Evening Star Newspaper, January 17, 1895, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXOCFPT SUNDAY AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Company, 8S. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. Now York Office, 40 Potter Building. - The Evening Star fs served to subscribers in the city by carriers, on their own account, at 10 cents Ber week, or 44 centy yer miouth. | Coptes at the counter 2 cents each. By mail—anywhere in the United States or Canada—postage prepald—S0 cents per month. Saturday Quintunle Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreizn postuge added, $2.00. Entered az the Post Otlice at Washington, D. mail matter.) pactiptions must be paid In advance. Che £ve ng Star. ‘ No. 13,064. WASHINGTON, D. ©, THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. THe proof of tHe pudding is in fhe eating. Yesterday's Star confained40 cofumns Of advertisements, made up of 559 separate announces ments. These advertisers fought pubficifp—nof merefg space. AN EXTRA SESSION Republicans Are Preparing for That Expected Event. A GENERAL UNDERSTANDING REACHED — Will Increase the Revenue and Not Touch the Finances. en een SILVER MEN AGREE —_—_4—___—_ The republicans of Congress are prepar- ing for an extra session. The tmportant question presented is what their policy will be, and to the settlement cf this they are devoting themselves. Both the repub- lican and the democratic leaders, starting with Speaker Crisp and Mr. Reed in the House, and Gorman, Voorhees, 1drich and Sherman on the Senate side, and running through almost the entire list of men of both parties whose spinions usually count for anything, are fully convinced that there will be an extra session of the Fifty-fourth Congress. They are now speculating as to whether it will be called early in the spring or later in the summer. The general opin- fon is that they will be reassembled early, probably not later than Apri This project makes it particularly 1 portant that the republicans should agree upon a policy speedily, and they are not procrasti Informal conferences held between leaders in the two houses ard men representing conflicting opinions have resulted in a general understanding as to the course to be pursued in the event of an extra session. The Plan Proposed. It ts not proposed to attempt eral financial legislation during the extra session. This question will be postponed until the regular sion beginning next December. The cor ted plan is to devote the extra session to increasing the revenue, thus relicving the government from its immediate embarrassment, and then to adjourn as quickly as possible, leaving time for the consideratien of what ean be done with the finance: at the reg- ular session. Tis is the plan which Mr. Reed, and, in fact, all the republican lead- ers favor. This does not contemplate any general revision of the tariff at that time, hor any disturbance of rates, except what cannot be avoided. ‘The proposition is to draw more revenue from one or two sources, the increase of the. tax on beer probably being one. It is proposed even to try to authorize an issue of bonds at the exira session, if it 1s ~alled. No Trouble From Silver Men. At first it was feared that the silver re- publicans in the Senate might not fayor this plan, but would want at once to be- gin their fight for silver. The fact that the silver men will have a majority of about eight In the next Senate excited this ap- prehension. It has been discovered, how- *, that there is no danger from that quarter. The silver Senators are no more disposed to press the silver question to the front before the regular session than are their party associates in the two houses who do not agree with them on finance. Their policy is to assist in legislation to inmerease the revenue, and to postpone the currency question until another time. They are in perfect harmony with their party associates on the plan given above, and will render any assistance they can fo carry it out. If the new Congress could take charge today It is claimed that they would be ready to go to work at gnce, with the prospect of finishing up thelr work in less than a month, the currency never being touched vy them. Whether the knowledge that if called to- gether the republicans will not legislate on eurrency will cause Mr. Cleveland to change his purpose as to an extra session ts yet to be developed, but the needs of the treasury will probably drive him to make the best he can of the situation. <——__— --3-— TEM FRANKING PRIVILEGE. First Adopted Years Ago—The Various Changes Since Then. ‘The revival of the franking privilege by a section of the printing bill, which was pub- Mshed tn full in yesterday's Star, is a mat- ter that Is attracting considerable atten- tion. Up to 1873 the members of Congress had the right to the free use of the mails, end th the privilege was abolished Franking is an English institution, and soon after this government was organized ft was introduced here. Under the statute of 1792 members of the Senate and House of Representatives ard retary of the Senate and clerk cf had the privilege of receiving any gen- the Ho: and sending free by post letters and papers hot exceeding two ounces in weight. This tute, having been limited in its provi- sions to a period of two years, was re-en- ected in 17 and again in 1799, the last time without limit as to weight. In 1825 the limit of two ounces was placed on all Batter to bi nt under frank by Senators and Representatives, and they were con- fir.ed in thelr execise of the privilege to days before and after the session. In the charge for any excess in the ht-of matter recetved by a 1aember of Congress was paid out of the contingent fund of the house of which he wag a mem- r. In 18 the franking privilege was abol- ‘ely, and all matter sent through y members of Congress was rgeable with the same rates of pos 3 that sent by or to other persons, and m Isita © of ten cents for each Bound velume of public documents was ! lished, and for unbound the same rate n newspapers matled from the publish- but t r it was provided that the Con onal Record, or any part of it, er sr reports