad tracks and as the military train passed it was cheered to the echo.

Many a household is touched with sadness today and many a breakfast table in St Augustine was left this morning with the food untasted, but through the sadness runs the strong current of honest pride in knowledge that whatever may ensue, St. Augustine’s boys haven’t been fund wanting, but responded promptly and nobly to their country's call.

The Herald will receive a daily bulletin from the camp at Tampa, and although the bys are far away, we will hear from them constantly

Boys are All Right

The Herald today received the following from its Tampa correspondent:

Tampa, May 13

Daily Herald

Boys arrived safely at t:30 this a.m. Camp pitched temporarily at Port Brooks Reservation, where they will remain until mustered into the United States Army, when they will be moved to Tampa Heights.

True Patriotism

At a meeting of the board of directors of the First National Bank this am., all present except Mr. E Ingraham, who is confined to this bed by a serious illness, the following resolution was adopted:

Whereas the call by the President of the US for 125,000 troops has been so patriotically respected to by the citizens of St. Augustine, that the Ancient City with a population of only 5,000 has furnished 1/4 of Florida's quota, thereby taking away from many families their principal means of support and among the number so patriotically responding are some who in lieu of conditions existing during peace times contracted obligations with the bank, which by reason of their enlistment in the public service, cannot be met according to the tenor of the bond, It is therefore

Resoled, that the band out of its other earnings do pay the interest from time to time upon all paper of such men in the service of the country until they return once more to their peaceful vocations or until the close f the war.

Further, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the captains f the two companies from St. Augustine with request that the same be read at parade.

A lot of ammunition was hauled across the bridge yesterday for the new battery on the island.

C F. Hopkins 3rd, accompanied the troops as far as Jacksonville, returning to the train this morning

P. F Carcaba yesterday contributed two hundred and fifty cigars to the troops as did also F B Geovar and Bro.

Misses Hoey and Edmiister were busy yesterday afternoon pinning pansies on the coats f the bys, just before they started for the train.

Chas Hernandez left this morning for Savannah where he will spend a much needed vacation visiting relatives. Charlie was deeply disappointed at this physical rejection by his company and hopes to so gain sufficient rest to enable him to rejoin his command at the front

The ladies of the Baptist church met at the residence of Mr. T. F. Corbett yesterday afternoon for the purpose f discussing ways and means of assisting destitute Cubans.

Three of the old ex-confederate veterans noticed in line yesterday accompanying the boys to the train were Doctors Alexander and Shin and Mr. C. C. Beasley

St. May 13, 1898

It devolves upon His Honor Mayor F B Genovar to issue the call for organizing one or more companies of home guards and this he proposes t do as soon as he hears definitely from Adjutant General Houston on the subject. In the meantime let the people be patient. The Herald will announce the date and place of the meeting in do time.

St. Augustine feels the absence of her military boys very keenly and if those same bys happen to run against any Spaniards the latter will just as keenly feel their presence.

There was one member of Company 'b' aboard the train that had a really down-hearted and dejected look, and that man is Chas Slater. Charley came all the way with us, and since our arrival has been working like a Trojan helping erect tents & c 'Charley' says he is going to stick to the Light Infantry as long as he can, even if he has to pay for his own expenses.

The cakes provided by Mrs. Hamblen for the Light Infantry were opened today and were greatly enjoyed by the members f the company. The thanks of the entire organization is tendered her of her kindness.

St Augustine Rifles 87 men

St Augustine Light Infantry 88 en

May 13

News from the Boys

A Breezy Letter from the Herald Man at Tampa

The Camp None too Comfortable

The trip of the Troops to Tampa was Wearing , but the Route was marked by a Continuous Ovation - Newsy Notes of the Boys and Their Environment

Tampa, FL May 13th, 1898

We arrived here this morning at 6:30 a.m. dusty and travel stained from our long journey of nearly 300 miles. The sun was blazing down with a vigor that seemed to dry up the blood in your body as we descended from the cars and started to the place designated as our camping ground, sinking every step ankle deep in dry white sand that burned our feet even through the shoes and leggings that we wore. The site selected for the camp is a high, dry level plain without a tree or shrub to protect one from the intense heat of the sun. But, however, we have plenty of shade on every side of the camp, for which we are sleepily grateful, for it would be simply impossible to remain in the tents during the heat of the day.

The trip from dear old St. Augustine was a perfect ovation, people even remaining until 9 o'clock to cheer us on our journey.

The scene at Jacksonville is said by those who saw it never to be forgotten. The boy's hearts were still aching from the parting at St. Augustine, and when we dashed into the brilliantly illuminated Union depot at Jacksonville, the cheer that rose from the thousands of people who had gathered to say good bye to the soldier boys to better be imagined than described. I t was the same old scene over and over again, that had taken place at St. Augustine, the sobs, the tears, the hand shakes and good byes which were continuously kept up until we arrived here.

The members of the two St. Augustine companies return warm thanks to the Herald for its kindness in presenting each of them a free copy The thoughtfulness and kindness on the part of the Herald was deeply appreciated.

