Evening Star Newspaper, September 17, 1894, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR ——-——- PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, T THE STAR BUILDINGS, Sika’ seal Stic Nemepaper Uenoey eka ae Kew York Office, 40 Potter Building, The Evening Star is served to subseribers in the eity by carriers, on their own account, at 10 eents week, or 44c. per month. Copies at the counter cents each. By matl—anywhere in the United States or —postage prepald—6O cents per — Saterday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1.00 ear; "ahaa as Ret fk SF anion 0 tered ai ce at Wi » Cue ~Sa - mail matter.) eyioctencactn, mail subseriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of rertising made iknowa on pplication. Che Hvening Star. my Vor. 85, No. 20,992. WASHINGTON, D. C., MONDAY, SEPTEMBER DRIVEN FROM COREA The Chinese Army Destroyed by the Japanese, 16,000 OF THE FORMER LOST ———_.+—___ Ping Yang Taken After a Fight of a Half Hour. THE DEFENDERS OUTFLANKED Attacked in Front, the Sides and the Rear. EFFECT OF THE VICTORY Ses LONDON, September 17.—A dispatch re- ceived here from Seoul, dated yesterday, says that during the evening of Thursday ‘ast a Japanese column from Pung San made a reconno!ssarce in force, drawing the fire of the Chinese forts, thus ascer- tainiug accurately their disposition. This done, the Japanese fell back in good order, with little loss. On Friday night, the dispatch adds, all the Japanese forces were in position for a combired attack. The Gen San column was threatening the Chinese left flank. The Pung San column was facing the Chinese center, and the Hwang Cu column was operating on the Chinese right. The latter column had been reinforced the day before by a detachment of marines and blue jackets from the fleet stationed at the mouth of the Ta-Tong river. The Chinese utilized their old defenses at Ping Yang, and had thrown up new works, with the result that their position was ex- eeptionally strong. The battle opened on Saturday morning at daybreak with a direct cannonade upon the Chinese works, and this fire was continued without cessation until afternoon. The Chinese fought their guns well, replying effectively to the Japanese fire. A 2 p.m. a body of Japanese infantry was thrown forward in skirmish order, and kept up a rifle fire upon the enemy until dusk. All the fighting during the day was done by the Pung San column. The Chinese de- fenses suffered exceedingly from the Japa- nese fire; but it is doubtful if the losses on either side were great, as the troops, both Chinese and Japanese, took every advan- tage possible of the shelter which the earth- works, on one side, and the nature of the ground, on the other, afforded them. ‘The flank attacks upon the Chinese posi- tion did not deviop any material advantage during the day, although the Japanese gained some advanced positions. But they mainly occupied the same ground at night as when the attack upon the enemy was opened. The firing was continued at in- tervals throughout the night. The Chinese Outflanked. In the meantime, the two flanking col- umns of Japanese drew a cordon around the Chinese troops, and at 3 o'clock in the morning the Japanese attack was delivered simultaneously and with admirable pre- cision. The Chinese lines, which were strong in front, were found to be weak in the rear, and the Chinese, utterly unsuspicious of the Japanese attack from that quarter, were taken completely by surprise, became panic stricken, and were cut down and bayoneted by the hundreds. So well was the Japanese attack di- rected that the Chinese were surrounded at every point and eventually sought safety in theght. Defending the intrenchmerts, however, were some of Viceroy Li Hung Chang's picked Chinese troops, drilled by Europeans. ‘These soldiers made a determined stand to the last and were cut down to a man. The Pung San column, swarming over the damaged defenses of the Chinese front, completed the rout of the Chinese, and the whole of the latter’s position was captured by the troops of the mikado. Sixteen Thousand Chinese Lost. Some idea of the manner in which the Japanese attack was delivered may be judged from the fact that one-half an hour after the early morning attack commenced the strongly defended position of Ping Yang was in the hands of the Japanese troops. It is believed that the Chinese po- sition at Ping Yang was defended by 20,000 Chinese, of whom only a few succeeded in escaping. The Japanese victory was bril- liant and complete. An immense amount of provisions, arms, ammunition and other stores, in addition to hundreds of flags, were captured by the Japanese in the Chinese camp and in- trenchments. It is estimated that the Chinese lost 16,000 men in killed, wounded and prisoners. Among the captured Chinese are several of the prominent generals commanding the Chinese troops in Corea, only a few of the Chinese commanders succeeding in escap- ing, and these got away almost immediately after the Japanese made their attack upon the Chinese rear. Among the Chinese commanders taken Trisoner was General Tso Fonkwal, the commander-in-chief of the Manchurian army, who fought desperately to the last, and who only yielded when he was badly wounded. Trifling Japanese Loss, The Japanese loss was trifling when ccm- pared with that of the Chinese, only thirty Japanese being killed and 270 wounded. Eleven Japanese