Evening Star Newspaper, February 23, 1895, Page 6

6 THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1895-TWENTY PAGES. END OF THE SEALS The Practical Results of the Bering Sea Arbitration. WR. STANLEY BROWNS LECTURE Suffering and Death of the North- ern Herds. — REPRESENTATIVES — OUR The weekly meeting of the National Geo- grayhic Society was held at the audience room of the Cosmos Club last night, the session being occupied by an address by Mr. J. Stanley Brown, upon “The Practical Results of the Bering Sea Arbitration.” Mr. Gardiner Hubbard, in introducing the speaker, referred to his having spent three seascns upon the Pribilof or Seal Islands— the last one being the season just closed— that he had assisted in the preparation of the material used before the Paris tri- bunal, before which body he appeared as the expert of the United States, and that probably no one was better qualified to- day to discuss these matters. Mr. Stanley Brown began by saying that @ friend had asked him what justification there was for presenting such a subject as the practical results of the Bering sea arbitration before a society which has to do with geogre hic matt and he had replied that this was simple enough, for the seals were agents of topograph change; that seals, and sea lions also, fill their stomachs with rocks «the sailors say for ballast), and that if the arbitration should result in millions of them dying there in the future, as they had done in the past, it was self-evident that further contributions in the form of large quanti- ties of bowlders and pebbles would be made to our public domain by these modi- fiers of geography. Matter of History. Continuing, Mr. Stanley Brown said: “Until recently all opinions offered to the public as to the value of the regulations formulated by the Paris tribunal for the preservation of the fur seals were neces- sarily speculative in character and hence more or less unfair to the tribunal, but now by reason of the data obtained during the last sealing season it was possible to determine with close approximation to tness the usefulness of the conclu- jo} reached by that body. Everything connected with the fur seal arbitration, for it was naught else, now a matter of his- tory and not of ntiment, and by the strength or weakness of its achievements ft must be judged frankly, without bias, qustly. “In order to intelligently understand the practical results of the arbitration we must know something of the creature with which it had to do, and also the terms and Mmjtations of the task assigned the tri- bunal.” The speaker gave a brief but vivid pic- ture of seal life in all its phases, and even in this concise resume showed how strong was the contrast between the effects of killing on land, where selection can he and fs exercised, and the effects of killing at sea, where no discrimination is possible. In the former only the young, immature males were taken, and the females pro- tected by law from death or disturbance, while in the latter pups less than a year old, the young males of all ages, the old bulls and the mothers faithfully bearing through thousands of miles of sea the burden which the laws of nature laid upon them—all alike fell before the weapons of their destroyers. He next rapidly sketcned the causes which led to the arbitration, and called attention to the fact that the treaty assigned the representatives of the two nations the tasks they were to perform and indicated the limits within which they would be permitted to work. He sald: England’s Avowals. “From the time of the first diplomatic protest against seizures in 1886 to the last utterance of her attorneys at Paris in 1803 Great Britain insisted that it was her earnest desire to preserve this useful crea- ture. Expressions of this desire run as a cool and refreshing rivulet through the entire diplomatic correspondence, and it fell as soo.hing, reassuring music from the lips of every one of her advocates before the tribunal, and these desires on the part yf England were doubtless genuine, for don ig the sealskin market of the world, and thousands of its citizens derive great | cater oop advantage from that fact; but ‘anada saw to it that every actual effort accompanying those endlessly repeated pro- testations should be directed toward pre- gerving the seals—for the pelagic sealers. But, despite the demands for preservation, it seemed as though the fetich of indirec- tion had hoodooed this question of the fate of this animal at every stage of its con- sideration, when once the United States swerved from that direct and effective method of protection—the seizure of seal- ing schooners.” Our Representatives. Before taking up the question of tae “findings” of the tribunal the speaker beg- ged to make a slight digression. He sald: “It is customary to see in the public press and to hear from the mouths of individuals condemnation of our representatives and of their conduct of the case. It Is well ‘known that the United States was worsted In the contest, and the impression has been widely disseminated, probably unintention- ally, that the disaster was due to imper- fect mastery of the case, and faulty pre- sentation on the part of those to whom it was intrusted. The object of my digres- sion is to recite in a few paragraphs the history of our case and to obtrude my views of the merits of its preparation and presentation. “When the question of selection of at- torneys arose, President Harrison, as was becoming in a statesman, did not permit himself to be yed by any considera- tions of partisanship. It is of no moment, but of Interest, to know that of those se- lected, four were democrats and three re- publicans. Party feeling was thus, and very properly, eliminated from the case. “Mr. Phelps, President Cleveland's min- ister to England, was the first lawyer chosen. To Mr. John W. Foster, who later became the representative of the United States before the tribunal, was intrusted the stupendous task of preparing the case and counter case of the United States. To the execution of this trust he brought not only his unexcelled knowledge of diplo- matic matters and of international law, but his wonderful powers of keen insight and forecast, his great capacity for the analysis of facts, and, best of all, his per- ent industry. “The period between January, 1892, until the 4th of March, 1808, was one of inces- sant activity. Under his immediate guid- ance scores of helpers of all kinds were busy in many fields of research, near and far. Investigations as to facts of aquatic seal life must be carried on in Bering sea. The systematic and thorough manner in which that was done was shown by the map npon which the results were plotted— 1: looked like a spider web. ‘An expedition must be made to the Guadaloupe Islands—a former seal resort. Mouths must be devoted to the study of modern seal life upon the Commander and Pribiiof groups of islands. Trained agents must be sent along the entire Pacific coast and in many other directions to gather data. All published and