Evening Star Newspaper, May 16, 1894, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1201 Peansyivania Avenae, Cor. 11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Com SH KAUPPMANN’ Prest. New York Office, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers tm the ety by carriers, ~ their own account, at 10 cents per Week, or 4c. per month. Copies at the counter 3 cach. By mail—anywhere in the United Srates or Canada—postase prepaid—50 ents jer | month Saterday Quintuple Sheet Star. $1.00 per year; with foreign postage added, 00. (Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D. C., as second-class mai! matter.) E> All mail subseriptions must be paid in advance. Rrres of ndvertising made known ov application. | Che Lvening Star. "Vor. 84. No. 20,886. WASHINGTON, D. C.. WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1894—TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. BRIBERY ALLEGED) peat aN Money Said to Have Been Offered to Two Senators TO VOTE AGAINST THE TARIFF BILL Senator Lodge's Resolution for an Investigation Into the Matter. WHO MADE THE OFFER Rumors of the use of money to Influence action one way or the other on the tariff bill have been in circulation here at var- fous times during the past few months, but heretofore have received little atten- toa. It is learned definitely today that certain Sendtors have received intimations that a money consideration could be se- cured for their votes against the tariff bill. The negotiations apparently have gone no further than intimations to the clerks of Benatcrs Kyle and Hunton. These intima- “ons came from a North Dakota man, who is known as a lobbyist on several schemes. He was formerly a member of Congress from one of the southern states, and was identified with the so-called carpet-bag government. The amount which it was in- timated Senator Kyle could receive was 14,000, and $1,000 was to be retained by @ man making the negotiation as a com- mission. Mr. McFarland, clerk to Senator Kyle, says the matter never went any fur- ther than an intimation. He promptly in- jormed Senator Kyle. The latter is now in uth Dakota, and will return to Washing- Saturday. It is belteved here that the character of the man who made the intimations stamps the whole affair with the seal of condemna- tion. It is scarcely possible that any syn- dicate of persons that could control the amount of money necessary to purchase votes would intrust it to the man who made the intimations to the clerks of Sena- tors Kyle and Hunton. He ts not the kind of @ man that would be employed for work of that kind. An Investigation Proposed. Senator Lodge, soon after the Senate met, imtroduced a resolution authorizing the ap- pointment of five Senators to investigate the charges of attempted bribery, and also the charges in a long article published in the Philadelphia Press on Monday morn- Ing. containing allegations relating to the influence of the sugar trust upon tariff leg- islation. He asked for the immediate con- sideration of the resolution, but Senator Cockrell of Missouri asked that it lie upon the table until tomorrow. What Senator Hunton Says. Senator Hunton talked freely today about the attempt made to bribe him to vote against the tariff, although he said that he is very surry the matter has public at this time. He said that the matt ter first came to his attention about @ month ago through a letter from his son, dated at Warrenton, Va., the home of the Senator and his son. He immediately laid the matter before six or eight of his most intimate friends in the Senate that they might know what was going on. The Sena- tor says that he never saw the man who offered the bribe, and he declined to give the man’s name, but said that all the Negotiations, if the proceedings may be called such, were conducted through his son. The would-be briber, the Senator said, went to Warrenton early in April, car- rying a letter of introduction from a man in Washington;*whom Mr. Hunton did not know any better than the man he intro- duced. He p. to want to employ Mr. Hunton as an a case, in which he was interested, and after talk- ing for a short time on this topic -hé| brought up the tariff bill, to which he was opposed. He said then that the bill never would ss, and that there was an argument to brought against the bill which had not yet been used, but which, when brought to bear upon the question, would dispose of it effectually. Asked by Mr. Hunton’s son what that argument was he said he would give it to him if he would send it to his father. He then proposed to pay Sena- tor Hunton $25,000 for his opposition to the tariff bill, and Mr. Hunton immediately in- formed his father of the proposition. “Do you think the proposition was in earnest?” the Senator was asked. “My son Is atisfied that it was, and, themore is satisfied that $100,000 ay that paid if it had appeared thi Would secure the coveted vote.” Senator Hunton said that the neg tor Aid not say whom he represented. “The money,” he said, “‘was not to be paid until the vote should be cast.” Senator Hunton said that he did not pure asking any investigation. “i have,” sald, “placed the matter in the hands of my friends, but I had not intended ask- ing for an inquiry because I had supposed that my reputation was such as to need no such support as an investigation woukl de- velop. li, however, an investigation is un- Gertaken I shall be glad to furnish all the facts in my possession.” ? ‘The Man Who Offered the Bribe. Diseussing the man who had offered the bribe, he said that he had understood that he went to Virginia as a carpet bagger and attempted to-secure a nomination for Congress, but, failing, had then gone to South Carolina, where he had been nomi- Rated and sent to Congress, serving one term. He said he had no objection to giy- ing the name of the man, except that if there was to be an inquiry he thought it proper that it should be first given to the committee of investigation. It is understood that Senator Kyle has B® record of the alleged briber's conversa- tion and proposition. He was approached directly, but turned the fellow over to his private secretary, with instructions to take ull notes upon all that he said. Mr. MeFarlane’s