Evening Star Newspaper, December 21, 1894, Page 1

a = worm 9 mr mn THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT sUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Company, 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. New York Office, 49 Potter Building. patenacan: A oaBioensssai The Eveuing Star is served to city by carriers, on their own per Coples at the counter 2 cents each. mail—answhere tn the United States or Canada—postage prepaid—S0 cents pes mouth. Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star. $1 per year; With forelen postage adied, $3.00. (Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D. C. &s second-class mal matter.) | © All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. Che Lvening Star. V ct. 85, No. 21,074. WASHINGTON, D. ©., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1894—TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. _ FBe proof of tHe pudding is in f§e eating. Yesterday's Sar confained 51 cofumns of advertisements, made up of 663 separate annou: ments. ese advertisers Bought publicite—not merefp pace, AGREED TO ANOTHER A Substitute to Be Offered for Car- lisle’s Currency Bill. OBJECTIONS MADE THIS NECESSSARY The National Banking System Will Be Allowed to Continue. OTHER NEW FEATURES A caucus of the banking and currency committee democrats was held at the committee room last night, the following members being present: Springer, Cox, Culberson, Sperry, Warner, Cobb (Ala.) and Ellis. The absentees were Cobb (Mo.}, Hall (Mo.) and Johnson (Ohio). It was reported that Secretary Carlisle was pres- ent, but this proved incorrect. The dis- cussion took a wide range, and the senti- ment was general that the bill would have to be materially changed in order to meet objections and command a support which would secure its passage. The needed amendments were formulated, and when the caucus adjourned@t was not contem- plated that the Carlisle bill should be more than amended. It was arranged that Mr. Springer should see Secretary Carlisle today and submit the ‘contemplated changes. A New Mensure Agreed Upon When the Secretary and Mr. Springer met today it was determined that the bet- ter plan would be to frame a new measure in the nature of a substitute instead of mutilating the original bill with many amendments which went to its vital prin- ciples. Accordingly the substitute was agreed on in full, and as soon as it can be copled and put in proper bill form it will be presented to the House, and thence- ferth be the bill on which the currency debate is to proceed. Two very important features make their appearance for the first time in the substitute. Important to National Banks. The main one will have the effect of al- lowing the national banking system to run along, without an arbitrary provision that banks must organize under the new sys- tem. The original Carlisle bill contem- plated that all-national banks must reor- ganize under the new plan. This would have required them to surrender the gov- errment bonds which now constitute the basis of their circulation. But the substi- tute does away with this imperative change. If national banks wish to continue to hold their United States bonds and issue circulation thereon they may do so. It is felt that they will soon discover the advant- #ges of the new system and will, therefore, adopt it voluntarily. But the option will be given to them to judge for themselves, and if they wish to they may continue as na- onal banks. Unknown Liability Feature Cat Out. The other important feature of the subst!- tute is that it does away with the unknown ATROCITIES AT PORT ARTHUR The Japanese Minister Gives His Views on the Alleged Outrages. He Denies the Charges of Indiscrimi- nate Slaughter of Innodent China- men by His Country's Soldiers. In an interview with a representative of The Star today, Mr. Kurino, the Japanese minister, stated it as his opinion that the atrocities alleged to have been committed by the Japanese soldiers at Port Arthur had been grossly exaggerated. “The Japanese government,” he said, “had frankly stated that it has no desire and no purpose to con- ceal the facts and has announced its in- tention of holding a strict investigation. That investigation is proceeding at the present time, and in due season the result will undoubtedly be made public. In the meantime there is no disposition on the part either of the government or of any of its officials to deny that there may have been unnecessary bloodshed at the taking of Port Arthur, a fact which they deeply deplore; but I have no hesitation in de- nouncing as false €nd misleading the state- ment that a number of innocent, unoffend- ing people were killed when Port Arthur was taken, or that the Japanese forces in- dulged in indiscriminate slaughter of such persons for several days afterward. What the Stories Show. “Most of the circumstances attending tife unfortunate affair have already been made known, not alone through govern- meht sources, but also through the medium of the correspondents of American and English newspapers, not disposed to exaggerate or distort the facts for the sake of producing a sensation. “These accounts made it certain that most of the inhabitants had left the town before Port Arthur was taken; that those who remained were armed, and were directed to fire upon the Japanese troops, which they did; that a large number of the Chinese soldiers had disguised themselves in civilian dress, and in that guise con- tinued their resistence. The Japanese sol- diers found, upon entering the town, that their comrades when taken prisoners had been murdered in the most heartless and revolting manner, some having been burned, come crucified, and all horribly mutilated, Some Angry Japanese Gave No Quar- ter. “Enraged