Evening Star Newspaper, December 22, 1894, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Company, 5S. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres’t. New York Office, 49 Potter Building. pathos Sie seth im the at 10 cents at the in the cents mont! yy mail—anywhere postage prepa Saturday _Quintuple Sheet | Star, $1 per year; added, $2.00. > All mall subscriptions must be paid in advance, Rates of advertising made known on application. Che Zvening Star. Te proof of fhe pudding is in fhe eating. Pesterday’s Sar contained 54 cofumns Of advertisements, made up of 656 separate announce: ments. Bese advertisers fought pubficite—not merefp Gpace. Vor 85, No. 21,075. WASHINGTON, D.O, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1894—-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES. TWO CENTS. THE POWERS INSIST Will Not Modify Instructions Re- garding Armenia. GERMANY IS INCLINED 10 YIELD scalptiones Great Britian Will Permit No «*Whitewash.” EE Sense eee | IS INTIMATED HERE ear been cans WHAT VIENNA, December 22.—Advices received here from Constantinople say that the porte objects to part of the instructions given to the delegates of the foreign pow- ers who are,to follow with the Armenian commission. The powers, however, with the exception of Germany, refuse to mod- ify their instructions, and it is understood that Great Britain is now determined: to make an impartial inquiry into the stories told of Turkish atrocities and that she will insist upon the punishment of the guilty persons. In addition, should the present inquiry fail to be as thorough as Great Britain expects, she will demand the appointment of a fresh commission. The German ambassador, on the other hand, ts reported to be agreeable to the sultan’s request for a modification of the instructions given to the German delegate, and he ts said to be trying to arrange for similar modifications upon the part of the three other powers, Great Britain, France and Russia. But the latter are said to be firmly resolved not to give in to the sultan and not to listen to the request of the German ambassador. During the evening of Thursday last the situatior of affairs at Constantinople was _ very strained, and a council of ministers vas held at the palace. The sultan, upon that occasion, was to have come to a de- cision in regard to the acceptance or re- jection of the instructions given to the delegates. It was expected, however, that the sultan would yield befofe the deter- “mined attitude of the powers. All foreign newspapers containing ac- counts of the Armenian outrages continue to be confiscated at the Turkish frontier. TURKEY'S SIDE OF IT. Its Policy im the Armenian Affair is Dictated by a Stronger Power. It is intimated in diplomatic circles here that the Turkish government is being rather unjustly criticised for interposing obstacles to the pursuit of an inquiry by United States Consul Jewett into the Armenian outrages, and that as a matter of fact the porte is following this line of action under pressure of some one or more of the great European powers which have managed to keep in the background up to this time. The reasons assigned for this state of affairs relate to the very foun- dations of European politics. The re- lations of the powers of Hurope which were parties to the Berlin treaty whereby the welfare of the Christians in Armenie was guaranteed are at present such that any attempt at joint intervon- tion m their behalf would be likely to lead to great friction and in the end even to a war. Therefore it is extremely desiragle that the commission which will investigate Armenian affairs should minimize the dis- turbances to a point where a simple re- monstrance to the porte will be sufficient, without @ recourse to the armed demon- stration which would surely be required by united public opinion of the civilized world were all of the facts disclosed in their nakedness. With a commission composed of com- plaisant members appointed by interested nations this may be easily managed, but with an attachment in the shape of an American consul, who wouid not be in any degree amenable to any pressure which could be brought to bear upon him by the other commissioners, and who would be sure also to tell the exact truth, the work of the commission would come ‘to naught if it in the slightest degree conflicted with the findings of the independent American investigator, which would carry conviction s the public because of his assured impar- ality. —— ALLEGED ROYALIST CONSPIRACY. Arrests at Honolulu «@@ Discovery of Powder Ri Gpecial correspondence for the Associated Press, per steamer Arawa, San Francis- co, Cal, December 22). a HONOLULU, December 14.—The talk uf the town this week is the unearthing of an alleged royalist conspiracy. On Saturday evening last the police went to the house of John E. Bush and arrested him and E. C. Crick, on a charge of conspiracy against the government. Upon searching the house seven rifles were found. Soon after being lodged in jail, Joseph Nahwi, a na- tive lawyer, called to see them, and was arrested on the same charge. About mid- night, W. F. Weed and Emil Klemme were also arrested, the former as an accessory to the conspiracy, and the latter for hav- ing arms in his possession unlawfully. Several houses of suspects were searched on Sunday, but no arms found. On Monday night @ thorough search of the house occupied by Crick brought to light four ritles, two pistols and 150 rounds of ammunition, ail of which were conceal- ed under the floor. The prisoners are con- fined in separate cells, and will be examin- ed on Monday next, bail being refused in the meantime. Bush has been publishing a small sheet daily in native and English, in which he has been scoring the present government, and assuring the natives that the queen would surely be restored. Crick is an English chemist, and was implicated in the alleged Walker-Sinclair conspiracy of a years ago. After his arrest he appealed to British Commissioner Hawes for protec- tion, but was told nothing could be done for him. Government officials are very reficent about the case, but claim to have abundant evidence to convict the principal conspirators. ‘The volcano Kilau 1s more active than ever, and some old settlers predict an overilow as the result of the earthquake. tien SAMOAN REBELS DEFIANT. They Will Make Armed Resistance to the Government. (Asoclated Press Correspondence.) APIA, Samoa, December 14.