Evening Star Newspaper, February 28, 1895, Page 2

- THE EVENING ST. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. 2 Fon LATE NEWS BY WIRE The Meeting of the Base Ball Men in New York. SUSQUEHANNA RISING AP PORT DEPOSIT A Minnesota Judge Charged With Crookedness. RAILWAY LEGISLATION NEW YORK, February 28.—Not more than haif a dozen base ball men were to be seen around the benches in the corridor of the Fifth Avenue Hotel when the hour of reassembling of the National League ar- rived. Among the first to enter the hotel today were Messrs. Freedman, Hanlon and Hart. 2 The first and last named, with John T. Brush of Cincinnati, are the committee ap- pointed late last night to consider the case of Fred Pfeffer. Pfeffer was early on hand, looking a trifle anxious, but still confident of a favorable decision on his application for reinstatement. At 11:45 John T. Brush and John A. Hart joined President Freedman, and after a short conversation the trio entered parlor F to make their report on the Pfeffer mat- cE resident Byrne of Brooklyn arrived about the same time, and Chris Von der Ahe followed a minute later. The Susquehnznna, Risin: PORT DEPOSIT, Md., February 28.—The river ts slowly rising and running down over the ice and may move it at any time. When it does, it will flood the town. Near the lower side of Port Deposit residents are moving their goods upstairs, making prepa- rations for the gorge. Charges Against a Judge. MINNEAPOLIS, February 28.—A sensa- tional petition was read in the lower hcuse of the legislature today, asking for the im- es of Crook- Pg ag eg eye He is charged with bribery, corrup- tion, violation of the constitution and mal- e in 8. Only Americans Need Apply. ‘TRENTON, February 28.—The house this morning passed Assemblyman Gruber’s amended bill providing that only American citizens, twenty-one years of age, shall be cmployed on street cars in this state, and that eleven hours, with forty-five minutes for Pg shall constitute a legal day’s work. aS TO PATROL ALASKA’S COAST. . ‘The Revenue Cutter Corwin to Seize Whisky Smugzlers. SAN FRANCISCO, February 28.—The whisky smuggling traffic has grown to such enormous proporticns in Alaska that Uncle Sam has at last decided to resort to heroic measures. The revenue cutter Cor- win has been quietly fitting out to patrol the Alaska coast from Sitka northward and to keep a sharp eye out for illicit traders os MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS. Searcely a Third of the Full Delega- tion on Hand. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. SAGINAW, Mich. February 28.—The democratic state convention, to nominate a supreme court justice and regent, opened at noon today, with a brief address: by Rewland Connor, and then adjourned until 2 o'clock. The convention this afternoon will undoubtedly adopt extreme free silver resolutions, and will probably indorse the honesty and statesmanship of Cleveland without referring to his financial views. The referee and office-holding element is strong, and will prevent any condemnatory resolutions as to the administration's finan- celal policy, but if they attempt an unquali- fied indorsement of the administration, there will be a row, and it will be defeated. The attendance is scarcely one-third the full delegation. ———_—_ MAJORITY OF FIFTEEN. The Rosebery Administration Sus- tained im the Commons. _ LONDON, February £8—When the rou- tine business of the house of commons had been transacted today Sir Wm. Vernon Harcourt moved that the government busi- ness take priority on Tuesday, and that the house meet at 2 p. m. on Fridays, in order to expedite government business. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, conservative, objected to the time of the house “being monopolized for bills which the government admitted it could not pass.” After some further discussion, Sir Wil- liam’s motion was adopted by a vote of 236 to ae @ majority of i5 for the govern- meni ———__. NOTORIOUS MOONSHINER KILLED. His Brother Suspected Him of Being an Informer. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. KNOXVILLE, Tenn., February 28.—Reve- nue officers reached Knoxville today from Monroe ‘county reporting a tragedy of the Cain and Abel kind, in which Chas. Jenkins Killed his brother Bill. The men were two of the most notorious moonshiners in east Tennessee. Charles suspected Bill of in- forming the officers where his still was located. He went to Bill,and accused him of it, In the fight which followed he killed Bill with a scantling. —_———__. EARNING A DOLLAR, Pupils Turned Results of Labor Into the School Fund. The termination of the period during which the pupils of the Eastern High School were to earn one dollar each to be ‘bpplied to the library fund was signalized teday by interesting exercises at the school. The stage of the lecture hall was prettily embellished in honor of the event and the audience was composed of the 400 pupils, with their teachers and a few guests, Principal Sites introduced the exercises with a neat speech, in which he told of the worthiness of the project which had called forth the money-getting energies of the pupils. He commended the boys and girls for the zeal which all had displayed and the suc- cess which many of them had achieve: The total sum realized, so far as reporte was $326, but a number of the youn workers had not turned in the proceeis of their industry. The principal then intro- duced Miss Potter, whose essay on methods employed and incidents encountered in se curing the dollar, had been accorde] the prize for literary excellence. The young lady read her paper, and provoked her audience to laughter and applause by the many topical hits on school matters which she introduced. The lady, who is a fragile blond of about sixteen springs, confessed that her dollar had been earned by washing one window, sweeping one room, shoveling snow from the family sidewalk and other- wise incurring ridicule and hardship. The majority of the denies in