manuscript matter upon seal life must be critically examined and elaborate translations made of all Rus- sian documents bearing on the subject. A litication must be prepared of all laws, rational and otherwise, affecting the issue at stake. The history of the career and destruction of the thirty-one resorts of the so fur-seal must be studied and data ined’ concerning the remnant now existing, as well as such information as the fur dealers of America and the old world had to offer concerning the practical phases of the business. Great volumes ust be printed and endless details attend- everything had to be 2 a specified time none too recting force in this tur- moil of human endeavor was Mr. Foster, and throwgh it all there was among the workers an esprit de corps which never for nent wavered. I can give you a con- » illustration of the exhaustive meth- 4 and the magnitude of the A friend recently came to me saying he would like to read such material s ( had bearing upon the question. After f’nad given him twenty-five octavo vol- umes of official printed matter, which grew out of the controversy, he concluded that he did not care for the-mass of pamphlets, brechures and reams of manuscript notes which I still had to offer him. “Looking back upon it I do not hesitate to say that both im their preparation and in their presentation the case, counter- case and arguments on behalf of the United States could not be greatly im- proved upon, and all Americans may be jusuly proud, not only of SF conduct of our representatives before” the tribunal, but also of these distinguished gentlemen, Mr. Justice Harlan and Senator .Morgan, who made two of its members. These two arbitrators, with a knowledge of the case unsurpassed by any of their associates and actuated at all times by the highest sentiments pf justice and patriotism, sought intelligently, persistently and in every way which they properly could to protect the interests of their country. “While the tribunal was composed of seven members the critics of the findings should bear in mind that the final deci- sions rested solely with the three neutral arbitrators from Italy, France and Sweden, and further, that the treaty spe- cifically defined the subject matter to be considered and the method of procedure. 1t is manifestly unfair to confuse advo- cates with juries, and to lay upon the shoulders of the former the burden of the shortcomings of the latter. In so far as the fur seal arbitration was a failure it was not one of presentation, but interpre- tation.” Tribunals Findings. In discussing in detail the “findings” of the tribunal, the speaker called attention to the fact that every episode of seal life and every danger which threatened it had been brought to the attention of the arbi- trators, not only in the case and counter case, but in carefully compiled brochures, which could be quickly read and easily mastered, and that all this was reinforced by oral argument. They were shown that any pelagic sealing is injurious—the mag- nitude of the injury being proportionate to the size of the catches; that in quest of food the seals, and especially the mothers, wert 200 miles or more from the island, so that spears in the hands of Indian hunters were as deadly as shotguns, for being noiseless the hunters get all in sight. In spite of this it was decided that the seals could be preserved by continuing pelagic sealing (by sailing vessels only) in the North Pacific up to the Ist day of May; by permitting its resumption in ering sea, sixty miles off the Pribiloff Islends, after the Ist day of August, and by anthorizing the use of shotguns in the North Pacific and spears in Bering sea. ‘In short,” he said, “instead of affirming a property right on the part of the United States, thus com- pletely realizing the object of its creation, and at the same time enunciatirg a prin- ciple which would have been of value to all nations for all time in the prese-vation of Breat groups of creatures useful to man, this high tribunal preferred voluntarily to limit its powers to the adjusting of two conflicting methods of taking seals. Any attempt to adjust pelagic sealing, to the continuation of the life of the seal herd, is as futile as to attempt to make two bodl occupy the same space at the same time.” ‘Experience has shown that the only efficiency which these regulations possess ‘s the three months’ enforced idleness. Even this is practically valueless, unless we can secure the extension of the regula- tions to Japanese and Russian waters. At the present time the pelagic sealer em- Ploys the closed time very profitably on the Asiatic coast, and following the herd northward is in close proximity to Bering sea at the time when he is again permit- ted to engage in hunting there, namely, August 1.” Some Figures. The attention of the audience was in- vited to a schedule upon the wall whereon was shown the pelagic catches from 1884 to 1804. In the former year the catch from all sources was about 17,000, while in the latter it ‘was 142,000. In the face of the regulations not less than 65,000 skins were taken from the Alaskan herd, 31,000 of which were secured in Bering sea. More kins are now taken at sea from the parent stock of both the Commandér and Pribiiof herds than formerly were taken on land from the natural increase, with the resuit that the yield on the Commander Island have fallen off, and after four years of rest, only 15,000 were shipped from the Frwdot isianus. Coutinumg his remarks the speaker said: “The United States is in the position of the owner of a vesied irrigation privilege, upon which there has been trespassing, under the pretense of right, and who, having consented to arbi- tration, rather than forceful ejection, has not only lost the bulk of the water In his ditch, but is in a fair way to lose all and te be compeiled to pay as well for the ter which the trespasser did not take. Not omy are our valuable rookeries prostrate by reason of the killing of seals at sea, but existing law forbids the killing of femaies on land, while existing regulations legalize such killing at sea, and thus the pelagic hunter will at his leisure take them all. In addition to this Congress is now asked to pay nearly haif a million dollars for the seals which the pelagic hunters were pre- vented from killing during 1886-87 and 1889. Prospective Damag: “Far be it from me to criticise a public officer, for extended observations have taught me that they are more often erred egainst than erring, but in the $425,000 which the government is asked to turn over to Great Britain, there are more than $350,- 000 worth of damages for prospective catches. The payment of prospective dam- ages was not stipulated for in article 5 of the treaty of February, 1892. Later it was provided in the renewal of the modus vi- Yendi in 1892 (article 5) that any prospect- ive damages growing out of the application of that particular modus should be pass2d upon by the arbitrators, but both govera- ments, through their agents at Parts, waived all such rights in the only court of redress open to them. In addition to this precedent is against the awarding of pros- pective damages, for in the case of the Geneva arbitration, when the United States demanded consequential damag=s, the tribunal promptly ruled them out. Omitting all questions of excessive ap- praisements of vessels and high vafuaticus of prospective catches, there are grave doubts as to whether a commission would approve such consequential damages.” ‘The Summary. Mr. Stanley-Brown summarized his re- marks as follows: 1. That the seal is a creature whose de- struction has no justification, for, unlike the buffalo, it occupies no territory need2d for domestic animals, and it 1s only through protection at sea that the herd can be kept at its maximum size, and thus secure to the world the continuation of the industry in its largest proportions. 