—The rebels have declared their intention of making armed resistance to the government and are relining the forts at Lutuanua, recently destroyed by the British and German war- ships. Everything indicates that serious trouble may again be looked for. The chief justice, owing to the continued {Il- net of his ¢ ghter, has gone to New Zealand for a two m¢ " vacation, The president, Herr Schmidt, is acting as chief justice, Whereas much dissatisfaction is ex- pected. Owing to information having been received by the authorities of a shipment of ammunition having been sent from Eu- rope to Samoa, the cargoes of all incoming els will be searched and any war ma- terial found will be confiscated. King Malletoa is about to marry a girl named Sueina, daughter of one of the greatest chiefs here and a member of one of the largest families. It is thought that marriage will strengthen Malletoa’s posi- tion, Gratifying Improvement in the System of Our Sea Coast Defenses. Valuable Recommendations of the Board of Ordnance and Fortifien- tions Transmitted to Congress. ‘The annual report, of the board of ord- nance and fortitications, sent to Conxress yesterday by Secretary Lamont, contains descriptions of the various experiments and tests that have been made during the year ended October 31. The year, the board reports, has been one of positive and satis- factory advance. Tke want of suitable disappearing carriages for §-Inch and 10- inch high-power guns, which has so long retarded the completion of emplacements, is believed to have been obviated, so that we now have carri of American in- vention, unequaled for rapidity of action by anything heretofore invented. Nothing now stands in the way of immediate com- pletion of the contemplated mortar bat- teries, which form so important a factor in the defense of seaports, but the want of appropriation. Every element pertaining to the mortars, the carriages, the plat- forms and the batteries has been success- fully worked out. We already have bat- tertes of these excellent arms ready for use as soon as means are provided for the emplacements and for mounting them. The supply of seacoast guns is constantly increasing, and the mounts are fully de-. veloped for each of the calibers. That there are additional candidates for favor need not delay the supply of those already fully tested and approved for the sites to which they are adapted. Development of Auxiliary Defenses. The development and test of auxiliary defenses, such as submarine mines, mov- able torpedoes, rapid-fire guns and range and position finders, are said to have reached a stage where we have only to make choice of the best. All are in a good state of advancement. Among the flelds to be further explored are the investigation and development of smdkeless powders, further experiments with high explosives to determine one or more that can be safely fired with the highest velocities now ob- tained from high-power guns, new types of center-pintle carriages for eight and ten- inch guns, with reterence to the greatest cover, compactness and speed of maneuver- ing; the possible development of a disap- pearing carriage for twelve-inch guns that shall afford sufficient protection at a mini- mum cost, the practical development of the minimum-port casemate carriage tor twelve- inch guns, the development of armored casemate batteries and turrets for sixteen- inch guns where the positions require them, and the development and test ‘oi new pro- jectiles and armor plates. All these and other fields remain to be explored. The problems grow constantiy less in number and less urgent; but we must, nevertheless, recognize that increase in the means and improvement in the methods of attack will require constant advance in the means and methods of defense. Liberal Appropriations Kequested. ‘Time is now the greatest elgment in our national defense. Every forward step in the development of our defensive system diminishes the probability that any nation will put its eiticiency to the test. The time has fully come when Congress may make the most liberal appropriations for gun and mortar batteries for their armament, with the assurance that they will be expended judiciously. The board, the report concludes, feels justitied in recommending, as it now does, that far more liberal appropriations than heretofore be made for the construction and armament of our works of defense. The estimates of the board for experi- mental work for the coming year aggre- gate $800,000, of which $50,000 is for smoke- less powder tests, and $100,000 for procur- ing experimental gun carriages. i ————_—+-2-+-______ SWAIN’S RETIREMENT. GEN. It Will Take Place Late Today or on Monday. Brig. Gen. David G. Swaim, judge advo- cate general of the army, will be retired late this afternoon or Monday morning, and it is expected that Col. G. Norman Lieber, assistant and acting judge advo- cate general, will be nominated to the vacancy next week. Col. Lieber’s appoint- ment will result in the promotion of Lieut. Col. Wm. Winthrop, to be colonel and major; Edward Hunter, to be lieutenant colonel in the judge advocate general's department. The vacancy in the list of majors will be filled by transfer from the list of captains of the line. General Swaim entered the military serv- ice October 4, 1861, as a first lieutenant in the sixty-fifth regiment of Ohio volunteers, and was made edjutant cf that regiment soon after taking the field. On the reor- ganization of the Army of the Ohio, under command of Major General Buell, he was assigned to duty as acting assistant ad- jutant general of the