officers are included in thes: mbers, and the soss of the Japan- ese was incurred mainly during the first day's fighting. The loss of the Japanese during the night attack was very small, due to the fact that the Chinese, taken by surprise, became panie-stricken, threw away their arms and fied, thus throwing into confusion the regiments who otherwise might have been counted upon to make a better stand. The Japanese, when thig dispatch was sent, were in active pursuit of the fugitive Chinese, and, as nearly all of the latter were without arms, having thrown them away during the panic, they will undoubt- edly surrender so soon as the Japanese overtake them. End of Chinese Campaign in Corea. So far as the active operations of the Chinese in Corea are concerned, the war 's practically at an end for a long time to come, and the main land of Corea may ve said to be completely in the hands of who shown sympathy for the Chinese and a few detached bands cf Chinese troops may con- tirue a guerrilla warfare for some time to come, but until China succeeds in getting another army into Corea that country will remain in the undisturbed possession of Japan. And in view of previous reports received as to the terrible condition of the roads in the north and the utter impossibility of moving guns and supplies southward it is not likely that there will be any more fighting of importance in Corea during the present year. The Japanese are, naturally, highly elated over their victcry, and it is hoped that it may serve as the basis tor peace negotia- tions. Reports Confirmed. Inquiries made at the Japanese legation here confirm the reports received regarding the victory of the Japanese at Ping Yang. Confirmatory Reports. SHANGHAI, September 17.—Reports re- ceived here from various sources say that a great battle has been fought at Ping Yang, Corea, between the Chinese and Japanese troops. The battle is said to have lasted two days, end the Chinese army of 20,000 men is said to have surrendered to the Japanese. The attempts of the American and British war correspondents to proceed to the scene of the fighting have been unsuccessful. JAPANESE LADIES VOLUNTEER. They Are Ent’ Want to E SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., September 17.— Advices received in this city from Yoko- hama state that a corps of trained female nurses has been dispatched from the Tokio training school to the military hospital at Seoul, and others are being trained for this service. Throughout all Japan the women have caught the war fever and the greatest en- thusiasm prevatis. A number of ladies of rank have offered to go to the seat of war as volunteer nurses, and others have even offered to raise a corps of female warricrs; an offer not so strange as might at first appear, as all Japanese ladies of good family ‘are taught to use the sword and halberd, and many of them are expert with these weap- ons. It can, however, be safely predicted that the last offer will not be accepted. JAPANESE BETTER ON LAND. Views of a German Attache at Tokio Japan. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., September 17.— Count Wedel of Berlin, who has been an at- tache of the German government at Tokio for two years, has arrived on the Oceanic, en route to Germany, where he will remain. In speaking of the war he says there is much excitement of a suppressed character among the Japanese. They are very dif- ferent from Anglo-Saxons, in that they do not give visible evidence of excitement common with us. “I believe the Japanese will win all the land battles, because they have trained armies against the coolie armies of China,’ said the count, “but the Chinese have the best navy. The Japanese are short ef money, and if the Chinese prolong the con- flict they will win. I cannot see what the Japanese can gain even by a victory.” Japancse Legation Receive News. A telegram has been received at the Japanese legation announcing that a gen- eral engagement between the Japanese and Chinese forces took place at Ping Yang, near the northern frontier of Corea, on Saturday and resulted in a decisive victory for the Japanese. The officials of the lega- tion expect to receive fuil details of the bat- tle in a short time. They state that this is the first official intelligence received at the legation with regard to the fighting in northern Corea, concerning which there have been so many and such conflicting rumors, and on that account they regard it as very important, since it contains the on- ly authorized statement of what has re- cently happened in northern Corea. ——.__. THE KNOTTY TARIFF LAW. The Reason Given Why Secretary Carlisle Will Not Take a Vacation. It was generally rumored today that Sec- retary Carlisle was about to leave the city for a few weeks’ vacation and that Secre- tary Gresham had returned to the city in order that he might do so. The report is based on the theory that it had been a ranged that there should be at least one membec of the cabinet in the city at all times during the congressional recess. Sec- retary Gresham's familiarity with the Pres- ident’s ideas in regard to the tariff law made it natural that he should take Secre- tary Carlisle's place in the present im- portant crisis in the administration of that law. Either Assistant Secretary Curtis or Assistant Secretary Hamlin was to act as secretary in the absence of Mr. @urlisle, but was not to act