Evening Star Newspaper, December 27, 1894, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. Pocath ican arvtnad 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, 40 Fotter Puildine, pathecesu. > fiahe=h ‘The Evening Star served to subscribers in the carriers, on thelr own acconnt Copies at the . By mati-anywhere in t United States or Canada—postage prepald—30 cents ber month. Saturday Quintuple Sheet $1 per year; d, i shington, D. ©. Star, with forelgn postage adde = postage ai all subscriptions miust be pald In advance, Rates of advertising made known on 2pp!tcatton, Che Lvening Star. Vou 85, No. 21,079. WASHINGTON, D. ©, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1894—TEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. NEWS OF THE STORM It Has Abated in Violence in New York. CIRCUITS DAMAGED IN PENNSYLVANIA Animals Killed by Broken Electric Light Wires. A“ MAN FROZEN TO DEATH W YORK, December 27.—The storm which began at 5 o'clock last evening con- tinues at noon, though abated in violence. The snow that fell during the night has been converted by rain into a heavy slush. Railway trains are generaily behind time and telegraphic communication is much in- terrupted. At Sandy Hook ‘the wind 1s blowing a moderate gale from east north- east. The water along the Staten Island shore is unusually high and in many places the waves make a clean breach over the docks. At quarantine the waves are con- tinually breaking over the stone wall which was built to protect the shore along the front of the quarantine grounds. Reports from the interior indicate more or less serious interruption to railway . central New York showing the most ral disturbance. At Syracuse there Is eighteen inches of snow; trains are from one to three hours behind time, and street cars are unable to move. No trains have reached Auburn from the east, and the morning train from the west was two hours late. In western New York the storm is severe, but thus far trains have been run nearly on schedule time. The storm exiends all along the New England coust. in Maine the heavy snowfall is a source of gladness to lumbermen, who were w: g for an wtunity to clear the camps of the sea- WATERTOV N. Y¥.. December terrific wind and snow storm began at 11 o'clock last night throughout northern New Yerk and still continues. From five to fif- teen inches of light snow has fallen in twelve hours in Watertown. Passenger trains are delayed from one to three hours. CANANDAIGUA, N.Y., December 27.— Snow has been falling for the last ten hours and lies two feet deep on a level aid Badly drifted in all cuts. Traific on the Central Hudson and Northern Ceutrat rall- roads is blocked and can scarcely be re- sumed within twenty-four hours. SARATOGA, N. Y., December 27.—The Adirondack region is being stormswept by zzard. A foot of snow has fallen since at midnight, nd it is being drifted by a northern gale. TROY, N. December 27—The snow, which is badly drift}, has delayed all rail- way traffic hereabouts. IN PENNSYLVANIA. Damage Caused to Tele; Telephone Circuits. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., December 27.— ‘The sleet storm which followed last night's fall of snow appears to have wrought the most damage to telegraph and telephone circuits within a radius of fifty miles of this city. The Western Union and Postal Telegraph companies are badly crippled on every circuit. Just outside the city limits, on the western trunk route of the former company, thirteen poles are jown tn one locality, ‘and further west five more are prostrated. On other routes almost the same condition of aifairs is reported. The Postal Company reports wires south, west and north in bad shape. Southern New Jersey is cut off entirely. The long-dis- tance telephone company has fifty-one poles down in Camden alone, and outside of that city the condition is just as bad. While the storm was severe at Delaware Breakwater, no shipping disaster is re- ported. The only damage to shipping in this harbor was that caused by a few ves- 3 dragging thelr anchers and banging against the wharves, Snow ranging in depth from four to eigh- teen inches covers Pennsylvania today, and many localities report it still coming down, Six horses and two mules were killed this morning by coming in contact with the deadly electric light wires which were blown down by last night's storm. ‘The first accident occurred about 3 o'clock at Broad and Sansom streets, when a horse atiached to a coupe stepped on an electric ‘aph and lignt wire. He was killed antly. A couple of hours later two horses attached to ac wire which had fallen across a troliey feeder at wth and Master streets. Both horses were killed. At 6 o'clock two horses attached to a Knickerbocker ice wagon stepped on a wire at 8d and Walnut streets and dropped dead. A balf hour later two mules drawing an oyster wagon ran against an electric light wire and were killed. About the same time a horse driven by Philip Schwartz, a milk dealer, came in contact with an elec- tric light wire and was killed. PITTSBURG, December 27.—The snow storm which started in last evening proved to be the heaviest that has been known here for several years. Up to 10 o'clock this morning twelve inches of snow had falicn, and it is still snowing. Trains on ail roads are delayed, and there is much doubt whether ihe eastern trains will be able to get over the moun- tains. Street car travel in the city is seriously interfered with, and tn some parts of the city telegraph and telephone wires are down. Little wind accompanied the storm here, which reduced the damage ch would have been otherwise done to wi ‘There {s no ice in the rivers, and sivermen are looking for a thaw which Will make navigable water, and permit the shipment of coal to southern ports. The blizzard was general over this sec- tion, and especially severe in the Allegheny mountains, where the snow drifted and impeded travel. Two trains from the east Yere four to seven hours late, and from the west they were nearly as much behind time. Up to this hour no wrecks have been reported. At 8 a.m. the thermometer reg- istered 20 degrees above zero at the United | Etates signal station here. The predictions given were that the storm would continue until night, followed by colder weather. Two lives were nearly sacrificed in the storm here last night. Early this morning & policeman found Henry Anderson, color- @4, in a snow drift on Liberty strect’almost det.d from exposure. The man had been in- toxicated and falling Into the drift was un- ablc to rise. He is at the Homeopathic Hespital, and will recover. At 1 o'clock this morning John Rhine was found lying In the snow unconscious at 5 He was taken to a residence vived iran hour. He said he becaine pumb and fell about midnight. pUBOL Pa., December 27.