Evening Star Newspaper, February 27, 1895, Page 1

PUBLISHED 4a yy THE EVENING SPAR. DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY T THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Company, 8. H. KAUFFMANN Pres't. New York Office, 49 Potter Building, SS ‘The Evening Star ts served to subscribers In the city by carriers, on«their own account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per month, Copies at the ¢vunter 2 cents each. By mail—anywhere in the Sassen States or Canada—postage prepaid—50 cents Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with fotelan postage ailed, 45.00. os Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D. C., 8 secol-class mail matter.) £7 All mail subscriptions mast be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. — Che Fveni ‘Star. No. 13,099. WASHINGTON, D.C., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. Te proof of te pudding is in the eafing. Yesterday's Star contained 39 cofumns SILVER SUSPICIOUS Its Advocates Not Enthusiastic Over the Proposed Conference. FEAR IT {8 A TRICK OF THE GOLD MEN Free Coinage to Be the Issue in the Next Election. A CHANGE OF FEELING The silver road, like the Jordan road, seems to be a hard road to travel. It was but recently that many of the friends of silver were highly elated with the change in the situation which looked promisingly toward another international conference. This was accepted as full of assurances of early success. “Things are coming our way,” it was said. ‘Europe sees the hand- writing on the wail. The action of Ger- many shows this. England will have her eyes opened soon, and then nothing can stog the movement. Another conference will mean an agreement, and silver will once more take its proper place as a money metal in the exchanges of the world.” Comment today, however, England hav- ing consented to a conference, does not show that increase in the tone of congrat- ulation and jubilation which was naturally to be expected. Whether it is because of the great size of the winning or for the reason that repeated disappointments have rendered them unusually suspicious, some of the silver men appear to be already drawing back, and as extremely doubtful of where their present course may lead them. They are cudgeling their brains with many questions. Is this a new game of the gold bugs? Are they simply playing for more time? Should the friends of sil- ver in the United States, who have made such wonderful progress within the past twelve months, suffer themselves to be halted in this way on the very verge of still greater accomplishments? The con- ference, therefore, suddenly looms up as a danger, and much distrust is felt in several quarters. A prominent leader in the silver move- ment, a democrat, said to a representative of The Star today: Must Not Swerve From the Path. “We shall make a serious mistake if we permit this matter of an international con- ference, though apparently forced by the growing power of silver, to swerve us in the slightest in this country from the path we have chosen. Our duty is plain. We have set out to rehabilitate silver without regard to other nations, and all of our plans and performances must be strictly along that line. I don’t mean to say that we should reject outside assistance when offered in sincerity and in practical form. We desire and solicit that. But we should not be induced to stop und parley about matters purely theoretical. We contend that this government alone can take the initiative in returning to free coinage, and 1 think we have about convinced other na- tions of that fact. The result is that the gold men, having no other card to play and hoping for some advantage from de- lay, are now consenting to another solemn pow-wow. Well, let it come. But don’t Jet anything of importance, so far as our efforts are concerned, depend upon the re- sults. We should move right along in the diiection of making free coinage the one issue for 1896, and perfect our organization with that one end in view. If, meanwhile, silver shall have gained anything at the conference, well and good. We can utilize whatever it may be in our national cam- pa’gn. But if another disagreement should result or some action be taken tantamount to a still further postponement of the ques- tion, then no harm would come to us. What we should keep in view is the fact that, with or without foreign sympathy and co-operation, the time has come for action. “If the gold men, and I suspect them of the intention, can succeed in tiding over matters until after next year’s presidential contest, and array the two old parties against each other again on other issues, then the cause of silver will certainly be lest for this century, and maybe for twenty years of the next. The gold power has been getting stronger after each of its victories, and if another lease is given it there is no telling how strongly it may become in- trenched.” Gold Men Saspected, “Do you really suspect the gold inen abroad of helping to play this game?"’ was asked. “Why not? They have their agents and correspondents in this country, and keep themselves thoroughly posted as to our affairs. Pierpont Morgan and August Bel- mont are abundantly able to point out all advantages to their English and European chiefs. You may depend upon it that the gold power of London understands fully as well as the gold power of New York the importance of blocking the way of silver in this country at this time. The Roths- childs are figuring on 1896 as industriously and as intelligently as if they were resi- dent voters in these United States. Their friends in parliament, therefore, have no objecticn to an international conference cn the silver question with the secret under- standing that the real object is delay. They want, as their allies in New York want, another national election held in this country on issues that will enable tae gold power to secretly dicker with both sides as to financial legislation. A national campaign on the finances alone would block this game. The gold men would then have to con- fine their efforts to the side declaring for them, and they can readily see that a com- bination of cepital seeking selfish ends would, in the present temper of the peo- ple of