twentieth brigade, sixth division, commanded by General Har- per, and afterward by General J. A. Gar- field, who assumed command just before the battle of Shiloh. General Swaim was appointed assistant adjutant general, U. S. volunteers, with the rank of captain, May 16, 1862, and served in that capacity until after the battle of Perryville, when he was ordered to report for duty under General Garfield at Washington, D. C, Subsequently he served on the staff of Gen. Rosecrans and Gen, Thomas. After the battle of Missionary Ridge he was as- signed to mustering duty at Wilmington, Del., and remained there until October, 1864, when he was transferred to the De- partment of the Missouri, serving succes- sively on the staffs of Gens. Rosecra: Dodge, Pope and Hancock. He acted a: Judge advocate of the department most of the time. In February, 1866, he was pro- moted to the rank of major, and in May, 1868, to the rank of colonel. He was hon- erably mustered out in September, 1866, and in November of that year was ap- pointed second Meutenant in the thirty- fourth regular infantry and acted as judge advocate for the fourth military district. He was appointed a major and judge advo- cate December, 1869, and was advanced to the head of that department by President Garfleld, February 18, 1881. He has been under suspension for the past twelve years, and was restored to duty a few weeks ago. —————_-o+—______ A Contract Labor Cas: Assistant Secretary Hamlin today, sitting with Superintendent Stump of the immigra- tion bureau, gave a hearing in the case of Anton Held, the Amsterdam diamond pol- isher, who was refused a landing by the immigration authorities at New York on the ground that he was an alien contract laborer. Counsel for Held’ contend that he should have been admitted as coming with- in the exception to the law which admits contract laborers to be engaged in a new industry. The only question involved is whether diamond polishing is a new in- dustry in this country. The board of in- quiry at New York which refused the land- ing Was represented by Mr. Cochrane and the appellants by Messrs. Fitch and Green- baum. Ss Army Orders. First Lieut. Joseph E, Maxfield, signal corps, is relieved from further duty at Fort Riley, Kans., and will report to the commanding general, Department of the Missourt, for duty as chief signal officer of ADVANCES IN ARMAMENT THOM AS B. REED Democrats in the House Surprised at : His Magnanimity. DOES NOT CHAFF THEM ON DEFEAT evan eae He is an Intensely Busy Man These _ Days. A PRESIDENTIAL POSSIBILITY There is very little change in the bearing of “Tom” Reed im consequence of his prom- irence as a presidential possibility and the recent triumph of his party. He may be a little less in evidence on the floor of the House; he may hold himself a little in reserve, but this seems to come from his having other occupation than that of sit- ting in judgment over the majority and making their declining hours miserable. There is one thing that the democrats have been greatly surprised at. They came back to clean-up the last session of this Co gress shame-faced and in dread of t taurts they would have to endure from the republicans, especiaily from Reed. They Lraced themselves for thé trying ordeal erd assumed an awkward air of defiance to help them in facing it out. To their utter astonishment Reed has scarcely given them any notice, and from the gen- eral bearing of the republicans it would be difficult to find any indication of the triumph they feel. There have been v few references by the republicans to the election, and the democrats have not had their sensitive feelings seriously disturbed. This magnenimity was unlooked for. They do not know how to account for it. They have been waiting every day for the “jol- lying” to begin, but there has been none of it, and they are beginning to feel ‘that they are going to be permitted to pass away in comparative comfort. Reed's Magnanimity. In this # disclosed a trait of Mr. Reed's character which is not generally recognized. Every one is so in the habit of looking upon Reed as a fighter and a bitter satirist that the idea of his being magnanimous is not suggested. He has a playful way of tor- menting men of light weight who try to Pose as statesmen, and in a contest with an equal he is aggressive and uncompromising, but he always. stops fighting when his ad- versary is down. He is not given to the habit of crowing over a fallen foe, and he {s not apt to remind the democrats of their bad plight unless an occasion arises where such a reminder is necessary. He is not given to small actions. His conduct toward the democratic Speaker who suc- ceeded him in the chair hag been remark- ably considerate for the most part, seldom trying to throw unnecessary difficulties in his way. His exultation over his victory in compelling the democrats to count a quo- Tum was carried only to the extent neces- sary to impress the fact upon the record and to make it clear to the public that his own course while Speaker been vindi- cated to that extent. Burrows and Dalzell, the two republican leaders next in rank to him, are equally averse to petty exultation, so that the defeated democrats have got off quite easy with their sore feelings. Doesu’t Appear to Have “a Bee.” A man with “the bee” in his bonnet can usually be identified in a crowd. It is tra- ditional that nothing else puts a man so much cn his guard, brings out so much the amiability and suavity of his character or maker such a coward of him. A bland, conciliatory smile becomes a set expression of his face, and to show deference to the vie’ of others and to hide his own opin- ions becomes a habit. None of these char- acteristic symptoms of the candidate have appeared in Read. He is no more than or- dinarily amiable, shows no signs of trying to cultivate popularity and is as pronounc- ed in his opinions id seemingly as free to take a position on any question as he ever was. In his short speech on the railroad pooling bill he showed clearly