Evening Star Newspaper, August 8, 1894, Page 7

Ee . . @ ¥ THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 1894—TEN PAGES. CAISSON EXPLOSION A Detailed Description of the Real Cause of the Accident. A FATAL DEFECT IN AMMUNITION Fortunate That There Was No Greater Loss of Life. A VALUABLE LESSON TAUGHT in Written for The Evening Star. A detachment of United States troops, consisting of three troops of cavalry and a battery of light artillery, left camp at Brighton Park, Chicago, on the moraing of July 16, 1804, in order to make a march of ebeut twenty miles through the streets of the city, the object being to afford exercise to men and horses, acquaint them with the elty afd the conditions they were likely to @ncounter, and at the same time make a display of force. The detachment arrived at the lake front at 9:45 a.m., and after a Fest of several hours started to return to its camp by way of Michigan avenue rand boulevard, Washington Park and rfleld boulevard. Between 30th and 40th streets, near the ‘mtersection of 40th strect with Grand bou- levard, one of the caissons of the battery exploded. The two men riding on the lim- ber chest of the caisson were instantly de- stroyed; one-other man of the artillery and pne of the cavalry were killed, and a num- of persons, sol and citizens, were injured. Might Have Heen Worse. However dreadful the consequences of the explosion appeared at the time, it now clear that the goddess of fortune could hardly have been more kind to the troops, nd the accident may be considered as a cYeap and very profitable experiment. The Grand boulevard consists of three Parallel roadways, with sidewalks, lawns and trees between them, and it must be over 200 feet between houses on opposite sides of the street. Five minutes before the ps being In columns of route the bodies of the horses were interposed as a screen Against projectiles flying toward the front and rear of the column, and, as the boule- vard was almost empty, but few were hurt by the rest of the missiles. Conditions on gther points of the route were such that persons could easily have fallen victims to the terrific explosion. Cnuse of the Explosion. As the roadway of the boulevard was tly smooth and the command was hing at an easy trot, it seemed im- ble to account for the accident, except the result of a crime, and the thought $f dynamite arose and was pursued, until cavalry officer, who was somewhat fa- ir with the effect of explosives, pointed out that the pavement was intact, whereas dynamite would have left a hole in the ground. Then the theory was advanced t possibly some powder had escaped the charges ani had been ignited by constant friction of jolted projectiles. But inquiry developed the fact that the reussion shel] manufactured by the Jilted States government had never been aps test of field service. de oe ee furnishing percussion shells to the Unit- ed States ermy, but when the patent expired an alleged improvement in the was made by ordnance officers of army, and the government thereafter Made its own shells. An officer af artillery, ee the explosive charge, commenced tapping shell against a tree, saying, “It requires ‘w of thirty pounds to set off this fuse.” ed, and some of the ammunition boxes ‘open, but no shells explod ‘Attention .was invited to this fact by Capt. Birnie, the ordnance expert, but reply was Quickly ‘nate it the blow in that case ‘was perpendicular to the axis of the pro- Peveussion Fi Fig > ? P =a, t . Tae Plunger ‘Bejore firing Agter Living The Percussion Fuse. Whe percussion fuse consists of a brass be of dimensions shown in figure 1. It Is ed into the base of the percussion Il by means of the screw thread D. C is @ cavity of the fuse, into which the lunger P is placed. The cap V is secured the screw-thread at B. It has an open- at O. A thin copper disk, indicated by first dotted line from O toward F, and cup of fulminate F, are held in place by e screw S, which has a channel, shown at ‘The plunger shown in figure 2 in true ensions consists of a brass case filled with lead, and the firing pin I, which has wes across it, so as to cause it to be fra by friction after being pushed forward. How It Operates. The fuse operates as follows: The plunger is in the cavity C of the fuse; the firing I :s In the position shown in the figure; t is, the point does not project percepti- beyond the top of the plunger. When gun is discharged, inertia causes the er to strike with force at the bottom cavity at C’; the firing pin ts driven to the position I’, When the projectile trikes, it 's elther stopped, or its velocity feniy greatly reduced, but inertia now les the plunger forward. The projecting t - ghe firing pin enters the opening at frates the thin copper disk and eg the fulminate at F and produces ex- n; the flame out at the opening ‘ignites the powerful bursting charge e shell. Result of Investigation. A board of officers was appointed and all the fuses of three light batteries at Fort Sheridan were examined. In Capt. Ca- pron’s battery, which was supplied with ssion shell manufactured by a pri- te firm, the fuses were found in perfect condition; all the fuses of the other tteries, being of the improved pattern ufactured at the United States arsenal, re found to be more or less defective. The projectiles are carried in the chests With their bases down; constant jolting had riven the firing pin from its safe position { I through the goft metal to the danger- 9Us position I’, Mcreover, in passing over Uneven ground, the point had frequently ed through the opening O, had struck @ protecting disk, indented it, und in Mnany eases pushed it against the face of ‘the fuiminate at Fj in fact, in some cases, had indented the fulminate {tself! Ip the ter case, the fuses were so keenly on je that it needed but the slightest blow to Bet them off. A pebble on the pavement hit suffiefent. It 19 now reasonably wtain that if these batteries had crossed single street car or raliroad track at a t they would have been completely de- lished. The ordnance department has of, plied most of the batteries of the United | teS army with this {mproved fuse. The Official Report. ler, chief of the army bureau of s made a statement in regard ike giving the result of the in- de by a court of inquiry ap- en. Mi and also the result Vestigation Qeinted by a explosion at Chicago during | of a subsequent investigation made by Capt. Birney, an ordnance erpert, on duty je War Department. 