Evening Star Newspaper, March 15, 1895, Page 1

EVENING ST. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY THE STAR BUILD! je Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foteign postage 00. “tered at’ the Port Stier at Washington, D. C., es second-class matter.) {7,All mail subscriptions must be paid ites of advertising made known on application. Che Lenin x Star. aavance.| No. 18,113. WASHINGTON, D.-C., FRIDAY, MARGH 15, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. 7 . TWO CENTS. AN: OFFER FOR CUBA|THE MURDERED ITALIANS The Proposition May Be Made in the Next Congress. AMERICAN INTERESTS IN THE ISLAND Three Times the United States Has Tried to Buy. THE FEELING IN SPAIN The present outbreak in Cuba renews talk about the purchase of the island by the United States, and not improbably, it is thought, a proposition to make Spain an offer will be presented to the next Con- gress. The question, it is pointed out, would in no sense be political. Some prominent southern democrats are in favor of the ac- quisition: of the territory by purchase, and many northern republicans have long ad- ~~ Chauncey M: Depew, in a re- iterview, expressed the opinion that ought to be American soil, and he is pted as speaking for the great business iterests of New York with foreign connec- ms. The thing to be attempted, therefore, will be the organizing of this sentiment north and south before the next Congress meets, so that the movement, if brought forward by a man of note and influence, may command the proper attention. Three Aitempts to Purchase. The United States has three times tried to buy Cuba. Forty years ago $100,000,000 were offered for the island, and declined. Spain was poor then, as she now is, but Cuba was a rich prize then, as it now is, and the Spanish government decided that it could afford to hold on -to territory so tempting in the eyes of another power and so certain to advance in value. There has never been an intimation as to the money value put upon Cuba by Spain, and no one believes that it would be an easy matter to ascertain the amount today. Nor has any American statesman now in favor. of pur- chase indicated his figures. But it is as- sumed that if the sum of $100,000,000 was refused forty years go a much stiffer price would be asked today in case negotiations for a sale were opened. American Interests in Cuba. There is a feeling in some quarters that, kept separate from other matters and con- sidered upon its own merits, the proposition to buy Cuba would develop great strength in this country. The business relations of the lower Atlantic coast with the island are intimate, and for some years have been Profitable, while New York and Philadel- phia have gradually been increasing their sales to the Cubans. Tice commercial op- portunity is regarded as exceptionally good. American capital has been making its way there, and many valuable investments are reported. The complaint, however, is, on the part of both the natives and the Amer- ican residents, that the Spanish rule is op- reasive and serves to retard progress, and it is for this reasun that a union with this country is so earnestly desired. But if the Cuban proposition should becorhe connect- ed with Hawaii, or in any way with the Nicaragua coast, some of its friends will despair of seeing it poll its real strength, An excuse, they think, would be given to men timid about the foreign policy of the government to hold back, upon the plea that the project in its entirety was too big, and would involve the United States too deeply at one time. They expect, more- over, to see another colltsion take place be- tween Congress and the executive over Hawali, and they want that matter dis- posed of before Cuba is brought forward. The Spanish Feeling. It fs stated by those entitled to be heard that Spain would rather part with Cuba to any other country than to the United States. Officials in Madrid” have been led to believe that all of the insurrections on the island have been planned in this coun- try and pushed to the very verge of an open infraction of international law. They look upon New Orleans, Mobile and Key West, on the lower coast, and on New York, Philadelphia and even Boston, on the upper coast, as resorts of Cuban plotters, where American assistance and sympathy are freely extended. The purpose of all this, as they believe, is to force Spain to part with Cuba. It is, in their eyes, a Yankee method of “bearing” the market for Cuban soil by helping. to foment trou- ble on the island and making it expensive for Spain to maintain her authority there. This is quoted, too, to explain