Evening Star Newspaper, May 17, 1894, Page 2

2 LATE NEWS BY WIRE Opening of the Presbyterian General Assembly, SERMOM BY PROF. CRAIG, MODERATOR A Piea for Literal Interpretation of the Scriptures. “RECESS THEN TAKEN SARATOGA, N. Y., May 17.—The streets of this town were early filled by commis- sioners to the Presbyterian general assem- bly. The church began to fill early, and when the moderator and the clerks ap- eared the church was crowded. Besides ~ Professor Willis G. Craig, the retiring mod- erator, and the clerks of the assembly, Drs. Moore and Roberts, there were two ex- _™mederators on the platform, Dr. William ©. Young, president of Center College, and moderator of the Portland (Oregon) assem- bly two years ago, and Dr. David C. Mar- quis, who presided at Minneapolis in 1836. _There were also present Drs. Nicholls of St. Louis, Craven of Philadelphia, and Kob- erts of New York, Dr. Daniel McGilvery of | the Laos Mission, Dr. Howard Duffield of New York, Dr. John S. McIntosh of Phil- adelphia, Drs. Edward C. Ray and David R. Breed of Chicago, and Prof. Paul F. Suthon of Newark, N. J. The devotional exercises attending the opening of the assembly were conducted by Drs. Young, Marquis, Noble, Breed and Buthon. The moderator then began his sermon, announcing his text as Acts xx, 2, p. 27— “Wherefore, I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of ail men; for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” The sermon takes strong ground in favor of the literal interpretation of the Script- ures. At the close of the moderator’s sermon the usual report of the committee of ar- Fangements was adopted, providing for dai- Jy sessions from 9 until 1, and from half- past 2 until 5 o'clock. Popular meetings next week will occur at a quarter before 8 each evening. A recess was then taken until 3 o'clock, when the election of a new moderator somes up as main business session. —_— > TESTING THE COLUMBIA, Whe Speedy Cruiser Leaves Philadel- phia for Her Final Trip. PHILADELPHIA, May 17.—The U. 8. cruiser Columbia left the League Island mavy yard for her final deep sea test trip shortly before noon today. Her regular forty-elght-hour trial will be made under the direction of the official trial board, made up as follows: Commodore T. 0. Selfridge, president; Capt. P. H. Cooper, Commander R. B. Bradford, Naval Con- structor W. H. Varney, Chief Engineer R. ‘W. Milligan, Surgeon H. J. Babin, Assist- ant Naval Constructor J. G. Tawresey. Lieut. Commander Seaton Shrocder will act as recorder. The Cramp Ship Build- ing Company, which constructed the ship, is represented on board only by a few mechanics, who will observe the working of her machinery. The U. S. government representatives have entire charge of the ship, this being the Columbia's first trip under such cordi- tions. It is the intention of the Navy De- partment to make the Columbia's final trial as thorough as possible. The de- partment is especially desirous that the three screws shall give complete satisfac- tion. In relation to the testing of these screws the following instructions will be carried out: First—A six hours’ run with the central screw, the others being disconnected, the speed to be about ten knots. Second—A six hours’ run with the two side screws, the central one being discon- nected, the speed to be about fourteen knots. Third—A six hours’ run with all three screws, the speed to be about sixteen knots. It is also declared that during each of these trials the number of boilers to be used shall be such as to supply sufficient steam, with easy firing, the fires in the other boilers to be banked. The coal used Yor each trial will be determined as ac- eurately as practicable. Three full sets of indicator cards will be taken from the main engines every two hours, with as littie interval between the} time of taking such cards from the various | cylinders as practicable, and the cards for- warded direct to the bureau of steam en- gineering. While the Columbia {s at sea a careful imspection will be made of the broadside six-inch guns, which are said to be placed ®o that they cannot be used effectually. ——__ VIOLENCE OF DUSTRIALS.” Whincne a Japanese Laborers Driven From Their Work. VACAVILLE, May 17.—One hundred and fifty “industrials” today raided various Fanches and fruit farms in Vaca Valley, for the purpose of driving out the Chinese and Japanese. They took a number of pris- oners and drove them ahead, maltreating | The whole crowd of | them in various ways. industrials were finally arrested, and with the Chinese and Japanese are in custody here. * GREEN RIVER, Wyo., May 17.—United States Marshal Pinkham and ten deputies arrived here today with warrants for Shef- fler’s “commonwealers,” who recently cap- tured a train. He will take them to Idaho for trial. He reports 200 commonwealers traveling by wagon from Weiser, and numerous smal! _— going east over the Oregon Short 2. ARE THEY MERCHANTS? fg Chinese in San Francisco Harbor. SAN FRANCISCO, May 17.—The United Btates circuit court of appeals will decide on Monday next whether or not United States Attorney General Olney’s ruling upon what constitutes a Chinese merchant | shall be permittel to stand. Collector Wise | has received tnstructions from Washington indicating that the government is willing to treat the Chinese aected by the ruling with leniency. He has recelved the follow- ing dispatch from the Treasury Depart- ment: “The department advised that forty Chinese merchants are now on the vessel Rio de Janeiro at vour point, and thirty-six can establish their charact+r as mercharts, former residents, who departed pricr to No- ‘vember 3 last, with the intention of return- ing. Make careful examination, and if sat- isfled of their entity you may permit land- img. they to remain in your custody until Judge Morrow's decision is passed upon by the court of appeals, probably on Monday next. Before landing them require from the steamship company stipulation for pay- ment of expenses during the detention of the Chinese by you, and also for their re- turn to China. “The Attorney General holds that the act approved November 8 last does not apply to Chinese merchants established in busi- mess at that date.” —————. JEALOUSY CAUSED MURDER. 3. H. Blayton of Richmond, Va., Shoots His Wife. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. RICHMOND, Va., May 17.