There was one member of Company "B"" aboard the train that had a really down-hearted and dejected look, and that man is Chas. Slater. Charley came all the way with us, and since our arrival has been working like a Trojan helping erect tents &c, Charley says he is going to stick to the Light Infantry as long as he can even if he has to pay his own expenses.

The cakes provided by Mrs. Hamblen for the Light Infantry were opened today and were greatly enjoyed by the members of the company. The thanks of the entire organization is tendered her for her kindness.

The housewives have proven to be just the article.

The different companies already assembled here, are as follows:

Gem City Guards, 89 men, Tampa Rifles: 84 me; Jacksonville Rifles, 100 men; Jacksonville Light Infantry, 89 men; Ocala Rifles 79 men; Jasper Blues, 65 men; Key West Rifles, 68 men; St. Augustine Rifles, 87 men; St Augustine Light Infantry, 88 men. The other companies are expected here this evening.

The members of the several companies are in excellent condition and fine spirits, and are ready to report to the general call whenever the occasion requires it.

The reported bombardment of Porto Rico by Sampson was received in camp by great outbursts of cheering and other patriotic demonstrations.

The bys from St. Augustine are anxiously waiting for tomorrow to come, for with it comes the Herald, and the Herald will tell them which is dearer to them than all else -- St Augustine and the loved ones at home. Noel M Mier

***

W. Banks and wife left today for a few days at Tampa. They will return early next week.

***

Ammunition for the guns of the battery on Anastasia Island is still being hauled across the bridge.

***

Monday May 16

News from the Boys

Breezy letters from the Herald's War Correspondents

Newsy Notes of the Soldiers and their doings while waiting for the call of their Country to go to the front

Tampa Florida

May 14, 1898

W. B Miranda of Petersburg Fla was a pleasant visitor of Capt. MacWillims today. Mr. Miranda was a member of the famous Florida Blues and left St. Augustine with them 30 years ago.

Fred W. Kettle now correspondent of the Tamp ? and Citizen was a pleasant visitor at camp headquarters today. He says the Florida regiment, in his opinion will be assigned to coast defense duty.

Father Lewis visited the camp today and informed the boys that there would be a mass at 8 a.m. especially for them. The boys will attend.

Capt W. A MacWilliams is a visitor to Port Tampa this evening.

It is said that after the regulars break camps, which will be in the near future, the Florida state troops will move over and occupy the site o which the regulars are now camped. This gives the boys universal satisfaction as the grounds are spacious, and the great pies will furnish ample protection from the fierce rays of the sun.

A great many of our boys visit the regular soldiers where 13,000 men are camped. The camp is over 7 miles long and 3 miles wide. The men are all in fine condition and say they are ready to give battle in the /? which they hope they will soon have an opportunity to do.

The boys feel very grateful to the 'housewives", but 30 of our boys are without them -- 20 having been received from the Ladies Volunteer society and the WCTU leaving us short 30 It was thought the Light Infantry was to receive more than 33 from the WCTU and I am informed the Rifles received considerably more than their portion. M.

***

It was remarked by the bystanders yesterday that the detail for guard mount from the St. Augustine Light Infantry were the best soldiery set of men in the detail.

***

Sister Eloisa and Sister Katherie visited the St Augustine Light Infantry yesterday and were warmly greeted by the boys. Both these sisters are from St. Augustine, having left there some eight years ago. They know all the boys in Company B. They distributed beads, badges, prayer-books, etc. among the boys, and before they left they exacted a promise from nearly every member of the company to attend church today; which they did to the man.

***

A Herald representative this morning called upon Mayor F. B Genovar and asked his opinions regarding the call which has been published for a meeting tonight for the purpose of organizing a home guard.

The call is both premature and unwise, said His Honor, "and the meeting should not be recognized. For some time correspondence o this subject has been carried on between those in authority here and the state officials. When the proper time comes the call will be issued through the proper channels and until then any action is our of place. Further than this it may transpire that one of our military companies now at Tampa may be returned to this point, and in that event another organization would be unnecessary.

Honor B Genovar, chairman of the board of county commissioners expressed a similar opinion as to the unwisdom of holding such a meeting at this time and assured the Herald man that all preliminaries for such organization had been effected and that when the proper time should arrive they would become operative.

***

Lieu Butts, of the Fifth Infantry, U.S. A. n

now stationed at St. Augustine, has been named as assistant adjutant general and will probably soon be assigned to duty on some brigade staff.

***

To the State of North Carolina must be accorded the sad honor of having one of her sons be the first American to lose his life in the war with Spain. The Old North State's record in the last war was one which must bring the sense of pride to everyone of her natives and she may be safely counted upon to do her full duty in the present and every future conflict as she has in the past. At the city of Charlotte then Meeklenburg, in May 20th 1775 a little band of North Carolina patriots promulgated a Declaration of Independence which antedated the famous Philadelphia document by nearly fourteen months and today the North Carolinians religiously celebrate that anniversary as regularly as it rolls around.