the firing on the Allianca. The opinion is expressed that if the instructions to Spanish commanders in Cuban waters could be gathered it would De shown that they are cautioned particu- larly against all craft flying the Ameri- can flag. No Englishman, or Frenchman, or German is suspected of a desire to as- sist the revolt in any way. But every American ,is on the black lst, and Spain believes that whatever of means the armed Cubans are now employing against the heme authorities have been secretly col- lected and supplied by the friends of the revolutionists in the United States. For this reason the American flag, it is stated, 1s almost a hostile emblem in the eyes of the Spanish sailors protecting the Cuban cast. o STATE DEPARTMENT CLERKS. What Chief Clerk Renick Has Done in the Mutter of Tardiness. The alleged troubles at the State Depart- ment in the matter of salary deductions for infractions of the rules governing the hours of labor have been adjusted to the entire satisfaction of all parties concerned. No ‘Seductions will be made on account of tar- diness, but the employes will be expected to observe the usual rule in this respect. Deductions or “docking” will be confined to cases where clerks have been absent over their regular thirty days’ leave without permission. There is, it is claimed, no spe- cial hardship in this. The same practice prevails tn all the other executive depart- ments. Additional leave is granted in case of sickness, and absence on that account dees not enter into the financial calcula- tion, except as specially provided by law. The friends of Mr. Renick, chief clerk of the department, assert that he was’ mis- represented in recent publications in re- gard to this matter, According to them, he has never undertaken an espionage over the movements of the clerks, and has never resorted to underhand methods of any kind to insure the observance of the rules of the department. He did not have the watch- men keep a record of the time of the arri- val and departure of the employes, but he did insist that such a record was neces- sary for the proper administration of the affairs of the department. The. keeping of this record was left to the employes them- selves. Each one filled out a time report each day, and turned it cver to the chief clerk at the end of the month. This state- ment was necessary for a proper under- standing of the status of the employes in arranging for their annual leaves. It was also said on behatf of Mr. Renick that, al- though ho may be a disciplinarian to’ the extent of holding the employes to a proper performance cf-their legitimate duties, he does not feel that it is at all necessary to resort to sma:} and underhand methods to secure that result, Treasury Receipts. National bank notes recelved for redemp- tion teday, $289,409. Government receipts— From_internal revenue, $360,104; customs, $701,077; miscellaneous, $11,074. Baron Fava’s Note to Secretary Gresham on the Incident. He Hopcs the Colorndo Authorities Will Publish the Guilty Parties— Probable Action. The Italian government is acting with ex- treme moderation and consideration in the matter of the killing of five of its citizens at Walsenburg, Col., notwithstanding the clamor of the Italian press for the adop- tion of energetic measures. There has been nothing in the nature of a protest lodged with this government, nor a demand for indemnity and reparation. The only com- munication received from the Italian gov- ernment, save the verbal request from the Marquis Imperiali that proper protection be afforded to the other Italians at Walsen- burg, came today, in the shape of a short and dignified note from Baron Fava, the Italian ambassador, inclosing to Secretary Gresham a copy of the report of Dr. Cuneo, the Italian consul at Denver, stating the facts attending the killing and the names of the victims, all five being, according to the consul, Italian subjects, and not natu- ral American citizens. In transmitting this report the ambassador simply ex- presses the hope that the Colorado-au- thorities will take the necessary steps to secure the prompt punishment of the guilty parties. . The Probable Action. This rote and report will be communi- eated to the governor of Colorado by the Secretary of State, and that is as far as he can go in the matter at present. When Congress meets again, however, it is prob- able that the President will feel constrain- ed to request that an appropriation be made to indemnify the families and ‘rela- tives of the murdered men for their slaughter. . In the case of the killing of the Italians in New Orleans, four years ago, the State