—J. H. Blayton, &@ well-known man, living on West Lehigh street, at 10:30 o'clock this morning in- stantly killed his wife, firing three bullets im her body. The man then made an at- tempt upon his own life, but a neighbor, hearing the first shots, rushed in and pre- ¥ented him from adding suicide to murder. ‘The neighbor wrestled with the man some time before he could disarm him. After his tstol had been taken from him he seized a atchet and vainly tried to split his own head open. The man will recover. Jeal- ousy ts at the bottom of the tragedy. the husband suspecting the wife of in 2 paiomdlis John M. Burke Not Missin. SPOKANE, Wash., M Burke arrived and fs in C His friends here were much surprised when now shown a dispatch from Washington stat-| ing that he had been m: issing for more than @ month. : eF ao. | |1N THE HOUSE TODAY The Agricultura: Appropriation Bill Further Considered. Filibustering Over the Clause for Ir- rigating the Arid Lands in the West. The first business transacted by the House today was the passage of the House bill to carry into effect the act of August 19, 18vu, to adopt regulations for preventing col- lisions at sea. The bill is designed to meet the objections made by Great Britain, Spain and other countries to the regulations pro- Posed by the International Maritime Asso- ciation, and was called up by Mr. Fithian, chairman of the committee on merchant marine and fisheries. Other requests for unanimous consent to consider bills were refused and the regular order demanded, which was the call of com- mittees for reports. Among the bills which were favorably re- Ported was one by Mr. Chickering of New York, from the committee on rallways and canals, to inquire into the feasibility of con- structing a ship canal from the Hudson river to the great lakes. The Agricuitu Appropriation Bill. After the call of committees the House Went into committee of the whole to con- sider the agricultural appropriation bill, and Mr-Richardson of Tennessee took the chair. The first amendment adopted was proposed by Representative Dingley of Maine, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to no- ufy Senators and Representatives when- ever bulletins or other publications are ready for distribution. Representative Hermann (Oreg.) offered an amendment raising the appropriation for irrigation investigations from $8,000 to $25,- 000. Chairman Hatch explained that nearly all the work of investigating the question of irrigation was intrusted to the geological survey, and he did not think it wise to di- vide up the appropriation, for irrigation. A bill was on the calendar, he said, to trans- fer the geological bureau to the Department of Agriculture, and when this was accom- plished more active steps would be taken on the subject of irrigation, A Serious Difference of Opinion. The discussion of the paragraph dealing with the investigation of irrigation matters Jed to a serious difference of opinion. Members from Texas, California and the arid regions of the west and southwest, where the subject of irrigation is a burning question, demanded one hour and two hours to discuss the paragraph and amendments, While Mr. Hatch was willing to concede only twenty mjnutes. Mr. Hatch's motion to close debaie in twenty minutes was amended by Mr. Cannon (Ill.) so as to make it one hour, when the House divided—61 to 77—and Mr. Cannon made the point of no quorum. Tellers were appointed and re- ported the vote as being 5 to 103, fifty-one jess than @ quorum, and Mr. Hatch refused to compromise on forty-five minutes and moved a call of the committee. The roll call showed the presence of 219 members—forty more than a quorum—and the question recuring on Mr. Hatch’s mo- tion, as amended by Mr. Cannon, to limit debate to one hour, the tellers resumed their places and reported 12 yeas and 108 rays, when, Mr. Hatch refusing a compro- mise of forty minutes, Mr. Cannon again rade the point of no quorum, and the roll was again called. Another Point of No Quorum. On the second roll cal] 218 members re- sponded. Mr. Hatch moved that the com- mittee rise, and when the Speaker had de- clared the House in session, moved that the House should again go into committee of the whole, and, pending that, moved that all de- bate on the pending paragraph be limited to thirty minutés, on which he demanded the previous question. The House dividing, the Speaker announced the vate as 96—H, and Mr. Cannon, continuing his filibustering tac- tics, made the point of no quorum, and Mr. Hatch demanded the yeas and pays. The previous question was ordered—15S to 42, and on motion to limit debate the vote was—l00 to 25. Mr. Cannon, continuing to filibuster, made the point of no quorum, and the Speaker ordered the roll to be called on Mr. Hatch’s demand for the yeas and nays. — CAPITOL TOPICS. An Assistant Chief. The House committee on naval affairs has authorized a favorable report on a bill pro- viding for an assistant chief of the bureau of supplies and accounts in the Navy De- partment, by the detailing of an officer of the pay corps, who shall receive the highest pay of his grade. New Signal Corps Officer. Senator Bate, chairman of the military committee of the Senate, has given notice of an amendment to the army appropria- ton bill, which provides that there shall be in the signal corps one lieutenant col- cnel, who shall receive the pay and allow- arce of officers of like grade in the army, said office to be filled by lar promo- tion, and the vacancies in the junior grade of the signal corps resulting from the pro- motion provided for shall not be filled. ‘The Chicago Public Building. The House committee on public buildings and grounds discussed the Chicago public building site question today, but reached no conclusion. The committee also dis- but no agreement was réached. A sugg: tion was made that the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company be compelled to move its Washington stasion and the printing office be located on that reservation. Armor Plate Investigation, Representative Dunphy (N.Y.) today con- ferred with Speaker Crisp as to the proposed investigation cf armor plate frauds. Mr. Durphy’s resolution for an investigation went to the rules committee, of which the Speaker is chairman. Mr. Crisp’ said it would be difficult for the committee to hear testimony and thus ascertain if there was prima facie case of fraud warranting an investigation. It was thought desirable that the naval committee should make the pre- Mminary inquiry. It is, therefore, probable that the rules ecmmittee will report back the resolution | tomorrow, with a recommendation that it go to the naval committee. Mr. Dunphy expects the naval commi:tee to report promptly that a prima facie case for an invesigation exists. He says the Navy Department is, necessarily, incom- plete, as the officers conducting the investi- gation have no power to summon witnesses or inspect books. The congressioaxl com- mittee would be clothed with powers to get at the bottom of the alleged frauds, SP Teds WHO MAJOR BUTTZ Is, He Was Well-Known in Virginia in Reconstruction Days. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. RICHMOND, Va., May 17.—Maj. Chas. | W. Buttz, who is mentioned in connection with the reported attempt to bribe Senators Hunton and Kyle, was a conspicuous figure in Virginia politics in reconstruction days. Buttz was a prominent figure in the repub- lican state convention held at Petersburg in the spring of 1869, which ended in a big row. Buttz was in that body and cham- pioned the cause of Wells, the radical candi- date for governor, against Gilbert C. Wal- ker, the conservative, who was afterward elected. Buttz was regarded as one of the sharp- est politicians even in those days. Buttz, who lived at Norfolk, Va., was intimately associated with Congressman Platt, who represented this district, and Congressman Porter, that of the Norfolk district, al- though Buttz subsequently moved to South Carolira.. where he was elected to Con- gress. He passed out of the minds of Vir- ginians until this reported attempt to bribe United States Senators, when that incident recalled his political career here just after the close of the war. Seisioia Sheet SNODGRASS RENOMINATED. Successful on the 437th Ballot—A Delegate Shot. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., May 17.-H. C. sdgrass was renominated for Congress today on the four hundred and eventh ballot. - L. Griffith, a delegate from Jasper nir Dr. r, Tena., while returning from the conve tion on the train, was shot and killed by John iL. Stickley, delegate from White county. Stickley was very drunk at the time. present investigation being made by. the| THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1894-TWELVE PAGES. MR. CRAIN’S RESOLUTION To Provide for All Manner of Tariff Riders on Appropriation Bills. ;, The strong feeling of the democratic tariff leadcrs In the House against the increase of duties reported by the Senate found shafp expression today in a resolution of- fered by Representative Crain, democrat, of Tex: It not oniy provides for tariff riders to appropriation bills and conference repcrts, but gives the President authority to put any article on the free list when a trust or combination controls the article, The move is particularly directed against the sugar trust and sug? bounties and to meet Senate attacks on the income tax. The text of the Crain rule is as follows: “Resolved, That the committee on rules is instructed to bring in a rule that when- ever ary general appropriation bill or any conference report upon a general appro- priation bill is under consideration it shall in order to offer amendments thereto, either as riders or otherwise, providing for the repeal of the law authorizing the pay- ment of bounties on sugar or for the levy of an income tax; or empowering the Pres- ident whenever he may be satisfied that a combination or trust exists whereby the price of any article or commodity used .or consumed by the people of the United States may be affected to suspend the collection of all duties upon such article or com: modity during the existence of such: com- bination or trust, and that befare-@ motion for the previous question upon the re of any general appropriation bill or the adoption of any conference report upon any general appropriation bill shall be enter- tained by the Speaker he shall submit to the House any such amendments as are provided for in this rule which may be of- fered.” x Mr. Crain has made his proposed rule stronger than those formerly proposed by making any conference report on an ap- priation bill amendable with a tariff rider. HARD TO CHOOSE. Little Relish by Committee to Despotil a Public Park. The site for a new public printing office still remains a vexed question before the House committee on public buildings and grounds. The members are discussing the question from every point of view, arguing it upon every side, and invarjably wind up at the point where they find themselves compelled by the House to recommend a public reservation, which is against their wishes and their judgment. The committee held a meeting this morn- ing and again went over the subject. Ref- erence was made to every public reserva- tion which appears in the least available, but it is understood that the weight of opin- ion hangs between a selection of Judiciary Square, and the present site of the Balti- more and Potomac depot. The latter proposition was discussed at some length. The railroad company’s occu- pancy of the public property was explained and the desire of the city officials to cause the removal of the tracks and depot from the government reservation was referred to. The committee adjourned without final action, with the understanding that anoth- er meeting will be held next Saturday, at which time it is hoped to reach a conclusion. eS cree STRUGGLING FOR PLACE. al Generalship. It is understood that there is soon to be an appointment of a consul general to Ber- lin. There és quite a contest over the office between Indiana and Ohio. Ex-Gov. Camp- bell wants Mr. Hughes, who conducted the campaign which landed a democrat in Con- gress to succeed Houk at the recent special election, appointed to the place, and the In- diana people want it for Editor Shanklin. It is said that the retirement of Prof. Men- denhall from the head of the coast survey is talked of so as to give the place to Mr. J. C. Underwood of Illinois, formerly Meutenant governor of Kentucky. ei St THE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. Those Who Will Inquire Into the rges of Bribery. The Vice President this afternoon selected the following Senators to act as the investi- gating committee under the Lodge resolu- tions adopted by the Senate this morning: Gray, chairman; Lindsey, Allen, Lodge and Davis. ey For Retaliation. Agninst Canada. There is a prospect of favorable action by the House’ foreign affairs committee on Representative Chickering’s bill for com- mercial retaliation against Canada. The subcommittee having the bill in charge re- ported it favorably to the full committee today with one amendment. The bill stip- ulates that whenever the President is satis- fied that there is any discrimination in the use of the Welland, St. Lawrence, Chambly or Canadian Sault canals by tolls, draw- backs or otherwise, which are, or may be, detrimental