Evening Star Newspaper, July 12, 1894, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR pests 22 SS PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, Few York Office, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Erening Star ts served to subscribers in the city by carriers, on their own uccount, at 10 cents week, or 44c. per month. Copies at the counter cents ‘cach. By mail—anywhere in the United States or Canada—postage prepald—5O cents per mont With foreign postage added, $2.00. Fost Office at Washingtoo, D. C., mail matter.) C7 All mail subscriptions must be paid advance. Rates of advertising made knowa Pplication. | Ver 85, No. 20,995. Che Lvening Star. WASHINGTON, D. C., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1894—TEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. TARIFF BILL’S DATE|'A8°R INVESTIGATION|F REE COIN AGE|MISTAKEN IDENTIFICATION| JAPANESE COMMENT Opinion of the Solicitor of the Treas- ury on the Subject. THE LAW BECAME OPERATIVE AUG. 28 Some of the Grounds on Which This View is Based. PROSPECTIVE OPERATION The opinion of Solicitor of the Treasury Reeves on the question raised by the New York importers, now before the New York board of general eppraisers, as to the date on which the tariff law went into effect (August 1, the date mentioned in the en- acting clause, or August 28, the date on which the bill became a law) was trans- mitted to Secretary Carlisle today. While the solicitor admits that the question is not free from doubt, he renders an fon to the effect that the enacting clause went into operation August 28. Against Retroactive Legislation. In his opinion Solicitor Reeves says: “The law looks upon retrospective or retro- active legislation with emphasized disfevor. So much so, in fact, that the Constitution of the United States expressly prohibits the passage of retroactive laws that are ex post facto or that impair the obligations of coatracts. Lord Bacon, one of the stan- dard waiters of English law, says: ‘It is, in general, true that no statute is to have @ retrospect beyond the time of its com- mencement.’ From text writers the maxim has been incorporated in various codes of law. The French code contains the pos- itive provision that laws are made only for future cases, and can have no retrospective effect. Several state constitutions prohibit the enactment of retroactive law. The so- Mecitor quotes at length from various au- thorities on retroactive laws and interpre- tations of statutes and from various de- cisions of the courts that statutes are to be construed to operate prospectively un- Jess a retrospective effect was clearly in- tended." Not an Ex Post Facto Law. Solicitor Reeves then proceeds: “The tariff act of August 2s, 1804, is neither ex post facto nor a law that impairs the obliga- tions of a contract, even if it should be held as operating from the Ist of that month. But I am not of the opinion it was the intention of Congress that said act Should go into effect on August 1. If such had been the intention of the legislature, it is not improbable that some specitic direc- tion would have been given for the refund of the excess of duties collected between that date and the time when the act be- came a law. True, this intention might be implied, and must, if it be held that the statute operates from the Ist of August. But it is significant that the act is ab- solutely sileat as to the refunding of duties aggregating millions of dollars. the language of the act clearly intends that it was to operate prospectively, and not retrospectively. The words are ‘there shall be levied, collected and paid,’ and section 2 provides that ‘the following articles when imported shall be exempt from duty,’ etc. Moreover, it is significant of the legislative intention that the first section of the bill as it passed the House February 1, 18%, provided that ‘on and after the Ist of June, 1804, there shall be levied,’ thus looking for- ward to a period of four months before said section should operate. A Prospective Operation Intended. “It is no less significant and instructive that when the bill was reported to the Sen- ate, the wth of June was substituted for the Ist of June, and when the bill finally Fassed the Senate, July 3, the first section Was amenied to operate August 1, instead of June, 30. Thus every step taken in the passage of this bill in the House and Senate shows that the bill was expected and in- tended to have a prospective and not a retroactive operation. While the question is not freed from doubt, yet I am of the opinion that section 1 of said act did not go into effect on the Ist of August, but on the 28th of August, when it became a law.” ALUMINUM ACCOUTREMENTS. The Light Metal May Be Used in the Army and Navy. War Departrient officials of the oriInance bureau are giving attention to the proper- ties of aluminum. This metal promises to be ope of the most important materials in tke equipment of modern armies. Already the German armies, which are among the first to accept improvements, have adopted aluminum for a variety of uses, while the War Department is, in a measure, follow- ing the lead of the navy in giving attention to the new metal. It is a fact not generally known that the aluminum boats used by Walter Wellman in the arctic regions with the greatest success, and which promise to become an indispensable factor of urcuc exploration, were adopted on the suggestion of an employe of the Navy Department who accompanied the expeditior. Experiments have been under way for some time with a view to the construction of aluminum life- boats, life preservers of the Same material are considered practicable, and it is prob- able that all the smali boats of the navy hereafter built will be equipped with air- tight aluminum tanks in bow and stern to Keep them atloat if overturned. Small Equipments. It is in the line of small equipments that the army Is expected to