Evening Star Newspaper, December 28, 1894, Page 2

keepers in certain streets of the Tender- ljom which were reported by Inspector Williams as existing im the precinct, and asked whether he closed them. Inspector Willams*said he closed some of them. He was always closing disorder- ly heuses while in the precinct. ‘ow, tell us how much money you got ¢ech month while acting captain of the Terderloin?” - er collected anything.” Well; your wardman did?” 0, he didn’t.” You have got rich on the proceeds of slice corruption ?” if 1 were a rich man I would aot te here now answering ycur questions.” “Did you say to a policeman that you were not such a churmp as to invest your roney in brownstone houses, where it was bound to come out sometime, but that you had your money invested in good Ameri- can bonds?’ “The person who says that ts a liar, and you are a ilar if you say so, too,” ex- claimed Williams, angrily. Mr. Goff objected to this language, and Chairman Lexow tried to calm the wit- ress. inspector Willlams was questioned as to the dimensions of his yacht, and then as to his wealth. He said he was worth about $35,000 or $40,000. He had an ac- count in the Amsterdam Bank He owned no bonds or securities, but had mining stock to the value of $100. His 10th-street heuse was not included in this estimate. Williams was asked about the charges made by J. M. Stern, editor of the Tem- perance Advocate, that he neglected to close certain gambling houses. He had closed one joint on East 14th street, and the bank amounted to #4. Then Mr. Goff turned to Capt. Schmitt- berger’s evidence. “Schmittberger was your confidential man?" “He was not; I had no confidential man.” Williams denounced Schmittberger’s tes- timony against him as false, and said Schmittberger was a liar. “Did you not christen the precinct now known as the ‘Tenderloin’ by that well- known name, which has made it famous:” “Well, in speaking to a reporter I said I had been living on rump steak in the fourth precinct, and that I was going to bave some of the tenderloin, as there were dette saloons, hotels and restaurants ere. “When you said that you preferred the tenderloin to the rump am I correct in spelling the word steak s-t-a-k-e?” “No, you're off.” (Laughter.) Williams sald that he had an affidavit from ex-Captain Carpenter. “Why did you get it?” “So that 1 could use it if I were brought on trial.” ‘On trial, where?” ‘Probably in the criminal court, or be- fore the commissioners,” said Williams. “In the face of the mountain of evl- dence against you, which accuses you of being @ corrupt man, you say that every one who so testified did so falsely?” “Yes, sir.” “That will do,” said Mr. Goff. Mr. Lexow asked the witness how it was, in the face of all the publicity, that there were such evils in existence, that capable inspectors, captains and other of- ficers could close their eyes on these abuses. “They don't close their eyes, Mr. Lexow,” said Williams. “They are making arrests all the time.” “Well, why did they not arrest the ward- men who were collecting bribes?" “Probably they did not know such a thing was going on,” replied Williams. Williams was then excused. Mr. Comstock Appears. Anthony Comstock came into the room and spoke to the commissioners juet at this time. Mr. Comstock was evidently very angry, and when the senators adjourned for recess he announced to the reporters that he would demand an opportunity to publicly vindicate himself against the ailegations made yesterday by Louis S. Streep. ‘The Streep Letier Regarding Comstock An extended search of the files of the White House shows that the letter re- ferred to by Lewis S. Streep in his ex- amination b:fore the Lexow committee yesterday i1 New York, charging Anthony Comstock with accepting bribes, was re- eeived at the White House last July. The President, however, never saw it per- sonally, but as it came as part of an ap- plication for pardon it was referred on July 15 Jast to the Department of Justica, where such cases are made up for the final consideration of the President. Since then uething has been heard of the paper at the White House. ‘The answer of the President to which the witness referred yesterday was nothing more than a printed ac- knowledyment of the receipt of the letter. —_— REFORMS IN ARMENIA. Plans of the Constan CONSTANTINOPLE, December 28.—It now seems definitely decided that the United States minister, Mr. Alexander W. Terrell, does not intend to send anybody to make an independent inquiry into the stories told of Turkish atrocities in Ar- menia. ‘The motive of this decision, it is believed, is probably because such an in- quiry is not necessary in view of the fact that the powers signatory to the Berlin treaty, particularly England, are supervis- ing the inquiry which is being made. At the last council of ministers there was a long discussion of the many projects suggested for reform in Armenia, and it is reported that the following suggestions have been adopted in principle: The provinces of Erzeroum, Van, Bitlis and Moosh are to be made a single prov- ince. The governors are to be nominated by the sultan for five years. The first gov- ernor is to be @ Musselman and his suc- cessors are to be Christians, but not Ar- menians. The gendarmerie, or military po- lice, are to be a local body under com- mand of a general of division to be nomi- nated by the sultan. The taxes collected within the new province are to be expended within its boundaries, the public debt and tobacco regie receiving a fixed annual sum. The judges are to be elected, but the presi- dent of the judges is to be nominated un- der the present system. Finally, two gov- nt departments are to be created, y, a department of pubc works and a department of public instruction. By while the work of reform is being organized in Constantinople news has reached here of additional disturbances in the province of Sivas, where a numb of Armenians are reported to have been killed, While many others are said to have been severely wounded. No confirmation, how- ever, of this story has been received as yet, and no details of the new outbreak are ob- tainable. The Armenians of the Van d ict are said to be in a deplorable condition. Numbers of the inhabitants are being con- stantly summoned from their villages by the Turks, and they are afterward de- tained for examination and are thus pre- vented from tilling the land, and conse- quently a scarcity of crops is expected in 1595. LONDO! December 28.