Evening Star Newspaper, March 1, 1895, Page 2

LATE NEWS BY WIRE Exciting Scenes at a Georgia Exe- cution, HAD T0 HANG THE MURDERER TWICE Fence Surrounding the Gallows Broken Down. A WASHINGTON POLICEMAN ATLANTA, Ga., March 1.—Joe Dean, a coal black ‘negro, who murdered A. B. Leigh, a well-to-do farmer of Campbell, for his money and afterward confessed the crime, was henged in Fairburn today. By order of the court the execution was to be private, but the crowd of 5,000 excited people that had assembled tore down the high fence erected around the gallows and Made it public. The wretched man had to be hanged twice. The first time the rope broke. Like a dead man he was taken back on the scaffold and again swung off. Mean- time his hands had become untied and in his frantic contortions he disrobed himself. The drop fell at 11:55, and eleven minutes later he died. During this morning Dean, in response to his earnest entreaties, was allowed to make a speech from the court house steps. He described bis murder of old man Leigh, and said that the love of money, ignorance and the devii had done it. Composed on the Scaffold. FRANKFORT, Ky., March 1.—The trap which hanged George Magee was sprung exactly at 6:30 a.m. He came to the scaf- fold perfectly composed, and met death bravely without a murmur. Magee’s crime was the killing of Guard Thomas, a colored convict in the peniten- tlary, on July 30 last. Formerly a Policeman Here. PLATTSMOUTH, Neb., March 1.—Harry Hill, the murderer of Matthew Akegon, a Cass county farmer, was hanged at 9:05 a.m. today. His neck was broken by the fall. Hill was formerly a policeman at Washington, D.C., but lost his position be- cause of drink, and became a tramp. . ———— GERMANY’S WBAK NAVY. Only Equal in Strength to That of the Argentine Republic. BERLIN, March 1.—The debate on the naval budget was continued in the reich- stag today. Vice Admiral Hollman, the chief of the navy department, declared that the Ger- man fleet was in no way prepared to meet the demands made upén it, adding that it was smaller than the fleet of any nation in Europe, and orly equal in strength to that of the Argentine republic. Tho credit for the new cruisers was finally adopted by a vote of 145 to 77. a Prince George's Fair. UPPER MARLBORO’, Md., March 1.—At @ meeting of the Fair Association directors it was ordered that the dates, August 27, 28, 29 and 30, as selected by the circuit meeting, be adopted. The following are the advisory committees: Washington— Richard S. Hill, Jos. P. Ryon, Thos. E. Young, Jno. H. Gheen, Jno. Cossell, Jno. R. Kelly, Edw. J. Daw, Jos. H. Bradley, Jno. Dugan, Henry Coperthite,Harly Veale. Baitimore city—Wm. H. Perkins, Wm. H. Moore, Dr. Norman F. Hill, Dr. Robert urwell, Jno. Gormly. “St. Mary’s county- G. Hayden, J. J. Gemwell, Frank V. King, J. Frank Ford, Washington Wilkin- wen. Charles county—Samuel Cox, D. L. Carrico. ee Munagers Blamed for the Riots. CHICAGO, March 1.—In a speech at the Auditorium last night President Debs of the A. R. U. made the charge that the General Managers’ Association, through agents, was resporsible for the rioting and Gestruction of property which occurred during the railroad strike of last summer. The greater part of the large audience which heard Mr. Debs’ charges applauded them to the echo. ————— Fatally Injured While Wrestling. SEATTLE, Wash., March 1.—Joseph Ev- ans, a miner at Franklin, challenged any man to break a half Nelson hold on him, and John Williams took him up. After three ineffectual attempt# to break the hold h2 complained of being hurt, and was released and taken home, where he died forty-eight hours later of fracture of the spinal column. ee CONFIRMATIONS. A Batch of Nominations Approved by the Senate. The Senate has confirmed the following nominations: Joseph O'Neill of Massachu- setts, to be assistant treasurer of the United States at Boston; BE. A. Bigler, col- lector internal revenue at Pittsburg; Judges Showalter and Wellborn, for judge of the seventh circuit and district judge of the southern California district respectively. Several of the New York postmasters which have been held up for months were confirmed and others went over under ob- Jection. The nomination of W. H. Marbury tor United States district attorney for Mary- land, also went over., The nomination of George H. Hanson to be collector of customs of the Passama- quaddy, Me., district was confirmed, not- withstanding the fight made on him in the committee and the fact that his nomination was reported without recommendation. The nomination of Albert B. Stearns to be appraiser at Boston was passed over under objection. The nomination of H. P. Kitfield to be ap- praiser of merchandise at Gloucester, Mass., was rejected without debate. Maj. Theo. Schwan, assistant adjutant general, to be assistant adjutant general . With the rank of Heuterant colonel; Louis + M. Buford of Illinois, to be consul at Paso Del Norte, Mexico; D. B. Spagnoli of Cali- fornia, to be consul at Milan, Italy. Postmasters—New York—Henry C. Hall, at White Hall; Geo. H. Cotton, at Elmir: Leroy Atkins, at Cornwall-on-the-Hudson Wm. W. Collins, at Whitney’s Point; Al- bert Dornfield, at North Tonawaada; Jno. C. Marlette, at Fultonville; fanay P. Bi: good, at Sag Harbor. Massachusetts—John W. McNamara, at Clinton; James Deviney, at Chicope; John F. Dwyer, at Weymouth; Thomas Hickey, at Wakefleld; Simeon W. A. Stevens, at South Gardner; Gilbert W. Farrington, at ‘Monsor; Charles Danforth, at Marchester; ‘Arthur F. Nutting, at Northampton: G. Eugene Fisher, at North Attleboro; John E. Blake, at North Easton; Justin W. Clay- eae at Athol; Frank E. Briggs, at Turners New Hampshire--Andrew W. Bingham at Littleton; David M. Aldrich to be post- master at Whitefield Vermont—Jenness D. Wheeler at Ran- dolph. . Connecticut—Wm. B. Brotherton at Mil- ford; Chester Johnson at Thompsonville; John Early at Seymour. New Jersey—Andrew H. Demarest at Paterson. Pennsylvania—John S. Thompson at Reading. Ohio—Mary V. Proctor at Lebanon; Hamilton Eaton at Barnesville; Thomas Hunt at Clyde. Iowa—Mary I. Van Horne at Muscatine; J. E. Petite at Bellevue; Jas. M. Elleri at Keosauqua; Charles H. Gove at Garner; W. C. Bremerman at Boone. Kentucky—Bettie