Evening Star Newspaper, April 27, 1894, Page 1

Office -class mail matter.) C7 All mail ‘ions mast be paid in advanee. Rates of advertising made known’ es application: Vor 84. No. 20,870. WASHINGTON, D. C., FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1894—TWELVE PAGES. TWO MEN HANGED. White and Robinson Executed This Morning. CONFESSED GUILT BEFORE DEATH No Excitement and Little Interest in the Affair. FEW PERSONS CAME TO TOWN oa Special Dispatch to The Evening Stan MANASSAS, Va., April 27.Jim Robinson and Ben White, the young negroes who ravished Mrs. Hefflin and Mrs. Elliott near here on the 13th of last January, were banged here at 7:30 this morning. The exe- cution was a perfectly-arranged vindication of the majesty of the law. There was little, if any, excitement about it, and, contrary The condemned ren spent their last night on earth quietly, praying a good part of the time and sleeping when not engaged in prayer. They had hoped for a reprieve, a new trial or a commutation of the fearful penalty of death until late yesterday after- noon, when Gov. O’Ferrall and their counsel telegraphed that their hope was vain. Then they appeared to fully realize for the first time that they must die on the scaffold, and today. They were not unnerved, and calm- ly prepared to make the most of their few remaining hours by almost unceasing ap- peals to God for mercy and forgiveness. No Need for Alarm. From the time the men were brought back here, Wednesday night, Sheriff Leachman surrounded the little brick jail with a guard of forty deputies until after the men had been declared to be dead. It transpired, however, that there was not the slightest need for such precaution, for, to the credit of the people of Prince William county, there was practically a unanimous desire mong them that the law should be allowed to take its uninterrupted course. Neverthe- less, an armed guard about the jail pre- vented at all times any approach to it un- less the countersign or a pass ‘from the sheriff was given. It was given out last night that Sheriff Leachman would execute the men as soon after 7 o'clock this morning as possible, and at 7:20 the sheriff led the pinioned men out imto the fenced-up inclosure back of the jail. The laws of Virginia require all executions to be in private, and that only a limited number of spectators shall be Present. Sherif! Leachman obeyed the law to the letter, and of the forty or fifty per- sons admitted to the inclosure the ma- jority were physicians, newspaper men and deputy sheriffs. The fence was about twenty feet high, and, while it had many cracks in it through which a glimpse of the execution could be seen, either the early hour or the indifference of the peo- ple failed to provide any large number of outsiders. Indeed, not more than a hun- dred people were on the outside. The men walked up the steps of the seaffold unaided, and calmly took their laces on the Rev. U. sion of the brief prayer Sheriff Leachman was told by the culprits they had nothing to say. Their legs were then quickly strapped together at the ankles, the ropes adjusted about their necks, the black caps drawn down over their heads, and then Leachman stepped back to give the signal to the executioner within the jail. The Executicn. Just as he stepped back White asked for five minutes longer in which to pray. But the fearful strain he and Robinson were undergoing had begun to tell on them. Their hitherto really wonderful nerve and composure was rapidly weaken- ing. Their legs began to bend, they swayed slightly to and fro and their limbs trem- bled. Sheriff Leachman, cool and collect- ed, observed all that and humanely gave the signal. There was a pull on the rope running from the scaffold to the jail, the bolt supporting the double trap doors flew back, the miserable wretches shot down- ward six feet, and two swinging, heaving forms slightly testified to the might and majesty of the law. The drop fell at pre- cisely 7:39. For a second or two the bodies hung pe: ctly motionless; then they slew- ly revolved about for a moment, and then followed a slight drawing up of the knees, a slight quivering of the bound hands, some slight heaving of the chest and then the bodies again hung motion- less. The terrible drop had broken the necks of both men, and, in the opinion of Dr. C. 8. Carter of Warrenton, Va., and Dr. M. W. O’Brien of Alexandria, the men suffered not the slightest pain. ‘They were declared to be dead five min- utes after the drop fell, Robinson dying first. The great fall caused a tiny stream of biood to flow from the mouth of each man, slightly discoloring the black caps, while a few drops stained their clothing. The bodies were allowed to hang twenty minutes, after which they were lowered on blankets placed beneath the scaffold. Their features were composed then, substantiat- irg the declaration of the physicians that their death had been a painless one. The bodies were placed in coffins furnished by Sheriff Leachman, and will be buried on the farm of Robinson's mother. The First Legal Execution. ‘Today’s execution was the first legal one fm the history of Prince William county, and Sheriff Leachman was the recipient of numerous congratulations upon so success- ful a performance of so disagreeable a duty. Just before the men marched to the scaffold, Robinson stated to Sheriff Leach- man and the Rev. Mr. Heavener that it was not true that he had previously been intimate with Mrs. Heflin. He said he had been misunderstood in saying that he had. Both men acknowledged their guilt, and de- clared their willingness to submit to thi