finally on any important question of administration without the ap- proval of Secretary Gresham. That is the way the story ran, but it is based alto- gether on false premises. Inasinuch as Secretary Carlisle does not propose to take any vacation and will not be away more than two or three days at a time, it will not be at all necessary for Secretary Gresham or any one else to superintend the business of the Treasury Department. Mr. Carlisle finds himself too busy untying the knots in the tariff law to even think of taking a vacation. At least, it is so stated at the Treasury Department. ——___+ e+ —_—___ Lincoln's Admiration of the Navy. During an examination of a lot of old cipher dispatches relating to the war of the rebellion on Saturday Major George B. Davis, in charge of the war records bureau, came acrcas a letter written by Abraham Lincoln to the managers of a sailors’ fair held in Boston in November, 1864, in which he said: “Allow me to wish you a great success. With the old fame of the navy made brighter in the present war you cannot fail. I name none lest I wrong others by omission. To all, from the rear admiral to honest Jack, I tender the na- tion's admiration and gratitude. “A. LINCOLN. —-—— +e No Sug: Bounty to Be Paid. As predicted in The Star early last week, Secretary Carlisle has written a letter to Senator Manderson, saying that after full consideration of the application made by certain producers of sugar in the states of California and Nebraska for the payment oz bounty upon suger produced under the McKirley law up to the date of the ap- proval of the present law, he has arrived at the conclusion that such payments cannot be made without further legislation by Congress. — ——— Secretary’s Herbert's Trip. Secretary Herbert, who has just returned from an extended tour of Inspection of the various navy yards on the North Atlantic coast, expresses satisfaction at the quality @nd amount of work now in progress at the yards, and particularly at New York and Norfolk. The Secretary was much pleased with the character of the work on the cruiser Raleigh, which is one of the four vessels built at government navy yards in recent years. He found the ship complete in every detail, and a noble craft, of which the navy should be proud, LOUISIANA OUTLOOK Republicans Are Keeping a Watch- ful Eye on the State. HOPES OF SECURING THE DELEGATION Will Make a Vigorous Fight in the Campaign. PROSPECTS OF SUCCESS The republican party organization is keeping a very watchful eye upon Louis- fana. The Louisiana delegation in tae next Ccngress may find itself seated on the re- publican side of the House. The outlook for such a contingency is very promisirg, it is said. is At this particular moment the party or- ganization is said to be taking a passive part in Louisiana affairs, for such is the best policy at this juncture. Louisiana is now in the act of falling out with her first and best love, the democracy, as every one knows. Louisiana asserts that she has been badly treated and threatens to throw off her allegiance and espouse another. A Fai y Row. At present it is in the nature of a family row, and the republicans are keeping in the background to some extent. When the cpen rupture comes they will step forward and politely offer an arm to Louisiana to escort her into the republican household. Inasmuch as the movement to come over to the republicans was a spontaneous one on the part of the democrats themselves the party organization has resolved to let that movement develop to its fullest extent before interfering in an open and marked manner. When it: has reached a stage where it needs encouragement the republl- can organization will be ready to take hold vigcrously. Campaign orators and campaign lterture will be furnished in profusion and steps toward that end are now being taken. Republica Will Make a Big Effort. It can readily be seen that it will pay the republicans to make the most strenuous ex- ertions in Louisiana in this campaign. To cut out that state from the solid south and swing it into the republican line would be an achievement worthy of almost any effort or sacrifice. The gain of one southern dele- gation for the republicans would mean a great deal in case the presidential election should be thrown into the next House. It will not be necessary to carry the entire congressional delegation in order to make Lousiana count for the republicans in the event of the election of the President by the House. If they can elect four republican Corgressmen Louisiana would vote for the republican presidential candidate. If they elect three Congressmen they would at least succeed in losing the state to the demo- cratic candidate,for no vote could be cast by the state. Fouw tion for Good Work. In the second congressional district there is always a fight for supremacy. It was re- publican in 18$4 and 1888, and even in the great democratic tidal wave of 1802 the re- publicans made a good fight. Other dis- tricts in the state furnish a substantial foundation for republican work under ordi- nary conditiors, and in the present state of dissatisfaction among the democrats, of course, adds immeasurably to the prospects and hopes tur the party all over the state. + 2+___—_ GREAT BRITAIN AND JAPAN. Why the English Government Got Ahead of Us in the Treaty. In the ratification of the new treaty be- tween Great Britain and Japan at Tokio on August 