S. Moore at Cynthia. Minnesota—E. A. Child at Glencoe. Wisconsin—Benj. F. Sherman at Beaver Dam. ee do—Thomas J. Sandford at Trini- jad. Alabama—J. Walter Orr ut New Decatur. sas—Robert T. Scott at Forrest City. fon Stricken Out. terday reconsidered its an appropriation of $1,500 stal for the statue of Dr. Gr appropriation was stricken out. gee fhe Flagship Baltimore. Baltimore arrived at Naga- gaki today from Chefoo and the TAB ON SENATORS. Gen. Mahone’s Plan of Furthering the Interests of His Site. There was an interesting spectacle to be observed this afternoon in the lobby north of the Senate chamber at the Capitol. Gen. William Mahone, formerly Senator from Virginia, at present the ostensible owner of a square of ground about a mile north ef the Capitol, known as the Mahone lot, was to be seen pacing up and down, but- tenholing Senators, sending for them by card and giving every indication of great enterprise and industry. Close at his el- bow walked his son Butler, with a pencil {a one hand and a list of the Senators of the United States in the other. As the father secured the ear of a Senxtor for his few words his son made a check mark op- posite the name of that Senator. Gen, Mahone, thus assisted by his son, Was making a canvass of the Senate, from man to man, presumably intending to cover every member of the upper house. The ob- ject of his solicitude may be Imagined. The Mahone lot, which is supposed to be the property of Gen. Mahone, but which is saidpto be really covered by mortages and deeds of trust, held by several states- men for money advanced to the ex-Senator, is a prominent candidate as the site for the new go rnment. printing office. It has just been defeated in the House, and the end of the session-is near at hand. If this piece of property is to be sold to the gov- ernment at all this session something is to be done at once. The only possible chance is for an amendment to be accepted to the general deficiency or the naval ap- propriation bill, which are the only ap- propriation bills now in the stage of amendment. The chance of a separate Measure receiving concurrent action is hopeless. It is understood that the plan of Gen. Mahone now is to secure such an amendment, which will at least give him a leverage for next session. It is also reported that his plan of action is to prevent the formal enactment into law of the paragraph on the sundry civil bill appropriating a large sum for the erection of a building for the use of the printing office on the site of the present printing office stables. ———___-e— SOLDIERS’ HOMES. The Veterans Deserve and Are in Need of Better Quarters. A report of the inspection of the several branches of the National Home for Dis- abled Volunteer Soldiers,smade by General J. C. Breckenridge, inspector general of the army, has been sent to Congress. The duty of inspecting the several branches of the home related to over 15,000 men and disbursements amounting to $4,758,173. There is probably nothing, the report says, which more deserves consideration than the decorous and comfortable housing of the soldiers. The men who have by their conduct in war and by their present disability earned a perfect title to all the consideration now shown them, deserve something better than sleeping on floors or overcrowding in basements, etc. How to secure the speediest relief for these old and feeble and worthy men in time for them to profit by it deserves the most ee Bee prt oegeianinen Everywhere there was of the unprecedented pressure for admission to the home. us In conclusion General. Breckenridge ‘n- vites particular attention to the enthus- iasm, zeal and general efficiency of the officers conducting affairs of the branch homes and to the marked economy and efticiency which have obtained in the mat- ters most nearly affecting the welfare or comfort of the members. CHARGE AGAINST A CONTRACTOR. An Investigation to Be Made of the Work Done on a Néw School House. A committee’ of the Federation of Labor today presented to the Commissioners a charge against Contractor Charles R. Mun- roe of gross violation of the contract and specifications for the construction of the new school building on E street between 13th and 14th streets southeast. - The committee comprises Messrs. George 0. Cook, Thomas E. Webster and Columbus M. Barnes, and it is their allegation that the contract and specifications referred to are violated in workmanship and material; that the brick work is executed in the worst possible manrer, the walls being being neither plumb, straight or level; that salmon brick have been used in the walls above the grade line, and that the walls are built hollow to an extent that admits the hand of a man between the bricks; that the joints in the select brick work are extra thickness and are out of plumb; that the joists are sappy, bark edge and knotty and leveled up to the walls with from two to three courses of dry brick and. upon wooden blocks, and that the work, as a whole, is a libel on skilled labor. The charge was handed by Secretary Tindgll to Commissioner Truesdell today, but the latter has not looked at it as yet. He will undoubtedly refeg it for report to Building Inspector Brady, who, in turn, will hand it over to Mr. Cox, who is su- perintending the construction of the school house for the District. If the charges are found to be correct the walls now up will have to be taken down and rebuilt in ac- cordance with the plans and specifications at the expense of the contractor. Building Inspector Brady stated to a Star reporter today that he intends to make a full and complete investigation cf the matter. During the early portion of Febru- ary, said Mr. Brady, he visited the site of the building and found a number of salmon or soft brick about the place, which he or- dered removed. At that time he was in- formed by Superintendent Cox that no sal- mon brick had been used on the building. The charges state that the walls are built hollow, but Superintendent Cox, who is supposed to witness the laying of every brick, declares the allegation to be er- roneous, so Mr. Brady informed the report- er. It seems that the portions of the walls claime@ to be hollow were built by union workmen, and rise