punishment. Story of the Crime. The crime for the commission of which Robinson and White today died was com- mitted on the night of the 13th of last Jan- uary, about two miles south of this place. ‘The assaulted women were Mrs. Elizabeth Heffin and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Elliott, the former being a widow and the latter @ young and attractive married woman. On the night of the assault Mrs. Heflin's ther and Mr. Elliott were absent from ioe Robinson, a worthless character, learned of this and persuaded White, who appears to have been a rather decent fel- low, to accompany him to the house. They reached the house, a very humble affair, about midnight, and they found the two women alone with Mrs. Heflin’s two little children. White, who was of a very light color, knocked at the door. At first the women did not answer, but the continued knocks of the fellow at length aroused them. To their inquiry, White replied that two friends of theirs from another county wished to come in. The women, not rec- ognizing the voice, became alarmed and re- fused to open the door. They were then told that if they did not open it it would be broken. At length the women were forced to open the door and White entered. They did not suppose that he was a negro, and imagin- ing that he merely contemplated robbery, | assured him that they had nothing. Up to this time Robinson had remained unseen and unheard, but he quickly followed White into the house, exclaiming with an outh, “You know what we want.” Too frightened to scream, the defenseless women beseeched the young devils to spare them, and resisted with all their strength the advances of the scoundrels. White, however, drew a pistol and cofhpelled the women to submit, he assaulting Mrs. El- lott and Robinson Mrs. Heflin. As soon as their assailants left the house the wo- men, half clad, caught the little children up in their arms and hurried as best could to their nearest neighbor, about half @ mile away, and told their story. Robinson the women knew, but White they did not, and to the officers they ex- jlained that they had been assaulted by binson and some white man. White was @ waiter at one of the hotels here, and there about the Ist of February the women rec- him. Both men were then arres' committing the crime by Robinson. The latter, however, denied ev. » ei that in his case it was one of mistaken identity. The men were placed in jail here, but, fearing that they would be summarily dealt with if ed there, they were in a day or two carried to Al for safe keeping. They were at once indicted, and their trial set for the 8th of February. To avoid a lynching Gov. O’Ferrall direct- ed the Alexandria Light Infantry, seventy- five men, to escort the prisoners to this place for trial. Under such an escort came, and a guard of armed soldiers @ postponement for a few days, when he received a like sentence. The men were sentenced to be hanged here on the 30th of last month. White, however, was granted a new trial, but was again condemned to die, the 20th of this month being designated. Robinson o or three ago a petition for a commutation of the death penalty to one of life imprisonment was sent the governor from here. Yesterday afternoon he tele- graphed that he saw nothing in it to jus- tify such a thing, and declared that the law would have to take its course. A tele- gram was also received from the counsel of the men late yesterday afternoon, say- ing that @ writ of error had been refused — TH SAMOAN QUESTION. Discussing the Proposed Dissolution of the Tripartite Agreeme The President in a few days will submit to Congress the very voluminous corres- Pondence between the three treaty powers concerning the administration of affairs in Samoa since 1890. This correspondence shows that up to date no formal proposi- tion has been submitted to the State De- partment by the representatives of Great Britain or Germany looking to the annexa- tion or dissolution of the tripartite alliance and the annexation of the Britain or @ message elaborating his views concerning “this entangled alliance,” as he described the treaty in his last annual message, the ae] will aeetigeer 2 far as the execu- ive is concerned, and Congress, which has already moved in the matter, may deal with it at its pleasure. Views of the Other Parties. LONDON, April 27.—Commenting upon the Samoan position, the Times this morn- ing says it does not doubt that New Zea- land would administer the governnent of the islands with impartiality, but thinks that past experience would not much avail her in dealing with the complicated Sa- moan problem. The paper adds that the main difficulty, however, is that Great Britain would be held responsible for New Zealand's doings. Great Britain nas no desire to undertake, even by proxy, the task of unraveling the Samoan tangle. Continuing, the Times says that it will Probably become the duty of the foreign office to ascertain feeling of Germa: A ‘Times from says that both official circles and the po- litical world at large realize the anomaly of the tripartite government of Samoa. the question. is divided into two distinct camps, but it must be confessed that the the government completely from the Sa- moan entanglement, and are contented that the government can perfectly well guard German interests in Samoa even if the sole protectorate of the islands is not assigned to Germany. A dispatch to the Post from Berlin de- clares that the views expressed by the Vessische Zeitung on the Samoan ques- tion coincide with those held by all reason- able Germans. It adds that the govern- ment probably holds