—The snow set in th sion about dusk 2g has contit without abate- w is still fall- ready covered to shes. is the first snow fal! azon and it has seriously in- ferfered with the bituminous coal opera The lumber men are greatly bene- r ted by the snow, as they can, get th avy lumber down the side of the mou tain. ‘Tra@lc on the Allegheny Valley rail- read is practically at a stanc@ill, the gow having drifted to such a depth in the mountain cuts that the trains are snow- Bovnd. Travel on the public highways ts out of e question. legraph and telephone ires are prostrated. In Maryland. BALTIMORE, December 27.—The fierce snow and sleet storm which set in at 3 o'clock yesterday throughout the state and raged furiously until 9 o'clock con- tinued in a milder form during the night. At noon the sun broke through, but the skies still look ominous. No serious block- ades nor interruption to traffic have been reported. All Through Quebec. MONTREAL, Quebec, December 27.—All through the province of Quebec, a severe snow storm raged all last night. No acci- dents are reported, and railway traffic has not been interfered with. Frozen to Death. MARTIN'S FERRY, Ohio, December 27.— John Moreland was found frozen this morning at Gleim’s Run, near his home. He was an old soldier and worked in the Elson glass factory. He had started to walk home from here last night, and was caught in the storm. A Blizzard at Chicago. CHICAGO, December 27.-The mercury fell with the snow here today and the stcrm developed into a veritable blizzard. Railway trains were generally on time, but the drifts seriously hampered cable and horse car traffic and street blockades were numerous. Trains Late at Cleveland. CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 27.—A howling storm, with a fine, penetrating snow, commenced here early last cvening. The wind, which reached a velocity of forty-five miles an hour during the night, subsided today. Only about three inches of snow has fallen, but it is drifted badly in places, causing more or less celay to travel. Mails from the east are report- ed four hours behind time, while trains from the west are about one hour late ow- ing to the storm. Im the South. RICHMOND, Va., December 27.—The first snow of the season fell here yesterday, barely covering the ground, followed dur- ing the night by sleet and rain. In the valley of Virginia the snowfall has heen heavier, ranging from two to six inches. In North Carolina some snow, rain and sleet prevailed, but in Virginia and that state no interference with traffic has been experienced. 22 ——————EE A BALLISTIC TEST Proposition Made by Mr. Oarnegie of Al- leged Defective Armor Plates. Secretary Herbert Declines to Discuss the Matter, but Says No Refund of the Penalty Has Been Demand: —— It is now said that the recent visit of Mr. Carnegie to this city was for the purpose of making an arrangement with the Secretary of the Navy for a ballistic list of all tho armor plates in United Staies vessels ad- judged defective by the Cummings com- mittee that investigated the subject. He had a long confidential talk with Secretary Herbert at the Navy Department Monday last, at which, it is understood, he made the broad proposition that his company would stand the expense of as many bal- listic tests of their armor plates as the de- partment deemed desirable, in order to re- move all doubt as to the character of the plates under suspicion. It is also asserted that if this was not satisfactory the com- pany was willing to forego the tests and replace the suspicious plates with good armor of the best quality. The Secretary Will Not Discuss It. Secretary. Herbert declines positively to discuss this matter further than to deny ‘the published report that Mr. Carnegie had demanded a refund of the $140,000 exacted from his company on account of alleged defective work, or that he had threatened to sue for its recovery. The greatest se- crecy is observed in regard to the matter, and it is extremely difficult to obtain re- Mable information as to what actually is on foot. When Secretary Herbert was be- fore the investigating committee, he op- posed the proposition to remove the s' picious plates from the vessels for the pur- pose of ballistic tests. It remains to be seen what he will do now that the same proposition is before him in another shape. ‘The probability, however, is that he will submit to the Senate committee on naval , affairs and abide by its decision. ——- JOHN BURNS COMING. He Will Arrive Tomorrow Night— Typographical Unton’s Decision. John Burns, the English labor leader, who is making a tour of this country, will, according to a dispatch received by one of bis friend? here, arrive in Washington to- morrow evening. It was at first supposed that Mr. Burns would be received by the Typographical Union, but that body has decided, in view of the fact that he has not replied to any of the communications sent him, that it will take no official part in his entertainment while here. It is not known whether any of the labor organiza- tions will officially notice him, as he has treated their letters and telegrams in the same indifferent manner. In an indirect way it is supposed Burns will make two addresses while in the city. Mr. James Power, organizer of the International Typographica Union, states that whether the union takes any action or not Mr. Burns will be properly received and that he, as the representative of the Federation of Labor, will take charge