25 the United States, for the first time since Commodore Perry, in 1854, open- ed the ports of Japan to our trade and ne- gotiated the first treaty of commerce, has allowed a European power to take the initiative in forwarding the recognition of Japan as a fully civilized sovereign power. This occurred through no lack of a desire on the part of Japan to accord us first place in such negotiations, and, in fact, a mutual effort to arrange a new treaty has been making for the past ten years. This would undoubtedly have been successful and the United States would have pre- ceded Great Britain in cementing the friendship of Japan by wiping out the ob- noxious system of extra-territorial juris- diction had there not been other and dis- turbirg elements in the negotiations with which the British were not obliged to con- tend. The Immigration Question. The most important of these was the Question of immigration, which has become of overshadowing importance in the United States just now. Certain western Senatozs have looked with apprehension upon the possibility of an invasion of Japanese coolies, bringing with them questions of as grave importance us the Chinese cheap la- bor problem, In all probability, there was little to be feared from this source, but bressure was so strong, it is said, that the State Department was obliged to yield and to require that in the new treaty there should be included some safeguards upon the Japanese immigration. The Japanese government has not been unwilling to con- sent to this, but the difficulty so far has been to arrange the terms of the treaty in @ shape satisfactory to both countries. L. H. Finney, private secretary to Sec- retary Herbert, has returned to the city from Sweet Springs, Va, and Saugerties, NN. Y¥., where he spent his vacation, Secretary Gresham and his private sec- retary, K. M. Landis, returned to the city yesterday after a two weeks’ vacation in Indiana. . Lieut. Mulligan of the bureau of naviga- tion has resumed his duties at the depart- ment after a month's vacation’ at Bar Harbor. Representative Alderson of West Vir- ginia has been suffering from a bad cold, but he expects in a few days to go home to enter upon his campaign. Mr. Charles Rauscher and his young son, who have spent the summer visiting reia- tives in Paris and traveling in Switzerland, arrived in New York yesterday. Dr, A. J. Robbins and J. D. Nevins re- turned last evening from an extended tour through Canada, on their way they hav- ing visited Niagara Falls, Toronto, Mon- treal and other places of interest. Dr. Murray has returned from his sum- mer vacation. Dr. John T. Winter has returned from the G. A. R. encampment, and from a short visit to his son, at DuBois, Pa. Mr. Patrick 41. C. Brennan, after a severe illness of over two weeks, is out again. Mr. Dan. B. Lioyd, the junior member of the corps of official reporters of the Senate, sailed on the Fairfax, of the Merchant and Miners’ line, for Boston yesterday morn- ing from Baltimore, intending to spend a couple of weeks traveling in the north, —————_+ 2+ —___. Treasury Receipts. National bank notes received for r~demp- tion today, $313,048. Government receipts— From internal revenue, $336,013; customs, $525,685; miscellaneous, $7,151. IMPORTANT. ARMY CHANGES A New Commissary General of Subsistence to Be Selected. What May Follow Gen. 0. 0. Howard’s Retirement—Those Who May Be Promoted. Several very impertant changes in the army will occur in the natural course of events between ncw‘and the middle of No- vember next. They involve the retirement of officers of the very highest grades and consequent promotions all along the lines. Brigadier General John P. Hawkins, com- missary general of subsistence, will retire for age on the 29th instant. He is now away from the city on leave of absence, but is expected to return two or three days, at least, before the date of his retirement. Col. Michael R. Morgan is now the acting head of the subsistence department, and un- less all rigns fai) he will become the actual head cn the retirement of Gen. Hawkins. He is next in line of seniority, and Col. T. C, Sullivan, the only other officer who has a chance of appointment, follows close be- hind him. Col. Morgan was a strong candi- date for the office when Gen. Hawkins re- ceived the appointment. He was then senior to the latter in point of service, but was younger in years, It is said that the fact that Gen. Hawkins was to retire several years before his competitor turned the scales in his fayor. Col. Morgan will not reach the age of retirement until January, 1897. Col. Sullivan will retire in November of the same year. Gen, Howard's Retirement. The event of principal interest to the army, however, is the retirement from active service of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, the sccond ranking officer of the army, which will occur on his sixty-fourth birth- day, November 8 next. Six brigadier gen- erals are eligible for the prospective va- cancy, each of whom is of high military repute. These are Gen. Ruger, Gen. Mer- ritt, Gen, Brooke, ‘Gen. McCook, Gen. Wheaton and Gen. Otis. They are all dis- tinguished and capable officers. Although it is within the diseretion of the President to select any one of those named, the im- pression prevails in usually well informed army circles that thé chances are strongly in favor of Gen. Ruger, now in command of the