Statement. Mr. McFarlane, Senator Kyle's clerk, re- fuses to say anything further except to acknowledge that the offers were made, and says that when the investigation is had he will tell all about it, and will then give the name of the man offering the money and what he said. The man told him he represented New York parties, but whether or not he gave their pames cannot be learned. Mr. McFarlane Fefuses to give any names. The Lodge Resolution. Pm aa is Senator Lodge’s resolution in . Whereas, it has been stated in the Sun, a Newspaper published in New York, that bribes have been offered to certain Senators to induce them to vote against the pend- ing tariff bill, and hereas, it has also been stated in a signed article in the Press, a newspazer published in Philadelphia, that the sugar Schedule has been made up as it now stands in the proposed amendment in constdera- bow > of large sums = — = for cam- paign og of the democratic party, Resoivi That a committee of five Sen- Btors be appointed to investigate these charges, and with power to send for persons bad papers, dada Maj. Buttz Said to Be the Man, Several persons who know the circum- Btances connected with the alleged attempt at bribery assert that the man is Major J. A. Buttz of Buttzville, near Lisbon. The bribery story is con- sidered by these gentlemen as ridiculous. Major Buttz has been in Washington all winter trying to secure an amendment to the sundry civil appropriation bill which will reopen a contest over the town site at Great Falls, Montana. This amendment Was defeated in the House, but Senator introduced the amendment in the Sen- ®, where it has been defeated by the com-, mitte? on public lands. Buttz is a farmer in North Dakota, and has been identified | with polities in that state. He was once @ | member of the House from South Carolina. | and has the privilege of the floor of the | —- He —_ — attorney in org matters pending before Congress, and here at every session. TARIFF BILL OUTLOOK JONES’ WOODS AFIRE|W4NT TO Go Home FENDERS FOR CARS|DEATH IN THE PLAY Free Sugar is Looked Upon as Fatal tothe Measure. Senator Brice is Confident That the Senate Will Pass the Bill by June 15. Several republican Senators contemplate making short speeches in the Senate, urging speedy action on the tariff. They are led to take this position because they think that If the bill can be beaten at all it can be done now and they believe the country is im- patient of the uncertainty, which is injuring business. It is very generally understood that if the bill is beaten it must be done by setting the sugar trust against it through putting sugar on the free list. An effort is being made, therefore, to get a solid repub- lican vote In favor of free sugar. if this could be done the proposition would probably carry with the aid of a number of democratic votes and the fate of the bill would be sealed. Some of the republicans hve announced, however, that they will not vote for free sugar,and the party failing to unite in this move, the indications still point to the passage of the bill in its latest Protective form. The trouble with the re- publicans has been all along that they can- not agree on any definite plan of operation. It is said that Hill, Murphy, Irby and Mills will vote against the duty on sugar and that Hill is doing his best to get the republicans united on this line of attack. Sherman is the leader in opposition to this plan and is said to have a considerable fol- lgwing of republicans who will not vote for free sugar. Senator Brice Confident. Senator Brice stands by his original propo-| PS: sition that the 15th of June will see the tariff bill through the Senate. He was dis- cussing the rumor current about the Senate that another democratic conference was to be held. ‘What ts the use of it?” he asked, “We are getting on in good shape, and we shall come through on schedule time. Every vote taken on the amendments shows a safe democratic majority and the amendments are being dispatched with as much rapidity as could be expected at this stage. You haven't noticed any defections in the demo- cratic ranks yet, have you? Senator Hill is absent, but he is paired on the amendments with Senator Lodge, he for them and Lodge against. Oh, yes, there may be some trou- ble on the income tax, when it is reached, but it will be gotten over and the bill will go on its way. I look to see the opposition melt away, and the collapse will probably be sudden and unexpected whea it does come, just as it was when the silver repeal bill was up. * “I said that the bill would pass before the end of October long before the final vote was reached. Well, it did pass. So il the end come in this case, and it will reached by the same methods. On the 19th of October the opposition to the re- Peal of the Sherman law was apparently as strong as it had been at any time since the debate had begun; on the 2Uth it was all over. The talk of their being four, five or seven democratic Senators opposed to the pending bill which we hear from our friends on the republican side is all in the air, and they will see their mistake.soon. We are getting on in a way to contradict that, and the minority will soon melt away, in the face of facts that must convince them. Cloture? I doubt it. That would be a new question to settle, and I don’t think we shall try it. No, I expect to see the bill put through under the present rules, and I shall not change my original date for the final consummation.” Informal Rep ican Conference. Durmg the day there was considerable agitation among Senators on both sides, and a rumber of conferences between a few small groups-of Senators on both sides efthrerehamber occurred from time to time. A tumber of rumors were afloat as to moves contemplated by the democrats. Among them it was stated that they were threatening to abandon the compromise amendments and to return to the Wilson bill. This was denied by democratic Sen- ators of standing, but it was understood that at least one schedule—cotton—would be restored to the rate in the Wilson bill. The difference of opinion among republi- cans as to the course of procedure has caused considerable uneasiness and dissatis- faction on that side, and the speech of Mr. Dybgis and similar sentiments