enough that he was not disposed to play the dema- gogue, and if he has not yet appeared much in the proceedings of the House there is no evidence that he is trying to avold tak- ing a position on any question. The most noticeable change in his bearing lies In his appearing to be always busy. During the two Congresses, up to this time, that he has been out of power he has been con- spicuous on the floor for his attitude of indolence and the satirical expression of wearines@which rested on his face while the democrats were floundering about in their efforts to do something. He would loll back in his chair like a lazy giant, either watching over affairs with only an occasional evidence of interest, or sur- rounded by a group of admirers, who listen- ed to his indolent irony, receiving his re- marks with loud bursts of laughter. An Air of Business About Him. Now he has an air of business about him. His expression of countenance is moye serious, and his frequent conferences with his friends are conducted with heads close together and are not accompanied with pcals of laughter. He is more frequently in the cloak room than in his seat; put whether in the cloak room or in his seat, he is usually in earnest conversation with sonie of his colleagues. Hts influence with his party associates is directed toward holding them down, with the view of as- sembling all their reserve force to deal with the problems confronting them in their progress toward complete restoration in power and to avold errors which are apt to come from impetuosity. He does not want them to assume any responsibilities which do not belong to them, or to make any attempts to do the impossible. Though it is assumed that he will be Speaker of the next House, he has not yet disclosed his purposes in this particular. It is possible that he may decide not to take the speak- ership, but this is not regarded as at ell probable. ‘The importance to his party that the majority in the next House should be kept In check and guided by a masterly hand fs too evident to admit of his taking of abandoning that position of While Reed never can be led into saying anything about Mis higher ambition—unless it is to those confidential friends who are working to bring about its gratification— neither he nor his friends seek in any way to make it appear as a matter of doubt whether he will stand for the presidential nomination. Apparently, they will go into this in the same businesslike manner that he went into the fight for the speakership of the Fifty-first Congre: At the opening of that memorable con- test between Reed and McKinley the Maine man had all hjs plans carefully laid and never for a mirlute doubted the cer- tainty of his own success. He is in a cer- tain sense a fatalist. After he has mapped out what “must happen,” with certain conditions to start under, the thing is to his mind as good as accomplished. When he once makes up his mind to a thing he is never troubled by doubts or apprehen- sions. It is said that in looking ahead to the fight for the presidential nomination he has no fear whatever of McKinley or Harrison, but regards Allison as a more Cs elias rival should there be hard fight. —_——-o-—___ Treasury Receipts. National bank notes received for redemp- tion today, $428,434. Government receipts— From internal revenue, $482,586; customs, $255,518; miscellaneous, $142,287. A CAUCUS CONTEMPLATED To Be Held Soon After the Close of the Holidays. . House Democrats Want to Agree on . Some Sort of @ Fimancial Measure. Congress will adjourn for the holidays With none of the deibt as*to the outcome of the financial legislation proposed in any measure relieved. The‘friends of the Car- lisle plan have come to the conclusion that the bill cammot be passed without material amendment, and those who are interesting themselves in the subject are expected to study the vorious propositions made, so as to be ready when Congress re- assembles to take up the matter with a hope of ¢oming to some intelligent conclu- sion as to what ought tp be done and out of that to form @ plan modified by the con- sideration of what may be possible to ac- comphsh, A Caucus Contemplated. A caucus, to be held soon after the close of the holidays, is in contemplation, hav- ing in view an agreement on amendment which should be adopted and the selection of a general policy for the democrats. It is urged that, recognizing the necessity for action that the party in caucus should decide first that they will, as a party, pass some sort of a measure, and then proceed to come as near @ common agreement as possible, with the understanding that af- amendments have been voted on and either adopted or defeated, the bill as it then stands shaji be made a party meas- ure, Not Easy to Carry Oat. A plan of this sort is easier to map out than it is to carry out, and the only thing that gives promise of even the possibility of any legislation is the fear members have of being held responsible for doing nothing. The idea of some of the eastern Democrats is that some republican votes might be had for a measure in which are incorporated some of the features of the Walker bil. Sore Oe gee ee PUSTAGE STAMP, ALBUMS. Secret Service Officials Say That the - Law is Violated. The sale of postage stainp albums has for years past formed an important item in the holiday trade of book dealers in this city, as the stamp-coliecting mania ts a popular one among yourg folks. But the law, as interpreted by the secret service bureau of the Treasury Department, has put itself in evidence and seriously inter- fered with the business in question of one local dealer at least. Agent G. O. Barker of the secret service on Monday last visited the establishment of BE. E. Fisher, a bookgetler and station- er, at 1703 Pennsylvanig avenue northwest, and contiscated a stock'pf foreign and do- mestic stamps. A second visit was paid on the day following, and when Mr. Barker departed he took with him every stamp al- bum in the store. The albums contain fac- similes of certain