utilize the metal. Samples are im the ordnance bureau of aluminum cups, belt bi hooks and horseshoes. Lieut. W. C. Mrown of the first cavalry, who hes been interested in the use ef the metal, reports that the horseshoes ars hardly durable enotgh for but the idea of manufacturing therm has not been given up, as it is thought th some new alloy may be employed which will give the wanting property to te horseshve. fhe substitution of aluminum cups for tin Seems entirely practicable. The regulation Welghs eight and one-half ounces ne ct the same size made of alumi- hum weighs but three and three-quarters. Any economy which sed in the weight ne @ march- ing sold however ris triffing it may lessening of Imarebing weight ts one of the problems which always is before the officers who ts of equipm it ar future it w be the light metal not of the rds and in which strength ig quisite. A Private's Invention. To a pri ahn, of one of the artillery a foned at Fort Mc- Henry the department ts indebted for the design of a new implement which may prove serviceable in campaigning. It is a combination of shovel and pick ax, not more than a foot in length, which may be carried at the belt, and used in digging In- trenchments, By its use the soldiers might, if hard pressed, hurriedly dig up earth- works or intre ts for their own shelter. An Inquiry Into Strikes and Lockouts by the Department of Labor. The Next Subject Will Be to Examine the Influence of Machinery on Labor. ‘The department of labor has about com- pleted its investigation of strikes and lock- outs that have occurred since 1887, upon which it has been engaged for many months past. This report will not, however, be published before next spring. It will form an exhaustive showing of all the labor trcubles in the United States since the date named, the number of employes involved in each strike or lockout, the causes of the trouble, the loss in wages, ete., the inves- tigation being covered by about thirty questions. Influence of MRchinery on Labor. The next subject to be investigated by the department is the influence of machin- ery on labor. Congress has appropriated $10,000 for this besides authorizing the use of the regular force the bureau. The work cn the inquiry begin in November. The field force will it upon it as fast as they complete their work on strikes and lockouts. The statistics of strikes and lock- outs will be kept up from year to year hereafter. Phe inquiry on the influence of machinery on labor is a vast and complex subject, and one that is involving the best thought «nd greatest interest of the department. The growth of machiaery and its use will be looked into. An elaborate comparison of the cost of commodities under the old hand system aud under the machine sys- tem will be made. The relative productive- ness of labor under the two systems will be shown. Corparisons ef wages under the two systems will be made. There are many places in different parts of the United States and in Nova Scotia where the old hand system still exists. The data for the comparisons will be gathered from the peo- ple engaged in hand labor and from those engaged in machine labor in the factory towns. As many industries as possible will be covered. Women and C re Beyond this a resolution of Congress calls for an investigation of the modern tndus- trial condition of women and children, the Wages that are paid them as compared with men, how far their labor displaces that of men, the sanitary conditions under which they labor, and the provisions for their comfort, etc. There is no special appro- priation made for this inquiry, and it is expected to be made out of the regular funds of the department. It will not be entered upon until after the inquiry into the influence of machinery on labor is com- pleted, which is expected to occupy a year or more. ——_—_—_+ e+______ ADMIRAL WALKER’S DUTY. He Will Probab! Go to the Naval Academy, but to the New York Navy Yard. Although Secretary Herbert has not yet announced his decision in the matter, it is practically understood among those direct!y interested that Admiral Walker's orders to the Naval Academy will be revoked, and that he will le given some other assign- ment, “equally as good,” if not better. This result cannot in itself be accepted as a vic- tory for Admiral Walker, inasmuch as the Secretary refused to accede to his wish to have the Naval Academy taken out of the jurisdiction of the bureau of navigation. It Is understood that the Secretary has decided to continue the present system. Commodore Phythian will continue on duty as superintendent of the academy until re- Heved. It is believed, nowever, that his successor will be selected before the begin- ning of the next school term, October 1. Gossip as to Walker's Assignment. The gossips of the department, who are sometimes correct in their speculations in such matters, are agreed that Admiral Walker will most probably be detailed to the command of the New York navy yard apon the retirement of Admiral Gherardi, the present commandant, in November next, and that Commodore Montgomery Si- card, formerly chief of the bureau of ord- nance, and at present In command of the navy yard at Portsmouth, N. H., is most likely to be detailed as superintendent of the Naval Academy. pt. F. V. MeNair, whose term as superintendent of the naval observatory will expire early in October, is also spoken of as a possibility in connec- tion with the superintendency of the acad- emy, but the impressicn prevails that he is more likely to be sent to sea. ie GERONIMO’'S REMOVAL. He and His Band Will Go to Fort silt, Indian Territory. The War Department is moving with energy to carry out the direction of Con- grese concerning the removal of Geronimo and his band of Indians from Mount Ver- non barracks, Ala. Gen. Hioward, com- manding the department of the east, has just ordered Lieut. Allyn Capron, fifth in- fantry, with company