this country, meet with overwhelm- ing defeat. They might try to hide them- selves, but they would be uncovered, and from that moment the jig would be up with them and their friends.” “Then you do not consider the news from abroad of very great moment to the friends of silver?” “That depends upon how you read It. It fs very instructive to me. When I see England assenting to an international con- gress on the question of bimetallism I am much encouraged. I can believe that the friends of sliver are making progress in this country. And it strengthens me in my opinion of what our future steps should be. We should press on more actively and aggressively than ever. We should not halt, or even slacken our pace, on any ac- count. England is not trying to help us in any way, but to hinder us, and this is now the only way left to her. She wants to send the case over. She is slyly mov- ing for a continuance. We are strong now, and ready for trial, and she is afraid of meeting us. Read in this light, the news is of the highest moment.” Want the Government to Act. “Are you opposed to the participation by this government in the Saree? 2 i “Not at all. On the contrary, I hope to see the best men sent as delegates, and a full and free discussion take place. But the friends of silver should remember that it is only a conference; that so far as Eng- land Is concerned ‘the intention is simply to dally and delay, and that our duty to the cause here at home will remain un- changed. The fight must be made next year, whatever the result af the confer- ence may be, and the frie&ds of silver, west or south, who permit themselves to be persuaded out of this program will make the mistake of their lives. Our “supreme trial, of course, comes with the first flatter- ing appearance of success ahead. I hope we may be able to meet it.” EXTENSION OF STREETS Pushing Forward the Elaborate Maps a2d Plans. : Ready for Mr. Olmstend’s Inspection —Parks, Streets and Avenues—An Important Work. Plans for the proposcd extension of streets are fast being completed, section 2 and a part of section 3 having today been announced as ready for submittal to Mr. Frederick Law Olmstead, the landscape engineer, who was appointed to examine into and report upon the plans of the Commissioners. The Engineer Commissioner, when the reference of the matter of street extension was made to his department, decided that the most expedient way of dealing with the subject was to divide the District into sections, and take up each section in turn. That part of the District above Florida avenue and between North Capitol street extended and Rock creek -was designated as section No. 1. Commissioner Powell labered industriously with his engineers, and prepared plans which met the approval of Mr. Olmstead, and which were describ- ed in detail in The Star at the time. As soon as Mr. Olmstead reports on one por- tion now under consideration by him, sec- tion Z of:the plans for the proposed exten- sion of the streets of Washington will be Placed on record. Other Sections. Work on the other sections has been assiduously carried forward, and today the last stroke was made which placed the plan of section 2 and the center of section 3 in a condition for the eye of Mr. Olm- stead. The second section covers the north- east portion of the District, and Commis- sioner Powell this afternoon explained its provisions to a Star reporter. A boulevard is to run from the southeast corner of the Bupticrs. Home grounds parallel to Penn- sylvania avenue, to the proposed park along the Eastern branch. The width of the boulevard will be 1 feet, and with the Piney branch parkway and East Capi- tol street, will form a continuous circuit of driveways connecting the parks of the District. Rhode Island avenue, according to the plans, will be extended to the District line, New York avenue to the Bladens- burg pike, and Maryland avenue, a part of the way beyond Boundary. East Capitol street will be extende@ in a straight line across the Eastern branch to near the Dis- grict line, and then is to change to a south- easterly direction, to avoid the high and precipitous ground. - it 1s provided that a street shall run along the boundary of the District, ninety feet wide from the boundary line, and it is expected that any parking or sidewalk on the Maryland side of this street will be in Maryland. Seetion 2 also shows an ave- nue running from the. northern part of Rock Creek Park to the northern part of the proposed Anacostia park, bordering the south side of the reform school grounds, and planned parallel to Pennsylvania, Mas- sachusetts and Florida avenues. The pro- posed Anacosia park will extend from the District line to the end of the land near the Pennsylvania railroad bridge. Section Three. Section 3 of the plans provides for the west side of Rock creek. All the middle portion of the section is laid out on a straight-line plan, but the eastern portion of the section being contiguous to Connec- ticut avenue and Kock Creek Park, is to have a curve linear street plan, The west part of the section along the Potomac river is a location where it is expected to have a study prepared for a drive, which shall include fortions of the Conduit road and be completed by other sections be- tween the Potomac river and the Conduit road, it order that the river view and the, landscape may be visible from this drive and leave the Conduit roagi for a traffic road and bicycle course. Between the river drive and Conduit road no streets are to be projected, so that the section may be turned into a park in the future if de- sired. On the eastern side of the Eastern branch, from the branch to the District line, it is not expected to apply the streets according to the streets of Washington, but to have a modified curvelinear. Other Plan: From Anacostia near the Pennsylvania bridge it is proposed to lay out a drive- way on the curve of the bluff all the way to the southeast corner of the District, which {fs nearly opposite Alexandria. This driveway will overlook the lower part of the Eastern branch, the park to be made on the Potomac flats, the city of Wash- ington and the Potomac river. In carrying out these plans and views, according to Maj. Powell, the Commission- ers have