1: is as follows: ie explosion at Chicago resulted from defective plungers in the base percussion fuses of the three two-inch shells. These plangers are cylinders of brass, filled with lead, through which lead a polated pin is forced by pressure until the point Is in the Plane of the forward face of the cylinder, while the other end of ihe pin projects about a quarter of an inch beyond the rear plane of the cylinder. This plunger is placed in a cavity in the fuse plug, which plug is solid at the rear, and contains a percussion capsule at tne front. So long as the cylinder of the plunger does not move the point cannot strike the percussion cap- sule. When the gun is fired the lead-filled brass cylinder strips down over the pin, leaving its point exposed. When, after fir- ing, the shell strikes a resisting object the cylinder and pin fly forward, the point of the pin strikes the pereussien capsule and the bursting charge of the shell is ignited. “Everything indicated that the light bat- tery officers used great eare with ref- erence to the packing and transportation of their ammunition, and the defect discovered was one that they could not have been ex- pected to anticipate. “The defective fuses were manufactured at Frankford arsenal in 1886, and the ord- nance department accepts all responsibility for the disaster. “Steps have been taken to immediately re- move all the defective fuses issued and to Teplace them by others containing a plunger operating upon an entirely different prin- ciple, and it is belleved-that such an oc- currence will, in future, be impossible.” ———__+-2+ N ILLUMINATED PARADE. © Pre for Enterta’ the Pythian’ Visitors. The committee on fireworks and {Uumina- tion for the Knights of Pythias encamp- ment proposes to make a feature of the commercial parsde ‘or trades: display to be held in connection with the illumination of Pennsylvania avenue on the night of the 28th of August. All business concerns and manufacturers are invited to be repre- sented in the parade by suitable illuminated floats, or by thelr teams and wagons, Properly illuminated, with lanterns or other devices. Capt. Harrison 8. Barbour, who has been chosen by the committee as grand marshal of the parade, and accepted: the. appoint: ment, will in due time issue orders, that will be published, giving all necessary in- formation as to the time and place of form- ing, the order of parade, etc. The bicycle organizations of the city will be invited iso to turn out that night with tandems, id the committee hopes that there will be a moving show of lights on the avenue that will be most effective in connection with the general illumination. In car-ying out the plan for the {llumina- tion of the avenu- between the Capitol and the treasury,matured by Gen. Walker's com- mittee, the committee needs the co-operation of merchants and residents of that thorough- fare, aud has appealed to them for aid. Ar- ements are being made for an illumina- tion of the United States Capitol and other public buildings on the avenue. The com- mittee will string wires along the curb from the Capitol to the treasury, and provide an iilumination on these wires by means of Japanese lanterns. Merchants and resi- dents between these points have been re- quested to illuminate their store fronts and houses. Mr. Charles W. Darr, who is chair- man cf tne subcommittee on fireworks illu- minations, recently sent out to all the mer- chants and residerts along the avenue whose names could be obtained a circular, which says: “It is proposed by the citizens’ committee, K. of P., to set aside one evening during the encampment, in August next, for the iltuminatior of the United States Capitol and other public buildings, and Pennsylva- nia avenue, and in oreer to add to the grandeur of the scene and to make Penn- ylvania avenue more attractive, they de- sire the co-operation of the merchants and residents of Pennsylvania avenue, and would suggest to them that they illuminate the fronts of their houses on the evening of August 2%. This can be done with very little expense to each, and will make a lasting impression on the 150,000 and more visitors who will be in our city at that time, and will reflect favorably upon the merchants and residents of the great na- tional avenue. Owing to the vast amount of work to be done, it may be impossible for me to call upon you in person, and I One of on the inclosed card your willingness to assist in keeping up the enterprise and progressiveness of Pennsylvania avenue.” A postal card for response was inc’ sed with each circular, and already many re- sponses have been received from persons who have pledged themselves to illuminate in some manner. ‘The committee hopes to secure, in this way, the co-operation - of everyone who commands a house front, a store, or even one window, that can be il- luminated on that night. —._—_ IT REACHED THE MINT. Brick Which Passed of the Bank. A Bogus G the Officia’ From the Denver News, ‘The branch mint In Denver received a nice, big, shiny gold brick from the First National Bank of Albuquerque. There were 366 ounces in It, and the noted express value was $6,000. The true value for that quantity of rure gold would be about $11,000, When in due course the mint peo- ple got around to melting that brick to de- termine its value they took their hammers and chisels and proceeded to chop it up. They found it hard and tough. They pound- ed it and turned it around in various ways and labored over it, finally reducing it to pieces. All the time not a thought entered their heads but that it was all right, and into the refining furnace it went. For five hours the hottest fire that the resources of the establishment could produce was kept at work, while the attendants wiped the drops of perspiration from their brows and wondered what was the matter with the thing. When at-the expiration of the five hours there was not a trace of gold in sight the experts from high and low were summoned to see what they could make out of it. Each applied all the tests of his art, but at last they were compelled to give it up, so far as finding any gold was concern- ed, and the conclusion was forced upon them that whatever the mysterious com- pound might be it was not gold. Then they set the mixture aside and sat around it waiting for it to cool off, and wondering what the bank people had paid for it, and where they got it. After It was cool the assayer tried his hand to deter- mine what it really was made out of, and decided that there wasn't a metal present except copper and zinc. There was not the slightest indication of either gold or stlver. Stories of gold-brick swindles are as old as gold itself, but