—A dispatch to the Daily News from Odessa states that a Seuth Russian paper deciares that suffi- cient confirmation of the Armenian out- rages has already been furnished to jus- tify the powers in demanding the disband- ment and disarming of the Kurd regiments and the Hamidie cavalry. Such a request, it is added, would only be tardy repara- tion for the negligence of the powers in ever permitting Turkey to mobilize these regiments of incorrigible brigands, which were intended solely to scourge Armenian malcontents. pa ee WANT A LEXOW COMMITTER. Civic Federation of Chicago Will Pe- tition the Legislature. CHICAGO, December 28.—The civic fed- eration has decided to appeal to the Tili- nois legislature to send a committee to Chicago empowered to probe into every public office about which there has been any question of crookedness. — Frozen to Denth. PEEKSKILL, N. Y., December James H. Robertson, a brother of State Senator William Robertson of Westchester county, was frozen to death last night. Mr. Rob- ertson, who was a prominent citizen of Peekskili, was subject to attacks of heart trouble, and it is supposed that while over- come by such an attack he froze to death. > — Randolph Churchill's Condition. LONDON, December 28.—Lord Randolph Churchill passed a restless night. His con- Gition this morning does not show any me- terial change from that at the same time yesterday. THE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1894—TWELVE PAGES. LATE NEWS BY WIRE|N° NEW CASESIAS LEGAL ADVISER Conference of People’s Party Leaders at St. Louis, DISCUSSION OVER SECRET SESSICNS ——— Street Car Struck by a Freight Train at Carthage, Mo. PERSECUTION IS CHARGED PSE eens ST. LOUIS, Mo., December 28.~The con- ference of the national committee of the people's party, with its invited friends, be- gan today at the Lindell Hotel, in this city, with an attendance of something over 200. The meeting was called to order by National Chairman Taubneck, and im- mediately proceeded to discuss the ad- visibility of holding sessions in secret. The debate developed something of a tangle, out of which the gathering pulled itself, after nearly two hours’ discus- sion, by resolving itself into an informal cenference, with Mr. Taubeneck in the chair, the national committee proper being declared adjourned until 2 p.m. Secretary Turner of the national committee was made secretary of the conference. Chair- man Taubeneck then stated the purpose of the conference as indicated in the call. On motion of Gen. Weaver, the chair was directed, after some aimless debate, to appoint a committee of five upon creden- tials, and another of ten members upon ad- dress, the latter to prepare a summary of the advices of the conference. A recess was then taken until 2 p.m. Collision at a Grade Crossing. CARTHAGE, Mo., December 28.—Jacob Ruffel, a driver on the Carthage horse car line, came down the hill toward Frisco depot with his mules on a dead run. He bad a car load of passengers who wanted to catch the Joplin train, which was just about to pull out. He did not see a Frisco freight switch engine, nor hear the shouts of warning from the trainmen and a half dozen spectators. The horse car was knocked about twenty feet and totally wrecked. A number of the passengers were injured. ‘The list is as follow: Mrs, Hill ef Sareox, back injured. George Currie of Clinton, hand cut by broken glass. Miss Nellie Barrett of Carthage, gash over the eye. M. M. Holloway, a hotel sprained and head bruised. long porter, arm Hardin Charges Persecution. CHICAGO, December 28—Charles K. Hardin, acquitted last October of the charge of stealing $35,000 from the Adams Express Company, was again arrested to- day on a fugitive warrant. He is charged with breaking into a house in Kansas City in which he claimed his wife was concealed. Hardin declares that his re- cent arrests are the result of persecution by the Wells Fargo Express Company. He says after his acquittal at Nashville the Adams Express Company filed suit against the Wells Fargo people for the $35,000, and that as he is an important witness, the latter company desires to prevent him from testifying when the case is tried in New York. His claims of per- secution are laughed at by the police. a Creeden Asks to Be Retired. NEW YORK, December 28.—Police Cap- tain Timothy 1.Creeden,who testified before the Lexow committee that he had paid $15,000 for his promotion, filed his applica- tion today for retirement from the force. ‘The commissioners will consider the ap- plication this afternoon. t —_—— Duel Fatal to Both, BIRMINGHAM, Ala., December | 28.— Alexander Williamson and Will Perry, two young men living at Coulburg, were suit- ers for the hard of Nannie Bell. William- son went to visit his sweetheart and found her with Perry. A few hot words were passed, when Perry fired upon Willamson. ‘The fire was returned and Perry fell dead, while his rival fell in a dying condition, expiring within a few hours. sits ¥ Supreme Court Assignments. It was expected that an order, making the assignment of the numbers of the Dis- trict Supreme Court to the different branches of the court would be made to- day. It was stated this afternoon, how- ever, that such an order would not be made for some tire. It ts understood that one of the changes in the present assignment of the justices would be an exchange of courts between Judges McComas and Cole, the latter going to Criminal Court No. 1, ard the former to No. 2. The delay in making the order expected today is now to be due to the fact that Judge Mc- will remain in Criminal Court No. 1 until after the trial of Capt. Howgate shall have taken place. No assignment, it was said this afternoon,would probably be made until after that case is disposed of. esis ‘Tomorrow's Alexander Island Entries First race, four and a half furlongs— American Lady, 103; Despair, 98; Tammany Hall, 108; Wang, 106; Tube Rose, 103; Western Star, 9%; Dashing Charlie, 107; Salisbury, 10%; Charley R., 103; Alanthra- cite, ¥8; St. Laurent, 106; Dutch Lou, 103; West Side, 103; Dr. Johnson, 106; Fagot, 106. Second race, six and a quarter furlongs— igh, 114; Gonzaler, 102; Woodchopper, Pickaway, 109; Alonzo, 107; Billy Boy, Kentucky Lady, 109; Blackfoot, 1 Red Cross 97; Drizzle, 102; C. O. D., 109 Thiers L. Explorer, 94; Reynard, 112; 102. six and a quarter furlongs— 9 n, 10S; OHearn,” 101; five furlongs—Prince John, Bebolirk, ; Berwyn, 1 Sonora, ; Pella, 124; Spinner, 129; Walcott, 120. Fifth race, free handicap, one mile and an _eighth—Longs! nule, 111; Galloping King, 111; Ponce-de-Leon, 107. Nerden Will Filed. The will of the late Henry Beard, dated March 2%, 1893, was