Evening Star Newspaper, December 3, 1889, Page 5

_—" - Wer Dao Ovr Amiserable exstence when 8 few bottles of Ayers Sarsaparilis would certairly give che etrensth and -nergy you need? Thousands ace roving its virtues daily. So may you Mra Alice West, of Jefferson, W. Ve, writes: “I was all run down before I began to take Ayer’s Sar- sapere, but am Dow gaining in strength every aay” 2d EDITION. Lali! Tlerans to The Sur “Being very weak and Gespondent efter a lomt EARTHQUAKE: {Miness, I tried Ayers Sarseparilia, and two bot ao tles nave restored me to my former health." New Hampshire Visited by a General ‘Miss Blanche & Brownell, 4 Boyiston Pisce Shock. — Dover. N.H., Dec. 3.—Early this morning the 114 inhabitants of Alton Bay were awak- ened by an earthquake shock which jarred the houses. Many people rushed from their beds, Crockery and glass ware were broken. Clocks were stopped at 1:29. Asecond shock was more severe than the first. People then rushed out doors, expecting the houses would tumble down. The bell on the steamer Mount Wash- ington, in the middle of the bay,was rung. The shock was also felt at Alton and Gilford, but ‘Was not so severe. ——_— WHERE 18 PARNELL? The Great Irish Leader Has Been Missing Several Weeks. Loxpon, Dec. 8.—The St. James Gazette states that Mr. Parnell disappeared several weeks ago and since then has not been heard from. His whereabouts is a mystery and his prolonged absence causes much trouble to his adherents, The Gazette says that though it has been Mr. Parnell’s custom to occasionally seclude him- self his period of retirement has this time been longer He has even failed to keep @ number of important engagements, among which was one to meet Mr. Gladstone, Reeser nansdli ANOTHER UNITED STATES. The Central American Compact Has Gone Into Effect. New Ontzaxs, Dec. 8.—Advices of date November 7 from Managua, Nicaragua, state on the highest authority that President Eardoto Sarcasa would that day approve the treaty forming a union of the five republics of Nicara- gua, Costa Rica, Honduras, San Salvador and Guatemala under the name of the United States of Central America, For the first ten years this union will simply be an offensive and defensive alliance and the president of the union will have charge only of diplomatic and foreign relations of the five republics, At the expiration of that period the union will be cemented by the adop- tion of a constitution which will embrace all political, commercial and other relations be- tween the five republics and foreign powers. A common monetary standard and common taruff laws will be adopted, but there will be free trade between the dif- ferent republics. Honduras, Guatemala and San Salvador have already signed the treaty and it is understood that Costa Kica will do the same as soon as Nicaragua has signed. It is now considered certain that there will be no more trouble of any description betwean Nica- ragua and Costa Rica. —.____ The Montana Dead Lock. Hexzxa, Mowt., Dec. 3.—The senate met again yesterday with only the republican members present, After a short session ad- journed until today. The republican house met, adopted rules and adjourned until today. A-short session was held by the democratic house, but nothing of importance was done. ‘There is no prospect of any immediate change in the situation, although it is rumored that the senate will succeed in organizing this week. eit 2 From Wall Street Today. AYER'S SARSAPARILLA, Prepared by"Dr. J.C. Ayer & Ca, Lowell, Masa, Gold by all Dragyists. Price, $1: siz bottles, 96. WORTH @5 A BOTTLE Cuntssan Seropar Sarz. IN THE WHOLE RANGE OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS THERE IS NONE EQUAL IN VALUE TO THE CARLSBAD SPRUDAL SALT. Carlsbad Salt, a teaspoonful dissolved in a tumbler- ful of water twice aday, 18 essential in the process Of digestion, absorption and secretion. It is the best solvent of the products of the disintegration of the tissues and increases thefr elasticity. It gives the se- eretion their fluidity and is the great vehicle of chem- foo-vital changes. It willcure any ordinary case of yspepaia, catarrh of the stomach, liver aud kidney Giseases, diabetes, gravel, cout and rheumatism. The Genuine has the signatureof “EISNEK, MENDEL- BON & CO..” Sole Agents, 6 Barclay street, New York, on the neck of every bottle, Beware of imitations. “Take time by the forelock,” ere that rasping hacky cough of yours carries you where somany consump tives bave preceded you. Lose no time; but procure 8 bottle of the rational remedy for lung and bronchial dis- euse—SCOTT'S EMULSION OF COD LIVER OIL with Hypophosphites of Lime and Soda, Rely upon it “nat it will afford you speedy and efficient aid. Not only {eit a pulmonic of surpassing merit, but it compen- tates for the drain of vitality which is a most formida- bleaccompantment of lung disorders, Besides arrest- ng the progress of consumption, bronchitis and asthma, it infuses unwonted vigor intoan enfeebled system and tends to fill out the hollow places in an angular frame, Ladies in delicate health will findit a palatable means sf adding roundness to s figure robbed of itscontour by de inroad of marasmus or other wasting disorders. A scrofalous tendency may be succesfully combatted ‘with ft, and it is scapital thing for feeble children. old a3-ta,ths he, biliousness or constipation without them. They sre purely Sowetable: small tna’ casy to take. ‘Don't forget this, pie FAIL TO CURE. SODEN MINERAL PASTILLES, SODEN MINERAL PASTILLES, SODEN MINERAL PASTILLES, ‘The Great European Remedy againstall CATARRHAL AFFECTIONS and F YOU ONCE TRY CARTER’S LITTLE LIVER I Pills for sick headac! COUGHS AND HOARSENESS. Sold by all Druggista. ‘Small Boxes, 25c. ; Large Boxes, 50c. aes New Youx, Dec. 8.