held by a ber of other republicans has given tors who are still insisting that | can be defeated by delay consider- / This afternoon as a result of the general confusion an informal confer- republicans was held in Mr. Sher- mittee room, with a view of ar- definite program. Mr. Gallinger a} the time in the Senate with a set Speech, und there was a general understand- ing that no action of any sort should be taken during the absence of the Senators attending the conference. The proposition discussed was to assign Senators to take charge of particular schedules and to go ahead with the consideration of the bill as at present, only having the work so divided as to prevent any conflict, and to systema- tize the assault upon the bill. Late this — mo definite action had yet been en. o CHINESE REGISTRATION. It is Not Thought That Frauds Were Committed Here. At the local office of the internal revenue collector for this District a Star reporter was informed this afternoon that no action had been taken in regard to the report that frauds had been perpetrated on a gigantic scale in the registration of Chinese laborers under the Geary exclusion law. ‘The Wash- ington office is merely a branch of the of- fice of the Maryland district, located in Baltimore, and is powerless to act in any matters until instructed by the collector at Baltimore. Should an investigation be ordered, however, it is likely that deputies will visit all the “heathen Chinee” and de- mand the production of their registration certificates, failure to obey meaning arrest and imprisonment. It is not thought that any frauds were perpetrated in the District of Columbia, as those registered numbered only about three hundred and the greatest care was exercised at the time. cn BRECKINRIDGE’S BOND. coL. His Appeal Will Probably Not Heard Before the Fall. Col. Wm. C. P. Breckinridge, the defend- ant in the suit recently won by Miss Made- line V. Pollard, today filed his appeal bond. The bond is for $100, and the defendant's brother, Joseph C. Breckinridge, appears as surety. The purpose of the bond Is to se- cure the costs of the appeal noted by Col. Breckinridge to the Court of Appeals. As the Appellate Court will adjourn for the summer the latter part of next month, it is hardly probable that the case will be heard by it before next fall. ; —_—s— ‘THE, LITHOGRAPHIC CONTRACT. It Was Teday Awarded to the Norris Peters Company. The patent office photolithographic con- tract was today awarded to the Norris Peters Company. UTAH AS A STATE. The Senate Committee Directs a Fa- vorable Report. The Senate committee on territories to- day authorized a favcrable report on the bill to admit Utah as @ state of the Union. Treasury Receipts. National bank notes received for redemp- tion today, $220,147. Government receipts— From internal revenue, $438,622.75; customs, $405,082.08, and miscellaneous, $54,271.83. Pes ae Flames in the Well-Known New York Resort. GREAY DAMAGE DONEON PHE EAS? SIDE j Occupants of Houses Driven From Their Homes. HORSES FATALLY BURNED EE ee RES NEW YORK, May 16.—Fire started at 4 o’clock this morning in one of the wooden buildings in the inclosure known as Jones’ Woods, at Avenue A and 68th street. Be- fore it had been extinguished the flames spread over four blocks, between 67th and Tist streets, Avenue A and the East river. Over $200,000 damage was done. The sud- den changing of the wind caused the fire to spread when the firemen thought they had it under control. Policeman Nash discovered flames and smoke coming from the roof of the dancing pavilion in Jones’ Woods, about 200 feet from the river. Twenty minutes after the discovery of the flames the enormous danc- ing pavilion, the two tiers of seats and galleries were a mass of flames. There was a stiff southwest wind blowing, which car- ried the flames toward the river with re- markable rapidity, and the buildings, com- ed of wood throughout, burned like tinder, The flames spread across a wooden ‘bridge over 69th street, and caught the wooden building of Washington Park, which occupies the entire block between th and 7th streets. A third and fourth alarm were sent in. Suddenly the wind changed, and turned the flames toward Avenue A. Like a streak the fire seemed to clutch the flimsy build- ings, and in five minutes the great wooden towers at the entrance of the park on Avenue A were burning, together with the Mne of buildings along 68th street. The buildings on the north side of 67th street next caught fire. Here the fire burned so rapidly that Captain Vedder's men, who were at work on the street, were driven back on a run from the flames. The build- ings fell so rapidly around the engine sta- tioned in the street that the men were com- pelled to desert ft, having barely time to unhitch and get the horses out of danger. The engine was buried beneath ‘he ruins and crushed and twisted out of all shape. It is an historic engine, which has been in the department for twenty-four years, and has been rebuilt several times. it is known as the “Silver King.” The flames first caught the stable and two-story dwellings of Pat- rick Dean on the north side of 67th street near the river. Dean ts a milkman and had thirty horses in a stable near his house. He and his family got out of the house and escaped by a boat to a place of safety. The horses were burned. ‘The Fire's Awfal Rush. Down toward the avenue the fire rushed fiercely, and the firemen were powerless to combat it. Next to Dean's house the two- story brick dwelling of Michael Boland was reduced to ashes within ten minutes after the flames reached it. Fifteen horses which were in an adjolaing stable were burned to death. John Carroll's two-story house was the next to catch. Carroll, his wife and fiye children were dragged house ened, Bolister. They id. nt kK ve. * r Sidnet .svaqt 80 few minutes later the house, with the : L the rear, {elk wit - deafe: ferduhy; Sta'the asses ged tit tothe tare Pratl brick house es Finnan next horse dealer, He had two horses in hi table; they were burned. John Ray's two-story brick dwelling, with a stable In the rear, was entirely consumed. A truckman lived in the next building, a two-story building. He had a stable in the rear, In which there were several horses. The