contained In It, might under frank of the mem! 3 “written by him,” and all y uments were allowed to Be sent tr @ Same conditions. In Wot the privites as given members of Cor znd members elect or sending wn: tters to the officers of the hardson's Stateme that t ver referred to when either house, ts altoge’ ding. not in the printing bill, Hiouse at all, but was vote of the House, it be- mendme posed by Mr. Hay while t bill was being considet \lr. Hayes preposed the ameud- my motion amended, “two,” and inserting at the weight cf the should be limited to one nt I gentlemen, as the 3 “provision of the the bil er- then adopted ‘by the of 42 ayes to 4 noes, 1. page 2748, vol. 136, Octo- There is, efore no oc rise upon the part of any mem- h the chafrman of the| smmittee on printing, said today to wrter In reference to the publish- DISTRICT IN CONGRESS The Commissioners’ Substitute for the Metropolitan Railway Bill. to the Water The Road Given Acce: Front—The Georgetown Ter- a Also Changed. The District Commissioners have reported back to the Senate District committee ad- versely the bill recently introduced by Senator Gibson providing for a change in the route of the Metropolitan Railroad Company. The Commissioners submit @ substitute fer that bill, which, they say, has the approval of the Metropolitan com- pany. The substitute changes the route at the southern terminus of the 9th street line so that the underground electric cars shall rur down 41-2 street to P street; thence west to Water street; northwesterly on Water street to L; thence east to 41-2. By means of this loop the Metropolitan line will be given access to the entire water front now covered by the Washington and Georgetown cable cars, The Commissioners reserve the right to locate the tracks of the Metropolitan line on Water street, with the privilege of vtilizing for this purpose the eastern track of the Belt Line Company on Water street. If this be done the two companies are to arrange between them for compensation for the use of the tracks, er failing such an arrangement settle the matter in the Supreme Court of the Dis- trict. The Georgetown terminus is changed by this bill so that the cars shall run from the corner of 35th and P streets, where they now turn down to O, one block furthe- vest to 36th, thence down 36th to Prospect avenue, into the transfer passenger station now being built by the Washington and Georgetown road. The Metropolitan cars are then to run on-Prospect avenue to 25th, then north to O street and there join the existing ln Art in the Capitol. Senater Wolcott, from the committee on the library, intreduced an amendment to the appropriation bills appropriating $1,500 to continue the work, under the architect of the Capitol, of retouching the paintings and statces in the Capltol building. The sum of $2,000, he sald, was used last year to very great advantag», and that at least $1,500 should b@ expend-d this year in the same work. The amendment was referred to the committee on appropriations, and if adopted, will probably be inserted in the legislative bill. +--+ THE NEW POST OFFICE. Gossip ns to Who Will Be the Saper- intendent of the Building. The provision in the sundry civil appro- priation bill, now before the House of Rep- resentatives, that the army or navy en- gineer officer holding the office of superin- tendent of the State, War and Navy De- partment building shall also act as super- intendent of the Washington city post of- fice, “when (2) completed,” was a trultful source of gossip in the uptown departments today. Generally speaking, the proposed legislation is accepted as a compliment to the manner in which the present superin- tendent of the State, War and Navy De- partment building has performed his du- ties. It is no reflection on the officers who look after the other government bufldings in this city to say that the compliment 1s properly bestowed, It being generally con- ceded that the beautiful building occupied by the diplomatic, military and naval branches service is well kept in every respect. The office of superintendent of that bulld- ing was created by a provision of the leg- islative, executive ard judicial appropria- tion bill approved March 3, 1883. ‘The ap- pointment was vested in the President, and was limited to an officer of the engineer corps of the army and navy. There have been but two incumbents, and both were attached to the naval service. The first was Chief Engineer H. L. Snyder, who served until his death, in 1887. Chief En- gineer Thom Williamson was appointed to the vacancy In that year, and he has serv- ed continuously ever since. Inasmuch, however, as h2 will go on the retired st In August next, and as there is no possibility of the completion of the post cffice building Ly that time, there is no lkelthool of his succeeding to the added responsibility of the ofiiccr having his pres- ert detall. The only way in which Chief Engineer Williamson can be placed in charge of the Washington post office build- ing, after its completion, is by a special act of Congress to that effect. Secretary Car- lisle and Acting Supervising Architect Kemper have assured Congress that the stene and ironwork of the building will be completed by September next, according to the terms of the contract, but they are al- mest alone in their belief on that point. Assuming the passage of the sundry civil appropriation bill in {ts present shape, the superintendency of the new post ofiice building will devolve upon the successor of Chief Engineer Williamson, to be desig- nated by the President, on or before the retirement of that officer in August next. One thing aiready settled in this matter is that the War Department proposes to as- sert its rights in regard to this detail,under the law assigning it to “an engineer officer of the army or navy.” Inasmuch as the navy hes had it already for the entire twelve years of its existence, it is belleved that there will be no dispute to this claim. This beliof naturally contemplates that Chief Engineer Williamson's successor,who will eventually be ex officio superintendent of the Washington city post office building, will be an officer of the engineer