of the matter. Mr. Power wired Samuel Gom- pers at New York this afternoon in refer- ence to the matter, stating the dissatis- faction that exists here owing to the fact that Mr. Burns has ignored the labor men, and that no information could be received on which to base any arrangements for his coming. —_—>__. The Armenian Question. Secretary Gresham admits that he has been informed by U. 8S. Minister Terrell that the sultan had finally refused the request made by the President that U. 8S. Consul Jewett be permitted to inqul into the state of affairs in Armenia, The Secretary considers that the sultan’s de- cision ends the matter, so far as inde- pendent action by this government is con- cerned. ——— Government Receipts. The government receipts from customs so far this month amount to $9,157,151; from internal revenue, $8,240,150; miscella- neous, $1, 198, making a total of $18,- 569,499. The expenditures during the month amount to $24,341,000, leaving a deficit for the month of $5,771,001, and for the five months and twenty-six deys of the present fiscal year, $28,066,643. The disbursements for pensions so far this fiscal year amount to about $71,000,000, —————+ e+ —__-__ West Point Cadets Appointed. Cadet appointments to the West Point Military Academy have been issued during the past week to George E. Nelson of Der- by, Vt.; James A. Woodruff of Burke, Vt. (alternate), and Leigh R. Whipper of Beau- fort, S. C. (alternate). . Naval Movements, A oable message was received at the Navy Department announcing that the gun- boat Machias sailed from Malta this morn- ing for Port Said on her way to join the Chinese fleet. Information was also re- ceived at the department that the flagship Baltimore is at Taku, at the mouth of the Pei-Ho river. THE PARK BENEFITS|MEANING WAS PLAIN/FOLK-LORE SOCIETY The Commission to Assess Property Near Rock Creek Park. THE PLAN THAT WILL BE FOLLOWED The Assessment to Be a Lien on the Property. Psa Ee PROVISIONS OF THELAW ee The commission appointed under the act of September 27, 1800, to select the land for the Rock Creek Park having completed that duty and having formally turned the park over to the permanent park commis- sion, which consists of the Commissioners of the District and the chief of engineers, United States army, the first named com- mission will now proceed to perform its last duty in the matter. This duty 1s to assess such proportion of the cost and expenses of the park upcn the lands, lots and blocks in the District specially bene- fited by reason of the location and im- provement of the park, as nearly as may be, in proportion to the benefits resulting to such real estate. — The temporary park commission 1s com- posed of Col. Thomas Lincoln Casey, chief of engineers, United States arm: Capt. Charles F. Powell, Engineer Com- missioner of the District; Gen. H. V. Boyn- ton, Secretary Samuel b. Langley of the Smithsonian Institution and Mr. R. Ross Perry. As appears from the formal notize in The Star, the commission will meet in room 31, City Hall, at 2 p.m, Saturday, January'5, 1805, for the purpose of making the proposed assessment. All persons in- terested therein will be heard, and the commission will proceed, first, to hear testimony as to the extent of the sur- rounding land affected beneficially by the location and improvement of the park. On the day of its first sitting it is ex- pected that the commission will not be able to do more than to organize and map out its course in the matter. The com- mission is empowered to adjourn from day to day, and it is not unlikely that sev- eral weeks will be spent in hearing the parties interested and in reaching a con- clusion. Powers of the Court. The act authorizing the commission pro- vides that if the commission shall find that the real estate directly benefited is not benefited to the full extent of the cost and expenses of the park, it shail assess each tract or parcel of land specially bene- fited to the extent of svch benefits as the commission shall deem equitable, The act in question provides further that the commission shall apply to the court for a confirmation of the assessment, giv- ing, in a newspaper published here, at least ten days’ notice thereof. After such notice has been given the court shall have power to hear and determine ail matters connected with the assessment, and may revise, correct, amend, and confirm the assessment in’ whole or in part, or the court may order a new assessment in whole or in part, with or without further notice, or en such notice as it shall pre- scribe. ‘No order for a new assessment in part, or any adverse action shall, however, hinder or delay confirmation of the residue or collection of the assessment thereon, and the confirmation of any part of the assess- ment shall make the same a lien on the real estate assessed. Payment of the Assessments. “The assessment,” the law provides, “wheri confirmed, shall be divided into four equal installments, and may be paid by any party interested in full or in one, two, three and four years, on or before which times all shall be payable, with six per centum annual interest on all deferred payments. All payments shall be made to the treasurer of the United States, who shall keep the account as a separate fund. The orders of the court shall be conclusive evidence of the regularity of all previous proceedings necessary to the validity there- of, and of all matters recited in said orders. The clerk of the court shail keep a record of all proceedings in regard to said assess- ment and confirmation. “The commission shall furnish the said clerk; with a duplicate of its assessment book, and in both shall be entered any change made or ordered by the court as to any real estate. Such book filed with the clerk when completed and certified shall be prima facie evidence of all facts recited therein. In case assessinents are not paid as aforesaid the book of assessments certi- fied by the clerk of the court shall be de- livered to the officer charged by law with the duty of collecting delinquent taxes in the District of Columbia, who shall pro- ceed to collect the same as