that dollar had been earned from her elder sister, who had subsidized her at the rate of 10 cents per day to keep still about school room gossip, and to not bore the family with stories of the teachers and the pranks of the boys. At the close of this essay Miss Diver, who is fondly known to the folks of the Eastern as their “musical genius,” render-, ed in excellent style an original ibrary March,” which she had composed for and dedicated to the occasion. Messrs. Crois- sant and Riordan earned the prize for re- sults, these young gentlemen having turn- ed into the fund $15. Mr. Leonard was given the prize for hav- ing performed the hardest labor in order to get the needful dollar. Mr. Leonard put in one Saturday at work in a car shop. The prizes, which consisted of useful oks, were presented by Mr. Gerrey of the Engiish department, and the fiscal report was rendered by Mr. Wilson of the historic department. It was a delightful affair, which made glad the heart of every teacher and pupil participating in it. BEFORE THE CORONER Investigating the Death of Young William Buchanan. ¥ Drowned in the James Creek Canal— Mysterious Features of the Affair —Crles of Murder. Today at noon at J. William Les’s under- taking establishment on Pennsylvania avenue Coroner Hammett held an inquest in the case of the boy William Buchanan, who was drowned in the James Creek canai about 1 o’clock Tuesday morning, as printed in The Star at the time. Police- men Purks and Bruce, who fished the body from the death trap, were present, as was a young man named Charles L'ppard, with whom the deceased had been during the evening before he met the fatal accident. On the stone wall near where the body was found, some one, probably the dead bey, had vomited, and the hat was also found there, indicating that he had stop- ped on the coping before he took the fatal step. The fourth precinct officers had sum- moned a jury, composed of J. E. Crump, V. C. Woodbridge, M. F. Rue, T. P. Ligh foot, B. P. Vernon and W. J. Shepperson, and tl men viewed the body in Under- taker Lee’s morgue before listening to the evidence. The members of the jury reside in Scuth Washington, and are fully aware of the dangers attending the death trap In which the deceased lost his life. Befgre the first witness was called the coroner excluded reporters and others frem the room, as he did not want the public to know what he had to say to the jury. In his short talk to the men it Is thought that he had Something to say abcut the dangerous place called a canal. Testimony Submitted. Robert Coleman, &% colored man, was then called and examined. He lives at 1216 Ist street southwest, about 100 yards from the canal. He testified that about 1 o'clock Tuesday morning his wife aroused him and said she had heard some one calling “murder.” Witness got out of bed and when he heard the cry repeated*he went to the canal. There was a man named Smith standing on the bridge and another man on an old scow. “Could he have walked in the canal?” a juror asked. “It was the most natural thing for him to do,” replied witness. “There is no fence along the canal.” Witness, resuming, said that after he had left the house and was on his-way to the canal he heard the drowning boy call, “For God's sake save me.” The man on the scow told him about where the koy had gone in, and witness helped to take his body out of the water. ‘There were no piles of sand near there. On the shore, he said, the boy’s hat was found, and there was also the odor of beer or whisky where some one had vomited. Another Witness. Richard Smith, the colored man whom the previous witness said was on the bridge when he reached there, was nex¥ called. He said he was on his way home from work Tuesday morning, and when near South Capitol street he heard a cry of “help.” He went directly to the bridge, and wher he reached there he saw a wo- man cn the bridge and two men on a scow with poles trying to get the body. “Was the woman white or colored?” “Colored woman.” } He denied that he had had any conver- sation with the witness Coleman. Witness said he could not render any assistance, as he could not reach the scow. Heard the Cries. Samuel Wilson, an old colored man, was next called. Wilson testified that he was aroused by the noise, and he heard the cries of the drowning boy, but could not say that he cried “murder.” The boy continued his cries for some time, but his voice became weaker, and finally ceased. One man reached there ahead of him, and told him just where the boy went down. Witness was the first one to get on the scow, and Coleman came soon afterward. Witness said he smelled the odor strong drink around. Sarah Mayo, colored, 1216 ist street southeast, testified that she heard the boy's cries of “help,” but did not hear him cry “murder.” When witness opened the door she saw a man standing on the bridge with his hands in his pockets. Was With Him. Charles Lippard was next examined. He knew William Buchanan, who was an in- timate friend of bis. Monday night wit- ness said he remained at Mrs. Buchanan's house until William came home, and after supper they ‘went out together. When Buchanan came home he was under the influence of liquor. That was about 7:20. During the evening they stood dn street corners along Pennsylvania avenue, and when they reached his (witness’) house it was about twenty minutes of 12 o'clock, mcre than an hour before Buchanan was drowned. Witness said good night to him and they parted. Witness went in the house, and Buchanan. siarted in the direction of nis home. He could not understand how Bu- chanan got so far east as the canal. During the five hours they were together Buchanan did not drink anything, said the witness. ‘The witness was closely questioned by members of the jury, but he repeated that Buchanan did not take a drink while with him Monday night. The Boy’s Mother. Mrs. Elizabeth Buchanan, mother of the drowned boy, was called, and she said that her son had always been a good boy. On one occasion, some