Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, February 17, 1878, Page 2

PEACE IN PROSPECT. «All the Powers Agree to fl;e - Proposed European Congress ; ‘Which Is to Meet as Soon as Possible at Baden- Baden. ! The British Fleet Withdrawn from Its Position Near Constantinople ; -And Is Now Lying at Anchor Forty Miles from the Gity. *This Move Will Render the Pro- posed Russian Occupation Unnecessary. ' Russian Troops Ordered Not to Advance upon Gallipoli. “lusurrection in Full Blast in Both Crete and Thes- saly. Scenes in the English Hounse of Com- mons During the Late Debate. | Dottet yanarh L3 O egite o \&acras TaScutatk THE /.- BOSPHORUS AN UNDERSTANDING. A CONFERENCE AGREED TPON. {By Cable to The Chicaao Tribune.] Loxvox, Feb. 17—6 a. m.—a Congress Das at last been agreed to by all the Powers, and it will assemble at Baden-Baden at the earliest possible date, each Power being rep- resented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Austria will make AN ENERGETIC PEOTEST against the prolonged occupation of Bulgaria by Russia, and also against fhe final autono- 1y of Bulgaria. She hasabandoned the pros- pect of sending ironclads to Constan tinople. With regard to the future status of the Dardonelles she is wholly in accord with England. The Brit- dsh fleet baving withdrawn to Mundenia Bay, about forty miles from Constantinople, the Russians EAVE NOT YET OCCGPIED THAT CITY, although a detachment iias entered the ports in the outlying subarbs. There hias been severe fighting in Thessaly between the Turks and Christians. The in- surgents and Greek volunteers are crossing the frontier in large numbers. . A Turkish iron-clad has been seriously in- Jjured by torpedoes, which a Greek swam off with from Cerigo and attached to her bow. ALL AGREED. THE CONGRLSS TO MEEF AT BADEN DADEN. Loxpox, Feb. 16.—All the Powers, including TRussia, have asscuted to a Congress at Baden Baaen, The Political Correspondence, 6f Vienna, says: ““The negotiations were only delayed by the sudden acuteness of the relations of England aud Bussia. The Czar and Sultan are actively exchauging personal and friendly dispatehes. It is expected that peace will be signed by the time the Congress meets, namely, two or three Wweeks.? ENGLAND AND BUSSIA. A Vienna telegram says: * Notwithstanding the prospect of the Congress, the situation is still considered grave. It is rumored that En- £land hus made overtures for an understanding aud arrangements with Austria. The latter is megotiuting a Joau with the Rothschilds,” CONSTANTINOPLE. THE SULTAN’S GUEST. CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb. 16.—It is generally expected that Grand Duke Nicholas will cnter Constantinople with a portion of kis army, but will come 15 the guest and friend of the nation With the consent of the Sultan. The Russians coosider this will give England no casus belll, cspecially as ner ships are near the capital against the express wish of the Sultan and the orte. ARMY TALE, In the Russian camp, the renewal of hostiti- ties is discussed as more probable than peace, and every measure is being adopted to cousol 1date the Ruesian advance. The eutrance of a Britieh ficet into the Dardanelles before the conclusion of an armistice wonld bave been an- £wered, it is unhesitatingly said, Ly a Russian declaration of war, but - whether such Would now be the case is doubtful. War with England would e very popular with the army, though the officers speak of it gravely as a terrible eirugele. In this state of !ce:h‘nl_'. i we have to begin 2gain, say Russian oflicers, nothing could save Coustantinople from us. and we would not leave one sione upon another. LATARD AND THE SCLTAN. CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb. 16.—The British Am- bassador had a long audience with the Sultan last nisht, to explain England’s policy to his Majesty. NAMTE PASHA. CoxstantINOPLE, Feb. 10.—It is stated that Namyk Pasha, who has goneto the Russian headquarters, charged to dissuade the Grand Duke Nicholas from occunying Cunstantinople, isalso instructed to endeavor to induce the Russian Plenipotentiarics - to reduce certain Iresh peace conditfons, of a very onerous char- acter, demanded by Russia. TIHE TURKISH §QUADRON arrived on Friday,bringing stores and torpedoes from Sulfng, which bas been evacuated. 2 WITHDRAWN. CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb. 16.~The British fleet e »” _THECAICAGO TRIBUNE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1878~SIXTEEN PAGES /. The European struggle has gradually centered about Constantinople, reason of the armistice, and the main forees of both bellizerents being now encam: Tn order to give our readers a full geographical understanding of the situation, marvels of accuracy. The one above shows the exact location of every town and ~ CONSTANTINOPLE. = o)) L MO t Rand, MeNahy & Co operations north of the Balkans having been entirely stopped by ped in the Peninsala, between the Black Sea and the Archipelazo. we print tbis morning two maps that may safely be aescribed as village between Adrianople and the Capital of Turkey, together > > e N o SEutschutlu \ irebonss “Tanchalf with & portion of Asfatic Turkey. The fmmense importance of Gallipeli, 5o often referred to i our dispatches, can be scen ot a glance. ‘The Rassian headquarters are near Buyuk Tchekmedji. While the British fleet has been anchored about twenty thirteen miles southeast of Covstantinople, but was yesterday ordered to Mondania Bay, the Christian quarter of Pera, on opposite sides of the Golden Horn. miles distant, off Princes’ Islands, about forty miles from the city. The smaller map shows the Bosphorus from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmora, and aceurately represents the relative positions of the old town of Constantivople and has been withdrawn to Mudiana Bay, forty mniles south of Constantinople. Tufs movement is at- tributed to a desire on the part of England to facilitate the negotiations to prevent the entry of the Russians. The fnstructions to Namyk Pasha have been revoked, and he has not gone to Adrianople. GALLIPOLL ST. PRTERSBURG, Feb, 16,—The Agence Russe says orders bave heen sent to the Russian head- quarters not to oceupy Gallipoti. ENGLAND. TIE LONDON TIMES. LoXDON, Feb. 16.