Evening Star Newspaper, October 9, 1894, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR fUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT sUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avera, Cor. 11th Street, by ike Evening Star Newspaper Company, 'S. H. KAUPFMANN, Proa't, paw fit Few York Offce, 49 Potter Buildin, pot mes tong The Evening Star ts served to subscribers in the elty by carriers, on their own accoant, at 10 cents -y week, or 44c. per mouth. Copies at the counter cents each. By mmil—anywhere in the United — or Canada—postage cents per month. Saterday Quintuple Sheet Siar, $1.00 ear; with: foreign pustane oc 00. sa (Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D. C., 6s second-class mail matter.) £7 Au mail subscriptions must be paid In advance. Rates of advertising made kuown oo pplication. Che Evening Star. | Vou 85, No. 21,011, WASHINGTON, D.C. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1894—-TWELVE PAGES TWO OENTS., CAPTURE OF CHE FOO) AVENUESOF ESCAPE CLOSED/NAPOLEON HILL Reported Success of the Japanese in China. LANDING ON THE SHAN TUNG COAST ea Excellent Discipline of the Jap- anese in Corea. THE MIN RIVER CLOSED —_—_—_.+__ YOKOHAMA, October 9.—It is reported that the Japarese have captured Che Foo. Che Foo is a treaty port of China on the north coast of the Shan Tung promontory. It has a good harbor, an active trade and a Population estimated to number about 80,000. ‘The Min River Closed. HONG KONG, October 9.—A dispatch * from Foo Choo says that the river has been closed for shipping. The British first-class armored cruiser Undaunted, twelve guns, commander Edwin H. Richards, which had been ordered to proceed to Nagaskai, Japan, for repairs, has been ordered to remain here. The British secord-class screw gunboat Firebrand, four guns, Lieut. Commander Lionel G. Tufnell, has been ordered to pro- ceed to New Chwang, at the head of the Gulf of Leao Ton. Foo Choo, one of the treaty porta of China and capital of the province of Fo Kien, is situated about twenty-five miles from the mouth of the Min river. Foo Choo bas a naval arsenal, ship yards and a@ school of navigation. Near it are ex- tensive lead mines, and the black tea dis- trict is within seventy miles of that place. Consequently Foo Choo carries on a large trade with the maritime provinces of Chi- ha, both by land and water, as weli as with the Loo Choo Islands and Japan. 1s population is estimated at 500,000. The Battle of Asan. LONDON, October 9.—The Times pub- lishes a letter from Tien-Tsin, which gives @ new version of the battle at Asan. The writer says the Japanese tried, without suc- cess, the tactics which they later carried out at Ping-Yang with brilliant success. It is added that the full details of the bat- tle will never be known, Dut that the Japan- ese surrounded the Chinese and delivered a night attack. The Japanese so managed matters, however, that each of their divi- sions mistook the other for the enemy, and dealt severe execution to their own men, enabling the Chinese force to cut through the opposing lines and continue their march. Excellent Discipline of the Japanese. SHANGHAI, October 9.—A dispatch from Chemulpo, dated October 3, says that there were fourteen Japanese transports in the harbor at that time, and that since Sep- tember 27 the Japanese have landed 7,800 troops and 756 coolies. Referring to the conduct of the Japanese troops in Corea, the Chemulpo dispatch says that while on the march even the private soldiers pay the Coreans for every- thing obtained from them. The daily ex- pense of the operations of the Japanese army is said to be 300,000 yen. The advices from Chemulpo say that the Chinese recently crucified two Japanese prisoners who fell into their hands, and they are also said to have beheaded two wounded Japanese soldiers who were found in an outpost hospital, which had been hur- riedly abandoned. German Cruiser at Shanghai. The German cruiser Ariona has arrived here. . Efforts to End the War. PARIS, October 9.—A dispatch received here from Rome says that the Italian min- “Ister at Pekin has addressed a note to China, at the request of his government, in- viting conferences with Japan in an en- deavor to bring about an end of the war and offering his own offices in order to complete such an arrangement. A Second Army Threatening Moukden LONDON, Octoher 9.—A dispatch received here from Shanghai says that a recond Japanese army is reported to have crossed the Yalu river and to be advancing upon Moukden, which, it ts believed, wil! soon fall, as the Chinese ure reported to be in @ condition of demoralization. No Confirmation of Reported Landing SHANGHAI, October 9.—The Chinese have blocked the mouth of the River Min, leading up to Foo Choo, and vessels bound for that port must now discharge their cargoes at Sharp Peak. No confirmation has been recetved here af the report that the Japanese had ef- fected a landing near Port Arthur. The British gunboat Redpole, I ieutenant and Commander Charles G. May, arrived here today and reports haying visited the vicinity of Port Arthur, where the Japan- ese were reported to have landed, without finding any trace of them. Supplementary reports are received here of the naval battle fought off the mouth of the Yalu river, repeating the assertions frequently made that the Japanese did not lose any of their war ships in this en- gagement, although several of them were badly damaged. Two of the Japanese war ships recently approached closely to Che Foo, probably seeking for the Chinese warships of the southern squadron. It is reported from Pekin that the tax on gcods being transmitted to and from the interior will again, probably, be largely in- creased in order to provide extra war funds. It is also stated that the viceroy has requested the salt merchants to co! tribute to the war expenses, and {t is ex- pected that the sum of 5,000,000 taels will be raised by this means. Rassia Hurrying Troops Forward. LONDON, October 9—The Manchester Guardian publishes a letter from its St. Petersburg correspondent, saying that