Department took the ground that an in- demnity could not be demanded,but, never- theless, it felt bound to yield-in comity and equity, and on those grounds, recog- nize the principle. . Jn the pfesent case it will make small difference frcm a legal standpoint whether the slaughtered Italians were or were not guilty of the murder of the*saloonkeeper, for by the terms of our treaty with Italy they shculd have had a fair trial before the regular courts before being put to death. It is just such a position as the United States has taken in the case of Aguerra in Cuba, where the Spanish gov- ernment was obliged by our protest to withdraw him from trial by court martial and submit his case to the civil tribunals. The unfertunate incident at Walsenburg may seriously embarrass the State Depart- ment in its efforts to protect American citl- zens in foreign countries. SSS THE NEW SILVER PARTY. Representative Dockery Thinks It ‘Will Not Gain Recruits in Missouri. Representative Dockery of Missouri will leave for his home tonight to spend the in- terim between this time and the reassem- bling of Congress. As Mr. Dockery numbers’ one of the small band of democratic Con- gressmen who will return to the next House he will be in position to enjoy his vacation more thoroughly than some other Missouri- ans who have already gone home. “I do not think the new silver party will gain many recruits in Missouri,” said Mr. Dockery to a Star reporter today in an- swer to a query. “Missouri is, of course, decidedly in favor of silver, but I think the question will be fought out entirely within the lines of the old parties. There will be @ man here and there going off at a jan- gent from both parties, but I do not look for any considerable sloughing off from either. “I think the people of my state realize that any attempt to organize a third party in the interest of silver will only operate as a hindrance to the cause of silver final- ly. There is a growing sentiment in both the old parties favorable to an enlarged use of silver in our monetary system, and think that sentiment will express itself very decidedly in the next national plat- forms of the democratic and republican parties.” Mr. Dockery thinks that the tariff ques- tion will be held in abeyance by both par- ties in Missouri for some time to come, as there seems to be general willingness to let the matter rest and give the new tariff a fair trial. THE COURT OF APPEALS. A Number of Opinions Expected Next Monday. The Court of Appeals will reassemble next Monday, when a number of opinions are expected to be filed. One of those ex- pected is in the case of Fred T. Miller, charged with conducting bookmaking at the Benning race track last December, Miller having appealed from the decision of Judge Cole, who held that bookmaking is unlawful in every part of the District. Both sides are confident of a favorable opinion, and if Judge Colg is reversed by the appel- late court the Benning race track people will, it is said, hold a race meeting dur- ing next month anti May. . Monday, it is said, Judge Cox of the Dis- trict Supreme Court will relieve Mr. Justice Morris of the Court of Appeals during the consideration by the latter court of several cases in which Mr. Justice Morris is dis- qualified from sitting, he having been in- terested in them as counsel or otherwise. ——— Secretary Cole's Letter on the Bonds. Mr. Chas. H. Cole, secretary of the Bank Presidents’ Association of Boston, has written a letter to President Cleveland say- ing that at the regular meeting of that association on the 14th instant, being the first meeting held since the issue of United States thirty-year 4 per cent bonds-by the President, a resolution was unanimously adopted “that the Bank Presidents’ Asso- ciation of Boston beg to thank the Pres- ident for his wise and patriotic action, which, in their opinion, had great influence in maintaining the payment of the obliga- tions of the United States in gold coin.” a ee Army Orders. Second Lieutenant Frank S. Cocheu, twelfth infantry, is transferred from com- pany I to company D of that regiment. A board of survey, to consist of Lieuten- ant Colonel Almon F. Rockwell, deputy quartermaster general; Major John Simp- son, quartermaster, and Captain Carroll H. Potter, eighteenth infantry, will assem- ble at Philadelphia, Pa., from time to time, for the purpose of ascertaining and fixing the responsibility for any deficiencies in or damages to property received at the depot during the remainder of the present calen- dar yea —_—_—_—_+-2+____ Postmasters Appointed. The total numbér of fourth-class post- masters appointed