I, twelfth infantry indian), and all of the Indian prisoners at Mount Vernon barracks, except Es-kim- in-zin and his band of about forty San Carlos Indians, to proceed without delay to Fort Sill, Ind. ‘I., where the Indians will be placed in the charge of Lieut. H. L. Scott, seventh cavalry. All of the prop- erty of the Indians worth the cost of trans- portation will be taken to Fort Sill, espe- clally doors, window sash, &c., of use in the construction of new quarters. Mount Vernon barracks will then be abandoned as an army post. + 2 +____—_ ‘TREASURY REDUCTIONS. Intention of Discriminating Agal Women. It is said at the Treasury Department that Secretary Carlisie has no intention of discriminating against women clerks in re- ducing the force to its legal limits, and that the recent removal of two women of the $1,800 class does not indicate a policy hostile to the sex. It is said, further, that where female clerks render unsatisfactory service they will be treated the same as inefficient clerks of the other sex, and that as a gen- eral proposition, the question of sex does not enter into the matter at all, except in cases where the nature of the services re- quired calls for it. It is said, also, that the removals already made have been equally divided between male and female clerks, althoush, as already stated, that question was rot considered at the time. + 2+ A Maryland Court-Martial. A general court-martial ts appointed to meet at Fort McHenry, Md., on the 25th instant for the trial of such prisoners as may be brought before it. The detail for the court is: Maj. Jacob B. Rawles, fourth artillery; Capt. Richard P. Strong, fourth artiliery; Capt. Peter Leary, jr. fourth artille First Lieut. James L.” Wilson, fourth ‘artillery; First Lieut. " Clarence Deems, fourth artillery; First Lieut. Adel- bert Cronkhite, fourth artillery; Second Lieut. Robertson Honey, fourth ‘artillery; First Lieut. John A. Lundeen, fourth ar- tillery, judge advocate. Sab Treasury Receipts, National bank notes received for redemp- tion today, $185,201. Government receipts— From internal revenue, $255,818; gustoms, $702,000; miscellaneous, $310,813. Action of the Ohio Democratic Conven- tion Discussed by Party Leaders, MONEY QUESTION FORCED 10 THE FRONT Majority Differ With Mr. Cleveland on His Financial Policy. AN IRRECONCILABLE DIVISION The action of the Ohio democratic con- vention in adopting the free-coinage plank in the platform is a matter of much greater consequence to the democratic national Managers than the question of the indorse- ment or condemnation of Senator Brice. While the dispatches from Columbus have given attention chiefly to the Brice-John- son fight, the silver plank is what the dem- ocratic leaders have been thinking of and discussing among themselves. In the pres- ent campaign the democrats are endeavor- ing to avoid, as far as possible, the agita- tion of the question of the recent tariff complications in Congress. They are try- ing to put that in the background and treat it as a thing past and settled. The Money Question Coming to the Front. It is daily becoming clearer that the money question, which Congress has yet to deal with, will be forced to the front immediately. The democratic campaign Iranugers are for the most part favorable to silver. The adoption of a free-silver nk by the Okio convention, it is believed, will encourage the silver democrats wher ever in the country there is any silver sentt- ment to make a fight for free silver and that before the campaign is far advanced the party will be very generally committed to that policy. ‘ A very large majority of the democratic conventions, congress onal and state, which have been held, have declared in favor of free silver. This, it is believed, will, in the end, amount to the commitment of the par- ty. A Split in the Party. While it needs no convention declaration to demonstrate that a large majority of the democratic arty is at variance with Mr. Cleveland as to the financial policy of the administration, the indications are that the silver question will be made so prominent in the congressional campaign that it will be impossible to avoid a contest in the next Congress, should the democrats retain their majority, which will bring about an irrecon- cilable division between the western and southern demecrats on the one hand, and the eastern democrats on the other. The democratic leaders feel that this is not long to be avoided, and they are figuring upon what can be done in the western silver states to con pensate for the loss which they must ultimately suffer in the east. To Consolidate the Silver Forces. ‘Chere is a very considerable elentent in whe party management in favor of a bold stroke to consolidate all the silver forces and to readjust the party alignment on that issue. The only ching that is needed to confirm them in this policy is for the re- publicans to so emphasize their position in favor of “sound mcney”’ as to drive off the element of that party whcse sentiments were voiced by tne silver republicaas in the Senate during the speciai session of this Congress. + 2+_____ GROUNDING OF THE ADAMS. A Court of Inquiry to Examine Into - the Circumstances, Secretary Herbert has appointed a court of inquiry to meet at the Mare Island Lavy yard next Tuesday to inquire into the srounding of the U. 8S. 8. Adams in Bering sea while engaged in the reai patrol. ‘The court will be composed of Capt. C. 8S. Cot- ton, Commander C. M. Thomas and Lieut. Commander F. M. Simmons, with Lieut. H. L. Draper as juage advocat Personal Mention. Mr. John B. Abbott has resigned his po- sition as purchasirg clerk in the navy pay office to accept a lucrative position with an American house in London. Mr. Abbott Was en active member of the Columbia Athletic Club, a member of the Sons of evolution and a graduate of the Colum- bian Law School of this city. He will re- turn to his home in New Hampshire or