time last summer, when he was out with Lippard, he had some- thing to drink. That was the only time she had ever known him to remain out late and give her any uneasiness. She said she had told him to keep away from Lippard. Saturday night, she said, she gave him $1 for lunch money for this week, and she knew he had some other change. Birs. Buchanan said she had an idea that her boy had been in a scufile on the bridge. She could not account for his presence about the canal and said she thought he did not go there alone, as he was afraid. Mrs. Buchanan was questioned by the jurors concerning her son’s associates and his character, and she charged that other boys had led him astray. She told of one occasion when the boys were in a colored man’s house and had beer, and Lippard’s father found them there. Good Character. Mr. A. F. Moran, shoe dealer, for whom the deceased had worked, testified to the good character of the deceased. “He's always been a good boy,” said Mr. Moran, “and we thought a good deal of him.”” id you ever suspect that he drank?” ‘No, sir. I have heard of his refusing liquor.” Monday night he left the store about ten minutes before 7 o'clock, and it was thought it would take him more than twenty minutes to get home. “And Lippard says he was drunk at 7:30," the coroner remarked. “I don’t see how he could have got drunk in that time unless he was drugged,” said Mr. Moran. of Mysterions Man. Samuel S. Wall testified that he was at home when he heard a cry of “murder,” and following this came the cry of “help.” Witness was the first man to reach the place. He saw a man walking along the street going from the bridge and he turned down 2d street. Witness was satisfied that the man must have heard the cries. The coroner thought it rather strange that the man should have walked away from there under the circumstances. Witness said that when this man turned down 2d street he saw the officers coming. “Then,” remarked the coroner, “the man may have seen the officers.” Frank Cowns testified that he heard the screams in the direction of the bridge. He walked up 2d street to M, but did not meet the man seen walking from the direction of the bridge. He did not reach the canal until after the police had arrived there. Accidental Death. The jury, after the evidence had been completed, retired and rendered a verdict ef accidental death. A recommendation was made that some safeguards be placed along the baaks of the canal to prevent loss of lif. AN UNSAVORY CASE Chase-Taylor Libel Trial Draws a Hage Crowd. CROSS-EXAMINING THE WITNESSES Women Testifying as to Actions of the Recorder. WENT INTO HYSTERICS ‘While nearly every seat in the court room was filled this morning when the case of ‘Wm. Calvin Chase, charged with criminal- ly Ibeling Mr. C. H. J. Taylor of Kansas, the District recorder of deeds, was re- sumed the great crowd of morDidly curi- ous people at the doors were excluded. This step was-taken by Marshal Wilson in the interest of decency and order, the dis- gusting details developed by witnesses yes- terday afternoon having caused not a little disorder and having given rise today to a tremendous pressure for admittance to the court room. Therefore, only mem- bers of the bar and those directly connect- ed with the case were admitted. It was surprising, however, how very many were members of the bar, and how many insist- ed that they were directly connected with the case. Before the trial proceeded Judge Cole cautioned the audience to keep quiet, and directed the court officers to enforce the order. A Cross-Examination. Miss Benseman, the witness who was on the stand when the court adjourned yes- terday, was then recalled for cross-ex- amination. a Yesterday afternoon Laura N. Benseman had testified that she called to see Mr. Taylor at the suggestion of the Rev. P. H. White, who was the first witness for the government. Mr. Taylor promised her a place, but told her that she must be his friend. She met him subsequently at his Private office, 238 Indiana avenue, where, according to her testimony, he made a pro- posal to her which she had declined. This proposition had been renewed on another oecasion. In commencing his cross-examination of Miss Benseman today District Attorney Birney inquired where she got her name. The witness replied that she got it, she supposed, from her mother. She came here from Los Angeles, Cal., last April, partly on business and partly on pleasure. While here she had lived with a Mrs. Jones, She left her because Mrs. Jones said she might. The witness denied being made to leave because of her behavior there with men. Miss Benseman admitted that she drank, “but not harder than other people.” She admitted dancing the can-can at Mrs. Jones’ hevse, but said she did not know a man called Boston or another man were present. She thought only women were present. Miss Benseman stated that she could not say how many times she was drunk at Mrs. Jones’. From Mrs. Jones’ she went to live with a Mrs. Stokes, on O street, but the witness,refused to say how many times she had been drunk there, or whether she had been unduly tntimate with a man there. From Mrs. Stokes’ she was hired to go to take care of Mrs. Gar- rett, an old woman. She left there at the request of Mr. Taylor. The witness ad- mitted telling a Mr. Bostoh that Mr. Tay- lor had treated her in a gentlemanly man- ner, but it was not true. She first told Mrs. Jones ot Mr. Taylor’s proposals, and subsequently told Mr. Hewlett and others of it. At Mrs. Garrett's. Miss Benseman said that she left Mrs. Garrett at’ the direction of Mr. . Taylor, but dented that he requested her to leave because of her misconduct. “I left,” she explained, “because he said ‘see that we can never become friends. The witness said that she visited Mr. Taylor at 338 In- diana avenue three times and was willing to accept employment from him because she needed work. To Mr. Langston Miss Benseman stated that Mr. Taylor hired her to attend Mrs. Garrett, he