been much hampered for. want of funds, the Senate item for the nex fiscal year to cover the work on the plans hav- ing been cut down one-half in conference, much to the disappointment of the Com- missioners. It is understood that as soon as the street plans are approved, the Com- missioners will bring forward a plan which they have agreed to for the improvement of Rock creek, and also for the widening of 25th street in Washington. This street isto form the connecting link between the future Potomac Park and the park along Rock creek, which it is pro- posed to extend to Lyon’s mill, the mill being in direct elongation of 25th street. ‘The Commissioners are also considering the advisability of extending a few of the streets of Georgetown in order to make a better connection with Washington streets, and to provide better access through Georgetown with the parks. The plans will not be forwarded to Mr. Olm- stead until his report is received concern- ing the remaining portion of section 1. ne ACTS APPROVED. Several Local Measures Are Included in the List. ‘The President has approved the following local measures: The act to amend the char- ter of the Metropolitan Railroad Company of the District of Columbia so as to permit that road to lay tracks to and along Water street and to and along Prospect street, Georgetown; the act for the promotion of anatomical science and to prevent the dese- cration of graves in the District of Colum- bia, and the act authorizing the adoption of children in the District of Columbia. He has also affixed his signature to the following named general bills: The act granting a pension to Caroline E. Wessels; the act for a bridge across the Missouri in Nebraska; the act to amend the articles for the government of the navy in the mat- ter of trials by courts-martial; the act to amend section 2455, R. S., in regard to pub- Ne lands; the act to deliver condemned cannon to the G. A. R. of Plymouth, Pa., to McGrawville, N. Y¥., and to Chelsea, Mich.; the act for a bridge across the Yel- lowstone river in the state of Montana; the act for the examination and classification of certain mineral lands in the states of Montana and Idaho; the joint resolution to donate certain cannon to the Oregon State Soldiers’ Home. + COLLECTOR MANOGUE’S CASE. His Friends Believe There Will Be No Change in the Office. It 1s expected that the President will dis- pose of the case of Collector Manogue of Georgetown In a few days. Inasmuch as he has not found it advisable to remove the collector, in accordance with the recom- mendation of the investigating committee, his friends are encouraged to the belief that no change in the office is contem- plated. It is sald that Mrs. Blackford, formerly postmistress at Georgetown, has applied for the collectorship in the even that a change is made. z ACCUSED OF LIBEL Calvin Chase on Trial on a Criminal Charge. ALLEGED LIBELS ON MR. TAYLOR The Recorder of Deeds Appears on the Witness Stand. GETTING A JURY Every seat was occupied and many were standing in Criminal Court No. 1 when the case of Wm: Calvin Chase, charged with criminally libeling Mr. C. H. J. Taylor of Kansas, appointed by the President of the United States as recorder of deeds for the District of Columbia, was called this morn- Ing. As on yesterday, about nine-tenths of the spectators were colored. Mr. Taylor was early on hand, as was the defendant and his counsel, Messrs. John M. Lang- ston, James H. Smith and Thomas L. Jones. District Attorney Birney and Mr. Tracy L. Jeffords, his assistant, represent- ed the government. It was nearly 11 o'clock when the case was taken up, and both sides stating that they were ready the work of selecting the jury was commenced. After several mem- bers of the regular panel had answered that they had formed no opinion and had no bias against either party, Mr. H. A. Cobaugh stated that he had a political bias against Mr. Taylor, but believed he could give an impartial verdict. Twelve qualified men were soon seated in the box, when the defense excused Chas. H. Peters, eclored, who had stated that he knew both parties. John A. Gray, jr., colored, and Alexander Paul were then excused by the defense, when the government excused Mr. Cobaugh. ‘ Chas. R. Munroe was next excused by the defense, and they also excused Fred- erlgk Robey. Harvey Knott was the sixth man excused by them. Mr. Birney then stated that he was satisfied with the twelve men in the box, but Daniel F. Lynch was challenged by the defense. Whereupon both sides stated that the jury was satis- factory to them, and Fredk. G. Atkinson, Thos. Luxen, J.'A. Baxter, Clemons West- ern, Ewd. F. Riggs, Nixon Brewer, J. Snider Noel, Henry A. Keefer, Frank A. Butts, Fredk. Boettcher, jr., Joseph Ber- trand and Chas. W. Lesh were sworn td try the case—all of them being white. men. The Case Opened. The jury sworn, the court, at the re- quest of the district attorney, directed that the witnesses on both sjdes retire from the court room until called to the stahd. This order had the effect of nearly depopulating the court room, but the crowd at the doors quickly filled the room again, and Mr. Birney opened the case on behalf of the prosecution. He explained the nature of the charge, and stated that the defeni- ant and Mr. Taylor had been friends up to several months ago, but that they had a falling out, and the defendant had then proceeded to attack Mr. Taylor in a most vindictive and offensive manner, calculated to seriously injure Mr. Taylor in the es- timation of the public. He did not know @hat the defense would be, but the de- fendant could only say in defense that the articles printed in his paper, the Bee, were true and that he had printed them simply for the good of the public. First Witness. The defense reserved their opening, and Mr. Birney called as his first witness P. H. White, colored. He stated that he was the publisher of the Washington Globe. January 6 last he purchased a copy of the Bee, con- taining an article entitled “Our Defense.” He purchased it for Mr. Taylor, and the de- fendant laughingly said: “Next he (Tay- lor) will want 1,500."" % On cross-examination the witness was asked what his relations with Taylor were. He replied that he was a friend of his, but denied