this is the first known instance where the fraud escaped detec- tion till the bogus brick actually reached the mint. The victims are usually persons afflicted with the double burden of greed and greenness, who are made to believe that they are getting the brick for less than its value, because it was stolen. About four years ago a Denver lawyer had the nerve to attempt to palm off a bar of anti- mony as silver at the branch mint here, and that is the only previous incident bear- ing clese resemblance to the present affair. soo ‘The Fairy Ring of Helena. From the Helena (Mont.) Independent. The well-known circle on the pasture lands about six miles east of Helena, near the old overland stage road, and which has been a curiosity and a source of speculation for years, 1s identical with the fairy rings so common in some parts of England. There were formeriy two of these rings, but one has entirely disappeared within the 1 ew years. The remaining one is about 20) feet in diameter, and forms a perfect circle. The ground forming the ¢ircle ts about two yards wide and quite destitute of veseta- jon. Many theorles have been advanced as 0 the cause of these rings. Some say that it 3 the result of lMghtnin; herd of buffalo, puzsued by w stopped and formed themselves into a circle as a means of defending their young, and thus tramped out the grass. These rings have attracted the attention of scientific men, and recent investigations have shown they are the result of the centrifugal develop- ment of certain kinds of fungi,among which | tendency to grow in this manner, The spot where it has grown {s unfitted for Its con- tinued nourishment, and the spawn extends outward to new soil, forming the circle. @ common in eastern Mon- ¢ Musselshell river, but the a is the mest perfect in the lv: rurning from York, Pa., . a distance of forty-one miles, by the United S| ©. Wilson for $45,000; for t aoRR will esteem it a favor if you will indicate | fs the common mushroom, which shows a | | geant. 1 - ——— le re and Lehigh railroad in | GOING INTO CAMP Light Battery “A” Will March to Marshall Hall, TT IS A FIRST-CLASS ORGANIZATION Something About Its History and Its Officers. GATLINGS AND NAPOLEONS Every year since tts organization in 1888 ght battery A, D.C.N.G., has had an en- campment, and this year will be no excep- tion to the rule. On Saturday afternoon next it will leave its armory, on 3d street, and march to Marshall Hall,.»where this year’s camp is to be. The boys have not forgotten the good times they’ had last { year at the same place, and when the man- agement of Marshall Hall complimented them by aga offering the same location to camp on this year the offer was eagerly accepted. Within easy reach of the city, with boats running three times a day, the green lawns, pavillons and other numer- ous attractions of that beautiful pleasure resort, afford excellent opportunitles. for the brave cannoneers, after the day's drills are over, to talk, dance and enjoy ‘the even- ings with their lady friends’ and sweet- hearts, and there many secrets of the heart will be unfolded to “Sweet Marié” ere the battery boys return. Battery A, light artillery, District cf Co- lumbia National Guard, was organized in July, 1888, with Arthur Yates, now a Iteu- tenant in the ninth United States infantry, as its first captain. Under his management the battery grew until, at the present time, it ranks as one of the best light artillery organizations of the militia of the United States. But, great as was Its progress un- der Capt. Yates and his able officers, the greatest has been made under its present commander and his lieutenants, for Capt. Forsberg is a prime favorite with his men, and his able assistants are the pridé of the battery. The battery boasts of having the most popular officers of any command in the District militia. These Wear Shoulder Straps. Capt. H. G. Forsberg was elecied to his present position March 7, 1802. He is one of the prominent business men of the city, being senior member of the firm of Fors- berg & Murray. Before joining the ebat- tery Capt. Forsberg was in command of a platoon of the engineer corps of the Nation- al Guard. He is an excellent officer, his eminent business qualifications combining well with his natural military tendencies. First Lieut. A. P. Robbins, the senior lieutenant of the battery, enlisted July 16, 1ss5, and was one of its organizers. His energy and interest in all things connected with the welfare of the command has se- cured for him the position he 2ow holds. it | is almost neediess to say that as long as the battery is in existence Lieut. Robbins will be with it and hold theswarm place he does today in the hearts of the members. Second Lieut. J. H. Gritfitas enlisted in the battery February 25, 18S), and bas held the various positions of corporal, sergeant and first sergeant, up to his it rank. He has but recently been ected junior first lieutenant,but owing to “red tape” will not receive his commission ‘before the pres-_ ent encampment. He was commissioned second Heutenant just before last: year’s camp, and in his honor the camp was named “Camp J. H. Griftiths.” Non-Commtssioned “Hustlers.” First Sergeant Milo’ Quackenbush joined the battery December 8, I8U2; was soon after appointed a corporal and subsequently first sergeant. He has had five years’ ex- perience in the United States army and is well qualified for his position as first ser- Second Sergeant James W. Murray, or “Jim,” as he is best known to the boys, en- listed February 4, 1889, served three years and again enlisted September 5, 1 Some say that Sergeant Murray goes to camp each year to increase his weight; how weil he has succeeded is patent to all. '/\ Third Sergeant J. C. Tappan enlisted Jan- uary 28, 1801; was discharged at the ex- piration of his term and _re-enlisted for three years in January, 1804. He is fa- miliarly known as “Smalley” and ts quite a “ladies’ man" and a fine dancer. Fourth Sergeant Thos. Marron enlisted May 23, 1800; was discharged in May, 1893, at the expiration of his first term, and re- enlisted for one year. He is deservedly popular with the boys, as his recent election to second Heutenant evidences. For the same reason given for Lieut. Griffiths, he will not assume the duties of his new posi- tion before this year's camp. Quartermaster Sergeant Joseph 8. Biondi enlisted March 30, 1892. “Joe” is also a great favorite with the boys as well as with the captain, for he is, by virtue of his po- sition, one of the captain’s right-hand men. That ‘he fills his important