Rus- sla sent a note to Japan in September claiming an interest in the future govern- ment of Corea. Japan's reply, it is asserted, was un- friendly to Russia’s proposal. Russia’s position in eastern Siberla does not render that territory safe in a conflict with Japen, but large reinforcements of troops are proceeding to the military sta- tions along the Amoor and Usser rivers. Nothing From Minister Denby. A brief cablegram was received by Act- ing Secretary Uh! today from United States Consul Jernigan at Shanghai, China, stat- ing that the two Japanese students, who were arrested there in September, on a charge of being spies, and who were report- ed to have been beheaded, are alive and are No word has been received from United States Minister Denby touching his re- rted warning to American residents of ekin to flee from the city, in anticipation of an attack on it by the Japanese. It is said that the minister would not require specific instructions from the Department of State in such case, as it would be his uty, under his generai instructions, to take any steps necessary or prudent to protect the lives and property of the American and Japanese residents of Pekin, the latter be- ing specially under his care by the request of the Japanese and the consent of the Chinese government Disastrous Fire at, the Luke Fidler Ool- liery. One Workman Dead and Four Others Shut Up in the Mine—Result of a Carpenter's Neglect. SHAMOKIN, Pa., October 9.—One work- man dead and four others closed in the mine with all avenues of escape cut off, and the most disastrous mine fire ever known in the western anthracite coal fields, now raging at the Luke Fidler colliery, is the result in brief of a carpenter’s negligence. Fifty-five other workmen, who were em- ployed in the mine at the time of the ac- cident, had thrilling escapes, as they were compelled to grope their way through smoke and noxious gases in order to reach the fresh air and safety. The féur men who are still missing have been smothered be- fore this, as all parts of the big mine are certainly filled with smoke and deadly after damp. The fire started in the airway of No. 1 shaft late last night, and Irvin Buffington, whom the colliery officials hold responsible for the disaster, is dead. His body was not burned, as death was due to suffocation. George Brown, a miner, and his Polish helper, Anthony Bobert; a driver boy from Luke Fidler and another Polish laborer, whose name is not known by the mine offi- cials, are in the mine, and no hope is en- tertained of recovering them. The mine is now a mass of flames end cannot be approached from any direction. It is feared that the inside workings will haye to be flooded, which means many months of idleness to the 900 employes. Superintendent Morris Williams of the Mineral Railroad and Mining Company in- formed a representative of the Associated Press that while Irvin Buffington, John Anderson, jr., and others were engaged in retimbering No. 1 shaft, the former dis- obeyed orders by lighting his naked lamp in the air course for the purpose of testing the air. A spark set fire to the timber, that was as dry as powder, and the current carried the flames up and down the shaft like lightning. Buffington was advised by his fellow-work- men to make good his escape, but he neg- lected to heed their warning, and returned to the bottom of the shaft in order to ex- change his gum boots for his shoes. This delay cost him his life, and his dead body was recovered in the tunnel about 5 o'clock this morning. Superintendent Williams, Mine Inspector Edward Brennan, Inside Foreman August Hehr and Arthur Kennedy and all of the under bosses at the Fidler and Cameron mines formed three relief parties and en- tered the mine to rescue the sixty im- prisoned workmen by way of the coal run workings through No. 3 airway on the mountain and down the new shaft. The lat- ter opening proved a godsend to the men, as to this channel most of them owe their es- cape. The smoke spread through the inside work- ings with great rapidity and alarmed the men and boys doing night duty in the mine. While the imprisoned men were rushing through the inside workings in search of an air shaft for an outlet hundreds of their friends gathered about the mouth of the shaft, and as the fan house was destroyed by the flames the cries and moans of the mothers, sisters, wives and children of the imprisoned employes sent chills through the hearts of many hardy miners, who were waiting for an opportunity to assist their doomed comrades. Two of the men were overcome by the smoke while making their escape, but the Coal Run rescuing party succeeded in car- rying them out and restoring them to con- sciousness. The gangs of workmen cannot get to any point near the fire on account of the smoke and gas, so that the flames can- not be fought with any success. This mine connects with the Hickory Swamp colliery of the Union Coal Company, and it has to be drowned out, which will compel both mines to shut down for a year or more. Luke Fidler colliery is oper- ated by the Mineral Railroad and Mining Company and gives employment to 900 men and boys. es WOULD VOTE FOR HIM. Intimations of Judge Trumbull didate for Senator. Chairman Taubeneck of the people’s party had just finished reading a speech delivered by Judge Lyman Trumbull before the pcpulist mass meeting in Central Mu- sic Hall in Chicago last Saturday night when The Star’s representative called on him today. “Judge Trumbull’s speech,” said he, ‘will cause more people to think and read on the the lives of the Omaha platform than any other speech heretofore delivered in the state of Iilinois. A person need not read between the lines to know how Judge Trumbull will vote next November. He is with the people's party on every funda- mental principle they advocate. His refer- ences to the money power are grand, and will make thousands of converts for the people’s party in this campaign. If I were @ member of the next Illinois general as- sembly I should not in the least hesitate to vote for Judge Trumbull for the United States