house and stable were consumed and the horses were burned to death. Kate Duffy occupied the next house. In the rear of her house Charles Moony lived in a frame house, and in the rear of his place was the blacksmith shop of Seidentry > Schultz, BY ine eg Firmen people had time 10 Save any of their household goods. Mrs. Duffy raade an effort to do so, but a portion of the roof fell and she rushed out into the street. The corner lot at avenue A and 68th street is occupied by the stone works of B. A. & G. N. Williams. It is an immense plant and one of the best equipped in America. They have now in preparation stone for some of the largest and most expensive buildings in the city. Their works will be a total loss, All their finely carved stone was cracked and rendered use!css, Two hundred and fifty men ate thrown out of work in this es- tablishment. Sixty-eighth street between avenue A and the river was crowded with trucks belong- ing to the residents of the block. There were 150 trucks, and when the flames had traversed them all that was left was a mass of tangled iron and burned wood. The fire had also extended along the river front toward the south and caught the old Scher- merhorn mansion that has stood in 67th street near the river for seventy-five years. The flames literally leaped across 67th street and clutched this house. The mansion was saved after being fairly deluged with water. The flames rushed northward, and seemed beyond control of the 200 fire fighters. The buildings in the two picnic grounds were wiped out completely, including the “Old Homestead.” The family of the owner, J. F. Schultheisger, had a narrow escape. They were awakened by a night watchman after the flames had made a flaming torch of the tower near by. Enormous crowds watched the fire. The damage is estimated at $231,000 in all; $131,000 being done to property outside of the park. J. F. Schultheisger, owner and manager of the pleasure gardens, estimates his loss at $100,000. —_—>_—. PERHAPS FIVE. DROWNED. Auother Harvard Student Missing. ; CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 16.—It is now almost certain that Wm, Stevenson Hock- ley, Harvard ‘94, was with the four Harvard men in the catboat which was wrecked in Dorchester bay on Sunday evening, and that he was drowned. Hockley roomed at No. 5 Linden street. | He was there Saturday night and left Sun- day about noon. He has not been seen there since. His home is in Philadelphia and he was an intimate friend and almost constant companion of young Bach, whose body has been recovered. Some Harvard men, who were at City Point Sunday, say they saw Hockley on the float there about 3:30 o'clock. That was the last seen of him by his Harvard friends. Boatkeeper Hutchins states that he rented the boat to four young men, but he is not certain how many went off in it. Young Hockley’s mother has been occupying a suite at 75 Mt. Vernon street, Boston, for a month past. An Associated Press reporter called at the house and learned that Mrs. Hockley returned to Philadelphia last week. The other occupant of the house had not seen young Hockley and feared that he was a member of the fated boating party. Hock- ley was in the habit of visiting at 12 Quincy street, Cambridge, with an aunt, quite fre- quently, but has not been there since Sat- urday. He is twenty-two years old, a crack cricket player and a popular member of the senior class. Several parties are today searching the | harbor for the bodies. —__— The Maryland Guard Encampment. Second Lieut. Ellwood W. Evans, eighth cavalry, has been detailed to attend the en- campment of the Maryland National Guard from July 12 to 22, 184. He will proceed to Annapolis, Md., and report to the governor of the state for such service as may be re- | quired of him during the encampment. Who is Many Representatives Anxious to Repair Their Fences. Nominating Conventions in Several of the States Will Be Held in the Near Future. Members of Congress are growing more restive daily, as word reaches them frora home that their congressional conventions are being called, primaries held and dele- gates chosen. Many conventions have al- ready been held, and quite a number of the present members of the House have been renominated. These include Representa- tives Clarke (Missouri), Fithian, Lane and Smith (Iiinois); John (Indiana) and Layton (Ohio), In the district of Representative Paynter (Kentucky) the convention has been held and Rolla K. Hart nominated, as Mr. Paynter declined to be a candidate. Finis Downing has been nominated for one of the new districts of Illinois. Reports have been published that Representative Hopkins (Illinois) has been renominated, and that Representatives McDannold (Illi- nois) and Cooper (Indiana) had been de- feated, but the districts of these three mem- bers have not yet held their conventions. Conventions in the Near Future. Besides the conventions already held, many are set for the near future. The Mis- souri districts are particulrly active. Rep- resentative Morgan’s (Missouri) convention is next week, and he has assurances that the instructions to delegates will renomi- nate him. Representative Heard’s (Mis- souri) convention is June 5, and his renom- ination is expected. Representative Hall (Missour!) is canvassing his district, and is said to be sure of renomination. Repre- sentatives Bland and Hatch have little or no opposition in their districts. In Illinois all of the democratic congres- sional conventions at Chicago are set for July 10. The republican conventions have not been called. Representative McDan- nold’s (Iilinois) convention is June 17. The conventions of Representatives Cannon and Hopkins (Illinois) are not far off. The other lilinois conventions have not yet been called. In Indiana the convention in Representa- tive Johnson's district is the only one that has made a nomination. Several of the re- Publican conventions have been called for June and July. It is expected that Repre- sentatives Holman, Bynum and most of the other Indiana members now serving will be renominated. Michigan has had no conventions as yet nor are any called. Chairman Campau of the state democratic committee was here recently and arranged to have an early state convention. The