corps of the army. There are so many contingencies as to what may happen between now and August next that ft is idle to speculate further with regar@ to the new superin- tendent. ———_—__+ e+ TO ENLARGE THE NAVY YARD. FLibusterfiig Prevented Action on the Bill Today. ‘The cotumittee on naval affairs today at- tempted to pass the bill for the purchase of a square adjoining the Washington navy yard to enlarge the yard. Opposition was made to the bill oy several members of the committee on public buildings and grounds because the bill had not passed through that committee, and Mr. Dockery, whcse baleful eye <vas fixed upon the ap- ation carried by the Lill, alded and ition in their attempts to pre’ s ase. Filibustering was used until the limit of time for considera- tion of the bill was reached and the meas- ure went over without action. —-— 0 {se SPEAKER € SPS HEALTiIL. He Will Have to Lenve the City Be- caunse of Disability. Speaker Crisp, by order of his doctors, will be compelled to leave Washington witrin a day or two for about two weeks’ stay at Asheville, N. C. He fs suffering from some trouble of the muscles in the vicinity of his heart, and Doctors Sowers and Busey have urged him to absent him- self for the remainder of the session. This he will not do unless the trouble becomes worse. There is no probability of action of any importance beyond the consideration of the appropriation bills during the rest of the session, and therefore his absence will probably not interfere with the work of the session. There are neither plans nor hopes for legislation during the rest of the session. ALL ARE OVERRULED The Demurrers in the Cases of the Sugar Trust Witnesses. JUDGE COLE RENDERS HIS DECISION Information to Newspaper Men Not Privileged Communications. CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS —— Judge Cole, in Criminal Court No. 2, dis- posed of the demurrers to the indictments in the cases of Newspaper Correspondents E. Jay idwards and John 8. Shriver, President Henry O. Havemeyer and Secre- tary John 4. Searles of the American Sugar Ketining Company, and Broker Allen L. Seymour, indicted last summer for re- fusing to answer certain questions asked them by Senator Gray's sugar trust inves- tigating committee. As in the case of Brokers John W. Macartney and Elverton R. Chapman, Judge Cole overruled the de- murrers, holding that the questions asked were proper and pertinent, and directing the defendants to further answer the in- dictments returned against them. But one of the defendants, Mr. Shriver, was present in court, and of the counsel for the de- fendants but ex-Judge Shellabarger and Mr. Nathaniel Wilson appeared, the prose- cution being represented by Assistant Dis- trict Attorney Hugh ‘I. ‘Taggart. Judge Cole’s Opinion. In delivering his brief opinion in the re- maining cases, Judge Cole said that since the disposition of the cases of Macartney and Chapman by the Court of Appeals he had considered the cases of Messrs. Ed- wards, Shriver, Havemeyer, Searles and Seymour. He found that in the case of the last named defendants the points raised were precisely similar to those coming up in the case of Messrs. Macartney and Chapman, and the demurrer would there- fore be overruled, and the defendant re- quired to plead. In the cases of Edwards and Shriver, the newspaper correspondents, the general questions were the same as in the case of Macartney and Chapman, but there had been two additional points raised, viz.: Were the particular questions relevant? and Whether they should be held to have been excused from answering on the ground that their answers would render them liable to criminal prosecution? They were asked, explained Judge Cole, as to the source of their information in the articles published, and it was developed what those sources were, one of them say- ing that he obtained the information from a member of Congress. The defendant re- fused to state who the member was, said the court, and the other correspondent, while not exactly saying that he received the information from such a person, inti- mated as much. The question, therefore, was, Was the inquiry as to who those per- sons were pertinent? There could be, said Judge Cole, but one answer to the inquiry. It was pertinent, as much so as if the grand jury had asked the questions, and the defendants were, therefore, absolutely required to answer. They could, however, said Judge Cole, have been excused only on two grounds—that their answers would incriminate them or because the inform tion obtained by them, and upon which the published articles were based, was a priv- fleged communication. It did not appear, said Judge Cole, that the defendants had asked to be excused on the first ground, but merely on ths ground that the com- munication was a privileged one. Information to Newspaper Men. ‘The contention, remarked Judge Cole, that information communicated to a news- Paper man was a privileged one was some- thing new. He had never found such a contention sustained by law of precedent, and the proposition that information lodged with a newspaper man cannot be wrested from him, placing him in the po- sition of a priest or attorney, he could not assent to. for, said the court, the argu- ment is not a sound one. ‘To sustain such @ proposition, said Judge Cole, would be a most dangerous doctrine, demoralizing and unreasonable. To sustain it, remarked the court, would be to hold that a newspaper man might make ard publish derogatory statements against a person and then be exempted from disclosing the name of his informant. Finding neither law nor pre- cedent for holding that communications to a newspaper man are privileged ones, Judge Cole stated that he must hold that the defendants (Shriver and Edwards) had no valid excuse for refusing to answer the questions put to them, and the demurrer filed by them would, therefore, be over- ruled, and they would be required to plead to the indictments. Havemeyer and Senrtles. Discussing the cases of Havemeyer and Searles, the only question left for him by the decision of the Court of Appeals, ex- plained Judge Cole, was were the ques- tions properly put to the