filed today. The in- strument is a most voluminous document, and attached to it are two codictis, dated, respectively, June 14 and November 20, 1894. The estate is divided between the widow of the deceased, Martha A. Beard, and his children, Mary B. Armes, Wm.Henry Beard, Edward Abbott Beard, Anna Dale Beard and Charles Abbott Beard. The personal estate is valued at $25,000. Mrs. Beard, Charles H. Abbott of Zanesville, Ohio, and David A. Chambers are named as execu- tors. —_——_—_. The Atlanta Ready for Sen, The Atlanta has dropped down from Nor- folk to Hampton Roads. Admiral Meade, commanding the North Atlantic station, has been notified that the ship is ready for sea, and has been instructed to send her on a cruise in the West Indies. She will relieve the Columbia, and when she sails the latter vessel will be ordered home from Jamaica to be docked. EE The W. L. 1. Corps. ‘There will be a big Christmas entertain- ment tonight at Washington Light In- fantry Armory, given for the children and young friends of the members of this pop- ular military organization. There will be a splendid big Christmas tree, from which Santa Claus in person will distribute gifts to the children, and at the conclusion of this part of the evening's entertainment the grown-up people will have an informal hop. ee Flowers for Judge McComas. Foreman Geo. J. May of the grand jury today, on behalf of that body, presented to Judge McComas a beautiful basket of flowers as a slight token of their respect and regard for his henor. Judge McComas responded in a few words cf thanks, wish- ing the grand jurors the compliments of the season. | accidental death. Fears, However, That Some More Small- pox Will Develop. The Brannon Cause and the Doctor Up- held—Spreading Disease at a Pastor Social. Health Officer Woodward is satisfie1 that the last smallpox case from the Mary Tay- lor case has been reported, although he expects there will be some cases from those who are now in the contagious hos- pital. The case of the colored servant girl in the house near 17th and P streets, men- Uened in yesterday's Star as a suspicious case, proved to be scarlet fever, and the woman was not moved. There were no ad- ditional reports made last night, nor were any reports raceived this morning. ‘The case ef Lula Whitaker, the colored girl in “Shaker” alley southwest, who was’ taken to the hospital Thursday night, caused considerable uneasiness in South Washington, and it is feared that a number of persons were infected at her house. As printed in yesterday's Star, the girl came here from Atlanta about a year ago, aud it is said that she came here with mem- bers of the marine corps or the fourth ar- tillery. Lula had been sick about a week, and Wednesday night her friends thought they would give her a party, or a “parlor social,” as it is called in such society. Three musicians were engaged for the oc- casion, and a number of persons, including several of Uncle Sam's white wearers of the blue uniforms, attended. There in that little hovel they danced and had a good time, and now that it is known Lula had the smallpox at that time those who par- ticipated in the social event are badly frightened. The names of two of the artillerymen who attended the dance were ascertained yesterday, and the military authorities teck prompt action in the matter and lock- ed uy the men in quarantine. Taking Preenutions, Health Officer Woodward detailed a phy- sician on the case, and he has obtained the names of a number of persons who at- tended the party. They have been ordered to fumigate their clothing and quarantine therselves the best they can. One man, who is said to have played music at the party, was given notice of the health of- ficer's instructions. He did not seem will- ing to obey them, and today he was noti- fied that unless he does he will be taken into the Police Court later on and tried for violating the provision of law against the carrying of infected clothing through the streets. ‘The doctor detailed on the case is con- tinuing his investigation today,” and the health officer regrets very much the ab- sence of a law establishing a suspect camp, at which some of these supposed infected persons might be kept. The Brennon Cr Concerning the case of the colored man, Joseph Brannon, who caused such a scare in the second police station, Dr. Bradfield, one of the physicians to the poor, who fig- ured in the case, has something to say. He thinks his actions in the case were perfectly proper, and so does Health Of- ficer Woodward. The officers at the sta- tion were so badly frightened, it is said, that they got the facts a little mixed. Brannon, who had felt unwell for several days, had made several attempts to get medical treatment, but had failed. He call- ed at the police station as lorg ago as Sunday, so he says, and was directed to go to Fresdmen’s Hcspital, which he did, but he had no permit and was therefore not admitted. When he appeared at the station Wed- nesday he was told to go to the doctors, and he went to Dr. Bradfield’s house, al- though he is physician to the poor in another district. The doctor saw at a glance that the -1aan had the smallpox, and he directed him to go back to his house. Dr. Bradfield followed In his buggy, and when Brannon reached his home the peo- ple in the house would not admit him. ‘The doctor then thought about taking him to the hospital, but he did not want to in- fect himself and his buggy, so he followed him as far as the police station. He says he did not direct him to go tnto the station, although he hardly knew what to do, fer the man was so weak that he had already fallen in the street several times. On the way along the street Dr. Brad- field says he warned pedestrians of the man’s disease, and thinks that in so doing he prevented some of them: from being m- fected. At the Hospital. The patients in the smallpox hospital, with the éxception of the colored hodcar- rier, William Green, are all doing nicely. He is a very sick man, although he may recover. ——-_——_—_ LET HIM Go. An Alleged Safe Blower Released by Inspector Héllinberger. There came near being a scene in the Baltimore and Potomac depot about noon today when Private Detective James A. McDevitt, who has police power, arrested “Billy” Williams on suspicion of being im- Flicated in the safe blowing at Rosslyn Christmas night, as published in Wednes- day's Star. “Billy” Williams, who has done time for several offenses, one of them the killing of Policeman Arnold in Alex- andria, is regarded by the police as a dan- gerous man, and when