today was eighteen. Of this number, fifteen were ‘to fill vacancies caused by death and resignations and the remainder by removals. Miss M. M. Ste- vens was appointed at Woodside, Mont- gomery county, Md., vice B. F. Leighton, resigned. ee Land Office Appointments. The following appointments have been made in the general land office: Adam F. Naff of Tennessee, George B. Dickinson of Florida and Joseph N. Burks of Missouri, special agents in the timber, trespass and fraud division. A DEMAND ON SPAIN Mr. Gresham Sends a Dispatch to Minister Taylor. A PROMPT APOLOGY ASKED FOR Surprise at This Action Expressed by the Spanish Minister. CAPT. CROSSMAN’S. STORY The following cablegram has been sent to the United States minister to Spain: Taylor, Minister, Madrid: This depart- ment is informed that on the 8th instant the United States mail steamship “Allian~ ca,” on her homeward voyage from Colon to New York, when six miles from the coast of Cuba, off Cape Maysi, was re- peatedly fired upon by a Spanish gunboat, with solid shot, which, fortunately, fell short. The Windward passage, where this eceurred, is the natural and usual highway for vessels plying between ports of the United States and the Caribbean sea. Through it several regular lines of Amer- ican mail and commercial steamers pass weekly within sight of Cape Maysi. They are well known, and their voyage embraces no Cuban port of call. Forcible interfer- ence with them cannot be claimed as a belligerent act, whether they pass within three miles of the Cuban coast or not, and can, under no circumstances, be tolerated, Capt. Crossman’s Chart. when no state of war exists. This govern- ment will expect prompt disavowal of the unauthorized act, and due expression of regret on the part of Spain,and it must in- sist that immediate and positive orders be given to Spanish naval commanders not to interfere with legitimate American com- merce pasing through that channel, and prohibiting all acts wantonly imperiling life ‘and property lawfully under the flag of the United States. You will communicate this to the minister for foreign affairs, and urge the importance of a prompt and satis- factory response. GRESHAM. The Spanish Minister Surprised. As soon as the text of Secretary Gresh- am’s demand on Spain was known here ‘it was taken by a reporter of the Associated Press to Senor Muruaga, the Spanish min- ister. “I am astonished,” said he, “that this course has been taken when as yet only one side of the story has been told and any action must be based on the ex-parte state- ment of Capt. Crossman.” The minister scanned the text of the demand forwarded to Spain, commenting on the severity of the language that “this government will expect prompt disavowal and due expression of regret on the part of- Spain,” with “immediate and positive orders” to Spanish naval commanders. Senor Muruaga had received no copy of the demand from the State Department, nor any intimation that this step had been or would be taken, nor had any news yet come from the Spanish government to him. As it had gone directly to United States Minister Taylor at Madrid, to be by him communicated to Spain, Senér Muruaga said the course would be for Spain to make her reply to Mr. Taylor, who would com- municate it to the State Department. “Will Spain apclogize?” Minister Murua- ga was «sked. “That remains to be seen after Spain’s side of the story is learned,” said he. “Certainly there will be no reply until all the facts are known, not alone from Capt. Crossman, but from the commander of the Spanish gunbcat alleged to have done the firing.” The minister was in doubt as to how scon these facts could be learned, in view of the inability thus far te communicate with the Spanish warship. When these facts are known, said the minister, Spain will be able to act intelligently on the whole case, and not on the partial case mode out by Capt. Crossman. Spain would undoubtedly rest upon the recognized prin- ciples of international law, that a country maintained her sovereignty over’the wa- ters within her jurisdictional limits. ‘In this respect he regarded the terms of the demand surprising in asserting that inter- ference with American ships cannot be claimed as a belligerent act, “whether they pass within three miles of the Cuban coast or not.” This he considered a denial of the recognized sovereignty of Spain over the jurisdictional waters of Cuba. Shipping Insurgent Goods. But in any event, said the minister, there was another very important question to be observed. If the United States made this demand, then it was essential that the United States should take steps to