Department California. He is first in seniority, and has an exceptionally geed record. Gen. BicCook js the first of the six to retire for = He will leave the active list in April Aext, and his remain- ing short term of servite is believed to de- stroy his chances of’ preferment. It may, however, prove exactly the reversal. ‘There have been many exceptions to this rule, and the case of Gen, MeCb6k may add another. His promotion would’only postpone that of Gen. Ruger or one of his colleagues a few months. Gen. Ruger'is the next brigadier general to retire. He will reach the active age limit in 1897, ' The Brigadjer Vacancy. In an appointment, from colonel to the grade of brigadicr zqneral seniority 1s not quite such an impogtant factor, although with other things eguat it would undoubt- edly predominate, ere is considerabl more latitude in thes selection of a briga- dier general than {s allowed in appoint- ments to the higher grade, and the Presi- dent is Hmited only by the number of offi- ces of the line. By common consent, how- ever, the appointment is concaded to rest among about half a dozen of the senior colonels. Col. Shafter, first infantry, is the ranking officer of his grade according to seniority. He began his military career in the volunteer service, and will retire in 1899. Col, Peter T. Swaine, twenty-second infantry, is next In rank. His chances are regarded as poor, for the reason that he re- tires next January. Following in order of seniority come Col. H. C. Merriam, seventh infantry; Col. Z. R. Bliss, twenty-fourth infantry; Col. Forsyth, seventh cavalry, and Col Anderson, fourteenth infantry. ‘These are ail honorable 1 ames, and it 1s be- Meved that onc of them will be nominated as a brigadier general, although the Presi- dent is by no means confined to that list in making his selection. The chances of Col. Bliss and Col. Forsyth are thought to be a trifie better than their associates’, but that ts a mere matter of speculation. The Department of the Atlantic. The retirement of Gen. Howard will also leave vacant the command of the Depart- ment of the Atlantic, with headquarters at New York. It is almost a foregone conclu- sion that this billet will be filled by the transfer of Maj. Gen. Miles, now in com- mand of the Departn.ent of the Missouri, with headquarters at Chicago. The latter officer will also succeed to the command of the army upon the retirement of Maj. Gen. Schofield next fall. The officer promoted to the grade of major general will succeed Gen. Miles in command of the Department of the Missouri, unless he should elect to continue in his present command. It is un- derstood that Gen. Ruger would prefer to remain at San Francisco for some time longer, even should he succeed In having another star added to his shoulder straps. The appointment of a major general and of a brigadier general will result in promo- tions in all the subordinate grades in the line of the army. THE COLUMBIAN RELICS, Their Formal Return to Spain and to the Pope. The State Department is making prepara- tions to return the Columbian relics ex- hibited at the world’s fair to their owners with all of the formality befitting the oc- casion, and with every precaution neces- sary to their safe delivery. It Is expected that the U. S. S.: Machias will be ready to sail from New York garly next month. The prelics,now in this city,will be taken to New York in the custody pf a representative of the State Department, accompanied by a guard of marines frdm the barracks, The relics will be placed im the care of Capt. Houston of the Machfas and the vessel will sail directly for Cadis, Spain, where she will be met by the secretary of the Ameri- can legation at Madrid.” To this official will be delivered those relies belonging to the Spanish government,and a guard of marines and bluejackets from; the Machias will ac- company the seeretary of legation to the capital, where the relics will be returned to the Spanish government with a letter from President Cleveland ‘to the queen regent thanking her on behalf of the government and the people of the United States for the joan of the articles., When the guard re- turns, the Machias wifl go to Naples and there the ship will be met by the secretary of the American embassy at Rome. He will take charge of the Vatican relics, and re- turn them to Rome, Algo accompanied by a naval guard and bearing a letter of thanks from the President to the pope. Having discharged her mission of diplomacy and complied with all of the amenities of the case the Machias will proceed, by way of the Suez canal, to China, to h Ameri- can interests during the war, = Sendai its For Those Sailing Japanese Sean, The Japanese government has given no- tice that American and other vessels en- tering Nagasaki harbor or the Gulf of To- kio, in order to aveid torpedoes, shall hoist the “M” flag of the international code of signals, when they: will be met by a pilot vessel bearing the “N” flag, baving on board Japanesé naval officers, who will pilot them to port. Steam vessels shail give three long blasts of steam whistle. All vessels bound for Yokohama shall stop for a pilot at the line between Kokubono- hana, and all vessels bound for Nagasaki shall stop at the line between Hirase and Nikkoss. AWAITING RETURNS Breckinridge Has Not Decided Upon a Contest. HIS ACTION DEPENDING ON EVENTS Charges of Padding the Vote for Owens. HUNTING FOR PROOF OF IT LEXINGTON, Ky., September 17.