Evening Star Newspaper, April 23, 1894, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. mais =P DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. T THE STAR OSes, en. yar B KAUPPMANW. on rl Now York Ofion $3 Petar Baling. ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers in their own efty by carriers, on F rest ce, 46, Der month. cents ‘ anywhere — or Canada postage prepaid 30 month. ‘Saturda: with foreign postage aiuisd, Sugg, #200 Der year: THE DISTRICT’S DAY The Metropolitan Railway Bill Again Discussed at Length. COMMITTEE'S SUBSTITUTE PRESENTED Various Amendments Offered and Adopted by the House. : BOME SHARP TALE This was District day in the House, but there was some delay in getting down to Yerk on the District business, caused by - Hepburn demanding a roll call on the @Pproval of the journal, and Mr. McRae de- Yearding the second morning hour, which Produced a discussion. The Speaker ruied Sgainst Mr. McRae, and at 1 o'clock Mr. Heard secured the floor. Mr. Heard called up the bill authorizing the Metropolitan railway to change its mo- tive power. As published in The Star, a Substitute bill has been agreed upon, which gubmits to the District Court of Appeals for adjudication the question relating ¢o ¢ railway company’s indebtedness to the t. The substitute was presented, and ir. Heard yielded to Mr. Richardson of fennessee. A dments Offered. Mr. Hepburn offered an amendment re- quiring the company to complete the change of motive power on the main line within one year after the 9th street line is com- Dieted. Mr, Washington offered an amend- Tent requiring the change on the main line to be completed within six months after the completion of the 9th street line. He held that the question of an underground trol- y is no longer an experiment; it is an established fact in this city, where such a Toad is now in operation. He said he has Buthority for the statement that the change fan be made on 9th street within four months. “Why, Mr. Speaker,” said Mr. Washing- ton, with emphasis, “the emissaries of this road have been hanging around the Capitol for three years trying to humbug Co! and deceive the people. One of the attor- meys of the road told me twenty minutes ago that the change to the Buda-Pesth Bystem can be made on the 9th street line within four months.” Continuing, he said the company’s oaly claim for time is that @ suit Is hanging over the road. “The emisseries hanging around the Capi- tol seem to have found the gentleman from Tennessee,” said Mr. Heard, when Mr. Washington concluded. Mr. Heard said he ‘would only ask the House to <leal reason- ably with the company. What Mr. Richardson Would Accept. Mr. Richardson said he would accept the amendments requiring the change to be made on all lines within eighteen months from the passage of the bill. ‘Then Mr. Hepburn went further and offer- ed an amendment requiring the company to make the change on its entire system with- im one year after the passage of the bill Mr. Richardson announced his willingness to agree to the latter amendment, and it was adopted. Under this provision the road is compelled to have the underground trolley in opera- tion on the 9th street and the F street Mnes within a year. Mr. Davis’ Amendment. Mr. Davis of Kansas offered an amend- ment providing for the repeal of the charter of the company, if the change is not made within one year. This amendment was also adopted. Mr. Hepburn offered an amendment pro- viding for an extension of the road on Bast Capitol street, from 9th to 13th streets and around both sides of Lincoln Square. It ‘was agreed to. Mr. Washington offered an amendment, which was agreed to, providing that the bonds to be issued for the completion of this work shall not be sold nor disposed of for less than their par value. The Court of Appeals Section. ‘The next section of the bill was the sub- stitute providing for the reference to the Court of Appeals of the question of indebt- edress of the company to the District. He explained that the section meets the ap- proval of the attorneys for the government, the District committee and the railroad company. The section has been published in full in The Star. Mr. Coombs’ Substitute. At this point there ensued a discussion over the parliamentary status of a sub- stitute offered at the last District day by Mr. Coombs of New York, requiring the company to pay the District $147,000 within ninety days, the amount of the indebted- ness claimed. A tedious wrangle over the right of way of the substitute occupied the House for some time. Mr. Coombs’ substi- tute was finally declared to be pending, and M-:. Hopkins of Illinois took the floor. He said the committee's plan of compro- mise proposes to give the railway company @ new trial. Before the railway company is permitted to enjoy the privileges asked the company should be compelled to with- draw the plea of the statute of limitations, which {s an immoral and dishonest plea, a plea which is never made by a man, except one who wants to win a cause by fraud. Men who are honest and above-board never urge that plea. The company should also ‘withdraw the plea that no legal notice was given the company of the improvemerts under which the debt was contracted. The railroad company has fought this fase, not on its merits, but on the various technicalities. It is in the power of Con- gress and it would be infinitely better to Fequire the company to pay the District the $147,000 than to reopen the case in court. If this company fails to pay the sum then let some one else take the charter, which is worth half a million dollars, and give to the city the improvements which Ihave been asked of the company for six ears. . Mr. Abbott of Texas, who was one of the originators of the compromise, said that it affords the District all necessary protection. He does not think that Congress has the Fight to assess the company $147,000. Mr. Terry of Arkansas agreed with Mr. Hopkins that the company should be com- pelied to abandon its plea of no notice, otherwise that.plea can again be urged by the company in the trial before the Court ef Appeals. Mr. Coombs’ Object. ‘Mr. Coombs said he has no grudge against