2 That last year the assault upon the Alaskan seal herd by the pelagic sealers was the most damaging, numerically, to which it was ever subjected. 8. That the injury done the Alaskan herd in Bering sea last season reached its maxi- mum, and entailed the additional destruc- tion of at least 20,000 pups, whose death, while benefiting no one, contributed great- ly to the decadence of seal life. 4. That at an early day not only will the occupation of the pelagic sealer cease—for he is in the position of the carpenter who, standing upon a projecting board, saws himself off the roof—but that vast indus- try of London, which depends upon a stable and constant supply of seal skins, will also perish. 5. That, despite the regulations, the pelagic sealer is so encouraged by the suc- cess of the past season that he will at- tack the herds with renewed vigor this year, and hurry them with excelerated pace down the steep incline leading to commercial extermination. 6. That the pelagic sealer, having so good a thing, will resist, probably successfully, all attempts at either the modification of the regulations or their extension to Asi- atic waters. That by reason of the regulations, which permit the killing of females at sea, ard the United States statutes which for- bid such killing on land, the sealers can before the arrival of the time—four years from now—for reopening the case as pro- vided in the regulations—so deplete the rookeries as to make their recuperation if rot a matter of uncertainty, at least one of great tediousness. §. That the United States forfeited a reperty right of such merit that she could fave safely stood upon it, though confront- ed by a hostile world. 9. That, although the Arbitration was as competent to affirm a property right as it was to deny it, the decision, save in the dissenting opinions of Mr. Justice Harlan and Senator Morgan, is barren of anything which will aid the world at large in the future to preserve other groups of crea tures useful to man. 10. That this result has not encouraged resort to this method of settling interna- tional differences. 11. That the outcome of the arbitration ig a great triumph for English diplomacy and cleverness, and a humiliation to the United States, which should cause every patriotic American to blush, for having everything to lose and nothing to gain we staked our all upon a needless arbitration and lost it.” He said in conclusion: “In reviewing the history of this animal it really seems as though there never was a creature which had been, and is still, subjected to such cruel suffering, and such wanton and need- less destruction at the hands of man. If any nation should permit its citizens to de- stroy cows by methods inflicting pain and suffering, and then leave the young to die the agonizing death of starvation, it would Gcubtless be the subject of protests from their more humane neighbors. But this is precisely what goes on in this remote northern region, far from the restraining influence of public scrutiny. When every kumanitarian consideration pleads for im- munity from suffering for this animal, when every economic consideration urges its preservation and when attempts in these directions are met with opposition and resentment, it strengthens one’s belief in the correctness of the views expressed by Mr. Phelps, when he told the tribunal that, as this was an industry which had incontestable property right in it, and as rot a seal could be taken at sea which did not impair the value of that right, had ; the government taken his advice, when qinister to England, there would have been no arbitration, and the United States, and through it the world, would have now been = ces you enioxatene of the largest bene- s whieh it was possible for this indust to furnish.” i ne —.—_- ELECTION AND BANQUET. Final Sessions of the Newspaper Pub- lishers. E The American Newspaper Publishers’ Association held the final session of its annual meeting at the Brunswick Hotel, New York, yesterday afternoon, elected officers and concluded last night with a banquet in the ball room of the hotel, at which 250 persons were present. The afternoon session was devoted to the election of officers. The officers chosen were: President, C. W. Knapp of the St. Louis Republic, to succeed James W. Scott of the Chicago Herald; vice president, J. W. Butler of the Buffalo News, to succeed Edward H. Woods; secretary, W. C. Bry- ant, re-elected; treasurer, H. F. Gunnison of the Brooklyn Eagle, re-elected. Executive committee—F. E. Whitney, S. H. Kauffmann, Washington Star; W. W. Seif, Pittsburg Times; Frederick Driscoll, St. Paul Pioneer Press; Milton A. McRae, The last two hoid over and Mr. Whitney and Mr. Seif succeed Mr. Knapp and Mr. Butler, who were elected president and vice president, respectiveiy. Milton A. McKae offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopteu: “Kesoived, ‘that the members of the Amencan Newspaper Publishers’ Associa- ton, in convention assembied, join in ex- tending a Kindly greeting and congratula- tions to J. W. Scott, president of the asso- ciation, on the successful outcome of ne- gotiation which gives to him the control of tne Chicago Herald, Post and Times. “itesolved, That this association takes the occasion of the retirement of Mr. Scott from the presidency of this association to record its full appreciation of the great energy and zeal wuich he has always mau- ifested in promoting the welfare of this organization during the past six years, in which he has rendered such eminent service. “Resolved, That a copy of these resolu- tions be transmitted to Mr. Scott, with the peer thanks of each individual mem- Mr. S. H. Kauffmann, who, in the absence of the retiring president, Mr. Scott, has been presiding at the sessions of the asso- ciation, made a speech of regret at Mr. Scott’s retirement, as did other members. in the evening the members of the vsso- ciation and their guests sat down to a prettily decorated array of banquet tables im the ball room of the Brunswick for the eighth banquet of the association. There were six long tables arranged across the rooms so as to give view of the long guests’ table at the head, at which presided