placed under arrest he gave the private detective due notice that he did not intend to go, but Policeman Lamb, who was in the depot at the time, took a hand in the arrest, and the prisoner submitted without any trouble. Policeman Hamilton then took charge of the prisoner and went with him and the detective to police headquarters. Williams was waiting for a train to go over to the races when he was arrested, and as he wanted on a charge of hav- ing committed a crime in Virginia, Inspec- tor Hollinberger thought he had_ better have been arrested across the river. Private Detective McDevitt had no war- rant of arrest or requisition for Williams and Inspector Hollinberger refused to hold him on such a charge. He was thereupon discharged and allowed to go his way. Inspector Hollinberger said to a Star re- porter that he had no official knowledge that a safe had been blown and robbed, for the Virginia authorities had made no report of it nor had they requested the ar- reat of anybody. Under the law he was not justified in holding Williams, and for that reason he would not lock hima up on the charge of having committed an offense across the river. . When such offenses are committed in Marylend the authorities; are generally notified of them, and requested to make arrests. eee sa KILLED BY GAS. Philip Kissner Met His Death Daring the Night. An old-fashioned gas fixture In Mrs, Mil- ler’s boarding house, 617 D street north- west, is responsible for the death of Philip Kissner, a baker, sixty-seven years old. Kissner had lived in the house for more than five years. He was an industrious men of temperate habits, but last night when he turned off the gas and retired he failed to leave the key to the fixture in the right position. There was no stop to guide its mévements, and the gas that eseaped during the night resulted in his death. The odcr of the gas attracted other boarders in the house to Kissner's room this morning, and there they found the man a corpse. ‘The windows and door were closed on account of the cold weather. Coroner Hammett viewed the man’s body and deemed an inquest unnecessary. He did not consider that the worthless gas fixture in the house called for an official investigation, and gave a certificate of Undertaker Geier took charge of the body. Deceased, who was a German, had no relatives here so far as is known. His body will be placed in the receiving vault at Prospect Hill cemetery for a week, at the end of which time ‘it will be buried uniess claimed by relatives or friends. ase en Ex-Secretary John W. Foster Will Give His Counsel to China cossie fy “pptowaric —cmRCLES No Delay Will Be Made in the Pace Negotiations. NOT A NEW THING Gen, John W. Foster, ex-Secretary cf State, has been retained by the Chincse government as its legal advisor in the mat- ter of the peace negotiations with Japan, shortly to be opened at Hiroshima, the headquarters of the Japanese emperor. He will act in an advisory capacity to the Chinese peace envoys,and will have no dip- lomatic standing in the matter. As it is put by one authority, Mr. Foster has been requested by the Chinese government to go to Japan and meet the plenipotentiaries of the former government to aid them in their negotiations for peace. Another authority says that he has been cmyloyed merely as a lawyer. At any rate, Gen. Foster has accepted the com- mission and expects to leave Washington within a few days in time to take the steamer sailing from Vancouver for Yoko- hama on the 7th proximo. Mr. Foster de- sires to have it understood that he goes to Japan purely in a private capacity, and that he is in nowise authorized to repre- sent or to speak for the government of the United States. Gossip In Diplomatic Circles, This appointment is the subject of con- siderable gossip in diplomatic circles, but for some reason known only to themselves neither of the diplomatic representatives specially interested will say a word on the subject for publication Mr. Foster also says that he has nothing whatever to add to the statement on this subject furnished by him to the press last evening. He told a Star reporter this afternoon that a great many newspaper men had called on him today to discuss the matter, but that he had invariably declined to do so. The statement that Mr. Foster's appointment had been approved by the ‘Japanese gov- ernment through its minister at Washing- ton is not entirely accurate, The fact is that when Gen. Foster informed Mr. Kuri- no, the Japanese minister, of his appoint- ment, the latter extended his personal con- gratulations, but took especial care not to commit his government in the matter. It is said that Mr. Foster's legal connec- tion with the Chinese peace commission is a matter of no particular concern to the Jap- anese government and would not be likely to call for any action on its part. It is, however, said to be a source of gratifica- tion to the Japanese minister that a person of so much prominence in a country friendly alike to both Japan and China should have been selected to act as legal adviser to the latter in its efférts to bring about a cessa- tion of hostilities on the most honorable terms possible. The Japanese government was not consulted in the matter of Mr. Foster's appointment, and, consequently, has taken nb offictal cognizance of it; that is, not so fap as ean be ascertained by the most diligent inquiry at this end of the line. No Delsy fy, the Negotiations. Although # is mot so stated at the Jap- anese legatién, thé impression is conveyed that there if not’ likely to be any delay in the conduct of the peace negotiations by reason of Mr. Féster’s absence from the place of méeting. The latest information from China’ is to the effect that its two commissionets, Chin Yen Huan and Shao, are already well gn their way from Pekin to Hiroshima, wih reasonable prospects of reaching there within the next ten days. Although fhe Japanese representatives have not yet beew announced, there is rea- son to believ> that they have been selected, and that they wil be prepared to treat with the Chinese ényeys immediately upon their arrival. It will take Mr. Foster near- ly thirty days to make the trip between here and the place of meeting. Under the most favorable circumstances he cannot reach Yokohama before the 22d proximo, and to do this he must catch the steamer leaving Vancouver on the 7th. Mr. Foster an Authority. Mr. Foster is regarded as one of the best authorities in diplomatic affairs in this country, and China ts to be congratulated upon her securing the services of so capa- ble