--The stock market xn By x GGG ™ 358, this morning was more quiet than at the same ie 8 bes sg *” ®as, time yesterday, though there was an an active, cKO H REN 690 Bg business in the leading stocks,among which St. 8% ar Paul, New England, Reading, Missouri Pacific PPP. A A EES Lackawanna, Louisville and Nashville. Union or «(AA bie bela Pacific, Chicago gas and sugar refineries were AAA AAA oO = | most prominent. The temper of the market aa aa = | was in marked contrast to that of yestet day, the opening being decidedly strong at ad- 814 7TH 8T., vances over last night's prices of from 3¢ to generally, while. Tennessee coal was up 1 an BET. H AND I STS. WW, sugar 1%. These figures had been set too : high, however, and a general reaction took place, which, in a few instances, brough: the quotations below those of last evening, the most noticeable declines being % in New England, 1 Chicago gas, 1 in cotton oil and 234 in sugar. There was a rally from this and ‘ennessee coal rose 1 and Atchisonand Denver and Texas fractional amounts over the openin, ge prices. Missouri Pacific, Louisville and Neake 53s, ville and Union Pacific were also conspicuously 8y35 ll strong. The upward movement came toa halt, however, toward the end of the hour and at 11 o'clock the market was quiet and steady to firm, generally at but slight changes from the opening figures. FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL, New York Stock Market. following are the opening and closing prices of te Rew York sisex ‘Market, as reported by special a wire to Corson aud Macartey, 141'F street: ¥wwe ek ok Pe gs www Ee AA 53s, ww aa . fO MAKE ROOM FOR THE BUILDER, HAVING LEASED THE ADJOINING PREMISES NOW OC- CUPIED BY THE FAIR, AND WILL TAKE POS- BESSION ABOUT JANUARY, AND WE WILL COM- BINE THE TWO STORES INTO ONE MAMMOTH ESTABLISHMENT. ON ACCOUNT OF THE EX- TENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS WE CONTEMPLATE MAKING WE ARE COMPELLED AT THIS EARLY PART OF THE SEASON TO DISPOSE OF OUB ENTIRE STOCK. 215, =| B78 “| bons KING'S PALACE, 2330 814 7th st. nw. r E ‘ol 'K BEFORE ONT WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE SICI Wop Carter's Littie Liver Pills, but e. You can't take them without beneat —_——— Washington Stock Exchange. Government Bonds—U. 8. 43/s, 1891. registered, 104% bid, 105 asked. U.S. 43s, 1891, coupon, 10435 bid, 105 asked. U.S. 45, registered, 1907, 125% bid, 1264 asked. U. 5.4%, coupon, 1907, 126% bid, 127% asked. District of Columbia Kouds—Per tmp. 6s, 1891, coin, 105% bid, 106% asked. Per imp. 7s, 1891, currency, 1063 bid, 108% asked. Market stock 7s, isy2, currency. 107% bid. 20-year fund. 6s, 1se2, gold, 106 bid, 1084 asked. 20-year fund, 5a, 1sey, gold, 113 bid, 120 asked. Water stock, 7s, 1901, currency, 131 bid. 30-year fund, te, gold, 1002, 121 bid, 127 asked. Water stock, 73, currency, 1903, 135 bid. 3-658, 1uz4, fund, cur- reney, Misvollancvus Bonds—U. S. Electric Light bonds, Ist Gs, 100 bid. U.S. Electric Light bonds, 2d, 6s, 100 vid, 103 asked. Washington and George: town Kallroad, 10-40, 6s, 107 bid, 110 asked. Wasb- ington and Georgetown Convertible bonds. 6s, 150 did. Mavonic Hall iation 8, 1898, 108 bid, 113 asked. Mashis ton Market Com 1st mortgage, Us, ‘ashington Market om bonds, imp. Gs, 123 bid, 127 asked. Light Infantry frst mortgage bonds, Washington Light Infantry Washington "Ratonal Beak Stocks — Hack of Washtugton, N Ba ks — ° “bid. Bank of Kepublic, 240 bid, 275 asked: tan, 200 bid, 275 asked. Central, 250 | 182 bid, 190 asked. Farmers’ and 190 bid. Citizens, 160 bid. Choice of Neck Wear and Furnish- ‘tugs for Men and Boys. CABHART & LEIDY, 330 ‘928 7thet. and 706 K st. a.w. s z NNOUNCEMENT. National U 20% bid, 21 asked. Ta bid, Corcoran, 65, bid. 65 asked. Columbia’ BAR: AY BREWERY CO. of Rochester, N.Y; | 16: bid, 16% asked. German-American, 150 bid. SFOLLO. re peer. pare ay Std | Potumac, 9 bid, 100 asked. Riggs, 8x bid, be ~4 8g asked. Peop! UadSeautls tor ius purity frow Auaiytieal Cheeists | fide Insurance Real Estate Title, 126 Sud is aud oo — bid. Columbia Title, ox bid, 735 cone Pace pmlaatie oi ial ‘Some Gar | aman a Gas, 48 Did Us Bloctns are it, O436 Did, 105 asked. aa ee case, Tel jwcks — Pennsylvania, per asked. Chess} and 86 bid, 86% Grapbophone Company, 198 eer ian best call i ait, 708 ~ * THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. Discussion at Today’s Meet- ing of the Washington City Presbytery. A short and rather sharp but interesting dis- cussion took place at the meeting today of the Washington city presbytery. The subject of the revision of the confession of faith was the topic and the discussion was in some re- Spects a continuation of yesterday’s debate when it was decided to come to vote on the question of revision at a meeting to be held in April next. Before adjourning today the pres- bytery decided to hold another meeting on the third Monday in January. The question, as it comes before the presbytery for the general assembly, is divided into two: First, whether a revision is desired; and sec- ond, what changes are to be suggested. To answer the second question the matter was re- ferred to a committte consisting of Rev. Dr. Hamlin, ex-Justice William Strong, G. W- N. Pete and Rev, be Ragen re oo Sate De. aving prepared its re; rae 3 . Hamlin” ie wen as pier REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTER, We recommend that the presbytery of Wash- ington city answer the second question of the general assembly's overture on the revision of the confession of faith, as follows: We do not desire any sweeping revision of the confession of faith, nor such as would eliminate