promising to give her the place in the government printing office held by Mrs. Garrett's deceased daughter. On the objection of the district attorney the wit- ness was not allowed to state what oc- curred there between Mr. Taylor and her- self. The witness stated. however, that Mr. Taylor objected to her receiving the attentions of a friend, a barber, as he could not then introduce her in the society of Mr. Langston, ex-Governor Pinchback and other honorable gentlemen. “Ah, that was very kind of Mr. Taylor,” remarked Mr. Langston. ‘Now, Miss Ben- geman, you do not drink wine to a greater extent than most ladies, do you?” “No, sir.” “You have not been in the habit of be- coming intoxicated?” “No, sir, I have been so very seldom.” “And you were perfectly sober when you called upon Mr. Taylor.” “Yes, sir. Perfectly so.” That concluded the testimony of Miss Benseman, and Mr. Langston called Mrs. Amanda Hill, a colored woman. Mrs. Hill stated that she was a widow and lived at 1982 12th street. Her husband died the 19th of last July. She then lived at another number. A number of persons employed by Mr. Taylor boarded with her. He called there about a week after her husband’s death, came into her room, caught her in his arms, kissed her, and placed his hand familiarly on her person. Subsequently he called, and, claiming to be ill, asked permission to le upon her bed. She refused to allow him to do so, when he declared he would get even with her. Her daughter was employed in the recorder’s office, and Mr. Taylor subsequently told her that she could not longer continue in his employment. Mrs. Hill was asked if a difficulty had not occurred at her house between Mr. Taylor and White over some women, but the question was ruled out. Then, before Mr. Birney could proceed to cross-examine Mrs. Hill, she created quite a sensation in court by bursting into tears and sob- bing that she was very miserable, with no one to protect her. She could not be calmed, and at length Judge Cole directed that she retire from the court room, to be called back when she had sufficiently recovered herself. Wanted Protection. Court officers then led the woman away, and Mr. Langston called as his next wit- ness a young colored man, who stated his name to be C. L. Barnes, and that he was a pension office employe. The witness testified that he had, been a social and political friend of Mr. Waylor and had fre- quently visited him at his office. “Did you take messages,” asked Mr. Langstom, “from Taylor to women?” “Before I answer that,” stated the wit- ness, “I would like to have the protection of the court, for I have been told that what I said would injure me.” Judge Cole cut short the matter by sternly directing the witness to answer the questions asked him. The witness then stated that Mr. Taylor directed him to see two youny women in his office, one a white worran, and tell them that if| they wished to retain office they.must do as he wished. The witress explained that the young wo- men were so innocent that he refused to carry Mr. Taylor’s message. Mr. Taylor then asked him to carry an invitation to a young colored woman in the office to go down tho river with him (Taylor) on the Lady of the Leake. The young woman re- fused to go, and subsequently was fur- loughed, us was the young white woman. Mr. Taylor, the witness said, then remarked that if they wished to get back they would have to submit to his wishes. Judge Cole refused to allow the witness to give their names, on the ground that it would be unjust and unfair to them. ‘The witness next stated that shortly after Mr. Taylor was confirmed a white man came into the office with a colored girl, asking Mr. Taylor to give her employment. The girl stated that she had applied for employment before, and remarked that among those who had indorsed her appli- eation was a Senator. Mr. Taylor, said the witness, told the girl that he would consider her case, and when she and the white man had gone Mr. Taylor, stated the witness, turned to him and remarked that he did not see how he could appoint the girl. And, said the witness, Mr. Tay- lor remarked that he believed that when a white man interested himself m a col- ored woman there was something wrong. The witness said that he did not know of Mr, Taylor visiting ‘‘the Division,” and Judge Cole refused to allow the defense to inquire of the witness if he knew of Mr. Cee 2 — YW Ifa f receives credit for having a-larger circulation than it really-enjoys, a reason exists: for: withholding from the advertiser the actual cir- culation figures and mystify- ing customers with about” and “approximately.” The Star, however, has a circula- tion that ‘tis proud of and each Saturday prints a detailed sworn’ statement of its actual circulation, giving the adver- tiser what by business ethics he is plainly entitled to--a guarantee of that which he is buying. The advertiser in The Star is not asked to “trade jackknives, sight unseen.” He knows exactly what he is pay- ing for. The Star is alone among ' Washington newspa- pers in makiug public an- nouncement of its circulation figures. -Last week the daily average w 35,043 copies. Taylor visiting. houses of ill fame not in “the Division.” Political: Assessments. The witness then went on to tell of the alleged political assessments made by Mr. ‘Taylor on government employes. Mr. Tay- lor, he swore, had told him that they could make “nice little incomes” by levying as- sessments on negro empioyes, republicans and democrats. The Negro Democratic League, said the witness, was, therefore, formed. A controversy arose, however, a3 to the manner of collecting and distributing the funds, and finally, stated the witness, the whole matter was left to Mr. Taylor and Mr. Still. The witness said that assess- ments were made on colored employes in all the government departments, the re- corder’s office included. The witness suid he could not say that he ever knew of Mr. Taylor ever directly mak- ing an assessment, although he had heard him