the same opinion, but the present is a peculiarly awkward mo- ment for the opening of difficult colonial questions affecting the relations of Ger- many to foreign powers. ——__—- +e+. ___ THE CAPITOL GROUNDS. Odd Fellows Stopped From Parading ‘Through Them Yesterday. The Capitol police are rigidly enforcing the law against parades and assemblages in the Capitol grounds. Yesterday after- noon the Odd Fellows’ parade was return- ing from its march on the hill, and in at- tempting to reach the return portion of its route started across a section of the grounds. Capt. Garden of the police force stopped the parade and advised the mar- shals of the law. No demur was made to this, and the procession filed out into B street. ———o+____ SENATOR MORGAN’S RETURN. Brought Back by a Telegram An- mouncing His Wife’s Sickness. Senator Morgan, who was granted leave of absence until May 3 to make a visit to his home in Alabama, has returned to the eity on account of the serious illness of his wife. Mrs. Morgan is suffering from peritonitis and she has been confined to her bed ever since the Senator left for Alabama, ten days ago, being unconscious most of the time. Her condition was so critical on Wednesday that it became n to in- form the Senator of the fact by telegraph, and he took the first train for Washington, arriving here at 5 o'clock this morning. The attending physicians report a slight improvement today, but consider her con- dition still critical. ++ e+ —_____ THE OLD LADY IS DEAD. Her Pension Bill Passed Today, but It Was Too Late. The old lady's pension bill was passed to- day, but it came too late. She is dead. The House became industrious this morning, and passed a number of pension bills. Among them was one which recited that the pro- posed beneficiary was the widow of a sol- dier of the war of 1812; that she was ninety- six years old and nearly blind. The bill was read by the clerk in his sing-song tone, the members chatted and laughed and paid no attention. Only one man looked up from the papers before him. ‘The question is on the engrossment and reading of the bill,” said the Speaker. ever mind, Mr. Speaker,” said Mr. Tay- lor of Indiana, “that bill can be laid aside; the old lady is dead.” There was a moment's silence in the House, everybody looked sorry, and then the incident was forgotten. The clerk pro- ceeded in his sing-song tone, and the old lady’s bill has at last got off the calendar. Matter? The question of allowing the story’of the Breckinridge-Pollard trial, as printed in book form by a Chicago publishing house, to pass through the mails has come before the Post Office Department on an applica- tion made today for its admission as sec- ond-class mail matter. The question is under consideration by the assistant attor- ney general. TWO CENTS. POPULAR DISTRUST|WANT TO GET AWAYIL QCAL SYMPATHY [seated mum she mantis ie cont cx Senator Cullom on the Attitude of the Demooratio Party. UNFIT 10 REVISE THE ‘TARIFF The Income Tax Denounced as a Sandbagging Proposition. SOME PERMANENT SYSTEM Senator Cullom today addressed the Sen- in opposition to the tariff bill. He said: “I am intensely anxious that this bill shall not pass. I do not utter this sentence as @ mere partisan, but I speak in the in- terest of the people of this great country. Were I to look at this measure simply as a partisan, I think I might properly welcome its passage, because it must unquestionably result in benefiting the republican party by reason of the deluge of popular antagonism it must create against the democratic party, which now fathers the Wilson bill and presses it to passage. But, sir, I should feel myself unfit to be here as a representa- tive of a great constituency were I to turn aside from the duty of seeking only to pro- mote the best interests of the people whom I have the honor to represent, as well as the whole country. The initial policy of the enlightened universe is protection. The civilized world has grown out and away from barbaric free trade, and has developed @ very universal recognition of-the protec- tive idea. Tariff Constitutionality. Differing widely, as 1 do, from this posi- tion of the party now in power, I wish to say here that I fully believe in the power and the constitutionality of a tariff of duties which carries protection to American industries, as I believe in the power to legislate for the protection of the people again: disease, against imported labor, agail improper naturalization laws and against every form of crime or wrong by which they may be threatened. The democratic assumption that a tariff for protection is unconstitutional is, in effect, an assumption that the constitution of a country may forbid the enactment of laws. n to the very existence of the government itself. Such a position is an absurdity. When I remember, however, that this same distinguished authority at the same time that it declared “protection is a fraud” also denounced the federal election laws, recommended the repeal of the tax upon state bank issues, eulogized the foreign policy of the democratic party and completed its work by nominating the present democratic administration, my ad- miration for the good sense of that demo- cratic convention is sadly impaired. The People Rebel. “Upon the tariff question the democratic party has undertaken a task for which it is wholly unfitted. With general incapacity in the saddle and with an army of foliowers of whom Falstaff himself might have been ashamed, it has tried to overturn prosper- ous conditions and give us instead an 1) dustrial revolution. From the inevitable and followers have mutinied