—The Times' leader to- day is very pacific. It says: *It will be due to some gratuitons mismanagement if the relative vositions of England aud Russia near Constan- tinople lead to any serious misunderstanding, Our own Government may be trusted to act With combined moderation and firmness. If the Russlans are reasonably prudent, there is no reason why the Powers should not cnter veacafully into the Confezence.™ ANTI-TORKISH MEETINGS. Air. Gladstoue yesterday received adepntation from the Workmen’s Neutrality Committer, and consented to address a public meeting of the workmen of London on the Eastern ques- tion. The object of the meeting is stated to be to hold the Government to the policy of neu- trality, and to secure the thorough in- dependence of provinces which have been freed from Turkish oppression. The meeting will probably be held on the 25th of February, in Agriculttral Hall, Tslington. Sir Wilfred Lawson, and Johu Bright, James Stans- 1eld, Anthony J. ndells, and other members of Parliament are expected to participate in the meeting. A workmen’s wass-meeting, with the same objects in view, I8 also called for the 24th inst. in Hyde Park. INCIDENTAL NOTES. GERMANY'S POSITION. Berry, Feb. 16.—Not only is it unlikely that Germany will undertake the part of arbiter by declaring against any Power attempting to interfere with Russia, but the indicatins are that the Russian action is rezarded here as at variauce with the understood programme, namely, the liberation of the Clristians, and nothing more. The interprellation of the East- ero question comes up in tbe Reichstag on Tuesday. DIDNT SINK. Loxvo, Feb. 16.—The report of the wreck of the Italian frisate Terrible, mear Salonlea, was untrue. The vessel strack the shoals, but floated off unharmed. Lospoy, Feb. 16.—Her Majesty’s frigate Raleigh, on the Mediterranean station, is ashore near Rabbit’s Island, South Tenlos, but sus- tained no injury. THE GREER WAR. ATiENS, Feb. 16.—A strong body of insur-- gents are besieging Platons, Thessaly. The Turkish reinforcements from Armieros heve beenrepulsed. Seven hunmdred Greek volun- teers crossed the frontfer yesterday, and a con- siderable number left Pireus last evening for Lamala. CONGRESS, NOT CONFERENCE. ViExya, Feb. 16.—According to intelligence from a trustworthy source, a. Congress, not Con- Ierence, is certain. It wilt orobably be held at Baden-Baden, which place Austria has vroposed. FIGUTING, ATHENS, Feb. 16.—The Thessalian insurzents took Platano to-day. It is supposed they will Dot be able to hold it. Hostilities are breaking out in alt the districts of Crete. The fnsurzents are taking possession of the blockhouses und stronghiolds under the fag of the union with Greece. GREAT BRITAIN. GETTING THE WAR-CRAZE—THE DEBATE IN THE LOUSE OF COMMONS—IONN BRIGUT—PEESON~ AL GOVERNMENT BY THE SOVEREIG: Special Correspondence of The Tritune. Loxpoy, Feb. 2.—It is impossible to witness the prevalent feverish excitemert here relative to ali tovics connected with the war in the East without beiug satisfied that one of the most critieal periods of our country is at hand. It is of vital moment, not only to the nations now involved in hostilities, but to all Europe, that cowe definite settlement should be reached, and reached soon. Those who seoff at the pos- &ivility of a general European war do so on the ground that there Isno adequate reason why such a war should oceur. They forzet that there are stch things as human paasions affecting na- tlonalitiesas well as individuals, and that jeslousy of a rival n importance is as bitter in States as that of a rival in love is in persons. There is a vatural, innate protest in every mind against all open self-assertion,—except, of course, our own,—and, where it 15 largely indulged in by eithier ndividuals or commaunities, there is apt to be found arival in very close proximity, to whom the other’s boasts are rall and orm- wood. Given such a state of aflnirs, it must be only 1 question of time for the humbling of one to be the object of the other, Each is constantly on the outlook to see whther the other is “ biting his thumb” fu & belligerent way, and the slenderest protest is sutficient to Pprecipitate a bloody conflict. Now, s this is the condition of every oue of the great Powers of Europe to- day in conucction with some. other ome (or more), it is not strange that A GENERAL WAR should be regarded as more than likely to come out of the present complications between Rus- s8ia, Turkey, England, aud Austria. * Why, the fact 1s,” said one of her Majesty’s Under-Sceretarfes, the other day, *Europe is oue vast camp. There are not less that 5,000,- 000 men under arms for active oud imuwediate service in the leading natious of the Continent. How can any one expect that this enormous strain upon their fiuancial resources can be maintained year after year without any temp- tation to put these masses of troops in motion? he strain upon their political and so- cial systems is quite as grave a misfortune for them as anv otler. An army in time of peace is very far from being an industrial school, and men thrown foscther with common interests ond few recreations become cducated in u semi-Commuuistic philosophy, not at all de- sirable to those who wish to employ them as mere machines.” “ Very true, very true,” replied the German Charere @’ Affaires, who was one of the listeners, and who has no love for Great Britain; “but whyis it that your own countryis about to follow the example of the Coutinental nations? You have the less excuse, inasmuch as your fleet is ample protection against invasion, and your own territory too difficult of attack to Tequire a large standing army: no?” ** Aw—aw—you do not _refer to the vote of credit, do you” asked the Under-Secretary, in an agerieved tone. *You know that her Majesty’s Ministers have repeatediy s!ulcd’flm& it is not intended for auy warlike purpose.” **Yes, yes, we recollect ourselves of it,” said a Swiss gentleman who was in company with bis German friena; “but, when we see a man wniting a cheek to the order of a gunsmith, it is uot unreasonable to ask him what game he ex. pecets to hunt;” and