from it the system of doctrine known as Calvanism, nor such as would throw it out of harmony with other Presbyterian churches, We ee nize, with profound gratitude to God, the immense service of our confession to a multi of believers, to civil freedom and to the world at large. We appreciate its logical strength and sym- metry and its unequaled statement of most of the great doctrines of our holy religion. We find init, however, certain controversial utter- ances which do not perly belong in such a document and cer: unscriptural or extra scriptural statements, These we desire to have bess ga ar We also, lack of just balance ne of — whicl iar Seam remedied by a change of emphasis, an perp fhe find no adequate statement of the love of for all mankind, His abundant provision for the salvation of all in the atonement ot His Son and His offer of mercy and grace to every creature, This we desire to see prominently inserted, CHANGES SUGGESTED. The report then proceeds by chapter and sec- tion to enumerate the changes which ought to be made to carry out the ideas of the commit- tee as expressed in the report. There are eighteen changes suggested and all of them with the exception of six are approved by the entire committee, From these six changes Rev. Dr, Bittinger files his dissent, Some of the changes so modify confession that it will not the age of the will, so guard the imputation of sin and righteousness as to relieve it of all impressions of legal fiction, and leave out the words ‘‘papist or other idolatries” and also all other controversial utterances in regard to the church of Rome, The report recommends that a clause be inserted giving the truth contained in such verses of the Bible as “God loved the world,” &c., and a statement of the obligations and privileges of the church of Christ to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. The report was ordered to be printed, and it is the intention to act upon it at the spring meeting. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROPOSED CHANGE. In discussing the subject of revision Rev. Dr. Bartlett said that the proposed change was a most important one in the history of the church. It seemed to him that there was a tendency on the part of those opposed to any change to think that they were the only true-blue Presby- terians while the other side were the destroyers of the faith. Buthe said this was the spirit that opposed itself to every reform and every movement forward. To his mind it was prima facie evidence that the book needed revision because it was prepared 250 years ago. ‘The world has changed since then. The age was a barbarous one com- paratively when the book was prepared, ‘The arguments opposed to any change were ropes of logic fastened to the hind end of the train of progress. The throttle of the engine would be pulled and everybody would be hurried along with it. Statistics were often quoted to show how much the church was doing. They also might be quoted to show how little was done compared with what ought tobe done. He favored all the sug- gestions contained in the report. He was in favor of growth anda movement of this kind was @ preparation for a larger life and greater activity. The Presbyterian church, he said, had stood long enough with its back to the morning piping pmans to the sunset. He bo- lieved that God eas in this movement and that the church was going forward to a glorious fu- ture. JUDGE DRAKE REPLIES. In reply Judge Drake referred to the self- complacency of those who favored the revision because they believe that all the progress of the world has been toward their way of thinking. It must not be imagined, he said, that people who objected to having the foundations of their faith overturned were hostile to the light. VIEWS OF DR. SUNDERLAND. The fundamental truths and principles which underly all civilization and progress ought, in the opinion of Rev. Dr. Sunderland, the next speaker, to be preserved while looking forward and marching forward in the ranks of progress. ‘There is danger in the rebound from consery- atism, he said, in flying off to dreams and fan- tasies. He thought that the church should re- main true to its principles, and spoke of the service to the world done by Calvin and his teachings, Any movement looking to a change in fundamental beliefs he thought ought to ve carefully considered. Taking the floor again Rev. Dr, Bartlett cited the conservative Dr. McCosh as in favor of re- vision, in reference to the objection raised by his opinion he spoke of the prehistoric ani- mal, the megatherium, which was provided with a buge mouth, but whose function was to catch ante. He thought the fears and objec- tions of the opponents of revision resembied the megatherium. Rev. Dr. Fullerton spoke briefly and then the presbytery adjourned. a The Garfield Hospital Aid Association. The Ladies’ Aid (Garfield hospital) has elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Mrs, Robert G. Rutherford; vice presidents, Mrs. Dr. J. Ford Thompson, Mrs. Dr. Flint, Mrs. Paymaster Thornton, Mrs, Major Tucker, Mrs. Hastings, Mrs. Bentley; treasurer, Mrs, Henry A. Willard; secretary, Mrs. Francis Johnston. poze NEES Two Lives Lost at Sea. New Yorx, Dec, 3.—The bark Christian Schriver, from Buenos Ayres, reports that yes- terday at the Delaware breakwater she passed two dead bodies, One of the bodies was that of a man floating on a life raft, the other was that of a woman floating near the raft with a life preserver about her. It is not known to what vessel the bodies belonged, The report inshipping circles in this city occasioned no little excitement. Upon the maritime ex the opinion prevailed that the raft and had come from the Old Dominion steamship Manhattan, which went down in a jision with the schooner — Manning a few weeks ago, The Old Dominion agents, however, say that there was no woman on their vessel. ite this statement old seamen insist that the raft came trom the Manhattan. They say that it is fre- quently the case that a woman is smuggled on board of a vessel by the captain and her name is kept off the manifest, cece EL Fire in Prince George’s. Price Gzoner’s Countr, Mp., Dec, 8.