delinquent real estate taxes are collected. No sale for ary installment of assessment shall discharge the real estate from any subsequent in- stallment; and proceedings for subsequent irstallments shall be as if no default had been made in prior ones. Proceeds of the Assessment. “All money s0 collected may be paid by the treasurer on the order of the commis- sion to any persons entitled thereto as compensation for land or services. Such orcer on the treasurer shall be signed by @ majority of the commission and shall specify fully the purpose for which it is drawn. If the proceeds of assessment ex- ceed the cost of the park the excess shall be used in its improvement, under the dj- rection of the officers named in section if such excess shail not exceed the amount of $10,000. If it shall exceed that amount that part above $10,000 shall be refunded ratably. Public officers performing any duty hereunder shall be allowed such fees and compensation as they would be entitled to in like cases of collecting taxes. The civilian members of the commission shall be allowed $10 per day each for each day of actual service.” “Deeds made to purchasers at sales for delinquent assessments hereinunder shall be prima facie evidence of the right of the purchaser, and any one claiming under him that the real estate was subject to as- sessment and directly benefited, and that the assessment was regularly made; that the assessment was not paid; that due ad- vertisement had keen made; that the grantee in the deed was the purchaser or assignee of the purchaser, and that the sale was conducted legaliy. “Any judgment for the sale of any real estate for unpaid assessments shall be ccnelusive evidence of its regularity and validity in all collateral proceedings ex- cept when the assessment was actually paid, and the judgment shall estop all persons from raising any objection thereto, or to any sale or deed based thereon, which existed at the date of its rendition, and could have been presented as a de! to the application for such judgment. —— Personal Mention, Capt. John G. Bourke, third United States cavalry, is in the city attending the annual sessions of the American Folk-Lore Society. He ts stopping at the Hotel Rich- mond. Mr. Fred. H. Schofield, formerly of the Arno and Richmond Hotels in this city, isa guest at the Richmond. Mr. Schofield is Tow located in New York. ° Officer Retired. Chief Engineer A. J. Kiersted has been placed on the retired lst of the navy on account of age, American Vessels Needed at the Honolulu Station. Admiral Walker Thought Naval Force Should Be Maintained So Long as English Ships Remained. A most ingenious effort has been made to show, through an alleged error of a clerk in transcribing the original documents, that Admiral Walker, in his report on the political situation in Hawaii, instead of having advised that a United States war- ship be kept at Honolulu, actually advo- cated a contrary course. It is said that the report as corrected indicates “that the administration knew what it was about, and had the support of the new Hawaiian government, in withdrawing warships.” In support of this theory it is argued that the presence of American warships at Honolulu had been used by the royalists as an argu- ment with the natives that the United States was going to restore the queen and that the administration wished to dispel this illusion; and also that in withdrawing its naval force from Honolulu the admin- istration had a clear understanding with Great Britain that her forces would not ex- tend aid to the Hawaiian royalists in the event of an uprising, which understanding, as a diplomatic arrangement, had not been confided to Admiral Walker. As a matter of fact, the so-called cor- rection to which so much significance is attached is really of no material value, in- asmuch as it only strengthened what had been already clearly shown in the copies originally furnished the press, to wit: That Admiral Walker firmly believed the gov- ernment of Hawaii fully able to maintain itself against the opposition or royatist faction, “without any support, nominal cr actual, from any outside source,” and ccn- sequently that the proposed departure of both the U. S. 8. Philadelphia and H. M. 8. Champion would, at the time he wrote, “not be unfavorable to order and security in the islands.” This particular portion cf the report is now put forth in defense of the action of the administration in with- drawing its naval forces from Honolu!u, regardless of the fact, clearly established by the report itself, that Admiral Walker regarded such a course as extremely dan- gerous to the interests of the United States unless the British government also with- drew. its naval forces at the same time. ‘The main point of his argument was that, as that government had positively refused to do this, it was absolutely necessary fcr the United States to keep a warship there too, He expressed the belief that the pres- ence of a British warship, in command of an officer of known royalist sympathies, and the absence of American representa- tion, might encourage a state of affairs that would give the British government an unwarranted supremacy in the future gov- ernment of the islands, He therefore rec- ommended that the United States have at least one, if not two, warships on that station so long as the British government did the same, and that our navel swength on that station should always be commen- surate with that of Great Britain, Meaning: Plain, There was no possibility of mistaking his meaning. His investigation had satisiled him that Great Britain, would accept the first opportunity of securing a foothold on Hawaiian territory, and he argued that if this government really desired to prevent the accomplishment of such a design it must be in a position to do so by preper naval representation on the spot. Inas- much as the necessity of having American warships at Honolulu was the main text and theme of his repert to the Navy De- partment, it {s regarded as almost imcredl- ble that a slight clerical error made in copying it for the benefit of the Senate should be used as an argument