a few days betore his departure ior ingland. air. a, . Cummin has just returneu trum Ocean City, where ne has beea sojourning Wwnhue Convalescent Irom a severe attack 01 typhoid tever. Col. John 4, Reed, collector of customs at Philadeipnia, was among Secretary Car- lusie s ciucial cailers today. Dr. W. i. Butler has returned to the city after an outing along the St. Lawrenc gommy as tar as Montreal and Quevec, ana im New Engiand. Attorney General Olney has returned to the city after a month's absence, The kev. Dr. Stuart is making a visit of two weeks to his son, Mir. Wm, C. Stuart, at Newport News, Va. Assistant Secretary Hamlin, who has just completed a tour of inspection of the cus- toms service along the Canadian tronuer and the sealing industry in’ Alaska, reports to the Treasury Department irom’ Marion, Mass., that he will be in this city on Mon- day next. . Pensions Granted, Among the pensions granted today were the following: District of Columbia—Original, Michael Burkert, U. 8. Soldiers’ Home; reissue, Wm, Deegan; original widows, &c., Catherine Palowski; minors of Joseph A. Miliigun; additional, Augustus Kingston, U. 8. Sol- diers’ Home; increase, Edward Berger, U. S, Soldiers’ Home. Maryland—Reissue, J, Saunder, Goldsboro’, Caroline; original widows, &e., Ann Wright, Kent Island, Queen Anne's county; orig- inal widows, &c., Elizabeth Davis, Govans- town; Alice Lee, Baltimore; original, James P. Wiley, Grantsville, Garrett county, re- newal, William Marine, Baltimore; increase, Levin L. Leland, Hill Top, Charjes count: reissue, Juiius Schnoor, Baltimo’ Virginia—Original, Richard Whitehead, Portsmouth, Norfolk county; Mexican survivors, increase, Timothy Garvin, } tional Military Home, Elizabeth City; orig- inal, Charles Jones, City Point, — Prince George's county; increase, William Mahe: National Military Home, Elizabagi City: reissue, William L. Sewers, Duncal, Floyd county. ———_ +s Trial of the Ertesson. Although no date has been definitely fixed for the trial of the new torpedo boat Erics- son, which has just come out of dock at New London, the Navy Department has begun preparations for the trial. The Dol- phin sailed from Washington this morning for New London to take a position as one of the stake boats on the course. She will be joined by the Cincinnati from New York and four or five naval tugs and small craft. ———_—-2--____— Coast and Geodetic Survey. The field parties’ of the coast and geo- detic survey in Alaska, Colorado and Utah are coming in, their season’s work being completed. Parties are still out along the Mexican border and resurveys are being made in Boston harbor, on Leng Island and in the Hudson river. Remains of Reitzel, Who Was Burned in the Stumph Fire, What Was Supposed to Be Reitzel’s Body is That of Ackerman—The Last Body Found. The body of the last of the six victims of the Stumph fire was recovered last night about 9 o'clock, nearly thirty-six hours af- ter the sad affair happened. As soon as the body was removed from beneath the pile ef bricks, rafters and corn shucks, it was wrapped’ in’a cloth and taken to the morgue. At the morgue the janitor burned sulpkur during the night and used other disinfectants, calculated to keep down the disagreeable odor and in this task he was Partly successful. Not far from the place where the last body rested was found a iarge silver watch, which had evidently been worn by the man whose body was near it, and the time- piece was sent to the morgue with the body. Last night the authorities did little, if any- thing, toward identifying this last body, although there was no certainty about the identification of some of the other victims. Some of the employes felt reasonably cer- tain, however, of*fhe identification of the others, but the means of identification was such that Acting Uoroner Glazebrook wrote on a death certificate “unknown.” This “unknown” body was the last one left in the morgue yesterday, and its condition was such as to endanger the health of per- sons who were obliged to be about the neighborhood of the morgue. This be’ng the case, and no claim having been ve for the body, Acting Health Office - ders gave orders for its interment 1 ter's field. A pine box soon reach: . morgue and all that was mortal of one of the victims of the fire was soon on the road to that desolate spot on the branch where the bodies of unknown and paupers find their last resting place. Disposition of the Dead. But one of the members of the firm of Stumph & Bro. learned of what was being done. He was much surprised at the action of the authorities, gnd without a moment's hesitation he had ‘the interment stopped and had Undertaker Cain take charge of the body. This is supposed to be the body of Philip Reichiran, the Swede. He was a very large man, the largest, probably, of the victims, and in point of size this body answers his description Concerning the identification of the body of Francis H. Fowler, the foreman in the factory, tnere. is. doubt. Undertaker Lee tcok charge of his body and placed it in # metallic casket.) Bhe funeral will take place from the Mount Vernon Southern Methedist Church temercow at 10 o'clock. Glenwood will be the place of interment. The same may be sof the bodies of W. M. Tennyson and Wiilam Ash. The Jatter was fifteen years old. Tennyson's body was buried at Annandale \Va., while the re- mains of young’ Ash’ were laid at rest in Congressional ceme: fe Body Meltnel. One of the bodies,bad been identified as that of Robert Rejts@l.and had been sent to the receiving vault at Meck Creek ceme- tery. The members’ 6f thé Réitzel’ family and their friend’ had arranged to bury the body of their loved ‘one at 5 o'clock this afternoon, and members of the Potomac Wheelmen, of which organization Reitzel was a member, had atranged to act as pall- bearers, and the club was also to attend the funeral in a body. But this morning when a Star reporter went to the