Evening Star Newspaper, November 21, 1894, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUPLISHE b DA LY pXcerr SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th § t, by The Byening Star Newspaper Company, 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. New York Office, 49 Potter Building. pe ar Is served to subseribers In the on their own account, at 10 cents r mohth. Copies at the .ajl—anyw in the prepaid—50 cents $1 nD Washington, D. C. per year; ¥ Quintuple gn postage added, (Entered at the Post Ofice at as second-class ma‘) matter.) 7 All mall subsetiptions K dvance. ation st_be paid in ‘on ap) PITZEL IS NOT DEAD - His Corpse Not Used in the At- tempted Insurance Swindle. ed WAS RECENTLY SEEN IN CHICAGO Tracing the Former Life of Howard or Holmes. — + — THE WILLIAMS GIRL MURDER —__+—_——_- PHILADELPHIA, Pa., November 21.— The mystery involved in the swindle at- tempted on the Fidelity Life Insurance Company, and which was thought to in- clude a murder, deepens as time wears on. Today many theories in regard to the mys- tery were knocked in the head by the an- nouncement that B. F. Pitzel, the supposed murdered man, was seen in Chicago less than two weeks ago. President Fouse of the Fidelity Life In- surance Association said today: “This morning my Chicago representative telegraphed me that a Mr. Ryan, who is a business man of Chicago, called on him and said that he saw B. F. Pitzel in that city less than two weeks ago. Mr. Ryan said that he has known Pitzel for many years and has had frequent business trans- actions with him and that it is impossible for him to be mistaken. “When they met Ryan did not know that Pitzel was supposed to be dead, and the two greeted each other cordially and re- paired to a near-by saloon, where they had a drink together. “Then they separated, and Ryan says that he does not know whether Pitzel was to locate in that city or not. However, our men there and the Pinkerton detectives have taken up the clew, and it is my opin- ton that B. F. Pitzel wili be produced with- in a few day: TILTON, November 21.--The N. identity of H. H. Howard, alias Holmes, implicated in the “burking’ at Philadel- phia, has been clearly established here as 4 native of this state, Herman W. Mudgett. H., His wife, in an interview, during which she was first made acquainted with the true character of her husband, gives much interesting information regarding his ear- ly life. She is living here quietly with he: fifteen-year-old son, and is supporting her- self by dressmaking. She says she married Mudgett in Loudon, this state, more than sixteen ‘years ago, and that for a time he taught school in Gilmantown and Alton. Afterwards he studied medicine at Bui ington, Vt., and later at the Michigan Uni- versity, during which time she resided with her father at Loudon. She finally joined him at Ann Arbor, but returned to Gilmantown. ‘Then she lost all trace of the man after he visited her in 1888 and told her he was going to Chicago on busi- ness until he came to her home about two weeks ago. He remained but a few hours, when he left for Boston, promising to come soon again. CHICAGO, IIL, November 21.—The Chi- cago police know nothing concerning the reported murder of Miss Williams, as de- scribed by Holmes, the insurance swindler. The first intimation that Minnie Wilhams had disappeared came through an officer from Fort Worth, Tex., who came here asking the local officers to assist him in locating the girl. No trace of her was found and the officer returned to Texa: Holmes and Miss Williams lived together in a flat building erected at 701 63d street. Patrick Quinlan was the janitor of this building at the time Holmes and Miss Wil- Mams resided there. He is now around Chicago somewhere, but cannot be located. The people living near the flat building have no knowledge of a murder having been committed there. —_>—. STREET CARS IN COLLISION. Five Persons Injured in a Pittsburg Disaster. PITTSBURG, Pa., November 21.—In a col- lision between an electric and a cable car on the Wylie avenue line at 10:30 this morning five people were injured, one of whom may die. The injured are: Mrs. H. C. Jones, head cut and bruised, dangerously hurt; Gripman Harvey Rea, badly cut about the head and arms; Michael Kombault, Miss Brown and an un- known lady. ‘The electric car was ascending the steep grade on Wyhe avenue, followed by the cable car on the same track. On reaching Fulton street the electric car stopped, but the brakes refused to work and it began tliding backward. Gripman Rea on the wble took in the situation and released is brake, allowing his car to slide back as $ast as he dare in order to break the shock Which was threatened. Soon the electric @ar became entirely unmanageable and gained speed. The passengers on both cars were panle stricken and several leaped from the plat- forms before the collision occurred. Women fainted, and the excitement was intense. At Logan street the cars came together with terrific force, derailing both and wrecking the colliding ends. Mrs. Jones was thrown against the stove in the cable car so violently that she was picked up unconscious and it is feared that she will not survive. ~ LOWS NOTIFIED. FEI coL. Must Show Cause Why He Should Not Be Removed. ALBANY, N. Y., November 21.—Upon complaint of the committee of seventy Gov. Flower has today notified John R. Fellows to show cause why he should not be removed from the office of district at- torney of New York county for neglect of duty. The complaint was made by Preble Tucker, Fulton McMahon, Charles Taber, P. W. C. Welling and Clarence Goadby of New York. The specific charge against Col. Fellows fs that he has failed to bring speedily to trial twelve persons accused of homicide. One of the accused was committed Novemn- ber 16, 18M; two in April and May, 1893, and the others in March and April of the current year. Col. Fellews is given eight days within which to answer the charges. ATERWAYS. & Move That May Be Necessary to Raise Revenue. CHICAGO, November 21.