in support of the action of the administration in pur- suing @ precisely contrary course. Pacific Flect. Plans are now being prepared at the Navy Department for active service by the ships composing the Pacifle fleet. It ts said they are being considered especially with a view of giving the adminisiration a reasoaabla pretext for not sonding a vessel to either Hawai! or Samoa. Congress will undoubtedly esk for an explanation on this point, and it is said the department desires to be prepared to make a plausible response. The six vessels in coiumission on that station have done no cruizing since September last. Secretary Herbert has de- cided that they must go to sea with the least possible delay, in order that the off- cers and men may be properly exercised in their duties, and the interests of the country in the different ports on the sta- tion looked after more closely, Hawaii fand Samoa are said to be omitted entirely from these considerations. According to one authority, the administration has de- cided to ignore American interests in those countries altogether, under existing condi- tions, and, he added, that ‘t will take noth- ing less than an act of Congress to secure the presence of an American warship at either place for some time to come. The Pacific fleet now consists of the flag- ship Philadelphia, the Monterey, the Ber: nington, the Alert, the Ranger and the Mo- hican, The Monterey is at Astoria. All the others are rear San Francisco. They were all reported ready for sea several weeks ago, but so far no sailing orders have been issued to any of them. The pro- gram said to be under consideration, 1s to dispatch one or more of these vessels to the coast of Peru, and to send the others on a short cruise for target practice and general exercise. There 1s no special de- mand for naval representation at any of the South American ports at present, but it may be deemed necessary to send at least one ship to the west coast of Central America, where revolutions are always te be expected. The cruiser Olympta, th cruiser Boston and the cruiser Marion will also be added to the available list of vei sels on the Pacific station very seon, The fact that there are six idle ships, ready for sea, and that no steps have been teken tq send any of them to Hawail, 1s generally accepted in naval circles as a clear Indica- tion that the administratien proposes te wholly ignore Admiral Walker's patriotic plea in that respect. Congress, however, may order otherwise, but it is said to be improbable that that body as at present constituted will undertake to interfere with the policy of the executive in this matter. = THE ILLINOIS SENATORSHIP. Mr. Cullom Leaves to Look After His Re-Election, Senator Cullom leaves for Illinois today. He makes no secret of the fact that his trip is for the purpose of looking after his re-election to the Senate. He expects to remain away at least until after the re- publican members hold thelr caucus for the selection of a senatorial candidate, but prebably will not delay his return until the election, as he confidently expects the cau- cus to decide the matter. The legisiature meets on the 9th of Janvary and the Sena- tor expects the caucus to be held svon after that date. There are 125 republican members in the legislature in joint session and sixty-three are necessary to a choice. (ir. Cullom says that he feels very hopeful of securing this vote, but is not disposed to allow hiraself to discuss the outlook at great lengch. He says that at the present time ex-Representative Mason appears to be the only serious candidate, as Mr. Davis has assured him that he (Davis) is not in the. race. —___- e-_____ Christmas Contribution, The Secretary of the Treasury has re- ceived a Christmas conscience contribu- tion of $118.41 from en anonymous corre- spcndent in New York. The Annual Session Begun in This City Today. MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Papers Read at the Opening Meet- ing This Afternoon, SOME NOTED NAMES The sixth annual session of the American Folk-Lore Society began this morning at 10 o'clock at the Columbian Untversity, with a meeting of the executive council. Those present were Dr. Washington Matthews, U.S.A., Fort Wingate, N. M. W. W. Newell and Marshall H. Saville, Cambridge, Mass.; Capt. John G. Bourke, U.S.A.,Fort Ethan Allen, Vt.; Dr. H. Car- rington Bolton, president of the New York branch of the American Folk-Lore Society; Maj. J. W. Powell, director of the bureau of ethnology; Miss Stansbury, Zanesville, Ohio; Miss Alice Fletcher, president of the Woman's Anthropological Society; Prof. Otis ‘T. Mason, ex-president of the Ameri- can Folk-Lore Society, Smithsonian Insti- tution; Rev. J. Owen Dorsey and F, H. Cushing of this city. A letter was read from the president of the society,Dr. Alcee Fortier of Tulane University, New Orleans, La., stating that on account of death in his family he would be unable to attend the session, and much regret was expressed by the members at this intelligence. Secretary Newell stated in his report that during the year the socicty had pub- lished two volumes of “Folk Tales of An- gola,” which were prepared by Hell Chate- lain, late United States commercial agent at Loanda, West Africa; also papers by the president of the society, Dr. Foster, and others, among which were “Retrospect of the Folk Lore of the Celumbian Expo- sition,” by Stewart Culin; “Eskimo Tales and Songs,” Franz Boas; “Popular Amert- can Plant Names,” Fanny D. Bergen; Notes on the Folk Lore of the Mountain Whites of the Alleghanies,” J. Hampden Porter; “Three Epitaphs ‘of the Seven- teenth Century,” Sarah P. Andrew: “Popular Medicine, Customs and Supersti- tions of the Rio Grande,” Capt. John G. Bourke, and “Plantation Courtship,” Frank D. Banks. 