Senate. He and Senator Jones are the two great accessions to our party in the west this year.” “Is there any organized movement in the people's party to make Judge Trumbull the candidate for Senator?” “No, I think not. On that subject 1 can only say that if I were a member of the next legislature of Illinois I should be willing to vote for him, and I cannot say more than this without incurring the risk of compromising our candidates for the legislature.” —+ e+ ENORMOUS VELOCITY. Steel Rifle on New Design Completea at Navy Yard. The naval ordnance officers have just completed at the Washington navy yard an eight-inch steel rifle of the Hurst type, which will be tested at Indian Head in a short time. The gun itself is on the lines of @ regular ten-inch rifle, but owing to a pecullar construction of the breech and of the shell and cartridge, extraordinary claims are put forward for it. The car- tridge case comprises a tube within a tube, and into these the base of the projectile, properly recessed, fits snugly. The purpose is to first ignite the inner powder charge and then the outer, thus starting the shot gradually, and then accelerating its pro- gress. It is asserted that the result will be an enormous velocity for the projectile, which may also safely be charged with a high expiosive, owing to the absence of shock in starting. ——-e Personal Mention, Dr. Geo. E. Ricker has returned to the city from his three months’ outing. Auditor Petty has returned to the city after a short stay in the mountains of Vir- ginia. Mr. Homer Lind (Louis Lindheimer) leaves Washingt today, and tomorrow he will sail for Germany, where he will fulfill en- gagementy and complete his operatic stud- les. . Secretary Hoke Smith has returned from his speech-making tour in Georgia. Secretary Lamont has returned to Wash- ington. ‘Sr. Clifford Smyth, United States eonsul at Cartegena, Colombia, is In the city on leave of absence. Augustus Heaton, jr., and Harry Heaton, sons of Mr. A. G. Heaton of this city, have just entered the freshman class of Yale College. Will Morton Play the Role of * Wellington? REPUBLICAN VIEWS OF THE SITUATION What is Thought Heré of the Whitney Letter. MR. CLEVELAND’S SUPPORT As the lawyers express it, the issue is joined in New York now, the argument be- gins this week and the people, in their capacity of tribunal of the last resort, will render their decision in November. Meanwhile the interested and confiding Dublic vill be treated to many varying and contradictory reports of the progress mak- ing. The watchmen, in the persons of the campaign managers, will tell regularly of the night and what the signs of promise are. It is the safest of predictions that both sides will be confident of success, in their expressions for public consumption, up to the last hour of the polling day. That is one of the hard necessities of the occa- sion. Whatever his real Information and conviction may be, or whatever twists and twinges his fragment of a conscience may be giving him, the party chairman who does not obey the photographer's injunction and look pleasant, and follow the auc- tioncer’s example and cry up high the wares he is offering, is either recreant to his trust or unacquainted with its real nature. But there are some things the public will know for itself, and so well that no cam- paign buncombe or exaggerated partisan claims on those scores will be able to affect their judgment in the slightest. For one thing, the size of the two candidates has already been accurately taken. 2 Republican Es: ates of Hill. The republicans are not under-measuring Senator HilL They know him to be bold, frank, aggressive and resourceful. He has tact and strategy as well, and he man- ages men with resolution and a knowledge almost intuitive of the capacity of indi- viduals. He rarely makcs a mistake in assigning his lieutenants to particular lines of work. He will be everything and ¢very- body on his side in this fight—candidate, latform, chairman, committee, orator, ustier, The brand of Hill will designate the package, top and bottom. Nothing will be genuine that does not bear it. He is thoroughly acquainted with the state, from Buffalo to the Battery, and the rank and file of his party at home absolutely w: ship him. This feeling may not be affec- tion—it does not resemble the feeling that Mr. Clay inspired—but it is thorough, im- Pregnated with trust and confidence, and it will carry those who possess it and are possessed by it to all possible lengths in the effort to serve their hero. This is the man who is leading the democrats. The republicans, for their part,and by the concession of their opponents, are very ably commanded, Mr. Morton, ‘The democrats do not deny to Mr. Morton the possession of many sterling qualities, including high character, public spirit, vigorous common sense, and a clean and wholesome home life. He stands for the best pha: of American citizenship. He has borne a most honorable part in public affairs, serving with distinction as Con- gressman, foreign minister at the most im- portar.t and trying capital in Europe, and latterly as Vice President. That he would make a good and safe governor, even of the greatest state In the Union, no democrat of reputation undertakes to dispute. Mr. Morton has enjoyed exceptional personal prosperity. He is rich, but he has not earn- ed his money by oppresstng less fortunate people, and he gives liberally to the poor and in forwarding great public enterprises. He lives weil, but his name is not associated with the snobbery of swagger resorts, or the chromo pictures presented of so-called English country life. He has the hearty respect of hi rty at home. While he does not inspire the sort of feeling that Senator Hill does, being less magnetic and lacking altogether in dash, he is well be- loved and implicitly trusted, and all the re- publican factions are crowding to his sup- port. A Rept ican View. The expectations of the democrats, found- ed upon the superb running qualities of Sen- ator Hill, have appeared in The Star, and following them appropriately may be pre- sented