that he ever told Laura M. Benson that solefy upon his (White’s) recommenda- tion Taylor would give her employment. The witness admitted, however, that about five years ago he was convicted of larceny in the Police Court. The defense was not allowed to show that the witness had been convicted in the same for profanity and for failing to pay a hackman. The Article. Detective Jos. Carter testified to serving the warrant on the defendant, when the latter acknowledged being responsible for the alleged libelous article. The witness geve the boundary of the locality known as “the Division,” explaining that it was a disreputable section of the city, having that reputation since the war. An extra police force was employed there, and it was subject to extra police regulations. The locality enjoyed a national reputation. Mr. Birney the read the alleged libelous article, published in thc Bee on the Sth of last month. The article, entitled “Our De- fense,” accused Mr. Taylor of immorality, of bartering his appointments and of in- sulting females. In the samie ‘issue Mr. Taylor was referred to as “a cowardly wind porpoise,” ‘‘a misfit man from Kan- sas,” and as “a wind bag.” Those editor- jals Mr. Birney read, he explained, to show malice on the part of the defendant. Mr. Birney also read, against the objec- tion of the defense, an extract from the Bee of October 20, 1894, in which it was stated that the Bec had received nothing from Mr. Taylor, and asking if the Ameri- can could say as much, and extracts from the issues of November 17 and 24 last, saying that the Bee was the friend of Mr. Taylor. In an issue of January 12 last the Bee said that Mr. Taylor could not escape by bluffing, and that he was of such a char- acter that no one would introduce him to his family. In the issue of tne following week the recorder was referred to as one of alot of diseased cattle, from whom the President would make no more selections for office. On the 26th he was referred to as a public monster, holding over women a lash, an@ it was claimed that his re- moval would be a public blessing. Whe Recorder Testities. Having concluded the reading of the ex- tracts, Mr. Birney called Mr. Taylor to the witress stand. He stated that he had known the defendant since October, 1586. From the date of his nomination as record- er until July last the defendant was friend- ly. From then until September 30 Chase held a dual feeling for him, friendly and offensive. From September until December he was friendly, and from then he had been cppesed to him. In September he appoint- ed a female at Chase's request or recom- mendation. In#December witness removed her and another. He was, of course, the Cc. H. J. Taylor referred to in the Bee, for Chase had so told him. On cross-examination Mr. Taylor said he reached this city from Kansas City in February, 1893. He remained here until June, and returned again in August.~ While witness was seeking appointment as re- corder the Bee was friendly, advocating his appointment. Mr. Langston asked what, if any, under- standing about appointments in the office they made at that time. Noné, replied Mr. Taylor, until the latter’s confirmation. In July last Chase asked for the appointment of a woman as index clerk. The request as denied, when Chase became unfriend- ly: About September 22 last Chase became friendly again, but why witness did not know. Mr. Langston inquired if about then wit- ness did not ask Chase to lean him $10). “No,” replied the witness, “nor for five cents.” Nor, said,the witness, did he ask him for $100 in May last. From September to December 15th last they continued friendly. He had never, said the witness, sent H. C. Astwood or any one else to confer with the defendant. At this point, 12:35, a recess was taken until 1 o'clock. Seme Denials. Upon resuming the stand after recess Mr. Taylor denied that about the middle of last October any settlement of difficulties be- tween Chase and himself was made through an understanding with H. C. C. Astwood. The witness stated, however, that about October 10 he reinstated in his office Mrs. G. H. Henderson at the request of Chase and others. She had been fur- loughed, but not because of any difficulty with Chase. He reinstated her “to sort, of mollify Chase and make him feel good.” The witness denied sending George E. Smith, one of his employes, to Chase about the 15th of October to stop the tirades of the latter. ‘On the contrary,” explained the witness, “I accused Smith of being at the bottom of them—with instigating them.” In August, he stated, he had fur- loughed Smith until he (Smith) had ar- ranged to have Chase stop. the trouble. A number of letters addressed to Smith by witness were identified by him, and he —— that Smith was-no longer in the of- ice. The letters were not read, and then the witness admitted bringing one Leon Jor- dan of Kansas City here last summer. He gave him a position in the office, where he remained until about last Christmas. The witness denied, however, that Jordan left the office because he had attempted to sub- ject him to a levy of Mr. Taylor stated that he knew Mrs. L. E. Gibson and a Miss Benson, but that he did not remember a Mrs. Fannie Hill. He identified a letter he had written to Miss Eenson, but the letter was not read. He kiew a Miss Mamie Hill and her mother; also knew a Mrs. Scott. Mr. Taylor said that he had been born in Alabama, but denied living there under the name of Carson. His father’s name was Carson, he said, but not being born in wedlock, witness had taken his mother’s name—Taylor. Prosecution Closed. ‘The witness was asked if he had not once stopped in Charlotte, N. C., with a woman, registering as man and wife, but the ques- tion was ruled out. Mr. Taylor stated that his wife had not come-to Washington be- cause she cculd not stand the tirades against him published in the papers here. “Ts it not because she has learned of your character?” inquired Mr. Langston. “No, sir; no, sir,” answefed Mr. Taylor. “What papers here published articles against you?” asked Mr. gston. “None but the Bee,” said Mr. Taylor. “Haven't you read The Str?” continued Mr. Langston. ; “Yes, sir; every issue of it: But The Star nor any other paper here. but the Bee, has ever