congressional nomi- nations will follow soon after. In Ohio Representative Layton’s district is the only one*in which action has been taken. Three of the republican conven- tions are set for June. In Kansas, where a number of districts are represented by the populists, the popu- ist conventions are being called. That of Representative Davis is on June 7 and the republican convention of the dist t is to- morrow. The Minnesota and Wisconsin conventions are still far off, as are most of those in northwestern states. Late in the Eastern States. Most of the eastern congressional conven- tions will be late in the summer or in the early fall. The practice in New England districts and through New York and New Jersey is to hold the conventions only a few weeks before the election. Some of the Pennsylvania conventions are being called, but the dates are late, that of Representative Erdman being August 20. Most of the southern conventions are also late, but the precinct contests are alteady ling actively, aa Me Sete Ee - es Greshina and Crain ‘have cai of the precincts thus far contested. West Virginia conventions are expected to be in August and those of Louisiana in September. The activity in districts throughout the country makes members anxious to get home and attend to their interests. They say the most effective work is done la the months leading up to the conventions, in- stead of immediately before the meetings. The recent practice of “docking” salaries has made it very expensive to go home to attend to a canvass. These considerations | are urging members to hurry along with legislation, complete the tariff bill and ad- journ as soon as possible, ———— +e ___. A NAVAL REMINISCENCE. An Incident Similar to That of Porta- * gal a Brasil, The strained relations between Brazil and Portugal, resulting from the extension by the Portuguese men-of-war of the right of asylum to the defeated rebel Admiral Da Gama, recalls to naval officers a complica- tion of similar nature in which the United States was involved with Brazil, and in which we were guilty of a much more fla- grant violation of international law than is charged against Portugal. -It was in the day of our civil war, when the Alabama and the Shenandoah and other confederate cruisers were working havoc in our commerce, that Capt. Collins of the United States steamer Wachusetts finally cornered the confederate steamer Shenan- doah in Rio harbor. The neutrality laws required that when belligerent vessels shel- tered in harbor desired to leave one must give the other twenty-four hours’ start. By the operation of that law Capt. Collins had lost several possible captives, and he was determined that the Shenandoah should not escape him. So in the night he got under way and made straight at the Shenandoah, intending to sink her “accidentally” in a collision. The Wachusetts struck the Shen- andoah a glancing blow, without materially damaging her; but Capt, Collins was not to be balked, and, throwing boarders on the vessel, attached a cable to her and boldly towed her out of the neutral port and up to Hampton Roads, Va. There was a great stir over this breach of international law, and, although Emperor Dom Pedro was a warm sympathizer with the north, he could not overlook the indignity that had been put upon his tountry, and demanded repara- | tion. When the facts came out the United States had no defense. So Capt. Collins was suspended, an ample apology was made to Brazil, and the Shenandoah was ordered to be returned in good order to Rio harbor. By a mysterious accident, which never was fully explained, one of our gun- j boats, in getting under way from Hampton | Roads the night before the Shenandoah was to sail, ran into the ship, and she was sunk at her anchorage, so that the Brazilian gov- ernment was obliged to be content with the apology and Capt. Collins’ punishment. ——_-o— WAR DEPARTMENT CH. A Conference Today to Determine Upon the Reductions. Secretary Lamont had a conference with the heads of the different bureaus of the | War Department this morning, with a view to a systematic reduction of the clerical force of that department to the lowest pos- sible working basis. The force in the Sec- retary’s office was recently reduced 40 per cent, and it is understood that Secretary | Lamont contemplates a similar reduction | in other branches of the department. It is a subject of comment that the legis- lative appropriation bill cuts off thirteen clerks in the Secretary's office provided for by existing law, whereas the Secretary has already reduced the force by eight more than that number, so that if the bill passes in its present shape it will provide for eight more clerks than are now employed. ——_—+ e+ — Colors for the Marblehead. The citizens of Marbiehead, Mass., have prepared a beautiful set of colors for pre- sentation to the naval cruiser christened after their city. The presentation is to take place with appropriate ceremonies on July 4, and the Marblehead has been ordered to be there on that day. The vessel is now at New York, ANGES. The Commissioners Make a Report to Congress, THEY SUGGEST NEED LEGISLATION Experiments With Various Devices Made by Railroads. NOW BEFORE THE SENATE After a thorough investigation of the subject of street car fenders the Commis- sioners this afternoon transmitted to the Senate District committee a report upon the resolution of the Senate dated March 20, 1894, When the resolution was received by the Commissioners it was referred to Engineer Commissioner Powell, who in turn de- tailed Capt. Fiebeger to investigate the fenders in use and report. His report was submitted several days ago and adopted. The Commissioners’ report was based on this and is as follows: The Commissioners of the District of Co- lumbia have received from your committee the following resolution of the Senate, dated March 20, 1804: “Resolved, That the committee on the District of Columbia be directed to investi- gate and report, as promptly as may be, her in their opinion the street rail- vi of the city of Washington, propelled by cable and electric power, have adopted and are using the most effective fenders tor the protection of human life and limb, and if they are not so using the best available