and led. The outraged people may find expression for their woes in an unusual and unwise man- ner, but whatever indignant people may have done, or may yet they can never, either accident or design, involve the country in even a small part of the trouble and mischief caused by the present demo- cratic administration. “Shall the republicans in this Congress sit content and allow this culmination with- out protest? I think not. While I have a voice and a vote in this body I shall exert them in the interest of the country and for the defeat of the Wilson measure. I hope there is still enough good sense and Patriotism to be found in a few of those elected to the Senate as democrats to join with us of the minority in its opposition and bury it in oblivion. True, it is being driven forward with whip and spur; it is to be rushed to final action and no rest is to be allowed. Every other measure is to be sidetracked and the Wilson bill is to have the right of way. But somebody may throw a switch out of line and ditch the train. Let us hope so. No Confidence in the Democrats. “I have referred to the incompetency of the party in power to inaugurate any new measure of Value to the country. Does not everybody know that the people at large, democrats and republicans alike, have no confidence in the pretensions and promises of the managers of that party? For eighteen years the democratic platforms have becn burdened with platitudes of re- form, and ever since that time the party has quadriennially resolved—first, that this country needs reform, and second, that we are the reformers. Continuing, Senator Cullom turned his attention to the income tax, which he denounced as a sand-bag- ging proposition, the device of highway- men, etc. Following this discussion, he took up the various schedules of the tariff bill, criticizing where changes had been made from the McKinley law, and showing the result that the passage of the Wilson bill would have on the industries of: his own state. Resuming the thread of his argument, Senator Cullom then said: “Has it ever occurred to us, that in the consideration of haps the greatest economic question which can confront any nation, namely, the question of national self-support and rational maintenance, we have never ar- rived at any distinct formula or demon- strated rule of practice by which the proper and just amount of revenue could be ob- tained, and the wisest ratio of protection be at the same time extended to those pur- suits which alone can build and perpetu- e a great people? The Tariff Free From Politics. “Has it never entered our minds that the pressing political questions of low tariff or high tariff, or free trade or protection, no matter in which way they may be set- tled presently, can never be made lasting or permanent? Is it not true that with every recurring national election there comes to the people elther the hope or the fear of change and disturbance of business? And I may ask further, in view of all this, ‘| ought we not, as patriots and Senators, to find some system, to devise some plan which shall logically work out a true and just result, And make the preparation of a tariff bill simply a matter of mathematical deter- mination and demorstration? “Something must be done to take the tariff question out of partisan politics. It is a busiress question, but, of course, necessarily @ political one, as in it is involved the great question of raising revenue for the support of the government. I do not desire that my position shall be mistaken on this subject. I propose to commit to a commission of experts the laborious task of working out the basis upon which an equitable tariff act can be constructed, leaving to Congress finally the work of enacting such a tariff law, with all the facts before it, as may he required in order to secure the proper amount of revenue and just wages to labor, without disturbing the equity of the gener- al scheme of protection. The tariff commis- sion, if properly constructed, would be able to avoid the interminable incongruities which give so much annoyance to the ad- ministrative branch of the government. Let us then, in this year of grace, build a monument for all time, a monument which will do honor alike to both political parties. Let us create and vivify a system, one something like a system, a plan, under which, by simple methods, just duties may be computed and decent wages be assured to the people of our country.” —___+. A Virginia Collector Resigns. The Secfetary of the Treasury has re- ceived the resignation of John Goffigon as a of customs at Cape Charles City, a Democrats Think an Adjournment Would Stop the “Armies” Ooming Here They Will, Therefore, Try to Expe- dite Action on the Tariff Bill and Finish Matters by July 4, The indications are that the Coxey move- ment and the general disorder among the unemployed in various parts of the coun- try are going to have considerable influence over the tariff legislaticn. It will not affect the schedules in the tariff bill, and there is ro probability that any legislation ad- vocated by the Coxeyites will receive any consideration. The fact, however, that there is so much disorder in the country and people are marching upon the national capital for the purpose of pressing upon Con- gress all sorts of measures will probably operate to hasten an ending of the session. It is appreciated that as long as Congress is in session the agitation will be kept up, and it is altogether probable that the troubles will grow with progress of the agitation. This consideration is already impressing itself upon the minds of