to a height of but three feet above the surface of the ground. About a month ago some friction occurred and the union men stopped work. Since that time non-union men have been em- loyed. S oT can soon tell,” said Mr. Brady, “if the walls are hollow by merely plugging them, and it will be a simple matter to decide whether or not the plans and specifications have been violated. If such is the case. 1 shall, of course, order the work done over again.” Mr. Brady thinks tt is strange that the charges were not preferred several weeks ago, before the solid walls, built above the alleged hollow walls, reached their present height. oo Death of Mrs. Kirkwood. The death in Cleveland, Ohio, last even- ing of Mrs. Margaret E. Kirkwood removes the last member of a family whose name in the earlier years of Washington held a prominent position here and was closely identified with the development of the city. She was the widow of Mr. Albert W. Kirk- wood, who, more than a quarter of a cen- tury ago, kept the old Kirkwood House, then a famous hostelry and occupying the Site where the Raleigh now stands. Both she and her husband were well known to the residents of Washington before the war. She was a Miss Young, and her father was in those days a prominent mer- chant, keeping a store on the corner where the Traders’ National Bank now stands and which was then known as Young’s corner. Mrs. Kirkwood was seventy-six years of age at the time of hér death. She leaves three children, all of whom now reside in Cleveland, where she herself had lived for thirty years. She was an aunt of Mr. R. O. Holtzman of this city. Many of the older residents will remem- ber her well and will regret to hear of her passing away. The interment will be made in Cleveland. ——————— Government of the District. Dr. Robert Reyburn nas acknowledged the refusal of the Commissioners to allow a hearing to citizens on the bill authoriz- ing a special election to determine whether the present municipal government shall continue, or a representative form of gov- ernment be established. In his communtica- tion Dr. Reyburn points out what he ccn- siders the weak points of the present form of government. “It is,” he says, “arbitrary and despotic in power; there is a divided responsibility between three rulers, render- ing it impossible to say who is in fault when is of administration occur, and there is practically no proper accountabil- ity to the people of the District for the immense sums annually disbursed by the Commissioners.”” Range of the Thermometer. The following were the readings of the thermorieter at the weather bureau today: 2p.m., 72; maximum, 72; min- THE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. CHASE ON THE STAND He Got Places as Pay for a Loan of Money. SOME PLAIN, UNVARNISHED LANGUAGE The Court Holds the Testimony Close to the Charges. THE TRIP DOWN THE RIVER The rigid orders of Marshal Wilson against the admission of the great erowd which clamored at the doors had the ef- fect of very materially reducing the at- tendance this morning at the trial of Wm. Calvin Chase, charged with criminally libeling Recorder C. H. J. Taylor of Kansas. Still, about every seat in the court room was occupied when Judge Cole directed the trial to proceed. As on the previous days of the trial, Mr. Taylor sat beside District Attorney Birney, and prompted the prosecuting officer frequently in the examination of -vitnesses. The testimony given after The Star’s re- port closed yesterday was that of H. C. C. Astwood of New York and Geo. C. Smith. The former testified as 10 his relations with Mr. Taylor, it being the purpose of the defense to show that Mr. Astwood had acted.as the agent of Mr. Taylor in an effort to stop the scandals which the de- fendant was believed to be circulating. Mr. Astwood admitted seeing Chase in the interests of peace, but denied that he acted as the agent of Taylor. He denied that he had ever seen Taylor pay Chase money, but said that Taylor had said that he would not pay a dollar. The witness also denied that he knew of political assese- ments being collected by ‘Taylor. Neither did he know of any bargain ind sale in the matter of offices between Chase and Taylor. The witness Smith stated that he had been furloughed by Mr. Taylor the 31st of last August, and several letters from Tay- lor to him were read, in which it appeared that he had been furloughed becausa of his alleged double dealing with Mr. Taylor. In one of the letters Mr. Taylor stated that he would give up his office before he would by threats submit to being compelled to make appointments. ‘The First Witness. Miss Kate Moten, a young colored wo- man, was the first witness examined by the defense this morning. She was appointed in the recorder’s office in 1884, and left there November 24 last, being notified that her services were no longer needed. A The defense were proceeding to show that the witness was asked to exert her in- fluence in quieting certain people, when Judge Cole ruled that such a showing could not be made. It was perfectly legitimate to stop scandal in a proper manner, satd the court, and it was no violation of law for an executive officer to discharge one not thought worthy of retention. And, said Judge Cole, such an officer had the right to reward by appointments those of his polit- ical belief and faith. Unless it could pe shown that Mr. Taylor discharged Miss Moten because she weuld not submit to his unlawful wishes, explained the court, or unless it could be shown that Mr. Taylor had unlawfully attempted to coerce Miss Moten, the inquiry could not be made. Political Asscssments. The defense noted an exception to the ruling, and called Travis Glascoe, a col- ored man. He stated that he was treasurer of the Negro Democratic League, but he proved a disappointing witness to the de- fense, as he declared that he never knew of Mr. Taylor making any political assess- ments. He was treasurer but a short time, when it was found that “he was non es- tus,” and he quit. J. M. Foster, colored, the next witness, stated that he was indorsed by leading democrats for a position in the recorder’s office. He saw Mr. Taylor, in company with a Mr. C. H. Hooker. Mr. Taylor said he should have