— The large building on the Baltimore and Drum Point railroad used as & storehouse and barracks for 430 railroad laborers was burned last night, The stock of supplies was also burned. Loss, $6,000. ie netiiinanen « Indictments Presented. The grand jury today presented to Chief Justice Bingham in the Criminal Court the fol- lowing indictments: Louis Schade and John H. Crane, libel; Louis Schade,*libel; Patrick Burke, manslaughter, causing the death of Waiter Duvall, ch Bg Edwin F. Slater ©. @. Leland, Hamilton Fish alias | tio: ouffe from nervous but his ill- ness is not at all serious. was in the Senate yesterday and today. All the new House officials, with the excep- tion of Mr. Holmes, the new sergeant-at-arms, were at their poststoday. Mr. McPherson has made two changes in his ent. Charles 8. Martin of Fe a on been appointed a reading clerk in place of Neil Brown, jr., and John 8. Gray- bill of Pennsylvania a stationery clerk, vice John F. Ancona. Mr. Adams, the new door- ki has made but one change as yet, that being the appointment of | Ralph Nutting, a son of ex-Congresaman Nut- ting of New York, a page, and whose A peg he will take has not been settled. Mr. Wheat has assumed the reins at the post office, but does not intend to make any changes for some THE SENATORS FROM SOUTH DAKOTA were the only ones in the dignified branch of the national legislature who were fiorally re- membered today. Mr. Pettigrew’s friend, who- ever he was, sent him something in the shape of an alleged fish, on which, in immortelles, was the crimson ip tion statesman.” That, by the way, is Mr. Pettigrew’s pet name upin Dakota, After admiring the alleged fish for some time—it was on his desk—Sena- tor Pettigrew thoughtlessly lifted up the ma- hogany lid and the ynitation slid gracefully to the floor. A was summoned and the al- leged pickerel—bruised and disordered, but as much like a pickerel as he ever was—was re- placed on the desk top. Senator Moody's admirer is evidently a com- petitor who wants the jolly South Dakotan to be anangel, He sent him a large and elaborately constructed ; some of the jealous ones called it a lyre, and it did look one, but the Senator insisted it was a harp. SENATOR FAULKNER OF WEST VIRGINIA made his first appearance for this session this morning. The Senator moved around by the aid of a crutch, He injured his left leg very seriously about four months ago and_ the muscles have not yet knitted themselves into position. Mr. Faulk- ner is one of the most popular Senators on the democratic side, and he held quite a reception today. THE REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL CAUCUS met immediately after the adjournment of the Senate and proceeded to discuss committee matters, Places will have to be found for the ad- ditional Senators which the new states have sent here. The question to be decided was, “Shall the number of Senators on committees be in- creased or shall those Senators who are now on three or four committees be taken off some of them so as to give the new men a chance?” A committee was appointed to investigate and report and then the caucus, after a brief ses- sion, adjourned. NOT LIKE IT USED TO BE. Opinions on the President’s message, that is, opinions which are really worth anything, are not to be had just now. Years ago, when the art of statesmanship was conducted differ- ently and when the interviewer was on ‘the crest of the journalistic wave, Senators and Representatives gave “snap” opi ions on any subject that happened to pop up. They discussed freely presidential messages and bills and ahundred other things within five minutes after those things had been made pub- lic, and in many instances they got themselves into all kinds of metaphorical holes, and some of them never gotout again, ‘he situation has changed very materially in these latter days, and when & Congressman is asked to give his opinion of a message which he has neither read nor heard read he quietly insista on being excused until he has had time to look at it, ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS The Differences Shown in a Statement Prepared at the Capitol. The clerks to the committees of appropria- tions of the Senate and House have prepared a comparative table of estimates and appro- priations, It shows that the total regular and permanent estimates for 1890 were $385,976,146, or $35,778,226 less than those for 1891, The excess of revenues last year over the appropria- tions was $53,532,511, while the excess of esti- mate revenues over estimated appropriations (exclusive of deficiencies and miscellaneous) for 1891 is $43,571,022, The amount of esti- mated revenues for 1891 is 385,000,000, and this added to $65,414,337, the amount of esti- mated postal revenue, makes the total estimates of revennes for 1891 amount to $450,414,387. The net increase of estimates for 1891 over 1890 is #20.567,168, the net in- creace of estimates for 1891 over appropriations (exciusive of deficiencies and miscellaneous) for 1890 is $38,092,112, and tha total estimates of regular and permanent annual appropriations for 1891 are $406,843,315. There are no estimates made §by the committees for river and harbor appropriations for 1891, and Congress will tuve to take up directly those submitted by the chief of engineers in his anuual report. The estimate for the District of Columbia for 1891 is $5,380,114.27, or $802,- 295.64 less than the appropriations made for WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP, New Natroxat Banxs.