appliances, what remedy should be invoked to compel them to do so?” And in pursuance of your request for their examination of and report upon the same, have the honor to inclose an extract from a report upon the subject by Capt. G. J. Fiebeger, corps of engineers, asistant to the Engineer Commissioner, and to add the following remarks and recommenda- tions: It is doubtful in the opinion of the Com- missioners whether any of the street rail- Ways in this District have adopted and ure using the most effectual fender practicable for the protection of human life and limb, All the fenders in use are of the fixed kind, and consist of shields either placed in front of the forward wheels or inclosing the wheel base. The defects In this kind of fender are, first, its rigidty, and secoad, partly necessitated thereby, its height above the track level and its position well un- der the body of the car, instead of be- ing close to the rail and not projecting beyond, or inclosing, the whole body of the car; In consequence of these defects, @ person may be caught under the car be- fore the fender touches him, or may be forc- ed under the fender when knocked down. The height of the rigid fender seems to be unav ‘on account of the oscillations of the car when moving rapidly, and of the existence above the track level of projec- — in the roadbed. phalt structions pertaining to the cable conduits. A first step toward the use of a more ef- ficient fender is the depression of these, and all other similar projections, to the level of the pavement. The Commissioners for the past six months or more have given much attention to the subject of fenders, and other safety appliances for street cars; have made in- quirles about fenders to officials of other cities; have obtained and examined copies: of all specifications of patented fenders and guards in the patent office, and have in- speeted numerous models’ or designs for fenders presented to them in a Tea he meral novice issued by them. as been which is fe- garded as sutfictently meritorious and sure- iy practicable to warrant the Commissiun- pe a ee = street car companies, evel authority therefor exi: — oan I ped it. ge Meee < ‘veral of the new devices appeared j= ising, some of which have been ‘commended to the attention of the companies using me- chanical motive power for cars. With a view to actual trial, the Commissioners, in early March, invited the managers of such companies to a conference on the subject, and there formally requested each company to equip one car with an improved fender of & new kind and of its own selection, The Eckington and Soldiers’ Home Company an- nounced intention to try the Crawford fender and wheel guard. Upon the offer of the Rock €reek Railroad Company to try any fender the Commissioners might desig- nate, a fender was named to it for that pur- pose. The manager of another road stated that he believed his company already had the best available fender on its cars, but would change to any fender proven to his Satisfaction to be better, declining, how- ever, to make any other change or exp-rl. ment unless the District would assume all one i case of damages. ‘ubsequently the Eckington com; the Crawford fender end wheel guard cod have very lately informed the Commission- ers that the company has adopted this fender for use on all its cars and will soon put it on, The Rock Creek company has given notice that it will change the fender it ara jehendes. to try by taking one of its lection, but up to lat trial has not been made. Riri eto: As to what remedy should be invoked to compel street car companies to use the best availuble safety appliances, the Com- loners, report that the remedy is in legisfation which will authorize the Com- missioneFs’ to establish and enforce the fol. lowing requirements: 1. That street car companies remove pro- jections above the pavement belonging to their constructions and which are unneces- sarily inconvenient and obstructive to the Me age and, 2. To use on cars those safety appliances which the Commissioners may an satis- factory or desirable. Laid Before the Senate. The letter from the District Commission- ers, accompanying the report to the Dis- trict committee, was today laid before the Senate, The Commissioners in the letter say: “The Commissioners have the honor to report that in their opinion the street railway companies operating cable and electric Hnes in the District should be re- quired’ © ‘equip their cars on said lines, ‘hout unnecessary or unreasonable delay, with the best available fenders, which shdli be satisfactory to the Commissioners, in order to afford the greatest practicable pro- tection to life and limb on the public streets. A comprehensive report on the subject of car fenders and safety appli- ances on street cars, with recommendations relative to their adoption upon the street cars in use in this District, has been pre- pared by the Commissioners and transmit- ted today to the chairman of the commit- tee on the District of Columbia.” Senator Gallinger Pleased. Senator Gallinger, in moving the referenc2 of this letter to the District committee, said: “It is a matter of extreme gratification to me and to the Senate, and I have no doubt to the people of the District, that the | Commissioners have so promptly answered the resolution of the Senate, and have so frankly stated their opinion that the com- panies ought to lose no time in equipping their cars with appliances that should have been put upon them long age. I trust that a way will be found by the Senate, if the companies neglect to do their duty in this respect, to compel them to do so.” Another Fender Tried. Several days ago a practical illustration of the workings of a fender invented by Mr. Eldridge T. Smith was given in the corridor at the District building. A full-sized work- ing model was put together, and after the simple mechanism had been explained a boy lay down and the car Propelled at him with great force, but the boy was picked up out of harm's way. The Commissioners were pleased with the device, and Capt. Fiebeger declared it to be the best one yet examined. The Commis- sioners have requested the president of the Washington and Georgetown railroad to put one on as an experiment, and