a place, and sent him to W. G. Still with a note. He saw Mr. Still, told him that he was a democrat, and after saying that he was willing to contribute an assessment, was told by Mr. Still that he could have a place. At Still’s sugges- ticn he called on P. H. White. The witness was asked if White had not, as the agent of Taylor, demanded mfoney. But Judge Cole refused to allow the wit- ness to answer, on the ground that White had not been shown to be Taylor’s agent or representative in the matter. The wit- ness was allowed to state, however, that Still demanded, in consideration of an ap- pointment in the Treasury Department, $10 in advance and $10 a month so long as witness held the position, Still saying, “We'll go right over and see Carlisle.” On the motion of Mr. Birney, Judge Cole then directed that this answer of the wit- ness be ruled out, on the ground that the promised position was one not in the re- corder’s office, the indictment charging that the defendant alone claimed that Taylor had exacted payment for appoint- ments in the recorder’s office, The defense noted another excepiion, and to Mr. Birney the witness stid that while Mr. Taylor promised him a place, he never asked him for money. Willing te Fight Political Charges. Mr. F. L. Siddons, 2 member of the bar, was the next witness called, and stated that he had called upon Mr. Taylor in con- nection with the alleged assault by Taylor upon Mrs. Hill. Mr. Taylor denied the truthfulness of Mrs. Hill’s charge, but asked him to spare his (Taylor’s) personal character, and not to put him to the neces- sity of calling a physician in his defense. ‘To Mr. Birney Mr. Siddons stated that he investigated charges against Mr. Taylor as the result of a request made by the District Civil Service Association.- 4 Mr. Taylor, in denying Mrs. Hill's charge, stated that he had not the slichtest objec- tion to a fight being made against him on political grounds, but prayed that his per- sonal character be protected. Mr. Siddons was not allowed to state the result of his investigation of the charges made to the Civil Service Association. - Michael M. McCary, a young colored man, a former employe in the recorder’s oftice, followed Mr. Siddons on the witness stand. In July iast, he said, he was furloughed, and finally discharged last October. Mr. Taylor assigned no reason for his discharge. This witness appeared to be another disaproint- Ment to the defense, he failing to state that Mr. Taylor had asked him to intercede with the National Capital Bank in relation to a certain note. Alex. S. Hooe, the next witness, testified that he saw Mr. Taylor once in the corri- dor of the city hall talking with a woman. The woman was adjusting his collar and necktie. “Did you,” asked Mr. Langston, “See Mr. Taylor place his hand on the lady’s person?” Before the witness could answer Mr. Birney asked that the question and the testimony of the witness be ruled out as iminaterial and improper. “The motion is granted,” sharply ruled the court, and another exception was noted by the defense. Taylor’s Inynorality Circumscritied. D. A. Briels, a colored man, iext testified. He stated that last summer he saw Mr. Taylor on the Lady of the Lake, and was asked as to what he saw of visits made to Mr. Taylor’s state room by women. Judge Cole, however, refused to allow the question unless the court was assured that the women were at the time employed in the recorder’s office or subsequently was employed there. Mr. Langston explained that he did not know, but desired to show by the witness that Mr. Taylor was morally unfit to hold the office of recorder of deeds. Judge Cole would not allow the inquiry to proceed, and the witness, after another exception by the defense, was excused. Mr. Chase Sworn. Several witnesses failed to respond when called by the defense, and the defendant was then sworn. He stated that he had known Mr. Taylor for several years, and explained that he published the alleged libelous article for the good of his race and in the interests of the people of the District, believing the charges contained therein to be true. He entitled the article “Our De- fense” for similar reasons, and published 3 IE is tel for advertinees. = to Keep steadify in mind fe fact that Star makes. 4 cs statement each Seturd p of ifs circus fation for the precedine week and that it is the onfp Wash: ington newspaper that rec: ognizes the right of the ad- tertiser fo Rnow the measure of pubFictty for which Be is paying. Fhe amount of ad- bertising appearing daifp in The Star is ampfe evidence that this policy is appreci: ated. TBe average duaifp civcufation fast week was 35,043. it because Mr. Taylor had refused to keep @ promise to mend his ways. The defend- ant told of a dinner he had attended last fall in honor of H. C. Smith, appointed United States consul to Santos, Brazil. At that dinner the late Frederick Douglass made an address, which was a defense of Mr. Taylor. The article in the Bee was called forth by that address. Before his confirmation, said the defendant, Mr. Tay- lor frequently called on him, asking his support and that of the Bee, Mr. Taylor explaining that he cared for none of the Washington papers. Mr. Taylor had, before his confirmation, stated to witneys that when he got into oitice he intended making a lot of money, and asked the defendant to go in with him. Mr. Taylor, the defendant testified, said that he intended assessing all negro em- ployes of the government, “and,” con- tinued the defendant, ‘he told me, after his confirmation, that he had levied such assessments.” Mr. Taylor had also told him that he was here to make money, sald the defendant, and unless the negro government employes joined his (Taylor’s) political organization and paid assessments he would have them discharged. Mr. Tay- lor, stated the defendant, had told him that unless his criticisms of him ceased, he would have the defendant's sister dis- charged from the government printing of- fice. In July last, said the defendamt, Taylor sent him word by one Barnes that he in- tended discharging certain employes in the recorder’s office, appointments secured by the defendant, unless defendant's criticism ceased. The following month Mr. Taylor