—A dispatch from Duluth, Minn., says a movement is well under way looking to the opening of the great waterways of Canada to vessels of the United States, to secure revenue. The dominion of Canada has for years been building up a system of canals to the heart of the country, and it is estimated that the work has cost not less than $00,- wou,000, which 1s said to be more than the government can afford. The tolls and rev- enue from power privileges have been a bagatelle and Canadian commerce is con- stantly decreasing. It is estimated that it will cost not far from $1,000, maintenance, re there pen: 0 @ year for Is, &c., and re no revenues to meet these ex- _o Refused to Prosecute O'Malley. CHICAGO, November 21.—State Senator O'Malley is in luck. The Greek waiter Varalos, whom the senator shot election night, failed to prosecute today and the €ase was dismissed. ¢ Evening ——e <= Star. SCM Vou 85, No. 21,048. WASHINGTON, D. 0, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1894-TWELVE PAGES, TWO CENTS. GERMANY’S HOSTILE Indications Multiply as to the Treatment of American Importations. The Latest Evidence in a Report From Consul Robertson at Ha: ars. Indications multtply to show that the German government is pursuing a repres- sive policy toward importations from the United States that may in the end call for retaliation. The latest evidence is con- tained in a report to the State Depart- ment from United States Consul Robert- scn at Hamburg. He says that a move- ment is being set on foot by the imperial government looking to the complete ex- clusion of dried and evaporated apples frcm the United States which are found to contain more than a specified amount of zine, supposed to have been taken up from the zinc frames on which the fruit is dried. As a result the trade would severely suf- fer. The consul suggests that fruit driers change their methods and use wooden frames, as it is all-important that articles sent from the United States to Germany should be prepared in gyery direction £o s to offer no grounds for complaint on the part of either German offictals or com- peting dealers, such as might be justly and successfully used to injure or destroy our trade. - Does Not Admit the Defee At the same time the consul does not admit, without further proof, the full ox- tent, by any means, of the alleged well- advertised defects in our food products that are being claimed in Germany. He feels convinced that our gcvernment, upon the proper representations, will take all necessary steps to protect the healthful and unadulterated wares of our exporters from unfair and unreasonable interfer- ence, when offered for sale in the markets ot Germany, and that it will use every means in its power to bring {t about that any restrictions imposed upon them there are such as are actually justifiable from a sanitary standpoint, are not merely arbi- trary and are applied to similar articles when imported as well from another © try than the United States. inclosures sent with the report from our consular agencies show that the discred- iting attacks made in the German papers on American products have extended to American seeds, clover, timothy, &c., which are supposed to have been adulterated and worthless, ‘Test of Smallarms, The same consul transmits a complaint from an importing merchant in Hamburg against the requirement that all American smallarms shall be submitted to govern- ment test and proof before sale. He says that the additional cost of the process makes it impossible to sell American arms in competition with German arms. Inas- much as Belgium and Great Britain have saved their yade by securing German rec- ognition of the suffictency of tests made at their own gunshops, under government supervision, he suggests that American gunmakers’ combine to secure the same privilege. ee THE NAVY'S FINANCES. a eile Interesting Facts From the Report of Paymaster General Stewart, The report of Paymaster General Edwin Stewart of the navy for the fiscal year ending June 30 last is a document of un- usual interest. It presents a more com- plete exhibit of the financial affairs of the department than has ever been made before. The total amount expended on ac- count of the naval establishment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1804, was $31 370,144.91, the largest item being 35,251, for payments on new ships in process of construction, other than labor. During the period covered by the report of the paymaster general the cost of ihe U. S. S. Chicago (second rate) was 3310,- 613.60; the U. S. S. Yorktown (third rate), $169,907.58, and the U. 8. S. Petrel (fourth rate), $103,502.78. These figures afford an approximate idea of the cost of maintain- ing vessels of the different classes. The cost of maintenance cf the New York mavy yard was $60 6.52, of the Pensa- cola navy yard, $54,841.01, These amounts include the cost of officers and clerks and of labor and material applied to the erec- tion, repair, care and preservation of the wharfs, buildings and docks. Gen. Stewart refers to the benefits an- ticipated from the establishment of the naval supply fund. The amount appr priated for that account is so small that the bureau has moved cautiously in the matter of purchasing under it, ‘as it is desired not to have any part of it tied up in stores that are not im constant demand. By ehabling the department to keep « hand a stock of such articles as are con- stantly required, and by purchasing such material in large quantities, the govern- ment saves both tirae and money. Iss ies from this account are reimbursed from the proper appropriations. — ATTORNEY GENERAL MARTIN. He W Make Out the Papers if Kolb is Arrested for Trenson. Judge Martin, attorney general of the state of Alabama, who has been north for some time, passed through Washington today on his way back to Montgomery. It is said Attorney General Martin is very much concerned over the situation in Ala- bama, and it is presumed he is hurrying home to confer with the governor over the steps to be taken if Kolb attempts to carry out his threats against the governor- ship. If Kolb should be arrested