attacked me personally.” “What political assessniénts have you made?” next inquired Mr. Langston. But before the witness ans Mr. Birney objected, claiming that t Was a matter to be brought out in thevde ....The ob- jection was sustained,’ Mr. ston stat- ing that the defense woul@ be the truth- fulness of the statements in the alleged libelous article. i i An inquiry of Mr. Lan; as to“whether ‘been found or not the witness guilty by thé civil servitg cammission of making political ‘assessmentg was xlso ruled out. That cénciuded ‘the cross-ex- amination, and after Mr, Taylor had stat- ed to Mr. Birney that he had: been born in 1858 a slave, the district attorney, Hee to the surprise of the crowded court room, announced the close of, the case for the prosecution. ay Mie Defense Gppngd. Mr. James H. Smith then opened the case to the jury on behalf of the defense.. The defendant would show, seid Mr. Smith, that three days after her husband's death Mr. Taylor made an indecent proposal to a woman and that he had been found guilty by the civil seryice commission of making political assessments and his dismissal rec- ommended to the President. The defense, said Mr. Smith, would show that on the night of Mr.Taylor’s confirmation he visited a house of bad repute, ‘spent the greater part of the night there and participated in a@ can-can dance there; also that he bar- tered his appointments, The defense, said Mr. Smith, would be that the charges had cee published in the interests of public good. The first witness for the defense was Mrs. Fannie Hill, colored, who testified that Taylor had offered to give her a place in his office, and told her: ‘You must have no other man but me. ——~ = PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS. Congressman O'Neill to Be Assistant "Treasurer at Boston. ‘The President today bent the following nominations to the Senate: Postmasters— Geo, H. Cotton, Elmira, N. Y.; Henry C. Hall, Whitehall, N. Y¥: Treasury—Joseph O'Neil of Massachusetts, to be assistant. treasurer of the United States at Boston, Mass. Navy—Assistant Naval Construcczor Washington L. Capps, to be a naval con- structor. The following named ensigns to be lieutenants, junior grade—Wm. L. How- ard, Edwin A. Anderson, Chas, P. Eaton, Benj. E. Thurston, Frederick I. Chapin, Wiley R. M. Fields, John M. Poyer, John M. Ellicott and Harry George. Congressman O’Neil’s Appointment. Congressman O'Neill of Boston called at the White House last night by request and had an interview with the President. It is understood that the arrangement was then finally ccmpleted which re- sulted in the appoirtment of Mr._ O'Neill to the position of subtreasurer at Boston. This is an important office. The term otf the present incumbent, Mr. Kennard, ex- pired some weeks ago, and he has been very anxious to be relieved, but he has re- mained at the request of the President. The cause of the- delay in filling this office is known to be that it might be held open for Mr. O'Neil. The Boston Con- gressman is one of the’outgoing members for whom the President has seemed dis- posed to provide. He has, in turn, been offered the appraisership and the naval office at Boston, but he declined them. Mr. O'Neil was at first disposed not to accept public office, and has stated to friends that it was his duty to his family to not delay longer in his efforts to in a com- petence. But the times for private under- takings have not been favorable, and Mr. O'Neil has determined to accept the office of subtreasurer. ‘i Mr. O'Neil is one of the meh who does not reed any indorsements on his papers. Even the talismanic name of John E. Russell, who is now termed the “Assistant Presi- dent for New England,” was not necessary to secure an appointment for Mr. O'Neil. ——+--+_____ ‘THE PROSECUTION OF HOWGATE. he Sceretary of Agriculture Says He Has Nothing to Say Apout It. It has been taken for granted that fur- ther proceedings against Howgate would he pursued as soon. as the necessary legal steps could be taken. Coupled with this belief it has been assumed that responsi- bility for whatever course might be adopt- ed now rested with the Secretary of Agri- culture. Mr. Morton, when asked today if Hewgate vculd be made to stand further trial on the remaining counts against him, said he had no inf@rmation from which to frame an answer.2He said he considered the prosecution of ‘Howgate a matter that had now passed eutirely out of his juris- dfetion and control; précisely as would any criminal complaing once lodged. with the proper legal authorities represénting the United States. He could, therefore, say nothing whatever &s to the chances for or against further prosecution of Capt. How- gate. State Ofticers to Be Passed. ALBANY, N. Y., February 27.—By a vote of 69 ayes and 30 noes the assembly has passed the bill to provide free transporta- tion for all state officers. FIRE CAUSES PANIC REMARKABLE AFFAIR THE MAHONE ‘SITE Flames in the Factory District of Chicago. EMPLOYES TRAMPLED IN A MAD RUSH Three Children Probably Fatally . Injured. CRAZED WITH TERROR CHICAGO, February 27.—A’ disastrous fire, which started in the Kestner knitting works, at 241 South Jefferson street, today, practically destroyed the building. Despite the efforts of the firemen,the flames spread to the south portion of the Crane elevator works, which adjoin the Kestner building en the north, A brisk wind fanned the fire and the loss to the elevator company was heavy. Five dwellings which were clustered in the vicinity were destroyed, and the flying embers started numerous smail fires in buildings several blocks away. A panic, which will probably result in the loss of life, occurred in the Lancaster cara- mel factory, on Harrison street, several blocks from the fire. Two hundred and twenty children were at work in the fac- tory, and when the flames from the Kest- ner building were seen some one sounded an alarm. A wild rush for the exits fol- lowed, the children becoming crazed with terror. They rushed down the stairways, trampling under foot those who had fallen, and several boys jumped from second-story windows. Help was summoned and eleven children were removed unconscious by the ambulance. - In the Kestner building were the Kestner knitting works, the