with this remark the con- versation closed, leaving the Erglishinan very uncertain as to whether any disrespect had been intended or discredit thrown upon the express- ed intentions of his Goverument. The fact i, that Great Britain is GEITING THE WAR-CRAZE, with exactly the same symptoms that she mani- fested sgainst us during our Civil War; and exactly the saine ciasses are affected with it as were then: the aristovracy; the army and navy; the nouauzr riches, - with true _snobbish instinet following the example of the nobility; and the very lowest seum of London and other great cities. Wheth- er the good sense and cool judgment of the middle” classes—almost unagimous In tpposi- tion to any war-measures—witl prevaii, will Iergely depeud upon the result of the debate now pending in the House of Commons, And that devate promises to be one_lone re- membered in Great Britain’s historv. Not that the result of the tinal vote is at all doubtful. The Miuistry have asked fora vote of contl- dence, and they are assured jn advance of a large majority, most of their supporters com- ing’ “with their confidence ready-made,” as was weatly charged last Mondav; but the debate will have its greatest influcuce upon the future policy of England, and upon the success or downfall of the rival partics in domestic politics. Tndecd, were there no strugele for supremacy of party at home, 1t is doubtrul whether there would be any difficulty or unesr- taiuty as to Greac Britain’s” poliey abroad, but 8s long as there are Outs and [ns, the former must try to pall down whatever the latter cn- .deavor to build up, until some great change oceurs to reverse their relative places and ob- jects. I was greatly interested in the specch of John Bright, nizht before last. To attend a ficla- nigut in the Houee of Cotmmous is no light joo, but L was well repuid by that one speceh. It was mot known who would be the leadme epeakers ou ench side, except that Mr. W. E. Forster would open the debate on his asmend- meut, to the effect that no information had been received to_ warrant the Government in asking for an additional sum for the army and pavs. Haviog an order for the gallery ailotted to the acquaintances of Members, 1 went to the House about 8:30 o'clock, placed my_order in the glass bowl with the others, and awaited the calling of my mame. The number of orders issued is always so much oreater than the gallery will scat that priority of arrival is not regarded, but a regular drawine s resorted to. Although one of the last to deposit my order, I was so fortunate as to be DRAWN AMONG THE PIRST DOZEY, and, therefore, obtained one of the best seats in the centre of the front row. Long and weary was then the waiting for the important basi- ness of the evening. At 4 o'clock every Mem- ber of the House who futended to be present was in his place, and the benches ou both sides were packed. During the recitation Ly the Chaplain of ~the usual form ot prayer, the Members kneit most duti- fully; and the scene reminded mie far more of £onie convocation of Episcopal miuisters in an ancicat. chapel than of a purcly secular body of politicians animated toward each other by the veryreverse of peace-on-carth-good-will-toward- men sentiments. Butthe moment prayers were ended the greater number left their seats, and remained out during the progress of routing business, lasting more than an hour. As tne order of busincss began to draw toward the dose the benches again filled, and, when Mr. Forster rose to move the amendment. of which e had given notice, not only the floor of the House, but the gallerics, were overflowinz. Back of Mr. Forster, as herosc from the front of the Opposition benches, sat Lord Harting: ton,~a tall, sather distineuished-looking man, whose vears Secmed few for a leader of the Op. position, or else they rest very lightly on him. Ou his right was the red face, sharp leatures, and white hair or Robert Lowe; and, still far- ther beyond,ithe placid face, broad foréhead, and white locks of John Bright.” A uumoer of Jossrr lights were on the same bench, but the bajd bead and spere face of William Ewart Gladstone was not to be seen; it was soon evident that he Lad not returned from Oxford, where he had de- livered bis great speech at the opening of the nlu\\' Liberal Club—*The Palmerston "—only the n ster was specially interesting neither in the matter nor the manucr of his speech. His manner was that of a consclentious lawyer endeavoring to do his best in g case which hie Kkuew in advance woula be decided agaipst him. At the close, Mt CROSS, THE HOME SECRETARY,— s his Jong title is usually abbreviated,—~rose from the Conservative benches to reply, and it, Wwas quite evident that he was in full war-paint. Havive altnded to the almost Judienl speech of Mr. Forster os “a most extraordinary speech, the ifke of _ which he had vever heard in the House, before, and of which he hoped never to'hear the like aguin,” he went rapidly on with really sublime audacity -to refute arcuments which Mr. Forster had never even referred to, while care. fuily {znoring nearly eversthing the latter had asked bim to apswer. As an_ arzument, his speech amounted to little; as the expression of the sentiment of one of the Cabinet-Ministers who has hitherto been reqarded as stronzly op- posed to warlike measures, it amounted to o good denl. At the end of ‘cach sentence ex- Planatory of the delay In the settlement of the terms of peace, Mr} Cross leaued forward on the table and significantly patted the books with advancing outstretched finpers, saying: “And still the Russians were advancinz.” His whole action and manner were intended to convey the idea that the Russians were deliberately delaying newotiations for the purpose of continuing_ their military operations until Constantinople should be taken. Indeed, more than that, his speceh was the bitter and angry complaint of a partisan who desires to justily his own hasty offensive measures by the Plea that he has becu attacked. it was a speecl which will not have the same reassuring effeet upon the couatry as Mr. Cross’ more famous utterances last May, when the condition of En- gland’s neutrality was so clearly set forth, One of his expressions MAISED A PERFECT STORM. He bezan a senteuce: * [f this is all You can say for your friends. the Russians,” when ihe Joud cries of **Oh! oh!” and * Withdraw,” interrunted him, and for two or threc minutes the House was a genuine pandemonium,—the Liberal outeries of displeasure. being answered by cheers and ironical laughter by the Con- servatives. The way in which the House ex. presses approbation s by a peculiar repetition of Bear! hear !"