2 ‘The Council's Report. The annual report was adopted and or- dered to be presented to the society at the meeting this afternoon. In this report it is stated that “the financial disturbances of the year 1894 have been so serious that the American Folk Lore Society seems to have reason for self-congratulation in the successful accomplishment of its seventh year. The number of annual members, by whose fees the operations of the so- ciety are mainly supported, remains about the same as at the close of the previous year—something more than five hundred hameg, according to the report of the sec- retary, now standing on the books of the society. “This number, however, {s altogether in- adequate for the purposes to be accom- plished. It would seem that it ought to be possible to increase the membership to 1,000, a support which would enable the society to carry out at least a part of the ends which it eught to promote. Members are urged, individually, to do all in their power to ‘make known the existence and work of the organization, “The fees of the annual members are at present only sufficient to preperly publish the organ of the society, the Journal of American Folk-Lore. ‘The publication of the Memotrs must therefore stand on an in- dependent financial basis. In order, there- fore, to allow of such publication, an an- nual subscription of 310 was instituted, the society thus obtaining from each such contributor $7 for the publication fund, in addition to the regular fee of §3, which entitles him to a copy of the jeurral, Dur- ing the year 1894 subscriptions have been received sufficient. to insure about for additienal publication. In producing two volumes of the Memoirs, by the uid of this sum and of Its reserve funds, the society bes done all in its power.” Oftcers and Committees. The report of Treasurer Hinton showed that there are now in the treasury $1,303.00, and that the expenditures during the year, mainly for publicantions by the society, amounted to $2,805. A question arese as to the feasibility of donating a part of the funds of the society now on hand, and also the creation of a new fund for the purpose of assisting in criginal research, and Secretary Newell and Prof. Masen were appointed a committee to take the matter under consideration, and make a report thereon. Secretary Newell, Capt. J. G. Bourke and Miss Alice Fletcher were appointed a cem- mittee to select officers for the ensuing year. The council then adjourned. ‘The officers for the present year, most of whom will be re-elected at this after- noon’s session, are President, Dr. Alcee Fortier; first vice president, Dr. Washing- second vice president, J. council, Franz Boas, Chica- . Carrington, Bolton, New York; nited States army, Daniel G. Brinton, Philadelphia; Alexander F, Chamberlain, Worcester, Mass.; Mattoon M. Curtis, Clevelang, Ohio; Alice C. Fletcher, Wash. ington: eorge Rird Grinnell, New Yor! tis T, Mason, Washington; Frederic W. utnam, Cambridge, Mass.; John Reade, Montreal, P. Q.; Archibald R. Tisdale, Boston, Mass.; corresponding secretary, Walter Fewkes, Boston; treasurer, Joh Hinton, New York; curator, Stewart tin, Philadelphia. Meeting of the Society. ‘The society convened at 2 p.m., with Vier Presijent Washington Matthews in the chair and Mr. W. W. Newell secretary. After the transaction of routine business, including the adoption of the report of the council, the following papers were read: go, Il; Capt. John G. Bourke, Fort Ethan Allen, Vt. “A Navahoe Myth,” by Dr. Washington Matthews; Har: Lore Concepts,” Frank ton Cushing; ‘Theories of the Dit- Folk ‘Tales,” William Wells il; “Ulustrations of the Cortez Co- dex,” Dr. J. Walter Fewkes; “Negro Corn Scngs,” Capt. R. R. Moten. The society will adjourn about 5 o'clock. Tonight from 8 to 10 o'clock the visitors and their friends will have a reseption in the Admiral Porter mansion, No. 1710 1 street, under the auspices of the foll local cemmittee: Dr. J. H. McCormick, ex- ecutive chairman; Dr. J. Owen Dorsey, Frank Hamilton Cushing, Dr. Washington Matthews, representing the Washington branch of the American Folk Lore Sec! ety; Dr. Thomas Wilson, Dr. J. H. MeCor- mick, Mr. George R. Stetson, representing the Anthropological Society: Mrs. Emily Judson Mason, Mrs. Hannah 1, Partictt, Mrs. Helen Douglass, Mrs. Justinia, R. Hill and Mrs, Ellen Powell Thompsen, Fep- resenting the Woma Anthropological Scciety. Indian songs will be reproduced from a pMnograph, the songs having been secured by Dr. Matthews during his residence in the far west; folk-lore songs by Mr. Cush- ing; Indian song by Miss Alice Fletcher and Mr. Laftesche, the latter a member of the Omaha tribe of Indians. Tomorrow's Session. ‘The papers to be read at tomorrow's ses- sions are “Kwapa Folk-lore,” by Rev. J. Owen Dorsey; “A Note on Ancient Mexican Folk-lore,” Zelia. Nuttall; “Corean Chil- dren’s Games,” Stewart Culin; “Burial and Holiday Customs and Beliefs of the Irish “Fol Peasantry,” Mrs, Fanny D. Berge! Hography of the Folk-lore of Peru,” Dr. George A. Dorsey; “Mental Development as Illustrated by Folk-lore,”” Mrs. Helen Douglass; “The Game of Goose, With Ex- amples from England, Holland, Germany and Italy,” Dr, H. Carrington Bolton; “The Swastika,” Dr. ‘Thomas Wilson; “Antoch- tons—Their Culture and Origin,” Major J. W. Powell; “The Interpretation of A! alogies in Folk-lore,” Prof, Dantel G. Brin- ton; “Folk-lore of New Mexico,” Capt. Jno. G. Bourke; A) aaa of Ethnological Investigation on the Eastern Coast of Yucatan,” Marshall H. Saville, and “Two Ojibway Tales,” Homer H. Kidder. Some of the Membe The membership comprises some of the most noted scientists and lovers of Ameri- can folk-lore in the world, among whom may be named: John Abercromby, Edin- burgh, Scotland; William Inglis Bradley, Sault Ste, Marie, Ont,; E. Sidney Hartland, Gloucester,England; Thomas Erving Morre, Weimar, ‘Germany; Miss Agnes Morgan, Osaka, "Japan; Isaac Adler, Samuel P. Avery, jr, Judge Charles P. Daly, Charles Daymond, Joseph E. Gillingham, ‘Mrs. Es- ther Herrmann, Robert Hoe, B. Francis Hyde, B. C. James, Robert H.Lambren, J eyer, H. H. Vail, Mrs. E, L. Youmans, New York; Edward FB. Ayer, James W. Elisworth, Henry J. Willing, Mrs. Henry J. Willing, Chicago; Eugene 'F. Bliss, Cin- clnnatl; Boston Atheneum, Charles P. Bow- ditch, Richard Hodgson, John B. Hudson, Albert Matthews, Miss ‘L. Norcross, Will iam L. Richardson, Samuel D. Warren, Boston, Mass.; Daniel G. Brinton, Clarence H. Clark, James Dougherty, Charles C. Harrison, Henry Charles Charles Shaffer, Philadelphia; Philip Greely Brown, Portland, Me.; John Caldwell, Edgewood Park, Pa.; Miss Mary Chapman, Francis James Child, Thomas Wentworth Higgin- son, John Fiske, Mrs. Mary Holland Lee, Frederie W. Putnam, Cambridge, Miss Ellen Chase, Cumberland, Me.; M toon Monroe Curtis, Cleveland, Chio; Mi Alice C. Fletcher, Washington, D. C.; Ed- ward Foster, New Orleans, La.; Miss Caro- line Patterson Hale, Philipsburg, Pa.; Miss Loulse Kennedy, Concord, Mass.; Henry R. Lang, New Haven, Conn.; Charles Mc- K. Leeser, Larchmont, N. Y.; Robert Hu: son Riley, Bensonhurst, Long Island, N. Y. Otto B.’ Schlutter, Hartford, Conn: C. Bernard Shea, Henry Kendall Thaw, Pitts- burg, Pa.; John 8. Tilney, Orange, N. J.; Henry T.’ West, Milwaukee, Wis.; Alfred Williams, Providence, R. I A LEGAL OPINION Asked as to the Right of Seizure of Postal Stamp Albums. What is Claimed by Local Dealers— No Further Seizure Likely Until the Opinion is Furn: The seizure of certain postage stamp al- bums at Fisher’s book store, on Pennsyl- vania avenue between 17th and 18th strevts northwest, on the 17th instant, by Inspec- tor G. O. Barker of the secret service, as exclusively reported in The Star, has re- sulted in the question whether stamp col- lecturs have the right to print and sell fac-similes of United Statee and toreign postage stamps, being submitted to the De- partment of Justice for settl»ment. It is claimed by the Treasury Depart- ment that the imitation of postage stamps of the United States or of any foreign country is a clear violation of the law. The other side of the question is to the ef- fect that the collecting of stamps and the necersary imitation of them educates the youth and tends to prevent imposition. One local dealer within the last few days has secured a new stock of albums, and announces that he will resist all attempts to seize the books unless a search warrant ‘6 sworn out. It is almost a certainty that no further seizyres will be attempted yntil the pending opinion of the Attorney Gen- eral in regard to the matter is rendered. It is the contention of the dealers that the reproductions of stamps in albums are of black and white and not in colors. They are reduced in size and could not pogsibly ass for genuine stamps. The United tates authorities, according to the deal- ers, seem to be exerting themselves ur necessarily to protect foreign government: so far us their obligations ard concerned, when those governments make no effort and copsicce it not worth while to protect themseives. Albums containing reduced reproductions similar to those referred to, it je claimed, are sold in all foreign coun- ties, Chief Hazen of the secret service is au- thority for the statement that the stamps gathered by private collectors will not be disturbed. "The desire ts to stop the print- ing of albums and the engraving of plates. The contention that the imitations are not in colors, saya Ct ef Hazen, is not valid, as the publishers own plates, can print in colors frota them, and have done so. Attorneys representing the Standard Stamp Company of St. Louis and the § ftamp Company of New York have mitted briefs in the case, and nothing fur- ther remains to be done until the d is reached. +. FORMALLY ORGANIZED. The Venesuelan Claims Commission Now Ready for Busine: The Venezuelan claims commission, after many unavoldable delays, formally organ- ized toduy at their rooms, in the bureau of American republics building, with Senor Romero, the Mexican minister, as chairman and Judge N. L.Jeffries, United States com- missioner, and Senor Andrade, the Vene- zuelan minister, commissioners for Vene- zuela. Mr, Alex. P. Morse is the agent on behalf of the United States and ex-Solicitor General Phillips the agent of the Vene- zuelan government. Messrs. Shellabarger and Wilson of this city were also present as counsel for the Venezuelan Steam Trans- portation Company, a New Yori corpora- tion, whose claim for damages sustained to its property and its employes during a recent revolution in Venezuela 1s to be arb! trated by the commission. Although this is the only clatm before the commiksion, its ttlement is a maiter of vital interest to a very large number of people outside of the corporation. ‘This rmorning’s session was short and merely formal, and at its close the commissioners visited the State Department and notified Secretary Gresham that they had organized for business an would hold their first session on Saturday next, THE NICARAGUA BILL, Dificrent Opinions as to the Prospects of its Passage. Members of the democratic steering com- mittee of the Senate do not believe that the Nicaragua canal bill will go through at the present session, but that in place of it there will be passed a strong declaration in favor of the construction of the canal and government control of it. It is even possl- ble that in one of the appropriation bills provision will be made fer the examination and survey of the canal by an engineer esion, which will report at the next Congrezs. Friends of the canal bill believe that it will become a law notwithstanding opposition that has developed. An Opinion as to Customs Duty. ‘The Attorney General has given an opin- fon to the Secretary of the Treasury that an export tax imposed by a foreign gov- ernment upon merchandise subject here to an ad valorem rate of duty is not to be regarded as one of the “costs, charges and expenses” referred to in section 19 of the customs administrative act of 1890, She proof of te pudding tn the eating, Yesterdor’ Htar contained 36 cofumng Of advertisements, made up of 488 separate announces ments. These advertisers fought publficite—not merefy THE CARLISLE BILL, Missionary Work Being Done for It During the Recess, DEMOCRATS DREAD AN EXTRA SESSION: Willing to Accept Anything That) Will Get a Majority Vote. LITTLE ENCOURAGEMENT A good deal of missionary work for the Carlisle financial bill {s being done during, the holidays. An unusually large numbe? of the members of both houses of Cons ress are spending their holidays in Washe ington, many of them having considerable department