tell men paying money to the league that they should pay more. On: cross-examination’ the witness admit- ted having fallen out with Mr. ‘Taylor and having assisted in obtaining evidence against-him. He denied having been an office broker, but sald that the nearest he ever was to becoming one was when he was connected with Mr. Taylor. Once, said the witness, he had handed Mr. Taylor $40, which had been collected from two female employes in his office, the understanding being that those receiving appointments should pay for them. The witness admitted receiving $20 from Miss Blanch Brown on account, so read the receipt signed by her attorney, the de- fendant, of the witness and W. G. Still. The witness admitted, too, that he had been associated with tne defendant in the management of the Bee. The $0 received from Miss Brown, the witness believed he handed Mr..Taglor, although he was rot sure. a ‘The cross-exargination of the witness con- cluded, a recess was taken at 12:40 until 1:15, when ‘he further questioned by Mr. Langston. JThe witness stated that it was understood that 10 colored person could securela.position in the goverrment printing office’ unless indorssd by Mr. Taylor. “That is,’ explained the witness, “he was the-great man in such things, and controlled appaintments of colored pecple in all the offices: Civil Service Commissioner Procter. Civil Servige Commissioner John R. Proc- ter was the next witness called by the de- fense. Hz statea that the commission had investigated“thé charges made against Mr. ‘Taylor of Iétying political assessments, but, upon the dbjetti istrict Attorney Lirney, Mr’ : not allowed tu state that mg the resalt of the investigation Mr. Taylor's dismissal was recommended to the President. _ The defense noted ’an exception, and then, Mrs. Amanda Hifl ‘having recovered, was called to the stand ‘for cross-examination. When, she siid, Mr. Taylor insulted her she made no outcry, but merely pushed him backward. When her daughter was fur- loughed she toid several friends of Mr. Taylor’s actions. Her daughter was subse- quently reinstated, witness having told Mr. Taylor that sh2 was cntirely dependent on her daughter. The witness denied say- ing to Nathan Sprague that she intended accusing Mr. Taylor of having attempted to assault her, and that unless Mr. Taylor provided for her she would fiash the charge on him. Mrs. Hill also denied asking Mr. Sprague to say that he was in an adjoining room and heard Mr. Taylor’s insults. Three days before her husband’s death Mr. Tay- lor had made arrangements with ber to board several of his employes with her, paying her several dollars in advance. Another Witness. The daughter of Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Mamie E. Mortimer, was the next witness called by the defense. She testified that she was given a position in the recorder’s office py Recorder Bruce about five years ago, and remained there until about the 25th of last month. She had been furloughed several times by Mr. Taylor. In July last she re- ceived an invitation from Mr. Taylor, through Mr. Barnes, to take a trip down the riyer with Mr. Barnes, Mr. Taylor and a Miss Hurst. She refused to go, and a few days later was-furloughed. To Mr. Birney the witness said that sne was married on the 30th of last month. After receiving Mr. Taylor's message con- cerning the river trip, which she consider- ed an insult, she had an interview with Mr. Taylor, In which he denied having sent ary such message. The witness ad- mitted that otherwise Mr. Taylor had al- ways acted as a perfect gentleman. She identified a statement written by her sub- sequently to Mr. Taylor's alleged invita- tion, in which she said that neither Mr. Barnes nor Mr. Taylor had ever acted other than as honorable men. “Was that statement true?” asked Mr. Birney. “J was forced to write that statement,” replied the witness, evasively. “Was it not true?’ persisted Mr. Birney. “I was forced to write it,” said the wit- ness, “Mr. White having brought me the matter contained in it to copy.” Mr. Langston endeavored to show that the witness wrote the statement at the instance of White, the agent of Mr. Tay- lor. White returned the statement, when written by the witness, to Mr. Taylor, and, the latter now producing it, that connected the threat with Mr. Taylor. Judge Cole, however, thought Mr. Taylor not yet connected with any threat made known to the witness by White. a THE NATIONAL FINANCES. Now in Wettdr Shape Than at Any «Pipe This Year. E The national.finances are now in better shape than-they have been at any time this year. ‘Gold coin is being recetved in large amoufits,,as a result of the recent bond transa¢tian, and-is coming altogether from the coffers of the syndicate and its customers, instead of from the subtreas- uries, as was #he case with the two pre- vious bond,+ ies. The gold balance has increased to 948,762, and the total avail- able cash has reached the sum of $179,002,- 587. The increase of these two items in a ratio of preportion shows that the treas- ury is no longexy using its own funds to re- cruit its gold holdings. Sopa SS THE DISTRICT KNOCKED OUT. The Intervention of Privileged Busi- ness Keeps It Of the Floor. Today was set apart as District day tn the House, but up to 3 o’clock this after- noon the intervention of privileged business had prevented the District from obtaining the floor. —___-_e-_____ Complaints Were Unfounded. Gen. Schofield has received a report from Gen. Ruger, commanding the department of the Missouri, in regard to complaints against the mess of the troops at Fort Sheridan, near Chicago. He says that the subject was thoroughly investigated and that the complaints, which emanated from a few malcontents, were proved to be with- out foundation. ee Range of the Thermometer. The following were the readings of the thermometer at the weather bureau today: 8 a.m,, 44; 2 p.m., 64; maximum, 64; mini- mum, 41. SILVER MEN DIVIDED Senator Stewart Now Opposed to a Monetary