defendants? It seemed that Senator Allen, one of the in- “vestigating committee, had asked the ques- tions. While it 1s customary for the chair- man to put the questions, a member of the committee had the right to interrogate, said Judge Cole. Besides, the questions were subsequently asked by the chairman, Senator Gray. It had been contended by those defend- ants that they were not compelled to give the information because the answer could have been obtained from the books of the company. They did not deny that they were able to answer. If they had done so, said Judge Cole, it would have been, of course, a good and valid excuse. While no man or corporation was bound to disclose how much he or it had contributed for campaign purposes, yet, said Judge Cole, if it were charged openly that such a co) tribution was made for the purpose ef In- fluencing or controlling legislation it was proper to inquire into the matter, for the first question then was, whether a contri- bution had been made, and then the amount of it, and to whom and for what purpose. There was nothing in the contention of the defendants that the contribution was made to a local or state campaign commit- tee, explained the court, for the question still remained how much was contributed, te whom and for what purpose. Neither, seid Judge Cole, was there anything in the ecntention of the defendants that by an- swering they wculd lay themselves Hable minal prosecution, for they had not d to answer on that ground. The indictments agairst them alleged that they bad refused to give the information asked nd on their trial they could show,if pos- y were not able to give It and that it could have been obtained from the books of the company. The demurrers in their case, said Judge Cole, in conclusion, weuld also be overruled, and the defend- ants required te plead. To Invoke the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Taggart stated that the district at- torney would notify the defendants when to ‘come in to plead to the indictments, but ex-Judge Shellabarger explained that, as the result of a conference with Mr. Birney, no further action would be taken in that matter until after the United States Su- preme Court had been Heard from. In a few days, he intimated, one of the defend- ants would surrender himself to the cus- tody of the court, when a decision of the Supreme Court would be sought by the de- fendant applying for his release by a writ of habeas corpus. The Court of Appeals having affirmed Judge Cole’s action in sus- taining the indictments returned against Messrs, Macartney and Chapman, it is understood that it will be one of them who will in that way attempt to obtain a de- cision from the Supreme Court. If the writ of habeas corpus should be granted by that tribunal, it is said that it could not be finally passed upon for some time, but the defendant surrendering him- self, it is explained, would not be com- pelled to remain in confinement until then, for the reason that he would be released on bail pending the Supreme Court's final disposition of the case coming before it on the writ. & It was sald today that Broker Chapman will be the defendant to surrender himself for such a test of the law. A SUBSTITUTE BILL New Railroad Plan for East Washington Beoommended, Commissioners’ Ideas for a Belt Line Additions to Existing Roads —Wbhat They Say. The Commissioners this afternoon for- warded to Congress a substitute bill for House bill 8057, incorporating the East Washington Belt Line Railway Company. The substitute bill authorizes a single track railway orly, and permits an issue of capital stock to the amount of the esti- mated cost of construction and equipment of the railway and buildings; {t omits the provision in the House bill for horse cars, and also for an issue of bonds; the latter named bill provides for a tax cf 2 per cent on the gross earnings; the substitute bill relieves the company from any personal tax for the first five years of the road’s operation, and imposes a 4 per cent tax on gross earnings thoreafter. The substitute bill further requires com- mencement of construction in one year and completion in two years, and calls for a guarantee deposit of $1,000 to be made within sixty days from the passage of the act. The original bill requires completion within three years and does not name any time of commencement of work. The substitute bill changes the route from 13th and 14th streets east, to lith and 15th streets eagt.- An abstract of @ petition for the railroad of property owners and residents in East Washington and a blue print, showing the location of property on Bd street east whose owners have protested against chartering the railroad, together swith a copy of the protest, have also been transmitted. The Commissioners §Sudge that a single track on 3d street womid not be so objec- tionable as a double ‘track, and that the comparatively short Beit line single track, with cars moving: in ene direction, would afford necessary accommodation. The mod- ified route makes wse of 14th street, which is 100 feet wide,finstead of 13th street, which is 90 feet wide, and intersects the Columbia line at’ ifs eastern terminus, which will probably be a natural center of car traffic and @ destrable location for a union street car station. One of the Commiisaigners is of the opin- jon thet the success“6fthe Belt line would be doubtful from the lack of sufficient traffic for several yegrs to come, and that in any event, instead ef chartering a new company for % line wholly in .the city the four street car companies now owning iinesf in «Bast Washing- ton, which lines would be intersected by the proposed Belt ine, should be offered in turn the right of extension, comprising the Belt line, under the terms of construc- ticn, operation and taxation, named in the substitute bill until an acceptance is re- ceived or all of those companies have de- clined. The Commissioner is also of the opinion that necessary or desirable street car facilities in East Washington, addi- tioral to those already provided for, can mest conveniently be subserved by the ex- tension of the Washington and Georgetown company’s tracks