Corporations, but he wants corporations to gtand in the same position to the public as individuals. The railway company owes the money, but managed to elude the law. Jf the assessment for improvements was ht for the citizens to pay it was right for he company to pay. The citizens paid or Buffered the consequences. The railway company has eluded its just responsibili- ties and Congress should not permit it longer. He does not want to appear to per- Becute a corporation, neither does he wish to © a3 an apologist for a corporation eluding the law. Mr. Dunn of New Jersey said that when the company was chartered it was agreed that certain conditions should be complied | with. It ts now contended that the com- pany did not comply with them. The courts held that in equity the company is Mable, but the company escaped under a technicality. He would refuse to make any zainst the ie. Con- Fess, shoula retain its right Mo deal with bmg —— wi the company is brought Opposed the Substitate. Mr. Cogswell of the District committee Dpposed Mr. Coombs’ substitute. He raid that no man on the floor can determine how much the railway company owes. The substitute is full of mischief and injustice. He urged the passage of the bill in behalf | of rapid transit for the citizens. In the interests of justice he opposed the b- stitute, = nh Vor 84. No. 20,866. WASHINGTON, D. C., MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1894-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. A REPUBLICAN GATHERING AGAIN ON THE ROAD: IN The Executive Committee of the League in Session in.This City. ‘The Problem of Representation at the Next National Convention Being Earnestly Discussed. Men who are prominent in the ranks of the republican party gathered around the corridors of the Arlington this morning and later held an important meeting behind closed doors in parlor A. They were the members of the executive committee of the National Republican League of the United States, who had come from all parts of the Union to transact considerable business that had accumulated since the last meeting, to look over the ground of future work and to lay their plans for the big convention of the league which will assemble in Denver on June 26, The meeting was presided over by the chairman of the committee, Mr. William W. | Tracy, and besides him there were present the secretary, Mr. Andrew B. Humphrey, and the following members and proxies: Maj. A. G. Negley, Alabama; Col. Isaac lowa; Joseph Manley, Maine; George Gaither, Maryland; Representative E. J. Hainer, Nebraska; James A. Blanchard, New York; Henry W. Gardner, Ohio; Rep- resentative J. B. Robinson, Pennsylvania; Henry E. Tiepke, Rhode Island, E. S. Ash- craft, Tennessee; Arthur Springer, Texas; Col. H. DeB.Clay, Virginia; Representative John L. Wilson, Washington; O. L. Rosen- Wisconsin; Senator Carey, Wyoming; D. A. Ray, District of Columbia; Theodore Cox, New York, president of the Republican College League, and D.*E. Hawkigs, ex- President of that organization. The committee has been in session all day and the probability is that it will not reach a final adjournment until a late hour tonignt. This evening it will hold a joint session with members of the congressional committee and a number of matters will then be disposed of. Mr. James S. Clark- son of the national committee is expected over on an evening train from New York to be present at this meeting. ‘The Coming Convention at Denver. A matter that occupied a good deal of the attention of the committee today was the preparation of plans for the coming conven- tion of the league in Denver in June. Sheriff Burchinell of that city was present and gave the other members a satisfactory outline of what has already been done out there with respect to the entertainment of the delegates, as this convention, which will be the seventh annual, is expected to be the largest the league has ever held. Special trains will be run from Nashville, New Yofk and Chicago for the accommoda- tion of the delegates, and the railroad com- mittee is still busy with the work of secur- ing rates from all parts of the country. Mr. Burchinell reported that a large sum of money ly been raised in lor ado,and that it is intended to give the dele- gates such a time as will convince them that the republican party has not been swallowed up to any considerable extent by the populists. After the convention the delegates will all be taken on a compli- mentary three days’ excursion around through Cripple Creek, the Loup, Pike’s Peak, and the mining country generally. The Selection of National Delegates. One of the most important subjects dis- evesed today was the proposed change in the manner of selecting delegates to the national convention. The scheme suggested is to allow one delegate to every seven or eight thousand republican votes cast, in- stead of on the basis of the entire vote, as lat present. As it is now, the states that have actually no republican vote to cast in the electoral count have about as much the nominees in the con- to say in dictatin; vention as have the states that may be re- lied on to cast a solid republican vote. The proposition has met with great favor wherever it has beea discussed, even in the south. This was shown in the recent convention of the Teanessee state league, held at Nashville, when the delegates voted almost unanimously in favor of the pro- posed change as beirg fairer and more equitable than the system that now pre- yails. It is not intended that the action of the committee on the matter today should in any way affect or embarrass the national committee, but as this body is probably in closer touch with the people of the country generally it was thought to be a good thing to canvass the opinion of republicans from all parts of the country for the purpose be received. It is thought among the lead- ers of the party t§at if this change were put into execution It would have the effect of putting more enthusiasm into the re- publicans in states that are conceded to be democratic beyond the point where it would \be worth while to make a strong fight. They would then endeavor to bring out as large a republican vote as possible in