the new president, C. W. Knapp, with ex- President James W. Scott of the Chicago Herald on one hand and Chauncey M. De- Vide Ge the Cabos Others at the guests’ table were Gen. Nelson A. Miles, Speaker of the New York State Assembly Hamilton Fish, Mayor- elect Warwick of Philadelphia, Melville 5. Stone, general manager of the Associated Press; Gen. Eckert, president of the West- ern Union Telegraph Company; Murat Hal- stead, S. H. Kauffmann, Washington Star; F. Driscoll, St. Paul Pioneer Press; H. Kehlsaat, Chicago; A. F. Hatch, Chicago. Duties of Publishers. President Knapp rapped for order at 10 o’clock and delivered a forcible address cn the duties of pu)'ishers, proposed the toast “The Health of That Gallant Soldier, Gen. Nelson A. Miles." It was drunk standing and amid applause. Gen. Miles arose and responded: “I have a son,” he said, “who says that if he does not go into the navy he wili go into the army. If he followed his father’s wishes he would go into the profession of jour- nalism. The journalists of the country have its future in their nands. By the ed- ucation of the people must the republic stand or fall.” James W. Scott of the Chicago Herald was the next speaker and was greeted with three cheers and a “tiger” before he could begin to talk. He declared that he was more proud ef the good will of the mem- bers of the association than he was of the recent business success. But there was something cise that Mr. Scott was proud of. He was proud of his success as 4 bicyclist—he weighs 220 pounds, he said— and those around him sang: “A Bicycle Built for Two.” Murat Haistead was then introduced and gravely declared that he considered it a bad thing to compromise libel suits. He had had eleven on his hands at one time and knew whereof he spoke. Out of them there were only three verdicts found against him, one for $5, one for $2 and one for one cent. Azel F. Hatch of Chicago next responded to a request to talk on the abuse of the libel law dnd said that he was in favor of ® new libel law to protect the publishers in free speech and publication of any truth that may benefit the public, no mat- ter whom it may hurt. Meliville E. Stone of the Associated Press said that in twelve years as an editor he had had but one libel sult that went before a jury. ‘That had resulted in acquittal and the prosecution of the plaintiff for perjury and a sentence to prison. But an editor is. under great responsibility and the rep- utation of any man ts a sacred thing which he should carefully guard. He had believed for years that the privi- lege now accorded of suing an editor for punitive damages should be abolished. The measure of responsibility laid upon the editors of the country is greater, he de- clared, than that in any other country on earth. A distinguished Frenchman has said that # free government cannot be maintained except through a free press and in America it can scarcely be main- tained because of that free press. That represents both sides of the question and we should consider it seriously. —_+e+—____ Georgia Rifilemen Win. Georgia won the interstate military shoot yesterday, the team of Georgia Hussars of Savannah defeating the picked team of New Jersey troops by 41 points, the total scores being—Georgia, 517; New Jersey, 476. This was out of a possible 600. The Georgia team consisted of Sergt. Postell and Privates Wilson, Hunter, Thurptine, Nelson and Richmecnd. The New Jersey team consisted of Gen. Bird W. Spencer, inspector general of rifle practice; Col. A. R. Kuser of the governor's staff, Capt. Charles A. Reid, seventh regiment; Private William Hayes, second regiment; Privates John L. Kuser and Thomas B. Beck of the first, or Essex troop. +o. ______ False Heports From Raleigh. The special sent from Raleigh, N. C., Thursday night, to the United Press, to the effect that the legislature would not ad- journ in honor of Gen. Lee on his birth- day, is utterly false. The Caucasian con- tradicts from the official records every ma- terial statement sent out in the false dis- patch. ‘The legislature did adjourn in honor of Gen. Lee on his birthday, the motion to adjourn being made by a republican. There fs no truth in the statement that the legis- lature refused to adjourn in honor of Washington. The truth being that it did adjourn in his honor yesterday, for the first time since 1874-75. The legislature did refuse, on Thursday, to adjourn till Mon- day for the members to attend the New Berno fair. The statements sent out are false In every particular, so far as they relate to Generals Washington and Lee. The London Standard says, in reference to the hasty summoning of the cabinet Tuesday, that it understands that the meeting had special reference to the situa- tion in the far east. MYSTERY‘ABOUT THIS National “Gas ‘ind Electric Light, Heat, and Power Company. IGNORANGE OF THE INOORPORATORS ee | ar eae Hew a Company Can Be Formed and Floated by the Use of the Names of Preminent Men‘ Who Like to Do Their Friends ‘a2 Favor—Seme Interviews of Interést on § Very Important Sub- ject—Gaseous Gas Companies—Afraid of the Lobbyists. From the Washington Post. In the early days of speculation in mer- ry England, when men wanted to make fortunes quickly and fell over each other in a pell mell rush to invest their savings in schemes set forth with roseate pros- pectuses, it became the custom of the pro- moters of such enterprises to form stock companies and secure the names of prom- inent men as the incorporators thereof. Lord This and Baron That, Earl Who, and Sir Which were called upon by suave and respectful individuals who begged the hon- or of their names as sponsors for the Pata- gouian Improvement Company (limited) or the Universal Association of Mahogany Fellers or the Tea Chest Co-operative or- ganization or anything else that sounded well and would attract the attention by the novelty of its aspirations and the re- mote territory in which it proposed to carry on its operations. The originators of such affairs found the work of securing illustrious incorporators aS easy as the sub- sequent gulling of the public by means of the influence the high sounded titles had upon it, and it was not long before the same system was transferred to the speculative territory on this side of the water. It flourished by transplantation and now it even waves its umbrageous boughs over Washington itself. Luxuriant in Washington, For several years past numerous com- panies have been organized for the purpose of doing lots of remarkable things in the National Capital, anc doing them better than even the oldest inhabitant had any | idea of. Among these have been the gas companies. They have sprung up like mush- rocms, and been as numerous as the leaves of Vallambrosa. They have been incorpo- rated with a list of names overwhelming in their combined representation of commer- cial probity, and they have gone to Con- gress with vivid hopes and an eye on the gas company which has for so many years abundantly covered the territory of the Dis- trict out to the candle and oil