on Pennsylvania avenue, eastward to near the avenue bridge, and of its 8th street tracks northward to Florida avenue and thence along Florida ave- nue to 7th street northwest. . Two hills for street-car roads to cross the Hastern branch into Washington near the avenue bridge are pending. According to these views the latter named line would intersect all the east and west lines in Mast Wash- ington, the proposed: line in Bladensburg pike, the existing lines to Ickington, Breokland and the Soldiers’ Home, and by 7th street connection, furnish a direct route to Mount Pleasant, Brightwood, Takoma and the Rock Creek parks. PACIFIC RAILROAD BONDS. The First Series Have Matured and Are Being Redeemed. The first series cf the government bonds issued thirty years ago in aid of the Pacitic railroads matuved yesterday and the United States treasurer is now engaged in their redemption. They are U. S. 6 per cent bonds, issued to the Central Paeific Rail- road Company of California under the acts of July 1, 1862, and July 2, 1864, and are commonly known as “currency sixes.” They aggregate $2,362,000, including ac- crued interest. They are entirely in the hands of 199 corporations and individuais. The Se2retary of the Treasury recently gave public notice that they would be paid on presentation on or after the 16th in- stant. So far, however, he has been called on onfy to redeem about $500,000 of these bonds. According to their terms they are redeemable in “lawful morey of the United States,” and the checks in payment are so drawn. The disbursements on this’ ac- count will, therefore, 1ot necessarily af- fect the dwindling gold balance of the treasury. The total amor bonds outstandin this amount $640, next and $3,000, February next. § taken with regar imbursement fro! benefited by the s Attorney General the legal rights o matter with a vie the protection of default on the pi panies. It is und} will be submitted| tof Pacific raflroad is $64,623,000, and of fall due in November mcre in January and far no action has been to the method of re- ithe railroad companies je of these bonds. The as been investigating he government in this to a plan of action for s interests in case of of the railroad com. tood that the matter 0 Congress for settle- 2. iE OF THE C:! DEBS. Writ of Error D to File Habe The Supreme Ci today denied the Debs and otheve, men strike, for Justice Fuller del said it was the u ecurt that the w reference to the ccrpus, leave wa: ded, but Leave Given js Corpus Petition. t of the United States petition of Eugene V. rtidipants in the Pull- writ of error. Chief ered the opinion, and nimous opinion of the it would not lie. With pplication for habeas granted to file a peti- tion and a rule enfered making {it returna- ble on the 28th §nstant. There was no written opinion, affd the proceedings were confined to the fbriefest possible state- ment. } Attorney Darrow was present as the representative of Debs and his associa and Assistant Attorney General Whitne: represented the government. Mr. Darrow construed the order with reference to the habeas corpus as in effect the granting of the petition, but other attorneys present in the court expressed the opinion that the order left the matter in its present status until the agreement could be heard on the 28th. —_____-e-___ Naval vements. The cruiser Atlanta left Tuyillo, Hon- duras, yesterday, for Ceiba and Cortez, small ports in the same country. The gun. beat Detroit sailed from Aden yesterd: for Colombo, Ceylon. THE FINANCES Difficulty in the Way of Compro- mising Differences. THE FIGHT ON THE SHERMAN ACT Story of How Its Repeal Was Brought About. MUCH BITTERNESS SINCE ——— A serious difficulty In the way of com- promising the differences on the financial question grows out of the history of the fight over the Sherman act, still fresh in the recollections of both Senators and Rep- resentatives. Senators particularly are said to be extremely cautious in proposing anything in form sufficiently definite to commit themselves, ‘The story of the proposal and rejection of the compromise at the special session in 1893 contains an incident which is serving as a sort of danger signal now. ‘he long contest in the Senate is recalled. It looked as if repeal was impossible. The stanch- est friends of repeal, indeed, on both sides of the chamber gave up ‘the struggle. Mr. Sherman and Mr. Allison on the republican side and Mr. Gray, Mr. White of Louisiana and Mr. Lindsay on the democratic side all confessed that the silver men had the game in their hands, and that a compro- mise was necessary. Numerous visits were paid, both to the ‘Ireasury Department and to the White House, and the whole situa- ticn was explained. 1t was not difficult to explain it to Mr. Carlisle, who as a master of parliamentary procedure could see un- assisted just Where matters stood. He, too, agreed that a compromise was neces- sary, if any legislation at all was to be en- acted, and he discussed with Senators the terms which, in his judgment, ought by good management to be secured. To Arrange a Compromise. When this information was communi- cated in an informal way to the democrat- ic Senators, a movement was at once set on foot to arrange a compromise. Mr. Gorman became active, and a proposition with his aid took shape. It proposcd, among other things, the continuation of silver bullion purchases until September 1, 1894, and the coining of the seigniorage then in the treasury. This was to satisfy the silver mep from the south, who had been standing shculder to shoulder with the silver men from the west, resisting repeal, and thus the fight would be ended. ‘The western men standing alone could not hope to win, or even any longer to protract the engagement. The terms of the compromise were writ- ten out, and the paper was laid upon the table of the committee cn appropriations for signatures. This was on Saturday be- fore the end came. All that day the com- promisers were busy. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Smith assisted Mr. Gorman, and demo- cratic Senators were escorted into the com- mittee room one by one and requested to sign. There was a very general response, and at 3 o'clock the feeling was that every vote on the democratic side would he se- cured. Senators were assured that the conditions had been explained to Mr. Car- lisle and the President, and that the Pres- ident would approve such a bill. Mr. Hill’s Refusal. But when Mr..Hill was approached he declined to sign. He stated that he had committed himself to unconditional repeal, and declared that he would not change his attitude. He sald, however, that he would not actively oppose the proposition in the Senate. Mr. Caffery took similar ground. Mr. Vilas, one of the President's firmest supporters, was out of the city. Mr. Hill declined, and an extra effort was made to induce him to sign because of the great in- terest New York had in the question. Mr. Hill accompanied his friends into the com- mittee room, and an animated discussion ensued. He was told, as the others had been, that the paper represented the effort of the majority to get together and pass a bill, and that the President was friendly to the undertaking. Mr. Hill replied: “Gen- tlemen, I want this question settled, but there are two reasons why I won't’ sign this paper. In the first place, I am in favor of the unccnditional repeal of the Sherman act; and, in the second place, the men who are arranging this compromise will have to take full responsibility for it before the country. The President may sign the bill, but if he does he will accompany the act with a memorandum setting forth his reasons and plainly charging up the whole thing to you. I shall not allow myself to be put in that attitude. I stand precisely where he does on this auestion, and if he desires a compromise, or is ready to accept one, he ought to let that fact publicly be known.” This was discouraging, but the compro- misers kept on, and at stindown had agreed to have their proposition presented to the Senate on Monday. What Happened the Next Day. There have been several stories told about what happened the next day. The one generally accepted 1s that on Sunday morn- ing the terms of the compromise were com- municated by the administration to Mr Sherman and his opinion requested. He was also asked to state what his own course as a republican Senator would be Mr, Sherman condemned the compromise. It conceded too much to silver. Such legis- lation, he declared, would still complicate, instead of relieving, difficulties. For his own part, he said, he should oppose the position if presented to the Senate, and he gave It as his opinion t the Senate would reject it. The President was at Woodley. Mr. Sher- man’s views were cony to him at onc as were also those of i nd dowr ame the presidential foot on the compri mise. This, in turn, was communicated to Mr. Gorman, Mr, Gray and’ other demo- again, but the southern silver men we: helpless now, too. They had left their po tion of unconditional hostility to rep: J they could not resume it. Nothing r mained, therefore, but to surrender, and this was done. Unconditional repeal’ went through, and Congress adjourned in a very few days. A Good Deal of Bitterness, ‘There followed, however, a good deal of bitterness here and there. There had un- doubtedly been some misuaderstandings, and in one or more quarters misrepresent tions were charged.: One very prominent man was urged to make a statement coy- ering the whole case and thus bring out any contrary views that might be in cir- culation in private conversation. But it was decided that it would be better not fight was to press the point. The tariff coming on, and it was appar that the democracy would ne of its harmony canvas to take the bill into port. And when the tariff did begin all else was necessari story is tcld now to how cautiously arift fight n, if not the shrewdest to Beet need of the .democratic leaders approach the question of a com- promise at this time. Mr. Gorman and Mr. Hill are alike in wanting first te hear from the other fellow: It is noted as a point of Interest"that the last Senator to sign the abandoned com- promise of 1893 was Mr. Jones of Arkan- sas, then, as now, a free-coinage man, but the one exception to the rule of tho; burnt hands, who are now keepin safe distance from the fire. Mr. is g to try again in the interests o y harmony. EXTENSION OF STREETS|FELIX FAURE CHOSEN Another Report Received From Mr. Fred- erick Olmstead. He Treats of a New Section of the District and Recommends Several Change of Plan. The map of the first section for the ex- tension of the streets and avenues cf the District will shortly be placed on file. To- day Engineer Commissioner Powell, who has direct charge and supervision of the work, received a report from Mr. Fred- erick Law Olmstead on the fourth portion of the first section. Only one other por- tion now remains for him to report upon, and then the Commissioners will place the plan of the first section on record. The remaining portion upon which Mr. Olmstead will report is that section lying along the upper part of Rock Creek Park between 16th street and the park. When that is received the Commissioners will carefully consider the subject, correct the original map where they think it neces- sary and submit the whole for record. In a former report Mr. Olmstead recom- mended a system of curvilinear streets for the Blagden tract, and that section immedi- ately adjacent, dividing the ground Into ir- regular-shaped blocks. When the owners of the property heard of this they called upon the Commissioners and protested vigorously against such a scheme, declaring it would injure the property. The Commis- sioners thereupon adopted another plan. The Last Report. The report received today embodies sug- gestions for Piney Branch and Spring Lake parkways, and for a revision of Prospect and 17th streets, and ts as follows: “The most economical and suitable plan- ning for the junction of all the various streets connecting and intersecting with the Piney Branch parkway at and near 16th street is a very diticult problem and is not of the sort that we had expected to study at all in detail when we undertook to oiler you suggestions in connection with your plans for the first section. The ideas indicated in our