con- servative men in Congress, and the feeling is rapidly gaining grovnd that an early adjournment of Congress will be greatly to the interest of the country, in checking the movements inaugurated to procure legislation. It is believed that the presence of Congress in session is a temptation to agitators to demand that this thing or that be done “for the relief of the people,” and that if Congress should clear up its legiti- mate business and adjourn the country would very soon quiet down and no more be heard of “armies” marching upon Wash- ‘ton. 5 to Get Away. The democrats are undoubtedly anxious to get their work done and get away. If they could bring about an adjournment by the 4th of July it would greatly delight them. In view of the possibilities of evil coming from a long session, with the “unemployed” knocking at the doors of the Capitol and business almost suspended on account of the uncertainty as to what legislation may be enacted to make or mar trade, it is not improbable that minor considerations of partisanship may be put aside and the busi- ness of Congress be expedited. A Solid Front in‘the Senate. The democrats in the Senate have practi- cally agreed in support of their tariff propo- sition’ and will probably present a solid front in the fight from this time forward, even Hill acting with his party. Some of the republicans are anxious to prolong the fight over the tariff as long as possible, but it is not thought they will adhere to this purpose, in view of the fact that they con- fess that by so doing they cannot prevent the final passage of the bill. Moreover, nearly half of their patty in the Senate are opposed to any unnecessary delay and will not take part in any dilatory motions. This situation and the evident effect the presence of Congress in session has upon the dis- satisfied and unemployed people of the country is expected to hasten an adjourn- ment. —_—__> ++ _____ THE B. AND 0. TRACKS. Hearing Before the Ho District Committee—Briefs to Be Submitted. ‘The bill'to elevate the-tracks-of the Bal-+ timore and Ohio Railroad Company came before a subcommittee of the House Dis- trict committee this morning for a final! hearing. Messrs. Heard, Richardson, Rusk, | Abbott, Meredith and Harmer sat in the| subcommittee, and Messrs, Frizzell and Tucker of the Northeast Washington Citi- zens’ Association appeared for the bill. Vice President King and General Agent Alvey of the Baltimore and Ohio represent- ed that company by their presence at the hearing. Mr. Tucker refuted the assertion made by the Baltimore and Ohio com; iy that there have been dissensions and lack of agreement among the citizens as to a plan of entrance for the railways. He then read the statement giving the history of the efforts made to induce the company to change its grade entrance to the city. which is published in another column. Vice President King said he had no state- ment to make, as the attorneys had pre- sented the B. and O.’s side of the case. Mr. Alvey briefly explained the occupancy ot a portion of an alleged government reser- vation by a steam crane belonging to the company. This is not a government reser- vation, he said, and the use of it for the purpose of unloading stone for government buildings is by an arrangement with the Commissioners. The committee decided to permit both sides of the controversy to submit briefs and statements in writing within a week. Mr. Rusk corrected a statement made by Mr. Tucker to the effect that the Baltimore and Ohio company is building a tunnel in Baltimore at a cost of $8,000,000. This work, he said, is being done by a corporation separate from the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- road Company, and in this statement he was corroborated by Vice President King. es ae DUMONT’S PLACE. Said to Be Willing to Retire in Favor of a Younger Man. fe It is said at the Treasury Department that a change will be made before very long in the office of inspector general of the steamboat inspection service, which Las been filled so acceptably for many years by Gen, James A. Dumont of New York. He has reached a ripe old age, and is said to be perfectly willing to retire in favor of a younger and more active man. He is re- publican in politics, but has proved such an efficient officer that he was retained throughout the last democratic administra- tion in spite of the strenous efforts made for his removal, and he would probably serve on throughout the present administra- tion were it not for his advanced age. Al- though there is no immediate prospect of a change in the office, several candidates for the appointment have already appeared, of which, however, ex-Mayor DeWitt C. Cregier of Chicago seems to be making the most active cai ——_——_+2+_____ NOT CHOLERA, AS REPORTED. However, a Double Quarantine In- spection Against Ships From Lisbon. Surgeon General Wyman of the marine hospital service has been informed that cholera has made its appearance at Lis- bon and in the Austrian province of Gali- cia. The consul general at Lisbon reports that the epidemic is cholerine, that no deaths had yet occurred and that vessels clearing from the port were receiving clean bills of health. Dr. Wyman says: ‘These cases can hardly be called an early start of cholera for the year, as there have been cases through the winter at St. Petersburg, and others are reported in Spain. The re- ports today are about the first, however, since the opening of spring. We will take every precaution against the introduction of the disease. While the Lisbon cases are cholerine, we look upon that with suspicion. Ships from Lisbon will be subjected to double quarantine inspection, once on the other side and again on landing here,” ——————2.