order to get a full representation in the national conventions. An Important Committee and Its Work. This matter of representation comes up at this meeting as an incident to the report of @ committee that was appointed at the Louisville convention last year, to consider the congition of the party in the south, and the possible desigability of a reorganization in that section. This committee consists of G. P. Pray, lowa, chairman; L. P. Goodell, Texas; John F. Flannagan, Missouri; W. 8. Ball, North Carolina; Henry W. Gardner, Ohio; L. G. McCauley, Pennsylvania; E. 8. Ashcraft, Tennessee; H. de B. Clay, Vir- ginia, and O. L. Rosenkrans, Wisconsin. This subcommittee, which has collected a vast amount of materiat in the way of statistics and reports from members in all ections of the south, held a conference with the executive committee today, but has not by any means completed the work for which it was appointed. It will probably be in session in this city for the remainder of the week. A number of the members of the executive committee will also remain in the city for several days for the purpose of con- ference and general work. +2 + —______ THE BATTLESHIP INDIANA. Different Opinio: Final Trial S$! Mr. Cramp and Mr. Nixon, his construc- tor, had an interview with Secretary Her- bert today relative to the final trial and acceptance of the battleship Indiana. The contractors have reported the vessel ready for trial, and are anxious to have the ves- sel accepted, so that they may obtain their money. The inspection board, however, is strongly opposed to making the trial at this time, holding that the vessel is so in- complete that the test would not be con- elusive. The principal trouble is with the armor, but there are other matters to be supplied before the vessel can be regarded as complete. The contractors ask that they | be permitted to place lead ballast aboard, to compensate for the missing armor, but the inspection board holds that the ballast can- laced as to represent the armor About half of the Indiana's armor is al- ready in place, and the chief of ordnance believes that the remainder of the side ar- mor at least can be delivered at Philadel- phia within a month. Altogether, the ship } is about 3,500 tons short of full weight, the | larger part of this being represented by | military masts and tops and guns and the smaller part by armor and turrets. Most of the armor for the ship is being supplied by the Bethlehem people, the Carnegie works furnishing only some light side plates. Difficulty in Harveyizing the plates is said to be the cause of the delay, and it is believed by the ordnance officers that the remainder of the plates will not be long in completion. Still the establishment of a precedent in this case is a matter of some importance to the contractors, as they fear that there may be still more serious delays in the deliveries of Vessels now in their hands, chiefly of seeing how the proposition would |; Coxey's Army Arrives at Boons- boro’, A CHANGE MADE IN THE ROUTE Seventy-five Deserters Go Over to Smith. COXEY TELLS HIS STORY oe Special Dispatch From a Staff Correspondent. HAGERSTOWN, Md. April 23.—Carl Brown, at the head of the army of the commonweal, marched out of Hagerstown this morning at 10:30 with colors flying. The cloudy appearance >f the morning was on @ par with the inhospitable weather the army has met in this place and gave prom- ise of some wet coats before Boonsboro, the next camping place and twelve miles away, should be reached. Frederick will be the scene of Tuesday’s camp and from that point to Washington the route has been changed from the original plan. The army now will go from Frederick to Rockville ‘The Laundry. by a more direct line, passing through Clarksburg and Gaithersburg. From Rock- ville the march will be to Bethesda, Ten- Jeytown and Washington. Seventy-Five Deserters. Twenty-five of the army deserted Satur- day and have gone to join the “Unknown” at Frederick, where he will organize today. About fifty more deserted yesterday, four of whom went to headquarters and turned in their badges,after telling Marshal Brown that they intended going with Smith. Brown held a reincarnation service yes- torday. There was a fairly good attendance and in the afternoon he exhibited his na- tional bank panorama and made a speech which lasted about two hours and a half. An admission of 10 cents was charged day, the grounds being surrounded by the side walis of the tent. In Brown's order today he says, re- gard to the gathering in Washington: “The indications are that Chicago will send its largest contingent. The action of the rail- roads refusing to allow excursion rates will have some effect upon the numbers fo join us near Washington, but this refusal of the railroads to extend to the people the pri leges will only hasten the doom in Wash- ington of the railroads. The attempt of King Canute to stay the tides was as easy a@ task as to try to stay the meeting in Washington on May 1. It will be the great- est gathering of people at any one time on the American continent that we have knowledge of.” In marching out of Hagerstown the army A Halt. halted on the court house square and gave three cheers for the city and its people, af- ter which Brown proposed groans for Gen. H. Kyd Douglass and a local newspaper, both of which had severely roasted the com- monweal. Joined by Redstone. Special Dispatch From a Staff Correspondent. BOONSBORO’, Md., April 23.—The army reached Boonsboro’ at 2 o'clock today. On the road, about a mile out, Col. Redstone, from Washington, met the commonwealers. Marshal Brown dismounted and the two held a short consultation. Redstone says that Chevy Chase has not yet been secured as a camp at Washington. The army marched through Boonsboro’, a small town of 1,800 inhabitants, and camped on the outskirts, Redstone will stay over tonight and talk matters over with Brown. He says the commonweal is a magnificent body of men and that Congress will pass anything they ask. aie By Associated Press. HAGERSTOWN, Md., April 23.