the expectations of the republicans, founded upon their appraisement of Mr. Morton and the general situation. Said a prominent republican to a representative of The Star today: “Mr. Morton will win, and by a handsome Majority. The question is in the hands of the independent voters with large interests at stake, and those interests dictate the support of the republican ticket this fall. The rank and file of either party will, as usual, vote as directed by the bosses and managers. Tammany will go with a shout for Hill, and Platt’s men will throw up their hats for Morton. The thoughtful man with a home and a paying business will reason the case out for himself. He will be able to concede to each candidate everything claim- ed for him by his admirers and supporters, and then will turn to the real question in- volved. What will be the result? He will see that the issues involved are national, and that his vote will have a bearing on their ultimate settlement. Does he favor sound money? Then why vote for Hill? Nine- tenths of the democratic party want free silver coinage. The republican party op- poses free coinage, and Morton's election would tend to strengthen the cause of wise finance. Does he want reasonable protec- tion? Then why vote for Hill? Hill is not a free trader, but nine-tenths of his party are. A vote for Morton will be a vote to restore and continue the American policy of protecting the home market. Does he want the income tax repealed? Hill fought the income tax, but he stood alone on the demo- cratic side of the Senate chamber in doing it. The republican party {s against the in- come tax, and is disposed, and will be able, if restored to power, to wipe it off the Statute books. So, you see, strong as Hill may be individually, the argument is all against him, and he will be overwhelmed by it. His very strength advertises his party’s weakness, and operates as an in- junction to the people to retire it from the control of the government. Hill will be bad- ly beaten.” Will It Be His Waterloo? Comparisons are springing up. Hill is Napoleon; Morton is Wellington. Hill has returned from Elba, the Senate, and the field is Waterloo. Morton is in command of the allied forces. The republicans, the Clevelandites and the mugwumps are all marshaled under one banner, so to speak. Napoleon's presence on the field is conceded to be the equivalent of fifty thousand men In action. Wellington Morton admits that. But the day of fate has arrived. Napol:on will be beaten and swept off the field for- ever.” The Whitney Letter, ‘The democrats are greatly pleased with the Whitney letter. His presentation of reasons why all democrats should support Hill, whether they like him personally or not, and the fact that he (Whitney) is strongly in support of the ticket, though, as he says, he has not always been friendly to the cause of the Senator, will, they be- lieve, be very effective In bringing the ad- ministration folks and kickers generally into line. The reasons he presenis, they say, should lead any democrat and any man who does not want simply to trade one sort of machine off for another to support the Hill ticket loyally. It is believed that whitney’s utterances will be gmerally ac- cepted as voicing the sentiments of the n: tional administration, and that all those who are merely wait to know what Cleveland would like to have done will be satisfied by Whitney’s letter. It is quite evident that whatever indirect assistance can be given the democratic can- didate for governor of New York by Mr. Cleveland will not be withheld, but there may be some question as to how this as- sistance can be given to the best advantage. While Hill made enemies among his col- leagues in the Senate by his course, it is a great mistake to assume that resentment is held toward him in the White House on ac- count of that. As, of course, every one familiar with the situation knows, quite the contrary is true. ES It is believed, however, by those in best Position to know, that the importance of the administration support of Hill is ex- aggerated. The opposition of Mr. Cleve- land might be a serious matter, but it is much doubted whether any efforts of his part in Hill's behalf would have any effect upon a majority of those independent-re- form-mugwump leaders who have always fought Hill. Mr. Cleveland probably has much less influence with this element in New York than is generally believed. They have usually supported him when he has been a candidate, but in this they have been guided by circumstances. They have generally looked upon him ag an available instrument for the accomplishment of what they want in politics, but they have never yielded to him the staff of leadership. The disposition has been rather to requiré cer- tain concessions from him 4m consideration of their support than to take commands from him, or to follow his tead in any way. When his lines and theirs Me in the same direction he appears as their great cham- pion, but it does not appear that he has any power to lead them where they have not already made up thelr minds to go. As far a8 these men are concerned, if they have decided to fight Hill there is Probably noth- ing Mr. Cleveland could say or do that would change any one of them. NOBLE LITTLE WILLIE He Aids the Arrival of Qity Post Office Stone. Preparing an April Fool for the Gov- ernment at the Eternity Job— Booked for 1898. Little Willie Water Boy—for the lack of a better name—may be dusky, amd he may be sleepy. He may not travel fm the highest social circles, and he may not have creases in his trousers. Irdeed, he may not have any trousers at all. But he hhas’a habit of getting there. He sat on the wharf when all hope had gone from other breasts, and he brought that missing schooner to port with her cargo of stone for thé new city post office, in a highly artistic marner. There is talent sometimes where’it is least to be expected, The long awaited schooner “Three Sisters” reached her wharf last night, put she was beaten in by another vessel) that left Fox Island after she did. So the: ae now AS