—The controller of the currency has authorized the organization of the First National bank of Southern Oregon at Grant's Pass; capital, $50,000; J. C. Campbell, resident; K. A. Booth, cashier. Also the Pirst Nat onal bank of Rockwood, Tenn.; capi- tal, $00.00; Morton Fouche, president, and Thos, B. Clark, cashier, District Ixventors.—Patents have been is- sued to citizens of the District as follows: John 8. Blankman, tubular gun sight; Theodore F. Rotchfort, shill coupling; Alvin W. Van Dor- ston, draw gear for railway cars, —-— Cart. H. B, Osaoop, commiséary of subsist- ence, has been ordered to duty at Jefferson barracks, Mo., as post commissary, Rermep.—Capt. Daniel Robinson, seventh infantry, having served over forty years in the army was today at his own request placed on the retired list, Samep ror Haxytt.—The Navy department is informed that the Kearsarge and Galena sailed this morning from New York for Hayti. The Dolphin, which also belongs to the squad- ron, is detained by the non-arrival of a Hotch- kiss gun, which is to complete her armament. As soon as that is placed on board the Dol- pin will follow the other vessels to Portan- rince, Anrivep at Rio Janzrro.—Rear Admiral Gillis has informed the Navy department of his arrival at Rio Janeiro, He reports all quiet and eederly. Objected to the Porch. Col. John D, Langhorn of No, 1210 18th street appeared in the Police Court this afternoon and complained that Col. David A. Windsor’s front porch was an obstruction. Col. Windsor claimed that his porch was erected under a per- mit issued by the building inspector and that he was being prosecuted for a legally constructed eh. ‘i Miller decided in favor of the fendant. He thought that the h caused no more of an obstruction than a bay window, ‘The law was for the benefit of the public, and ee @ public obstruction, The case was dismisse ——__ Chicago and the Exposition. Chicagoans in the city, and especially the congressional contingent from that great town, held a meeting last night at Willard’s hotel and decided that the exposition matter has to be settled right away. Senator Farwell was in the chair, and he recognized Representative — empowered comm New York and St. Tauie, to the the question of the °92 exposition be speedily settled by its to Con- Policemen’s Widows Penstoned. bene ——— i So naan gsc agen Jorma ot - —— THE EVENING 8TAR: WASHINGTON, D.C TUESDAY DECEMBER 3, 3889 COMMUN-SENSE TESTS. That is What the Civil Service Commis- | Charlies sion Says of Its Examinations, ORITICISNS OF THE SYSTRM ANSWERED IN THER ANNUAL REPORT—THE CHARACTER OF THE VARIOUS EXAMINATIONS EXPLAINED—MORE MONEY NEEDED TO EXECUTE THE LAW. The civil service commission has submitted to the President its annual report, and in it shows how the which the law provides for has been to such an extent that more than one-fourth of the positions under the government are now protected by it. Vari- ous minor amendments to the law are recom- mended and an increase m the commission's clerical force is said to be urgently needed, because the present force can barely keep the liste of eligibles filled. “There may,” says the report, referring to this con- dition of affairs, “be a division of opinion as to whether there should or should not be acivil service law at ail, but surely there can be none as to its being properly enforced while on the statute book and as to the commission's being given sufficient means to enforce it, Common honesty demands that while the law exists there be sufficient money seeropeieed to carry it into effect. Consider- ing the vital importance of the work, the amount that is needed is absolutely insignifi- eant—so insignificant that there can be no hesitation in granting it on the score of economy.” ‘This is followed up by an appeal for an ad- ditional sum of $18, THE CHARACTER OF THE EXAMINATIONS. Some space is devoted to an argument on the merit system. “It seems worth while to an- swer,” the report says, ‘one or two of the ac- cusations often brought against the merit sys- = by its opponents. These accusations zg en 80 incessantly repeated’ that many peo} have finally moses believe them. One of these accusations is that the exami- nations are of such & character as to favor “boys fresh from school” at the expense of men of maturer age, experience and capacity. This is simply incorrect. In the last report of the commission full tables bearing on the sub- ject are Chibeeg By these it is shown that nearly two-thirds of the applicants for examination succeed in passing, and that of those passing about two-! are appointed, the figures es. ing, by the way, that those who have a good common schoo! education do about as well as those who have graduated from college. A glance at these tables ehows that the a age of those passing the examinations for ordinary | aot positions, such as clerk, copyist, letter carrier and the like, is about twenty-eight years, In other words, the examinations for these positions are especially suited not to school boys, but to men in the prime of life, with experience of the world, who have left school for at least ten years, The most common accusation, however, is that examinations are “‘scholastic,” or of an “‘im- practicable” character; that, as is often as- serted, the commission does not give practical teste, but asks questions “about the sciences.” or, at least, on irrelevant subjects, All such statements as these are without