—_____ New York State Democrats, The New York State Democratic Club of Washington met last night at Union Vet- erans’ Hall, effected a permanent organiza- tion and elected officers as follows: Presi- dent, Samuel H. Waddell, Syracuse; first vice president, Reuben H. Plass, Brooklyn; second vice president, B. F, Clayton, New York city; corresponding and recording sec- retary, W. B. McDaniel, New York city; financial secretary, Russell McCarthy, Sau- gerties; treasurer, M. M.Whiteney, Cortland; AMcGloin, Brooklyn. sergeant-at Felix For the Coxey Army Counted on by the Redstone Committee. THE CAMP LOCATION NOT SELECTED Doors of the Workhouse Open to “Receive a Cox THE SITUATION HERE Citizen Redstone held a large bundle of Papers, done up in cylindrical form, in his strong right arm at Coxey headquarters this morning and beamed a glance of pride at @ couple of reporters. “These are a few of the petitions we have received from the freemen of is country, praying for the passage by Congress of the bills which Mr. Coxey drew up and which he is coming to present to the national legis- lature next week in person,” remarked the citizen, with gratification. “This one, from Kansas City, contains 5,000 signatures; there are 3,000 names on this one from St. Louis. The others are from various other cities and are as liberally signed. They show where the sympathies of the country rest.” He was asked how he regarded the refusal of the District Commissioners to permit meetings to be held from the tally-ho coach at various prominent points in the city. “It don't worry me a particle,” responded the citizen, with emphasis. ‘When it gets so that a little municipal government can override the Constitution of the United States by interfering with the rights of the people it is time to take the matter before the Supreme Court, and I wouldn’t be sur- rised—it may-the chances are—well, the Question might be brought up and settled in the Supreme Court in a little while.” ‘The reporter noticed the citizen stowing away in his inside pocket a letter contaia- ing a dollar bill, and inquired if subscrip- tions were coming in. “Oh, yes,” was the cheery response. “This money is from Arkansas. The people down there are very much interested in the move- ment. They are in sympathy with us, and so are the people here in W: . The solid undercurrent of public inion is steadily flowing in our direction. ere are a few men here in authority who try to put on airs, but the public’s opinion is rot behind them. Recruits for Coxey. “We sent off a company of men this morning to join Coxey at Rockville,” con- tinued the citizen. “No, none of them were Washingtonians. They are all mechanics, except one, who is a driver, and they came from Pittsburg, Cleveland, Philadelphia and other places. There were three telegraph operators among them, and they were un- der command of Charles Stansbury, a pain- ter. They were a mighty nice crowd of young fellows, too, I can assure you.” Citizen Redstone said the company had been recruited outside of headquarters and had merely come to him to get credentials He apse apprevingly et’ tee Section the le e 1 Ssintlonted bad tite Grong Site Sanne its journey Maryland and didn't seem to like it a bit when an iconoclastic tee Mane ave state coop gd that coun’ turned out to see, the Genay ages same as they would to see any of a curious show. The Local Preparations. A rumor reached the city today that tents were being erected on the commons near Tenleytown, for the purpose of ac- commodating a branch of the commonweal en its arrival near Washington. Citizen Redstone knew nothing about it, however, and said if any tents were being put it was being done on no order from tim. “Maybe they are being erected for the ‘volunteer police who are going to patrol the suburbs,” ne suggested, with a deep fringe of sarcasm from the edges of his inflection. He vouchsafed the information that Beth- esda Park had been offered as a camping Place for the commonweal, in addition to Brightwood, and said he had written to Coxey to ascertain his final decision about the location of the encampment. Upon re- ceiving a reply Citizen Redstone will send out some big tents, which he says he has on hand, to the place determined upon. The committee on public comfort and en- tertainment met this afternoon, and the army, the books showing the proper authority to col-- lect subscriptions were issued to the mem- bers of the committee after being properly vised by Treasurer Sidney Maltby and countersigned by Secretary Mayer. The books contain blanks, which it is expected the Coxey sympathizers in Washington will fall over each other in their endeavor to fill out with subscriptions of money and provisions. Treasurer Maltby said the com- mittee would open headquarters for the re- ception of subscriptions in a day or two,and thought it quite likely that Willard Hall would be secured. The Coxeyites here do not appear to think much of the laws preventing the soliciting of alms in the District of Columbia, and say they will start out on an earnest can- vass in behalf of the coming commonweal tomorrow morning. The Messrs. White, who came down from Hagerstown as the advance guard of the army, don’t appear to have a very exalted opinion of the men—and ladies—who are running things at the headquarters here, and evidently think there is entirely too much talking through hats and bonnets. The ex-confederate said today that the movement did not appear to be gaining the strergth that was expected