lamp line. Most of them have died in the committee rooms because upon investigation it has been found that the incorporators men- tioned as being responsible for the schemes were merely accommodation indorsers, so to speak, while the real promoters of the companies were gentlemen from Herkimer, or Boggs Center, or Snohomish, who Were well aware that the great corporation al- ready in existence had lots of money, and detested trouble, and might be willing to buy up a company in case Congress chose to authorize its existence. Ganous Gas Compantes. Many times inthe recent past proposi- tions have been matle to Congress, all look- ing toward giving the public cheaper gas cf.a perfectly dazzling illuminating power. It happened that inquiry into one of the measures proposed developed the fact.that it wag really intended as a means to com- promise with the Washington Gas Light Company. Jt died a-bornin’. Its fate did not deter the formation of a new company, practically by the ‘same people, however, and the National Gas and Flectric Light, Heat and Power Company was brought into being. A bill was quietly introduced in the House by Representative Livingston, of Georgia, providing for the incorporation of the company, and naming J. Wesley Bovee, F. P. B. Sands, Chester A. Snow, Anthony Pollok, Charles C. Bryan, George W. Harvey, John F. Chamberli:., John W. Childers, Davies Murdoch, I. Skerett Mc- Kim, and George B. Cowlam as incorpor- ators. It proposed to furnish gas to the private consumer at 75 cents per 1,000 feet, and to the government at 60 cents per 1,000 feet, said gas to be of 24 candle power, and the incorporators were pledged to enter into a bond In the sum of $500,000, to be ap- proved by the District Commissioners con- ditioned upon the faithful terms in their charter. The first thing known on the part of the public of this bill was when Repre- sefitative Babcock, from the District co mittee, to which it had been referred, re- ported it back to the House on Wednesday, with a glowing report in its favor. Nothing was too good for the new company, and several slaps at the company now in exist- ence resounded from the document. Natur- ally some curiosity was aroused regarding the plans and scope of an association so highly and rapidly flattered by the House District Committee, and a Post reporter went out yesterday with a visiting list in his overcoat pocket. Incorporators in a Fog. Mr. George W. Harvey was the first in- corporator called upon. “Tell me something about the proposed National Gas and Electric Light, Heat and Power Company?’ requested the visitor. Mr. Harvey scanned his oyster counter and then looked at the inquirer. “I don’t know anything about it,” was his astonishing response. “Why, you are named in the bill f vorably reported to the House and au- thorizing the company’s existence as one of its incorporators,” said the reporter. “Yes, I know I am,” returned Mr. Har- but I don’t know how my name was vey, used. I certainly know nothing about it.” Mr. John E. Chamberlin was called upon immediately afterward. “J don’t knaw anything about the com pany,” was his answer to the interroga- tories propounded, ‘My name used? Oh, yes; I suppose somebody must have asked me. to let it be used in that connection, but really I don’t remember anything about it. No, I have no financial interest in the company.” A Clew is Struck. Dr. J. Wesley Bovee was the next on the list. “I reckon you had better see Congress- man Tim Campbell about it,” he re- marked. “He and Representative Living- ston, I believe, have that bill in charge. I think the real parties behind the com- pany are moneyed men of New York and Baltimore.” “Then the Washingtonians, mentioned ally tsed as figureheads?” anor suppose some of them are,” admitted the doctor, diplomatically. “The fact is, I have given the matter no attention what- ever since the so-called dollar gas bill was objected to, by the Commissioners because of the tearing up of the streets that would follow the, creation of a new company. But this company proposes to give a bond for the proper performance of its work, and there Should be no objection to that. But, really, I have given the subject no thought. 1 De you, know Messrs. Childers, Mur- doch, McKim, and, Cowlam, some of your associate ineorporators?” inquired the re- porter. Be E Dr. Bovee did ‘not have the pleasure of their acquaintance, but thought Mr. Chii- ders was at present in the city, and that he represented Baltimore people in his connection with the company. “Do you know if any of the Weshington incorporators, Bre financially interested in he company?” ‘NS Gannot tell whether they are or not. I believe I have heard that Mr. Bryan and Mr. Pollok are interested in such a way, put it is merely hearsay, and my memory of when or where I heard it is indefinitely vague.” Here was at least a hint of a clew to somebody who knew something about the organization, and the reporter with high hopes made his way to seek out the\gen- tlemen mentioned. Mr. Pollck Knows Nothing. “J really know little or nothing about the company,” said Mr. Anthony Pollok, in the reception room of his I street residence. «mr. F. P. B. Sands requested me to allow my name to be used as an incorporator of the company, and having perfect confi- dence in Mr. Sands, who is a high-minded and honorable gentleman, I granted the ermission. He said it would be a good hing, and I hope it will be. I believe we should have cheaper and better gas here. I have considerable trouble with it now.” “Will you take any financial interest in tffe company?” Mr. Pollok smiled. “I can’t tell anything about that, of course, for I am utterly unfamiliar with the affair. If the company is chartered and promises to show ad- vantages, why, I may make an investment in it, Just as any other man would in any- thing that showed prospects of return, but I know nothing of it. Indeed, perhaps, I may be wrong in allowing the use of my name in something I know so little about, but my confidence in Mr. Sands is com- plete.” On account of the holiday Mr. C. C. Bryan’s place of business on New York avenue was closed, and a call at his resi- dence developed the fact that he was in Baltimore. A later visit found that the hour of his return was uncertain. Con- gressman Campbell had gone to New York to enjoy the pleasure of the feast tonight, given by the Oriental Club, of which he is the philosopher, friend, guide and general patron saint. What Mr. F. P. B. Sands Said. Mr. Sands was at home at his handsome home on Connecticut avenue. “I wish I had time to go into a lengthy description of the new enterprise,” he said, heartily. ‘You can rest assured of the abundant ability of the company to carry ott its promises if it is given the oppor- tunity, and I am confident that we will be successful in the effort to obtain it. About the incorporators? Well, some of the names were given to me by other par- ties interested in the company, and I per- sonally secured those of Mr. Pollok, Mr. Snow and Mr. Bryan. The name of Mr. Childress {is spelled wrong in the bill, wherein he is called Childers. He is a Tennessee gentleman. Mr. Davies Mur- dock is a prominent Baltimorean, and Mr. Sterrett McKim and Mr. George Cowlam are also Baltimoreans. Mr. McKim is a brother of the Rev. Dr. McKim, of this city.” “Are they the most substantially in- terested persons connected with the com- pany?” queried the reporter. Afraid of the Lobbyints. “Oh, no; not at all,” returned Mr. Sands. “There are a number of prominent capi- talists ready to back the company with all necessary means as soon as its charter is granted. They prefer to remain in the Lackground at present because they know that they would be assailed by lobbyists and others dcsirous of giving so-called as- sistance to the passage of the pending bill if their connection with the company was known and would be bothered for money from such sources. As the counsel for the company I drew up the papers and in- cluded my own name as an incorporator. I have perfect faith in the honesty of the gentlemen interested. I am sure they pro- pcse to carry out every provision of their desired charter, If I thought the measure Was intended for anything like blackmail purposes I would denounce it as eagerly as I now favor it. I am heart and soul in favor of better and cheaper gas in the District, both on the grounds of economy and the health of my family and myself, and I am entirely convinced that the pro- posed company will provide both. Yes, I think the bill will pass. There was a tie vote in the Senate District Committee to- day upon it and it will, therefore, be re- Doeten to the Senate without recommenda- jon. Mr. Sands did not care to mention the real backers of the company. Such was the result of an ardent and vigorous search for something real behind the good natured manikins who move through the motions of the National Gas and Electric Light, Heat, and Power Com- pany incorporators. They are still as form- less as the intangible ether above our at- mosphere as far as The Post’s young man could find out.—Advt. —_———__ A Good Thing to Kill. From the Washington Post, editorial. House bill No. 7310, introduced by Mr. Livingston, is, in our opinion, a measure that should be killed with all the prompt- ness and efficacy at the disposal of Con- gress. It is intended to incorporate an- other gas and electric light, heat and pow- er company in this District—that is to say, it is ostensibly so intended. 1t names as incorporaters eleven persons, some of whom are well-known residents and oth- ers of whem have not hitherto been heard of here ouiside of a very small and excep- tionally well-informed circle. The matter that interests the people of Washington, however, is the fact that this company will, if the bill should be enacted into law, have the right to set about tearing up our streets and sidewalks throughout the city, and thus expending a vast sum of money which some one+not the company, we may be sure—would etentualiy have to pay. This bill 1s an old acquaintance in a new dress. We have bills of this description with us always. They come annually, with the blizzard, the lobby and the falling leaves. ‘They have never brought us a rival gas company yet, and in all human prob- ability never will. They have never made gas cheaper or better, and in all human probability never will. But they come with unfailing regularity, and we know them as an ancient and accomplished nuisance. Nine times out of ten the promoters of the alleged enterprise have not the faintest in- tention of going into the gas business. In ten cases out of ten the consumers would not be benefited to the extent of one red cent if they did go into it. ‘There are a dozen reasons why the pas- sage of House bill 7310 should be prevented, but one will suffice, and that is the fact that absolutely no necessity exists for a competing gas company in this District. "There is nothing to be achieved by such a company which could not be more certainly and more expeditiously achieved by Con- gress. Congress has supreme power in this matter. Congress can dictate the price as well as the quality of the gas to be fur: nished by the existing company. If Con- gress thinks we are ubject to extortionate charges, then Congress can relieve us with- out ordaining the enormous expense in- volved in setting up a new gas company— an expense which any child knows we should have to pay in the end. If Congress thinks that ‘the quality of gas is inferior, Congress can have that defect ameliorated by the simple and cheap expedient of com- pelling the company to furnish a better article. The official machinery for ascer- taining the facts and for enforcing the rem- edy is already in existerce. Nothing stands between the people and their deliverance put the neglect of Congress. Why, then, inaugurate this vast and useless and costly experiment? Even supposing the new con- cern really fntends to make gas, or any- thing else, why saddle the people of the District with eo grievous and so uncalled for a burden? ‘We know nothing of this particular con- cern, its intentions, or its -capabilities. We know, only, that it forms part of a procession which our experience in the past does not lead us to view with special confidence, and we are told that its Dill was reported by a vote of 6 against 8 ina committee of 15. But the chief considera- tion is that the people, in whose interest the measure is, of course, advocated, can derive no possible benefit from such an enterprise which could not be conferred upon them much more certainly by Con- gress, whereas they will inevitably have to pay heavily in money, in comfort, and in peace of mind for any activity the Na- tional Gas, &c., Company may be per- mitted to exhibit—Advt. SS Income Tax Curiosities. To the Editor of The Evening Star: On looking over the legislation of the English parliament on “income tax” I find some very curious enactments, which have been overlooked by our solons on Capitol Hill during the debate on that question. By the 6 and 7 of William III, chap. 6, which was passed 1695, and which granted his majesty certain rates and duties upon marriages, births and burials, and upon bachelors and widowers for five years, “for carrying on the war against France with vigor,” is an instance; and another will be found in the higher charge for the servants of bachelors, first imposed by Mr. Pitt in 1785, and contirued for a considerable time. By 52, George III, chap. 93, unmarried daughters cf person alive were exempt from the tax on hair powder; and in the income tax of 1798 deductions were made on ac- count of children, 5 per cent being allowed to a person who had a family and whose income was above £60 and under £400 a year, ccrresponding deductions being made in other cases. Much might be said in favor of such dis- tinctioas on the ground of expediency, as they enable the government to impose higher taxation by lessening the burden on the members of the community who are most likely to complain; but their recogni- tion in practice would no doubt be regarded as impossible by the financiers of our day, who. have heretofore failed to distinguish between incomes derived from realized property and from personal labor. R. 8. DAVIS, —_—-—_ Now 1s the time to.make money with money. See the advertisement of L. Star- gardter in houses for sale column.