position well goes without saying. It might be said at this place that the position of quartermaster of the battery is a most responsible one. Few outside of the merhbers realize the great quantities of boots, overcoats, blouses, trousers, gauntiets and the numerous arti- cles of camp supply which are under his care. Saddlery Sergeant Fry enlisted October 27, 1890, in the engineer corps of the District National Guard and was transferred to the battery April 19, 1802. On the expiration of his first term of enlistment he re-enlisted for three more years. Sergeant Fry is no- toriously energetic and recognized as an indispensable acquisition to the battery, es- pecially during camp. Corporal W. I. Henderson enlisted October 2s, Isvl. He is gunner of the first section and recognized as an efficient officer. Corporal W. F. Pierce enlisted July 15, 1890, in the ambulance corps and was trans- ferred to the battery in November, 1891. He is a competitor of Sergeant Tappan as the “ladies’ man" of the battery and a very suc- cessful one. He is gunner of the second sec- tion. Corporal H. C. Wilson enlisted March 18, 1803. By strict attention to duty he at- tained his present office. He is gunner of the third section. The trumpeters for the battery are A. C. Pickells and C. N. Fraser. Acting First Lieutenant and Surgeon E. G. Smith, M. D., looks after the health of the boys, and it is to be hoped that his ser- vices will not be much required during carp. The other members of the battery are: Everett Oxley, J. J. Condon, E. E. Longley, J. C. Chilton, Jullus Nilson, W. W. Biondi, E. P. Gooding, J. H. Lowe, J. E. Bell, Geo. M. Nix, J. H. Simms, ©, W. Cooksey,'J. M. Jones, L. P. Wells, C. P. Morgan, Chas. M. Hoover, Henry Jacobson, J. E. Muihall, H. J. Dyer, Lawrence Sherwood, N. A. Hilbron, R. C. Nash, Floyd McFarland, C. L, Platz, Henry Knoche, H. G. Strong, E. D, Vernon, J. B. Moore, Paul M. Taylor, T. J. Hughes,’ W. H. Chase, David Flynn, Chas. H. D mont, F. R, Underwood, B. B. Knell, Jos. F. Hurdle, Danl. B. P. Murphy, Henry M lei Phillips, W. B. Tanner, T. F, has. Eike and H. B. Durant, Where the Battery Lives. ‘The armory of the battery is at 414 ‘3d street northwest, and 1s well adapted for the uses of an artillery command, consider- ing it was not built for that purpose. The ground floor Is devoted to gun room, saddle and harness room and the officers’ quarters, The gun room, though not large, 1s “suffi- cient for the purpose of standing gun drill. The harness and saddle room is the sanc- tum of the saddlery sergeant. Both of these rooms have a business-like air about them, and are conspicuous for neatnese and order. On the second floor is the reading room, meeting room and drill hall, On this floor can be found all the comforts a mem- ber may desire, and the battery boys are not slow to take advantage of the oppor- tunity here offered to spend a pleasant evening. On the third floor is to be found the locker room and the store room, the latter the home of the quartermaster ser- geant. On the fourth floor is the rifle and pistol range .and the gymnasium. Here is to be found the most complete range of any mmand in the District. Almost ng can be heard the sh ualify” either as “sharps “marksmen.” But complete as is, their present quarters the battery is looking for- ward to more comfortable quarters in the new National Guard armory now in course snongers for each day. » of construction. It s Hpped that here abundant space will be reServed for them to have mounted drills as ‘well as standing gun drills. Pays for Its Own Camp. The camp this year will be at the bat- tery’s own expense, a Cohgress tailed to provide for an encampment of the District National Guard during this year. However, the battery, as weil ae ouer companies of the guard, intends to“demtonsirate that it can, without outside assistance, perfect it- self In the art of war,) so as to be ready, if need be, for real service. A detachment under Lieut. Griffiths ,will proceed to Mar- shall Hall Thursday er Friday to lay out the camp and get things in readiness for the main body. On Saturday the battery will leave its armory, marching via Ana- costia and Piscataway, reaching its destina- tion sometime the following day. It is by its marches that the battery gains the most benefit from its encampment. The hard- ships thus endured would be of inestimable use in case of need. But these marches are not devoid of all pleasure, for when night comes and all gather around the fires to eat, the evening meal and discuss incidents’ of the day, there {s a certain pleasure con- nected with it all that when once experi- enced is sought again, Arriving at camp the regular dally pro- gram of a military command in camp will comthence. First call, 5:40 a.m.; revéftle, m. reakfast, assembly, 6 a.m.; stables, (\:15. guard moun; 8 7:15 a.m.; 45 p.m.; supper, 6:30 p.m.z ‘at, 7 p.m.; tattoo, 10 p.m., and taps, 11 p.m. There will be mounted dress parade and exhibition drills every evening,in which both the Gatling guns and the Napoleons will be used. At sunrise.and sunset a gun will -bé fired, besides the necessary salutes: Target practice with the Gatling guns will be a special feature of the camp, the targéts’|’ being floated for that purpose in the river, For all purposes a full supply of ammuni: tion will be taken along. Offelal Capt. Forsberg has issued the following instructions for the guidance of his com- mand while on the march and in camp, viz.: Circular No. 1. ARMORY, BATTERY A, LIGHT ARTIL- LERY, D. C. N. G., WASHINGTON, | Sota the D. C., July 24, 1804, The following circular is issued for the information and guidance of all interested: The uniform to be worn on the march will consist of fatigue uniform, boots, gauntlets, el shirt, campaign hat. The equipment to be taken on the march will consist of waist belt, canteen, tin cup, woolen blanket, rubber blanket, overcoat and cape, and in addition all mounted men will wear spurs and be provided with nose bags and curry combs, and sergeants will wear sabers, The following should be packed for ship. ment via steamboat to Marshall Hall, viz: Full dress uniferm, including helmets and an extra pair of gauntlets; forage cap, revolvers and holsters (cartridge boxes will rot be taken), necessary underwear, comb and brush, soap, towels and cleaning uten- sils and one pair of shoes. No rations will be carried by the men, as the quartermaster sergeant wiil arrange to supply the battery with rations. ‘The morning and evening gun will be fired by a detachment of the guard, consisting, when practicable, of a non-commissioned officer and two privates. The merning gun will be fired at the first note of reveille. The evening gun will be fired at the last note of retreat. The non-commissioned officer will mareh the detachment ta, and from the piece, and the piece will be fired, sponged cut and secured under his djrection. ‘The flag will be raised and lowered by a non-commissiored officer or private of the guard The flag will be rafsed at the first note of reveille and lowered’at the last note of retreat. 