morgue, circumstances -sur- rounding the body recovered last night dis- credited the identification of one of the other bodies that of Reitzel’s. <Al- though the body found last night had been burned beyond récognition and parts of the body had even disappeared, there was around the neck a blue and white collar No. 15, and in a bunch of dirt just in front of the neck was a sword pin. Then, too, there was the finding of the watch. Super- intendent Shoenberger of the morgue made @ note of these facts, and he, too, thought the body was that of Reitzel’s. Later a Star reporter called at the late home of the deceased and learned from his mother enough to make certain that this body was that of her con. He had shirts of the material found about the neck of the corpse, and he also had v sword pin. When he left home he wore one of these shirts and also the pin. Afterward the superin- tendent of the @ called at the house with the watch and Mrs. Reitzel identitied it as having belonged to her son. With this pcsitive identification of Reit- zel's body, it is certain that the body taken to Rock Creek ¢emetery is that of Philip Ackerman, and, as already stated, the re- maining body, which narrowly escaped a grave in potter’s field, is that of Philip Reichman, the Swede. Reitzel’s body will be prepared for burial at once, and the funeral may take place at the hour heretofore set, without any fur- ther delay. —s——. CONTESTED. NOMINATIONS, The Rep ieam Congressional Com- mittee is Considering Them. The republican congressional committee today commenced the consideration of the centested nomination cases from the second Nerth Carolina and seventh South Caro- lina districts. In the first-named district Messrs. Cheatham and White, who happen to be broihers-in-law, are contending that each received the nomination of the con- vention. In_ the other district Messrs. Brayton and Jehngon are contestants. Mr. Cheatham arrived in Washington to- day with a delegation of his henchmen, who will testify in his behalf. His oppo- nent will arrive tomorrow. The committee will probably consume several days in pass- ing upon the cases, s THE METROPOLITAN RB.R. — President Phillips aud Engineer Con- nett to Examine Underground Sys- tems. . President Samuel L. Phillips and Chief Engineer A. N, Connett.of the Metropolitan Railroad Company have-gone to New York to investigate the workimgs of various un- derground electric systems, with a view of ascertaining the most practicable sort for introduction on the ¥th treet road in this city. After examining the systems in oper- ation in New York, Messrs. Phillips and Connett will visit other northern cities where underground eleetric roads are in operation or being constructed, and will make an exhaustive examination of them, Mr. Connett is an expert in the matter of constructing conduits and providing for their drainage, and this part of underground construction will not taxe up much of their time, and it is not yet certain that a system needing a conduit will be adopted. Mr. Phillips said upon assuming the presidency that he was not wedded to any particular sort of underground eiectrie system, but he proposed that the Metropolitan should have the best and most practicable, regardless of expense, It 1s expected that the {th street. road will be equipped with some description of underground electric system before:next summer. The road is and one-haif miles long,extending from Plorida avenué ‘to the arsenal gate, and it will cost somewhere Jn the neighborhood of 300,000 tO equip it with a completed system, including cars and power houses, such as is intended to be put in. Application Dented. Judge McComas has denied the petition of Frances Pierchynskl, who on the 6th of July, 1893, applied for a divorce from An- drew Pierchynski, al ig cruelty on the part of the defendant. Talk at the Legation Here of the Naval Battle. NO DEFINITE ADVICES AS 70 THE FIGHT The Officials Feel Gratified Over the Progress Made. A PROMISING PROSPECT Minister Kurino and the officials of the Japanese legation here regard the Tokio erable to the Associated Prese as giving the most trustworthy report of the engage- ment yet received, and they are naturally gratified to learn from this source that the Japanese fleet sustainel no damage. They point out that Tokio is but 550 miles from Hiroshima, where the emperor and the headquarters of the army and navy ar2 !o- cated. There ts telegraphic conne:tion, so that Tokio would have the first Informa- tion from Japanese sources from the impe- rial headquarters at Hiroshima. Legation officials do not beileve the Shang- hai report naming two vessels alleged to have been sunk. Lieut. Miyoaka, the Japa- nese naval attache here, says there are no such ships in the Japanese navy as th: Abushima,which the Shanghai account says was sunk. There are many ships with the suffix “Shima,” meaning island, but none have the prefix “abu,” or anything like it. It is believed at the legation, however, that the cruiser Saiko, claimed to have been sunk, is the Sikyo. The latter used to be a fast merchantman between Shanghai and Yokohama, and was recently transformed into a fleet cruise>. Lieut. Miyoaka says the Yossina, stated in the Shanghai report to have been sunk, is undoubtedly meant to be the Yoshino, the pride of the Japanese navy. It would be startling news, indeed, he says, if this ship had gone down, but he scouts the idea. She ts the newest and fastest cruiser in the Japanese navy, with the remarkable speed of twenty-three knots an hour. Chinese Minister Has Nothing to Say. Another significant fact commented on at the Japanese legation is that forcign offi- cers appear to have been in command of the Chinese ships, which in the judgment of the Japanese authorities here shows that the Chinese are yet deficient in native commanders ard are depending on for- elgners to manipulate, their ships, which is in marked cortrast with the