—The com- monweal army has been three days in Ha- gerstown, and even after the time for start- ing had been set, they were an hour late in tting off. Boonsboro’ was to be the first stopping place, and the last town before the passagé of the Blue Ridge at Turner’s Gap. The men were in first-rate shape, but the food supply was very low. There had been $50 taken in at the gate the day before. A foraging expedition of the marshals through town before the start did not net much more. The canvas wall with which the camp had been surrounded proved such a good investment that it was bought for $65 and was carried along with the army. In the march out of town Marshal Brown ordered a halt before the court house and — Liquid Refreshments. called for three cheers for “Mayor Keedy, the chief of police and the people of Hagers: | town, especially the ladies.’ were given, and then a groan for Gen. H. armor for other | Kyd Douglass, one of the citizens, who had (Continued om Third Page.) The cheers | Southern Democrats Who Differ With Oleveland’s Financial Policy. Significance of the Way in Which The speech of Senator Morgan to his constituents in Montgomery, Ala, in which he defends himself against the at- tack of the administration democrats, and the peculiar manner in which, according to morning dispatches. It was received, has excited great interest among the south- ern democrats. It is regarded as a very extraordinary thing that a man like Mor- gan should be called upon thus to defend himself and explain, and as still more re- markable that his explanation should be received in silence by a southern audience. The southern democrats in.Congress see in this that they are being put on the de- tensive in their fight against the financial policy of the administration and believe that the organized plan of the administra- tion followers is to force them to choose be- tween accepting Cleveland as the exponent of democracy and going over to the popu- Usts. The fact that Morgan could excite no responsive enthusiasm by bringing in Brice, Gorman and Hill as witnesses that eastern money was put up to secure nomi- nations at the two national conventions, and was compelled to apologize after a fashion for his attack upon the “money changers” of the east, is led as ex- tremely significant. Cleveland’s Influence in tht South. It is being made quite evident that the ad- ministration influence is being very skill- fully extended through the south and that Cleveland proposes to fight what he regards as the financial heresies of the south on their own grounds, and it is quite apparent that In that land of hero worship his influ- ence must be great, however much he dis- agrees with their accepted political teach- ings. The fact that he is the President of the United States, elected twice by the de- mocracy, and is the only one this genera- tion has seen, lifts him above criticism among a great mass of the people in that section, and it is felt that some of the poli- ticlans who fight him may suffer, though they are contending for just what their con- stituents pretend to believe in. The situa- tion in many parts of the south is said to be such as to render it very important to the men representing those districts in Congress that they should get home and look after their organizations. What they are threat- ened with is a subtle attack from the ad- ministration faction on one hand and the direct antagonism of the populists on the other. When they are not willing to take their doctrines from the administration and yet will not go over body and breeches to the populists some of them are put in a tight box. ny CRITICISMS ON THE TARIFF BILL. Senator Voorhees Writes a Letter Re- plying to Them. Senator Voorhees has written a lette? to Mr. John B. Stoll of South Bend, Ind., re- ferring to criticisms upon the Senate tariff bill. While defending the bill, he disclaims responsibility for it, calling attention to the fact that there are five other democratic Senators on the committee, whose opinions, as well as his own, were consulted in pre- paring the bill. Senator Voorhees says: “There are sever&l features in the bill now pending in the Senate which I did not desire to have in it, but because I was over- Tuled on those points I did not therefore feel at liberty to join the republican mem- bers of the committee, report no bill at ali, defeat all proposed legislation, and. thereby leave the McKinley law to remain on the Statute books. You will see that the bill we reported reduces taxes nearly seventy- seven millions per annum, $23,500,000 of that amount being taken off the wearing apparel of the people. I say to you with the utmost frankness and sincerity that 1 fought hard against any duty at all being put on sugar, iron or coal, but when it was demonstrated in a full three days’ hard- working caucus of all the democratic Sena- tors, as well as in the committee, that a bill with these articles absolutely on the free Ist could no more pass the Senate than a ship of lead could navigate the ocean, I came to the conclusion, after anxious and painful solicitude, that it was my plain clear and explicit duty to the laboring masses-of the country, and especially to the democratic party of Indiana, to support the bill as it now stands, to make sure of the immense reductions in tariff taxation which it guarantees, and then continue the fight for further progress and reform hereafter. It I have made a mistake in the discharge of my duty as one of your Senators it is in believing that the bill we reported, and which is now pending, Sreatly to be pre- ferred to no legislation all—to the odious McKinley law, which we stand pledged to repeal. “But I think much is being said and writ- ten now in absolute ignorance of what the Senate bill, as well as the Wilson bill, actu- ally contains. Are the people of Indiana aware of the fact that the lowest average rate of duty or of tariff tax ever known in this country since the Walker tariff of 1546, and its subsequent democratic amend- ments in 1857, is the rate now provided for and contained in the bill I had the honor to report to the Senate on the 20th day of March, and which is now pending? The imperious demand that the Senate shall pass the Wilson bill without amendment is @ burlesque on common sense. There is not an intelligent