beyond measure by these ghastly sights, and by the resistance still offered to them, some of the Japanese troops cut down their opponents without giving any quarter. But there is every reason to believe that the victims, almost without exception, were soldiers wearing the stolen clothes of citizens.” Mr. Kurino added that he knows his gov- ernment has no disposition to palliate any- thing that may have been done on this occasion. The exemplary conduct of the Japanese soldiers during the whole of the war has, he thinks, earned justly deserved praise. They have behaved with patience and forbearance under the most trying circumstances. “Marshal Oyama, who commanded at Port Arthur,” said the minister, “had ts- sued and strictly enforced orders against every kind of excess. His high character liability of banks to guarantee the notes of all other banks. This feature of the original bilj has been much criticised. It contemplated that if a national bank failed its notes would be paid out of its assets and the general “safety fund” made up by all the banks. But if the assets and safety fund were insufticient to pay the notes of the failed bank, then the con- troller of the currency was to make a pro rata assessment on all the banks of the country. The banks said this prospec- tive assessment shouldered them with an unknown risk. In effect it made them sup- ply insurance on all the notes of banks in which they had no concern. Assessment Plan Also Dropped. In view of these criticisms the substitute will do away with the assessment plan. The “safety fund” will be the limit of the joint lability of all the banks for the fall- ure of individual banks. They will, how- ever, be compelled to keep up this safety fund by more rigid provisions than appear- ed in the original bill. Besides these twa main changes, there are riany lesser ones which were summarized as amendments yesterday, but which will aow be incorpor- ated as a part of the sujstitute. Reduetng Woodwork on Ships. Commander Bradford, who has been en- gased with a board at the Norfolk navy yard in examining the new vessels of the navy building there or in that vicinity, with a view to ascertaining to what ex- tent the woodwork may be diminished, has returned to Washington and submitted to the Secretary of the Navy a preliminary teport, indicating in a general way what may be accomplished in that direction. It fs made evident that the amount of wood- work included in bulkheads, linings and gisewhere aboard ship can be substantially @ecreased without impairing any of the qualities of the ships and at the same time With the substantial advantage of reducing the liability of the vessels to catch fire in @ngagements and reducing the cost of the ships. —————— Personal Mention. Mr. Freeborn G. Smith, jr., 1s stopping with Mr. W. P. Van jWWickle of this city for a few days. Dr. Otto Voss of St. Paul's Island, Alaska, is in the city, visiting friends. Mr, Thomas Knowles is still in a very critical conditio: General Doe, assistant secretary of war, ys returned to the city from a visit of ispection to the government arsenals in lew York and New England. Adjutant General Ruggles has resumed his duties at the War Department after a short visit to New York. Mearagua Caral Bill in Doubt. The fate of the Nicaragua canal bill, which the democrats, on the assembling of Congress, believed they would be able to pass through both houses, is in very great doubt. It is not thought that the measure has grown in strength by the discussion in the Senate, and doubt is expressed of its being permitted to come to a vote. If a vote is reachgd there, the bill may pass, but in the House the situation is ex- tremely discouraging. —re Cruisers to Go to Eurepe. Orders have been issued to prepare the erviser Marblehead at New York for a three years’ cruise on the European sta as the consort of the cruiser San Francisco, which will leave New York in a few days to replace the ¢ a > of that ation. icago will come to New ork as 5 48 relieved and undergo ex- tensive improven: intended to increase her speed. OMfcial Decision, In the matter of the Gulf and Ship Island gailroad, involving a number of titles to lands in Mississippi, the Secretary of the Interior has rendered a decision on a mo- tion for review of the departmental decision ef March 3, 1506. ‘The former decision is held to be in error and great military ability are in them- selves the strongest guarantees that no such carnival of murde® could have oc- curred as has been depicted by one hysteri- cal and sensational writer.” — ‘THE -CUSHING IS HERE. The Famous Torpedo Boat Will Spend the Winter in W ngton. The swift little torpedo boat Cushing ar- rived at the Washington navy yard last evening from Newport, R. L, where she spent most of the summer, The plan of having the Cushing make the trip between the two points at high speed, in order to determine exactly how long it takes to cover the outside or ocean route, was abandoned, because the conditions were ex- tremely unfavorable. The vessel was oblig- ed to put in at the Delaware breakwater in order to escape the head winds. She will be pulled up on the ways at the navy yard for the winter. ee DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. Cleaning the Streets. A number of merchants and business men in the vicinity of 10th street and Louisiana avenue have joined in a petition to the Commissioners requesting that these streets be swept after business hours. The petition states that the sweeping com- mences aout dinner time, when business is brisk, and when the teams are being loaded or unloaded, and that the gutters are not thoroughly cleaned. The matter has been referred to the street cleaning department for investigation. Heulth Officer's Report. Health Ottiger Woodward has transmitted