work to catch up with. Ip their visits to the departments they are constantly reminded of the importance “doing something” with the financial qu tion. Secretary Carlisle never loses an op> portunity to advocate action and to ex all the influence he has upon members the House individually. Dread of an Extra Session. The dread which the democrats genere ally have of an extra session of the Fiftys fourth Congress being called in the sp or early summer and of the President aj pealing from his own party to the republle cans for relief, is being availed of to ree inforce the arguments in favor of = diate legislation. It is said that leadt democrats have been definitely. warn that if this Congress adjourned without passing some financial measure an extra session of the next Congress will certain= ly_be called. In the exigency of the situation the ad« ministration is becoming very liberal as the character of the legislation that wor be accepted, and it is being urged that the Carlisle bill is not satisfactury, pass anythirg that a majority can agree on, but pass something. There has been idea that perhaps the measure might be 80 modified as to secure to it some of the republican votes. The acceptance of 301 of Mr. Walker's suggestions has been ee as @ means of accomplis! No Hope of Republican Assistance, A careful examination into the situation on the republican side of the House dis- closes, however, that there is no founda- tien for a hope that any of the republicang can be induced to assist in the passage of any sort of a general financial bill at this session. Even if the Walker bill were t be accepted in its entirety by the demo- crats it would probably net draw more than half a dozen republican votes. The republicans have come to a general a; ment not to take any sibility for such legislation as long as they are in thé minority, but to vote solidly against whate ever the demecrats propose. They are led to take the position in support of the proposition which they make that the dif, ficulty at present is not with the money oj the country, but that it is the new ta bill which is drawing the gold out of country, running the government into di and causing hard times. How Mr. Lacey Puts It. As Representative Lacey put it, in dise cussing the question today, “The troub! with the finances is merely a symptom. they will restore the duties to a poini where sufficient revenue to run the governs ment will be furnished, the financial dis- turbance will disappear and there will be no financial question to bether us. We res publicans will be very glad to join them striking at the root of the evil. We wil vote with them to repeal the Wilson Jas and re-enact not the MeKinley dui 4 throughout, but duties wi will furnish suilicient revenue and suitable protectiot They ought to get back pretty close to tat McKinley rates for the most part.” Little Emcouragement Foun Feeling in this way, as they do, the ree publicans cannot be expected to lend assist~ ance to patching up the situation. The democrats find, therefore, that whatever Ig done, they must do themselves, and that nothing is to be gained by coquetting with the minority. Those who are anxious that something should be done are ready to take most anything that they can get a majority to agree to vote for, and the recess ime if being devoted by thera to a careful canvas@ and hard missionary work, Up to date lite tle encouragement has been found. It is now said that unless the Spanis& government within a short time indicated its purpose to remove the restrictions now placed on American commerce with the Spanish West Indies by the imposition of the maximum tariff on American commodle ties it is probable that the President will issue @ proclamation imposing “discrim- inating flag duties" upon Spanish, Cuban and Porto Rican imports into the United States. This purpose on the part of the President is indirectly conveyed in a re- quest received by the Treasury Depart ment from the Department ef State to furnish it with detailed information as bs | the amount of such imports and a list the veesels carrying the Spanish flag which trade with our ports. it was the original intention of the State Department to have recourse to the pow‘ of prohibition of Spanish trade convey: by the act of 1800, But as this power has never yet been exercised and as it proba- bly has been deemed best to follow in the line of precedent, it is quite clear that the - department has fallen upon section 4228 of the Revised Statutes. A paragraph of the old Morrill tariff act which still stands on the statute bocks imposes a duty ‘of 10 per cent in addition vo all other dutiog upon goods brought into the United Stat in ships of foreign countries, unless they are expressiy relieved from additional duty by treaty. These are known as “dis- crininating fag duties.” It ip @ singuiag fact that the only country which has so far felt the force of this provision of law is the very one against which it Is to be again used. Treasury officials, at the request of the State Department, sre engaged in collect- ing statistics showing the volume of the trade that would be affected by & repeti- tion of his action in 1886 by the President, It appears that the Spanish colenies would get much the worst of it. With the direot trade with Spain the case was reversed. The tariff differences between Spain and the United States are being watched with keen interest by other sugar-producing ceuntries, particularly Hawati and Brazil, as the execution of Secretary Gresham's threat to discriminate against Cuban pro- ducts will create a heavy demand for raw sugar, now bought almost exclusively from Cuba. ae The New Apstrian Mi Since the departure of the Count de Ta vera, about two months ago, for his new post at Rio de Janeiro; Austro-Hungary has been without a minister here, the af- fairs of the legation being in the hands of Mr. de Mezey as charge. The new minister, Mr. Henglemuiler, however, has just are rived in Washington from Brazil. He called upon Secretary Gresham today to arrange for his presentation to the Pregident. That ceremony will prol take place tomor row.