stamps, The only reason given for the seizure was that the pictures of stamps in the album come under the head of counterfeiting. Wants His Goods Back. Mr. Fisher, it is said, has demanded that his goods be returned, on the ground that the albums ‘are patented, and that one branch of the government has not the au- thority to seize articles plainly exempted from such action by another branch of the government. It was also claimed that the United States has no authotity as regards foreign stamps. Further, he relies on the fact that the seizures were made without search warrants. At the Treasury Department this after- noon # Star reporter was informed that no information whatsoever can be furnished the public as to the doings of the secret service bureau. A high official, however, stated that the laws fully cover Mr. Fish- er’s case. The Law in the Case. Section 5418, Revised Statutes of the United States, provides that postage stamps are an obligatio& of the United States, while in section 5430 it is stipulated that any person who executes a likeness of such obligation is guilty of a misdea- meanor and subject to a fine of $5,000, or fifteen years’ imprisonment, or both. Sec- tion 4 of the act of Congress approved February 10, 1801, an act further to prevent counterfeiting or manufacturing of dies, tools or implements used in counterfeiting, and providing penalties therefor, and pro- viding for the issue of search warrants in certain cases, reads that “all counte?Pfeits of any of the obligatiors or other securi- ties of the United States or of any foreign government, or counterfelts of any of the coins of the United States or of any for- eign government, and all material or ap- paratus fitted or intended to be used, or that shell have been used, in the making of any of such counterfeit obligations or other securities or coins hereinbefore men- tioned, that shall be found in the posses- sion of any person without authority from the Secretary of the jury or other proper officer to have the same, shall be taken possession of by any authorized agent of the Treasury Department and for- felted to the United States, and disposed of in any manner the Secretary of the Treas- ury may direct.” A Patent Does Not Protect. « The opinion of the law of§cer of the Treasury Department, bearing on the sub- ject, is that a patent does not protect a person from violations of the law, or, in other words, the government does not rec- ognize a patent when it violates the law. Mr. Fisher has received a communication from the firm in Philadelphia which pub- lishes the album, stating that every time similar cases have: been tested in the courts the decision has been against the secret service. Mr. Fisher intends to go to law in the present case. It is understood that all stamp all offered for sale in the city will be but the secret ser- goo tals refuse to talk on that suj- ject. CLOSING THE DEPARTMEN iTS. Government Employes Will Be Per- mitted to Enjoy the Holidays. Secretary Carlisle has igsued the follow- ing holiday order: i “Clerks and other employes of this de- partment may be excused from duty at 12 m. on Monday, the 24th instant, and at same hour on Morday, the Sist instant. ‘The department will be closed on Tuesday, the 25th instant, ‘Christmas,’ and on Tues- day, the Ist proximo, ‘New Year day.’” A similar plan will be followed in all the other executive departments. T! em- ployes of the various departments were paid off this afternoon, so that they will be supplied with money for their Christ- mes shopping. ee Gold Rapidly Disappearing. Gold to the amount of $1,400,000 was withdrawn from the New York subtreas- ury yesterday for export, reducing the gov- ernment gold balance to $88,900,810, being more than $11,000,000 less than the legal tender reserve mit. Since December 1 the withdrawals amount to $28,576,275, of which, so far as known, legs than $7,000,000 was intended for ex ‘the cash balance in the treasury 263. OFFICIAL OPINIONS/* PLEA FOR PEACE|A RECESS TAKEN The Attorney General Differs From Secretary of State Gresham. THE MOST FAVORED NATION CLAUSE It is Discussed at Length in Regard to Salt. ARGUMENT APPLIES TO SUGAR a Sesires It is generally understood that the action of Mr. Wilson yesterday in introducing in the House a specific bill providing for the, repeal of that section of the sugar schedule in the new tariff act which imposes an ad- ditional duty of one-tenth of one cent on sugar imported from countries granting an export bounty is in conformity with the wishes of the President. Mr. Wilson's Dill embodies the views expressed by Secretary Gresham in a recent letter to the Prest- dent on the subject, and inferentially ad- mits that he paragraph complained of by the representatives of Germany is a vio- lation of the “most favored nation” clause of our treaty with that country. There is much surprise expressed, however, at the admissions which the bill carries with it, in view of the fact that Attorney General Olney in a recent opinion to the Secretary of the Treasury took a directly opposite view of the case. The question propounded to the Attorney General by Secretary Car- lisle was whether salt imported from Ger- many is dutiable under thp paragraph of the new tariff act which imposes the old and higher duty on salt imported from countries imposing a duty’ on salt export- ed from the United States. Substantially the sams arguments apply to both the sugar and the salt schedules, inasmuch as it is contended on behalf of Germany that both provisions are equally in violation of the “‘mpst favored nation” clause in our treaty with that country. The Attorney General makes a very strong argument in support of his position, and shows that Germany herself has de- clared that the export sugar bounty of one country might be counteracted by an import duty of another without any viola- tion of the terms of the “most favored nation” clause. In the course of his argu- ment the Attorney General say: Most Favored Nation © “In the first place, the ‘most favored nation clauses’ of our treaties with foreign powers have, from the foundation of our government, been invariably construed both as not forbidding any internal regu- lations necessary for the protection of our home industries, and as permitting com- mercial concessions to a country which are not gratuitous, but are in return for equivalent concessions, and to which no other country is entitled, except upon rendering the same equivalents. Thus, Mr. Jefferson, when Secretary of State in 1792, said of treaties exchanging the rights of the most favored nation that ‘they leave each party free to make what internal regulations they please, and to give what preference they find expedient to native merchants, vessels and productions.’ In 1817 Mr. John Quincy Adams, acting in the same official capacity, took the ground that the ““most favored nation clause” “only covered gratuitous favors and did not touch concessions for equivalents ex- pressed or implied." Mr. Clay, Mr. Living- ston, Mr. Evarts and Mr. Bayard, when at the head of the, Department of State, have each given official expression to the same view. It has also received the sanction of the Supreme Court in more than one well considered decision, Germany's Interpretation. This interpretation of the “most favored nation clause,” so clearly established as a doctrine of American law, is believed to accord with the interpretation put upon the clause by foreign powers—certainly by Ger- many and Great Britain. Thus, as the clause permits any internal regulations that a country may find necessary to give @ preference to “native merchants, vessels and productions,” the representatives of both Great Britain and Germany expressly declared, at the international sugar confer- ence in 1888, that the export sugar bounty of one country might be counteracted by the import sugar duty of another without causing any discrimination which could be deemed a violation of the terms of the “most favored nation clause.” So both Germany and Great Britain acquiesced in the position of the United States, that our treaty with Hawaii did not entitle those nations to equal privileges, in regard to imports, with those thus obtained by the United States—the privileges granted to thi United States being in consideration o: concessions by the United States which Germany and Great Britain not only did not offer to make, but, in the nature of things, could not make. Reciprocal Concessions. If these established principles be applied to the case in hand but one result seems to be possible. The form which the pro- visions of our recent tariff act relating to salt may have assumed is quite imma- terial. It enacts, in substance and effect, that any country admitting American salt free shall have its own salt admitted free here, while any country putting a duty upon American salt shall have its salt dutiable here under the pre-existing stat- ute. In other words, the United States concedes “free sal to any nation which concedes “free salt” to the United States. Germany, of course, is entitled to that con- cession upon returning the same equiva- lent. But gtherwise she is not so enti- tled, and there is nothing in the “most favored nation clause” which compels the United States to discriminate against other nations and in favor of Germany by granting gratuitously to the latter privi- leges which it grants to the former only upon the payment of a stipulated price. In the next place, even if the provisions of our recent tariff act under considera- tion could be deemed to contravene the “most favored nation clause’ of the treaty with Germany—as they cannot be for the reasons stated—the result would be the same. The tariff act is a statute later than the treaty and, so far as inconsistent with it, is controlling. The principle ts too well settled to admit of discussion, and, if any relief from its operation is desirable, it can be obtained only through proper modifying legislation by Congress. —— PRESIDENT CLEVELAND'S RETURN, Will Get Back to Washington To- morrow From His Ducking Trip. The President will return to Washington tomorrow. The exact time of his arrival ig held back, as the President desires to avoid the possibility of a demonstration at the railroad depot. A very large bag of ducks was delivered at the White House yesterday and tpeaks volumes for the suc- cess of the huntsmen. It Is understood that all the members of the cabinet have received many similar trophies of the chase. ee ‘The Rapid Transit Bill. Mr. Catchings of Mississippi has intro- duced in the House a bill offered at the last session to incorporate the National Rapid Transit Company, which proposes to run trains by electricity between Washing- ton and New York, at the rate of 120 miles per hour. The bill has been published in The Star heretofore, Ohina Appoints Two Commissioners to Oonfer With the Japanese. Probable Action of the Latter—An Armistice May Be Established Pending Negotiations, Secretary Gresham has received advices from Minister Denby, at Pekin, confirming the report that the Chinese government has appéinted two peace commissioners, Chang Yin Huan and Shao, and that they will proceed at once on their mission to the Japanese capital. Chang Yin Huan is at present a member of the Tsung Li Yamen, or Chinese imperial council. He was afew years ago Chinese minister to Washington,and has the reputa- tion of being thoroughly skilled in the di- plomacy peculiar to oriental countries. Shao is now acting governor of the rich Chinese province of Huan, and, in addi- tion, holds several minor offices in the im- perial government. Now that China has appointed her com- missioners, the expectations are that Ja- pan will promptly name commissioners to meet them. As Japan was informed more than two weeks ago, through the interme- diary of the American minister at Tokio, that China would sue for peace and ap- int an embassy to conduct the negotia- ‘ions, the presumption is that the Emperor of 3 has already selected those per- sons whom he desires to