to the United States, the Pres- ident shall suspend by proclamation the transportation of English 1 across the United States in bond. The subcommittee recommended that the bill be changed by striking out the words “or may be,” which were thought to make the measure some- what indefinite in its scope. ——_- e+ —____ The Test Postponed. The important naval ordnance test involv- ed in the attack of an 18-inch armor plate by an armor-piercing projectile, fired from a 13-inch gun, did not take place at the In- dian Head proving grounds, today, as was ex- pected. It was postponed on account of the absence of Capt. Sampson, chief of the bu- reau of ordnance, who is detained in Pitts- burg by the investigation of alleged armor plate frauds. The test may take place on Saturday, but the probubilities are more in favor of its happening some day next week. ——_--e-- The Labor Depression Resolutio: Chairman McGann of the labot committee has thus far been unable to secure a hearing in the House for Representative Bell's reso- lution proposing a joint investigation of Coxeyism and the labor depression. “I will make no further effort for the present,” said Mr. McGann, “as it is evi- dent we will have to fight for the passage of the resolution. We will wait until the appropriation bills are out of the way. The labor committee will then secure a day and this measure will be one of the first urged.” ——+- 2+ ____ Personal Mention, Mr. Morgan Brooks of Boston, nephew of Prof. Fiske, the historian, has been passing |a few days with Commander Eaton. Mr. Wm. H. Dennis has gone to Chicago and Kansas City on legal business for about ten days. Mr. Seeger, private secretary to the Sec- retary of War, returned to Washington this morning from New York. The New Minister to Beuador, Mr. Edward H. Strobel, formerly third assistant secretary of state and recently appointed United States minister to Ecua- dor, received his final instructions from the State Department yesterday and left here in the evening for his home in New York prior to his departure for his diplomatic post. He will sail for Quito by way of Pan- ama by the steamer leaving New York on the 30th instant. +]. Mr. Cart Observations, Assistant Secretary Curtis, who has just returned from New York, says that business continues to be depressed on account of the uncertainty about the tariff. He be- leves the exportation of gold will cease by the ist of June, and says that under existing conditions there is no reason to anticipate another issue of bonds, certain- ly not for the present. ————_- oe -___ Lieut, Evans’ Orders. The orders detailing Second Lieut. E. W. Evans, eighth cavalry, as professor of mill- tary science and tactics at St. John’s Col- lege, Annapolis, Md., to relieve First Lieut. R. H. Noble, first infantry, have been amended so as to take effect September 10 next. Troops Ready in the Northwest. Advices received at army headquarters today indicate that everything is quiet in the departments of Gen. Otis and Gen. Brooks. The former reports that troops | have becn disposed at convenient pojats | along the Northern Pacific to quell pronpt- ly any further troubles. ———_-e— Southeran Presbyterian. NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 17.—-The Gen- | eral Assembly of the Southern Presbyterian Church began its annual session at Moore Memorial Church in this city today. MARRIAGE = LICENSE The Law Requiring Returns to the . Health Office Disregarded, NO ATTEMPT 0 ENFORCE OBEDIENCE Dr. Hammett Asks Cardinal Gibbons to Use His Influence. A MINISTER’S poe: ee eer VIEWS In a carefully prepared article published in its columns a few days ago The Star showed the very lax manner in which ministers performing marriages in the Dis- trict made returns of the same to the clerk of the Supreme Coust of the District. It was then stated that between the 27th of September last and the 24th of last month 1,548 marriage Mcenses were issued by the clerk of the court, and that, although min- isters are required by law to certify to the marriage performed by them, in the clerk’s office certificates in but 586 cases during that period had been made. It was also shown that the law in force was defective; first, because it failed to prescribe a time limit in which the certificates should be re- turned, and secondly, because it prescribed no penalty for # failure to make the cer- tilicate. But, while that is true so far as returns of marriage to the clerk of the court is con- cerned, there is another law which both prescribes a time limit and a penalty. This Jaw is that which governs the vital statis- tics in the District of Columbia, as may be seen from the following blank certificate, furnished to ministers by the District health office: The Blank Certificat: Extract from regulations governing vital Statistics in the District of Columbia: “Sec. 2. That it shall be the duty of every clergyman, magistrate, or other person who shall perform any marriage ceremony with- in the District of Columbia to report each marriage ceremony solemnized by him to the registrar aforesaid, within forty-eight hours thereafter, giving the full name, age, color, occupation, birthplace = (state or cor try), and legal residence of each perfon married, , , and the date of such marriag: “Sec. 9. That any person who shall vio- te, or ald and abet in violating, any of 'e provisions of the foregoing regulations, shall, upon conviction thereof by compe- tent judicial authority, be punished by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $200 for each ana every such offense.” ° la t . No.... CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE. To the Health Officer, District of Columbia. 1. Date of 18 2. Full 3. Age 5 ie ie birthplace. . Number of husband's 9 Maiden name of wife. 10. Age . 