shiploads of stone in town, and it will be- gin to reach the site in a day or two. But the citizens must ‘not expect from this announcement that the work of hiding the ugly iron frame of ding will be begun at once. It may be @ week before the masons appear on the battlements with their trowels and their habits of procras- tination. The derrick on ghe northeast corner, which is first to bé tackled, must be lifted to the top of the framework, so as to be in position to hoist the stones clear of the walls, and that will take fully three days, Then there will have to be a great hunt for men, who are, of course, very scarce in this town, and so the labor of Se the walls may be delayed for so ays. This morning there were forty-seven men and a gentleman on the site. The forty- seven men were clad in their usual gar- ments of toil, while the gentleman stood upon the top of the walls and voked forc- ible English at the men, and scowled. He represented the brains of the enterprise, and he thrust his hands in his pockets so far that he cannot be counted In the census. These forty-seven men working daily dur- ing each working day of the year—without counting out the rainy days and the holl- days—would finish the structure on the ist of April, 1898, making a good joke on the government, which would unquestionably be surprised to find its work done so quick- ly. This total is in danger, however, of a speedy fall, for the fiat has gone out that the yard must be cleared for the stone that came last night, which ts to be piled around the walls, and the men in the trench, which has now stretched across the cenfral face of the building, are soon to be called off. This item has been a boon to the computa- tion, for the sixteen or seventeen who have delved there daily have swelled the totals splendidly. Then, too, this magnificent weather cannot always last, and a spell of rain or drizzle may come at any time. Another Example. Yesterday mention was made of the fact that the power house of the Washington and Georgetown railroad, which is almost as large as the new post office, and built upon the same kind of foundation, took just two years to complete. That fact can undoubtedly be supplemented by other in- stances of quick and effective construction in this city, but especially in others, where large buildings are rot exceptional. There is an instance of prompt work here, how- ever, that shows that stone and tron con- struction may not necessarily be slow. This is the Loan and Trust Company building at the corner of 9th and F streets, ten stories in helght. The ground space is, of course, much less than in the case of the Post office, and there are not nearly so many cubic feet in the pile. Yet there is some measure of comparison there, That building was finished to the last detail within iourteen months from the day on which the contract was let. The contractor, Mr. William C. Morrison, the well-known builder of this city, undertook to have the structure finished in that period, and he did better than he promised. ‘The secret of success there was the application of busi- ness principles to the work, and the enter- prise shown by the chairman of the bulld- ing committee, Mr. John Joy Iadson, who Went to the stone quarries at Blue Hill, Me., ard to the iron foundries to urge the delivery of materials long before they were really needed. An Offer. “I would undertake to finish the post of- fice,” sald Mr. Morrison to a Star reporter theother day, “within three years from the completion of thé foundation. "Give me that fcundation that is there now and I would turn over the building complete to the government in less than thirty-six months, interior finish and all. That would mean about four years of work in all, everything counted. The trouble at the work is not with the builders or the contractors, but with the architect’s office. The plans are slow in being prepared, and the contracts are not let until just before they are to be executed. There is no need for letting out that job in such little bits. It could all be done together, and I do not see the reason why the iron work has been cut up into three pieces. There is where the delay comes.” Not Finished Until October 19, 1918, ‘To the Editor of The Evening Star: Am greatly relieved to hear of the safety of the water boy of the post office. The de- lay would have been most disastrous had he failed to furnish Mquid refreshment to the noble 48 toilers on the structure, The arithmetician of The Star is seriously at fault: At the present rate of progress, as I am advised by my “lightning calcula- tor,” the post office will not be finished un- tl October 19, 1918, at 4 o'clock p.m. Your artistic and accurate engraving of the post office hangs in a prominent place in my house; the pensive water boy in the foreground is the special admiration of all Visitera, ‘ A.W. P. NO FREE TRANSFERS Result of Negotiations With Subur- ban Railroads. OFFER OF THE METROPOLITAN COMPANY How President Phillips Construes the Law of Congress. ANSWERS OF OTHER ROADS ry The effort to secure the adoption of a free reciprocal transfer system with the Rock Creek, the Brightwood and the Georgetown and Tenleytown electric railways by the Metropolitan Railroad Company has failed, and the persons who reside in the thickly Populated suburban semicircle to the north of Washington and transact their daily busi- ness in the city will be compelled to pay two fares, as heretofore, in order to reach the center of the capital. It was believed and hoped by every suburbanite that the recent legislation by Congress, which directed the Metropolitan company to enter immediately into transfer reciprocity with all other strest railroad companies whose tracks con- rected with its own, would bring about their long desired boon of a ride from their country homes into the heart of the city for @ single fare, and the class so much affected will doubtless consider they have a griev- ice in the failure cf the roads interested to ‘ach an agreement. A Talk With President Phillips. When a representative of The Star called at the