to the Commisstoners a draft of a concur- rent resolution calling for the publication of the health officer's report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1804, which, he says, should be introduced and passed during the present session of Congress. The reso- lution provides that the public printer be authorized to print and bind in cloth fifteen hundrec copies of the annual report of the health ofticer of the District of Columbla; cne hundred for the use of the Senate, three hundred and fifty for the use of the House of Representatives, and one thous- end and fifty for the use of the health officer of the District. Entirely Safe. The Commissioners have been informed by Butlding Inspector Brady that the building occupied by Mr. Lowenthal as a furniture warehouse, at the corner of 7th and Massachusetts avenue northwest, is entirely safe. A personal inspection was made by him, after several complaints had been tiled in his office that the building was in an unsafe cdhdition. Police Appointment. The Commissioners have appointed J. G. Calvert an additional private on the metro- politan police force for duty af the Bal- timore and Ohio coal yards. ees mining: tom House Examiners. The examination of the boards of civil 2 € niners for the custom houses in New York has been completed by Sec- retary Babcock of the board of examiners of the New York city custom house. The final reports submitted to the civil service commission discuss the personnel of the se boards, describing the the examiners and making recomm tions for the positions, The tour of in- spection, required less than two weeks, 4 the following office Buffalo, ent, Ogdensburg, Oswe- uspension Bridge. of Honor, cretary of War has awarded a medal of honor to David F. Day, private company D, fifty-seventh Ohio volunteers, for distinguished bravery in an assault on the enemy’s works at Vicksburg, May 2: 1863. A Call on the Banks. The controller of the currency has called on all the national banks for a statement \d should be revoked exvept @ part mak- g a specific r ation concerning the ight of inderanity selections under the ex- isting law. of their condition at the close of business Wednesday, December 19, last. ANOTHER SENSATION Police Captain Schmittberger Prom- ises to “Tell the Whole Truth.” AGAIN BEFORE THE LEXOW COMMITTEE He Relates His Experience on the Force. MR. BYRNES TO BE ——— NEW YORK, December 21.—Senator O'Conner today denie@ that he had asserted, as had been all&ged, that Mr. Goff had bull- dozed and intimidated witnesses before the Lexow committee. In speaking of the pro- posed continuation of the committee, Sen- ator O'Connor said: “The police department of New York is rotten to the very foundation, and I should be the last to oppose the continuance of this committee.” ‘That there is some discord between Coun- sel Goff and the committee, however, is a conceded fact; and that this dissension is over the question as to why Superintendent Byrnes and other officials have not been called to testify is not genied. It 4s also*believed that a misunderstand- ing exists between Dr. Parkhurst and Mr. Goff with relation to the propriety of sum- moning Superintendent Byrnes before the committee. With reference to this matter, Counsel Goff’s assistant, Mr. Jerome, said that it was one thing to put a man in the witn@s chair and another to get sufficient proof against him to attain any good re- sults. He thought, however, that Superin- tendent Byrnes and Commissioner Martin would be calied next week if the commit- tee does not reach an adjournment today. Senator Lexow thinks that the committee will probably adjourn today for the holi- days, but if anything sensational develops before the adjournment another session will be held tomorrow. Father Ducey was present before Senators Lexow, O'Conner, Pound and Bratiley ar- rived this morning. Police Captains Cree- den and Westervelt also occupied specta- tors’ seats, Police Justice Voorhis held a consultation with Mr. Goff. In response to questions, Justice Voorhis said he expected to go on the witness stand. He had turned over all his bank books to Mr. Moss and was anxious to vindicate him- self against the allegations made by John W. Reppenhagen and Capt. Creeden, Jus- tice Voorhis said he had not been sub- poenaed. He appeared voluntarily and was ready to answer ali questions. He also said that if not permitted to testify he would send a written statement to the committee. it was late when the first witness of the day, Adolph Rhbeirhart, was cailed. He had last night been served with a subpoena signed John W. Goit. The signature proved to be forged. This, Mr. Goft said, was only ene of the many annoyances suffered by him. He remarked that the work ef the committee did not deal with personal af- fairs. Policeman Edward Shelvey was the next witness. Ho fwere that he owns two houses and has uo bank account. Mrs. Amelia Holland, wife of Policeman Charles Holland, testilied that she owned ne real estate. Her husband was then call- ed, and said he owned a private residence at 108) Amsterdam avenue, eight lots in 48th street, four lots on 142d street and a flat house valued at 50). He had been fifteen years a policeman. “And you bought all this property out of your salasy?"’ “Certainly not. I have dealt in veal 4s- tate with a M. Bradley of the Llooming- dale Asylum, and made all my money that way.” Capt. Schmittberger was reculled. “You are a capiain in the nineteenth pre- cinct?”” began Mr, Goff. be Co “And you recogni acter of your oath? “I do. And I have come here to tell the whole truth.” ‘This answer created a sensation. Then Senator Lexow warned witness of the danger of perjury. Mr. Goff excused all the other witnesses in_the court. Schmittberger said he joined the force in 1874, and was before that a confectioner. He paid nothing to be mada a patrolman. He was first assigned to the “tenderloin precinct.” Hs was there two years, and knew the precinct well. His duties at first were on account of a pull he had with the sergeant at the desk. ¥ ‘It has been said that ward politicians have something to do with promotions. Is that 80?" “Yes, it is.” “Well, what influence can these politi- cians exert?” “They can exert an influence through the commissioners and sergeants for fear of removal.”” “What is the more powerful in the de- partment, a good record or a political pull?” “A political pull, Ly far.” ° “Captain, have you ever heard of a case where a patrolman paid a sergeant any money to be assigned to light work!" “Yes, I have heard of them.” In answer to further questions Capt. Schmittberger gave it as his opinion that the policemen appointed fifteen years ago make better policemen in every respect the recent appointments. Now, captain, testimony kas been taken here that there are a number of men in this city who are known as go-betweens. They are really not connected with the depart- ment, but in order to get an appointment it is necessary to go to them. Do you know any of these men?” “There is Charley Grant, Commissioner McClave'’s secretary, and a man named Meyer, a tailor on Broadway.” “Those are all you know? “Yes.” Mr. Goff then returned to the question of the old policemen being more conscientious than the recent additions to the force, and again gave it as his opinion that they were far above the new officers. At this point Mr.Goff suddenly announced recess. Immediately after recess Schmitt- berger will be replaced and then the after- noon promises to develop another sensa- tion even greater than the Creedon con- tession. CALLED the binding char- >. BISHOP THOMPSON DEAD. He Was a Prominent Clergyman in the A. M. E. Church, NEWBURG, N. Y., December 21.—Bishop Joseph Thompson, D. D., M. D., of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Chur: died here today, aged seventy-six year He was graduated from the University of Medicine, Philadelphia, with the degree of doctor of medicine, April 1, 1858. In July, 1876, he was consecrated to the office of bishop at the general conference in Louis- ville, Ky. In September, 1881, he was one of the delegates chosen to represent Me’ odism at the ecumeni conference held in London. eee eee The Report Was Exaggerated. MOUNT VERNON, N. ¥Y., December 21.+- Dr. Brenner, the resident physician of the New York infant lum at this place, said today th sports circulated re- gerding the previ of diptheria among the children the © exaggerated. It was true that the disease had p: ed for the past month, but there had been only one death in that time. SS Died From Old Age. ASBURY PARK, N. J., December 21 Bartine Jackson, ninety-six years of age, residing at Pine Brook, was found dead to- day. He was one of the oldest men in the state. He left no family. Death was due to old age. BATTLE SHIPS ARE BEST The Navy Department Receives Reports From the Yalu Fight. The Japanese Fire Had Little Effect on the Heavily Armored Vessels of the Chinese Navy. While the Chinese mail, which has just arrived at the Navy Department, failed to bring any news of the evemts which hap- pened at Port Arthur during the occupa- tion of that stronghold by the Japanese, it did include the first reports which have yet reached the department from its in- telligence officers at the seat of war touch- ing the great naval engagement off the mouth of the Yalu river on October 30, last. The naval officers’ reports confirm in every respect the press dispatches publish- ed soon afterghe battle, and perhaps the most significant portions relate to the bat- tleships of the Chinese as opposed to the Japanese cruisers. In substance they show that the heavily armored vessels were practically uninjured by the Japanese fire, and as this fact tends strongly to bear out the arguments in favor of the battleship against the cruider, as set out in the re- port of the Secretary of the Navy to Con- gress, without doubt the reports will be exhibited to the House naval committee in connection with the pending proposition for the construction of three more battle- ships. Japanese Worked With Discipline. These reports describe the formation of the opposing ships tn line of battle. It Is said that after the aciton commenced the Chinese were unable to ake signals on ac- count of the shooting « of halliards, , and, therefore, no tactical evolutions were performed by them, each vessel ma- neuvering independently. The Japanese, however, signaled throughout the action and maneuvered in concert. The Japanese opened fire at 3,000 yards, using their rapid- fire guns to great advantage and keeping up a true, rapid fire. The fire of the Chinese throughout the action was neuch slower and thelr shooting high. The Japanese fire directed against the two battle ships is said to have been terrific, the Chen Yuen being hit about 400 times ‘and catching fire sev- eral times, while: the Ting Yuen was badly set on fire forward, which was extinguished with difficulty. The Chen Yuen gallantly placed herself between the Japanese vessels and the Ting Yuen, taking the fire of the fleet while the flagship extinguished the flames. Missiles No Match for Thick Armor. The main Japanese squadron continued the action with the battle ships, but, al- though their projectiles hit time and again, the fourteen-inch armor was more than a match for the Japanese light guns. The Japanese loss consisted of 10 officers and 69 men kil No vessels were lost, the Matsushima, Hiyei and Akagi sustaining the most se- vere damages. The Chinese loss consisted of the following nam@l vessels sunk or de- stroyed: Lai Yuen, belted cruiser of 2,800 tons; Chih (or ChinJ Yuen, a protected cruiser of 2,400 tons; Yang Wel, protected cruiser of 1,300 tons, and Chao Yuen, her sister ship. ‘The Ping Yuen, Chin Yuen and Ting Yuen suffered much from fire. The Chinese loss in officers and men is un- known, but ft is not thought that any were picked up from the three ships that sunk in action, None of the Japanese vessels uses torpedoes in action. District Supre Court to Decide on the Question of Title. The House today, by unanimous consent, passed the Senate bill confirming in the District Supreme Court jurisdiction to de- cide the questicns of title te the Potomac flats. The necessity for the passage of the bill was explained by Mr. Culberson, who said: “In 1888 Congress passed a law which required the Attorney General to bring a suit in the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia to settle the question of tie to the Potomac flats, which the goyern- ment was improving. Later on, in®1s91, Congress passed an act creating the Court of Appeals, and in that act there was a provision which transferred the jurisdic- tion of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia to the Court of Appeals. The Attorney General commenced suit under the act of ist¥. A large amount of testi- mony has been taken, and the case is nesriy at issue. There are numerous litigants, all ‘ncluded in one bill, to try the question of title to these Potomac flats, which the government is now improving. “A question has arisen in the court as to whether or not the clause or provision in the bill creating the Court of Appeals did not oust the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia of its jurisdiction, and the case has been delayed unti! Congress can settle the doubt, without having this liti- gation proceed in the midst of confusion and uncertainty. This bill simply provides that tie Supreme Court of tie District of Columbia may procegd to a final hearing in this case, which hasbeen pending for the last two or three Years, to settle these questions. 1 state tp the gentleman from New Jersey that th@ President, the Attor- ney General and the officers of the courts, especially fhe district attorney, who is representing this case, desire this bill to be passed, ta save the government what, 1 believe, will be an immense bill of costs, if It proceeds Without the passage of this bill.”” The bill having previously passed the Senate, goes now to the President for his signature. 2 SMALLPOX CASE. One More Man Sent to the Hospital. Another smallpox patient was sent to the hospital today. This patient is a colored man named Henry Green, a hodcarrier,who lives at 1227 Madipon street. Where he contracted the disease is not yet known. His friends say that he has not been where any other smallpox patients have been cénfined, but had been at work most of the timp carrying the hod. This afternoon abgother suspected case was reported. This supposed smallpox pa- tient lives In Marion court. Green was attended by one of the phy- sicians of the poor, who was called to see him this morning. The suspected sick man had not been seen by a health office doctor when The Star went to press. —— TO MEET JANUARY 5. The Royal Yacht Squadron to Con- sider the Cup Race Conditions. NEW YORK, December 21.—H. Maitland Kersey, the representative of Lord Dun- raven, is in receipt of a cablegram teday saying that.a meeting of the Royal Yacht Squadron had been called for January to consider the terms under whic of December 5 for an inter- ce was accepted by the America’s cup committee. Sir Charles Tupper's Illness. LONDON, December Sir Charles Tup- per, the Canadian high CDmmissioner, who has not been well since he was recently attecked with influenza, took a chill on Tuesday. Since that evening he has been ccrfined to his house. ae Postmasters Appointed. ‘The total number of fourth-class post- masters appointed today fifty-two. Of this number forty-five were to fill v: cancies caused by death and resignation and the remainder by removals. 1 and 160 of all ranks wounded. | SWAIM’S SUCCESSOR The Judge Advocate General to Be Retired This Month. MANY COMPETITORS FOR THE PLACE Prevailing Impression That Col. Norman G. Lieber Will Get It. WELL PAID AND IMPORTANT aera Brig. Gen, David G. Swain, judge advo- cate general of the army, will be placed on the retired lst before the close of the present month, and an appointment to that mest desirable office will be at the disposal of the President. Gen. Swain’s re- tirement will be compulsory, and will be, so it is said, in strict accordance with an arrangement made with that officer when the President recently remitted the unex- pired portion of his sentence of suspension and restored him to duty. His retirement will be ordered under a law which au- thorizes the President to retire an officer of the army who is over sixty-two years of age. Gen. Swain will celebraté his six- ty-second birthday tomorrow, and will be eligible for compulsory retirement from that day. Col. Lieber is Really Judge Advocate. Although Gen, Swaim was nominally re- stored to duty several weeks ago, he has not exercised any of the functions of the office, except in the matter of salary and emoluments. All the duties have been per- formed by Col. Norman G. Lieber, assist- ant judge advocate general, who has, in fact, been acting judge advocate general of the army since Gen. Swaim was sus- pended many years ago, Although there are a number of strong candidates for the prospective vacancy, it is generally accept- ed as an assured thing in military circles that the appointment will gO to Col. Lieber. He Is next in tine of promotion and has shown his capacity for the position by per- forming all the duties pertaining to it without receiving the salary. Forn iduble Competitors for the Place Gen. Doe, assistant