11. Color 12. Place of res! 13. Wife's birthplace 14. Number of wife's marriage. We, the contracting parties, do certify that the foregoing information ts correct. Signatures: Official station. Residence .. Another Law Disregarded. This law is, however, disregarded in very many instances, as was disclosed by an ex- amination of the records in the health office today by a Star reporter. It was discovered that during the same period referred to above but 714 marriage certificates had been returned to the health office by the officiating minister. During that period, from September 27, 183, to April 24, 1894, as stated above, 1,548 marriage licenses were issued by the clerk of the court. There is litle, if any, doubt that a marriage was performed in every instance, yet only 714 certificates were recorded during that the. Of those 714 certificates 15 were, however, certificates of marriages which occurred prior to the 27th of September last. Hence, but Gv certificates were in response to the 1,548 marriage licenses issued during that period. That 1s, certificates were re- turned to thé health office in less than one- half the number of marriages which it is reasonable to assume took place. Mr. Moore, who is in charge of the sta- stated to The Star reporter that years ago a minister was prosecuted tor failing to observe the law, but that since then no other prosecutions have been had. He explained that the late health officer, Dr. Townsend, had always felt re- luctant about prosecuting offending minis- ters and the present heajth ofticer had never directed @ prosecution. As the health office received no official record of marriage licenses issued by the clerk of the court, Mr. Moore explained that it Was somewhat difficult for the former to move in the matter. Dr. Hammett had, however, given the matter some attention of late, and would endeavor to do all he could do to obtain a complete record of all marriages here. He had founi that, as a rule, the Catholic clergymen failed to make returns, while thy of the Protest- ant faith were more observan: cf the law. He had, therefore, addressed the following letter to Cardinal Gibbons, and in reply had been assured that the law would here- after be observed by tne Catholic clergy- men. Appeal to Cardinal Gibbon The correspondence is as follows: Rt. Rev. James Gibbons, Cardinal Archbishop of Baltimore: Dear Sir: In my official capacity health officer and registrar of vital stati: tics, permit me to call your attention to a matter of much fmportance to the people, not only of your church, but also to those | 30th, of the community at large. By laws of Congress it has been enacted that every person who posseS8ses authority to perform the marriage ceremony is required to make a certified return, in proper form, to the registrar of vital statistics of each mar- riage, giving the names and attending con- ditions of the parties married. These re- turns when received by the registrar are copied in durable records, and, being se- rially numbered, are then filed away in bound volumes for safe keeping and ready reference. By law, certified transcripts of these records are received in the courts of law and probate as conclusive evidence in the settlement of claims of heirship and estate, sometimes involving great values. Hence these records are not simply useful for statistical purposes, but are of great, ff not inestimable importance, to persons who are called upon to prove heirship or blood relationship and legitimacy. In their present state the records of mar- riage in this department, beginning in 1874, now contain the entries of about twen: ty thousand marriages. These marriag are always performed by licensed minisiers of the various religious denominations and by ordained priests of the Catholic Church. By examination it is found that the mar- riage certificates now received here number about three-fourths of all for whom licenses are issued, but none are received from the clergy of the Catholic Church, who, it is supposed, confine themselves to the record: of the parish registry only. While these parish records are only secondary and re- mote authorities in the law courts and governmental departments, at the same time it is found by actual experience that they are uncertain and deficient and often difficult, if not impossible, to find, when the name of the priest who performed the ceremony is not known, I therefore respectfully call your attention to the laws imposing the above med dutig¢s upon the priests in the District of Columbia, and if within the scope of your authority as cardinal archbishop of this diocese, would request that they be instructed to make the returns of mar- riages to the registrar of vital statistics, as Tequired by law. Very truly, (Signed) Cc. M. HAMMETT, M. D., Health Officer. The Cardinal's Reply. Cc. M. Hammett, M. D., Health Officer. Dear Sir: His eminence has just received your communication of the 3d instant, call- ing his attention to the fact that his clergy of the District do not send certificates of the marriages which they perform. He has directed me to communicate with them on the subject, so that you may soon expect sary to send the certificates, because every pastor is bound to keep a record at his church of all et His eminence suggests that it would be Well to send the clergy a copy of certificate of m similar to that which you in- cuae ss in your letter to him. ‘ours, very truly, @igned) WM. A. REARDON, A Pastor's Views, Rev. Dr. Sunderland. the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, writes to The Star as follows: “Having seen your comments on the mar- riage license question, will you permit me to speak for one, and say that the new bill, if it becomes a law, will entail a double service on each minister who performs a — et The law gs quires each ciergyman upon marrying a couple to fill out a blank furnished by the health office, stating the date of the mar- riage, the full names of the parties, their age, occupation, residence, birthplace, and whether they or either of them have been married before; this statement to be signed by the parties and followed by a@ certificate of the clergyman; this paper to be sent to the health office within forty-eight hours after the ceremony, under penalty for neglect. If the good people who have been so excited about the matter will go to the health office they will find all the informa- tion they require. I presume e' wed- a:ng that has occurred here under the laws of the District has been reported at the health office, where a full record of the same is kept. I am certain it has been my evstom to comply with the law in every case, and I presume the same of every other minister. 