an advisor. He has made the subject of international law and the arts of di- plomacy a special study, and has had con- siderable personal experience as a_diplo- matic representative of the United States, in addition to which he has at various times acted as counsel in this country for various foreign governments. It is said that he has been for scme time acting in a legal capacity for the Chinese minister in this city. He is a personal friend of Chin, the head of the Chinese commission, and his ap- pointment was probably suggested by that official. The friendship of these two gen- tlemen began many years ago, when Chin represented the celestial kingdom at this capital. Mr. Foster was a guest of Mr. Chin on his recent visit to China and has been in correspondence with him since then. Not a New Thing. ‘The employment of Hon. John W, Foster, formerly Secretary of State, to aid the Chinese government's plenipotentiaries in peace negotiations is not the first time that foreigners have been called into assist plentpotentiaries in matters like these as beth China and Japan heretofore have had recourse to such assistance. In the case of the latter government it is said that the questions of fact and detail were settled by the Japanese themselves, the foreigners merely being present in a legal and advi- sory capacity. Whether there will be a suspension of hostilities pending the meeting of the rep- resentatives of the two governments is not known at the Japanese legation here. The impression seems to be here that the Japanese troops are concentrating at New- Chwang, which the Chinese forces have recently evacuated, and that the victorl- ous army will continue its march in the direction of Pekin. The question of an armistice after the plenipotentiaries have convened and pending an agreement as to terms of peace will depend on the powers which the Chinese ambassadors possess. If they are simply plenipotentiaries ad referendum and their recommendations have to be sent back to China for approval or disapproval, a long time necessarily must elapse before terms of peace can be concluded. If, on the other hand, their powers are conclusive and the actions of its representatives binding on China, the Japanese widl be disposed to grant larger concessions in the matter of a suspension of hostilities, —___—_+-2+____. NO CAUSE’ FOR CONCERN. What Offictals Say in Regard to the Dissolution ‘of the Syndicate. The officials of the Treasury Department say that they cah s2e no reason for con- cern at the dissolution of the syndicate formed in New York for the- purchase of government bonds, The department, they say, is -n no way interested in the con- tinuance of that syndicate. It was formed with a purpose of purchasing bonds of the last issue and that transaction has now been closed., There is nothing in the mere fact of this syndicate being dissolved which can affect the department. If there is any weakness in the market for government bonds it may affect any future issue of bonds by the government, making it impossible to place them ad- vantageously, tut the action at this time by the members of this syndicate will not, it is said, necessarily have any bearing on the sale of bonds in the future. oe JUDGE LOCHREN. Rumor That He Will Be Appointed to Succeed Judge Nelson, It is said that Pension Commissioner Lochren is to be appointed district judye of the United States for the district of Minnesota, in the place of Judge Nelson. Just when the change will be made is not stated, but it is said that on the retirement of Judge Nelson, who has reached the age when he may retire, Lochren will be ap- pointed. THE COLLEGE FRATERNITIES Greek Letter Societies Are Finishing Up Their Business Today. Receptions and Banquets Given and te Take Place—Some of the Mere Prominent Delegates. The Greek Letter Societies were again in session at the Ebbitt House today. The sessions of the Alpha Tau Omega Frater- nity were secret. It is understood that it was decided to publish a new and complete catalogue of the fraternity. Greetings from Sigma Alpha Epsilon and District Columbia Kappa Alphas were received and ordered spread upon the minutes of con- gress. A telegram of greeting was sent to Judge Erskine R. Ross of the United States circuit court of California, who was one of the three founders of the Alpha Tau Ome- ga in 1865. Among telegrams of regret re- ceived is one from State Senator Thos. G. Hays of Baltimore. ‘The report of the committee on ways and means consumed considerable time, many important measures being discussed. This committee was composed of one of the founders of the order, Dr. Otis A. Gloze- brook. and Dr. N. Wiley Thomas and E. F. Eldridge. Their report was adopted in Mtier a report from jewelry committee a recess was taken, to meet again at 2 o'clock. The business sessicns of the fraternity will be brought to a close this afternoon. The congress will close with a banquet, to be given at Wormle,”s tonight. The com- mittee on banquet has arranged the fol- lowing toasts: “Grand officers,” to be re- sponded to by E. J. Shrives; “The fra- Rev. Otis A. Glazebrook; ‘“Matri- Louis C. Ehle; “Quantitative analy- f .” Dr. N. Wiley ‘Thomas; sis of alpha tau,” Dr a eo “A. T. O.’s future,” W. at the bar,” Jos. B. Green; “A. T. O. in the north,” L. R. Folsom; . T. O, in the ” John C. Pugh; “A. T. O. in the W. R. Eckart: “College life,” R. E. Sanner; “Spiking, Edward Righter; George H. L. “A, T. O. at the capital,” Lamar, and “Our cowboy,” by Hugh Mar- tin of Texas. Yesterday's Ses The Alpha Tau Omega congress put in a dey of hard work yesterday upon routine business of an executive nature. At the close of the session a statement was given out showing that the day “was consumed in the submission of reports from the va- rious chapters of the fraternity, showing that there has been a remarkable develop- ment during the last two years. These re- ports aiso contained expressions of opin- ion of the various chapters on the ques- tion of extension of the order and the sub- division of the fraternity into districts. The general drift se2med to be toward the consideration of the matter of further extension, limiting the establishment of new chapters to the more prominent col- leges and institutions. The sentiment ex- rressed in these reports seemed to be about equally divided on the question of subdi- vision of the organization into districts. These matters will receive further con- sideration.” In the evening the delegates of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity went in a body to the entertainment