for trea- son Attorney General Martin would be the official to make out the papers. Senator Pugh of Alabama has arrived in the city. He refuses to discuss the situa- tion further than to say that if Kolb at- tempts to put his plans into execution he helieves serious trouble will ensue, us Gov. Jones, he says, 1s a man of courage and ds- termination. a THE POST OFFICE BUILDING. Little Progress Noted, but Fifty-one Men Are at Work. More good luck has come to the workers upon the city post office building. The rain came in the night and cleared away by morning, so that the day was saved. Working days are mighty precious just row that the threat comes strong of frost and freezing, so every working hour may be counted as so much gain, over and above the ordinary chances of the case. Fitty-one men were at work today, making it possible, according to the old schedule, to finish the building by the 4th of Novem: ber, 1897. Meanwhile the government will be paying rent at the rate of $43.83 a day for 65 days of the . There is little progress to be noted on the walls of the structure, as the men have been placed on the south and west sides, where the showing {g not rtling. But like the mole, which werks unseen and undaunt- ed, the labor is going on. Lack of spectac- ular effects must not discourage the citi- zens. — Washington Library Association. There will be a meeting tonight at the Columbian University of the newly organ- ized Washington Library Association, be- ginning at 8 o'clock. A committee has been appointed to make a report tonight, con- sisting of Gen. A. W. Greely, chairman; Mr, A. R. Spofford, librarian of Congress and Mr. A. H. Allen of the State Deeurt- ment Library. This report will deal with the recent movement to establish a free public library in this city. Japan’s Answer to Our Offer to Mediate. “ aa WITH POLITE = THANKS Direct Chinese Proposition Through Minister Dun Suggested. THE STATE PAPERS ‘The statements repeatedly made in The Star that Japan would not consider an offer of mediation that did not come direct from China have been verified by cable advices received by Secretary Gresham from Mr. Dun, the United States minister to Tokio. The Japanese legation at Washington has also received from the foreiyn cilice in Japan a cable stating that the reply had been made and giving its terms. Both ca- bles were recetved here Sunday afternoon. The fact that they had been sent first be- came known through a dispatch to the As-¢ sociated Press from Tokio. ‘This much hay- ing become known the officials here make no further concealment of the details of the reply. The cable to Secretary Gresham Is ac- companied by unusual dignity and formal- ity, in having the imperial sanction of his majesty the Emperor of Japan. It is rare- ly that the emperor speaks in diplomatic negotiations, so that his action in this case is evidence of Japan's desire to express its apprectation of the course of the United States. The message is in two parts, the first giving the imperial expression of good will and saying that the success of Japan- ese arms had been such that China should approach Japan directly. The second part is more directly from Minister Dun, and expresses the view of the Japanese foreign office that as China has no minister at Tokio to submit a ¢lirect proposition it — be made by Chi hrough Minister un, he Diplomatic Moves. The cable to Minister Kurino ts sub- stantially the same as the foregoing. The fact that the replies were received Sunday and were not given publicity until now is in part explained by the fact that they were in cipher and were of such length and importance that a casual summary of them was not deemed advisable. The replies were decided on at a special meeting of the Japanese cabinet on Satu and were sent from: Tokio Satur but the transmission delayed them until Sunday. The tone of the reply and the expressions of imperial good will are said to give satls- faction to the effictals here, and now that the facts are known no further reserve is maintained as to the terms of the negotia- Uons, which have hitherto been withheld. It appears that at the outset Secretary Gresham consulted Minister Kurino, 4s there was no desire to take action which to would be otherwise than agreeable Japan. At a conference between the retary and the minister, at which Secre- tary Carlisle was present, the entire pur- pose of this country was made clear. This Was before Mr. Greshain had sent the message to Japan suggesting American mediation. It was made clear that Pres- ident Cleveland had no desire to mediate the trouble, but on the contrary felt that the exercise of the good offices of the United States might entail a serious burden and responsibility, and possibly excite ultimate feeling by one party or the other. Under these circumstances no action would be taken if Japan felt it would create an awk- ward situation. Particular stress was latd on the fact that Japan would be entirely free to act as she saw fit; that there was uo pressure to nave her accept American mediation; and that the entire proceeding was due to the bellef that this country was in a position to render a service to both belligerents. These sentiments were cor- dially reciprocated by Minister Kurino, so that Mr. Gresham had the co-operation of the Japanese minister before the message was transmitted to Japan through Minister Dun. Since then the minister has further co-operated with the Secretary, and the kindly reply, with imperial sanction, is the result. Minister Dun as Intermediary. A new and important situation is now presented by Japan's proposition that Chma make a direct offer through United States Minister Dun at Tokio. This makes Mr. Dun the interesting center of negotiations from this time forward, unless the United States should decline to allow him to act as the direct representative of China in submitting an offer. This is not anticipat- ed, however. It is said that the usual course would be for the State Department to notify Mr. Dun and also Minister Denby at Peking that they were at liberty to | transmit