secretary of war, 1 not a candidate for the office, and it 1s said has no expectation of being appointed to it. Col. Winthrop and Col. Barr of the judge advocate general's department, are considered Col. Lieber's most formidable competitors, for the alleged reason that the President hus decided to confine his selection to that branch of the army. They rank next below Col Lieber in the order nathed. Col. Winthrop s chances are believed to‘be hurt by the fact that he will retire for age next August. Col. Barr, who is well known in this city from his long service here, is now on duty at New York. : The office pays $5,500 a year and the in- cumbent retires on an annual compensation of $4,125. It is an important office, as its incumbent is the legal adviser of the Seo- retary of War, and is called on to deter- mine all legal questions arising in the mill- tary service. ——_—_—_+- + ____ HEBREWS IN AMERICA. The Jewish Historical Society to Meet Next Weck in Washington. The American Jewish Historical Society will hold its third annual meeting at the Arlington Hotel on Wednesday and Thurs- day of next week and an elaborate pro- gram has been outlined to follow the busi- ness sessions of the organization, which will be participated in by representative Hebrews from all sections of the Unton. The opening address will be delivered by Congressman Oscar S. Straus, and papers will be read as follows: Dr. Cyrus Adler, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, “A Trial by the Inquisition in Mexico; Mr. Lewis Abrahams, Washington, “Addresses of the Jews of the United States to Wash- ington and His Replies Thereto;” “The Statue of Thomas Jefferson in the Capitol; Rev. Henry Cohen, Galveton, Texas, “Some Notes on the Jews in Texas;” Mr. Albion M. Dyer, New York, “First Chapters of New York Jewish ‘History;” Mr. Jacob Ezekiel, Cincinnati, Ohio, “The Jews of ichmond;” Dr. B, Felsenthal, Chicago, IIL, ditional jotes Concerning the Jews in Surinam;” Dr. Herbert Friedenwald, Philadeiphia, Pa., “Notes on the Jews of Jamaica;” “A Prayer Delivered in the Syn- agogue in New York, 176);” Dr. J. H. Hol- lander, Johns Hopkins University, Baltt- more, ‘Md., “Some Further References Re- lating to Hyam Salomon Mr. George W. Hufnagle, New Hope, Bucks county, Pa. “A Few Extracts From the Life and Rev: olutionary Services of Col. Isaac Franks;” Dr. M. Kayserling, Buda Pesth, Austria, he Earltest Rabbis and Jewish Authors in America;” Mr. Max J. Kohler, New York, “Phases of Jewish Life in New York Before 180;” “Incidents Illustrative of American Jewish Patriotism;” Mr. George A. Kohut, New York, “Some Notes on the Jews of ‘Georgia and South Carolina;” isaac de Castro Tortas and Joseph An- de Silya—two South American Mar- Contribution to the History of in Jamaica and Barbadoes;” the Jews “Early Jewish Literature in America; An Attempt at 2 Bibliography; Mr. N. Tay- lor Philips, New York, he Levy and Seixas Families of New York, and New- port;” Mr. Simon Wolf, Washington, “The American Jewish Soldier.” a TENTH ANNIVERSARY. Bishop Paret to Be Honored in Balti- Baltimore, The tenth anniversary of the consecra- tion of Bishop Paret of the diocese of Maryland will be celebrated tn Baltimore January 8, 1895, under the auspices of the diocesan convention. The holy communion will be administered at 11 a. m. at St. Paul's Church, and addresses will be made by Bishop Paret, Bishop Coleman of the diocese of Alexandria, Rev. Dr. John H. Elliott of this city, president of the stand- ing committee, and Rev. Dr. Currie of Baltimore, president of the board of mis- sions. Following the service a dinner will be given the bishop and other bishops who may be present at the Hotel Rennert, and at night a public reception will be tendered Bishop Paret and his wife at Hazazer's Hall. Bishop Paret was rector of the Church of the Epiphany, this city, when he was raised to the ‘episcopate, and the church people of Washington are also planning to give a reception in honor of the bishop and Mrs. Paret on the evening following the exercises In Lalilmore. —— >. Letter Sheet Envelopes. A letter has been received by the Post Office Department from the international bureau of the universal postal union on the subject of the international use of letter- sheet envelopes. It 1s thought.a good thing by the postal officials of all the countries composing the postal union, but the Amer- ican public seems to think that the only way to send a letter is first to fold It, in- sert it In an envelope, seal it, and then, put on the stamp. An effort will be made to get the united action of the postal admin- istrations of tne countries of the postal union, THE SUGAR TARIFF No Change Oontemplated in Order to Pacifi- cate Foreign Countries. The Europea of Reta! Policy ‘Will Not Have Its Expected Effect Upon Congressional Legislation. Chairman Wilson of the ways and means committee says no consideration has yet been given to further tariff legisla- tion which would evercome the disagree- ments between this country and Germany, France and Austria, as a result of the dif- ferential duty on the sugars of those countries, After the German ambassador had made a vigorous protest against the duty, Germany closed her ports against American meat products; Denmark follow- ed suit, and a general commercial warfare between the United States and sugar pro- ducing countries has seemed imminent. Under these circumstances it was believed Congress would take off the differential duty and thus restore confmercial har- mony. The Senate Must Move First. Mr. Wilson says, however, that any steps in that direction must be taken by the Senate, where the House bill for free sugar is now pending with amendments. The Senate finance committee, in reporting back the free sugar bill, struck out the entire text of