offices of the Metropolitan Railroad Company this morning to ascertain the defi- nite features of the affair, President Phillips was somewhat disinclined to talk. When assured that the matter was the subject of public gossip, however, he became more susceptible to the interviewer. “The public did not get any information regarding the negotiations looking toward the proposed transfer system with the suburban electric railways from this company,” he remarked, “but, as you say {t has become the subject of comment, I will give you the facts in or- der that the position of the Metropolitan Railroad Company may be plainly under- stood. How He Construed the Law. “Under the law approved August 2, 1894,”" continued Mr. Phillips, reading from the statute, “the Metropolitan Railroad Com- pany is authorized and required immedi- ately to make reciprocal transfer arrange- ments With street railroad companies whose lines now connect with its lines and to fur- nish such facilities therefor as the public convenience may require. I have read that clause verbatim. Well, sir, almost immedi- ately after I became president of the road 1 addressed written communications to the Rock Creek railway and the Brightwood and the Tenleytown railways, informing them that it was the opinion of the board of di- rectors of the Metropolitan Railroad Com- pany that the public, under the above act, was entitled to a free reciprocal transfer between the respective lines, and that this company was prepared to offer such facill- ties therefor as the public convenience might require. “To this the Rock Creek railroad re- sponded that they would issue a transfer between their lines and the Metropolitan for 3 cents additional, of which they were to receive 2 cents and the Metropolitan 1 cent. That company also further offered to issue free transfers to commuters who lived along the line of the road. To this the Metropoli- tan Railroad Company ‘replied that the act of Congress grants a free transfer to the public, which right cannot be impaired even with the joint consent of both railroads, The Ofer to Transfer. “The offer to transfer,” continued Mr. Phillips, “‘was either at 18th street and Florida avenue, or at 18th street and Con- necticut avenue, and also at 9th and U streets. This transfer from the Rock Creek railroad would t@ke the passengers to the entire limits of both the 9th and F street lines, The Metropolitan R. R. Co. offered either singly or jointly with the Rock Creek railroad to buy or lease a tract of land, and erect thereon a suitabie transfer station, such as the public con- venience might require, the expense of the land or its lease and the cost of the build- ing to be borne equally by both companies. “The Metropolitan Railroad Company declined to issue commutation tickets along the line, because for two reasons,” he went on, “first, because it would be unlawful, as in conflict with the acts of Congress regulating intercourse in commerce between states, by which all discrimination against citizens, on the part of railroads, is pro- hibited when the lines extend, as these do, into two jurisdictions—the District of Co- lumbia and Maryland. Second, it was im- practicable, because it could not be fixed who reside on the line; some of the resi- dents in the counties of Washington and Montgomery living from a mile to a half mile from the actual physical line of the Reck Creek railway, and, inasmuch as all transfers must be reciprocal, commutation tickets would have to be issued to all resi- dents of Washington city Mving within a half mile to a mile of the tracks of the Metropolitan company, extending through Washington and Georgetown. This would be plainly impossible. To this letter no definite response has yet been received.” From Other Roads. “What replies, if any, were received from the other roads?” queried The Star re- porter. “In regard to the Brightwood railroad, returned President Phillips, “‘the Metropol! tan company has also made the same offer to issue free reciprocal transfers at 7th street and Florida avenue. To this propo- sition the Brightwood Railroad Company has replied that they decline to entertain the proposition for the free transfers, alleg- ing as a reason that the Metropolitan coni- pany are, in their opinion, about to adopt @ system of electric propulsion for their cars that the suburban lines cannot use. In reply thereto the Metropolitan company answered in substance that the electric system proposed to be adopted by it would not impair or in any manner violate the said act of Congress or any part thereof, nor would it impair or in any manner vio- late or infringe any rights of the Bright- wcod Railway Company secured to that railway by said act of Congress.” Yas there anything else?” Yes, the letter of this company also said that the excuse of the Brightwood com- pany therefore to comply with the law in the judgment of this company was fal- lacious; that there was no possible connec- tion between the subject of issuing trans- fers, which was an immediate duty and one the pubiic had the right to have per- formed at once, and the entering into re- ciprocal trackage arrangements, which is postponed by the Jaw until August 2, 1806."" Former Negotiations, “In their communication to this com- pany,” added Mr. Phillips, “it was alleged by the Brightwood company that some ar- rafigements to transfer had been agreed upon between the railroads. To this the Metrorolitan repiied that they did not be- lieve that Mr. Stephenson had entered into any agreement, but, at all events, it was a matter of no importance, as the late pres- ident had no power to impair the rights of the public to a free reciprocal transfer. To this there bas been no response, nor has this company received any answer to its communication to the Tenleytown railroad, proposing the establishment of a free trans- | fer system between the lines. 