by the Cornell Glee Club at Metzerctt Hall. Several members of the club are promiment in the Cornell Chap- ter of this fraternity. When one of them, Mr. Clinton, secretary of the club, appear- ed upon the stage as soloist, in ‘Nellie Was a Lady,” a large Maltese cross, a design of the A. T. O. badge, was placed immediately in front of him and the fra- ternity yell was given. At 10 o’clock the members of the fra- ternity repaired to the red parlor of the Ebbitt House, where a reception was ten- dered the visiting brothers by the Dis- trict of Columbia Alumni Association of the fraternity, having a membership of sixty. In addition to the regular music furnished A. J. Stofer, one of the Wash- ington Alumni Association, sang many humorous songs and received great ap- plause. Among those of the local order present were Representative Andrew Price | of Louisiana, E. I. Renick, chief clerk of the State Department; William H. Lamar, chief clerk to the first assistant postmas- ter general; E. M. Gadsden, chief of the money order division of the Post Office Department. The late hour of adjourn- ment attested the success of the entertain- ment. Some of the Alumni Present. A notable feature of this gathering is the atiendance of a large number of alumni members of all ages from various sec- tions of the country. Among these are Thos. R. Little, University of North Caro- H, G. Jump, University Pennsylvania; L. M. Cooper, Alabama Polytechnic Insti- tute; P. F. Fulmer, jr., Pennsylvania State Alumni Association; H. P. Simpson, Uni- versity of Alabama; Melton Clarke, Co- lumbia College, Softth Carolina; also Syl- vanus Stokes, Judge J. Keith Norton, J. C. Staley, B. G. Ashby, J. R. Kemper and other alumri members. Last night the Alpha Tau Omegas were entertained at a reception tendered them by the local Alumni Association at the Eb- bitt House, Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Banquet. The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Society held its annual banquet at the Ebbitt House last night, Mr. John G. Capers presiding. The principal speech of the evening was made by Congressman William L. Wilson, who chose for his subject “Brain vs. Brawn in the Curriculum.” Mr. Wilson was enthusi- astically received by the men gathered around the tables and his remarks met with enthusiastic demonstrations of ap- proval. Toasts were responded to as fol- lows: “Welcome,” the toastmaster, John Capers; “The Hope of Our Nation is in Her Young Men,” Charles B. Howry, District Alumni Association; “The Coming Host (with royal purple and old gold),"”” Champe S. Andrews, Chattanooga Alumnus Asso- ciation; “The Pan-Hellenic Spirit,” Albert M. Austin; “Conservatism or Radicalism of College-bred Men,” P. T. Gadsden; “College Fraternity Journalism,” H. C. Burger; “The Province System and Its Work,” Howard P. Nash; “The Birth, Growth a Strength of § >} ma Alpha Epsilon, ington Moore. The Phi Kappa Sigma. ‘The regular annual convention of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity is now holding a session at the Ebbitt House. A large and enthusiastic delegation of members from the numerous chapters of this old and representative college fraternity ts present with their respective credentials. The fraternity held a reunion session this morning at 10 o'clock in the Ebbitt House, at which the regular matters of business relating to the welfare and ex- tension of the fraternity were considered. Much enthusiasm was manifested in the matter of its growth and further develop- ment in the representative Institutions cf the United States. After the morning ses- sion the fraternity were photographed in a body. The afternoon session will be taken up with the reports of the various committees, and the day of soclal reunion and feetivi- ties will be fittingly closed with a banquet at the Ebbitt House in the evening. The fraternity is in a prosperous condition, and although its membership is restricted on account of the exclusive policy ef its chapters, yet it is one of the oldest and most successful of the college fraternities in this country. Many of the fraternity men will remain in the city until Sunday in order to avail themselves of the op- portunity to see the interesting features of the national capital. —————— FUND EXHAUSTED. Police Have Nothing Now for the Poor. Poor people are beginning to feel the ef- fects of the cold weather, and the tramps who seek shelter in the police stations are not the only ones in need of fuel to warm the places where they sleep. The cold weather last night caused many poor per- sons to call on the police and charitable organizations for assistance. Although this is the first severe weather of the sea- son and the applicants for assistance are steadily increasing, the police charity fund is exhausted. Chief Clerk Sylvester gave to the police lieutenants $10 each today, and this is the last of the fund. Donations of all kinds are now in order, and, as published yesterday, the police and Associated Charities are ready to receive and dispose of anything contributed, whether it be money, food, fuel or cloth- | ing. FINANCE AND TRADE| Decreased Earnings of the Coal Stocks, GRANGERS DULL AND TRIFLE HIGHER The List of Industrials Was Uni- formly Higher. ns GENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, December 28.—Opening prices this morning were about on a parity with last night’s closing and became ir- regular as the day progressed. The feeling pf the street is decidedly Bearish on the coal stocks, and sales fcr both long and short account are noticeable on every ral- ly. Decreased earnings in this group and an unpromising prospect for improvement have given rise to considerable apprehen- sion on the subject of future dividends. In at least one instance, the retention of the old rate would not be consistent with either present earnings or sound business principles. The heavy selling of Jersey Central by a prominent bear operator and a comparison of earnings have attracted a large following of professional traders, who tre confident of a substantial reces- sicn from the present low level. Consider- ing the extent cf the decline in this stock, however, and the powerful financial in- terests behind it, short selling, prior to a rally, should be both limited and cautious. Ultimately, present predictions may be verified, but a rally is evidently due with- in a narrow radius of today’s reduced fig- ures. Delaware and Hudson sold down 2 per cent in sympathy with the prevailing tendency of speculation in the coalers, and Reading was fiercest around