—not pronounced separately, but the words run into each other—¢ Hear- yeer-yeer.” On the othier Lund, disupprobation is_conveyed by a similar, rannivg cliorus of * Oll-wo-wo-wo!” as the ‘bass, with a hizh treble accompaniment from _the rear bencehes of %K -yi-yi!” It may well be imagined that, when both sides arc energetically giviug vent to opposite _scntimenis, there s covsiderable **music fn the air.”” The Opposition demon- stration, however, was o strong and sustained that Mr. Cross consented to withdraw the ob- noxjous phrase, and quiet was restored. Then followed four or five speakers of no particular covscquence, who spoke wostly - to empty benches, as it was the hour for dinner, and by cominon consent any bore {s welcome to Lold fortk at this time, since no one need re- muain except the Speaker. Onc of these worthy old prattlers, Mr. Noel, spoke at considerable length to about five members, and, at the close of his remarks, the Speaker took pity on him- sell and weat to dinner. It had been quite evi- dent through the speech of Mr. Cross that John Bright would reply to him, and, after Mr. Beresford-Hope had aired the first speech he had ever made on foreign aflairs, b MR. BRIGET ROSE and advanced to the table His mauzer was as different from that of any of his predecessors as can well be conceived. It is nstonishing, often really exasperating, to hear sowme of the leading orators of the House drawl and stammer out their words; but there was none of this with Mr. Bright. Ina steady, scll-poised manner, he bezan by giviug the Governuent credit for having hitherto kept the country from going to war. Bat whatever small comfort mizht have been extracted from this acknowledgment was speedily forgotten in the ~incisive, rapid, yet uever lasty arraignment which he “drew up against the Cabinet for {ndecision and blunderinis. 1 do nat propose to revicw his speech, yet the happy combination of oratorleal eloquence with 4 certain drumatic association of coutrasting pletures ‘s preseuted by specificacts aud ut- terances of the Government, was most teiling, That it would have much influence upon the vote could nat e expeeted, for no party- tyranuy is so irresistible as that of the House of ommons: but it was casy to sce the uneasy attitude of the majority on the Conservative benelies as they tried vainly to resist the voice of the tempter opposite, who convinced them of their errors even against thelr wills. Mr. Bright's mauuer is of the hapbiest possi- ble deserintion, and Lis little asides, or paren- thetical expressious, never fail to teil,—and the more that they come withont warniug. Yet verhans it is for this reason that so many of the old-style Enelishmen distrust bim. Their ings, i€ obenly expressed, would_be, * Aw-aw-. er—he’s foo clever, you know.” No wonder he dubbed the Conservatives “THE STUPID PARTY,” There is a class of Englishmen who are as impervious to bumor, or to sharp, stinwiog satire, as u rhinoceros would be to the arrows of the Liliputians; and, directly that vou say or do anything too subtle for their slow compre- hensions, they are your mortal enemies. They may never know whether vour intentions toward them were fricudly or hostile; they simply know that there was something meaut inore than was exactly clasr to tucir minds, aud they hate you. The debate lost faterest at the close of Mr Bright’s specch, and, thourh it was continued Just night, it was well known _that none of the great guns on elther side would take i but on Mounday Mr. Glad- will open and Lord " Hartington close for the Liberals. while Sir Stafford North- cote and Mr. Gathorne Hardy are to be the leading Conscrvative speakers. The grand en- counter will come then, followed by the de fon, _and the greatest acbate of the ze: then have closed; for it is understood th furtuier ooposition will be made to the Conser- vative plans, in case (as is almost certain) the majority is laree; and thenceforward the Cabi- net will be free toace in foreign affuirs unop- Dosed by the minority in the House. Afterall, it fs not so much war with g foreizn Power that Lord Beaconstield has been aim at, as it s the re-cstablishment of o political theory in England which bas been forever laid at rest, namely: the theory of PERSONAL GOVERNMENT BY THE SOVEREIGN. It is not a noseity that, as people grow old, they should become possessed of fancics and ideas wholly foreigu to their previous opinions; and it Is merely an illustration of this facy thet Queen Victoria should develop a determination to govern Great Britain herself, Instead of acting, as lieretofore, wholly under the advice of hier Min- isters. And it is because Lord Beacousficld bas recoznized and humored this desire that the Qucen has aiven bim_the light of her counte- nauce at Huzhenden Manor, and offered him the highest of British decorations,—the Order of the Garter. People may smile at the childish ness of an ald woman sho is pleased to be made Empress of India, and they may reaerd the creation of the recent fmperial Order of the Crown of India as a piece of foolish but harm- less vanity; but underneath this boys’ play there isudetermination which may at no distant day be vroductive of the gravest re- sults. For ' instance: who that Knows anythivg of the Prince of Wales would consider him competent personally to direct the affairs of the nation? Who, howerver, can say that he may not attempt 50 to do, especially if his Royal mother should bave left bim, by her influence and example, an opportuaity” and precedent for such coupse? No abrupt dc- arture from the presious state of affairs would Ec attemoted; but suppose that the Queen had already created a personal party in the King- dom, wonld not that party attach Itself natural- 1y to her successor? And .would not such