represent his gov- ernment. Probable Personnel of Japan’s Com- minsion, The announcement of the appointment, accordingly, of Japan’s commissioners is expected daily at the Japanese legation, and the impression prevails that Mr. Mut- su, the minister of foreign affairs, will be her chief representative. Count Inouye, at resent minister td Corea, would no doubt ave also been appointed one of the com- missioners were he now in Japan, but it is not considered likely that he will be re- called from Corea to assist in the negotia- tions. Tokio, the capital of the Japanese empire, .will probably be the meeting place of the commissioners, although it is said at the Japanese legation that Hiroshima, where the emperor and his council now are, may be decided upon. China's practical demonstration of her desire for peace, as evidenced by the ap- pointment of commissioners to conduct negotiations looking thereto, will, it is be- lieved here, be a sufficient assurance to Japan of China’s earnestness in the mat- ter, and under these circumstances the belief prevails at the Japanese legation here that an armistice will be declared. The Japanese government, while it has not sought peace, has indicated its willing- n 38 to consider peace proposals, and now that China has taken steps which look to a consummation of that object a temporary oo of active hostilities seems prob- able. Another View of the Armistice. ‘There ts considerable speculation indulged in, however, by other foreign representa- tives here. They are aware that such a course is usual in the case of wars between civilized countries, but think there is rea- son to believe that the Japanese are indis- posed to trust the Chinese in the smallest degree, and believe that if an armistice is arranged it will be upon such conditions as to assure the Japanese that they will lose none of the advantage of position which they now hoid. It is stated that the United States rein- isters to Japar™ and China have never un- dertaken to disc the terms of final e. All such matters the amount cf the war indemnity to be paid by the de- feated country, the guarantee of the inde- pendence of Corea, the occupation of Port Arthur and the Island of Formosa, have been left untouched for the discussion of the peace commissioners, and the sole ef- forts of our ministers have been directed to bringing the principals together to dis- cuss terms of peace. os THE CURRENCY BILL. Mr. Springer Thinks the Carlisle Measure Will Pass the House. “I believe that the Carlisle currency bill will be passed by the House,” said Chair- man Springer of the House committee on banking and currency. “As yet no can- vass has been made, but from the general sentiment among members, I feel that most of the objections heretofore urged have been overcome by the substitute in- troduced last night. It is probable, how- %ver, that there will be a party opposition from the republican side, notwithstanding the changes we have made, as the minor- ity are not likely to support any measure unless state banks are entirely eliminated, and even then it is doubtful whether they would support any bill originating with the democrats, But with the harmonizing of feeling on the democratic side, I think we will have a safe majority for the bill. The measure in its present form commands the support of all who are desirous of securing a sound currency, with the single excep- tion, perhaps, of the radical silver element, which has no faith in any kind of currency issuing banks, and will accept nothing but government issues of flat money. But I do not regard as sufficiently strong to threaten the success of the bill, in view of the strong sentiment toward getting together on the best possible bill for currency revision and sound money.” Bland Will Urge His Bill. Mr. Bland of Missouri say: will urge the substitute I have already presented, notwithstanding the changes made in the original Carlisle bill. “These changes are evidently designed to overcome objections, but they do not overcome the one vital objection to putting the currency issues of the country in the hands of national banks. No change short of eliminating national banks of issue will make the bill approach an acceptable form. I am not prepared to say that my sub- stitute for issues of coin and coin notes directly by the government will prevail in the House, but it will certainly be urged with vigor after the holidays, and I have no doubt of its commanding a very sub- stantial support. in my judgment, it is not going to pass in the House of Representa- tives.” pa ESE a INDIAN AGENTS COMING. They Will Hold an Important Con- ference Early in January. A conference of the agents of the Sioux Indian reservations in Dakota, of the Chip- pewa Indian agents and of several army officers in charge of agencies, with the Sec- retary of the Interior and the commission- er of Indian affairs will be held here dur- ing the first week of January. The object @ general conference on Indian matters and a discussion of needed changes and improvements in the Indian service. While here the agents will submit their estimates for the reservations for the fiscal year com- mencing next July. The question of open market purchases will also be considered. +e The Ambassador Declines, Owing to a pressure of legation business Baron Von Saurma Jeltzch, the German ambassador, has found it impracticable to accept the pcsition of third member of the Venezuelan claims commission. As but one week remains before the commission with membership is required by the con- vention creating it to meet and organize. an immediate selection of another person to serve as the third member will be ma But It Looked as if the Sonate Would Keep in Session. MR. GEORGE AS AN OBJECTOR ae Continuation of the Carlisle Cur rency Bill Discussion. SPEECHES MADE TODAY‘ } There was but a small attendance of the Senate when that body was called to order today by Mr. Harris (president pro tem.), | @ number of the Senators having left for home in anticipation of the