1 believe this law has been in force since the health office was estab- lished. Why should we be compelled to make out two reports of the same thing? Busy men have enough to do without tak- ing unnecessary burdens upon them, and mostly poor pay at that.” pienetrmennsn SS SINGLE TAX IDEAS. Burenu of Labor Chiefs Listen to Some Arguments. Tife tenth annual convention of the chiefs and commissioners of the bureau of labor of the United States reconvened today at the board rooms of the interstate com- merce commission. During the forenoon much of the time was consumed in the presentation of reports by the representa- tives of state labor bureaus. The first business out of the routine order was a presentation of the single tax theory by Dr. B. F. Longstreet of Worces‘er, Mass., official lecturer of a single tax propaganda. Dr. Longstreet made this address by In- vitation of the convention, and circulated several of the advance sheets of the April number of consular revorts on land taxa- tion in New Zealand. He stated that the taxation laws of New Zealand had been violently assailed as experimental, social- istic, confiscatory and impracticable, but, regardless of this terrible arraignment, the taxation laws had been given practical effect, while other countries were theorizing on the same principles. Mr. J. H. Ralston explained how the single tax had operated in Hyattsville during the year of its life in that town. He drew a picture of what he termed the fictitious land values and the number of fictitious transfers afflicting wi mm real estate. He stated that this disorder would be avoided by the adoption of the single tax plan. He prophesied thet the worst of the financial panic had not been reached. There was a ten- dency on the part of several of the delegates to join issue with Mr. Ralston, and matters promised a warm discussicn, when President Carroll D. Wright insisted that the discussion be closei, as Mr. Itals- ton had simply been invited to present the single tax idea to the convention, and it could in no way be construed that this hearing by the convention was an indorse- ment of the theory. Commissioner Schill- ing of Illinois moved that Representatives Tom L. Johnson and McGuire, two noted single tax advocates, be invited to address the convention tomorrow. Commissioner Thomas J. Dowling of New York objected, and a discussion led to the defeat of the resolution, by a vote of 13 to %. The elec- tion of officers, which was suspended yester- day, pending the arrival of other delegates, was continued, and resulted follows: First vice president, B. &. Lacey, North Carolina; second vice president. George W. Walts of California, and members of the | executive committee, Horace G. Wadlin of Massachusetts, A. B. Howard, jr., Maryland, and Charles H. Morse of Michi- gan. The reading of individual reports was then resumed. A communication was received from Commissioner McGann cf Connecti- cut, asking that the convention furnish the labor bureau of his state with statistics | showing how many skilled tradesmen had | been forced into unskilled trades by com-/ petition. The proposition of Commissioner | Simmerman of New Jersey, relating to the | printing of detail tables, was taken up for | discussion, as was the question of provid-| ing penalties for the failure of manufac- turers to make statistical returns when requested by labor bureaus. Commirxtoner Wadlin presented his view of the matter, and the session adjourned to take up these questions as unfinished business tomorrow morning. —— ITS FIRST FIELD DAY. The Regiment of High School Cadets at the Arsenal Today. The regiment of High School Cadets, con- sisting of nine companies, indulged in the first field day of its history this afternoon. The command spent four hours on the pa- rade ground at the Washington arsenal practicing various maneuvers in prepara- tion for the annual company competitive Grill on the 24th and 25th instants. A large number of spectators, including officers and men of the fourth United States artillery, stationed at the arsenal, were deeply inter- ested in the movements of the young sol- diers, —_—_—_ Sedgwick Command, U. V. U. Sedgwick Command, No. 3, Union Veter- ans’ Union, held an interesting meeting at Union Veteran Legion Hall last night, Col. Frank T. Howe presiding. The subject of consolidation with Custer Command, which had been under consideration for some time, Was discussed by Messrs. Johnson, Legg, Wood, Black, Aiton, Warman, Chase and others, and the committee's report was laid upon the table. It was decided to attend | the memorial services to be held in the| Metropolitan Presbyterian Church by Rev. | Green Clay Smith on Sunday, the 27th in- stant, and to participate in the decoration ceremonies at Battlefield cemetery on the a perintendent Miles Married. The Commissioners recently granted a fifteen days’ leave of absence to Mr. Henry R. Miles, superintendent of the District fire- alarm and telephone service, but the em- ployes of his office were unaware until yes- terday of the intentions of their superior officer. Then it was rumored for the first time that he was again to take unto him- self a companion for life. Miss Charlotte Ketchum of 26 N street northwest proved to be the one who had won his affections, and last night, at the home of the bride, the ceremony was performed. The couple left on an evening train for Mr. Miles’ country home at Harper's Ferry, where they will spend their honeymoon. eran ea Midst Flowers and Music. What promises to be the most beautiful and interesting entertainment ever given by Martyn College will take place at the Academy of Music Monday evening, May 28, at which time the annual gradua- tion and commencement exercises will oc- cur, These commencements are always at- tractive and never fail to draw packed houses. Tickets are on sale at Metzer- a change for the better in this matter. No doubt the clergy did not consider it nec: ott’s, the reserved seats being only 25 and 50 cents. —_—_—_——_— DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. Have Not the Power. Attorney Thomas today decided that the Commissioners had not the power to recon- vey land deeded for the extension of 434 street to Mary E. . Andrew J. Curtis. jotes. The excise board will hold a meeting to- morrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, — Warden Leonard Notified. Health Officer Hammett has sent a letter to Warden Leonard of the jail, notifying him that in event of a case of smallpox OFF DOWN THE RIVER. The Annual Outing of the Board of Trade. A Large Representation of the solid Citisens Go Down to Marshall Hall This Afternoon. This is the day devoted by. the Washington board of trade to its annual excursion and shad bake at Marshall Hall. The yearly outing is appreciated by the members of this influential body. The day is fragrant with the scents of spring, and the tides of the Potomac, silvered by the sun, splashed & welcome to the excursors. Old Sol flirted with the earth and cast coquettish glances through rifts in the rain-charged clouds, The hour set for departure was 2:30, but many of the guests, more than prompt, ar- rived in advance of the schedule time, and bright ties and badges vied with beaming faces in making a gladsome scene of holiday “nd fun around the dock and deck of the steamer Charles Macalester. Many of the members not in: get lett Jumped aboard the boat’ aa abe bumped against the piling at the end of her regular afternoon up trip. At the hour for departure the engineer answered his two bells and the craft backed into the stream and proceeded along the river front as far as the Aqueduct bridge, that the board might feel awe at the majesty of District shipping and inspect the great work of the reclamation of the malarial flats. The boat touched again at her wharf at 3:30 and took on several of the belated folks. The music of the band stationed on deck told tales of jove and war and translated all the passions of the human heart into rhythmic measures and sweet tones. It was a gala crowd, and gala evening is promised by every sign. In the Party, Among the guests present were Vice President Stevenson, Senators J. H. Gal- linger, John Martin, John Sherman, Red- field Proctor, J. C. S. Blackburn, William P. Frye, Representatives J. E. Cobb, J. E. Washington, Wm. Cogswell, John Dalzeii, Chas. M. Cooper, Loren Fletcher, John W. Causey, A. C. a Jos. Walker, John T. Heard, “W. W. Grout, Binger Hermann, T. J. Henderson, Wm. E. Curtis, Prof. Wm. B. Powell, su- rintendent schools; John A. Kasson, Jas. - Eckels, controller of currency; Gen. Thos. Lincoln Casey, U. 8. A.; Col. John M. Wilson, U. 5. A., superintendent of public buildings and grounds; J. J. Hemphill, Capt. Gustav J. Fiebiger, U.'S. A.; Lew: Benj. Butterworth, John W Douglass, Judg: A. C. Bradley, B.T. Janney, Judge LG. Kimball, A. A! Birney, Prof. Thomas Wii. son, Horatio King, br. E. M. tL, Judge William Strong, Edwin Harris, Gen. Geo. H. Shields, Judge Thos. F. Miller, B. T. Thomas, Dr. Frank Baker, A) R. Spoffora, M. W. Galt, H. P. Merrill, Gen. A. W., Gree- Tenney Ross, D. R. McKee, Gen.Chaun- ley, cey George Wm. McLanahan, H. Manogue, wr 1, Ww. . “J. ‘izzell, Dr. - C. Woodward, A. Howard © A. R: i Wi Clark, A. R. ___ THE FORTY-NINERS. They Will Hold Their Annual Re- union Tomorrow at Marshall Hail. If the young man who is now engaged upon writing “the” American novel is in need of incidents to make the pages of his romance sufficiently thrilling for the de- mands of modern taste, he should g0 down the river with the Society of California Pioneers tomorrow morning and spend the @ay beneath the umbrageous protection of the famous trees of Marshall Hall and listen to some of the stories that the excur- sicnists will tell. Then, if he survives, he may add even more startling and hair raising anecdotes to his collection by keep- ing his ears open on the up trip of the steamer Macalester, when the moon is gently beaming down anc the planked shad is getting in its inspiring work on the | memories, to say nothing of the imagina- tions of the rare old pioneers. Every year the California pioneers residing in and around Washington have a reunion, and for the eighth consecutive time tomorrow they will board the boat commanded by Capt. Blake, whom they knew on the golden coast way back in ‘49, and go down to Marshall Hall to test again the hospitality of Col. Joseph C. McKibbin, who is treas- wrer of the organization. Geo. C. Gorham is its president, Gen. Horatio G. Gibson and Admiral John J. Almy are the vice presi- dents, and Hallett Kilbourn is the secre- tery. The members comprise some of the most widely known gentlemen in public and private life, and their outing at Marshall Hall is always an occasion to be remem- bered with pléasure by those so fortunate as to enjoy it. The Macalester will leave the 7th street wharf at 10 am. and 2:30) P.m., and dinner at Marshall Hall will be served at 5 o'clock. ees ATTACKED BY STRIKERS. Coke Workers on Thetr Way to Work Assaulted. UNIONTOWN, Pa., May 17.~Two hun- dred strikers attacked coke workers on their way to work in the Martin and Kyle plants today, and after a pitched battle the — assisted by deputies, dispersed the mob. A number on both sides were injured, but none seriously. a Death of Gustave Forsberg. The death of Mr. Gustave Forsberg oc- curred yesterday at his home, 949 Virginia avenue southwest. The deceased was in the eightieth year of his age, but in spite of advanced years he continued his active habits and was at his place in the War Department the day before his death. Mr. Forsberg was a native of Stockholm, Swe- den, and came to this country in 1856, as an interpreter with the Swedish minister. He was in the house on the night of Payne's tack on Mr. Seward. Mr. Forsberg was the | father of Gustave Forsberg, the artist, who died about two years ago, and of Harold Forsberg, the actor. Hilge Forsberg, cap- tain of battery A, District artillery, is the surviving son. The funeral services will be held at the home of the family, 949 Virginia avenue, on Friday, at 2 p.m., the interment being at Rock creek. ——_— Dropped Dead. George Harris, a man employed on one of Knox's express wagons, who lived at No. 617 Virginia avenue, dropped dead near the 26th street wharf this morning. His body Was removed to the morgue. ——_—_ Admission of Utah. Senator Faulkner, from the committee on territories, today reported the bill pro- viding for the admission of Utah. Chicago Grain and Provision Markets. Reported by Silsby & Co.. Bankers and Brokers: CHICAGO, “May 17, isis. High. Low. Close. 50x oon Sat 5S ST” BT 37h 37% 37% at Ee Me By 38 11.80 ie 10 11.85 1185 11.90 7:20 72 7 6.87 682 6. 6.92 6 6. 6.15 615 6.15 6.12 610 6.12 6.15 610 G12 eee New York Cotton. Month. Low. Baltimore Markets. BALTIMORE, Md., May 1 su; 1.8022.00; do. appearing in the jail, he has authority to | pring send the patient to the smallpox hospital | without delay. —— 164,000 busbels; stock, 406,538 ‘The Ainsworth Demurrer. bu 63,000 bushels—tilling wheat bs The hearing on the demurrer filed by Col. oun 4g OPER Susy —epot, Ca May, 0 . 4354 asked: steamer mixed, 43 by ryt. ©. Asowerth Gs the, inGiyinant sp | Ge Lae beaten die Tent tonto; turned against him several days ago was | stock. 228,782 bushels: sales, 16,000 busi-ls smth. continued before Judge McComas today. | £0 cen br comple, Sethi: do. on grade. sntdt , it 48 asked: No. Mr. J. W. Morrison continued his argument, med a 5 Stati —receiyta, 1,000 busbel begun yesterday morning, in support of the | stock, 48.506 bushel demurrer, concluding at 2:15 this afternoon. | S457 receipts, 973 bushels: stork. The hearing was then adjourned until to- | Gj.“ Tciste wean morrow morning. ces ed. FINANCE AND TRADE | Sugar Trust Declines on Report of Investigation. |ACTIVITY AMONG THE INDUSTRIALS Railway Earnings Compared With Last Year's. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, May 17.—The opening of to- Jay's market recoded advances varying from 1-4 to 8-4 per cent and was moderately active. London was fractionally higher, | but without special feature. The industrials | were all moderetely active and scored sub- | stantial gains over initial figures, The result of the directars’ mi ting to | take action on the National Lead dividend Was eagerly watched for.by the room. At | the close of the noon hour it was announced | tha: the common stock would resume dtvi- | dends at the old rate of 4 per cent per an- |num,°and that the'wsual dividend on the preferred had ‘been deciared. The business of this company, in spite of the general de- pression, has increased more than 25 per | cent during the past year and officials re- | port a good market for all their manu- factured products. The duty on white lead | and certain paints in which lead is used is | Satisfactory to the company, and with the | resumption of dividends higher prices are expected. As an offset to immediate im- | provement, there are many operators who are carrying extensive lines of long stock a shade above present prices an¢ who will, in \all probability, take advantage of the first j Opportunity to realize. Sugar opened strong and held well around 10S 3-4, but yielded on later trading to 1-2 on the reported introduction of a lution in the Senate to investigate the charges of corruption recently made by cer- tain influential newspapers. Chicago Gas responded quickly to a re- newed demand and gained i 3-8 per cent. Distillers became suddenly active on cov- ering and added i ber cent to its selling price. A arive at General Electric during the afternoon marked the price of 1 per cent. In the railroad list Lake Shore was the strongest feature, gaining } 1-2 per cent on ) Small transactions. Northwest gained 34 | per cent to 108 1-2, and Burlington sold up 3-4 to 7¥ on the covering of shoru. ‘The | balance of the list held well at slight frac- | tional gains, due to room operations. St. | Paul reported a decrease of $102,100 for the | second week in May and other roads in | that section are expected to show decreases | throughout the summer months, as the |comparison will soon be made with Jest | year’s world’s fair traffic. It is quite likely | that this view will be verified by reduced | dividends next fall. ‘The continued low price | of wheat is a strong argument against im- ; Proved stock values. ‘This narrows the scurces from which bull incentives must come down to those purely legislative. The market for sterling and continental bills opened steady on a small volume of bustreses. Rates and conditions are un- | charged from yesterday. There are no in- \dicaticns that the amount of gold to go abroad by Saturday's steamers will exceed original estimates. | The market relapsed into duliness during |the last hour, and prices shaded off on |realizing sales. The action of lead was |somewhat disappointing, owing to its in- jability to strengthen its position. Final | figures were irregular and trading dull. FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. ‘The following are the opening, the highest an4 the lowest and the closeg prices of the New Yor. Sock market Snday. os ore oy Corson & | Macattney. members Ne stock exchange. | Correspondents Messrs Moore 4 Schley, No. s+ Broadway: Stocks. American Sugar... Am Chesapeake and Ohio... ic. C. C. and St. L. . Cmeago. B. and Q . | Cine. ana Nortawestera. oh Gas " teago * C.,M. and st Pani” CM. and St. Panl, ptd. | CR and Pactte....” Del. Lack. and W....-.- | Delaware sna Audson. | Du aud Catte Pease: | and Cattle | General Electric Uhnots Central... | Lake Shore | Bne...... | Loulevitie and Nashville. | Long Isiana.... Metropol od | North American. | Ont. and Western.. 1 | Pacitic Mau. 1a Palla and fies - 16 man P. Car Co. 1645 mond s ila. Traction... 108 Texas Pacific. nm OM Tenn. Coal and Iron: cress Sg Umon Paciie iy ey Wavasn.. S % 6% Wabash, pfd. . iS is OS Wheeling & Lake Erie. 10%, 1 20M 11 Wheeling& LE pid... 46K 44K 4 44K Western Union Tel....7 Be SSB, RBI. Suver. . aa Secretary Seward's steward, and was U: . 113% bid. United States 5s, District of Columbia Bonds. . 80-year Funding 6s, gold. 115 bis ter, ucy 7s, 1001, 116 vid. Water stock 1908, 125 bid. 3.638, Funding cur- bid, 115 asktd. Sis, reg. 2108, 100 Miscellaneous Bonds.—Washingt: George- town Railroad conv. Ga, 120 Did, 134 asked. Washington and Georgetown Railroad conv. Gs, 2d, 130 bid, 134 wsked. Metropolitan Railroad cont. Gs, 103 bid, 108 asked. Belt Railroad Ss, 85 bid, 100 asked. “Eckington Ratiroad @s, 5 bid. W ington Gas Company Gs, series A, 115 bid. Wash- Company 6s, series B, 116 bid. Wash- ington Gas Company conv. Go 184 Did. United on and ight conv. 120 bid. Chesa- ike and Potomac Telephone 5s, 99 bid, 103 asked. American Security and Trust 5s, 1905, F. & A 100 bid. American Security and Trast Se, 190%, A. & 0, 100 bid, Washington Market G @, 106 bid. Washington Market 10244 bid, 105 asked. Masonic Hi: 106 bid, 110 asked. “Wasbington Gs, Jud bid. Washington Light 9 bid. National Bank Stocks.Bank of Washington, 312 did, 325 asked. Bank ‘of Re . 280 bid, BAD asked. “Metropolitan, 280 bi Asked. Central, 280 bid, 800 asked. ‘Farmer” and Mechanles', 190 bid. Second, 130% tid. Citizens’. 125 130 asked. Columbia, 185 bid. 188 asked. Capital. 115 bid. West End, 108i bia, 101 bid, 110% asked.” Lin Safe Mt and Trast € | Deposit and Trust | ton Loan and Trost, 124 bid, |can Security and “Trust, 129% bid, Washington Safe Deposit, 100 asked. Ratlrond Stocks. Washington and 200 bid, $20 asked. 7 bid, 72 asked. Belt, Light, Stocks.— Wa: 109% asked. Traders’, c ime 125% asked. Amer! 181 asked. own, Metropolitan, #0 bid, #1 asked. 28" bid. Eck- 49% asked. Georgetows United States Electric Light, 124 4 Insurance Stocks.-Firemen's bid, 46 anked. 2 . 46 asked. 55 asked. Metropolitan, 70 bid. 60 bid. Potomac, 7% bid. ari- Frauklin, 45 bid, P i take Lincoln, . 5 bid, 6 asked. Title Insurance Storks.—Real Estate ‘Title, 112 | 20 asked. Columbia Title, 7% Wid, 8 asked. ington Ti 5 bid, T asked. District Title, Wal 10 bid, 5 vid ington Bri . 10) bid. ‘Lincola Hall, bid, 85 asked. Inter-Ocean Building, 100 asked, _ Range of the Thermometer. The following were the readings of the thermometer at the weather bureau today: . 61; 2 p.m., 74; maximum, 77; mint- mum. 56. — ee By the explosion of a tank of benzine in a fire at Gradford, Pa. Sunday many firemen were burned and several spectators were injured in the panic that ensued