first prices on moderate trading. The Grangers were dull and fractionally higher on traders’ purchases against pre- vious sales. Baltimore and Ohio declined 21-2 per cent as the result of rumors of decreased earnings atcompanied by the. usual extreme constructions of the bear element. ‘The industrial list was uniformly higher as the result of covering and some small trading for long account. General Electric advanced 11-4 per cent on a fair volume of business and Chicago Gas gained 5-8 per cent on a continuation of the recent good buying. There is no abatement of the bullish feeling on this stock, but the date of the actual effort to mark up the steadily increasing holdings of the pool is known only to those directly in interest. Sugar opened weak and was neglected in the early trading. Later buying by the room, the bulk of which was for the short ac- count, marked up the price 11-4 per cent from opening figures. ‘The lack of inside interest In the move- ments of this stock has left the trading element considerably at sea as to the probable course of prices on the resump- tion of activity. It is believed that the diplomatic troubles previously referred to wat result me Jawer prices unless speedily adjusted, which is not likely froi indications. A eee ee The dissolution of the Stewart bond-pur- chasing syndicate is among the strongest arguments yet advanced against the finan- cial scheme now pending in Congress. ‘The bears made little capital out of the disso- lution, but should the occurrence lead to the framing of a sound currency bill, the bulls will be given an opportunity to de! onstrate the real significance of yesterday's action. Considerable gold is expected to go out of the country by tomorrow's steamers, which will again call attention to the steadily decreasing supply of the yellow metal and emphasize the necessity for im- mediate remedial action, The last hour's trading was a repetition of the previous listlessness, with prices slightly under the best. The sentiment of the street was somewhat mixed on the im- mediate outlook, but the narrowness is relied upon to prevent ary marked falling off in values Final figures were irregular within the extremes of 1-4 and 3-4 per cent. ——__ FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL, The following are the opening, the high- est and the lowest and the closing bee ind of the New York stock market today, as re- ported by Corson & Macartney, members New York stock exchange. Correspondents Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. 80 Broadway: 8. Upen. High. Low. cl io jose American Suse pta. American Tobacco, Atchison ‘anada Pacific. . Chesapeake and Ohio. €.C.C. and St. L Chicago B. and Q. Chic, and Norinwestern. Chicago Gas. ., Mand St. Paul, C.. Mand St. Paul, C.K I. and Pacific. Del. Lack. and W . Delaware and Hudsor Denver and Rio Grand Dis and Cattle Feeding General Eleotric. .. Iinois Central 3Lake Shore, Erie. ued etropolitan Traction’. Mannattan Elevated 4Michigau Central Miasouri Pacific. . National Lead Go, - 8. Cordage Co. +S. Cordage, pid. ew Jersey Central. ew York Central... Y, and New Engiand. N. Y.. C. and St. Louls., Northern Paciste.. Northern Pacite, pfd. North American. . Ont. and Western Pacific Mall..... Phila. and Keading. Pullman P. Car Co Southern Railway Phila. ‘Traction... Texas Pacific, Tenn. Coai anil iro! Union Pace, Wabash... . Wabash, ‘pt, Wheeling & I Wheeling & Nestern Union v. v LEX<dlv. 1, QEXediv. i. Exediv. 8 4Exediy. 2 % —_———___ Washiagton Stock Exchange. Sales—regular call—12 o'clock m.— contac thane Too? O'clock m.—Columbia Ttatt- Gov Sonds.—U. 8. 48, registered, 118 bid, 118% u. 8. am) aa 8. 4s, coupon, 114 bid. "U. S. 5s, District of Columbia Bonds.—20-yeur fund Bs, 109 bid. 30 ear fund Gs, gold, 110 bid. curres 7 Wi - 7s, 1901, 116 id. ‘Water stock ‘Ta, 1008, currency, . 3.058, fuading, currency, 11414 Vid. 116 asked. 3%, registered, 3-108, 100 bid. Miscellaneous’ Bonds.—Washington and. George- town Rallroxd conv. Ga, Ist, 130 bid, 140 asked. Washington ard Georgetown Railroad conv, 6s, 2d, 130 bid, 140 asked. "Metropolitan Railroad conv. Gs, 101% bid, 102 arked. Belt Railroad Ss, 73 bid, 80 asked. | Eckiugtou Rattrond 3, 1004 tid. Co: Jumbia Railroad 6s, 106 bid, 107 asked.” Washing. ton Gas Company és, serles'A, 112 bid. Wi i hing ton Gas Coipany Gx, series By 114 bid. - ton Gas Company conv. 66, 130 bid. U. 8. Hlectric Light conv. Se, 125 bid.” Chesapeake and’ Potomac ‘Telephone bs, "103 asked. “American Securil Trust 5s, F.'and A, 100 bid. Ameriean Seeurite Light intunte} Ist ts. 9 big” Weamiana Bet inne ane |. Washtogton Light National 20321 ‘tocks.—Bank of Washi bid, 310" asked. Bank’ of the Ttepubliers 280" bia. 285 asked. Metropolitan, 280 bid, 207 asked. Cen’ tral, 270 bid, 207 asked.” Farmers and Mechantes 190 "bid, 200' asked. Second, 135 bid. Columbia’ 180 bid. ‘Capital, 115 bid. West End, 1094 asked. Traders’, 108 bid, 112 ‘asked. Lin coln, 96 bid, 100 asked. Ohio, 76% bid. Safe Deposit and Trust Companies.—Natlonal Sate Deposit and ‘ust, 120 bid, 130 asked. Washington Loan and Trust, 110 bid, 12 asked. "American. Se- curity ‘rust, 5 bid, 137 asked. ington Safe Deposit, 100 asked. sug esbos Railroad Stocks.—Washington and G 250 bid, 310 asked. Metzopolitan, 68 bide 13 asked, Jolumbia, ST bid, 6 asked. Eckingion, 35 bid. Georgetown ad ‘Tennallytown, 30 ask». Gas and Electric Light Stocks.—Washington G: 47% bid, 4814 asked, ‘Georgetown Gas, 50 bid. U. S. Electric Light, *126% bid, Insurance Stocks.—Firemen’s, 45 asked. Frank- lin, 47 bid. Metropolitan, 63 bid. Corcoran, 67 bid, “Potomac, 70 bids Arlington, 150 bid, German- American, 160 bid. “National Union, *13 bud, 15 asked. Columbia, 18 bid, 14% asked. Riggs, '*6% bid, 7% asked. People’s, °5%4 bid, 9% asked.” Lin cola, 7g bid, 7% asked. Commercial, 44 bid. ‘Title Insurance Stocks.—Real Estate ‘Title, 108 118 asked. oie! 7 bid, 7% asked. ‘Felephone Stoel ennsylvania, 35 bid. Chesa- peake and Potomac, 50 bid, 65 asked, American = phophone, 4% bid, 5% asked. Pneumatic Gun ‘arriage, .25 bid. Miscelianeous Stocks.—Washington Mark ~- ie nak ie 320"bid dacote M, 4 vid, |. Mergen A 1 ante inotype, 187 ‘bid, *Ex diy. ————— Baltimore Markets. BALTIMORE, Md., December 28.