sent for the defendant, and exhibited two appointments in the government printing office. Taylor, stated the defendant, asked him to see Barnes, who was then hostile to Taylor, and tell him that if the hostility ceased, Barnés could have the two ap- pointments. Five Offices. for a $100 Loan. The defendant ‘was proceeding to testify in relation to'& cénsideration which passed between Barnes and Taylor when the de- fendant returned, with the former, but Judge Cole held ithat whatever considera- tion passed Was‘in payment for appoint- ments in the’ government printing office, and the statements were not, therefore, germane to the indictment, which charged the defendant, with charging Taylor with selling appointments in the recorder’s of- fice. The defendant stated, however, that a few days before Taylor's ‘confirmation he secured a loan of $100 for him, indorsing ‘Taylor's note, when the latter, in return, promised the;defendant with five positions in the recorder’s office. The defendant was still on the stand when, at 12:40, a recess was taken until 1:1 When the trial was resumed after recess Mr. Chase detailed the circumstances at- tending the loan of the $100 to Mr. Taylor. Defendant did not have the money, but secured it in a few hours from W. H. Beoker. While waiting for the money Taylor, the defendant stated, agreed to allow him five appointments in the record- er’s office, and subsequently agreed to al- low him an additional position, that of in- dex clerk. The defendant identified two letters he received from Taylor making ap- pointments for consultations relative to the promised places. The defendant had se- cured the appointment by Mr. Taylor’s predecessors of Miss Eva Elwood, a young white woman, and of Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Wiffer and Miss Flora Williams, and those appointments it was agreed the defendant should control. Miss Williams, a sister of Dr. Williams of Freedmen’s Hospital, was discharged because, said the defendant, her brother had not treated Taylor's friend, Dr. Francis, just right. A letter written” by the defendant to Taylor in connection with their troubles was unsuccessfully sought to be Introduced in evidence by tho defense, and then the defendant stated that when he proposed testifying before the civil service commis- sion in relation to the $100 foan and the offices promised therefor, Taylor sought him and endeavored to have him refrain from testifying. The defendant stated that he refused Tayior’s entreaty, despite prom- ises of reward, and did testify before the commission. When the commission found Taylor guilty and recommended his dis- missal to the President, the defendant stated that he defended the commission's recommendation. About the 23d of last September, at the request of, and with H. C. C. Astwood, the defendant continued, he called on Taylor at the latter’s office. Tay- lor shook hands with him, and remarked: “Well, Chase, you are a fighter.” Some Plain Language. The defendant said that he frankly told Taylor what he had charged him with— that he had made improper proposals to a female member of the Rev. Mr. Givens’ Church, referring to his insult to Mrs. Hill; that he had tried to pull a woman into his office and that he had made an insulting remark concerning the person of a certain young woman. “Taylor,” stated the de- fendant, “laughed and replied: ‘Well, Chase, none of us are perfect.’ I said: ‘Taylor, you are a grand scoundrel,’ to which he only laughed.” As the result of that interview, stated the defendant, Taylor reinstated Mrs. Hender- son and agreed to give him another ap- pointment in about ten days, informing defendant that he should have full control of them and also promising to endeavor to obtain for him two positions in the govern- ment printing office. To Judge Colej! the defendant stated that while Taylor. had never admitted to him that he had. ever held improper relations with any woman employed in his office, Taylor did say:to him that he was going down the river one day last summer with Miss Hill oni the Lady of the Lake, and that he had.secured state rooms. In publishing: the alleged libelous ar- ticles, the defendant again stated, he had published them: in good faith, and in the interest of ‘the;public and of the negro race. jo ——_—»_—_ Mrs. John Walter Wants a Divorce. Johanna Walter has filed a bill for di- vorce against Jehn Walter. She sets forth their marriage on November 29, 1988, and that they ved together until February 27, 1895. Complainant says that he has treated her in an inhuman manner, has neglected to support her or furnish her the necessa- ries of life. Mrs. Walter says she has always been a faithful wife, and thinks that her husband married her to save the expense of a ser- vant. John Walter, the petition states, is the owner of real and personal property valued at $300,000, and has an annual in- come of more than $15,000. Mrs. Walter asks for an absolute divorce and for a proper alimony and counsel fees. Sa A Parti-Wall Suit. Sarah E. Stanford has filed a bill in equity against C. Sidney Foster to restrain the erection of a wall adjoining her house, No. 238 North Capitol street. The com- plainant claims cwnership of tho ground upon which the wall is being built and de- clares that it has always been used by her as an alleyway to her house. She repre- sents that the erection of this wall will de- stroy the cnly means of ingress and egress te her premises. IN CONGRESS TODAY Senator Morgan Introduces a Bering 5 Sea Resolution.’ : NO TRACE OF LAST NIGHTS STRIFE The General Deficiency Bill Under Consideration. MATTERS IN THE HOUSE SSS The demonstrations in. the Senate cham- ber last night left their traces on the pro- ceedings today. Senators gathered in groups and discussed the dramatic scenes ef the night, the shower of venomous epithets, the tumult on the floor and in the galleries, and considered whether steps should be taken to uphgld as far as might le the dixnity of the upper chamber. The three chiet figures in lust nisht’s conflict, Messrs. Cnandler, Hill and Martin, were early in their seats. Mr. Chandler con- Terred with his New Hampshire colleague, Mr. Gallinger, and with Mr. Hoar, Mr. Hroctor and others, conecrning the events of the nizht. He maintained his usual serenity and smiied frequently as the earn- st talks proceeded. Mr. Ill busied nimsclf at his desk, ap- parently unruftied by what had occurred. Mr. Reach of North Dakota, who had been a silent but conspicuous figure of the conflict, was engaged in writing through the early heurs ef the session. Several of the yéteran democratic leaders--Mr. Harris, Mr. Gorman and others—conferred as to what could be done without jeopardizing the passaze of the appropriation billq On zhe surface the Senxte business pro- ceeded with its usual serenity. A land bill, providing tor the extension until January 1, 1£J7, of the time within which entries might be ade on certain lands, wag dis- cussed at length. After some opposition the bill was passed. A biil was passed fixing the terms of court for the United States district court for the western district of Texas, Bering Sen Seizures. Mr. Morgan, chairman of the committee on foreign relations, and one of the United States commissioners on the Bering sea commission, offered an interesting resolu- tion concerning payments for Bering sea seizures. It directed the reference to the foreign relations committee of. the Presi- dent’s message concerning the seizures and sD investigation cf the subject during the recess. Mr. Morgan said an inquiry was most desirable for a vindication of the United States. He referred to the cable re- Ports of today giving the proceedings of the British parliament. Sir Baden Powell had urged the payment Of the claims of Cana- dian sealers by the British government, in erder that a direct moral responsibility to Great Britain might be imposed on the United States. “There has been enough of falsehood and misrepresentation in current reports on this subject,” said Mr. Morgan, Pere rast = thorough irvestiga- made the United eee for the vindication of Mr. erman feared the resolutt interrupt legislation on the Aes vills toward the settlement of the claims, but- Mr. Morgan explained that this pro- vision had been struck out by both houses, and was no longer an issue. Mr. Turpie nd.) objected to immediate consideration of the resolution, and it went over. Mr. Manderson’s resolution was agreed te for a committee of inquiry as to the advisability of a joint committee of the two houses on necroloxy, to do away with sulceiesy on Seceazed Senators and mem- ers and provide for memori eae " ‘ial volumes of At 11:40 the Senate wert into executive session. At 2 o'clock the executive sion ended and the doors were again“ppened. An agreement was reached for an early ad- journment to give Senators. a breathing spell before the all-night work, which is ex- pected tomorrow night. Fn een made on the de- . wi @ Pros} tee Prospect of completing & THE HOUSE. When the House met today fifty mem- bers with uplifted arms were clamoring for recognition, but all requests for unani- mous consent were cut off by the presen- tation of the conference report on the for- tifications appropriation bill, which was agreed to. The Senate amendments to the sundry civil bill were disagreed to and sent to conference under suspension of the rules. The legislative, executive and judicial bill was also sent to conference. The Speaker then recognized Mr. Hatch to move under suspension of the rules to pass a joint resolution directing the Sec- retary of the Treasury to publish the dairy tests made at the Columbian exposition. . Mr. Hatch supported the resolution. It Was opposed by Mr. Richardson (Tenn.), Mr. Payne (N. Y.), and Henderson (lows). The bill failed to pass, 143—121, two-thirds having failed to vote in favor of it. Interstate Commerce Amendments. Mr. Storer (Ohio) was then recognized to move the passage, under suspension of the rules, of a bill, with Senate amendments, tq, amend the interstate commerce act so as to incorporate two criminal sections pro- viding punishment for violation of the law. It imposed a fine of $5,000 for each offense upon any firm or corporation represented by any person or agent seeking rates lower than those established, and a similar fine on common carriers accepting freight at lower than their published rates. The pur- pose of the bill, Mr. Storer explained, waa plain. Under the present law individuals alone were punishable. The corporations and railroad companies went scot free. In several instances minor officials had been convicted with great difficulty and punish- ed. This change in the law had been asked for by the interstate commerce commission for four years. ‘Mr, Simpson attacked the bill, He charg- ed that there was a scheme behind it to get the pooling bill through the Senate. He warned members that if it passed the Sen- ate would put the railroad pooling bill on as a rider and use it as a vehicle to get that iniquitous piece of legislation through Congress. : Mr. Storer was asked if that was not the purpose. The latter denied that he had any knowledge of such a plan. He could not say, however, what the conference would do, but he pledged himself, if a member of it, to do all in his power to prevent the consummation of such a scheme. An Opportunity for the Pooling Bill. Mr. Breckinridge (Ky.) agreed with Mr. Simpson that the danger of passing this bill lay in the opportunity it would afford the Senate to railroad the pooling bill through. He reviewed the parliamentary situation which would make the matter privileged at both ends of the Capitol. Mr. Springer (ill) protested against killing a good measure because there was danger that the Senate would load on to it a bill that would destroy the interstate com- merco law in its entirety. He scouted the idea that such a scheme could be railroaded through both houses of Congress within one day of the close of Congress. Mr. Maguire (Cal.), Sayres (Tex.), Wash- irgton (Tenn.) and Dockery (Mo.) tool the view of the bill advanced by Mr. Simpson and Mr. Breckinridge. Mr. Patterson (Tenn.), who had charge of the pooling bill while it was in the House, supported Mr. Storer’s motion urg- ing the necessity for the enactment of proper criminal provisicns in connection with the interstate commerce law. He de- ried that this was a surreptitious ma- neuver in favor ef the pooling bill. The Bill Lost. The bill was lost, 167—103, not the neces- sary two-thirds. SS Pensions Granted. Among the pensions granted today were the following: District of Columbia—Wm. L. Fox, Jehn L, H. Sawyer and Virginia E. Turtel. Maryland—Benjamin Flory, Smithsburg; John Jarvis, Annepolis; John Chew, An- napolis; Mary C. Sellinger, Raltimore, and Elizabeth E. Dashiell, Salisbury. Virginia—Thomas Morris, Princess Anne; Sarah A. Petitt, Mcdest Town, A RAILROAD SOLD. The Controlling Interest in the G. * and T. Railroad. Negotiations were in progress this after- noon for the purchase of the Georgetown and Tenleytown railroad, and by the time The Star goes to press it is probable that the deal will be completed, and the prop- erty will pass into other hands. The pur- chasers, or, as it might be put, the repre- sentatives of the purchasers, are Charles A. Lieb and Oscar T.