from China to Japan such direct peace overtures as the former destred to make. It would then be for Cuina to for- mulate its offer to Minister Denby. He, In turn, would transmit It to Minister Dun as Chiva’s direct offer and not as an interme- diary offer through the United States. The State Department undoubtedly would’ be apprised of the action of Messrs. Denby | and Dun, but would not be the channel of their communication, as it s the “basis of Japan's new proposition that the offer come direct from China and not through the mediation of the United States. The reply ef Japan is so conciliatory and re- ceptive that {t is pointed out that Minister Dun’s skill as a diplomat has‘ scope for conspicuous service in terminating the war. Other Powers Eliminated. The action of European powers on the new phase of the question is now awalted with much interest. Japan's suggestion that Minister Dun will be an acceptable medium of communication from China in effect eliminates Great Britain, France and the other powers from being a factor in the negotiations. It 1s believed, however, from official information received here that Russia, Italy and Germany will certainly look with favor on China's dealing through Minister Dun. The sume sources indicate that Austria probably will give her ad- herence, as her membership in the triple alliance makes her foreign policy similar to that of Germany and Italy. The post- tion of Germany has been so closely anal- ogous to that of the United States that it has been a question of doubt within the last few days whether Germany might not be substituted for the United States in the cffer of mediation. As there is to be ro mediation Germany’s position still re- mains favorable to an adjustment along the lines suggested by Japan. Italy has already notified the allied powers that she cannot consent to forcible intervention, which is equitable to a declaration in favor of a peaceable settlement, such as would come through China's offer to Minister Dun. It can also be stated positively that Great Britain has favored the recent offer of mediation by the United States on the grounds that it is presumed it would save China from utter destruction and thug pre- Serve the British trade with China, Cnder these circumstances it is believed by of- ficials and diplomats who are familiar with all the correspondence that the European powers cannot, with propriety, interfere with any offer which China wishes to make directly through United States Minister Dun. ————————— Treasury Receipts. National bank notes recelved for re- demption today, $211,769. Government re- ceipts—From internal revenue, $328,067; customs, $494,403; miscellaneous, $54,236, POLICY CHINA MUST APPEAL JUST BEFORE THE WAR Correspondence of Japan and China Pub- lished by the Former. The Events Which Led Up to the Hos- tilitics—Both Nations Sent Troops to Corea, ‘The Japanese government has anticipat- ed the recent offer of China to the foreign powers to furnish the complete offictal cor- Tospondence leading up to the present war, and has itself made public the correspond- ence. It is published in full as @ part of the recent proceedings of the Japanese diet, which have been received by the Jap- anese legation here. The gist of the con- troversy has already been made -known to the public, but the official letters between China and Japan give the first account of the sharp diplomatic fencing between the countries up to a few days before the war. The letters run from June 7 to July 14, and are numbered from 1 to 9. No. 1 is from Wang, Chinese minister to Japan. It informs Japan that a telegram has just been received from Li Hung Chang stating that the Corean government has requested China to send troops to sup- press a rebellion of the Tong Haks. Vice- roy Li, it says, considers the rebellion seri- ous, and therefore complies with the re- quest for troops to protect “our tributary state,” first notifying Japan, in accordance with a treaty provision that each shall inform the other before entering Corea. No. 2 is from Mutsu, minister of foreign affairs of Japan. It very pointedly states: “In reply, I beg to declare that although the words ‘tributary state’ appear in your note, the Japanese government have never recognized Corea as a tributary state of China.” No. 3 is a notice from the Japanese gov- ernment that it intends sending troops to Corea to suppress the rebellion. In No. 4 China “shows her teeth” for the first time, It is a letter from the Isung Li Yamen, the Chinese cabinet, to the Japan- ese minister at Pekin, ‘The letter express- es surprise that Japan should send troops to Corea when it has not been so requested by Cores It adds the follawing significant language: “The sole object of your country in send- ing troops is evidently to protect the lega- tion, consulates and commercial people in Corea, and consequently it may not be necessary on the part of your country to dispatch a great number of troops, and, besides, as no application therefor has been made by Corea, it ig requested that no troops shall progeed to the interior uf Co- rea, so that they may not cause alarm to her people. And, mereover, since it is feared that in the event the soldiers of the two nations should meet on the way cases of unexpected ageident might occur, owing to the difference of language and military etiquette, we beg to request in addition that you will be ggod enough to telegraph the purport of this communication to the government of Japan. No. 5 is Japan's answer to the Tsung Li Yamen, 2 which Japan also shows her teeth. ‘It says: “As to the number of troops to be sent to Corea, the Japanege government are com- pelled to exercise their own judgment. Al- though no restriction is placed upon the movement of the Japanese troops in Corea, they wili not be sent where their presence is not deemed necessary. The Japanese troops are under strict discipline, and the Japanese government are confident that they will not precipitate a collision with the Chinese forces. It is hoped that China has adopted similar precautions.” No. 6 is an offer