the House bill and inserted a 40 per cent ad valorem duty on sugars. No reference was made to the differential duty of 1-10 of 1 cent against countries paying an export duty on sugar, so that ths omission to mention it is said to have the effect of repealing the differential. The subject is therefore ready to be taken up whenever the Senate considers the free sugar bill, and Mr. Wilson does not con- sider it necessary to get up an independent measure dealing with the differential against foreign countries. Meat Trust vs. Sugar Trust. Mr. George H. Davis of Chicago, who is here te urge the repeal of the differential, in order that German ports may be re- opened to American meats, has not yet conferred with Chairman Wilson or any of the members of the ways and means com- mittee. Mr. Wilson does not appear to be greatly impressed by the effort to have the embargo removed on American meats. “When we have the meat trust arrayed against the sugar trust,” said he, hope that THE FITHIAN FREE SHIP BILL. Improbabilities of Its Passage With- out Many Important Changes. - The advocates of the free ship bill who hope to call that measure up for consider- ation as soon as the financial bill is dis- posed of in the House have been making a canvass of the situation. It is found that there is considerable opposition among the democrats, and of course a united opposi- tion on the part of the republicans, to the Fithian bill. It fs said that if a free ship bill is adopted it will have to be based upon the reciprocity idea. It is not believed that the Fithian bill can pass the House, and it certainly cannot pass the Senate. It is said, however, that a bill like that proposed by Mr. Tracy providing for the American registration of foreign-built ships under conditions exactly similar to those under which the City of Paris was ad- mitted to registration might be passed through both houses of Congress, meeting with very little opposition from the repub- licans. There is a strong objection to giv- ing something for nothing, but a good many of the members of both houses would be willing to permit the registration of a foreign-built ship upcn the construction by the same owners of a similar ship in this country. This, it is believed, would not only give the advantage of free ships to American owners, but would so encourage the ship-building industry of this country as in a short time to enable us to success- fully compete with the foreign ship build- ers and give a great impetus to commerce in American bottoms. If this plan is not adopted it 1s probable that there will be no bill passed. ———_+- 2+ —______ Bering Sea Claims. Secretary Gresham has sent a letter to the House in answer to a resolution call- ing for an explanation of his reasons for arranging with Great Britain for the pay- ment of the claims of British sealing ves- sels. It apypars from the submitted corre- xpondence that the agreement to pay a lump sum of $425,000 in full settiement of all demands authorized to be made under the treaty and award was proposed by this government. Secretary Gresham says this amount is considerably below the damages claimed by Great Britain, exclusive of in- terest for a number of years. He says fur- ther: “If this arrangement does not receive the approval of Congress and the disputed questions are submitted to an international commission, it is belleved that the amounts allowed and the expense of the tribunal, including witnesses and the taking of their testimony, will largely exceed $425,000. “In view ‘of all the facts and what may be reasonably expected as the result of a commission, the undersigned submits that @ prompt and final settlement of the vexa- tious controversy by an appropriation of the lump sum agreed upon is advisable.” Ae Government Maps for Public Schools. A scheme to make a general distribu- tion of government maps among schools throughout the country is provided for in a recommendation forwarded by Director Walcott of the geological survey to Secre- tary Smith and by him transmitted to Con- gress. The amendment to the appropria- tion bill, if adopted, authorizes the director to print 15,000 copies of a set of ten to- pographic atlas sheets for distribution to the public schools of the United States corresponding in grade to the grammar, normal and high schools, academies, col- leges and universities. There are between 13,000 and 14,000 of these institutions and the total appropriation necessary for the distribution would be $5,000. Sank Sama Pensions Granted. Among the pensions granted today were the following: District of Columbla—Thomas Goodwin, Deanewood; Mary Liverpool, Elizabeth Wayne. Maryland—Mary Jane Bush, Keep Tryst; Elizabeth Purnell, Cumberland. Virginia—John Furlong, National Mili- tary Home, Elizabeth City; Pinkney Jor- dan, Tanner’s Creek, Norfolk county; Mar- garet Crosby, Portsmouth. ——_+-2+____ Gun Carriages. ‘Tha War Department has aw Kilby Manufacturing Co. of Cleveland the contract for imeking ten disappearing gun carriages for the 10-inch seacoast _ rifles. Fresh proposals have been issued this af- ternoon for supplying nine or more of the same type of carriages. ——--e- The Castine Off for a Punch Bowl. The gunboat Castine left New York to- day for Castine, Me. where she will re- ceive a beautiful silver punch bowl from the residents of that town, After a short stop there she will start south for a three years’ cruise on the South Atlantic sta- tion, with headquarters at Montevideo. ded to the ONLY THE HOUSE But One Branch of the National Legislature in Session. MR. ENGLISH KEEPS UP HIS OPPOSITION He Allows Two Things to Pass by Unanimous Consent. THE OURRENCY BILL DEBATE ee At least twenty members crowded inte the area in front of the Speaker's rostrum today in an effort to secure the passago by unanimous consent of bills of local tm- portance, but Mr. English of New Jersey, who has inaugurated a war of retaliation against unanimous consent legislation un- Ul @ measure of his is passed, was on guard and obdurate. He relented in two instances, however. He allowed a joint resolution offered by Mr. Livingston of Georgia to go thrcugh, providing for the entrance of foreign exhibits to the cotton states’ International exposition, to be held at Atlanta next year. A Little Fan, “This bill, I understand, involves the a@- mission of contract labor,” suggested Mr. Wilson (Wis.