Pioneer Paper Com- pany and the Bach & Hertz Feather Com- pany. The building was crowded with men and women employes, and the rapid spread of the flames resulted in a panic, in which heavy loss of life was narrowly averted. About 100 women and girls, in ad- dition to a large number of men and boys, were at work, and in the stampede many were knocked down and }\adly bruised. A large number of the won’ were rescued by the firemen, and it was -hought that no one had been killed. The burning building stood in the very center of the factory district, flanked on either side by big manufactories, and soon the efforts of the firemen were directed entirely to fighting the spread of the flames. The Kestner ir beyond help. The most seriously injured of the candy factory employes were: Emma Kustic, Etta Gitman, Agnes McIntyre and Bessie Pazli¢, all of whom were knocked down and trampled upon. It was feared by the physicians that with the possible excep- tion of Emma Kustic all were fatally hurt. The fire.was pronounced under control at 11 o'clock, having been confined to the Kestner building and the south portion of the Crane elevator works. ‘The total loss will probably not exceed $800,000, well covered by insurance. BIG FIRE AT HALIFAX, Property Worth a Million Destroyed y by the Flames. HALIFAX, N. S., February 27.—Property to the value of a million dollars was de- stroyed by fire today in the vicinity of Deep Water Terminus. All the immigra- tion sheds, wharves, offices and the ele- vator, shoot grain elevator, Sarmatin Hotel and some dozen other buildings burned. Several firemen were injured. A heavy wind is blowing and the fire is spreading. Dartmouth has sent its fire brigade to’ as- sist the city department. The fire was under control soon after 1 p.m., the department succeeding in pre- venting it from spreading on Water street. ‘The dominion government loses upward of $000,000, uninsured. There is a loss on goods stored in the burned sheds which will amount to about $400,000. Of this the city merchants lose $200,000. Several firemen were injured, but one fatally. The fire burned fiercely, fanned by a strong wind, and for hours it seemed as if the section of the city where it broke out was doomed. FIRE AT A CAMP GROUND. Many Cottages Destroyed and Bally Damaged at Pitman, N. J. PITMAN, N. J., February 27.—A fire which was caused by the explosion of a coal oil stove started in the residence of John Kerschner, on 12th avenue, at 9 o'clock this morning. . Before the flames were gotten under control six cottages were totally destroyed, as many more badly damaged and several houses had to be torn down to prevent the spread of the flames. It looked at one time as if the entire camp grounds would be burned over, but by hard work on the part of the residents the flames were checked. One of Kerschner’s children, a baby one year old, was so badly burned that it will probably die. The loss is not more than $10,000. Other Fires, PEABODY, Kan.,February 27.—The large flour mill of Wilson Brothers, east of town, was completely destroyed by fire today. Loss, $100,000; insurance, $70,000. The ori- gin of the fire is unknown. BOSTON, February 27.—St. Ann’s Catho- lic Church, Minot ‘street, Dorchester, is burning. >_— GIVEN UP FOR A TIME. ‘The Proposed Investigation of Affairs in Philadelphia. PHILADELPHIA, February 27.—A spe- cial from Harrisburg, Pa., says: The pro- pcsed investigation of Philadelphia mu- nicipal affairs by a senate committee has been abandoned for the present with the probability that it will not be undertaken at all. Those back of the movement to “Lexow” Philadelphia conferred with each other today and it was agreed to let the matter drop for this week, .at least, and the general opinion of those on the inside is that this is an end of the agitation to lift the hd off the city hall and council chambers and let the people peep in and see how bills were passed, contracts award- ed aud appoiunents made. ‘he reason given tor this change of front is that there 1s considerable opposition to the investugation, but the real reason 1s be- neved to be that the friends of the pro- pceed investigation could not foresee wnere the inquiry would end and whom it would affect. Besides, it was threatened by those against wnom the investigation would be directed to start a counter inquiry against the friends of the investigauon, who, it was said, were just as culpable in another direction. So it is believed that the pillars of the temple will be left undisturbed through fear that the falling wails might crush friends and foe alike. There are some, however, who think that the introduction of the resolution providing for the investigation has only been post- poned until after Congress adjourns, next Monday, when Senator Quay will be in a pcesition to give the matter his personal at- tention. It is reparted here that he intends ccming to Harrisburg next week to spend a couple of days, Everything now points to an entire abandonment of the subject, and it is believed that nothing will take place to change this condition of affairs. A Girl Credited With Having a Second ase of Smallpox. Did She Have It at All—Sent to the Hospital and Discharged as Cured. ‘There was a lively stir in the health of- fice as well as a scare in Freedman’s Hos- pital this morning, when it was asserted that a patient in the hospital had a clearly defined case of smallpox. The patient is a sixteen-year-old colored girl named Bettie Rich, .who lived in the Turner family at 1810 Valley street northwest. Members of the Turner family were sent to the hospital and, according to the diagnosis of Drs. El- Hiott and Walls, Bettie also had the disease. On the 29th of January she was taken frem the house to the hospital, after her case had been defined as one of smallpox, and there she was treated for the disease until the 21st of this month, when she wus discharged as cured. This smallpox hospi- tal experience was enough for Bettie, and she concluded that she would not return to the Valley street’ house, as she did not care to run the risk of taking the disease a sec- ond time. And so she went to the house of other friends, but just where this house te situated the health authorities do not care to disclose at this