—The Breckinridge forces are hurrying messen- gers to all parts of the Ashland district to- day to secure evidence upon which to base @ contest. Stress is laid upon the fact that Owens’ home county of Scott, which gave him 1,200 plurality, shows an ircrease of 611 over the democratic vote in 1892, and Franklin county, which Owens carried by 521, shows an increase of 681, almost 33 1-3 per cent in each county. The other six counties show from 5 to 20 per cent increase. The Breckinridge men refuse to give out figures, but say their advices from every precinct give Owens only 16 on the face of the returns. Desha Breckinridge, J. C. Rogers and J. C. Bullock have gone to Scott county to get affidavits and to in- vestigate the report that two precincts polls were kept open one hour longer than the law allows, and this will be one of the grounds of contest. The Owens men have every precinct in the district, and insist on 306 plurality. They are sending men to watch Breckin- ridge messengers, and claim to be abie to Prove gross frauds in Lexington that will fg abundant grounds for retaliatory con- est. No Manifesto Issued. Moses Kaufman, president of city coun- cil, and Breckinridge’s closest Heutenant, told the Associated Press correspondent at noon that Col. Breckinridge had issued no manifesto or official notice of contest, and was waiting for exact returns and informa- tion from all the counties before deciding en a course of action. Mr. Kaufman said that some of Breckinridge’s friends now figured Owens’ plurality on the face of the returns at seventy-elght, but the accepted figures were still 169. Well-posted Breck- inridge leaders say if official returns, when canvassed by county commissioners, re- duce Owens’ plurality to close figures, say in the neighborhood of 100, then Breckin- ridge will institute a contest when the dis- trict committee meets at nkfort next Saturday, and will seek to throw out cer- tain precincts on the ground of irregular- ities, or have certain votes rejected on the ground of fraud. Claim of IMegal Votes. CINCINNATI, Ohio, September 17.—A Lexington, Ky., special says: Breckinridge will contest, and has al- ready sent letters to the committeemen in the eight counties notifying them of his purpose. The Breckinridge men have a majority of the district committee, which is the returning board, and declares official- ly who is the nominee on the primary re- turns. It is claimed by Breckinridge men that enough illegal votes were cast Satur- day to overcome the small plurality of Owens. Col. Barney Treacey, president of the Owens Club, claims that hi: man has a clear lead of 400 over the silver-tongued orator, and that he is in no way efraid that Owens will lose the race. He says that Owens could not help but win with the wo- men and moral sentiment on his side. The Breckinridge people say that Owens’ lead is barely 150, and that the committee will give them the nomination sure. THE WINNING CANDIDATE. What a Well-Known Kentuckian Says of Mr. Owens. A well-known Kentuckian in the Treasury Department said to a Star reporter today that Mr. Owens, who promises to succeed Mr. Breckinridge of Kentucky in the next House, will be a credit to the district which he will represent. Mr. Owens, although not above forty years of age, has been in public life for about fifteen years, and his ex- perience will equip him for the position to which he will doubtlecs be elected. He served several terms in the Kentucky legis- lature, and was speaker of the house of representatives. During his service in that body, he earned the reputation of being a most skillful parliamentarian. He is a lawyer of some ability, although in later years he has paid mors attention to politics than to the legal profession. He is a gvod talker, although he could not be called a brilliant orator, but possesses the ability at any rate t> make a good speech, and moreoyer he is a man of fine physical presence. The rumor telerraphed from Kentucky that Mr. breckinnidge would resign his seat in Congress at once is not believed in this city. Persons who are well informed say that Mr. Breckinridge would not do that for several reasons, and one of the principal ones is because he cannot afford to. He needs the salary which will accrue between now and the end of his term. Moreovcr, they assert, that he is not the kind of a man to throw up a good thing im a hurry, and that as long as he has stuck it out this far he will be pretty sure to hang on to his berth to the last minute. —_—- -——_ ASKED TO RESIG) Senator Jones Requested to Give Up His Sent. CARSON, Nev., September 17.