party, with ‘a *stubborn-wllled man-to rally around, acquire a greater -strength than when thefr chicf was 3 woman? ‘Thereis no little apprebension here as to suclia npmgnu_nme, for 10 one has sach a degree of confidence in Aloert Edward astofcel sure that he would not be quite in harmony with such a theory of govern- ment as would most conduce to his power and importance. It would be odd, indeed, after the expericnce of the last forty years, to sec an at- tempt made to_ grow that .costly plant, the givine right of Kings, on British soil. Menn- while, however, to parody Mr. Cross, “and still the Queen’s personal power s adyanting.” It will be of interest, in dase England should be fnvolved in war, to know what NER VOLUNTEER FORCES can be counted upon for, and I take the follow- ing from the latest reports to- the War Office, with the remark that, during the present month, there has been o marked increase in the rank and flle of nearly all the volunteer regiments, though the figures are not yet collected. There were, at the close of last- year, 7,000 engincers, 82,000<rtillerymen, and 133,000 infantry actual- ly eorolled and under drill as voluntecrs. The cavalry branch embraces only 2n oceasional com- pany ‘here and there, bui there are some 14,000 of the mounted ycomanry avsilable for cavalry-service. Besides this force, there is 2 reserve of fnfantry and artfllers in the militia numbering about 115,000, ouly needing a certain amount of additional drill to be reudy for in- corporation in any line reciments. As this gives a total of 1 ore than 300,000 men tor the defense of the British Islcs, there need hardly be much fear “that the hypothetical Battle of Dorking will be foueht in this generation. While on military matters, I cannot refrain from mentioniug that, if oflicers are regarded as specially desirable. as aids tonational defense, England ougit to be safe against the world. Taking Fleld-sarshals and Generals alone, there are 1.194 now drawing pay from her Maj- esty’s Governinent in the armies of Great Brit- ain‘and India. OBSERVER. MISCELLANEOTUS. [THE PRENCI LIFE SENATORSHIP, Panig, Feb. 16.—The Orleanists, finding it impossible to elect the Duke Decazes a life Senator, surrendered their right to choose a candidate to the Legitimists, who nominated Caclfrayon La Tour. SOUTI AFRICA. . Loxpo, Feb. 16.—Advices from Cape Town of Jau. 29 say there have been numerous encounters hetween the voluntcers and in- surgent Kaflirs last weel, in which the Kaflirs were defeated, many of them being killed and wounded. Donald, Currie & Co., proprietors of the South African steamship line, have a Cape Town dispatch saying the Kalilirnews is unsatis- factory, that the Tambookies have revolted, and it is feared the Tewbus witl rise. 1NDLA, CALCUTTS, Feb. 16.—Hostilitles with the Jowailals have been resumed. A force of Brit- ish cavalry numbering 250 men_ defeated the enemy yesterday, killing six, including one leader. " Six English troops were wounded. Three Jowaiki leaders were captured. THE PAPAL CONCLAVE. have agreed to hasten the Conclave to elect the Pape in four or five days. A SAD STORY. Tiwo Suicides, and a Third Prevented by the Merest Chance. Spectal Disonich 0 Tne Chicago Tribune, New Yonx, Feb.16.—A singular sequel to the Bemis Heights tragedy of Feb. 1, which created a widespread scnsation in Northern New York, was developed here to-day. It will be remembered that s yonng man nonied Van Schaick, of excellent family, tried to kill a Bemis feights farmer and his wife, wio had befriended and employed him. Failing in his attempted wurder und robbery, he cut bis throat, and was found the nexs day. Meanwhile before bis discovery, an offlcer was sent to Troy, whither it was believed he had fled. This man rushed to the residence of Van Schaick’s young wife, in ‘that city, and, bolting in, related bis errand. Poor Mrs. ‘Van Schaick, who davotealy loved her husband, notwithstanding his shortcomings, when she heard the terrfble news sank unconscious. She. remained insensible a long time, and when she did recover ber reason had fled, aud she re- mained @ bopeless maniac until ber suicide a few days afterward. ‘This unfortunate young woman had a brother in this city. His name is Edward Slocom, 27 years of age, and be has been for many years a bookkeeper for Porter Bros. & Co. He was so deeply affected by his_sfster’s misfortunes and the wreck of her busband, that Lhis mind became weakened. and ever since the trazedy is mental condition has bordered on insenity. He was found in McDougal street at auv early hour tnis' morning by Ernest Sea- bright, acting in a very curious manner. Seabright concealed himsel and watched him. Slocum went over to a lamp-post, pulled out several slips from Troy newspapers, and read them, with many sichs and tears, in 3 loud voice. They all related fo the travedy. After he had read the slips be carefully folded and put them away. He then drew from his pocket a razor, opened it, felt the edre with bis thumb, turned it over and over under the “gaslight, and fiercely screamed ont, * My God, mv poar sister s crazy ! Dead! Chauncey a murderer!” He then stretcned his meek, flashed the keen ruzor in the light, and was about to druw it across his throat when Mr. Seabright, with Joud ery for help, rushed upon him and grasped bisarm. Slocum strugeled desperately, and cut Seabright two or three times, inilic slight wounds. _Officer Muller, of the E Precinet, came 1o Seabright’s aid, and Slocum was disarmed and locked up. He was taken before Justice Kilbreth at the Jefersou Market Police Court yesterday morniuz. He told the nbove story of the tragedy, and said that wherever he was or whatever he did he always saw before bim the fizures of his dead sister .and her husband. He said they were tosether azmin, and happy, and they constantly besought him to join them Hivinsisted thai he wanted to go to them and that it was his duty. *Oh! my sister and Chauucey! he excliimed, *they are not Dloody aid troubled uow; they are brizht and beautitul, and they want me tojoin. 