foundation; and if those who make them do so in good faith it is only because they have not taken the trouble to ascertain the facts. As a matter of fact, special care is taken to have the examina- tions as practical in character as possible, and to test each candidate on precisely those sub- ages demanded by the character of the work in the branch of the service to which he is seck- ing admission. The commission strongly ob- jects to irrelevant questions, and surely there can be no questions more irrelevant to a man’s duties as clerk or letter carrier than are in- quiries as to how he voted at the last election and how strong his political backing is; and these are precsely the questions that many of the men who thus object to the examinations as “impractical” are in reality desirous of TESTS OF VARIOUS KINDS, “Examinations are held for scores of differ- ent places, and for each place appropriate tests are provided. Thus, it is necessary for an as- sistant chemist to know something of chemis- try, and for an assistant astronomer to know something of astronomy; and applicants for such positions are at accordingly, A would-be stenographer and type writer is ex- amined in ata, eon! and type writing. But the great bulk of applicants—probably over 90 r cent—apply for positions as clerk, copyist, letter carrier and the like, and the examina- tions for these positions are those by which the system can best be tested. For each of these Positions there is a plain, practical, com- non-sense examination, such as would appear to the average intelligence to be best suited to find out the men who in the highest degree the qualities needed. A copyist is ex- amined on but four subjecte—spelling, pen- manship, elementary arithmetic and copying from dictation, from plain copy and froma rough draft, His duties asa copyist make it necessary for him to spell well, to write a good, legible hand, to solve simple problems in arith- metic and to make a clear, neat-looking copy of a firs: draft of a letter which is filled with interlineations and erasures; and ac- cordingly these four points are the very ones on which he isexamined. A clerk's ex- amination is a little harde-, for besides the above-mentioned subjects he 1s required to show that he can write an intelligent letter on some given topic, that he can turn ungram- matical sentences into good English, that he knows how to keep accounts, and finally that he knows something of United States geog- raphy, government and history. Every ques- tion, except the last, hus a direct bearing upon the duties to which the clerk will be put as soon as he bas been appointed, The only objection that can bly be made is to the questions about the geography and histury of the United States (and no other juestions are asked in history and geography); But these combined never count for pando tive per cent in the examination, so that an ap- plicant need not answer them at all, and may Yetattain an average of 95 per cent. More- over, these questions are a test of a man’s gen- eral intelligence. Every good American citizen ought to possess a rudimentary knowledge of his country's history, geography and govern- ment. : MINOR POSITIONS. Examinations for all the ordinary minor po- sitions are based upon the two for clerk and copyist, some of the questions being dropped and others substituted in each case accordin; to the character of the work in the special place applied for. Thus, a letter carrier has to show good knowledge of the local geogra- phy of his vicinity—its railway stations, big commercial buildings, and the like. Or, again, a railway mail clerk has to show acquaintance with the railway systems of his state and sec- tion, and to make it evident that he can read off a large number of addresses with speed and accuracy. Buch are fair samples of the tests applied to the great majority of the candidates who come before the examining boards, and if questions on the points indicated above are not practival snd pertinent to the duties of the positions sought for then it would be hard to know what questions are, one, in attacking the ex- aminati eee impracti: ions as ical or as being too se- vere and scholastic in character, quotes a ques- tion askedone class and as if it was ‘or instance, he will speak as MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. Haggenmaker, a Shoemaker at Bennings, Missing. Bennings furnishes another mystery. This time it is the mysterious disappearance of the village shoemaker, a young man named Charlies He formerly lived in Union- town and sometime last conrad is went to Bennings and opened a shoe in the rear of store at the crossroads, not far from the drove yard Being the only shoemaker in that section he soon built Up s good trade and had more work than he could do, He rented » house near the rail- road station and lived there with his wife and dren, maker and his wife iy, and almost every evening he was out with his little children. MISSING SINCE LAST WEDNESDAY. Last Wednesday morning he left home and went to his shop, He left the key in Kaiser's store with the clerk, telling him that he could deliver any work that might be called for. When he left the shop he took his shot gun wit him and said he was going to the city to ha it repaired. When evening came and he had not returned his wife became alarmed and made inquiries about her husband. She learned that he left Bennings in one of the stages and went tothe city. He failed to return home that night and hi com- municated with her father-in-iaw in Uniontown. Inquiries have been made, but thus far no one has been seen who has heard or seen anything of the missing man since he reached this city Wednesday evening. DESCRIPTION OF