as it approached Washington, and he did not attempt to conceal his disappointment at the outlook. Entertained in the Workhouse. An advance agent for the army of the commonweal reached this city yesterday and today he is languishing in the work house. He will not be out for ten days af- ter the date of the arrival of his late gen- eral and associates. According to his story he enlisted in the army in Pennsylvania and shared the lot of the Coxeyites on their famcus yachting trip on the raging canawl. At Hagerstown he left the army and came atead, he claims, for the purpose of re- cruiting and raising funds. Last evening he forgot Gen. Coxey’s order that his men leave bad whisky alone. The result was bey when he began to preach the doctrines of his leader to a small crowd at 19th and Pernsylvania avenue last evening he was considerably “under the influence.” Officer Als took him into custody, charged with un- lawfully assembling, and Colman was in the Police Court this morning. He was a typical tramp, so far as his appearance went. He will be given a chance to work for the government in making good or otherwise, for the next fifteen days, A Force of Special Policemen. Today the police feel more confident than ever that they will be fully able to meet the requirements of next week's occasion, when the Coxeyites enter the city on their last march, All arrangements have been com- pleted, and two hundred specials will be sworn in Monday morning to assist the regular force. These men will go on duty Monday evening, and it is the intention of Maj. Moore to largely increase the number of men on duty in the county and suburban places, where the hangers-on of the Coxey army are likely to annoy the residents in the way of appearing at their houses and begging for food. ‘The watchmen in the treasury, bureau of engraving and printing and other depart- ments have been given police power, and as @ police official remarked today, “The city is fully equipped in authority.” As published in yesterday’s Star, the de- tective force will also be increased and the depots closely watched. The police say that there need apprehension of troubie, be no Police at the White House. Nine policemen were today added to the regular force of twelve policemen on duty in the Executive Mansion grounds. They are di- vided into three watches, so that there are now seven men on duty at all hours of the day and night. Three men remain inside the building and the other four patrol the grounds on each side. These policemen are in addition to the regular force of ushers, doorkeepers, messengers and clerks. The grounds south are closed and the entrances on the north front are shut at mid- night. These are deemed to necessary precautions in anticipation of the arrival of @ large number of idle people from all parts of the country. The President's plan of moving out to his summer home at Wood- ley has been postponed indefinitely. JUSTICE WITH MERCY. A Plea for Sympathy With Men Out of Employment. The refusal of the Commissioners to al- low a public meeting on the streets in the interest of Coxey’s army was addressed to J. A. DeWitt, the man who proffered the army the use of one of his tally-ho coaches. Mr. DeWitt was evidently factious over the notoriety he received and addressed the fol- lowing letter to the Commissioners: To the Honorable Board of Commissioners. Gentlemen: Owing to the ‘fact that you have made my name prominent in declining the request of the committee of public com- fort appointed to look after the entertain- ment of the unemployed approaching the city, I hereby offer an explanation so far as I myself have been connected with this at- tempt to infringe upon the laws of the Dis- trict. This is the way I was drawn in the matter, and if I am guilty of an attempt to wrong the government under which I live I hope you will note what I consider extraordi- nary circumstances.; In the first place, I went more through ¢uriosity to the trial of the Primrose men. When I saw these men drawn up ig line as criminals and looked in what seemed to me without doubt many honest faces I e at once a very inter- ested spectator. hen Attorney Lipscomb eloquently declared that they were not tramps, but that each person carried on his person a visible means of support, namely, the healthy and strong machinery of bone and muscle God had given them, and clearly showed the danger of making poverty a crime at the very capital of the nation, I was shocked at the thought of such a pro- ceeding, and when Judge ball very feel- ingly said that he never had and he never would send an honest mam down as a va- grant simply because he was out of em- ployment = was filled with emotion and I feel as though every one in the crowded court was overflowing with sympathy for those men. Visited the Headquarters. I saw by the papers that these men were at the Coxey headquarters; I called to see them, and while there took occasion to say to Citizen Redstone that I favored the good roads bill, and in this I am sincere, though I may be misguided, I also took occasion to say that I had noticed the cordial treat- ment these unemployed men had met with through the cities and towns they had visit- irther remarked that I was of the opinion that when they reached Washington they would find as many friends and as lib- eral treatment as they had met anywhere en a an ~ Cee hear speaking at headquarters, wi - ed, and while there the colonel asked te to state in public what I had said in private. I did so. Result No. 2, appointed on committee of public comfort. Result No. 3, sympathy for a tle- men, in this I have