—Flour dull, un- changed—receipts, 10,802 barrels barrels; sales, 150 ‘barrels. heat. quiet evo, 58%a59; December, 58%059; January, Maj ay, G2aG2%: steamer No. 2 red, 56%a56%—receipts, 3,986 bushels; shipments, 1 bushels; sales, 000 “bushels; stock, 1,046,904 82,000 bushels; ‘southern wheat by sample, 58a60 do. on grade, 5614a59%. Corn easy—spot, ‘47a47 year, 474744; January, 47a47%; A Steainer mixed, 4¢%4246—recelpts, shipments, 51,429 bushels; » 1.104,778 bushel sales, 5,000 bushels; southern White corm, 4424 southern yellow, 45a48. Oats firm— No. 084 bushels 34,808 ‘bushels. ” Hay firm, but stendy prices—good to choice timothy, $13.00n $13.50. Grain freights quiet and weak—steain to Liverpool, per quarter, Janvary, 2s.64.; Cork for orders, per yuarter, Janu: » 38.Sd.\ Sugar unchanged.’ Batter and eggs steady, unchanged. Cheese firm, unchanged. pee receded Chicago Grain and Provision Markets Reported by Silsby & Co., Bankers and Brokers. OHICAGO, December 28, 1804. Open. . Low. ns Wheat—Dee. wo ate: Naa” Casts ae STM as BT% 45) $5) 8 15%: " IL LT 187 New York Cotton. No cotton report; wire in trouble. ———>_—_ IT STILL GROWS, Star Santa Claus Fund Has Not Stop- ped. The cold snap and the snow have served their unfortunate purpose of making many hundreds ‘of people in the District very miserable. In hundreds of homes the fires are out and no coal is at-hand to replenish them. Food is scarce and work is not to be had. People who never before sought charity are now forced to ask for aid or starve. The Evening Star Santa Claus Club fund that was raised by the sale of badges is doing a great service in relieving the wants of some of the poor, but it is entirely inadequate for the giving of all the aid necessary. Contributions of money and gaods may yet be sent, although Christmas and Santa Claus are now of the past. There are two generous contribu- tions to be noted today, in addition to those that have already been mentioned from day to day in The Star. They are as follows: Mrs. W. B. Moses. F. W. E. = Heretofore acknowledged. Total .... se eeeeees 8938.40 —— DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. He Complains. Chief Engineer Montgomery Fletcher, U. S. navy, in a letter to the Commissioners today, complains that the sidewalk in front of his residence, 1920 I street northwest, is in a very bad and dangerous condition, and also appears unsightly. The gas, water and sewer traps, it is stated, afte higher than the asphalt. The writer has been told that by applying to the Commissioners a modern granolithic pavement can be put down. It is requested that such be done. They Want Walks. A dozen persons residing on Messmore avenue and Erie street, in a petition to the Commissioners today, represent that there are no walks on parts of Messmore avenue, nor on the greater part of Erie street be- tween Messmore avenue and 15th street. During rainy weather, say the petitioners, the thoroughfares mentioned are almost impassable for pedestrians by reason of the mud and water, and therefore the Com- missioners are requested to lay a board walk along Messmore avenue from Huron street to Erie street, and along Erie street between 15th street and Champlain avenve. Want an Inquiry. Miss S. H. Owen, a clerk in the second auditor's office,located in the Winder build- ing, at 17th and F streets northwest, in a communication to the Commissioners to- day, requests that an inquiry be made into the matter of who is responsible for clear- ing snow from the sidewalk on the west side of 17th street, between F and G streets, north of the Winder building. At present it is said to be almost impossible for persons to move along that sidewalk without serious injury, and Miss Owen asks that her complaint be attended to at once, either by the government or the owner of the property. Recommendation Approved. The Commissioners have approved the recommendation of the parking commission that the chain gang be employed to prepare holes for tree planting on D street from 6th to 7th streets southeast, on 12th street southeast from Pennsylvania avenue to Lincoln Park, on Pennsylvania avenue southeast extended, and other streets now ready for planting-in East Washington. Not Satisfactory. Messrs. John Cudmore and James Praw- ley, contractors, were this afternoon in- formed by the Commissioners that their work on 12th street southeast is not being carried on in a satisfactory manner, The contractors are directed to increase their force, so as to complete the work within the time specified in the contract, and for the purpose of doing this are authorized to work between December 15 and March 15. Refused to Return. The Commissioners have refused to re- turn to John Cudmore $500 deposited by him with the collector of taxes June 2, 1891, with his proposal to construct sewers, as they are of the opinion that Mr. Cud- more has forfeited this guarantee sum by reason of his failure to enter into the con- tract awarded him in accordance with his proposal. Some Recommendatio: Capt. Fiebeger this afternoon recom- mended to the Commissioners that F. O. Beckett, property clerk of the District of Columbia, be directed to receive from the executive officer of the Rock Creek Park commission all surveying instruments and other property transferred with the park. Reporting on a petition of property own- ers in square 205, for the opening of @ street in that square, Capt. Fiebeger t afternoon recommended that the petitioners be informed that the opening of the street in question cannot be taken up until the opening of the street through square 69 is completed, as it will probably take the entire available appropriation to pay awards on the opening of that street. Letters Returned. In compliance with a request from Rov. Silliman Blagden the Commissioners have returned to him two communications of» which he is the author relative to the re- cont lecture delivered in this city by Col- onel Robert Ingersoll. Permit System. Referring to a request made by Mr. J. L. Smithmyer that the pipe sewer under the Metzerott building be removed in order that certain contemplated improvements may be made, the Commissioners have informed him that a new sewer will be bli und on the permit sys- tom by which one-half of the estimated cost must be deposited with the collector of taxes before the commencement of the werk, The estimated cost in this case is $1,656. ee Plead Guilty. John Bro whose oyster saloon on 8th street southelist was raided a week ago because it was suspected that the pro- prietor was conducting a speak-easy, plead guilty in the Police Court this afternoon to a charge of unlicensed bar and was fined $259 and costs. The charge against Mary Armstrong of aiding in the violation was nolle prossed. ee Range of the Thermometer. ‘The following were the readings of the thermometer at the weather bureau today: 8a.m., 16; 2 p.m, 18; maximum, 19; minl- mum, 16.