man in the United States with information on the subject who has for a moment thought the Wilson bill was to pass the Senate without amendment. Its own authors and supporters have never expected anything of the kind. “Rather than knowingly and consclously secure the passage of a bill which aimed to provide revenue for the government, but in reality provided for a deficiency and a con- sequent increase of our interest-bearing bonded debt, I would gladly leave my seat here in the Senate and hide myself forever as far as possible from public disgrace. “After all,however, both the bills are alike, merely tentative and experimental; they will have to go together to the joint con- ference committee of the two houses; neith- er of them in terms will become the law.” ebaintaesr Nes) ALLEN NOT TO REPLY. Satisfied That Nebraska People Ap- prove His Course. Senator Allen said today that as the Pef- fer resolution; upon which were based his remarks and those of Senator Hawley at- tacking him, had been disposed of, and as he had not been able to get in his speech in reply to the Connecticut Senator last week, he probably would not reply at all. “The more I think over the matter,"’sald the Sen- ator, “the more convinced I am that I can afford to ignore such attacks.” He said*he was satisfied that his people in Nebraska approved his course, and as proof of this displayed the following telegra: “LINCOLN, Neb., April 23, 1894.—To Sen- ator W. V. Allen: Two thousand citizens of Lincoln in mass meeting Saturday night adopted resolutions thanking you for your stand for rights of American citizens in Coxey matter. JOHN TIERNEY, “Chairman,” ere e THE INCOME TAX. Looks as if It Were Doomed to Death or Matilation. It is beginning to look very pointedly as if the income tax feature of the tariff bill were doomed to death or mutilation. The democrats who are responsible for the bill are beginning to think very seriously upon the situation, and many of them feel that they can hardly afford to sacrifice all tariff legislation to this one item. The spirit of “take what you can get and be quick about It” is spreading, and they may decide to take what is given freely and af- terward fight for the rest they want. It is evident to those familiar with congressional legislation that the bill must be made a party measure, with a solid democratic sup- port, in order to be passed, Senator Washburn’s Speech Against the Wilson Bill. BENEFITS THAT HAVE BEEN RECOG What the Abrogation of Such Treaties Will Result In. NEED OF FOREIGN MARKETS Senator Washburn of Minnesota today ad- dressed the Senate, devoting his entire time almost entirely to the proposition in the tariff bill to repeal the reciprocity clause of the McKinley law. In his opening remarks he said: “Mr. President, in all the legisla-~ tion that has come before Congress in the history of the government there has been none, probably, that has created so general an interest and so profoundly stirred the Public mind of the country, carrying appre- hension and alarm, as the measure now un- der consideration in the Senate, unless, per- haps, we except the legislation between 1850 and the breaking out of the war in 1861, including the repeal of the Missouri compromise in 1854, and that soon followed it. The questions considered during that Period, however, were more of sentiment | and morals than such as relate to the ma- terial or economic interests of the coun- He then discussed some of the direct pro- tective benefits which the northwestern States had secured under the tariff of 1800, and pointed out the disadvantages in the present law and then took up the reciproc- ity repeal. “You will tind, Mr. President,” he said, “that the abrogation of these arrange- ments will be the most unpopular piece of legislation this Congress has enacted or will enact, and that it will be resented by the citizens of the southern republics and colonies as well as by the people of the United States. “I have received information, Mr. Presi- dent, by means of which I am not per- mitted to describe, that the governments of the other American republics regard the proposed action of Congress on this subject as an unwarranted and inexcus- able exhibition of selfish indifference to their friendship and their welfare, and the passage of this act will go very far to destroy all the good effects that have follow- ed the endeavors of this government to pro- mote closer social and commercial relations with them. They can not resent this as an insult, but 1 warn this committee that they will enter a solemn protest against what they consider a breach of faith un the part of the United States.” He declared that the only increase in our trade during the past year of hard times was with the reciprocity countries, while there had been a falling off in other coup- tries. Discussing the treaty with Brazil, he said that trade relations had been disturbed by the revolution, and this was not a time for a fair test. He also referred to the ef- forts Austria was making to secure trade relations with Brazil. Senator Washburn gave a great deal of at- tention to the resulta, of the treaty with Cuba, in the course of ‘which he said: “The most direct and profitable result that has come from the reciprocity policy of the last administration is found in the statistics of our trade with Cuba, for there, with the exception of a decreased value of silver and the natural increase in the rate of ex. change, all conditions have been normal favorable for a practical and fair test its advantages to the agricaltural and me- chanical interests of the United States. Speaking of his personal observations in Cuba he continued: “In conversation with American merchants and others doing bus- iness in Cuba I learned that the effect of the commercial relations created by this ar- rangement had been really remarkable and increasing in importance and magnitude day by day. The Americans doing business there are more than satisfied with the re- sults. The Cubans are satisfied, and every one is satisfied excepting Spain itself and the representatives of Germany, France and other continental countries, who see the trade of the islands gradually