holiday re- cess. Mr. Cullom (Ill) presented a series of resolutions adopted by a meeting of citl- zens of Chicago on December 9, express ing sympathy with the Armenians. Mr. Cullom also introduced a bill pro- viding for the establishment of an assay, office in Chicago. The Holiday Resolution. After further routine business had been transacted the holiday adjournment reso- lution was then formally laid before the Senate, and Mr. Cockrell (Mo.) said ‘t was perfectly manifest to those familiar with the transaction of business in the Senate that it would be impossible to keep a quo- rum here between now and January 3. A similar condition of affairs would exist in the House. He had never asked the Sen- ate to do anything for his comfort, nor would it be any comfort to him to have the Senate adjourn for the time proposed. In view, however, of the existing condi- tions he asked unanimous consent that the resolution be now considered. Mr. George (Miss.), however, objected. For the purpose of bringing the matter before the Senate Mr. Manderson (Neb.) moved the reference of the holiday ad- journment to the appropriations commit- tee. Mr. George Objects. Mr. George then addressed the Senate on the resolution. He said he was well aware that an objection to a holiday recess would not meet with any great favor He believed it was the duty of the Senate (as on a former occasion) to sit during the holidays, and he proposed to take such step3 to test the sense of the Senate on the question. He did not do this to delay or annoy Senators, but simply to have a fair expression) of the Senate on the ques- tion. If the Senate adopted this resolu- tion one-third of the session will have ex- pired, and not a single appropriation will have been passed. In taking the she he did, he said, he had the support of a number of other Senato! whom he nam- ed. The Senate had emphatically that no rule should be adopted to facilitate business, so that in the two months re- maining after January 1 the business transacted will be what a small minority of this body decide it shall be. The Sena- tor then named a number of important on = Peep rhe ye would give rise considerable ussion, among them being the Carlisle financial bill, now pend- ing in the House, and thé item in one of the appropriation bills making an appro- priation to collect the income tax. Mr. Manderson (Neb.), in a brief speech, expressed the hope that no factious or per- sonal opposition would be made to the resolution when it was formally reported from the appropriation committee. In answer to a question by Mr. Frye,he point- €d out that even debate on a bill could bo stopped if the point of no quorum was made. ‘The Resolution Passed. Finally Mr. George withdrew his objec- tion and the adjournment resolution was placed before the Senate and passed. Mr. Dolph (Oreg.) made an attempt to secure consideration of the bill to amend a section of the law providing for an adjust- ment of land grants made by Congress to aid in the construction of railroads, &c., and which, he explained, enabled the pres- ent law to be applied to a certain class of land cases, but which seemed to have been overlooked. t Messrs. Call (Fla.), and Allen (Neb.), however, objected, and Mr. Dolph withdrew his motion. Mr. Morgan had the floor to reply to Mr. Turpie’s remarks on the Nicaraguan canal bill. He said, however, that the latter's speech had not appeared in the Record until today, and he was satisfied that he would not have time enough to complete his remarks before adjournment. He was willing to yield to a motion for an execu- tive session, which prevailed, after which, at 145 p.m., the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 8, at noon. THE HOUSE, This was the last day before the holi- day recess, and there were but few mem- bers on the floor when the House con- vened. Dr. English of New Jersey, who has been blocking unanimous consent legisla- tion since the opening of the sessioi!, was present, but was in something of a concil- latory spirit, and three bills were passed by unanimous consent before he demanded the regular order. One was passed on mo- tion of Mr. Doolittle (Wash.), to grant American registry to the barks Linda of North Carolina and Archer of Washing- ton. The other two respectively, on motions of Messrs. Painter (Ky.) and Gear (la.), were pension bills. Debate on the currency bill was then re- sumed. Currency BIL Debate. Mr. Coombs (N.Y.) opened in favor of the bill. He complimented the House on the manner in which the great question of currency reform had been brought hefore the country. A bill hard and fast in its provisions had not been brought forward. By discussion and amendment it was being molded into shape. If the bill did not pass its consideration would have a wholesome effect in agi on an intelligent basis the problem of currency reform. The cry- ing demand of the present situation in his opinion was for the funding and retirement of the legal tenders. . Mr. Bell in Opposition. 7 Mr. Bell (Texas,) who followed Mrae Coombs in opposition to the bill, said the 5 argument of this measure 8 ofe Touckgtone’s plea for ES reminded Touchstone Audrey in “y Sieg ore conteanetu favored, she Cur- rency reform was to become a fad, he thought. He noticed that its practical di- rection was toward contraction. ‘A witness before the committee had been frank enough to confess that the repeal of the purchase clause of the Sherman act was only the “first step.” It was now pro- posed to retire the entire greenback circu- lation. —_————--—___ Confirmations, ‘The Senate in executive session today, confirmed the following nominations: Henry W. Swift of Massachusetts, to be marshal of the United States for the dls- trict of Massachusetts. . Charles H. Mansur of Missouri, to be as- sistant controller of the treasury (office created July 31, 1894); Marshal Petet of Veedersburg, Ind, to be Indian agent at Klamath agency In Oregon, and Thos. B. Teter of West Virginia, to be Indian agent | at the Fort Hall agency in Idaho,