Commission. MOTION 10 RECONSIDER DEFEATED Amendments to the Sundry Civil Bill Acted On. MATTERS IN THE HOUSE Lucien Baker, the new Senator-elect from Kansas, was on the floor of the Senate for the first time today, and was introduced to his associates by Mr. Martin, whom he succeeds. . Mr, Gallinger briefly addressed the Sen- ate at the opening of the session today in favor of a plan presented by the Daughters of the Revolution that a copy of the Decla- ration of Independence be conspicuously displayed in every post office. ‘The deficiency appropriation bill was re- |ported by Mr. Cockrell, leaving only one bill—the naval—remaining before the ap- propriation committee. Consideration of the sundry civil bill was then resumed. Mr. Pettigrew offered an amendment appropriating $300,000 for seed for the drouth sufferers of the northwest. After a short debate the amendment was to—a2 to 17. ‘Tennessee's Centennial. Mr. Bate (Tenn.) urged an amendment of $125,000 for government participation in, the Tennessee state centennial in 1896. Mr. Hoar (Mass.) ironically asked Mr. Bate for the constitutional authority for this appropriation. Mr. Bate said it was the same authority ae — government aid to the world’s a and to the cotton states’ exposition at Mr. Harris Atlanta. ‘. (Tenn.) said that whatever the constitutional right was, the govern- ment had ly adopted the policy of national aid to the expositions. Mr. Hoar again urged his constitutional’ query, this time to Mr. who re- plied: “If the Senator from Massachusetts will meet me here on the Fourth of July, I will give him a lecture on the Constitution that will serve him the balance of his life.” Amid the laughter Mr. Hoar responded that Mr. Harris had invariably denounced such appropriations, but now that the ap- propriation was for his own state, he Seemed to share the sentiment of another statesman (Representative Tim bell of New York), “What does the Constitu- srs a = po acne friends.” point of order against the amendment made by Mr. Cockrell was submitted to the Senate, and the appropriation was sus- tained—33 to 15. Mr. Hoar stated during the call that he pore his vote “until the Fourth of uly.”” ‘ Mr. Carey (Wyo.) secured an amendment refunding the amount over $1.25 paid for entries under the desert land laws, when the lands are on ratiroad grants. The, Proposed Monetary Conference. Mr. Stewart (Nev.) moved to reconsider the amendment already accepted for par- ticipation by the United States in an in- ternational monetary conference. He said France was the only European country in a position to participate in such a conference with any prospect of fair- ness to silver. Great britain already had her ratio between the metals and Ger- many could readily do so. A conference would only result in ancther blow at sil- ver. He therefore proposed-an amendment to the proposition, instructing the United States delegates not to agree to any ratio short of 16 to 1. Mr. Wolcott (Col) said he greatly re- gretted this division of opinion among Sea- ators from the silver states who had so long stood together. Nothing but good could come from this international confer- ence. The United States delegates could not bind this country. Their work would simply be advisory and they would report to Congress. The Senator from Nevada (Stewart) declared this was a “scheme of the gold bugs.” Was he forgetting the gallant fight of the friends of silver the world over which had just culminated in success before the British parliament and the German reichstag in favor of an in- ternational conference? Mr. Wolcott to Mr. Stewart. France, too, was taking the initiative. Success was almost at hand. It was the work of the friends of silver throughout the world. Were the friends of silver to pause at such a moment of success? The Senator declared himself for American bi- metallism, but if the nations of the world united in offering the greatest advantage to silver it had received since its demone- tization it would be crimiaal to cast it aside. Turning to Mr. Stewart, Mr. Wol- cott said he had observed for months the haggard, worn and anxious faces of men who wandered through the Capitol vainly urging claims which would never be allow- ed, and he feared there were those among the friends of silver who wandered in the same determined yet hopeless way toward what they could never attain, and which, perhaps, they did not wish to attain except in their own way, as then “their occupation would be gone.” Mr. Wolcott’s voice rang through the chamber, and as his vigorous sentences closed there was a burst of «p- plause from the galleries, which the Vice President checked by rapping the gavel and sharp admonition. Mr. Stewart again took the floor, striding up and down the middle aisle and denounc- ing the proposed conference as a “trade with our oppressors.” Whatever others might do, he would never consent to such a scheme. We ought to know that any agree- iment in which ‘Germany and Great Britain participated meant the end of silver. Motion to Reeonsider Defeated. ‘The Stewart motion to reconsider was de- feated—yeas, 9; nays, 52. ‘The affirmative vote was as follows: Allen, Blackburn, Call, Cockrell, Kyle, Martin, Peffer, Pugh and Stewart. The negative vote included many leading silver men, such as Teller, Jones (Ark.), George, Wolcott, Cameron and others. Mr. Hunton (Va.) urged an amendment restoring the salary of the superintendent of the coast and geodetic survey to $6,000 instead of the $5,000 as reduced in the bill, but the amendment was defeated. ‘An appropriation of $20,000 for site and work on the public building at Pottsville, Pa., was daopted Mr, Squire (Wash.) secured an amendment of $5,000 for an investigation of the coal and gold resourtes of Alaska. THE HOUSE. ‘There was a large attendance on the floor when the House met today. The Speaker laid before the House the Presi- dent’s veto of the bill to pension Catherine Ott, and it was referred to the’ committee on pensions. The fifty-four bills passed