4g All property, such as flags, tools, brooms, &e., required for daily use-Awill be kept in the guard tent when riot {it use. The detail for guard Guty will consist of tWo hon-commissioned OMérs and six can- pFhgre will be two posts—one at the picket Iin® and one at the camp and park. No tour of duty will be longer than two hours. Members of tha guard Proton post will not be sequired {9 remain in camp, but must report th time'for their next tour of duty, and any member of the guard who fails to report dm-time for duty will be detailed {gr guard duty the follow- ing day. Drivers will/not be reqifired to per- ferm guard duty. The non-commissioned. officers _ 9: the guard will be armed with the saber-and re- |: volver. The sentry on duty in the camp and park wili be armed with the revolver. The sentry at the picket ne will.carry a whip. The sentry on duty at the picket line will mot injure or maltreat horses in any way, but will report to the non-commis- sioned officer of the guard or the stable sergeant anything which he cannot ad- just. “He will receive orders from the st ble sergeant so far as the exercise of his duties is concerned. The picket guard must allow no one to meddle with the forage except the stable sergeant or his assistant or some one hav- ing authority from the battery commander. No horse will be removed from the picket line, except for water, drill or by order of the battery commander. No horse shall be watered or fed except at stable call. At fatigue call the camp will be thor- oughly cleaned and each tent cleaned up and all articles properly arranged. All paper and other refuse will be placed in the barrels provided for that purpose. The tents will then be inspected by the officer of the day. If the weather be clear all tents will be tled up. At morning stable call the drivers and other mounted men will fall in, by direc- tion of the first sergeant, with nose bags, curry combs and brushes. They will then be marched to the picket line and water horses under his direction. After all the horses are watered the men will be march- ed to the forage pile and receive their al- lowances of grain and will then feed under direction of the first sergeant. Directly after feeding all horses will be well cleaned. At noon and evening “sta- bles" the drivers and other mounted men will fall in with nose bags only, and will feed as prescribed for morning stables. Hay will be fed at noon and evening “sta- bi Any driver absenting himself from stable call without proper excuse will be detailed for guard duty the following day. H. G. FORSBERG, Captain Commanding. —_—~ STREET CAR REFORM. A Suggestion as to the End Seat in the Open Cars. From the New York Tribune. A lady who has occasion to travel on the open cars frequently says that there is a reform which passengers on those cars might introduce on their own behalf, which would contribute to the general comfort and convenience. “I know most people prefer the end seats,” is the way she puts it, “and there is a good reason why they should. But it is-e selfish reason. They want to be where they can get off with the least trouble, and perhaps they think they get)| more air in that position. Now, suppose four persons are sitting on one seat; that leaves one vacancy, an@ naturally it is the middle place. Whoever gets on must push past two sitting passengers, for there is not room for them to stand and let the new- comer Pat by them. [ht er is th worse if the car is one the old-fashions ones in which the seats face each other, then if all the places but ‘one or two one pair of seats are filled, there is a tangle of feet to stumble through that is very em- barrassing, especially to a woman. Now, what the rcformer shoutd Ii duced is this: Let the first passengers who get on take the middle places, or at least let them move up when others come aboard. Then those who get on t xe. not have to crowd past’ any one, f co irse, there ts a possibility that when they get up to leave the car they may have fb g¢ out past some of the other passengers, bét there Js no pessible way of guarding against this that [ can see. In entering a car, however, all trouble can be avoided, and it might be if a few street car travelers would set about introducing che reform I have suggested. Of course, I don’t expect to see a general movement in this direction immediately, but Tt am bopeful of a beginning. In fact, I have seen some encouraging indications already.” soe terly Blase, From the New York Sun, “I saw something today,” began Mr. Bentley, “that I doubt if any New Yorker of my age ever saw before, and I hope that no New Yorker will ever see again. I saw a policeman leading an Italian as a prisoner; he had the ‘nippers’ on him, as was evident AFFAIRS IN GEORGETOWN Chester Boyd Shot in the Leg While At- tempting Burglary. Many Other Notes of Inter —Corn Goes Up 4 Cents—Higher Than Wheat. Chester Boyd, a colored boy, residing in Bell's court, Georgetown, opposite the “Twenty Buildings” on Q street, was shot this morning while engaged in burglariz- ing the confectionery store of Frank Storty, an Italian, at the junction of the Tenley- town, Glen Echo and Bethesda electric roads, about-twenty feet over the District Ene. The boy received the shot in the lower part’of his leg. He was considerably crip- pled. The weapon used was an old gun Toaded with buckshot. The boy fell back. Boyd ts thirté2n years of age. He is the son of ,“Gus'! Boyd, the janitor at the Farmers and Mechanics’ National Bank {and the Potomac Insurance Company's building, and is the brother of “Sap” Boyd, now doing six months in jail for riotous genduct. ‘The youthful burgiar was taken charge of by one of the Montgomery county sheriffs and taken to the Rockville jail. Storty’s place was broken into some time ago, and since then he has been always on the ajert, « About a Set of Harness, Jolin’ ‘W. ‘Selman, or Sullivan, was ar- regted yesterday on complaint of Percy T. Mason, who charged him with the theft of a Set of harness. Sellman tells the fol- lowing. story:, He had a horse and vehicle