native com- mand of all Japanese warships. The Chinese minister declines to discuss the recent battles or any of those of the war. In response to an inquiry today, he sent word that no advices had been re- ceived and that he was very busy. He is building a large ball room in rear of the legation, with the prospect of extensive sccial festivities in the near future. There is apparently no disposition to share in the ay at Pekin over the Chinese reverses on and sea, No News at the Legation, Up to 2:30 p.m. no néws had been received at the legation of Japan concerning the naval battle in the Yalu river. Minister Kurino and Mr. Stevens have been on the alert all day for some official confirmation of this important engagement. The fight is of the greatest consequence, as, if the re- ports be all correct, it was the pivot on which the Japan-China war hinged. If the results of the fight are as reported, the strongest and greatest vessels of the North China squadron have been destroyed and the remainder of the fleet forced to seek refuge at Wal-hai-wal, a fortified seaport opposite Port Arthur. ‘The finest craft of the Chinese empire were in the North squadron, those in the South squadron being principally old-type ships, with a few small modern ones here and there. Some time back the best vessels of the South squadron were sent to reinforce the fleet at the north. The Japanese look with especial pleasure on the reported destruction of the Chinese line of battle ship, Chen Yuen. They would readily have given two of their ships to Eave accomplished this result. Every ring of the electric bell at the legation was an- swered hastily today, because cable infor- mation from headquarters was expected momentarily. None came. At 1 o'clock a messcnger mounted the steps in a hurry and pressed the electric button out of joint. The bell boy answered with a jump, and a cable message in cipher was rushed up to the landing of the second floor, where Min- ister Kurino and the American secretary, Mr. Stevens, were in waiting. It was quick- ly put into the hands of the cipher transla- tors. The little household hovered around the cablegram, believing that it referred to the Yalu fight. This was not so. What the Cable Contained. It contained information of losses sus- tained in the Ping-Yang battle of a few days ago. Though it was not exactly the rews which the legation people wanted, it was pleasant enough reading. It was from Gen. Nodzu, commander-in-chief of the forces of Japan in Corea in the field, came via St. Petersburg, and was as follows: .The Joss of Japan in the battle of Ping- Yang, so far as ascertained, was eleven cfficers killed, 134 men killed, thirty officers wounded, men wounded, besides forty officers whose fate is unknown. Chinese lost over 2,000 killed, and the number of wounded is not yet known, but is believed to have been very large. A number of the Chinese wounded are in our field hospital.” One of the remarkable things about this dispatch is the heavy loss of officers report- ed in proportion to the loss of privat: This indicates either one of two thin; that the officers led their men and behaved fearlessly in the front and hottest of the fight or Chinese sharpshooters did their duty well. It was reported in London that the treas- ure captured by the Japanese at Ping-Yang amounted to $3,000,000, ‘This has not been confirmed so far as the Washington lega- tion is concerned, but it is hoped by the Japanese colony here that it is true. The capture of so much spoils would at this juncture be a severe shock to the Chinese and a great source of strength to Ja) . It is stated, though, that Japan has plenty of war sinew and is not troubled about nego- tiating foreign loans, and it is not at all dependent on captured booty. Reports Not Overdrawn. The legation folks are receiving news in indirect and unofficial ways which induces them to think that tae printed reports of the fight yesterday were not overdrawn, and that China lost four warships by sink- ing under the fire of the Japanese guns and one by burning. The names of - our of these are given as the King-Yuen, Yven, Yang-Wel and Choa-Yun, Two of the finest ships of Jay the fight, the Yost: These are modern cruisers, and w thought to be a match for the heaviiy belt- armored Chinese battleship Chea-Yuen. If these ships are really lost, it will be im- possible for China to transport any moi troops to Corea without } ng ships abroad, and here the neutralily laws bar her way. AS she cannot transport troops to Corea, and as the forces at Ping-Yang and Yalu were either captured or destroy ed, the campaign in Corea must be very | tearly closed. “On to Pekin” is the cry in Japan, and were the season not so well advanced it is thought probable that the army of the mikado would winter in the dragon's capital. The Emperor of Japan has moved his offi- ‘cial rcsidence from Tokio to Heroshimo, in the southern part of Japan, so as to be as near as possible to the scene of operations without leaving his realm, which, it ts un- derstood, is forbidden by the constitution and religion of the country. GENERAL APSLEY GRATIFIED Massachusetts May Send a Unanimous Re- publican Delegation. He Thinks the Republican Victory This Fall Will Amount to a Congressman Apsley of the fourth Massa- chusetts district, a member of the repub- lican congressional committee, arrived in the city today to attend a meeting of the committee. Gen. Apsicy has been very busy since the close of Congress in the campaign in his state, where there have been a num- ber of vigorous contests between candidates for nomination to Congress. He is very much gratified at the favorable outlook for republican victory this fall, and thinks that it will amount to a landslide. “The republicans will surely send eleven out of the thirteen Congressmen from Massachusetts,” said Gen. Apsley. “It is quite probable that we will send twelve, and it is possible