slipping away from them and finding themselves supplanted by the products of the American farmer and the wares of the American workshop. I saw upon every hand evi- dences of this.” He sketched with some detail the results of reciprocity with South American coun- tries and then turned his attention to the German treaty, saying: ‘The Treaty With Germany. “In many respects the most important of the several commercial arrangements ne- gotiated by the last administration under the authority of the reciprocity section of the McKinley act was that with the Ger- man empire. By this the embargo that had been placed upon American pork products in 1880 was removed, a number of agricul- tural products were admitted free, and many more at a greatly reduced rate of duty.” \ Reciprocity, said Mr. Washburn, was the popular policy of Europe,and Great Britain, Germany and many other countries were endeavoring to extend their trade by this means. As to the proposed abrogation of the treaties he said: “The commercial arrangements which are entered into by the United States under the authority of section 3 of what is famil- jarly known as the McKinley law, are sel- dom compacts between this and friendly nations which cannot be carelessly kicked aside like a memorial from a legislature or an appeal from some domestic industry whose prosperity is threatened. They have the sanctity of formal treaties, and if they are to be terminated it should be done without national dishonor. There must be good reasons why this government desires to withdraw from such compacts and asks to_be released from its obligations.” Senator Washburn, in Proving the popu- larity of reciprocity, quoted extracts from many democratic papers commending the Proposition of Mr. Blaine, aiso from a re- pert made in the Fifty-second Congress by a democratic committee commending a policy which that party would tiow de- stroy.” He turned his attentions to the reason why there was no reciprocity with Mexico, and said that the exclusion of wool and lead ore from the articles of reciprocity prevented the negotiation of a treaty. The advantage of reciprocal relations with Mex- ico he discussed at considerable iength. He also mentioned other countries with whom the commercial relations of the United States might be improved, and dwelt es- pecially upon the trade which might be built up with Australia. He followed with an argument of some length in favor of complete reciprocity arrangements with Canada, “No government,” he said in conclusion, “ever threw away a greater opportunity to promote its foreign trade and secure com- mercial advantages for its citizens than is being sacrificed by the pending bill. Not only are the reciprocity treaties that were made by the last administration to be ab- solutely and peremptorily revoked without consultirg the rights and wishes of the other parties to the agreements, duties upon a long Ist of imported mer- chandise are to be removed and reduced without even giving the countries which will enjoy the benefits a chance to offer us some concessions in return.” oa Naval Movements. ‘The Navy Department is informed of the arrival of the New York at Kingston, Jamaica. She will remain there several days and then continue her cruise in the West Indies, unless the department shall decide to send her to Bluefields, or permit her to come to New York for a general overhauling. The gunboat Bennington has arrived at Acapulco, Mexico, and the Ranger has reached San Francisco. The Lancaster left Naples today for Gib- raltar, on her way to New York. The Yorktown has arrived at Tacoma, and the Chicago at Lisbon. The Bennington has sailed from Acapulco for San Francisco. but the | A TIGHT FIX FAVORS RECIPROCITY RAILROADS ON L STREET A Petition Presented in the Senate From Property Owners. The Action of the House Committee Criticised—Senator Hale Makes a Few Forcible Remarks. Senator Proctor today presented to the Senate a memorial from a number of citi- zens owning property on L street, protest- ing against the passage of Senate bill 1630 and House bill 6596, extending the Belt Railway Company’s tracks along L street. The petition set forth that on the 5th of April the signers and others made an ap- peal for a hearing before the House com- mittee on the District, and on the next day at about 9 o'clock in the morning one of them receivéd by mail a notification that a hearing would be granted at 10:30 on the same morning. Owing to the shortness of the intefval, it was impossible to notify plication for postponement and for a hear- | ing on one or two days’ notice,” continues the petitioners, “received no notice. In fact, the House committee's report is dated on the same day, April 6, on which we were invited to be present, and it seems that the report must have been prepared prior to the invitation. We understand that quite a number of the members of the commi: were not present when the re- port authorized, although the bill deals with such important interests of property and principles of legislation.” given no opportunity to appear before the District committee, on whose authority the route of the proposed extension was changed from M to L street. “The bills in question,” the petition goes on, “have not | been put on their passage in response to any demand from the residents of the Streets in the northwest which it is pro- posed to surrender to the said company for its railway. This is clear from the fact | that the residents and owners of lots on the various cross streets from R to L have protested against any such invasion of the quiet and repose of this residential part |of the city. Capitalists and speculators naturally wish to develop and extend the enterprises in which they are pecun- allow them to do this at the expense of | those citizens who have spent their means |in improving their property and establish- |ing their homes as your petitioners have |done, which the proposed legislation would destroy without compensation. Compensation to Citizens. “When the time comes for a cross-town railway in the northwest, it should be laid out on the most direct and central avail- able route and provision should be made |for compensation to those