pied ize for. I ly Believe be bad policy to let the ‘report ‘that the working- no fish, no coffee, no meat, and no cheers as ey streets; no word of sympathy for the endured. drawn be allowed to be hung pPecple will not be permitted to and you know as well as I of commendation. Should the city be flood- | ed with disorderly men, I believe that these men could be trusted to keep order. All agree that nothing is to be feared from the Coxey men. Then why discourage peo- | ple that would have the country understand that W: jon has the same sympathy for suffering humanity that other cities have. Iam with great respect, yours, truly, J. A. DEWITT. DISTRICT IN CONGRESS. Brief Meeting of the Senate Commit- tee. Senator Harris yesterday notified the members of the Senate District committee that owing to the earlier meeting of the Senate he would call the regular meeting of the District committee at 10 o'clock instead of 10:30, as heretofore. But this notice did not serve, however, to summon a quorum to the committee room until considerably after 10 o'clock, and as a result, the meet- ing was very brief. Most of the time was taken up by a discussion of the Senate bill 1359, to increase the water supply of this city. After a discussion, Mr. Proctor was directed to report the bill favorabiy to the Senate. Senator McMillan was instructed to report favorably to the Senate his reso- lution requiring the street car companies md this city to repave between their tracks in making extensions or repairs with as- Phalt block or brick imstead of cobble stones. No other business was transacted. The Great Falls Power. Mr. Meredith introduced in the House yesterday the bill offered in the Senate Wednesday authorizing the Great Falls a Company to supply electricity to the A Brick Wall for the J: Mr. Payne of New York introduced a bill in tle House yesterday appropriating $20,000 to construct a brick wall around the District jail. With the Amendea te. A subcommittee of the House District committee today unanimously agreed to re- port the Washington, Alexandria and Mt. Vernon railway bill, with the amended route, on 17th street and E streets north- west. This route has been indorsed by the board of trade and the District Commis- signers. Vice President Reed and Mr. A. D. Anderson before the committee this morning and explained the bill as thus amended. They reported that work was commenced yesterday at Alexandria on the road between that city and Washington. ——_—o-_____ Nominations by the President. The President today sent the following nominations to the Senate: Justice—Harry E. Briggs of Wisconsin to be attorney of the United States for the western district of Wiscorsin. Postmasters—Fletcher A. Cuttler, Eureka, ohn O. Miller, Bakerfield, Cal.; Thos. Ahern, Naugatuck, Conn.; John R. Heaston, Winchester, Ind.; Thomas J. Smith, Frankfort, Ind.; Edwin S. Hargers, H. T. Emmick, Elli- M. Keith, .;__ Charles W. Bickford, Rochester, N. H.; Eleazer C. Converse, peat N. H.; Maurice J. Herlihy, Wil- ton, N. ¥ Kutztown, | | | | | |on Saturday morning. at this place last night six or best-known confidence and workers in the country, and had for the fact that they were correspondents, they would everything in sight. As it was, timized one man and then, further operations, balistic and played themselves. This morning on to Gait_ersburg in a @ farmer. Soon after owner became anxious and started after the men This crowd has eviden' work the crowds drawn commonweal and intend entering trict with the army. Detectives Boyd, however, have put ij & | Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. ROCKVILLE, Md., April 27.—A fifteen members of the Smith Coxey army have gone into the railroad about one hundred the depot at this place. Sin here they have been quiet in and the camp has been visited of the town people. They the arrival of the main 5 that Coxey and his cohorts tered at the fair grounds 4: here. ethene tee use of them dither on Sunday or ing. The Philadelphia crowd under last evening im the neighborhood of ton, making their way toward this expecting to reach here this Much anxiety exists in regard to come of these unusual proceedings. AT CAMP HENRIETTA. Coxey and Browne Again in the Dimg Museam Business. Special From a Staff Correspondent. HYATTSTOWN, Md, April 26, 1894, The camp of the Coxey commonweal to- night is known as Camp Henrietta, the old canvas inclosure is up and all desire to see the a:my are asked to tribute ten cents. Those who present selves and make solemn assurance they have not ,thc requisite ten cents admitted free, and women and children are ushered right in and given front seats close by the band wagon. “I've only got eight cents, and deed that’s the truth,” said one raw-boned applicant. “Well, come along in.” The man held out his eight cents, then, as a thought struck him, withdrew it. “Say, before I gives up here eight cents, which is the only ! g g8 tH g i i i i 5 : geé ! i ar ¢ ? p id K SERGE £ i i Getting Dinner. cents I has left, what's the show inside?” “The Commonweal of Christ is inside.” “Is Browre in there with his leather coat?” The marshal is there.” “Are the men going to be fed?” “The men will be fed in half an hour.” “Well, I don’t know about it. Bight cents is a good deal of money these days, but, 22%, 4s all them there stallions in ere?” “Yes, sir.” “Well, that settles it. Take the eight cents, mister.” The people are greatly interested in the horses and in the men, and, in a minor de- Sree, in the doctrines enunciated by the leaders. A considerable number gave dimes to enter the tent from another, and the one of the cause