particular time. They intend to have the house watched and want to keep its occupants from mingling with other persons until the case is finally determined upcn. Last Saturday Bettie visited the health office as one of the “cured” patients and wanted pay for a hat that had been de- stroyed. Her claim was favorably passed upon, but the smallpox fund was nearly exhausted, and a cut of five cents had to be made in her claim. She wanted $1.75 for the hat, but there was only $1.70 of the fund left, and this she cheerfully ac- cepted and went her way. Ncthing more was heard of the girl untii last evening, when she sent for Dr. Brad- neld, physician to the poor. The doctor called upon her, and finding her unwell, gave directions for her removal to the hos- pital. In the ordinary course in such cases an examination is made of patients @s soon as they reach the hospial, and this was probably done in this case. At any rate, the girl was admitted for treat- ment, having been taken to the hospital in the police ambulance. Last night the young patient had a high fever, and when her case was regarded as being suspicious the health office was noti- fied. A physican from the health office went to the hospital this morning, and upon examining the patient concluded, in the words of the health official, that it is a “very suspicious case.” No time was lost in taking the girl over to the “suspect * and now the erup- led by the health officials as singular that the girl should be attacked with the disease a sec- ond time, and so scon after her recovery. It was learned this afternoon that the gir! had been stopping in a house. in: Brooks’ co) She will probably be sent back to the smallpox hospital this afternoon or tom row. , : See THE BLUEFIELDS REPORT. Not Credited at the Stnte and Navy Departments. A special press dispatch from Colon of yesterday’s date says it is reported there that a conflict has occurred at Bluefields, in which an Amtrican vessel was disabled by a British war vessel. No verification of this report has been received at either the State or the Navy Department, and the officials of those de- partments are disposed to attach little or no significance to the report. There are several reasons why it is discredited at the Navy Department, the chief of which is that nothing has been heard from the commander of the cruiser Atlanta on the subject. That vessel is at Colon, fresh from a visit to Bluefields. She is specially detailed to watch the progress of events in that section of Central America. She is within easy communication with the Mos- quito country and would ordinarily be Promptly advised of any disturbance there. Then, again, there is a cable station at Port Limon, a short distance below Bluefields, whence word could be promptly sent to Washington for assistance in case it were needed or desired. No American Warship There. The fact that tehre is no American war- ship at Bluefields shows that the report is untrue so far as such vessels are concerned. The only other American vessels plying in those waters are the small steamer on the line between New Orleans and Siuetieids and the fleet of small schooners engaged in the fruit trade in that section. It is possible that one of the latter has had some trouble with a British warship. Their skippers are saucy and venturesome and never put themselves to much trouble to steer clear of a man-of-war, for the reason that it is generally more profitable to be run down by a national vessel-than it is to do the small huckstering business they are en- gaged in. The-presence of warships at Bluefields is a great desideratum to the merchants there and they appeal for them on the slightest pretext. It creates a mar- ket and helps business amazingly. 2+ ___§_ ADMIRAL GREER RETIRED. Promotions in the Navy to Follow This Action. Rear Admiral James A. Greer has been relieved from duty as president of the naval examining and retiring bcard to date from tomorrow, when he will go on the retired list on account of age. He is now the ranking officer of the navy, and his retirement will confer that u.stinction upon Rear Admiral George Brown, com- manding the navy yard at Norfolk. It will also result in the promotion of Com- modore Kirkland, commanding the Eu- ropean station, to the grade of rear ad- miral, and Capt. F. M. Bunce to the grade of commodore. Admiral Greer has had a long and hon- orable career, and will carry the regpect and esteem of his associates with him al- ways. He was born in Ohio February 28, 1833, and entered the navy in February, 1848, since which time he has served in all grades, in all parts of the world, and performed his part with credit to himself and to his country. He served throughout the war and was in many important en- gagements. His last sea duty was in com- mand of the European station, and, before he received his present assignment, he was fresident of the lighthouse board. He has a handsome residence on Hillyer place, and will make this city his permanent home. —————— A VETO PROMISED Ig the Bond Prohibitive Amendments Are in the Sunéry Civil Bill. Assistant Secretary Hamlin of the treas- ury expressed the opinion today that if the financial amendments to the sundry civil bill, which prohibit sales of bonds by the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be finally incorporated in the bill that the President would undoubtedly be compelled to veto the bill. The President has himself made like statements to some of his congression- al friends. This is, perhaps, the first au- thoritative semi-official utterance as to what the position of the President will be under such conditions. Senators, however, say that they have their responsibility and that the President has his, The Condition Confronting a New Government Printing Office. CHAIRMAN BANKHEAD'S EXPLANATION Opposition to the Measure Shown™ in the House. THE DEBATE ON THE BILL In the House this afternoon Mr. Bank- head called up the bill for the acquisition of the Mahone site and the erection there- on of a government printing office. The property is described in the bill as follows: Beginning at the northeast intersection of North Capitol and L streets, thence north along the eastern boundary of North Capitol stre2t for 303 feet, thence