citizens whose Property will be damaged so that the bur- den as well as the benefit of a great public convenience shall be distributed as equi- tably as may be. Such a franchise, honest- ly and efficiently administered, would be of great value, and it should be sold to the highest responsible bidder or granted on Such conditions of compensation in damages and of thoroughness of construction, equip- ment and service as might reasonably be demanded and could undoubtedly be se- “The _petith t e petitioners then proceed to state the objections to the proposed route, which have been already published in The Star, and criticise the bill. The petition is signed by H. Clay Stewart, L. P. Graham, H. A. Wil- ltams, H. K. Willard, James M. Green and over seventy others. In presenting the petition Senator Proctor said that it represented the views of a very large class of citizens on a very important therefore, asked the unani- fonsent that it be printed as a docu- ment, which was ordered. Appended to the a are several clippings ffom The far. Before the matter was finally disposed of, Senator Hale took the floor for a very brief speech. For one, he said, he would affirm very heartily any expression that comes from any one else on the subject of the oc- cupation of the streets of Washington by street railways. He said it was a general view on the part of the street railway schemers throughout the country that Washington is a very good place for their operations, and he hoped that the District committee, to whom the petition was re- ferred, would give due attention to the claims and necessities of the residents sign- ing the memorial. —-— + 0+ MILITIA OF THE STATES. A Valuable Book Giving Information in Regard to the State Troops. “The Organized Militia of the United States” is the title of a publication just issued by the military information division of the adjutant general's office. It begins with a table giving the official designation, authorized strength and or- ganized strength of the troops of the states and territories, the percentage attending camp, and the numbe> of men liable to military duty. Then follows a statement of the number of states and territories in which encampments were held, or from which reports were received (thirty-three states and the District of Columbia), and the information received as to them, each state being considered separately. After this comes a summary of the information given as to all the states from which re- ports were received. This was carefully prepared, with a view to giving in the most condensed form possible a great amount of information. The recommendations ‘of the officers making reports are published to- gether, followed by observations on the subject of practical field exe>cises, with a suggested schedule of such exercises, for the next regimental encampment. The book closes with a brief statement of the militia laws of the United States. rmation About the Militia, The object in view has been to show in the most practical manner the organization and efficiency of the troops of the several states, the working of the different staff corps, the methods of concentrating troops in case of emergency, and the most ad- vantageous points of concentration; the characte: and condition of arms, ‘equip- ment and clothing; the instruction in drill, guard duty, field exercises, target practice and >ther practical military work; the theoretical instruction given, the personnel and discipline, the manner of supplying troops when in active service, and other interesting things in connection with the state troop’ 1 -- FISH COMMISSIONS EMBARRASSED. They Cannot Under the New Regula- tions Take Seals in the Open Sea. One of the unforeseen results of the seal ment of the national fish commission in its efforts to collect data necessary to the scientific study of the seals. For some years past the commission has been engaged in this work. formation relative to the seals that could be collected at the rvokeries and along shore, and now it is necessary to the com- pletion of the investigation that seals be taken in the open sea, just as is done by the pelagic sealers, in order to settle questions of importance concerning their habits. The commission has sought permis- sion to kill about one hundred seis in this | way, and the same privilege is sought by the Canadian fish commission, which is pu: suing a similar line of investigation. Bu the laws adopted by the United States and Great Britain are so sweeping in terms that there seems to be no authority com- petent to grant the permits, and unless the matter is adjusted by negotiations, the in- quiry into the conditions of seal life in the open sea must be indefinitely suspended. gentile Changes Con ue in the War Depart- ment. Changes continue to be made in the War Department and the clerks and employes are in a state of great fear and excitement over rumors of prospective large reductions. Mr. Hodgkins, chief of the record division for many years, has been requested to re- sign, but so far has not done so. the persons who were to appear. “An ap-| The petitioners also state that they were | jarily interested, but Congress should not | legislation just perfected is the embarrass- } It has obtained all desired in- | breeding | AS TO COXEY’S ARMY. The Commissioners of the District Issue a Proclamation. NO USE IN COMING 70 THE DISTRICT. No Good Can Be Accomplished by Such Action. THE LAW WILL BE ENFORCED. The Commissioners have shown their hands with reference to the Coxey move- ment and this afternoon issued their proc- jamation. When President Ross called the board to- gether this morning it was evident that they would take some definite action re- garding the approach of Coxey. All of the doors leading to the board room were clos- ed, and the Commissioners announced an executive session and gave instructions to the messengers not to interrupt them. As soon the Commissioners were seat- ed President Ross stated the business that had called them together in special session and opened the discu: The question was what action the missioners should take in advance of the arrival of the army. Attorney Thomas and Maj. Moore were sent for, and