'No letter has been addressed to the Eck- ington road,” said Mr. Phillips, in conclu- sion, “because that railroad comes upon the track of this company on 5th and also on Ist street to the Capitol, giving them ade- quate entrance to the heart of the city.” IMPORTANT ASSIGNMENTS Naval Officers Disturbed Over Three Lead- ing Stations. Would Like to Know Who to Com- mand at Annapolis, New York and Atlantic Station. Considerable interest is manifested in naval circles in regard to three important assignments. These are the Naval Acad- emy, the New York navy yard and the South Atlantic station. The four years’ term of. Commodore Phythian as superin- tendent of the Naval Academy expired sev- eral weeks ago. Rear Admiral Walker was detached from command of the Pacific sta- tion in order to assume this duty, but for some unknown reason his orders were re- voked soon after his arrival in Washington several weeks ago,and Commodore Phythian is still on duty at the academy. Although there is no doubt that the latter will be relieved, there ts considerable uncertainty as to the personality of the officer who will take his place. The only thing apparently settled is that it will not be Admiral Walker. That officer recently endeavored to have the affairs of the academy taken out of the supervision of Admiral Ramsay, chief of the navigation bureau, failing in which he requested to be relieved of the assignment. commands in the gossips have it that it will be given to Admiral Walker, but there may be a slip up there, for the reason that it may be found neccessary to detail that officer to command the Asiatic station in the event of the voluntary retire- ment of Commodore Carpenter during the same month. The third important naval assignment referred to is the command of the South Allantic station, which has been vacant since the transfer of Commodore Kirkland to the command of the European station last month. Commodore Selfridge, presi- dent of the inspection boand, has been offer- ed this command, so it if said, but shows no inclination to accept it: If he is ordered there, of course, he will have to go, or else resign his commission, but the matter nas not reached that point yet. It is expected that all these matters will be settled within the next few weeks. ——__-o+______ ANOTHER NAVAL DEAL. Plan to Move Commodore Potter Up Several Points. The recent big naval deal whereby Com- modores Fyffe and Erben were enabled to retire with the rank and emoluments of rear admirals is to be duplicated, if possible, for the special benefit of Commodore E. E. Eotter, governor of the Naval Home at Philadelphia. In the ordinary course of events Commodore Potter will be retired at his present rank in May next. He is now number three in the list of commodores and stands no chance of promotion to the higher grade before retirement, except by the voluntary retirement or death of a rear ad- miral, before he leaves the active list in May next. His seniors in the ‘list of com- modores are Commodore C. C. ter, commanding the Asiatic station, and Com- modore W. A. Kirkland, commanding the European station. Commodore Carpenter will become a rear admiral by the retire- ment of Admiral Gherardi in November, and Commodore Kirkland will reach the same grade soon after by the retirement of Ad- miral Greer. These promotions will put Commodore Potter at the head of his grade, but he can get no higher before his retire- ment unless a vacancy is made in the grade above. The present plan of promoting Com- modore Potter is for Commodore Carpenter to retire as soon as he has received his pro- motion by the retirement of Admiral Gher- ardi in November next. Commodore Kirk- land would then be promoted to the grade of admiral, and Commodore Potter's pro- motion to the same grade would naturally follow by the retirement of Admiral Greer in February next. There is no doubt of the success of this plan, provided, of course, Commodore Carpenter is willing to go on the retired list as soon as he receives his promotion to the highest possible grade in the navy. a NOT A CANDIDATE. Several Reasons Why Mr. Cr! Not Be Senator. The statement in dispatches from Georgia that the fight over the senatorship there may result in the election of Crisp to the Senate has danger in it for the managers of the democratic congressional campaign. Crisp declined when appointed to the Sen- ate to succeed Colquitt, though the appoint- ment came with the assurance that he could remain in the seat practically as long as he wanted to, He declined because he preferred to be Speaker of the House. He also refused to be candidate for the Senate in the next Congress for the rame reason. Should he now accept the place or even permit it to become understcod that he would do so, it would have a very depress- ing effect upon the democrats. It would be construed into an acknowledgment on his part that he had no hope of carrying the next house and would be a wet bianket to the party. Crisp understands this well, and there is no probability of his permitting his name to be used in anyway in connection with the senatorship by his friends. The con- test might become so bitter as to render his election the only thing that could pre- vent serious trouble for his party locally, but it is not believed by his friends that even then he would consent to go to the Senate, under existing circumstances. He has repeatedly said to those most intimate with him that be would prefer being at the head of the minority in the House, even rather than go to the Senate. — NOT BEHEADED. wim Japanese Students Arrested hai Reported Alive. A brief cablegram was received by Acting Secretary Uhl today from United States Consul Jernigan at Shanghai, China, say- ing that the two Japanese students who were arrested there in September on a charge of being spies, and who were re- ported to have been beheaded, are alive and are being treated well. No word has been received from United States Minister Denby touching his reported warning to American residents of Pekin to flee from the city in anticipation of an attack upon it by the Japanese. It is said that the min- ister would not require specific instructions from the Department of State in such case, as it would be his duty, under his general instructions, to take any steps necessary