to sell. Desiring to take the same to Wash- ington, where he thought a more ready sale could be met with, he borrowed, or hired, a set of harness from Mason, who is a ‘carriage builder. He claims that he horse and vehicle to a stranger and hired a colored boy to carry the har- ness back to Mason. He was about to leave for Baltimore and could not superin- tend the delivery of the harness. Mr. Mason's property did not show up and the Warrant, in consequeace, was sworn out. It charged. hinr with petit larceny. Wouldn't Prosecute. Michael, or “Mick,” Caton, who was as- saulted 4n bed about ten days ago by his son John, allas “Polly,” and bruised and torn with stones on the face, head and body, refused to prosecute yesterday when the case came up at court. He pleaded al- most total ignorance of how the Injuries were received, though he was being mal- treated by his son wher the police appear- ed on the scene. Polly was, however, fined $20 by the court. Notes. J. G. and J, M. Waters received a con- signnent by way of the canal and the boat Seneca of flour, ear corn and feed. Corn has of late been scarce, and the price, In consequence, has risen, Fifty- eight cents is being obtained for it here, which is about 4c. higher than Baltimore is paying. Wheat is quoted at Sie. It is a rare thing, dealers here say, to be obliged to pay more for corn than wheat. Commander J. W. Kirkiey and a repre- | sentation from George U. Morris Post, G. | A. R., Georgetown, will attend the national encampment at Pittsburg next month. Miss Hannah J. Jackson, daughter of the late David Jackson of 3016 M_ street, died last night at 10:5 o'clock. The funeral will take place on Friday morning at 10 o'clock. Yesterday was pleasantly spent at the residenve’ of Mf. Wm. Brewton, on 33d street. It wag the birthday of Mrs. Anna Davis, the mother’ of Mrs. Brewton, she having passed the eighty-fourth milestone of Mife. She was kindly femembered by her pastor, relatives.and friends. —— + RCKINTON: HAILROAD SUED. Contract to te Lincoln Avenue. Florence .MeDevitt today entered suit against the Eckington and Soldiers’ Home Railway Company, asking $30,000 damages because of alleged failure of the railroad to perform a contract. The plaintiff in her bill, after stating that she is the widow,of the late Martin Mc- Devitt, who died September 18, 1892, says that on “ApHil'®, T889; she owned a parcel of land called “Part of Prospect.” An agree- ment was made between Mr. and Mrs. Me- Devit: and the railroad company, whereby the latter was granted a right of way, sixty feet wide, through the land referred to, in consideration that Mr. and Mrs. McDevitt would pay the company within five years the sum cf $500 and interest, in return for which the railroad company agreed to ex- tend its line along the right of way, and after the extension was completed to run a car thereon to Lincoln avenue at least once in thirty minutes between 7:30 a. m. and 6 p. m., and at least once an hour up to 9 p. m., and one car at 11 p. m. Although her husband and herself faith- fully carried out their side of the agree- ment, Mrs. McDevitt says, the railroad on May 1, 1893, ceased to run any car upon the extension after 6 p. m., and on January 1, 1894, ceased to run any cars upon the ex- tension to Lincoln avenue. Further, the land mentioned contained about twenty- three acres of suburban ground, and after making the above agreement it was divided into 182 building lots. The plaintiff claims that by the default of the defendant in the running of the cars she has been damaged by the cutting of the right of the occupation of her premises by the de- fendant, and by the fact that the cessation of the running of the cars has reduced the rarket value of the lots at least twenty-five cents per superficial foot. Therefore, dam- ages are asked in the sum named, > FOLLOWED THE BAND. THEY And Now They Will Spend Six Months Ja A band of music leading a funeral proces- sion yesterday afternoon attracted what seems to be the necessary accompaniment—a crowd of colored men, women and children, who took full possession of the streets, as is usual in such cases, and did the usual amount of prancing and dancing. It is not customary for the police to prevent such scenes unless there is a fight or trouble of some kind, although on several occasions a number of arrests have been made. Yesterday some of the negroes departed from the general rule when the band, on its return, reachéd the neighborhood of Sth and N streets, and the crowd came in contact with Sam Kling’s banana wagon. Then there was a general rush made for the ripe fruit, and it soon disappeared from the wagon. Rody Rice, the leader of the negro raiders, carried a club, and with it he inflicted a serious blow. The proprietor for | of the wagon and stock caught the blow on on | his arm and received a painful wound. Precinct Detective Barnes and Policeman Laurenceson were on hand, and they suc- ceeded -in capturing Rice, the leader, and e to see intro- | icdward Gray and Charles Edwards. Judge Mills heard the proof in the case today. The injured foreigner was in court, with his arm in a sling, and the policemen, as citizens, told the story of the raid made on the cart. + The prisoners denied the charge. Judge’ Mills. showed by his remarks that he ts decidedly opposed to these disgraceful exhibitions on the streets, very time there is a band of music on the streets,” the judge remarked, “the negro roughs turn out in large numbers and take charge of the streets. Men, women and children glike follow the bands and make a public nuisance’ of themselves, which is a menace.to the rights of respectable citizens. In this case the prisoners seem to have taken a new departure and committed rob- bery in addition to making a nuisance of themselves.” In conclusion the judge told the prisoners that they might have been charged with highway robbery and sent to the peniten- tiary,but the attorney had only charged them with larceny, and he would stamp his con- demnation of thetr conduct by giving them six months in jail without fine. _——>_—_ to any person. But not a’ soul took any. of it. Instead of a crowd of men ard pursuing the captor and captive, no one but myself saw It. And I stood and watched the pair, wondering if civic pride had entirely departed from New York; and it wasn’t till a truck driver “HI? at me that I recovered myself.” Leon to Draw His Pension. Justice Bradley, in Criminal Court No. 1, today issted an order directing the marshal to take Dr. Edward Leon, recently convicted of manslaughter, to the United