the laws governing the case Presented in full. Then the latter were ex- | cused and the Commissioners went about preparing their proclamation. A Proclamation. When, two hours later, they emerged from the board room, they issued the fol- lowing: | Office of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, Washington, April 23, 1894. ‘To Whom It May Concern: Whereas, It is reported that several or- ganized bodies of men are a; the District of Columbia with the avowed pur- pose of securing such Congressional action as will relieve the condition of unemployed laborers throughout the country; And whereas, All unemployed men and | others throughout the country who may be in sympathy with the movement have been invited to assemble in front of the National Capitol on the Ist of May proximo, for the purpose of compelling favorable action by Congress, by mere force of numbers and physical presence, And whereas, The constitutional right of petition does not justify methods dangerous to peace and good order, which threaten the quiet of the national capital, which are contrary to law and opposed to the means of obtaining legislative relief under our system of government; And whereas, It is declared to be the in- tention of this body of unemployed and des- titute people, not only to gather sion shall have been accomplished And w The national chiefly devoted to public business center of federal legis! sult of its lack of ordi fording employment is utmost capacity in charitable care for its own poor and unemployed; Now, therefore, the Commissioners o: District of Columbia, who are charged the duty of maintaining peace and | order, and with enforcing the in | District, being sensible of the gravity of situation, and fully appreciating | ship which must come upon many | but misguided Je, if this ill-considered | movement should be continued, do hereby appeal in the interest of and | furtherance of the peace and od order which are enjoined by the laws in force in said District, to the good sense and patriot- | ism of all those engaged in, or who contem- | Plate taking any part in the proposed dem- | onstration, and urge them to reconsider their intention to come into the District of Columbia for that purpose. No possible good can come of such a gath- ering, and with no proper preparation or | Means of subsistence suffering and ultimate disorder will certainly ensue. No wrong can be righted, no condition of labor ame- lorated, no remedy for any existing evil Tealized by the contemplated demonstration of physical force. Every desirable end can be more ly and effectively accom- plished by ordinary and lawful methods. The Commissioners, while in entire sym- pathy with all people out of employment, and having no desire or purpose to deal harshly with ynfortunate but honest men who seek relief by reasonable and lawful means, are in duty bound to give notice to those who are tempted under any pretext to swell the number of unemployed persons already here that there is neither work for them nor means for their maintenance in the District; that the law does hot permit the soliciting of alms in our streets, end forbids parades, assemblages or orations in the Capitol grounds, and the obstruction of any public grounds, streets, highways or avenues, and the approaches to public or private buildings. The Commissioners give notice algo to criminals and evil doers who under cover of a crowd of unemployed men in our streets may come here for the purpose of crime and disorder that all such will be ap- prehended and summarily dealt with. And finally, they give notice to all who come here against their advice and protest that the laws in force in the District of Co- jumbia are adequate for every emergency, and will be rigidly enforced. JOHN W. ROSS, GEORGE TRUESDELL, CHARLES F. POWELL, Commissioners of the District of Columbia What Commissioner Ross Says. Commissioner Ross, when questioned about the matter, said: “We believe in taking time by the fore- jock, and that is the reason we issued the manifesto.” “The Commissioners will see to it that the | laws are enforced, if we bave any law gov- erning the subject. If there are no laws we can do nothing. We have simply set forth our views and will wait until the army ar rives before doing anything else,” eaid Capt. Powell. Position of the President. It is stated at the White House that the President does not feel called upon to take any action whatever in connection with the Coxey movement, as he feels confident of the ability of the local authorities to deal properly with the situation. It may be stated, however, that the President will not hesitate to call out the army in case it becomes necessary for the protection of public property. There js a large force of | military available for this service, and in the event that the artillery at Washington | barracks, the cavalry at Fort Myer and the | marines at the navy yard are not sufficient, | strong reinforcements are near at hand at Fort McHenry, Md., Fort Monroe, Va., Governor's Island, New York harbor. There is not the least apprehension that any trouble will occur to require the inter- cession of the federal troops. Private Sec- retary Thurber was asked today in regard | to the truth of the ort that the Presi- dent will issue a proclamation in regard to | Coxey’s army, admonishing them’ that if | they visit the national capital that they must observe the laws or suffer the conse- | quences. He said he knew nothing of such |a proclamation, and, although he aid not say so, he intimated that it was not at all lkely, Must Pot Their Request in Writing. This afternoon a delegation appointed at the mass meeting held last Saturday night jin Rechabite Hall, consisting of Mrs. Annie | Diggs, Mrs. Clara Colby and Messrs. J. R Mahoney, J. A. DeWitt and A. M. Cooke, appeared at the District building in quest of the permit to allow a_ tally- ho to stand at the corner of 7th and Market | Space for the use of public speakers to aé- |dress tle people and solicit contributions for the support of the Coxey army. The Commissioners were completing their proclamztion when the delegation arrived end would not be interrupted. re- : § ce64is Lie i