of the Japanese govern- ment to join China in a joint readjustment of Corea on modern lnes. No. 7 is China's rejection of the offer, in which she says: he idea may be excellent, but the meas- ures of Improvement must be left to Corea herself.” No. 8 is from Japan to China, stating that Japan can no longer disregard the law of self-preservation, which impels her to reform the deplorable conditions of Corea as the root of her frequent rebellions. No. 9 is also from —— to China, stating that as China has declined to join in the admin- istrative reform of Corea, the only conclu- ston deductible is that the Chinese govern- ment “ts disposed to precipitate complica- tions.” This closes the correspondence, the last letter being dated eleven days before Japan sank the Chinese transport Kow SI carrying the Chinese troops be Japan's declaration of war followed ix days later. ar A MALICIOUS HOAX, Story About the Death and Wounding of Seme of the Colambta's Crew. The attention of the Navy Department has been called to a malicious hoax re- cently perpetrated by a person who signed himself “R.-J. Taompson,” and purporting to be a marine attached to-the U. 8. 5S. Columbia. He sent a letter from Kings- ten, Jamaica, where the vessel is anchored, using the ship's paper, to the Nashua (N. H.) Telegraph, saying: “Please have kind- ness and announce in your evening paper the death of a man that served in the United States navy for the past twelve years, was killed here in Kingston, Jamai- ca, by a native while on liberty, and also two of his shipmates were shot in the legs, first name, Peter Donahue, killed; John Lee, injured, and the others name is Corp. D. J. Dufotr, All reside in Nashua. This was done all on account of troubles in Bluefields and tHeir friends wanted re- venge. All first-class and brave men while on dut AM the Statements False. The statements are all false, so far a the Navy Department is informed. Ad- vices have been received from the Colum- bia subsequent to the mail which brought “Thompson's” letter without making any reference to any such events as are nar- rated by that mythical individual. The regulations require reports of ordinary oc- currences, and a matter of so much im- portance as the death and wounding of a portion of the crew would have been re- ported without .delay.. Under these cir- cumstances and in view of the further fact that there is no such person as “R. J. Thompson” in the ship's company of the Columbia, the officials are confident that the story is entirely without foundation. a ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETED. Work on the New Methodist Univer- sity to Be Commenced. Final arrangements for the beginning of the construction of the great American University, to the northwest of George- town, are being made, The endowments now amount to over $700,000, Mr. John F, Waggaman has been the principal Dis- trict contributor, donating property worth $25,000, One gift, though, from an Ohio man, amounting to $100,000 in cash, has been received. The university will be sur- rounded with ninety acres of high and beautiful ground, commanding a view of the Potomac valley for a long distance. Most of the ground was given by the Methodists of Washington. ‘The general plan of the university pro- vides for three buildings for the use of all the departments. They will probably be connected, though as yet this has not been definitely decided upon. The struc- tures will be of bluestone or granite. At some future time there will be established in connection with the university a school of theology for the higher education of Methodists. It ts intended that the whole project shall involve five millions of dollars. HAS BEEN FLUSHED + Mr. Goff Talks of the Purification |, Process in New York. WORK OF LEXOW COMMITTEE How Public Decency Was Prodded and Aroused. THE FUTURE COURSE For three days Mr. John W. Goff, the prosecuting attorney for the New York Lexow Investigating committee, and the recorder-elect of New York city, has been in Washington, and he had not asked a policeman one question. Mr. Goff is taking a rest from his long and wearying duties, and it is to be presumed that he has es- chewed the guardians of the peace with severity. Perhaps the local. police are grateful for this inattention. It is certain that the New York police would have been doubly so had Mr. Goff pursued this course toward them months ago. Mr. Goff and his law partner, Mr. Pollock, reached Wash- ington Monday morning, and established themselves at the Shoreham. They had just come from Richmond, Va., which they in- cluded in their tour of recreation, that was begun immediately after the election. Their presence here was therefore of no signifi- cance whatever, except as it demonstrated Mr. Goff's good judgment in the selection of a place for a rest. Last evening a Star reporter was granted an interview with Mr. Goff, which, lasting for an hour, gave the celebrated police-prodder of Gotham a chance to give expression to many very en- tertaining views. Mr. Goff is a man somewhat above me- dium height, slender and very fair. His head is almost white, but his light-brown beard is yet untouched by the hand of time. He has a somewhat florid complex- ion, characteristic perhaps of his Irish an- cestry, and at times there is the least pos- sible turn of a delicious brogue to be noted at the end of some of his words, a faint re- minder that is most apparent when he gives full rein to his thoughts and speaks fluent- ly and without reserve. But this is not often, for he uses his words with great care, ard speaks with considerable delib- eration. He has the appearance of a very modest man, and his tremendous success, both in the court room and at the polls, has not in the least affected this quality. In speaking he almost wholly avoided references to his own work, and he bore more directly upon the general principles and problems of the investigation of which he was the executive officer. With com- mendable prudence and tact Mr. Goff avoid- ed certain personal matters to which the reporter would have led