by the Senate on Tuesday night (most of them of minor importance) were laid be- fcre the House and disposed of, some by reference and some by passage. The Sen- ate amendments to the bill to prohibit the wearing of the sign of the Red Cross with- out permission of the National Red Cross Society were agreed to. Also the Senate amendments to the bill autkcrizing the Washington and Marlboro’ railroad to extend its tracks into the Dis- trict of Columbia; also to the bill granting railroads in the Indian territory additional powers to secure right of way, etc. A bill to regulate the deductions from the gross tonnage of vessels for the purpose of de- termining net tonnage (which form the basis of port charges) was passed. The Senate resolution authorizing Lieut. F. P. Lockenbach of the tenth cavalry to accept the position of commandant of cadets at the Virginia Military Institute was adopted. The Hawalian Cable. Mr. McCreary (Ky.) presented the con- ference report on the consular and diplo- matic appropriation bill, and moved that the House insist on its disagreement to the Senate amendment providing for the Hawatian cable. Mr. Hitt moved to concur, a motion that took precedence. This -juestion had been twice discussed in the House, and the vote was taken on Mr. Hitt’s motion withou debate. i Hitt’s motion was lost—115—150, Then, without division, the House insisted on its disagreement to the Hawalian cable ‘amendment, and the bill sent to further conference. Mr. Martin (ind,), chairman of the inva- Hid pensions-committee, then called up the President’s veto of the bill to pension Hi- ram ‘Ri and moved to pass it, the Pres- ident’s veto notwithstarding. Mr. Marti Explanation. Mr. Martin, in support of his motion, said he believed he could convince the House that if this bill were passed over the veto, that it would be in the interest of the peo- ple and for the treasury, and would, more- over, be an act of justice to the beneficiary in the-bill. od DISTRICT IN CONGRESS. The District Survcyor’s Office. On motion of Mr. Cockrell today an amendment was incorporated in the sundry civil bill by the Senate appropriating $10,- 500 to run the office of the surveyor of the District guring the next fiscal year. This office is now run by the fees that are col- lected, but it has just been reorganized, that is, expected to become a law in a short time, and this appropriation was made necessary to provide for the salaries and expenses for the twelve months ending Jvne 30, 18986, the District bill now being in a stage where it cannot be amended. The amendment appropriates $10,000 for salaries and $500 for instruments, materials and so forth. To Pay Dr. Schaffer. Senator Hoar today introduced an amend- ment to the deficiency bill, providing for the paying of Dr.Schaffer, ex-deputy coroner of the District, for services from March 3, 1893, to June 30, 1893, at the rate of $000 a year. ‘The Memorial Bridge Bill. A favorable report was made today to the Senate on the bill providing for the erection of a memorial bridge across the Potomac river, from the naval observatory grounds to Arlington. Ford’s Theater Investigation. Senator Harris today introduced a con- current resolution providing for the con- tinuance of the Ford Theater joint commis- sion throughout the recess. It was stipu- lated that the Vice President and the Speaker should have the power to fill vecancies on the commission: that might be caused by the expiration of terms of Sen- ators or members. The resolution went cver until tomorrow. The Milk. Bill in Conference. The House today disagreed to the Senate amendments to the milk bill and agreed to a conference. Messrs. Cooper of In- diana, Cooper of Florida and Hull of Iowa Were appointed conferees. Mr. Heard stated to the House that he would rather have the bill indefinitely postponed then agree to the Senate amend- ments, which, he said. if adopted, would render the bill absolutely worthless to the people of the District. Washington and Marlboro’ R. R. The House today concurred in the Senate amendments to the bill authorizing the Washington and Marlboro’ railway to enter the city. The Public School System. The conferees on the District appropria- tion bill have agreed to strike out the amendment providing that the board of Public school trustees of the District shall make a special examination into and re- Port upon the present system and course oe anes in the public schools of the Dis- +2 + _______ SUBURBAN RAILROAD. The Commissioners Recommend Some Amendments as to Route. The Commissioners this afternoon re- turned to the Senate District committee a report on the House bill amending the char- ter of the Suburban Railway Company of the District of Columbia. Several changes have been made in the amendment, and the route of the road has been altered. The suggested amendment of the Commission- ers provides that the road shall enter the city at the terminus of H street east and then pass along H street to North Capitol, to G, to New Jersey avenue, to D street north, to Louisiana avenue, to Sth street, to B street north, to 9th, to E, to Sth, to G, to New Jersey avenue. To against the introduction of the trolley system the Commissioners have changed the wording of the amendment to provide, if the trolley should be intro- duced, the company will be Mable for all damage made thereby to sub surface metal pipes, and to other public or private prop- erty. —_-——_ FRANK TRUSDELL SENTENCED. ‘The Former Washington Correspond- ent Sent to Prison. The case of Frank H. Trusdell, alias P. Heath, the former Washington corre- spondent, who attempted to pass fraudu- lent drafts on the Citizens’ Bank of St. Louis on the 18th instant, took a sudden turn at Emporia, Kan., last evening. The prisoner pleaded guilty to attempting to obtain the money under false pretense, but not forgery, as charged. The charge of forgery was, therefore, dropped hy the Prosecuting attorney, and Trusdell was immediately sentenced to three years’ con- finement in