1 want to 0. L s a tall, strongly-made voung man, zood-lookinz, and tastefully dressed. e was excited when he first appeared Iu court, but after being nel fa the Serreant’s room until 5 “o'elotk in the afternoon he had sobered down and conducted him- self in a perfeczly rational mauner. During the dav several friends of the prisoner were sent for, but none of them putting in an appearance, Slocum apoearing at lencth able to take carc of himself, he was discharwed. It Is Leared, however, that he will yet kill himself. MERCHANTS AND MAGNATES. Important Conference In New York City. NEw YORK, Feb. 16.~The Committees of the Chamber ot Comncree, of the Importers’ and Grocers’ Board of Trade, and of the Board of Trad: and Transportation, bad a couference to- day with President Vanderbilt, of the New York Central Railroad, and Recetver Jewett, of the Erle Railway. The’ conference was opencd by the reading of a statement in which it wos claimed that inasmuch as threequarters or more of the Western-bound freight over the New York Central and Eric is furnlshed by this city, equity dewauds: JFlirst—That New York sbippers to the West shall have at all times, either by schedule or " contract, equally low rates witk the seaboard competing cities. . Second—That foreign freight arriving at this port_shall not be forwarded to the West over tie New York Ceutral or Erie Railroads from bere to destination a lower rates than the same class can be shipped from the warchouse 1 New & oriz City. Third—That classifications made by the New York Central or Erie Rajlroads shall be in all respects as favorable for New York shippers os for any other seaboard city, or for through foreien freizht. JFourth—That the present classifications should be to some extent modified ia the inter- est of both railroads and commerce, and tiat specful contracts should ouly be made under g unitorm and {mpartinl rulé, available alfke to all car-loads, bewg the maximum quantity re- quired to secure lowest rates. The Committees belleve tnat, unless the reg- ulations above provosed can be conceded and riorously adhered to, the prominence of New York as the distributing depot of the country cannow much longer be maintained, notwith. standing its unparalleled fibancial and geo- graphical advantages. ‘The Committee 2lso say that “yrith this Pos- sible calamity in the future, the railroads in their management and merchants in their ef- {orts can bave but one aim if they would save the commcrce of the city, which 1s gradually slipping from our grasp.” 2 Au informal and interesting tali followed, the merckants statine their srievances, Inainly the present classification of treights and dis- RoME, Feb. 16.—A majority of the Cardinals* in rates. Mr. Vanderblit safd crimination that .:he and cussed the poiuts, and would do all in ! thelr power for New York business, tpon which the business of thefr roads depend. The railronds would bear their share of the burdens, buat they could not bear them all.-:It was not {or the interest of any one that the railroads should enter into a war of extermination. Mr. Jewett eaid the agreement bad been made. by the New York roads for the urpose of placioz New York merchants B position of absclute equality. 5o far as possible, with the merchants of other cities, and added if the merchants wished to help the Erie Road, and reduce the cost of transportation over it, they wonld labor for the improvement of the dock facilitics. 'he question of classitication was a very diffi- endeavored to settle in the most equitable way possible. . The conference closed with the assurance of the railway mogoates that the railroads would do everytling possiole for the merdhunts. CRIME. RANDE. Svectal Dispatch to Tne Chicago Tribune, GALE3BURG, 1L, Feb. 16.—An immensc crowd thronzed the court-room this afternoon in an- ticipation of the commencement of the areu- ment in the Raude case. Both tbe hall and gallery were packed, even to the aisles, with an uttentive and interested audience, nearly half being lagies. At 2 o'clock State’s-Attorney Tubnicliff addressed the jury. Mr. Tunnicliff alluded to the presence of Bel- den’s little boy in court, and, in speaking of Rande’s aged mother and relatives, said it was very natural for them to use all pos- sible efforts to clear him. But, neither the insanity dodee nor any .other uibble or technicality would saye Frank Rande Trom the Goom which swasel B, ¥ Commenting o the evidence, Mr. Tunni- U claimed that proof positive had Leen ob- tained of Rande’s " identity with the burglar. ‘Lhat be was the murderer was absolutely shown. Te declared that no compromise verdict would be satisfactory to the people or the pros- ceution, but that outraged justice demanded the inflfction of the severest punishment known to the law. & Having almost concluded his argument an .the evidencs presented, it beeame apparent that the qucst‘llg"al insanity could not be entered on this evening, and the Court accordingly ad- Jourued until 9 o’clozk Mouday morning. F During the delivery of this” address the in- sane prisoner took copious motes of the legal authorities cited, with the page and volame referred to. When not thus’ employed - he was joking with his ruards or passing notes” to the reporters. Among his other cccentricities may be noted his penchant for keeping up his character asa desperado, by scowling and making demonstra- tious at witnesses, rnd signifying his intention ol pasiog police officers and reporters out when hegets to bell, or carlier if possible. He either believes that he will get his case reviewed by the Supreme Court or pretends to do so. A PLEA FOR CLEMENCY. Specaal Dispateh to The Chicugo Tribune. Sr. PAuL, Mion., Feb. 16.—Johan' Johansen, aged 62, to-day was sentenced to the Peni- tentiary for one year and a half for embezzling money {ntrusted to him for safckecping. In vleading to the Court for lenicney to-day, he said he was sick when the moncy was demanded of him, or could have paid it. He kad drawa it from the baok. The amount was $100, aod it he used it he would pay it with interest if he had not been put in jail. He would plead guilty at first, but understood he was asked whether he stole the mouey. Ho felt now like onc falling into fire and_sulphur. He thousht of his wife and children. He had been twice married and has three children. His wife came often to see him and tell him their children prayed for bim. Many.in St. Paul bad known him for years. and knew if he swanted to do wrong he had many chances, for sometimes he had $16,- 000 of other people’s money in his care. Aunderson brought him to this tronble, Jeb if he bad a chance he would pay him. The old man's pathetic speech created reat sympathy, for the fact was substantiated y others that he has been the custodian of savings for bis countrymen in hundreds of cases, and,except in the one instance for which he was tried, bad faithfully paid principal and interest. FRONTIER EPISODES, DPrapwoop, D. T., Feb. 11.