—Advt. SPORTS IN. GENERAL Tateresting Bowling Contests at Car- roll Institute. COLLEGE AND AMATEUR ATHLETES MEET Current News of the Base Ball Players. A NEW RACING TRACK The bowling match on the alleys of the Carroll Institute last night between the home team and the team of the Young Men’s Catholic Literary Association of Elizabeth, N. J., resulted in three victories for the local bowlers. Will Downey did the best work for the Carrolls. He bowled down 475 pins for his serial run, and he also made 184 pins for the highest individual score of the match. For the Jersey bowlers Sauer did the best work. He ran off 478 pins for the best serial score of the evening, and he also made 172 pins for the highest individual score for his team. The Carrolls bowled down 2,159 pins, which netted them a team average of 719 2-8 per game, and the Jerseys got 2,062 to their credit, which put their team averaxe at 687 1-3. ‘Phe individual scores and the team totals and averages are pretty low. Last night’s contest is no fair test of the work which the visiting bowlers are capa- ble of doing; for their style and manner of bowling stamp them at once as players of a high order. It is a well-known fact that the Carrcll alleys are hard to bowl on. The scores in detail are as follows: First Game. Carrols, St. co. |Blizabeth, St. Sp. Schultels 20| Nolte. One B. 5 149) McCabe. 0 6 3 he 138 6 tins. a3 2 130) Sauer, 14 .. 6 19 681] Totals..... 4 19 Second Game. Carroll, St, Sp. Sco.|Hlizabeth. St, Sp. Seo. Schulte i 4 132 Nolte. 2 2 132 B. L 1 7 167 McCal | Se ee Ric 2 3 135 Clogher. 2 8 128 Do 5 2 184 (Collins. 1 2 118 Armstrong... 0 6 134Sauer.....--. 8 G 172 Totals..... 9 21 762| Totals..... 9 16 684 Third Game. St, Sp. Sco, Elizabeth. St. Sp. Sop. ~3 4 164 Nolte. 1 136 188 MeCat 2 4 139 157 Cloghe 1 6 145 146 Collin: 1 4 1% 118 Sauer. 3B 4 166 .9 18 723 Totals..... 8 2 713 After the rolling the Carroll boys invited their guests out and had set before them a tempting luncheon. DISCUSSING ALLIANCE. College Athletes Confer With A. A. U. Representatives. A committee, composed of W. B. Curtis, Julian W. Curtis and A. G. Mills, repre- senting the Amateur Athletic Union, at- tended the meeting of the executive com- mittee of the Intercollegiate Athletic As- sociation at New York last evening. They advocated an alliance between the two associations. There were present of the executive committee G. D. K. Wade, Yale; E. O. Runquist, College of the City of New York; F. M. Crossett, University of New York, and _L. C. Baker, Union. George Crompton, Harvard, was proxy for President Wheelwright; J. B. Kendrick, University of Pennsylvania, for H. A. Mackey. Julius Harder, representing the New York Turn Verein, accompanied the A, A. U. men and told the college boys of the advantages that could be derived by such an alliance as proposed. ‘After a session lasting three hours Wm. Curtis said that the committee did not signify how they stood, but from’the tenor oi the questions Cornell and Pennsylvania seemed to favor it. Harvard is on the fence, while Yale is set against it. The others, C. C., N. ¥., New York University and Union, gave no expression. REMARKABLE WHIST HAND. Four Good Trumps und Ace and King of Each Plain Suit. From the Boston Globe. One of the most remarkable of whist hands was played at the Newton Club not long ago. The player, who had the ace and king of every sult except trumps (clubs), and in that suit had king, jack, eight and six, naturally led trumps, since he was sure of nine tricks if he could exhaust them, and there was nothing in his own hand to indicate how unevenly the suits were actually divided. But he did not take a single trick. The hands were as follows: Clubs, A, Q, 9, 7. Dinmonds, Spades, earts, J, 10, 9, 8, 6, 5, 4, B, 2. Clubs, K, J, 8 6. fe —. Dia's, A,’K, Q@, J. - |, ¥), | ia’s, 10, 9, 5, 4, 8. Spades, ‘A, K,Q. A | B| spades, J, 8, 7, 43,2. fearts, A. K. Heacts, @, 7.0 © > Clubs, 10, 5, 4, 8 Diambuds, & 7, 6, Spader, 16, 8, 6, 5. Hearts, Two of clubs turned by Z. As will be easily seen, to make every trick, Y, on the first lead of trumps, could not attempt an echo, but had to take chances on A not having the ten of clubs. After that the play was easy. It will be noticed that if A had played diamonds instead of trumps he could have forced Y and Z, and so made a fair share of the tricks. Racing at Milwaukee. A syndicate of business men, including Samuel Bush, Ira Bride and Jackson John- son of.New Orleans, have leased the State Fair Park in Milwaukee and running meet- ings will be held in that city the coming season. John Gilligan ts also interested in the venture, and says there will be three mettings—in the spring, summer and fall— and each one will be of twenty days’ dura- tion. The derby purse will amount to $10,000, and should draw some of the cracker jacks. During the first meeting the purses will aggregate $51,500. The lease of the park runs for eight years, and has been signed by the president and secre- tary of the State Agricultural Society. Largest Attendance at Arlington. The attendance at Arlington yesterday was the largest of the meeting, the crowd of “regulars” being reinforced by pleasure- seckers, who celebrated Washington's birthday. The weather was cool, and the -|track in good condition, the races being run in fast time. Though only one actual favorite won, the books, of whom there were nine in line, did not have the best end cf the game, all the winners being well supported. The winners were Marguerite, Ferager, Halcyon, Holyport and Bob West. A Shooting Match Stopped. A live pigeon shooting match in the suburbs of Baltimore yesterday was stop- ped by the authorities at the instance of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Some of the gunners were ar- rested, and a day was fixed for the trial. The shooters deny that there is more cruelty in pigeon shooting than in killing any fowls for food purposes, and argue also that if pigeons were not shot in matches they would multiply so rapidly as to become as great a nuisance as the En- glish sparrows. Dr. Carver's Fine Shooting. At the Forrester Gun Club tournament at Davenport, Iowa, yesterday afternoon, Dr. Carver won the third of the series of championship shoots with Charley Budd, defeating the latter with comparative ease. Budd drew the hardest birds and fell be- hind early, while the brilliant work of Carver left him further and further in the rear. Of the lust 50 birds Carver missed only two. Budd was in poor form. and slow to shcot. The total score was 89 to 77. Ostlund Refused to Appear. At Normannia Rink, Minneapolis, yester- day afternoon John S, Johnson was to To Remove That Tired Feeling, Take YER’S THE ONLY WORLD'S Fan Sarsaparilla. Over Half a Century Old. Why Not Get the