States pen- jon agency in this city and allow him to draw his pension, and by | | the first platfarm only, which is “Stock brokers who take quick flyers from customers on the New York and ¢ markets handle more worthless checks than or anyone else has any idea of, G. T. Campbell of New York, at the Riges House this morning. “This ts particuls true of the small brokers who conduct th business in cities away from the markets. A great many of these people depend for their custom upon mei who put up small margins, and either make or lose thelr in- vestment in the course of two or three hours. Of course after a man has played regularly enough at an office to become re- garded as a reguiar customer, nu question is raised about taking his check for any purchase of stock he may order, and 1 know two or three men, who have tided over disaster hy depositing checks with brokers for a purchase of stock when they didn’t have a cent in bank to meet the pa- per in case their deals proved disastrous. This system is followed every day by op- erators, who have suddenly become pinched and throw honor to the winds in an at tempt to recoup. their josses. Frequently when they lose they either age to rake and scrape érough money to place in bank to meet the check or throw themselves upon the mercies of the broker, they have a’ tempted to swindle. Of course if they make a fortunate deal they close it out and take back the worthless check as part payment of the proceeds and the broker is none the wiser. Out in Chicago recently a gang was @scovered and broken up that was using forged checks in stock operations. In one broker's office a membsr of the gang had used one of these cheeks and there was a Profit of $400 coming to him. The broker discovered the character of the check and refused to either pay the profit or return ‘he worthless paper. There are tricks in all trades and the man who gambles regu- larly, in, stocks or gratn 1s pretty apt to know his share of them. “Every now and then the information is scattered ‘broadcast over the country that a close watch is being kept on the anarch- ists in Chicago,” said Herman Schroth of the windy city, at the Ebbitt Saturday. “After the recent riots had been subdued the papers teemed with accounts of the sur- velllance that was being exercised cver the stock yard anarchists, and the public shud- dered in imagination of the knots of red- handed, bold-browed, heavily-bearded con- spirators, sitting around in dark and re- pulsive rooms, manufacturing deadly bombs with which to scatter death and disaster among decent people. Every newspaper man in Chicago is well aware that all this stuff about nests of ‘reds’ and dens of anarchists in their city is largely the result of faking imagination. After the Haymar- ket affair the same blood-curdling informa- tion was published by the column full, and the result of it was that many of the lead- ing merchants and capitalists of the city were bled for the purpose of keeping up an alleged espionage upon the anarchists who were claimed to be plotting against the safety of the city. Thousands of dollars Were subscribed to a general fund, which Was supposed to have been paid out to pri- vate detectives and other sleuths who were keeping tab on the proceedings of the an- archists. Pretty soon it was discovered that these self-constituted Vidocgs were feasting on the fat of the land and that the regular police of Chicago were doing the work of keeping an eye on a handful of men who were suspected of having an- archistic tendencies. There are no more anarchists In Chicago than there are in any other city where lazy foreizners, who are shrewd enough to play upen the fears of the people, indulge in wild threats that they never carry out. oratory may have inmaking fatiatics out of weak-minded listeners, and if the police authorities of every city would arrest the individuals who privately or publicly in- dulge in incendiary language it would be a very short time before we would hear nothing more of the anarchists.” “The class cf Japanese from which the soldiers are recruited is as quick to fight as the same class in the Chinese nation is slow,” said Charies R. Pentland of Seat- tie at the Arlington Saturday. “Only the better class of Japanese come to the east, but out om the western. coast. we have a large number of the tough representatives of the Mikado, and they are as quick to resentment and as eager for revenge as a Malay, and when they get into a fight they will use anything as a weapon that comes within their.reach.. Que ef the worst mur- ders I ever heard of was committed in my town of Seattle three years ago. Two Japanese were engaged in. a discussion when one gave the other the lie. Quick as a flash the insulted heathen jumped to the wall,.where was hanging a long and heavy Japanese sword with slightly curved blade, such as you have doubtless seen in selec- tions of weapons at your National Museum and out at the world’s fair. Taking the handle in both hands the infuriated man swung it around and aimed it with telling effect at the other's head. The force of the blow was so great that it completely cut the top of ihe defenseless Jap's head off. The crime was committed in the White- chapel district in Seattle, which was at that time unquestionably the worst neigh- borhood in the world. The scene ‘of the murder was in a back room, to which ac- cess was obtained by going down a flight of over twenty narrow steps,then through a passageway in which two men could not pass each other, and then through two dark and gloomy rooms. It was a Japanese gambling and eating place, and the tide of Puget sound, which, as you probably know, rises eight or ten feet between low and high, came up within two inches of the floor of the back room. I visited the scene in com- pany with a detective named Cudihee and the chief of police, a man named R and in conversation with one of the English speaking Japs I was told that the murderer did perfectly right, in the speaker's opinion, because his victim took his life in his own hands when he told a Jap that he lied. There appeared to be no excitement among them over the crime, either, and they eyed the policeman and myself in a manner that made me feel uncanny and wished that I Was out on the street again. It is this cless of men upon whom Japan will depend for her strength during the present war with China. And it will be a very interest- ing thing to watch the outcome of a strug- gle where a minority compesed of willing and fearless fighters and armel with the most approved styles of modern