him, and he quite evaded the query as to whether the New York experience would lead him to sup- pose that Washington ‘night possibly af- ford a field for a similar inquiry, The Great Problem, “It was, as you may imagine,” he said, “4 tremendous task that confronted us when we started «the investigation. We knew positively that the police department of New York, a most magnificent organiza- tion as regards its own strength, was sys- tematically blackmailing all classes of citi- zens. That tremendous power had seized upon the community until it had obtained complete possession. There were two dis- tinct elements that prevented, at the be- ginning, @ fair start, and handicapped us a our efforts to get reliable testimony. These were, first, the fear, and second, the apathy, of the citizens. As a subhead I might mention their self-interest, though this would probably be classed as a form of fear. You must not suppose that the police corrupticn affected only the criminal classes of New York; it ran through every branch of business, every scale of society, every class of individuals. So I am going to speak particularly of the prosperous merchants and the men of affairs, for it was to them, of course, that we looked for our reliable witnesses, “I speak within the bounds of my knowl- edge when I say that there was not a bus- iness man in New York city who had not felt the power of police blackmail. There were perhaps a very few instances where honorable men had refused to give their tithes of illegal tax to the police, but al- most without exception these men were forced out of business. You can easily see how this was. Merchants doing lirge bus- iness and handling great quantities of goods would naturally seek tu use the side- walks for stqrage, and throw skids across the pavements to make quicx deliveries, and this was the excuse for police extor- tion. The man who refused to give had the sole satisfaction of seeing his next door neighbor enjoy that privilege and thrive in business. Should he persist in his refusal, he would inevitably see his bust- ness decline year after year and that of his — increase, until he would be forced to retire, No Class Was Spared. “One peculiar feature of the blackmail was that it spared no one class, however obscure their calling. I have particularly in mind the sailmakers, who are among the mosi upright and sturdily honest peo- ple of New York. They are mostly retired sea captains, commanders of the old clip- per ships, who have been forced out off business by the introduction of steam or their sons. Out of their great sail lofts on the water-front streets they have been in the habit of hanging high above the side- walk spars with Canvas signs. These men were approached by the police and forced to pay. They knew it was dishonest and demur' at first, but one or two of them gave way to the importunings and threats of the police, until at last they were all obliged to contribute to the fund of cor- ruption. Not one of these honest men dered to open his mouth and complain, Urged to Go Higher. “So the question was, what classes should we apply to and appeal to in our crusade. We were urged at timnes, and most impor- tunely to ‘go higher’ and nail the responsi- bility to the source of authority. On this question we held most earnest consulta- tions and we finally decided that it would not be wise or efficacious to do so. Our duty was to arouse the conscience of the people of New York, which had long been smothered—almost killed. |The common people, the voters, the people who most feel, felt the oppression of the police, would reed to be aroused by different methods. ‘They were to have the ill effects of police corruption brought to their hearts. The spectaele of a little boy sitting all night on the doorstep of a police station crying bitterly for his father, who had been un- justly arrested and brutally beaten by the police, meant more to these people than the demonstration that the captain had paid large money for his promotion or that the commissioner, perhaps, had been brib- ed. The common folks would not notice such matters, but they would notice the tyranny of the police over the apple wo- man, over the peanut roaster, the boot- black, the newsboy, the keeper of a small soda water stand, the owners of little res- taurants—a great class of honest citizens striving, struggling for a living. The men at the clubs, the more idle classes of the population, drinking over the fancy bars of the up-town hotels and restaurants, din- ing at the cafes, might possibly be inter- ested in the exposure of the high official, but it would not shock them, it would not rouse in them such a feeling of personal resentment as would lead them to go to the polls, and, by their votes, aid in crush- ing the power which these things signified. Not a Matter of Politics. “Yet this was not a political question at (Continued on Fifth Page.) REED AND THE SPEAKERSHIP No Likelihood That He Will Have Any Difficulty in Being Elected. McKinley Him and Thetr Friends Cannot aad Harrison Both Favor Oppose Him, The report is being circulated, with much apparent eagerness and acerbity in some quarters, that Thomas B. Reed of Maine will experience some difficulty in being elected Speaker of the next House. Some of the statements go so far even as to in- dicate that he may be defeated. The ex- planation is that the friends of Benjamin Harrison and of Mr. McKinley will oppose his election as Speaker, in order that he may not, through the Speaker's chair, ob- tain too great prominence as a presidential candidate. Not * to Warrant Such Conclusion. There is nothing in the present or prob- able situation to warrant any such con- clusions. Indeed, the oldest republican members of the House say that they do not understand that there will be a re- publican candidate for Speaker in oppost tion to Mr. Reed. As for the opposition of Mr, McKinley, there is the statement of Mr. McKinley himself that he favors the election of Keed as Speaker. Mr. McKin- ley, in his St. Louis speech, urged as one of the strongest arguments