eketch must therefore be considered to be very prelitn- inary and necessarily crude, as we are without sufficient information us to pro- posed profiles of the various streets and avenues, and could not very well, there- fore, go into even rough calculations of quantities of earth work. The viaduct, which you proposed for 16th street, seems to be, so far as we can judge, a convenient and econcmical arrangement. In order to make any headway in the study of the parkway at this point, we had to make assumptions as to the grades of intersect- ing streets. Having assumed what seemed to be reasonable in this respect, it ap- peared to us that both for reasons of econ- omy and of landscape design it would be better to place the street crossing, the parkway, on grade, next west of 16th street, as near to that street as possible. The result of this arrangement, as you will observe, will, after the work has been carried out, have the effect of a hillside road, having been buiit en a slope west of 16th street from Spring Lane parkway to Omaha street. “This hill would continue sloping down to the westward to a pond, which would be of sufficient size to appear natural. in other words, tre new roads east and west and south of this pond would appear to have been designed to skirt the shores of the pond. It seems to us, on the whole, that some picturesque treatment of such a complicated and irergular plot of ground would prove much more satisfactory—and probably considerably less expensive—than the formal treatment suggested in your plan, The diversion from the direct course of the street, which’ may be called 17th street, is, perhaps, somewhat awkward. but it will result, it seems to us, in @ con- siderable economy in grading. Our prin- cipal object, however, as we have observed above, is to start with a consistent theory of landscape treatment which will make the result appear natural, sensible and reasonably economical. 1t seems to us that the houses on the block between Phil- adelphia street and Omaha street may bet- ter face those streets, and so avoid the necessity for a special road in 16th street on the low grade of Philadelphia street. “It seems to us if you will adopt the land taking lines, as suggested, a further, more detailed study for the internal arrange- ments may safely be postponed. You will notice that the south line of Spring Lane parkway is not continuous with the south line of Piney Branch parkway west of 16th street. This, at first sight, seems objec- tionable, but we concluded that on the whole it met every requirement of con- venience, and we hardly think the taking of more land at this point would be worth, for appearance sake, what it would cost. You will notice that we suggest one slight change in the lines of Spring Lane park- way east of lith street. “In regard to the intersection of Prospect and lith streets, we have simply to say that we regard our sketch as a very de- cided improvement. It seems to us that the width of 17th street might as well be reduced at Florida avenue instead of at Prospect street, In order to economize in land damages.” Upon the receipt of this report Captain Powell sent for his engineers, and in- structed them to prepare sketches of the plan proposed by Mr. Olmstead and pre- sent them to the board. When these sketches are made they be carefully studied, and if the Commissioners decide to adopt any of the suggestions they will be transferred to the big map. ee MR. SHERMAN’S BANKING BILL, it is to Provide for a Temporary De- ficiency of Revenue. Senator Sherman tcday introduced a bill “To provide for a temporary @eficiency of revenue.” The bill sets forth that its pur- pose is to enable the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain the redemption of United States notes according to the pro- visions of the resumption act of January 14, 1875, and also to erable him to pay cur- rent deficiencies of the revenue. It au- thorizes the Secretary to issue and sell at his discretion at not Icss than par, in coin, either of the description of bonds author- in the resumption act or coupon or bonds to an amount sufficient not exceeding the enue, bearing not to cnceed 3 per cent interest, redeemable at the pleasure of the United States in coin after five years. In lieu of any of these bonds the Secre- tary is authorized, at his discretion, to ts- e certificates of indebtedness of the United States, payaile in coin after five years at the pleasure of the United States denominations {rem $5 to S100 at 3 per fhe certificates are to have i nptions like It is also provides f United States ing interest any iation making the tled to recelve circulat- not exceeding in the whoie amount the par value of the bonds de- posited and not to exceed the amount paid in as capital stock. that upon the mds or certif ing notes Called at the Indian Office. A number of the members of the indian conferen: which held its annual session yesterday, called on the commissioner of Indian affairs this afternoon to pay re- speets and talk over the situation in an in- formal way. Among the callers were: Dr. Lyman Abbott, Prof. Garrett and Mrs Quinton. Commissioner Browning showed them over the building and talked to them of methods employed by the department ir working out the salvation of the original owners of the country. Miss Cook, who is an authority on Indian matters, was pres- ent at the talk, Elected President of the French Republic. ~ is THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY METS Exciting Scenes During the Cast ing of Votes. =f DETAILS OF THE BALLOTING == PARIS, Janvary 17.