east in a line practically parallel with the northern boundary of L street to the western bound- ary of Ist street northeast, thence south- ward along the western boundary of said street for 303 feet to the intersection of such boundary with the north boundary of L street, and thence west along the boundary of L street to the point of begin- ning, including on the north boundary of such described area thirty feet in width for one-half cf Pierce street, to be extend- ed through the square. No Price for the Site Fixed. The bill authorizes the acquisition of the preperty by purchase or condemnation, but dces not fix the price to be paid for it. Neither does the bill fix the limit of cost of the building, merely stipulating that the building shall be fully equal to the prompt and efficient performance of the present ai mands and capable of enlargement in the future. One section of the bill provides as fol- lows: “That before any steps are taken foward the construction of such plant the officer in charge of the construction of the building for the library of Congress shall obtain one or more designs for such plant, comprising elevators, floor plans, sectioas, methods of communication and every de- tail, and the aggregate cost thereof, which, when approved by the public printer and the chairman of the committee on print- ing of the Senate and House of Repre~ sentatives, or a majority of them, inclug- ing the officer in charge of the cons' tion of the building for the library of Con- gress, shall be adopted as the plan or plans on which such plant shall be constructed, and the estirhated cost ‘thereof so ascer- tained shall taken as the probable cost of the same.” The construction of the*building is to be under the direction of Gen. Casey. Chairman Bankhead’s Explanation. Chairman Bankhead took the floor when the bill had been read and explained the efforts which have been made by the Sen- ate and House comntittees to @ print- ing office bill. ere “We were informed,” said Mr. Bankhead. that, in the opinion of the members of the Senate committee, it would be impossi- ble to pass any other bill thn the Mahone bill.” He said he had no preference for a site further than to get a good one’ A Substitute Offered. - Mr. Bankhead then offered a substitute for the pending bill. It provides that the Secretary of the Treasury, Gen. Casey, and the architect of the Capitol shall select some available site, containing not less than 113,000 square feet and to cost not more than $300,000. The government print- ing office shall be erected on the site thus selected or condemned and shall be a six- story building. The bill was read for in- formation, and Mr. Bankhead explained the bill. ; He said he is satisfied that no bill can be passed through this Congress, or any other Congress, selecting any particular site, and the only way to do is to authorize a com- mission to agree upon the location of the building. The efforts of real estate rings and of - Representatives themselves would prevent any other course, he said, than the one he Pie said the substitute would enable the acquisition of a lot‘and the commencement of the foundation, but the final adoption of the plans and the limit of cost of the building would be left to Congress to settle at a future date. . Cannon said Congress should not shirk the responsibility for the selection of asite. Mr. Bankhead said it is not a ques- tion of shirking, but whether action can be obtained or not. = Mr. Berry of Kentucky urged the House to accept the Mahone site as a settlement of the difficulty. Opponed to the Mahone Site. Mr. Milliken of Maine announced himself as squarely opposed to the Mahone site. He would be glad to dq Gen. Mahone a favor, but the drawbacks of the proposed site are too many. He said the members of the House have been beset by the most earnest and active, he would not say the most corrupt, lobby that has been seen for years in behalf of the Mahone bill. Mem- bers confess that they are not altogether pleased with the Mahone site, but propose to vote for it to please somebody who asked them and who is a “good fellow.” Mr. Millixen said there dre many other cheaper and more available properties than the Mahone site. “You are called upon to vote for a lot that is not fit and proper,” said Mr. Milli- ken; “that costs twice too much and is too far out, simply because gentlemen who are personally interested have the power to beat the Senate into the position of saying jon it must be the Mahone site or noth- ing.” Safer Quarters Needed at Once. Mr. Morse of Massachusetts read from the report of the government printer, call- ing attention to the necessity of doing something immediately in the way of pro- viding safer quarters. Mr. Morse acknowl- edged that the Mahone site is not an ideal one, but the only feasible thing to do. Mr. Milliken said that Mr. Morse had been opposed’ to the Mahone site, but is now in favor of it because Mr. Morse’s own bill for the Massachusetts building is bein, held up by the Senate with other bills un’ the Mahone site is accepted by the House. Mr. Abbott of Texas epposed the Mahone site. He had. signed the minority report of the committee opposing the selection of this lot. He opposed the substitute bill also, and favored the use of a square tween B and C and Delaware avenue and North Capitol street. ——+-2+—____. Mineral Surveyors. ‘The Secretary of the Interior in prac- tically revoking a decision of the depart- ment rendered last year, has decided that actual residence in the particular district where surveying work is done is not re- quired of a deputy mineral surveyor, and for that reason there is no objection to a party holding simultaneously a commission as deputy mineral surveyor in more than one state or land district. The work of a surveyor is of a scientific character, and the department rules can be performed by a competent non-resident as well as an actual resident. The selection accordingly should not be restricted to territorial limits. ————-o+_____ Secretary Carlisle Still Weak. Secretary Carlisle undertook to go to the Treasury Department this morning, but finding himself still weak from his late ill- ° ness, prudently decided to postpone the at- tempt at least until tomorrow.