the company has agreed to do it. A Javenile Circus Performance That Ended Tragioally. How Little Bertram Curtin Was Fa- tally Burned—His Costume of Straw Caught Fire. Tomorrow afternoon, at 3:30 o’clock, the body of Bertram Curtin will be laid at rest in Glenwood cemetery. Bertram was nearly eleven years old and he died at 4 o'clock this morning, after nearly forty-eight hours of intense agony. The little boy was unusually bright for his age, attending Sunday school at the United Brethren Church, and day school in the Twining building. His father, Thomas Curtin, is a conductor on the Eck- ington and Soldiers’ Home electric railroad, and resides at No. 11 N street northeast. Being so bright a boy, Bertram was a gen- eral favorite both in school and among his playmates, who reside in the neighborhood of his parents’ home. Only a few days ago the circus came to the city and gave exhibitions on the North Capitol street lot only a few hundred feet from the Curtin home. Bertram went to see the cireus with some companions, and tLe wild west show and trapeze performers took hold of the fancy of the children to such an extent that they concluded to give a per- formance themselves. Visions of fine per- formances and good play made them in- dustrious in the line of holding an exhibi- tion. They knew that the children of the neighborhood would all attend, for a one- cent ticket could be sold without any trou- ble, especially to those who had not had the pleasure of seeing a real circus with wild animals, clowns and Indians, and success was certain, The Exhibition. Accordingly the children completed all their arrangements and determined to hold the show in the woodshed in rear of the Curtin home. Bertram's parents were per- fectly willing that the boys should use the shed. From the roof of the shed, a small frame structure, a trapeze was ed. This dick, Dut I served every parvone The Noor sticl was covered with the wings from the circus ring, and in one end of the shed the promoters of the show construs One little boy, who acted as ringmaster, the usual announcements and the lit- tle children were as happy as they could the torch was applied and the paper house was burned to the ground. His Costame Caught Fire. It was in this scene that the Indian, the part taken by Bertram Curtin, figured, and walking through the ruins his light costume caught fire, and he was fatally burned. Just exactly under what circumstances the burning took place is not known, for the badly frightened audience left the place a body, Dave Pike being the only com- panion of the unfortunate boy to remain with him. After his costume took fire he went to the ite end of the fire, and it is stated that he was then tied to a gate in the shed before it was discovered that the straw composing his Indian costume had ignited. But whether this is so or not the boy's is, ‘used in tying the little one, who on that occasion was ‘Ww be an Indian. His father was not at home at the time, but his mother was in the house, and she heard the tume had then been burned entirely off him | and his clothes were fast disappearing. Mrs, Curtin, although almost frantic, had presence of’mind enough to do what she | could for her suffering one. And little Dave Pike rendered able assistance. The hydrant in the yard was turned on and to the mother there seemed to be an exceedingly light flow of water. But the water was | thrown on the burning boy as fast as it came from the pipes, and finally the flames were extinguished. . Through all this the sufferer had remained conscious, but soon after he was taken in the house. The shock proved more than he could stand and he was unable to tell un- der what circumstances he was burned. ‘Terribly Burned. Dr. Bradfield was soon at his bedside and he found the boy so badly burned that he expected death at any moment. But under the doctor’s treatment the patient regained consciousness, and then he told his parents and the doctor how he had played circus and baa, burned. He said nothing about tied. Dr. Bradfield found that fully two-thirds of the boy’s body had been burned. He was scorched and scarred from head to foot. Both arms had been almost burned to a crisp and some of his finger nails were gone. Then there was an excessive burn of the back and abdomen; his legs were almost charred, and his face disfigured. All day yesterday the patient was con- scious, and Dr. left him in pretty s condition gad a RA the loctor’s surprise, ve t's suffer: ended at about 4 o'clock this morning. a Coroner Woodward was notified, and De- tective Rhodes went out to investigate the case. All the circumstances show that the affair was purely accidental. Many friends of the parents called at the house today to offer words of sympathy. Playmates of the deceased will probably act as pallbearers tomorrow. ~~ MR. MORGAN'S BILL For the Protection of Seals Under the ‘Paris Agreement. Senator Morgan, from the committee of foreign relations, reported from that com- mittee the bill introduced by him last Monday, supplementing the act of April 6, for the execution of the Paris award. The bill reported today makes the procedure and penalties provided by that act, in case of the violation of provisions and regulations, applicable to any citizen of the United States or person who may be on board of a vessel of this country who'shall kill, cap- ture or pursue at any time or in any man- ner whatever, as well as to and against any vessel of the United States used or em- ployed in killing, capturing or pursuing fur seals or other marine fur-bearing animais in violation’ of the provisions of the Paris convention, and extends the provision to any treaty into which the United States may hereafter enter with any other power for the purpose of protecting fur seals or other marine fur-bearing animais in viola- tion of any regulations which the President away make for the due execution of such treaty or convention. Fourth-Class Postmasters. The total number of fourth-class post- masters. appointed today was forty-three. Of this number thirty-six were to fill vacan- cies caused by death and resignation, and the remainder by removals. The Virginia appointments were as fol- lows: Graysville, E. E. Custer, vice W. P. Custer, resigned; Islandford, T. A. Gra