—In spite of the polit- ical crisis there is hardly a trace of ex- citement in this city, and a casual glance at the eerlous newspapers would never suggest that such a sensational event as the resignation of the president had crowded close upon the heels of the fall of the ministry. The Journal des Debats yesterday had not a single lead in its columns. Its ac- count of the crisis was headed “La Crise Presidentielle.” This heading was in its ordinary display type, and the leader of the Journal des Debats was in small, lower-case type, with the heading, “La Crise Presidentielle Et La Presse.” To provide against possible emergencies, however, the troops forming the garrison of Paris and of Versailles are confined to their barracks, and will so remain until the trouble Is over and the successor of M. Casimir-Perier is safely housed in the Elysee palace. The national assembly, compose] of the senate and chamber of deputies, met at Versailles at 1 o'clock this afternoon to elect a 1ew chief magistrate of France. The senate is composed of 30) members and the chamber of 581 members. A pres- ident is elected for seven years by a ma- jority of the national assembly. There have been five presidents of the third French republic—M. Thiers, elected August 31, 1871; resigned May 24, 1873; died September 3, 1877. Marshal MacMa- hon, elected May 24, 1873; resigned Jan- uary 30, 1879; died October 17, 1883. Jules Grevy elected, January 30, 1879; re-elected December 28, 1885; resigned December 2, 1887; died September 9, 18%. M. Carnot, eiected December 3, 1887; assassinated at Lyons June 24, 1894. M Casimir-Perier, = June 27, 1894; resigned January 15, In the Palace at Versailles. In anticipation of the meeting this after- ncon of the senate and deputies, the usu- ally placid palace cf Versailles, where the election wili be held, was humming like a bee-hive. An army of telegraph operators was installed ina section of the palace set apart for their use, and from this operatt: rcom are a large number of wires connects with Paris.In addition,everything was ready to set the type of the Journal Odiciel and place 1's forms in the hands of the printers, wko kad their presses already in working order, in order to put out the special edi- tion of that paper announcing the result of the work of the national assembly. The first trainload of deputies and sena- tors brought the officers of the senate and of the chamber of deputies. M. Challemel-Lacour, president of the senate, who, in that capacity, presides over the national assembly, traveled from the Mont Parnasse railroad station on the 6:30 a.m. train. He was accompanied by his official secretaries, and upon arriving droye to the palace in an open carriage. Presidential Candidates. There were orly three candidates for the presidency whcse chances of election were seriously discussed this morning, namely: M. Waldeck-Rousscau, M. Henri Brisson and M. Felix Faure. Two ballots, it was believed, would be sufficient. Numbers of senators had expressed the intention of voting for M. Waldeck-Rousseau, whose friends expected that he would secure 300 votes on the first ballot. M. Brisson’s supporters claimed a simi- lar total, with the balance of the votes, about 259, conceded for M. Felix-Faure. It was claimed that he would retire after the first ballot, In favor of M. Waldeck-Rout seau. When M. Casimir-Perier was elect- ed $53 votes were cast by the members of the national assembly. The train bringing the ministers to Ver- sailles left Paris at noon. Their departure Was not marked by any demonstrations upon the part of the public. Several mem- bers of the diplomatic corps traveled on the same train. By the time the hour for opening the na- tional assembly approached all streets lead- ing to the palace were thronged with an- imated crowds. When the cabinet ministers arrived at the palace M. Dupuy, the premier, was heard to declare to several of his friends that he was not a presidential candidate. In the lobbies of the Salle du Congress the greatest uncertainty prevailed in regard to the result, although there seemed to be a decided impression that M. Waldeck-Rous- seau would be elected. Voting tickets with the names of M. Waldeck-Rousseau, Bris- son, Faure and Meline, the protectionist leader, were everywhere being distributed by the active managers of their campaigns. During the morning it was stated that the members of the right had decided to o) pose the candidacy of M. Brisson to the utmost. The latter reached Versailles at 30 p.m., and went directly to the Ce y his where he was warmly received many friends. M. Waldeck-Rovsseau drove from Paris, accompanied by his wife, and he also met with a warm welcome from his friends when he reached the Salle du Congress. No party meetings were held here this morning, and it was understood that none would occur unless it appeared after the result of the first ballot that a second bal- lot was necessary. Prior to the opening of the national as- sembly a large number of senators and deputies took luncheon together, according to the usual custom upon the occasion of an election for president. ‘The National Assembly. A large force of trocps occupied the rail- road stations and other points, guards were pested throughout the palace, and the. streets were lined with gendarmes. The crowds, however, were very orderly The tribunes in the Saile du Congress were filled long before 1 o'clock. The ladies were in the majority_among those present in the gallery set apart for the diplomatic corps. x Challemel-Lacour, president of the te, the pres‘ding officer of the national y, called the senators and members chamber of deputies to order at 1 p.m., and the proceedings proper opened at 1:10 p.m., When M. Challemel-Lacour read the articles of the coustitution which ap- to the case. hen there was a scene of considerable excitement, deputies from all parts of the hail springing to their feet and demanding to be heard. For instance, M. Henri Mich= elin, revisionist, asked leave to address the assembly, with the ob t of re mend- ing the convocation of a constitutional es- sembly, with the object of revising the present constitution. M. De Baucry D'Asson, monarchist and revisionist, who, as a result of his inter- ruptions, has repeatedly been the subject of rigorous measures upon the part of the president of the chamber of deputies, de- manded to be heard. But M. Challemel-Lacour could not grant M. Michelin’s request, and, believing that M. De Baudry D’Asson was only going to make one of his familiar affirmations of devotion to the monarchy and the papacy, the president refused to hear him. On th? other hand, M. Challemel-Lacour ordered that the first ballot be immediately taken. This was proceeded with amid con-