prevent the shipping of insurgent goods intended to be used against Spain. It had already been established that three yachts—the Lagonda, Baracoa and Amadis—were load- ed with insurgent arms at Fernandina, Fla. They had been apprehended, but sub- sequently released. The arms were put in a warehouse pending an attachment. -When this was settled Mr. Borden, in charge of them, had shipped them to un- known points. It was notcrious, the min- ister said, that this traffic was going on. It was essential that Spain should protect herself or should have the protection of the United States. If, therefore, a demand was made by the United States it would be opportune to consider what protection would be given Spain. At the State Department. The dispatch given above as having been sent by Mr. Gresham to Madrid was cabled here tcday from Madrid. The State De- partment officials today admit the correct- ness of the cable showing that Secretary Gresham has made a protest and a de- mand for a disclaimer and apsivgy on the Spanish government for the firlag upon the Allianca. It is too early as yet to ex- pect a response from Minister Taylor, and when it does come it is rather expected that it will indicate a desire by the Span- ish government for a proper opportunity to ascertain the facts before taking action in the matter. But this, it is said at the de- partment, will scarcely avail in the pres- ent case unless the message conveys some assurance on the part of the Spanish gov- ernment that it has instructed its naval commanders to refrain from further in- terference with vessels flying the American flag. The notable tea¥ire of Seeretary Gresham's dispatch is found in his state- ment that when an American vessel is on her usual route the fact that she is inside aah or outside the three-mile limit does not affect the merits of the case. From this it is apparent that the Secre- tary has taken his stand on the decision of the Alabama claims commission, which was practically new dictum in international law, for it had been the rule previous to that decision to regard as the’ second ques- tion the right of a nation to detain sus- Picious vessels passing within the limit of three miles from its coasts over which its marine jurisdiction extends. It will undoubtedly ‘cost Spain a bitter effort to accept the force of this doctrine, for, if the right to stop suspicious ships in Cuban waters is denied, the task of -maintaining an effective blockade against filibustering expeditions will be -extremely difficult, if not impossible, without recourse to a for- mal acknowledgment of the belligerency of the insurgents. The Spanish government would be exceedingly loath, as are nearly all nations in such cases, to make such an acknowledgment, for- not only would it immensely strengthen the rebellion moral- ly, but it would result in cénferring upon them certain very important aids in the Prosecution of their warfare. It was for just such a privilege that Admiral De Gama struggled so hard in the Brazilian rebellion, only to meet defdat through the success of the efforts of the Piexotto gov- ernment in persuading the United States against affording recognition of his bel- ligerency. Mr. Gresham in Charge. Seoretary Gresham came to the State De- partment today in person, looking very ‘weak as the result of his illness, but de- termined to keep the further negotiations in his own ‘hands. Looking to the future, it is fully expected, in view of the prompt action of the Spanish minister here in promising in advance that if Spain was in the wrong she would make all proper rep- aration, that the incident will be speedily and peacefully settled. If, however, the Spanish government should be stung by the urgency shown by the United States in making the issue into refusing to meet our demands, our ministér, Mr. Taylor,may not unlikely demand his passports, and, urless cooler counsels coming from some disinterested and friendly nation prevail, an ugly complication may result, ending in the presence of a considerable fleet of United States naval vessels in Cuban waters to protect shipping. The Sceretary Criticised. It is said that Secretary Gresham acted wholly on his own responsibility in this matter, and that the President was not consalted at all. He will probably approve what has been done, but if he should not the consequences might “preve serious to the Secretary of State. The latter is criti- cised in certain quarters as having acted hastily upon insufficient evidence. The main argument used against him is that there is no legal proof that it was a Span- ish warship that fired upsn the Allianca. The