-Crosby, both of New York. They are said to be irftprested in a railroad in a southern state and also in ths water power enterprise at Niagara Falls. The transaction involves the transfer of sufficient stock in the Georgetown and Tehleytown railroad to give a control of that property. As the eapital stock comprises 4,000 shares, the par value being $59 per share, a controlling interest is represented at 2,001 skares. The bulk of this controlling interest was owned by Jobn E. Heall, and other stockholders joined with him in the transaction, It is not known exactly what was paid for the stock, but it is under- stood that different prices were usked for the sevcral blocks and that the price ranged from $25 a share to $45 a share. As is well known to the readers of The Star, the negotiaticus for the sale of this road have been in progress for some time, and it has been sald that the proposed pur- chase would be In the interests of one or the other local railroads, and also some have said that the property was wanted by the Baltimore and Ohio. It has not been stated definitely by the purchasers what the purpose is in acauir- ing this property, but the general opinion seems to be that no local street railroad is interested in the deal and that the pw chasers represent themselves and those who have put up the money. It is under- stood that Mr. Crosby will be the active representative here. He has already se- cured-a house in-this city with the inten- tion of making his home here. ———— DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. A Charter Amendment. Relative to the recent report of the Com- missioners upon the Senate bill to amend the charter of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of the ‘District of Columbia, the Commissioners in a communication ta Senator Harris today transmitted a copy of a communication from the attorney for the District, and recommended that the net modifications be made in the bill to conform it to the attorney’s sug- gestions. Objecting to Sewers. The Commissioners gave a hearing today to receive objections to certain proposed sewer work in square 1072. A delegation consisting of Messrs. A. McGarrahy, Henry Bogle and John G. Hanlen, ap- peared. Mr. MeGarrahy objected to the laying of sewers to be assessed against Ipts 3 and 4, square south of square 1072. le stated that the houses had no sewer connections at all; that they were small houses; that there was no pavement in front of the property, no sidewalks and no grading, the street not being improved at all. Mr. Bogle objected to laying sewers to be assessed on lot 2, square south of square 1072, giving the same reasons as Mr. McGarrahy. Mr. Hanlon also objected to the laying of sewers to be assessed against lot 31, square 982. He stated that he did not know where the sewer is located into which his house drained. Resignation Accepted. ‘The resignation of C. H. English as sta- tion keeper In the police department has been accepted by the Commissioners, and Harry C. James appointed to fill the va- cancy. Streets Widened. ‘The Commissioners have ordered that the roadway on ist street between East Capi- tol and B streets southeast be narrowed to forty-six feet by changing the location of the curb on the east side of that street, and that the roadway of B street between ist _and 2d streets southeast be widened to fifty-four feet, by setting back the curb on the north side of the street. Improvements Ordered. The Commissioners today ordered that [he fire hydrant at the southwest corner of 4th and O streets be removed and erected at the southeast corner of 4th and O streets; that a new hydrant be erected at the northeast corner of 29th and O streets; that a brick sidewalk be laid and @ granite-curb be set in front of lots 63 to 78, block 2, West Eckington (Florida avenue between North Capitol and ist streets), under the provisions of the permit system. No Longer a Poor Doctor. The resignation of Louis A. Johnson, M. D., as physician to the poor has been ac- cepted by the Commissioners. License Granted. The excise board today granted a retail liquor license to Alphonse Helm, 423 4% street southwest. a Building Permits. Building permits were issued today as follows: P. E. Church, to erect a one-story brick church building in Brookland, fronting on Hartford avenue northeast, $2,800; Charles C. Waring, three-story brick dwelling, 2316 18th street extended, Washington Heights, $8,000; Edward Stevens, two-story brick structure in the rear of Missouri avenue northwest, $350; R. O. Holtzman, agent, show window, 1211 F street north- west, $700, and Edward Weston, repairs to the Portland Flats, $2,000. ———_—_ ALL WILL GO THROUGH. No Apprehension Lest ‘Appropriation Bills Will Fail. There is no longer any apprehension ex- pressed that there will be any failure of the appropriation bills. The belief is grow- ing that after a hard fight the Senate will be compelled to yield on most of the questions which involve large expenditures of money. The sugar men are making a very active canvass in the House in sup- port of the amendment to che sundry civil till which appropriates five million for the payment of a crude sugar bounty. The outcome of this contest is uncertain. The Louisiana men are very hopeful of retain- ing the amendment, and they will have probably considerable support in the House. * The opposition they