—Senator John P. Jones of Nevada has been re- quested by the republican state central committee t) resign his seat in the United States Senate, to which he was elected by republicans. This request is made in a long letter, which was drafted by Chairman Trennor Coffin, and approved by the state central committee at a meeting held in this city. The letter exhaustively reviews Sena- tor Jones’ letter of August 29, to the former chairman of the committee, Enoch Strother, in which Jones announces that he has left the republican party to join the populists, and severely criticises his course of action. The main points of the letter are as fol- lows: “You say that you have not changed your principles—well and good. Then it follows that you have merely changed your name, aad instead of calling yourseif a republican you wiil hereafter term yourself a populist. Do the shining examples of populist inftu- ence (conspicuous among others that of your own colleague), with whom you are aily and hourly confronted in the Senate, justify the belief that such a change will add to your prestige an@ power as a mem- ter of that body? Do not the cases of Sumner and Schurz, and Trumbuil, and many others furnish the most painful re- rinders that the day upon which a bril- and distinguished party leader breaks from the organization in which he has won ail his fame marks the beginning of his political decline? Can you reason- ably expect a different result? “But by what mental processes you arrive | at the conclusion that the great principle involved requires you to part company with the republican party of Nevada your letter entirely fails to disclose. You concede that we are true to the cause of silver. Then why do you abandon us? If we are true to silver, why does not devotion to that prin- ciple of which you write so eloquently re- quire you to remain true to us? Not only have we been true to the cause of silver, but we have been true to every other great principle that you hold dear, and more than all, we have been fidelity itself to you. panda ask again,why have you abandon- us? “The silver party does not accept your = oe Populist party does not ac- cept your 80 t upon ¢very recog- nized political principle you are Jiterally left without a party in the state of Nevada. “The publication of your letter has not caused even a waver in the ranks, and no defeetion of any leader, however great and Gistinguished, will cause them to swerve a hair's breadth from what they believe their duty. ee “In conclusion, we desire to remind you that you were elected to the United States Senate as a republican by the republican party. In the strictest sense the office is a Political one and the republican party is entitled to representation for the full term of six years from the 4th of March, 181. As you now announce that you cannot act with the party that elected you, every con- sideration of propriety and delicacy requires you to resign. In the name of the republican + mage of Nevada we respectfully ask you to 80.’ ———__ NEW YORK POLITICS. Both Committees Dee Interested in the Situation, Both political committees here are deeply interested in the peculiar situation in New York state. The fight there is regarded as the most important as relating to the next presidential election of all the contests of this fall. The indications in this morning's dispatches that the republican nomination will be made at the dictation of Tom Platt are unsat'sfactory to republicans who are interested in the party as a national or- ganization. It is not that there is any particular objection to Mr. Morton, but the fact that if nominated he would be recog- nized ‘as Platt’s man, and this would weaken an otherwise strong candidacy. Democrats Anxious. The democrats who are watching over the interests of their party are very anxious about New York. The fight by independent democrats against Tammany is no new thing—it occurs at every election. This time, however, it is suspected that Tam- many may be willing to be defeated as to the nomination for governor, with the ex- pectation that the nominee may be defeated for election. At present the general outlook is for se perp e ric vonead Aa is an open secret other wing oi party ont Lamont as a candidate. Flower May Decline. The intimation comes from a source where Information as to Tammany’s plans often first settles that when it is demon- strated that Gov. Flower can have the re- nomination if he wants it, he will decline. What is to happen after that ts left to sur- mise, but it is very sagely suggested that if a republican is to be elected governor this fall the administration men may have the democratic nomination. ee THE TREASURY DISMISSALS. Ten Clerks Had Notice Today and Others Are to Follew. Ten clerks in the classified service, U. 8. treasurer's office, were today notified that their services will not be required after the 30th instant. Of the number five are women and five men. Their places will be filled by the transfer of clerks froi the ac- counting offices, abolished by the Dockery provisions of the legislative appropriation bill. Today's dismissals swells the number of victims under that plan to forty, and there still about 100 more to go between now and January 1. Among those already selected for dis- missal, in addition to those already named in The Star, are G. S. Foster, assistant chief of division in the supervising archi- tect’s office; Dr. Charles H. Miller, an $1,800 clerk in the warrant division and formerly assistant chief of that division; Miss Sea- vey, chief of a division in the internal revenue bureau; Miss Vanwrangen, an $1,800 clerk in that bureau, and Messen- gers Harriman, Quinn and Poynton. ——_—_ + e+ —_____ CRICKET AT PHILADELPHIA. Canada Went PHILADELPHIA, Pa., September 17.— The first day's play in the annual cricket match between Canada and the United States began at 11:25 a.m. today on the grounds of the Wissahickon Cricket Club. Canada went to bat. When play stopped for_lunch, at 1:30 p.m., Canada had scored 77 runs for three wickets, with Lyons and Laing still batting. ——___—. Saved the Little One. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., September 17.