}, humorously, when the reso- lution had been read. “I want to remind the gentleman that but a short time ago the country was in a furore over the ad- mission of a single coachman. Does this bill provide for the admission of an En- slish coachman?” : les not,” amis S008, Rot” replied Mr, Livingston, Mr. English also allowed a Senate bill amending the act creating the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia to pass. Mr. De Armond (Mo.) objected to @ bill offered by Mr. Coombs (N.Y.) granting a pension of $100 a month to the widow of Maj. Gen. Abner Doubleday. The Holiday Resolution. Mr. English finally demanded the regular order, Mr. Sayers then presented the joint reso- lution providing for a holiday recess from Saturday, December 22, to Thursday, Jan- uary 8. Although there were no nega- tive responses upon the question of the adoption of the resolution Mr. English called for a division and Mr, Sayers there- upon demanded the yeas and nays, whi Were ordered. : ee a The roll was called and the resolution was adopted, 182-12. The House then, on Mr. Springer’s mo- tion, went into committee of the whole for the further consideration of the cur- —— pee, ton CW. Vi ir. Pendleton . Va.) was recognized by the chair, but before he could proceed Mr. Johnson (Ind.) arose for the purpose, as he stated, of propounding an inquiry, to the chairman of the banking commit- tee, Mr. Springer. 4& New Currency Bill. “I understand,” said he, “that at a meet- ing of the democratic members of the banking committee last night it was de- cided to offer a substitute to the pending measure and that the consent of the Seo- retary of the Treasury was obtained. Is my information correct? If so, I suggest that the substitute be now offered in order that we can proceed intelligently.” ‘Sometime during the afternoon,” repli Mr. Springer, admitting that a change views had been agreed upon, “I will say it is my intention to introduce a substitute for the pending bill.” Mr. Springer, however, denied that the “consent” of the Secretary of the Treasury had been asked or obtained. The demo- cratic members of the committee, he de. clared, were responsible for the substitute. Mr. Pendleton Proceeds. Mr. Johnson was protesting that the substitute should be presented at once and that the House would have something tangible before it, but Mr. Richardson, who was in the chair, declared the colloquy between Mr. Johnson and @r. Springer out of order und Mr. Pendleton proceeded with his argument in support of the bill. He inveighed against the disposition manifested on the republican side to op- pose anything in the shape of financial legislation proposed from the democratio side, and he appealed to his party op) nents to patriotically Join in the perfection, of ® measure that would relive the treas- ury and inure to the welfare of the coun- uy. He declared, with an emphasis that pro- voked a how! of derision from the republi- can side, that at this.time the republican party “stood by, supinely flat upon its back,” while the democratic party was try+ ing to save the country. Mr. Russell in Oppositon. Mr. Russell (Conn.) followed Mr. Pendle- ton with an argument in opposition to a measure which proposed, he said, to de- stroy a national banking system that had stood the test of thirty years. Hearing for Printers. ‘The Senate committee on labor yesterday granted a hearing to delegates from the printers and bookbinders employed at the government printing office, who urged the restoration of the 50-cent hour rate for these classes of work. The printers’ com- mittee consisted of B. L. Smith, chairman; H. 8. Sutton, H. E. Springer, C. B. Mo- Donald and J. W. Cro: The bookbinderg* committee was W. W. Hy chairman; James Fogarty, Alfred Thomas, James Stockman Lieut. U. R. Harris has been grdered te duty as executive officer of the Ranger, re- lieving Lieut. V, C. Strong, granted three months’ leave. Commander J. J. Brice hag been ordered before a retiring board. —_—___+ e+__. Guatemala De Senor Lazo Arriaga, the Guatemalan min- ister, furnishes a denial of the news recent- ly published about some claims made against the Guatemalan government by the ministers of Germany, Belgium and the United States on account of alleged out- rages suffered by subjects and citizens of those nations. “We have no troubleg with foreign min- isters or governments,” said Senor Lazo Arriaga, “except the last incide boundary question with Mexico, and this, I hope, will soon be adjusted. Foreigners, as well as natives, enjoy in Guatemala the most complete protection and they find there not only pleasant and suitable homes, but frequently amass considerable for- tunes.”” _— His Second Offense. - Twenty days ago John H. Cole, a young colored man, was released from jail, where he had spent three months for till tap- ping. Yesterday he said to an acquaint- ance, “I'm going to raise a stake,¥ and in an effort to do so he stole a large mg from Julius Lansburgh’s store. Policeman Holsey arrested him only a short distance from the store and he made no effort to deny the charge. ‘A charge of second offense was preferred against him and Judge Miller sent him to jail today to await the action of the grand jury.