why the re- publican Congress should be elected that Mr. Reed might be chosen Speaker. It is Known that Benjamin Harrison has spoken very kindly of the probable return of Mr. Reed to the Speaker's chair. If McKinley and Harrison both favor the selection of Mr. Reed for Speaker, it is difficult to see how the followers of either of those pre: dential aspirants can expect to form a combingtion to prevent ir. .Reed from being chosen Speaker. Mr. Burrows is for Reed. Mr. Burrows of Michigan has been men- uoned as a candidate for the Speakership. The an.bition of Mr. Burrows, it is true, is rather comprehensive. He has been chosen a member of the next House, and is an aspirant for the United States Senatorship to sueceed Mr. Patton. But so far as the Speakership 1s concerned, {t is known that Mr. burrows has declared in favor of Mr. Reed for Speaker. One of the oldest repub- lican members of the House said today: “If there should be a desire on the part of McKinley and Harrison to defeat Reed for Speaker, the combined efforts of those presidential aspirants could not raise forty votes in the Honse aguinst Reed.” So is Mr. Lodge. Senator Lodge of Massachusetts, who is one of the closest friends of Mr. Reed, in referring to the talk that there may be opposition to Mr. Reed for Speaker, said: “There is no possibility of defeating him. No organization can be made against him. Burrows of Michigan, who has been men- tioned as a possible candidate for Speaker, has told me. that he is in favor of Mr, Reed's election as Speaker.” as CHIPPEWAS ARE OBDURATE. Minnesota Indians Will Not Take In- dividual Lands and Live Decently. Rebert M. Allen, Indian agent at White Earth,Minn., has made a report that shows the difficulty of getting the Chippewas lo- cated in that state to take lands in sev- eralty. He says: ‘When free from whisky they are ‘generally peaceable and not hard to manage, but aside from living in houses and wearing clothes I cannot see wherein the full bloods have made much advance- ment. They are constitutionally opposed to work and refuse to do it, and it is simply a question whether the government will furnish them with supplies or allow them and their families to half starve."" After praising the good character and in- dustry of the half-breeds, who furnish the best examples of thrift, he discusses what he has tried to do in the way of farming, the reservation offering every encourage- ment in this direction; but the results are far from satisfactory, because the In- dians do not want to work. They only partially take advantage of the lumbering interests, to try and earn their own live- lMhood, and though there are thousands of acres of wild hay the Indian cattle have starved because the Indians would not cut it. . Secretary Smith has declared that he will abolish the commission that has been working for several years unsuccessfully unless something is immediately accom- plished. Irom the reports received the impression prevails that nothing further can be done with the Chippewas. ROUGH AND READY DIVORCES. New Mexican Indians Have a Handy Way of Getting Rid of Wives. Capt. Levi F. Burnet, seventh cavalry, acting Indian agent at Mescalero, New Mexico, in a report to Commissioner Browning, sums up an evil among the In- dians of that agency which is found: to prevail to great or less extent among all western Indians, and more especially among those still in savage state. He says: “A cause of much trouble is the fre- quent marriages among the Indians. A man will get tired of his wife after being married a few months, and will then leave her or send her home to her relatives. This may occur several times with the same persons, so that a man may have three or four wives and the woman as many hus- bands, all yet living. Several cases have occurred during the past year where pa- rents have induced a man to marry their irl, aged, perhaps, not over thirteen or fourteen years, for the sole purpose of keeping her out of school. I do all I can to induce these persons to live together when once they are married, but there is no way of compelling them to do so.” —_—_—_-o+____—. INSPECTOR ROBINSON DEAD. He Has Been Chief of the Plumbing Inspecto: Office for Years, Death hi again visited the District building and removed Samuel Robinson, for many years chief of the plumbing in- Fpection office. Mr. Robinson has been identified with the District government for over fifteen years. He was appointed plumbing inspector March 14, 3881, and or- ganized the office. During his incumbency he has done much to systematize the work, and the new plumbing regulations were part of his work. He was a great favorite with the clerks, and beloved by oll who knew him. Up to two years ago Mr. Rob- inson was a powerful man physically, but since that time has failed rapidly. He passed through two operatians successful- ly, but succumbed, from shock after the third one. The clerks at the District bulld- ing will meet shortly to take appropriate action, —__—>-__ Personal Mention. Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Maxwell has returned from a brief visit to Massachusetts. Capt. V. McNally of the army ordnance bureau is confined to his residence by ill- ness. Commodore T. O. Selfridge, U. 8. N., and Mr. and Mrs. H. 8S. Cummings of this city are in Boston, at the Thorndike, Rey. Eugene O’Grownly, professor of the Gaelic language in the College of May- nooth, Dublin, is the guest of the Catholic University. Father O’Grownly is an emi- nent scho ar, and is at present traveling to recuperate his somewhat shattered health. He expects to winter in California, rat A, Tbe proof of He pudding is in Be eating, Yesterday's Sar contained 49 cofumns of advertisements, made up of 781 separate announce: ments, These advertisers Bought pubficitp—not merefp Space, THE SITE CHOSEN Contagious Disease Hospital Site Has Been Purchased IN MOUNT PLEASANT SUBDIVISION Commissioners Bought the Ground Quietly Some Time Ago. reciente PLANS FOR BUILDING The District will shortly have a contay gious disease hospital. The ares ground has been