—George Adler, formerly of Chicago, and Thomas Gardner, of Montana, partiers in the Spring Valley ranch, 35 miles from lere on the Sidney road, became involvedin a fight respecting the merits of their respective dogs. From words they came to blows. Garvey strnck Adler with a hammer, whereunon the latter retreated to the cabin, and, procuring his rifle, shot Garvey dead. Adler is now under arrest. _This afternoon Frank McGovern, a noto- rious character, and some years ago the terror of the Sweetwater ining country, became favolved in a quarrel with Joseph Ludwig, 3 well-knowa business- man ot Central City. Both drew revolvers and fired simultancously, Ludwig’s fire taking efect, passiug throueli both of McGovern's thighs. "The wounds are regarded asdangerous, That Ludwie was justitled in using his pistol is the universal opinion of the vest citizens here. MEMPHIS. Mgeypms, ‘Feb. 16.—Julius Behere and his martner, who recently went into bankruptey, Wwere arrested this afternoon by the United States Marshal at the instance of a committee of New Yori creditors, on a charge of obtaining 320,000 worth of clothing from them under false pretenses and smuggling the goods off to St. Louis, after muking an assignment, and various other species of crookedness, | Thes were beld In $10,000 cach to answer next Tucs- Adler, alias Koch, has been identificd as the party wanted at New Orleans for forgery, and held for requisition. CONVICTED. Special Dispaich to The Chicago Tribune. GRAND RAr(DS, Mich., Feb, 16.—William Par- menter, of Muskezon, who threatened to - kill his mother, and afterwards iv o fit of rage killed ten cows for her and set her house and barn on fire while she was at_cburch, has been on trial in the Muskezon Circuit Court this, week, and was found guilty to-day. INDICTED. BosTox, Feb. 16.—Dr. E. E. Spencer., of Cam- bridre, was arrested to-day upon an jndictment charging the manslaughter of Mrs, Catherine MeLean, having taken charge and then desert her Quring culldbirth, erted ANOTHER MOLLIE ARRESTED. OscEot.a, Pa., Feb. 16.—John Brenna; alias *Curly John,” a notorlous “ Mollic Maghire,” ‘was arrested yesterday at With the murder of Borme, £ it ogy, mRed — THE WEATHER, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL Orricen, VASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 17—1 g, m.—~Indica- tions—For the Lake region, falling followed by rising barometer, variable winds, risinz or st tionary temperature, cloudy and partly clondy ‘Weather, with occasioual light rains ana snow. LOCAL OBSERVATIONS. Cutoaco. Feb. 16. Wind. &n. Weather 02 Lt.mow -0 Cioudy. 0 |Fair. -3 (Cloudy. 0 |Le.rafa, -3 |¢Tondy. Time., \Gar. | Thr Tru, haad] flulmism. 55, 1AL OBSERVATIONS, Cutcaco, Feb. 16-Midnighe. Thr. | Wind. | Rain weainer. Statlons. !Bur. Pemblna ....|30. Bismarck ——— The Freak of a Russian Priest. The Bourse Gazette prints an account of a dls- agrecment between peasants and a pricst in 4 Russtun village, which gives but a poor idea of the respeet enjoed by the clerzy in Racsin The priest fiad gone "to the starosta, or elder, to re- quest that Ssome repairs might be executed in the bouse of his clerk. The elder objected, or atleast did oot hasten to comply with the priest’s ‘demand, on whicn the lutter went Mr. Jewett bad often dis-- cult and important one, which the railroads bad . . the Austrian; and three gunboats—t! eway ‘mueh frritated, and bo | chareh bell. The rineing of s gfu,, [ desired _effect of collecting the © M8 But, mistaking the simmal for gy LAY fire, they arrived bearing cans of watcrr?ml _Hnzuisbing the flames, axes for ore burning timbers, ladders for sapig gt suflocating inmates, and 5o on, Typey ) founa that tbe priesi’s sole objass o ik the villazers bl been to get the. clerp o<t repaired bitter things were said about higy X Lis wife, aided bya bold peasant, :ndl‘nrm b 2et the reverend zentleman 2way from tbe J Fone. Tt Was theu seen that ho jau pees 0% ing, 50 he was allowed o go on ripg ik the next doy was summoned beforg the TaLs tribunal to answer for bis_condgop.© A "l condemned Lim to three dass! imprisong et h o Hhiea Says’ g CASUALTIES, - INJURED BY FALLING Waryg Soectal Dispatch to The Chieago Fripypo3* CoLusnus, O., Feb. 16—Waile wey, were engazed in teariog dova an g1 e this afternoon, the second section of the ] aye w2y, COrTying With it one of the i 15° of the stracture. Thomas Anderson aug cyrld Barth, Inborers, were cauzh, by spe pacliles oris, the latter receiving injuries of a u'flde" natdre. Anderson was”badly g g 63 5 egs. 1z 3; e hu:i CAUGHT IN THE SHa¥TINg, Socclal Divaaleh 10 The Chicazo Ty Deiort, Mich, Feb. 163 lag sy Brockway, 16 years old, working in he Detroi Iron and Brass Works, Was cuagit fy ey oz and dravn Ioto the mashinery, s L ] such wounds that it is supposed he o e was taken to St. Mars’s Hospitgl 0 e ELEVATOR ACCIDENT, Crxersyaty, 0., Feb. 16.—An eleratoy I P. Strauss & Brothiers clothing house (g fur the fourth floor to the cellar ths evenlag, g ing with t siX persons, all of vhom wyg ety or less injured, none fatally, The ey accident Was the broaking of the iemgst 0 TOISONED, RICEFORD, Vt., Feb. 16.—There are Tortyoaes of poisoning fromm using the water of an ygeq. ed well. No deaths since Monday, by are expecied- 2 e CANADA. A Drotal Marder—A Rowing Challey In Parliament. o Special Dispatea to ‘Tht Chicags Trity, St. Jomy, N. B, Feb. 16.