THE MISSING MAX. He is about twenty-five years old, 5 feet 6 inches high and stouily built, He wore a black suit, light overcoat and derby hat when he left home. It is thought by some persons that the missing man pone 2 ik home weg = stages 6 running y night an meager As the missing man not re- turned home yesterday the police were notified of his disappearance and requested to lookout for him. called at his home When a Stan this morning his wife was not there, but re] learned im the neighborhood that she does not think that her husband has been foully dealt with, ———. DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. A DANGEROUS RAILROAD CROSSING. One of the most dangerous crossings on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad is Sheriff's cross- ing near Bennings station. Several days the Commissioners received a letter from Mr. A. J. Curtis, in which he submitted a proposi- tion which he had made to the railroad company and which had been accepted by them, which has for its object the discontinuance of the above named crossing. The proposition referred to contemplates the opening of a new public road by the District from a point on the road leading from the station to Bennings proper, and just south of the Baltimore and Ohio rail- road, to a point intersecting the Sheriff road, the railroad companies to build a bridge over Watts run, subject to the Commissioners’ ap- proval, two-thirds of the expense to be borne y the Baltimore and Ohio company and the balance by the Baltimore and Potomac rail- road company. The matter was referred to Capt, Rosseil, who will make an examination of the proposed change and report to the Com- missioners. In conversation with a STaR re- porter today the captain said that he was of the impression thet it was a good idea and that the change should be made, GEORGETOWN MEN WANT M STREET REPAIRED, A long petition bearing the names of prom- nent Georgetown merchants doing business on M street between Potomac and 32d streets has been filed with the Commissioners, in which they state they are informed that the engineer in charge of the work of laying the new 43-inch main will not repair the streets until spring. They request immediate redress, TIME EXTENDED. The timo mentioned for laying the rails of the Anacostia and Potomac river railroad com- pany has been extended to the Ist of January, THE DELAY IN ISSUING LIQUOR LICENSES. The granting of liquor licenses has coms to a standstill. It is understood that the liquor dealers are invoking congressional influence to obtain their licenses. If these licenses are not granted it is stated that this seme influence will be used grees the Commissioners when the question of their confirmation comes up, Commissioner Douglass today tolda Star re- Porter that the delay was caused by the press of business and that he would commence act- ing upon licenses tomorrow. The Commis- sioners are enforcing the rule that when au ap- plication is rejected the place is to be closed. The foll ditional gas Imps ba @ following additir gas ips have been ordered to be erected: Two on Connecticut avenue between Wyoming and Kalorama streets; one on the southeast corner of Con- necticut and Kalorama avenues; one on the northwest corner of Connecticut and Kalorama avenues; two on the north side of Kalo- rama avenue west of Connecticut avenue; one on north side of W; nie avenue west of Connecticut avenue. The following oil lamps will also be erected: $7 on Lincoln avenue be- tween Bouns and Glenwood cemetery; 31 on Bennings road between 17th street, E street and Bennings bridge; 31 on Good Hope road be- tween Pierce street and German asylum; 36 on Nichols avenue between Morris road and the entrance to insane asylum, BUILDING PERMITS were issued today as follows: B. B. Earnshaw, one brick ware house, 1105 to 1109 11th street southeast, #900; Charles A. Langley, one frame dwelling, Blair road, $2,500; G. 8 Parker, one frame store, Tenleytow! THIRD ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY. rs the recommendation of Attorney Hazel- ton 0 N. Richardson has been appointed third assistant district attorney, MISCELLANEOUS, Mr. W. H. Hoeke, the chairman of the com- mittee on the Congressional cemetery, has ap- plied to the Commissioners for the use of thirty-five shade trees, to be planted along the avenues and streets in said cemetery. The re- quest will probably be granted. Mr. John H. Wilkerson, inspector of boilers, in his report for November says that during that period he has inspected 45 boilers, During the month of November $22 was col- lected as pound fees. The applications for retail liquor licenses of Christian Sproesser, 309 G street northwest, and Patrick Phillips, 126 B street northwest, have been rejecte The Commissioners think that the law pre- =e that a) Fates on the pow force a over thirty-ei, years old when pointed should not be rescinded. a4 a A Wife Granted a Divorce. Virginia Lee Stuart was today granteda decree of divorce by Judge Cox in her case against Geo, W. Stuart. She is also given the custody of their children, The bill, filed by Mr. Campbell Carrington, states that they were married July 15, 1882; have two children; and she and down to May, 1! home sober and was THE EXPOSITION SITE. Many Members of Congress Committed to Washington as the Place. The committees who are here as the repre- sentatives of other cities who want the world’s fair find their efforts somewhat embarrassed by the fact that the Senate and most of the members of the old House are already pretty far committed to the national capital as the Place for holding the national celebration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America, The Senate committee