that we may send a unanimous republican delegation. In the district now represented by Mr. Stevens, a democrat and a member of the ways and means commit- tee,we will elect a republican without doubt. Mr. Stevens himself is so much impressed with this that it ts very likely that he will not permit himself to be renominated. That is naturally a republican district, and if it were not the action of the democratic party since the 7th of August a year ago would make it so. In voting the republican ticket in that district, where manuiacturing industries prevail, the people will simply be following the first law of nature—tnat of Sel{-preservation, In Dr. Everett's District. “In Dr, Everett's district we will return @ republican. There has been a very strong fight between Mr. Barrett and Mr. Hayes for the republican nomination in this dis- trict and Mr. Barrett has won it. While I personally favored Mr. Hayes’ nomination, we admire Mr. Barrett's courage in making the fight, and J feel that it is our duty to make his majority as large as possible. In the last election Dr, Everett beat Mr. Bar- rett by only thirty-four votes. Unusual Interest by the People. “The people of my state are taking an unusual amount of interest in the cam- paign this year and a very large vote will be polled. One indication of this is found in tne contest being made over nominatioas. i have never seen a more vigorous jight than was conducted over the barrett nom- ination. Gen. Cogswell is having a strug- gic, but 1 think he will pull cirough, The people are interested in politics from the primaries up and are turning out and work- ing with great enthusiasm.” ——_- 2 -_____ SOUTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON. The Probabilities as to Filling the Vacancy of Commanding Officer. It is expected that the question as to who shall command the South Atlantic squadron will ‘be settled in a short time. At present the squadron consists of only two vessels, the Magship Newark, now at Cape Town, Africa, and the antiquated wooden man-of- war Yantic,which has to confine her cruises to the #io ae la Piata in Uraguay for tne reason that she cannot be trusted on the open sea. Arrangements are being made to increase the squadron with one or two of the modern vessels now nearing completion at the New York and Norfolk navy yards. Oraers have veen issued for the Newark to proceed to Rio de Janeiro without un- recessary delay, and that veesel will un- doubtedly continue as the of the station. The office of commander of the ‘tation has been vacant since the detach- ment of Acting Admiral Kirkiand, now in command of the Eu! station. Ac- cording to the best obtamable information, either Commodores Selfridge, Norton or Phythian will be assigned to the command of the South Atlantic station, with the chances about in the order named. Com- modore Selfridge is now in Washington as Fresident of the board of imspection and survey. It is said he does not desire the detail and will endeavor to avoid getting it it possible. ——-2____ IMPORTED PRESERVED FRUITS. The New Tarif Mill Fails to Provide aD Continued examination of the Gorman tariff bill at the Treasury Department dis- cleses the fact that it contains no provision whatever for a duty upon imported fruits preserved in brandy or other spirits. The omission was not discovered until an appli- cation Was received from a large importer of such goods for information as to thar classineation under the present \ariff law. Under the MckKinky law “fruits preserved ts" were subject to a duty of thirty- cent ad Valorem. ‘The question as to the classification of these guods under present condiiions kas not yet been de- termined. Jt is probable, however, that the department will decide that the ‘best way out of the dilemma is to assess duty upon the spirits and (he fruits separately, accord- ing lo the ied for ewch in the ing of fruit in this Wanuer 48 an eXtensive mdustry, and ne importation of such fruits, | ‘especiaily brandied peaches, is very heavy. In case the department decides to assess duty on the spirits, as well as on the fruits, the duty hie be higher than it was unger the vid aw. —_——+-2e-—____ Steel Collars for Artillery. The War Department has taken a wrinkle from the New York fire department and is eauipping its artillery with horse collars made of steel. This article was frst brought to the attention of the ordnance officers about two years ago by the suc- cess it had attained in the New York fire service. A few of the collars were pro- cured with some difficulty, as the patentee had found the manufacture beyond his ineans, and had not been able to broperly introduce the collars to the public. He Was induced to reopen his shop and make a few collars for the army. ‘heir success Was immediate and now the department has placed considerabie orders with a view to equipping ali of the urtillery, nit ++ The Tariff Act Date. The question of the date upon which the new tariff! law went into effect, invelving the question of rebates on goods imported between August 1, the date fixed in the enacting clause, and August 27, the date wh the bill became a i: which was raised by some of the New York importes and is now under consideration by the ¥ bourd of general appraiser: 2d at the request of A) e to Solicitor of the Treasury Reeve. Solicitor Reeve has carefully looked into the precedents and, after a thorough ex- amination, has rendered an opinion that the law did not go into effect until ft was officially promulgated by the State Depart- ment, August 2s. It is generally believed at the department, however, that the im- rorters will not be satisfied with this de- cision, but will instst on carrying the ques- tion into the courts. — — Fourth-Class Postmasters. The total number of fourth-class post- masters appointed today was thirty-six. Of this number twenty-six were to fill vacan- cles caused by death and resignation and the remainder by removal. SUFFERED NO DAMAGE The Japanese Fleet Unharmed in the Yalu Battle. LATEST REPORTS OF THE Ei GEME The Conquerors Preparing to March WILL EUROPE INTERFERE? TOKIO, Jepan, September 20.