Best? AYER’S PILLS cure Headache, IF THE BABY IS CUTTING TEETH BP SURB and use that old and well-tried iemedy, Mrs, Winslow's Soothing Syrup for children teeth! It soothes the child, softens the gum, allay: in, cures wind colic and is the best remedy for iarrhoea— 25 cents a bottle. sel0-1y HARSH PURGATIV kEMEDIES ARE FAST GIV- eee, Pine eas? Srna ge mild effects of _Will certainly please you. on gies ert ; y dyspepsia after a wine stura Bitters. = a have had his third race with Peter Ost- lund, the champion of Norway. The dis- tance‘to be skated over was 10,00 meters, or 6 miles and 376 yards. There was a large crowd on hand to witness the ev. lz han’ event but the Norwegian did not appear, claim= ing that he was handicapped by weight and seft ice. Johnson tried to go over the course alone and claim the championship, but the spectators, who demanded their money back, were angry because of the re- fusal of the management to reimburse them, blocked the skater’s passage, and johnson was taken to his dress! under escort of the police. ae ~ Ladies never ha: glass of T Base Ball Notes. The signed contracts from the Baltimore players are coming in very slowly, Manager Hanlon having received only those of Rob- inson, Reitz, Hemming and Kisinger. The Washingtons report a week today. Ground Keeper Murphy will begin work on the grounds next week. There is great rejoicing in St. Louis hase. paul apes Buckenberger has received the i contract of his won seep tes onderful shortstop, Daniel Coogan, the crack catcher of the University of Pennsylvania ball team, de- nied emphatically today the report sent out from Washington to the effect that he had signed with Wagner's team. Coogan stated that he expected to play with no other than the university team, and would certainly not sign a contr:.ct before the end of the season, and prevably not then.—Philadel- phia Special to the Sporting News. According to John B. Foster of the Cleve- dang. ae “ Cleveland ground is the prettiest an t kept in the I and Washington the next. eae The allegation that McPhee last season received $2,100 from the Cincinnati club end $300 out of the pocket of Vice President Ellison, has brought forward all sorts of denials. The Phillies are not held in great esteem or fear by the Boston players. McCarthy says: “A great lot of hitters, but die early in the season. Not dangerous when it comes down to cases.” Duffy has not yet signed with Boston, and will not do so at the old figures. He asks for a raise of $200, claiming that his record of last season as the Jeading bats- a entities him to that small considera- tion. Gus Schmelz is loyal to his native town. He has taken four Columbus boys under his wing—Selbach, Coilins, Armstrong and Krumm.—Sporting Life. ‘Arthur Thomas, a Washington Southpaw, has accepted terms with the Petersburg club of the Virginia State League. The Senators will haye some odd signals. When Manager Schmeiz says “Hawaii” the players know the ball must be put out— Sporting News. Pitcher Ferson of last year’s Lewiston team, has signed with Indianapolis. The personnel of the Washington club 4 that will gather to go south will be about as follows: Maul, Mercer, Stockdale, Boyd, Anderson and Malarkey, pitchers; McGuire and Mahoney, catchers; Cartwright, Joyce, Sheibeck, Crooks, Houseman and Nicholson, infielders, and Hassamaear, Abbey, Selback and Collins, outfielders. Roger Connor, the big first baseman, signed a Brown Stocking contract at @ $900 reduction In salary over the amount paid him Inst season. He will get $2,100 and is satisfied. The Washington Club claims to have signed Catcher Dan Coogan of Pennsyl- vania University. Daniel, howéver, denies the soft impeachment.—Sporting Life. It now seems that Tom Brown's reason for preferring to remain in Louisville is xia he hag an interest in a saloon in that city. ~ The Springfield club has signed Center * Fielder James Garry of Portland, and a young second baseman, R. H. Ford, of New Haven. Tony Mullane is still disengaged. The schedule meeting of the Western League will be held at Milwaukee March li, instead of March 26. The New York team will leave for Jack- scnville next Tuesday. 5 Jimmy Ryan, the fielder of the Chicagos, is trying to impress Capt. Anson with the |.scundness of his ideas of making a shift in the outfield of the Colts. If reports are true, Arthur Clarkson is not wanted by the Brown Stocking man- agement this season. Several rumors of prospective changes are in circulation. Neither Hawley nor Ehret have signed, | so that deal is not a deal as yet. z Manager Ewing of Cincinnati has been in correspondence with the Loulsville offi- cials with his eye to a trade. He is known. to be an admirer of both Brown and Shu: gart, and is particularly anxious fot Clarke. Pitcher Klobedanz hi Fall River. The Binghamton club has signed Pitcher Fred. Clausen. Pitcher Mercer is coveted by Pittsburg. ao club would give a good price for im. In Jantzen and Dan Sweeney the Louis- ville club has the tallest and the short- est player in the league. The New Orleans ciub has signed John Ely, late of Hazleton. The Louisville club has tendered Fred Pfeffer and Danny Richardson contracts. Duffy and McCarthy of the Boston, say that Baltimore js the only team that the ex-champions will have to fear. Infielder Bottenus is to be exchanged by, Buffalo for Catcher Gunson. Jimmy Canavan had a chance to manage the Atlanta club, but Cincinnati would not release him. Charley Campu declined his assignment to the Chattanooga management. He would rather be a player in the New Orleans team. Pitcher Peppers of the Louisville club | has been traded to the St. Paul club in exchange for Pitcher Cunningham. Manager Davis thinks he has secured @ jewel in Southpaw Knauss. Joe Kelley of the champions, says that - the fight this year will be Baltimore and Boston. resigned with — Row Among Okinhoma Legislators. The first great sensation of the Okla- homa legislature occurred last night. The republicans of the house were holding & caucus discussing matters of party con- cern, when Representative Nesbett, popu- list, and Representative Haliles, democrat, both of Cleveland county, demanded ad- mittance, and were refused by the door- keeper. They deciared they had a right in, and could not be shut out by a repubs lican caucus. Nesbett secured a big Iad- der, and he and Haitles proceeded to knocks the door down. Repreventative Georger Vickers of Alva, was the turt republican out, and was soon raining blows on Nes- beti’s head. A sevious riot was narrowly averted. The re 18, however, cone cluded their caucus undisturbed. — She Shot His Hend Of. Mrs. M. C. Taylor, a dressmaker, at Guth- rie, Okla, yesterday blew off the head of William H. Harrison with a shotgun. She had applied for a divorce, and the case was set for today. She claims her husband hired Harrison :o shadow her and get evi- dence against her. Harrison, she says, hag dogged her for weeks, aud yesterday morn ing he entered her house. When she ors” dered him out he refused to go, and she killed him.