appointed to take this question under consideration last Congress is still in charge of the subject and the compo- sition of the Senate itself is very little changed. During the last Congress the Sonate committee made a unanimous report in favor of the bill for the celebration in Washington, and the bill was | through the Senate without the opposiion. It thea came over to the House and gota unanimous report from the foreign affairs committee and was made @ special order in the House, It failed only through the fact that it was so late in the session that it was im; sible for the or- ders for special votes to be honored and ao vote was ever reached on the bill. WHAT THE ILLINOIS MEN PRorosE. The Illinois folks at their meeting last night adopted a resolution aiming at joint action by the various interests to secure the passage of @ bill providing for the celebration under govern Ment sanction. the site question to be settled im the House. They aiso appointed @ committee to meet committees representing the other cities for the purpose of cousidering and pro- moting this ss ~ ee maar of Tilinois said to a Stam re- Porter today thet they proposed simply to in- troduce a bill in the loos vovidaen “ber the celebration and not naming the place of hoid- ing at. The object of this is, he said, to vent the introduction of several sivel balls to compheate the situation, “Every body agrees that there should be & national celebration,” he said. The only dis- pute is about the piace of celebrating. The idea is to work together as far as we all agree, and make the celebration a success wherever it isheld. We do not want to defeat the whole Project through rivalry as to the site,” The site question may be settled by amend- ment in the House, a vote being taken on each site proposed. SHE WAS STRUCK BY A TRAIN. Serious Accident to an Aged Woman. This morning about 11:10 o'clock, as the Bal- timore express due here st 11:15 was passing Montello, Eliza Holmes, an old woman, was struck by it and had her right arm broken and was internally injured. She was standing on one of the tracks waiting for a train to pass and did not see the one behind’ her. The physi- cians think that owing to her advanced age she will hardly recover. Sho was nimety-sevem years old and lived at Monte Dr. Street attended her aud the police am- bulance was seat to convey her to Providence hospital. —___ IMPORTANT REAL ESTATE SALE. Convent of the Visitation on Connecti- cut Avenue Sold for $650,000. The Sisters of the Visitation have sold their convent and academy property on Connecticut avenue—the south half of square 162—to J. H. Flagler of Florida for $650,000, This Property contains 114.579 square feet, binding on Con- necticut avenue, L, 17th and De Sales streets, improved by the convent building, and it is understood that Mr. Flagler, who is the pro- prietor of the celebrated Ponce De Leon hotel in Florida, intends to erect a grand hotel on the site. aiden The will of the late Anna E. henson, filed today, leaves her estate to her sister, Eliza L, Dupont, and at her death the residue to Lillie M.D. Lincoln, Mr. J. Harry Hungerford is convalescent from what threatened to be a serious illness, Robert Robinson and Martha Saunders last night interfered with Officer Ferguson while making an arrest and were fined €10 each by Judge Miller today, Ex-Senator B. F. Rice has been of counsel for H. E. McKee in the Choctaw claim contro- versy since February last, whén Messrs. Wilson and Shellabarger retired. In the eager Court today the December jurors were called. G. H. Burgess, John E. fea L. Alexander and H. A. Lingen were ex- cused. G. W. Ashton aud Moses Eisemann failed to answer. Their places were ordered from the box. —»—— Range of the Thermometer Today. The following were the readings at the sig- nal office today: 8 a.m., 36; 2 p.m, 56; maxi- mum, 57; minimum, 29. Choice Table Wines. The choice clarets of J. Calvet & Co., for sale by the Schoomaker Co. and other lending deal- ers, are universally adopted by connoisseurs as - most absolutely reliable in quality and ex- cellence, i] DIED DFEMELMAN. D. 8. DEMELMAN. J uueral tomorrow at 2 p.m. from the reside hin sister, Mrs. 1 Ly Blout, 716 4th eteeer ‘corthwest, Monday morning, ANCHELIZAULTE wie of Gienkee Be d Geughter of the late James A. and Annie ——— Patrick's church Wednesday morn- eral srom St. mg. 10 an. ™ FLETCHER. On Tuesday, Decem! 889, 1 clock am, at Providence Mosprtal, SAGs ot FLET CHEK, tu the sixty-ffth year ot bis age. (Skowhegan and Boe Notice of funeral hereafter, ton papers please copy.) GRIMSHAW. Entered into ber 2, 1650, ROBLEI, beloved wou of Wilkes He ‘unshaw. A precious one from us fs gone, A voice we loved is stilled; A Place ts vacant in our hore, ‘hich Lever can be filled. Faruxa. Funeral services on Wednesday, December 4, at 2 Pau... at Ebeuezer church, curner Fourth and D streets. southeart, Kelstives and friends are invited to De present, HELIER. On Mi morning, December 10-o'clook, AKCHAR, 1 roy Ah twouty-scoona year." Funeral private, at the) home in Anacostia st 2 o'clock tomorrow. HURDLE. On December 2, 1889, FREDERICK HUKDLE, in the fourth year of bis ee. » a f cone, R'voice we loved te stalted Spee je Vacant in our home hich never can be filled. BY Hm Panewre, Funeral wil take place, from 1222 D street west on 8 ‘clock Felatives invited to attend. — : SHEAHAN. December 1, 1 BAN, the ouly dauebter ‘s Goruelit ‘Shcian aes Mutiths and fitecs days. enw Sve yeas Owe r will take piace from Mrs. Tesi dence, 652 H strect northeast, ~a a I ber 4, at 7.30 p. = ws THO! life Sunday, 1S8O MARY ViligiNia TuOMAm beloved ascohn ict Telha sestesnaiee tate ipteats atl ~~ 4, 155%, = o Fronds ‘abd reisuves Fd