—An official dispatch received here from the headquar- ters of the Japanese fleet says that the lat- ter at 1 o'clock in the afternoon of Septem- ber 16 met eleven Chinese warships and six tcrpedo boats, thirty-five miles northeast of Hai Yang Tao, with the result that four of the Chinese ships were sunk and one was burned. The dispatch adds that the Japanese fleet sustained no damage. YOKOHAMA, Jepan, September 20.—The particulars received here in regard to the battie of Ping Yang show that the Chinese loss was 2,000 killed and 14,500 wounded and prisoners. A fourth part of the Chinese army escaped. The Japanese loss was only about eleven officers wounded and 200 gol- diers killed. The Japanese army is marching on Wiju. wh.ch, it is expected, will be reached by the end of September. THE RECENT NAVAL BATTLE. LONDON, September 20.—Dispatches re- ceived here today from Shanghai says that the total number of the Chinese fleet ene gaged in the battle fought off the mouth of the Yalu river was twelve warships and four torpedo boats. The Japanese fleet, it is added, was composed of seventeen ships, some of which were small war vessels. The Chinese claim to have sunk the Japanese warships Abushma and Yossina, and a Japanese transport, which had been converted into a cruiser and named the Satko. A private report received here from Shanghai declares that these vessels were not sank as the Chinese claim, but that they receded from the action in a disabled condition. it is reported that the Chinese transport Toonan was sunk after she had troops; but this is thought to be incorrect. The report that Admiral Ting Von Hannekin were severely seems to be incorrect, for they returned to duty. E i rE H lie § four vessels and the Japanese Latest advices from tablish the fact that it was that was sunk by the Japanese, Chen Yuen, as some of the had it. A dispatch to the Times that the statement that Hung Chang had committed suicide sequence of the reverses that had with by the Chinese arms and his tion in consequence is denied here. As @ matter of fact he communicated yesterday ‘with the Chinese legation in this city. The Times publishes a dixpatch from Slenghal stating that the so-called torpedo cruiser Tsi Yuen, which was attached to the Chinese northern squadron, was one of the vessels attacked by the Japanese fleet off the mouth of the Yalu river, but that she was, for some reason not stated in the disqctch, sent out of the action. Capt. Forg, who was in command of the 1si Yuen, witnessed the tight from: a distance, He says that he saw four of the Japanese vessels sunk by the fire from the Cninese warshipy. ‘he dispatch shows thet if Ad- miral Ting and Col. Von were Wounded uring the engagement, as was Stated in an ex:lier dispatch, their injuries must have been slight, for it is now said that they have both resumed their duties on —s the Chinese fleet. t is added that the Ji occupied Ping Yang on Monday. Several isolated bands of Chines: managed to escape from the Japanese sent after refuge+s after the fall of the city, and tied nortnward, poub- ably along the coast toward Manchuria. COMMENTS OF THE PRESS. 5 i eis i i i i from the i Views of London Papers on China’s Latest Defeat. LONDON, September 20.-The Westmin- ster Gazette this afterncon, commenting on the battle, sa: “We observe, cpeaking generally, that both sides were engaged in verifying th> theories of Capt. Mahan, the Japanese consciously, as they are great students of that eminent authority, and the Chinese unwittingly, and, it may be fairly supposed, reluctantly. The Chinese have the bigger navy, but they have been unable to concentrate it upon peints of paramount ‘strategical importance. So far the war has turned out as according to the most ap: proved principles it ought to have turned out.” The Pall Mall Gazette remarks: “Admir- al Ting made the fatal mistake of trying to convoy troops before he had met and broken the enemy's fleets. Unless the landed at the Yalu river are re- troops lieved from the sea they are irretrievably hose” The St. James Gazette says: “If this is a victory for the Chinese they must pray for a defeat. The damage which the Japan- ese inflicted with their smaller and lighter squadron goes fur to show that in tactics, discipline and the handling of modern wea- pons they are as much superior to the Chi- nese at sea as they have already shown themselves to be on land.” ‘The Standard publishes a leader on the battle of Yalu in the course of which it says that ft ts greatly to the credit of the Japanese admiral that he should have form- ed so accurate an estimate of the purposes of the maneuvers of the enemy. There ts something childish, the paper adds, in the of China, and doubtless it was | pretty accurate knowledge of China's unpre- paredness that caused Japan to force hos- Ulities. It is very doubtful if China will acquiesce humbly in the loss of Corea, even if Japan should be content to make a treaty of peace on such terms, Therefore it would be criminal ff the powers should omit further attempts to intervene in the cause of peace. It remains to be seen whether Japan covered her rear beforehand with a secret understanding with Russia. Tae Daily News in its comments on the situation in the east says it is safe to con- clude that each side has had nearly the worst short of absolute annihilation. It seems certain that the Japancre generai must at least win one more battle before he can consider himself master in Corea. Though he may win Corea he wil! only lose it again if the other branch of the service fails to give him command of the sea. Each side has realized this fact and each is make ing desperate exertions to win the lead at sea. The Times in a leading article says that