have to encounter, however, is extremely determined. It is said that if they could be sure of the sup- port of a considerable majority of the re- publicans they could secure enough demo- cratic votes to ensure the adoption of the amendment. . It is probable, however, that greater opposition on the republican side than has been anticipated will be found. The two propositions to which the opposition is most bitter on the part of those who are conducting it are the amendment to the Hawalian cable in the consular and diplo- matic and the provision for the purchase of the Blaine property on the sundry civil. The foreign affairs committee has to deal with the cable question and the appro- priations committee with the other. The majorities of both these committees join in a determination that these amendments must be defeated whatever happens. Grain and Cotton Markets, Cotton and grain markets, reported by W. B. Hibbs, 1421 F st., representing Hubbard, Hriobs, 1421 Fs nt ub Price & Gen High. Tow. Close. Wheat—May oe oa Corn—M: 4 o —.__ Baltimore Markets. BALTIMORE, March 1 50% 2 red, BS Y4anDIa pes ost 626,808 bushels; sales, 30,000 bush- Corn firm—spot, 4734a47%; mouth, 4740 473 48% bid; steamer mixed, 47 bid—re- ceipts, ‘1 bushels; shipments, 33,534 bushel stock,’ 276,333 bushels; sales, 34,000 Iushels; south: ern white corn, 4714247%; southern yellow, Oats firm—Xo.’ 2 white western, 451%n36; Rye inactive—No, 2, S6a57—1 as, 790 bushels; stock, 25,073 bushels. Hay ae iet—gool to choice timothy, $13.00a$13.50. Grain relghts: quiet, room searce—ateam to Liverpool un- cha Sugar firm, unchangi ter and eggs steady, unchanged. Cheese firm, unchanged. No, 2 stocl ee FINANCE AND TRADE There Will Be No Gold Shipped To- THE SYNDICATE STANDING READY Advance of . Jersey Central on De- ¢ claring a Dividend. | GENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, March 1.—A better under- standing of the foreign exc! situation and the approaching adjournment of Cony gress were factors of decided advantage values this morning. There was no pres- sure to sell any of the recently active is- sues, the tendency in that direction havin; given way to a feeling of apprehension among those responsible for contracts al- ready outstanding. There will be no gold shipped by tomorrow’s steamers, the sev- eral members of the bond syndicate stand- ing ready to offer the necessary drawings the moment a crisis is reached. Conserva- tive bankers, recognizing the uselessness of forcing @ concessicn in exchange rates, have not been alarmed at the recent higher level of the foreign exchange market. The bond syndicate was under obligations to prevent gold going out of the country, but there was no inhibition on its getting the best possible rates for its drawings against foreign credits. There will be drawings sufficient to meet the exigencies of any situation that is reasonably probable dur- ing the life of the syndicate in question. The exchange market this morning was reported as strong, with rates fractionally in excess of those at which actual business was transacted. With the exception of St. Paul, the mar- ket for railway shares opened strong, at advances varying from 1-8 to 3-4 per cent, ns was further improved on later deal- The annual report of New Jersey Central reflects a deficit after dividends of $642,702, as against a surplus of $564,647 for the preceding year. The report recites at some length the channels into which the dis- bursements have gone, and encouragingly suggests that the improvements made will: redound to the profit and credit of the stockholders as soon as business conditionr regain thelr normal level. The directory is, excused in the report for the continuation of 7 per cent dividends in the face of this showing with the passing remark that bus- iness depression, in the opinien of the man- agement, is only transitory. The stock was marked up-11-2 per cent on covering by the room element, but the sentiment of the street is decidedly bearish in its own in- terpretation of the figures presented. Bur- ington sold off 1-2 per cent on a reported decrease of $204,000 in January earnings, but recovered all of its lons on later pur- chases. Louisville and Nashville, New ork Central and Northwest were all active at substantial net gains, due, as elsewhere, to the covering of shorts, In the industrial list General Electric and Sugar were the features. The former was.| eee renewed selling in anticipation Court points pany’s strong under a fair demand, which ad- bpm pase — a beyond opening . The remainder of = tracted little attention. ee a The volume of the last hour's business ccmpared unfavorably with that of its pre- decessor s, and under cover of the dullness prices yielded slighUly from the day's top figures. Beyond a probable advance, based on the adjournment of Congress, there is little in the present situation to change general speculative conditions, ——— ae FINANCIAL 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. dents Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. 80 Broadway: High. 1% afazasesepoesssi 3: Sa-sgobgeee 8 Washington Stock Exchange. Sales— call tional B: at 116. American Gi at 4%; 100 at Govern stock 1901, » Al ise cll Sta Ral eane” Sty ims bid, 1) Bhs, 21 Miscellaneous Bonds.—Wash! town Railroad conv. Washington and Geo 139 bid, 143 asked. Metropolti Gs, 97 bid, [#3 asked. Beit Railroad 85 asked. 192, bia, ington Railroad asked. Columbia Itaflroad 6s, a Gas Company 6s, Gas Company a 1 Washington ser Washi series B. Safe Depost Deposit and, Trust, 123 bi ton oan and ‘Trost, 117 bi 1133 bid, and Trust, Safe Deposit, $5 asked. hattroad Btocks.—_Washiogton and Georgeto 200 bid. Metropolitan, 70 bid, 75 asked. 3 bid, 70, asked. Belt, 25 vid, 40 asked. Gas and Electric Light Stocks.—W SGrcetiic Hehe, 151%) bide asked. ‘Insurance Socks. Firembo', bs bid. 4 sats bid, Potomac, 1S ask inion, 1: 15 asked. i asked” Jt bid. Peop! 5% asked. Lincoln, 8’bid, 8% asked. 5 asked. : Title ‘Insurance Stocks.—I 6 asked. bid, 11 Washington Title, 8 Tame = Phone, 4 bid, 4% asked. u ‘bid. Pneumatic G ““Miscellaneons Stocks.—Wasbirgton bid. Great Falls Ice, 130 bid, 145 Run Panorama, 15 bid, 25 a: Lincoln bid. Mergenthaler Linotype, 160 bid.