***

Private Bulletins

Mier & Dunham, the enterprising firm of grocers at the corner of St George and Hypolita streets have arranged to receive by wire daily bulletins from Tampa giving all of the news from the state camp of instruction at that point. Those who desire news from their friends at the front can get it by calling at Mier & Dunham's.

***

O Thursday night, the 19th ist., will be held an entertainment under the auspices of the ladies of St. Augustine led by Mrs. J. E. Hernandez for the benefit of the militia fund. It will be held in Cordova dining room and the program will consist of literary and musical numbers, and military and other tableaux. I the latter Miss Elizabeth Woodruff will represent the Goddess of Liberty and Miss Marie Genovar as Suffering Cuba. The hall has been donated as has the gas, decorations, the printing and all other necessaries. Everyone should attend this entertainment which is for the benefit of our boys in camp.

***

St Augustine is said to have been favorably considered in this respect. The harbor there is deep enough for the accommodation of transports of medium draught, and as the harbor defenses at that point are said to be complete, it is probable that several thousand volunteer troops will be located there. Two or three days, it is said, will be spent in the examination of the eastern harbors.

***

Some of the gentlemen of this city who were only 35 and 36 before the declaration of war are now 46 and 47

***

A petition signed by a number of young ladies of this city has been sent to Capt T. M. Woodrull begging that he return the St. Augustine Rifles.

***King Gibbs, Cooper Gibbs, Will Brown and Jack MacGonigle occupy the same tent at Tampa. This is a pretty good quartette.

***

Mr. Antonio B. Pomar of Oakland, this county, left for Jacksonville this morning to purchase a tomb stone to be placed o his wife-s grave in the Catholic cemetery in New Augustine. He was accompanied by his son Rudolph.

***

Private Joe Ximanies enjoyed a ride on a government mule yesterday through the principal streets of the city. Joe now wants o join the cavalry.

***

Bugler Neligan has now changed his name. He will hereafter be known as Marcus A. Hanna.

***

All the St. Augustine boys are well. Private Miller assisted by Private Paffe is acting cook today.

***

J A Ximanies is acting cook for the St. Augustine Rifles today.

***

The boys are getting use to soldier life -- corned beef, Boston baked beans and hard bread.

Detail for guard duty yesterday, Porter Campbell, A. Drysdale, Fred Capo, A. Allen, Will Leonardy, and Ed. Biddlecom.

Officers of the day yesterday, Capt J. W. Sackett and Lieut. Dunham officer of the guard.

***

Monday May 16

At present we are much better fixed having hired a Negro cook and two assistants to help the cook and commissary sergeant in their duties. Our present bill of fare is:

For breakfast

Ham (fried), eggs, (two) hominy, (someties), crackers (or bread). Coffee milk and sugar.

For dinner

Tomatoes, (stewed), cabbage, beans (all kinds and all styles), stead (or Irish stew) (tough steak) Hard tack Coffee milk and sugar.

For supper

Fish (or corn beef hash), coffee, hardtack, Hominy (seldm).

This kind of life is doing everyone a wonderful amount of good, especially the men who are worked in offices. This is certainly the case with Mr. McGriff.

***

Light Infantry leaves at 7 o'clock tonight for home via Palatka. They intend to disband on arrival. Resignation of officers sent to Governor. Pays examination of Rifles tomorrow 10% of troops already examined have been thrown out.

***

Tony Capo is prominently spoke of a s a general coast pilot for Sampson’s fleet with the rank of commodore. This morning he was presented with a handsome uniform coat resplendent with gold braid.

***

This is General Housto's explanation as to the St. Augustine Light Infantry being rejected:

Being one of the first companies to enlist Captain Mac Williams was requested to fill out his ranks to the required number. This was to be done by a specified time and Company B of the Third Battalion, Captain Gray's Pensacola boys were added to the first twelve companies, and Captain Mac Williams company was dropped. Since then Captain MacWilliams has enlisted more men, his roster in camp showing 84 in the ranks and three commissioned officers.

***

Merie, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Ximanies, died today at 2 o'clock after a brief illness.

***

A rumor was this morning published to the effect that the officers of the Light Infantry had resigned because they could not pass the examination. While this was not published as truth the mere fact of its being put into print is liable to work injustice.

***

Light Infantries Rejection

After recruiting its ranks up to a full quota of men at considerable expense and much time and trouble the St. Augustine Light Infantry wet to Tampa to enlist in the service of the country only to be rejected upon arriving there. Many members of this company were men of family who could ill be spared from home and others were business men whose affairs suffered serious derangement by their departure. The company received a distinct promise from the state authorities that it would be included in the volunteer regiment should it swell its ranks to the require quota, and acting upon this promise its members and officers spared o effort or expense to comply with the provisions of the call, even going to the length of taking care of recruits in matter of board and lodging for a week or more.

We do not yet know the inside history of this objection, but it bears the distinct earmarks of politics and if this should prove true it is a sad commentary upon the military spirit of those who wield the authority. If the companies are to be chosen according to their preference as to who shall be colonel of the new regiment it is time for the federal government to take the reins from the state and let merit and efficiency receive recognition rather than factional partisanship