the state prison at hard labor. When asked if he had anything to say Trusdell made a most affecting speech. He gave a review of his life and his news- paper career. His voice trembled, and the tears came to his eyes when he referred to his family connections. His purpose in peor: of his life, he said, was to show at he was not a criminal. After sentence had besn pronounced Trusdell asked that als remarks be kept out of the papers. As a newspaper man of twenty years’ experfence, he declared that were another man in his place he would not ask stenographer for a transcript of thet speech. ee DEATH OF MRS. POPE. She Passes Away at Her Home in This City. ‘The death of Mrs. Clara V. Pope, the wife of Dr. G. W. Pope, occurred yesterday afternoon at her home, 1109 14th street. For some time the deceased had been in ill-health, but the news of her death came to the extended circle of friends with the shock of a sudden surprise. Mrs. Pope was well known in this city, where she had taken an active interest in philan- thropic and other enterprises. She was especially identified with the Homeopathic Hospital, and in the early days of that institution gave a good deal of valuable aid. She had a large number of friends who will miss her helpful presence. The funeral services will be held tomorrow af- ternoon at 2 o'clock at the late residence. ——.—_ Grain and Cotton Markets. Cotton and market . B. Co., New York. Baltimore Markets. BALTIMORE, February 28.—Flour dail hanged ids barrels; shipments, 13,900" —receipts, barrels; sales, 1,250’ barrels. jeat easier—spot, month b, SEYAS8%: May, S04a50%4; steamer No. 5 Ye receipts, 1,910 hels; shipments, 63,000 bushels; stock, 622,656 bushels; sales, 20,000 le; southern by’ sample, G§a50; ‘do. on grade, Corn, easter—spot, month xnd March, Tecelpts, 32,696 bushels; aipmente, 1et. 298 bush. receipts, hels;’ shipments, - tls; stock, "270,137 bushels: sales,’ 21,000, bushels; southern white and yellow corn, 4849. Oats quiet Sg eR gg ed active—No. 2, 56a57—stock, 1 bushels. unsettled: FINANCE AND TRADE | Effect of the Unsettled Condition of London Market. ROMORS OF MORE GOLD SHIPHER Selling of American Securities for Foreign Account. 3 GENERAL MARKET REPORSS Special Dispatch to Fhe Evening: Star. NEW YORK, February 28—The unset- tled condition of the London market was responsible for the fractional concessions reflected at the opening of our market this morning. The advancing tendency of the foreign exchange market, noticed yester- day, gave rise to rumors of gold shipments and foreign holders of our securities were disposed to reduce their holdings pending the outcome of a most interesting financial . _ situation. The bond syndicate, with its » powerful influence, is not likely to sur- render to the first emergency arising from that provision of its contract with the government relative to maintaining the treasury’s gold reserve. The strength of exchange rates ‘is in a great measure due to speculative sales of bills against anticipated Mberal drawings by the bond syndicate. The syndicate, how- ever, has not done as much for the t side of this market as was expecied, ‘snd the covering of outstanding obligations by disappointed sellers of bills is responsible for the firm tone now prevailing. Should the outflow of gold fail the disappointment would be reflected in a lower level of val- ues, but, fortunately, confidence in the ability of those charged with the solution of this difficulty is strong. 7 per cent attracted considerable unfavor- able comment, bu#its justification can be no~longer doubted. ‘The effect of the deficit of the pooling list was reflected in a further reduction in Sag oS expected fit largely b; was to prot LA ees of the bill in question, and its defeat will have a direct bearing on the next dividend rate, about which many pessimistic rumors are already circulated. Louisville and Nashville and Manhattan were inclined to weakness, declines of 13-8 and a cent being respectively reflected in_eac! ‘The Grangers were all weak, with North- | - west leading. Sugar was conspicuously through- out the morning, all offerings ~ quickly absorbed. The annual statement of this com- pany is expected to appear next week, but unless totally inconsistent with semi-official utterances, there will be nothing in the showing to warrant an advance in price. Should Congress adjourn without action on the discriminating duty, there can be no doubt, from the stands taken by foreign governments, that the existence of this law will not be permitted to work hardship to ase industries within these territorial mits. ——— WINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL, ‘The following are the opening, the high- est and the lowest and the closing prices _ of the New York stock market today, as re-" ported by Corson & Macartney, members New York stock exchange. Correspondents Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. 80 Broadway: 933% 913; icago, B. and Chic.and Northwente Chicago Gas. Regeaksa'y 28: clock —W: ee Blectrie Light, 4 et 1 1% call Stor all Storgennsier Tanotype, 1 ‘at 100; 4 at —! a at 155. Columbia Railroad = 4 at 110; $1,000 “‘Goverament, Bons: 07% “ta, registered, 111 112 asked. U. 8 43, conpon, 112% vid, ist anked. | U. & Se, 110% asked, of Colum! District x bid. 30-year fund @s, = eet eee Light Infantry Ist Tole mia, 102) asked, ft iatantry 3a e101 bi = me Bank of the Repabllc, mm litan, 280 tia. Benteat, 200 nics’, 185 bid, 200 asknd. 47 asked. Citizens’, 185 id. Co- 140 asked. Capital’ 115 bid. Wess aders', 203 Did, asked. Ohio, bid, —Natlonal Safe asked. Wash! asked. American 185% asked. Wash- TEE asked. ed. meri: 12% bid, 15 ask 15 asked. ’ Riggs, 7% b sked. 1 bid, 5% asked. g ud, SY naked. Com Estate Title, 108 ~ 76 ee, 8 osked. ind Potomac, 56! 60 asked. mericaa CRapbonons 4 bid,'S asked” Pneumatic G 5 ‘Miscellancous Stocks.—Wash Great Palle fee, 400 bi’ 105 asked” na 1S bid: 25 asked, ‘ian, Mergenthaler Title" Insurance Stocks.—Real 116 asked. Columbia Title,