purchased, the title long since passed to the District, and the Commissioners are waiting for enough money to build a hospital that wilf be @ credit to the city. q It leaked out today that some time a: away back In June,the Commissioners mot to work looking over the city for a suit ble site for the contagious hospital. Thé appropriation bill carried an appropriatioh of some $15,000 for the purchase of a sultas ble site, and the Commissioners decided to expend the money. After riding about the city for some tim they hit upon four lots, numbered 6, 7, and 23, in block 3 of the subdivision of Mt Pleasant and Pleasant Plains. These lo’ together aggregated 30,000 square feet, any could be purchased for 80 cents per foot It was the opportunity the Commissione: had long looked for. ‘che property wey situated between Sherman and Brightw: avenues and Bismarck and Prihcetot streets. So they closed at once, yin; $9,000 for the property, and $74.50 to have fi recerded. So quietly did the Commissioners work that no one suspected what they were dog ing. Not even the Treasury Department knew of the deal, and those who were let into the secret were cautioned to say noth- ing lest the plans of the Commissioners be frustrated. A reporter of The Star learned of the transaction today and agked the Commi sioners about it. Commissioner Truesdel said that it was true that the Commission- ers had purchased the property ‘te bung and thaj it was their intention to buil a contagious hospital upon the site. course, the Commissioners had to mo’ cautiously in the matter when it came to purchasing the property, but now that was done and the title had passed they h no objection to giving it out. He could not tell when a hospital would be erected. That depended upon the appropriation Con- gress would allow. The Commissionerg had decided to ask for something in their annual report, but as yet the exact amount could not be stated. During the afternoon Health Officer Woodward called upon the Commissioners to talk over the matter, but nothing was agreed upon. The Daisy Guild. The action of the Commissioners will mees with warm approval of the Daisy, Chain Guild, the society of young people that has devoted such splendid effort to raising the fund for the erection of the hospital. The amount collected by the association and waiting to be used in the building has reached the handsome total of over $8,000, and now that the site has been definitely selected there is no doubt that further contributions will be made and an amount eventually provided that will insure the erection of a modern struo- ture, supplied with all the many conveni- ences which such “an” institution ‘must necessarily possess. ——>—_—_. THE PRESIDENT’S CONDITION. Suffering No Special Inconvenie From His Accident. The President is reported to be suffering slight pains, but no special inconvenience, from the accident that befell him at Wood- ley Monday evening. While strolling in his garden he slipped on a pebble, and in his efforts to prevent a fall strained the tendons of his ankle, already swollen with rheumatic gout. His physician was promptly on hand, and applied the usual remedies to reduce the swelling and alle- viate the pain, He did not care to risk the fatigue of a drive to Washington yes- terday, and as a consequence the cabinet meeting had to be postponed. He ts re- ported to be resting comfortably today. Secretary Lamont went out to see him, and had a long tglk with him in regard to public affairs, including the expediency of federal interference in Indian territory, e+ THE INDIAN TERRITORY. A Conference as to the Suppre of Lawlessness There. Attorney General Olney, Secretary La- mont and Secretary Smith had another consultation tcday on the subject of the use of the troops to suppress the Cook gang and other marauders in Indian ter- ritory. While the first request for troops came from the Interior Department, Seo- retary Smith, on further exemination of the matter, agreed with the Attorney Gen- eral that troops could rot be used as re- guested by the Indian agent at Muskogee. ‘The only basis for the use of troops in the territory by the Interior Department would be for the remova! of the intruders. As noth- ing has yet been determined as to who are or wh? are not intruders, the department really has nothing to do in the matter. The suppression of lawlessness and the stop- ping of train robberies, it is held, is no part of the duty of the Interior Department, but is a matter relating wholly to the De- partment of Justice. It is understood that this conclusion was reached by the three members of the cabinet in conference. United States Marshal McAllister of In- dian territory has been quite severely criti- cised for his inaction, and it is possible that the marshal of Arkansas may be directed by the Attorney General to summon a posse and capture or drive out of the Indian territory the lawless element. The removal of Marshal McAllister and tle se- lection of some man not a resident, or not connected with the Indian territory, has been discussed, and the names of some men now in Washington were mentioned at to- day's conference as being the right kind of men to deal with the Indian teriitory bandits. It is probable that Attorney eral Olney, in a short time, will take such steps as will render the use of troops un- necessary, and will restore peace and order in the territory. NO PAY FOR MONTHS, Italian Workmen Tearing Up Rail- ay Tracks. BALTIMORE, Md., November 21.—A spe- cial to the News from Parkersburg, W. Va, says: Four hundred Italian workmen on tho Roaring Creek and Charleston railroad claim to have received no pay for three months, and are growing riotous. Already seey have torn up switches at Womels- orf, rendering rolling stock useless, and serious trouble is feared. —— > DISEASED AMERICAN CATTLE, Pleuro-Pacamonia Said to Have Been in Arrivals in England. LONDON, November 21.—The Morning Post says that pronounced cases of pleuro- pneumonia were found in two cargoes of American cattle which arrived at New castle and Deptford, respectively. last week