— The attention of the police was this morn- ing called to the fact that the cries of a child had been heard proceeding from a well in the rear of No. 416 Wetherill street. Policemen, after hard work, succeeded in rescuing a new-born infant, which is still alive. Sadie Stewart, colored, the mother of the child, was arrested, charged with at- tempted infanticide. —— Probably Fell Overboard. cWPORT NEWS, Va., September 17.— Yesterday morning when Engineer Boldt of the barge Mabel Phillips went on deck he found the coat and pipe of his brother, Capt. G. Boldt,*lying near the rail. The captain was not to be found, and it is sup- posed that he fell overboard during the night and was drowned. —.—— Atincked by His Father-in-Law. SACRAMENTO, Cal., September 17.—W. H. Thompson, an actor in the Frohman Company, was attacked last night in the bar room of the Golden Eagle Hotel by John Greer, the father of Thompson's di- voreed wife. Greer caid that Thompson had mistreated his wife, failed to provide for her, and then borrowed money from her parents, which he failed to pay. ——— Mistook Carbolic Acid for Gi WELLSBORO, Pa., September 17.— Thomas B. Young, a restaurant keeper of this place yesterday swallowed two ounces of carbolic acid, mistaking the liquid for sin. He became unconscious in five min- utes, and died an hour later. He leaves a widow and five small children. manent Secretary Miyonka's Promotion, The secretary of the Japanese legation, Mr. Miyoaka, leaves Washington today for Berlin, where he takes a similar post. His change is an advancement, and few diplo- mats have made more rapid progress. At Berlin he takes the place of Mr. Akabane, who was formerly stationed at Washington, and who to The Hague. Mr. Amano, who has filled the position of secretary at Washington before, will be the next sec- retary here. —_—_-+ Anti-Tammany Committee Formed. Joseph Larocque, the chairman of the meeting held by citizens of New York city in Madison Square Garden, September 6, to form a plan of campaign for the over- throw of Tammany Hall, has completed the list of committee of seventy, of which he as chairman, and Gustav H. Schwab, as secretary, were to be members. Among those who have accepted are: Wm. B. Horn- blower, J. Pierpont Morgan, Wm. E. , W. Traves Jerome, Horace Porter, Anson C. McCook, Abram 8. Hewitt, C. Vanderbilt, E. P. Wheeler and Wm. H. Webb. A DISASTROUS FIRE Stomp’ acy and te Buildings Destroyed. LOSS SMD 0 BE $150,000 Four Men at the Hospital Badly Injured. ONE TELLS HIS STORY The Heat of the Flames Was Most Intense. UNCOMFORTABLE RUMORS a A few minctes before °_ .'clock today fire broke out in the five-story double brick building, 631-655 Massachusetts avo! nue, owned and occupicd by Stumph 4? Bro., and used by them as a factory & bedding, mattresses, cots and other hold furniture. Four men were very badly. injured by jumping from the roof on to @ lew building next door. Within an hour of the time that the flames were discovered the building was an utter and complete ruin, scarcely one brick being left standing upon anotner. The Flames Spread Rapidly. With the exception of the great Knox fire, this was the most serious conflagration that has occurred in this city for a long time past. The flames «pread so rapidly that by the time the engines reached there it was seen that there was no possible chance of saving the building. There was some delay in turning in an alarm, and the first word that called out the department was a telephone message to police head- g ge ee way. way to fire and was consequently delayed in ing the scene. able to give but little information as what had occurred. One of the young engineer, who most to death—passed the associates that it would be better if they said nothing until lll E 4 i | injuries by jumping from the roof burning structure. The fire broke the second floor of the building and as paratively few of the employes wore work- ing above that floor most of them, includ- ing a number of young women, were able to make their escape down the stairway, With those above, however, the matter was entirely different. Of these three sought refuge on the roof. There was no chance of escape from here except by jumping on to the adjoining building, as the mat~- tress factory, which hat its main front 28 ise on Massachusetts avenue, runs all the way back to the building Une on K strect. The building was flanked on the east and west sides by several two-story brick buildings. Officer Phil Brown saw the horrible pre- dicament in which these three men were placed on the roof, as the fire department had not yet arrived. He procured a ladder and placing it up against a blackem!th shop kept by John Offenstein climbed up, ard, with the casistance of ex-Policeman Hendricks, dragged up a number of large hair mattresses and placed these so that the men might Jump upon them. One Man Was Cool. One of the three men showed remarkable coolness in his horrible position, and while the others were crying piteously for help, he stccd up leaning against the chimney and watched it all in rather an unconcerned way. One of the unfcrtunate trio leaped off before the mattresses were in position, and was horribly mangled and battered by his fall. The two others were more fortunate and succeeded in landing on the mattresses. Even then they were in @ critical position, as they were so stu by their fall as to