vice Samuel Morgan, resigned; Mount Cur- mel, W. F. Tulloch, vice W. H. Adams, re- x Ridgemont, Joel Burnett, vice D. resigned; Stockton, H. 8. Slaydon, vice Lillie R. Gravely, removed. Richard Kelly was apointed at Catoctin, Md., vice H. P. Gorsuch, removed. ———-e+__ To Tow the Constellation. The Atlanta will sail tomorrow from Nor- folk for Newport, having in tow the Con- stellation, which will be used as @ naval apprentice receiving ship. STILL THE TARIFF Its Consideration in the House of Representatives. AMENDMENTS OFFERED that it be printed and lie upon the table. Mr. Allen’s Resolution of Inquiry. Mr. Allen's resolution calling on the Sec- retary of the Treasury for information of the number of persons whose wages are or may be affected by the protective tariff legislation ard on other points then came vp. Mr. Allen said he understood this informa- tion ‘was in the hands of the Secretery of the Treasury. Mr. Chandler the resolution, hold- lution. Mr. Allen cited the precedent of a former report on the same lines, based on the cen- sus of Isso. . Chandler objected again that the reso- lution called for information not | hands of the Secretary of the Treasury, in effect directed an im the Senate had no authority to direct. Mr. Peffer said this was ople wanted to know, and ce aerotees Secretary elsewhere. He appealed to withdraw his opposition to Mr. Manning’s Report. Mr. Allen took up the report he referred, made during the | tion of Secretary Manning. Ii | 4 7-10 per cent of the laboring country were in direct foreign ‘There was no reason why the not have this valuable informa‘ With regard to the other With to olution, it was notorious labor law was constantly and violated. Laborers had a right to what extent laborers abroad were hired and to take their Mr. Hoar calied attention to the nitions in Mr. Allen's resolution. investigation was to be limited industries were. For instance, fied. Men would differ as he Fey =H its rg i g | af i a H i fi i raladct ale tion of sugar planters a few that sugar should have adequate protecti He had no doubt that there w Senators on the democratic side resent the idea that sugar was tected. mm The Tariff Dill Again. At 12 o'clock the discussion had not ed. The resolution went over, and the Vice President laid the tariff bill before the Senate. The pending amendment was lin- seed, flax-seed and poppy-seed oil, on which the House rate was 15 cents. £ | Mr. Jones moved to increase the duty to | 20 cents. As soon as Mr. Jones had offered amendment Mr. Gallinger (N. HL) from behind a huge pile of manuscript announced that he proposed to give a his- | tory of American legislation on the tariff | since the day the pilgrim fathers first set foot on Plymouth Rock. | At 1:30 Mr. Gallinger was still EI ibs +} him seemingly undi publican, Mr. Frye, was in the chamber. He was red in reading a newspaper. On the other side of the political aisle nine | democrats lounged chatting or writing. Te Be Continued. Ae 2 o'clock Mr. Gallinger announced that |he had brought the history of the tariff down to 1846, and would shspend for the present and resume his speech at some con- venient opportunity. oa seed | paragraphs, flaxseed, linseed and poppy | oll, were of importance, a quorum should be | present. The ringing of the bells | forth forty-nine Senators, six more than « } quorum. As soon as the announcement of the presence of a quorum was made, Mr, Dubois (Idaho) took the floor and began carefully-prepared speech. THE HOUSE. Speaker Crisp was in the chair again to- day and called the House to order, when some routine morning business was trans- acted. Among the Senate bills laid before the House was one for the relief of Lents Jacks, son, and, on motion of Mr. Burrows (Mich.), it was passed. House bill for the validation of affidavits made before United States commissioners in all land entries was passed. It provides that all entries under the homestead, pre- emption, timber culture and desert lan@ laws, which are based on affidavits made before a United States court commissioner, instead of a United States circuit court com- missioner, as provided by law, shall be valid. Mr. McGann, chairman of the committee on labor, reported the joint resolution orig- inally introduced by ‘Representative Beil (Col.) providing for the appointment of a committee of three Senators and four Rep- resentatives to investigate and report the cause of the present industrial Mr. Dingley QMe.) objected to the resolae tion on the ground that the time allowed the committee in which to report the result of its investigation was too short; that it | was impossible to report in thirty days. | Mr. Burrows demarked, sotto voce, that it | might just as well require a report to be | made in ten minutes. Under the rules the | resolution went over. Agricultural Appropriation Bill. At 12:45 the House went into committee of the whole on the agricultural appropria- tion bill, and Mr. Richardson of Tennessee took the chair. Just prior to this, however, Mr. Springer ll.) gave notice that in view of the fact that the appropriation bills had not been disposed of he was unable to call up the bill to remit the ten per cent tax on state banks in accordance with his previous notice, but that he would do so early next week, or as soon as the legislative, ex2cutive and judicial appropriation bill was of. Mr, Ray (N.Y.) offered an amendment to the agricultural bill providing that the in- formation as to the annual yield of all jegricultural products since the ronan tion of government, which the bill makes provision for, should be tabulated and pub- lished as often us practicable and dis- tributed the same as other farmers’ bul- letins, and that such tabulations should be by states and sections of states as far as practiceble. The amendment was adopted, Against Pablishing Statisties, Mr. Marsh (ill) delivered a fierce denum- ciation of the practice of the Agricultural Department of collecting and publishing agricultural statistics, which enabled spec- ulaters to know how many bushels of corn, how many bales of cotton, etc, would be roduced, and enabled them to manipulate The steck market accordingly, He characterized it as @ fraud on the thirty million agriculturalists