—A b wl mysterious murder was committed g Littly Kiver, a few miles from this city, on Thungyy night. The particlars, o far ag KDOWD, are g foilows: Mrs. Mary Quion, & widow gy old, has been Leeoing house for widrg , named Jobn Crowley for some yeurs pag. T s believed they always lived on good terms Wednesday morning, Crowley, who works iy the woods,proceeded to work as usual, When be returned at 5 o'cloct in the evening, he says he found Mrs. Quinn ising desg on the floor, her clothes torn and disordered, and several ghastly cuts on her hesd. Angy with which the murder had been committe was by her side. Crowleyat omce gave the alarm, aud the police proceeded to. fuvestizaty the matter. It was found that the woman hal been outraged before she was_killed, and th her murderer hod also searched the house for plunder. Suspicion pointed to_s man namel Vaughan. a fellow of bad reputa who~ was secm in - the viciaity Jfi:} the bouse during the day, in 8 hall-intoxiatel condition. He "has been arrested. bu denies guflt. Marks apparently of blood wer found on_his "clothes. - An inquest was held and several witnesses were examined, bu’ notk. ing was proved against the prisoner exvept thit hie seas scen to enter the house during tne day. He acknowledges haviug been In the visinity, but not fn the house. He takes the matte coolly, protesting his innocence, and deslaring he can account for bimself satisfactorily. The blood-stains on _his zlotnes he explains by say ing his nose bled. Public opinion is fntensely against him. Sneclal. Dispatch to Tae Chlcayn Tribune, 3 ToRONTO, Feb. 16.—In consequence of the anticipation that Enwland may become favolred in troubles in the East, severnl cattle-delers are preparing for large ‘shipments of cattle ta Liyerpool. 1In answer to Ross’ telegram that he fs amaite ing an answer from Hanlon relative toscom- muoication offering to row bim, tbe lamer states that he has beard nothing from the New Brunswicker. On the contrary, he sent a Jetter to Ross, statiag his willinamess to meet him o his own water, but never received a reply. Spectal Digpatch 10 The Chicagn Triduis ‘WINNIPEG, Man., Feb. 16.—Autheatic news has been received here that Louts Riel, having recovered his intellect, has left Beauport Asy- lum at Quebec, and is now in one of the West- ern States. Surela] Disnatch to The Chtenao Teibune. OtTa W3, Feb. 16.—In the House of Commons, Mr. Bunster, one of the British-Columbia men- bers, has given notice of a motion toths efleet that no persons be employed on the Pacifie Rull- way in any capacity wiose hair i more than fivs inches long. This is meant o3 a means of pre- lv;:nr.iug the Chinese being emploged along the ine. . Notice of 2 motion was given for the termics- tion of the nightly debate at 10 o’clock, except when a majority of the Honse shall bein faser of_a prolongation beyond that hour. ‘The Infleoendence-of-Parliament act, to be foe troduced tais session, will somerwhat relax ! slrinfiency of the present act, while not affet:- ing the possession of Members who have ren- dered themselves liable to its penalties. The bill embodying the temperance lerils tion referred Lo in the specch from the Throne will take the shape of a permissive bill,—sellnz to be eatiroly probibited, there beinz no e gallon clause; every local nathority. from vil- lages up to provinces, to be empowered to adopt it; the vote to be by ballot, and only oaa day’s polling, In short, tbe bill will be adaptation of the Option law m vogue in the United States. The Rev. G. N. Higginson’s triends have pail $1.200 compensation to the fataer of the gitl Who 1as connceted with the recent sandal, 02 coudition that no lezal proveedings be taken. Higginzon las zonc to the East Indies. Sveclal Dispatch 1o The Chicagn Tribune. MONTREAL, Feb. 16.—The anoual meeting of the shurcholdere of the New York Graphi Com- pany has been beld here,~Sir Francis Hincks o the chuir, The report was not satistactory to some of those present, but was carried. Ths statemeut of aczounts showed a small prodt 07 last vear’s business, but the Compaoyis oo siderably fn debt. AR i Sl S ) OCEAN STEAMSHIP NEWS. . N&w York, Feb. 1f.—Arrived, Italy #x ¢ Atrato, from London; Serapis and l’lahzmdkf. i from Cardiff; and Cornwall, from Bristol. 3 BALTIMORE, Feb. 16.—Arrived, steamers Al | i b H ! § genan and Austrian, from Liverpool. QUEBNSTOWN, Feb. 16.—Arrived, steamsbip Adriatic, from New Yorl —_—— ANDERSON'S - CASE: NEW ORLEANS, La., Feb. 16.—In the Auder- son case, Judge Whitaker this morning recelved the bricf of counsel, and will render his d& cision Monday morning a3 to a new trlal. —— TWar Vessels Luunched o 1875 From a comparison of the rmnuy-vuhmh( 2 Austrlan Navae dlmanae for 1878 with that lof 1877, it appears that whereas in 1376 o fewe than eighiteen iron-clad men-of-war, of 4 35 Eregate tonnage displacement of 113,404t00% were launched for Furopean navies, lsit sear ouly six armored vessels, of a total disol T ment of 23,3% tons, left the slips. Germiz) added during the twelye months four ships I her fron-ciad fleet actually afloat—nam! A} the sister ships Baiern and the Sachsen, e corvettes, built of iron, each of 7,503 tons & placement, with two barbette turrets, ron casemated battery protected by 15%-ioch L plates, and each carrying one 30)4-centimelre four 26-centimetre” Krupp guns; and ! armored gun-boats, the Mucke and v.heswrp::v sister vessels, each of 1,000 tous displacen protected about the watcr-lineand in the It borhood of thelr armament by 8-inch iron pistey capable of steaming lnln:;"knnts‘_ n:‘hr:ur each carrying a single 30)4-centimt A g, France launched. quriog 1567 tho 0% phante. a casemated ship uf the sezond sy, 4,450 tons displucement. earsying four ST<e3t metre, four Hcentimetre, and four 13¢ metrc guns, and aving the battery sud VA line protected by six inches of armor, Fuleur, o tuer shio, desizied e coast lefense, of 01 ment, protected by I124nch iron' pisith and = carrying < two 32-centimetre oeclsd four I2ientimetre gupns. No 1ro! sliip at all was launched for the Eaelish gg last year. Of the eightecn armed afesible launched in 1876, fve—namels, the lofel? Temeraire, Shannon, Neison, and X ot ton—were for the Engiish navrs; elght—Sa8u0) fhe Redoubtable, Foudroyant, Devasiiy,; Trident, Fulminagt, Tonnerre, Tonuais S0 Vengeur—for the French nary; one—the Vo, —for the Italian; one—the Prinz 1;;:“‘.”% Biene, and Viper—for the German navfs |\ Hc s ba 00 £ Th on ks 1o ke v