or prudent to protect the lives and property of the American and Japanese residents of Pekin, the latter being specially under his care by the request of the Japanese and the consent of the Chinese government. —_——_—o WISCONSIN DEMOCRATS, Senator Mitchell Says His Party W: Carry the State. Senator Mitchell of Wisconsin told a Star reporter today that he was getting very encouraging news for the democrats |from Wisconsin. “Everything I get,” he said, “indicates activity among the demo- erats and great hopefulness. I have just received a letter from Chairman Wall, in which he says we are going to carry the state and elect five representatives to Con- gress. He has charge of the campaign and | ought to be well informed as to the situa- ; tion, and he is evidently enthusiastic and | confident.” A FOUR-CENT LOAF Bakers Propose to Give Poorer Bread @ Cent Cheaper. RESULT OF A MEETING LAST NIGHT Journeymen Say There Has Been No Recent ‘increase of Wages. THE LABOR AND MATERIAL Following closely upon The Siar's publi. cation of yesterday calling attention to the fact that no change has been made in the retail price of bread in this city, although the cost of flour has been greatly reduced within the past two yearr, comes action by the bakers in the line of furnishing cheaper bread. At a meeting of tht bakers’ ex- change last night it was resolved hereafter to bake a loaf of bread which can be sold to the retail dealers for 3 cents, and fur- nished to the citizens for 4 cents. This loaf, according to the statement of the bakers, is to be made of the best flour, the same grade used in the making of the finest qual- ities of Vienna bread, but is not to contain milk, lard or sugar, the ingredients which now, the bakers claim, make the bread sold in Washington of a quality surpassing the standard bread of other cities. It a thus be soem m that the bakers have met the demand o! people for cheaper bread by reducing the quality in proportion to the price. It is thi it, however, that this will rot satisfy the citizens, who de- mand a reduction in the price of the great staple of life, but who are not willing to go back to the quality of bread with wi they had to be content before the modern steam bakery, fine flour and new processes for the mixing and baking came into vogue. The Meeting of Bakers. The meecing of the bakers’ exchange, which was held at Mr. Schneider's office last night, was atte sded by representatives cf all the firms composing that organization of employers, namely: Chas. Schneider, Havenner & Co., Geo. Klinke, Berens & i i i E st made in the price of the higher bread, that which is made with t ailk, and sugar, at the presen’ wages paid to employes, and that ing of the price of bread of the first q ist be accompanied by reduction in The Four-Cent Loaf. “It must be explained,” said Mr. Schneider to a Star reporter today, “that this 4-cent loaf now to be furnished will be a good, wholesome loaf of bread. In fact, it will be the same loaf which was formerly fur- nished befcre we came to using milk, and sugar It will be the df ie sit “i bread indicate that the latest a bakers will not prove satisfactory. said that people who are satisfied lower grade of bread can now get want of that kind for 4 cents a loaf, as smaller bakeries now 5 3 E & ef protect themselves against the competition of the small bakers. It is claimed that under this new arrangement the business of the small baker, who heretofere bas ex- clusively furnished the cheaper br. than the smaller deal advanced, therefore, that the wholesale bakers, instead of being actuated by a de- sire to meet the public demand, culating upon a line of action Not Satisfactory. - “The fact is,” said one of these citizens, “the bakers are now getting their flour of the present standard quality at the ent price at the time when flour was per cent higher. Why can they not that bread cheaper now, when flour cheaper? That is the position we take, none of the explanations of the bakers which I have thus far seen have answered our question. I doubt the expediency of stamping the bread. There are thousands of people in Washington who are There are many in this class, however, who wili to have object the stamp of their poverty staring them in the face at every meal.” From the Journcyman’s Point of View Mr. Theodore Sonnenberg, master work- man of Labor Assembly No. 2389, one of the bakers’ unions, is very much interested in yesterday's publication in The Star. Mr. Sonnenberg is an intelligent and well-in- formed man and takes an earnest interest in the welfare of the craft. To a Star re- porter today Mr. Sonnenberg said that it is true that a better quality of bread is made by the bakers of this city than in probably any other large city of the Union. He said the workmen here get better wages than in many cities, bu: that the statements upon this line made by a prominent baker who was interviewed in yesterday's Star were greatly exaggerated. “I think that the wholesale bakers could reduce the wholesale price of their bread without a consequent reduction of wages,” said Mr. Sonnenberg. “It is probably true that they could not reduce it to the extent of one cent per loaf, wholesale. That would be a very heavy reduction, and it is doubt- ful if the profits would stand it; but they can certainly come down. Another mis- statement was made by the employing baker who was interviewed yesterday. He sald that it Is difficult to get bakers in this city and that he had to send outside for them. That is wrong. There are twenty- five bakers out of work here today, who would be glad of employment. The men are reasonably satisfied with the present rate of wages, but I do not think they could stand a action of* wages.” Mr. Sonnen! then submitted to The Star a statement in writing in reply to the interview of the employing baker published yesterday. His statement is as follows: “The issue of The Star yesterday con- tained an article concerning the reduction of the price of bread. article one of the leading baker besses claimed that the high price of bread was caused through the