weapons is opposed by a vast majority of natural cowards, whose arms for the most part at | bows Present consist of little more than and arrows an@ clubs.” —_>——- THE HIGHEST TOWER. m English Structure and Con- erably Overtops the Eiffel. From the Ashton At Wembley Park, which is about six miles from the heart of London, there is in the course of erection, at the present time, a tower the total height of which will be 1,150 feet—17S feet higher than the Eiffel Tower, Unlike the latter tower, which gazes down on the houses and roofs of the crowded city, the Wembicy Tower crowns an eminence of the beautiful Wembley Park, affording a lovely view of the rounding country. It will be a strange sight to look at the birds flying in the trees so far beneath one, for at the foot cf the tower Is a famous rookery, where the rooks gather and chatter from morning til night. A few years ago the building of such towers as these would have been impossible. It is only with the new methods of hand- ling steel and tron girders that such struct- ures can be successfully got up. Over 150 men are now employed fitting pieces of the tower together, and it is wonderful what rapid progress they make, The foundations which have to support such tremendous weight above them have to be laid in plac and kept there for a long time to allow f. the settling in the earth. There are four legs at the base, and each leg is composed of four smaller legs, or, better, feet. These rest on tremendous foundations that were placed in position over two year: These foundations are made of stone and eon- crete, upon which are fastened the iron plates to which the legs are attached. The material of which the tower proper is com- posed {s called “mild steel. There is not such a network of intricate little girders which we see in the Eiffel Tower; the spaces are more open and the tower appears to be narrower and lighter in the air. The “lifts” which are to cerry the people to the top of the observatory are four in number. Two of them go up ta helght of 150 feet from the ground, and two will go up to Q00 feet, where there is to an upper landing. Above this there NM be several aller landings, to be reacked by stairs only, said These men are dan- | serous only in the effect their loud-mouthed | 7 THE WORLD OF SOCIETY Many Washington People on Their Sum- mer Vacations. Where They Are Spen c Mr. and Mrs, W. Hutchinson jand children left yesterday morning for a month's sojourn at the seashore. Mrs. W. B. Holtzclaw and her daughters, Mirses Ethel and Fay, have gone to Casa- nova, Va., for a month's stay. Miss Stella Carberry and her aunt, Mrs, W. J. Brown, are at The Aldine, Atlantic City, for two weeks. Miss Amy Dixon Is the guest of Mrs. J. F. Waggaman at Ocean City. Mrs. Moore, Miss Fannie Moore and Mas- ter Ambrose Moore are attending the bush n.ceting at Purcellville. Miss Mattie E. Gray has gone to Brown's Mills in the Pines, Burlington county, N. J., for the month of August. Mr. and Mrs. J. Thomas West, jr., and their little children, Gertrude and Rudolph, have returned to the city. Miss Mae McKenny of Baltimore is visit- ing Mrs. C. R. Smith, 613 Q street north- west, Dr. Jas. E. Gessford and ‘wife ure stop- ping at Colonial Beach, and will be joined by Miss A. Sidonia Dunn, Miss M. Etta Colison and Mr. Raymond. Gessford the latter part of this week. They will remain there through the month of August. The Misses May and Lillie Gordon and Miss Effie Shelton are spending the week at the Cushing cottage, Colonial Beach, Mr. Gilbirth Gannon and mother of Cap- itol Hill are rustica at House, Harper's Ferry. = sa era: Mrs. Fannie Kryder and Mrs. Shubert of 2111 K street northwest month of August with Mrs. Mathan fare at Ocean Grove, N. J. Rather. relict J. Duvall, in the seventy-firet year the residence of ber son, Aud: ; Duvall, 1881 M street northwest, on Toreday, August ¥ at 4 o'cloc friends requested tow POSDIOK, ‘1504, amt anate Bowie terment at Bag Harbor, L. L deipata, Boston, Cincinuati papers ‘please copy.) GOLDENBERG. dence, 189 F street northwe BERG, im the sixtieth year « at consutn)stion, (New York, Phtla- and San Francisco | Puneral leaves house at 11 a.m, Thursday. Inter- ment 1:30 p.m. at Baltimore, Md. ° JACKSON, On Tuesday, August 7, INOk at 10:45 pm. HANNAH J., daughter of the late David om. Panera) from her late residence, Friday moruing, Ai Te, a0 | Friends and Telatived respectfiy Invited ¢ end PROCKTOR. OPHELIA On Au h clock ; where solemn bi repose of her soul. RUSSELL Suddeuls. on Tucalay, August 7, 1 at 4:90 a.m. JAMES EDWARD, bell son ot John A. and’ Louisa C. Russell, aged six years and eight mouthe. Tey hands ure clasped upon thy breast, Ve have Kissed thy lovely brow, im our aching hearts we know We have no darling now. Funeral from his late residence, 87 K street north- ‘west, at @ f.m. tomorrow; thence to St. Algy~ sstus Church, where services will be held. SWIFT. On August 4, ISM, in Germaytown, Pa, of theria, when pearly twelve rears old, JENNIE RANSOM, » child Lieut. Go race V. Swift, and grand- Gaughter of the late Commodore George M. Ransom. Interment in Germantown. Carter’s Little Liver Pills. SICK HEADACHE ee ee BY THESE LITTLE PMA They ve Distress from Dyup=psin, Toareation ao ‘Teo Hearts Eating: vA bet: ‘ess, ‘hea Taste in Coated Tongue, Pain tn the TORPID LIV! ~~ a Tegulate the Bowels. Purely Vege- Small Pill. Small Dose Smali Price, CHRAPEST GOOD SERVICE HOSE ON THE MARKET. This hose is a special quality and can- not be procured at the same price > anywhere. Have other qualities Of hose. priced higher, L. H. HOPKINS, 933 F ST. N.W. aut Cost And Below. ‘That's bow we've marked MATTINGS. This is the tag end of the and eversthti 0. Better lose carry the st over, s OND JAPANESE JUINTLISS WAT sours IN ‘pow. Be SE 30-CENT JOT MAT’ pan os. jo” Se The Houghton Com pany, 516 YTH ST. AND 1710 14TH ST. aut It Doesn’t Require Experience To cook well on a gas range. No drafts te get out of order. In fact, there's that" get out of order in the “FAVOR- ITE” GAS RANGES. the most setistactory summer cookers in use. Guarantee satjs- faction or money refunded. See them bere, S.S. Shedd & Bro., oi. au? > SCENT raNct MATIT —~ sere eens Sea Gra: | Hammock, | Fancy Colors, 99C. 2 Stretchers nd Ropes, Good for years of service. Tested up 10 350 Ibs. Complete im every particu- lar. Braided edge of willow Mood. This special price good up to 10 clock Monday morning. |SHopkins, on oth St. f°" so an AS ert 10) Ji WALKER ONS, im sf. 3 ilding T joth-proak Goods, B: Cins and Tile Asdesivs, Five Lining, Pulp Bi ete,