fact that she displayed the Spanish flag is not regarded by the! Secretary’s critics .as conclusive evidence on that point, /inasmuch as that flagymay have been used by a piratical craft ‘as a subter- fuge to secure a rich prise. The fact that there is absolutely no evi- dence whatever as to the reabidentity of the vessel that fired upon the Allianca is also urged as a reason for passible doubt as to its being a Spanish warship. The Spanish minister has repeatedty expressed his disbelief of Capt. Crossiman's narrative and has given it as his best information that there was no Spanish warship in the vicinity. at the time of the alleged occur- rence. Our Fleet in the Gelf. A telegram received at tte Navy Depart- ment today from Admiral Meade an- nounced his arrival with his squadron at La Guayra, on the coast of Venezuela. He has now with him the flagship New York, the triple-screw flyer’ Minneapolis and the Cincinnati. “He could reach the Cuban coast in a day or two, and there his fleet might be reinforced quickly by. the At- Janta and Raleigh, now at Colon, the Mont- gomery, on the Honduras coast, and the Columbia, about to sail from New York in a few days, making a fleet of seven splendid new steel ships. Capt. Croxsman’s Affidavit. The following is the affidavit of Capt. Crossman cf the steamer Allianca, sent to the State Department, a¢companied by a sketch chart: “The American steamship Allianca of the Columbian line, running between the ports of New York, U. S. A., and Colon, R. of C., under my command, was on her homeward voyage on March'8. “at half-past 6 o'clock a.m. of that date Mr. F. W. Russell, second officer, was ofil- cer of the deck and at his station on the deck. Mr. Russell reported to me that there was a steamer under the land, to the westward, steaming to the eastward. “I went on deck, and from the bridge, with the aid of my marine glasses, I made her out to be a barkentine-rigged steamer, and shortly afterward I decided that she was a war vessel. “We continued our course, although on this voyage I was steering a trifle more easterly, 80 as not to approach the coast of Cuba within less than four miles, owing to the fact that I had read a dispatch in a Panama newspaper that there was trouble in the island of Cuba, and that a Spanish gunboat was patrolling the waters around the east end of the- island. “The steamer set her colors, the Spanish ensign, about fifteen minutes:past 7 a. m. I immediately gave orders to set our colors (an American ensign) aft, on the staff, and saluted the Spaniard by dipping our colors, which salute was answered by the Span- jard. I then dipped again, acknowledging his salute, and supposed the matter was ended, as th2 Spaniard had apparently slowed down, and had, after saluting, hauled up more to the windward, or to- wara the land. “He was at this time about one and a half to two miles from us, on our port beam, and dropping abaft that bearing, as we were continuing our course, north- northeast to west by east, haying the idea in view to keep outside the distance of a marine league from the land. “About five minutes, or possibly a little less, after the salute I-heard a gun fired, and turned to see what it meant. At the same time Mr. Russell reported that the Spaniard had fired a blank. cartridge. I simply answered that as I was on the high seas, I did not intend to stop, so he could ‘fire away,’ which he did;. another blank shot, about three or four minutes after the first, and shortly afterward, at intervals of a few minutes, three more guns; with solid shot, were fired at us, although all fell short—two off the port quarter and the last astern of the starboard quarter, striking the water about a quarter of a mile distant. ““I omitted to state that upom looking at the Spaniard after hearing the first shot I found he had altered his ship's course again. He was heading directly for us, and without doubt steaming at his best speed. “I judged that we were ‘steaming faster than he, so did not. give any. orders to in- creas2 our speed. I found we were grad- ually “gaining on him, and at about half- past 8 a. m. he wag fully five miles astern. I saw that the gunboat was heading to the west, apparently giving up the'chase. We had ‘Cape Mays! lighthouse bearing west, distant about four and one-half miles fully, at eight minutes to 8 a. m., ship's time., “The outline chart I inclose you is a cor- rect account of courses, &c., as shown in a United States chart of the eastern part of the Bahama Islands, with part of Cuba and northwest coast of Santo Domingo, dated 1885. 7a “T also noticed, when we were fully three miles ahead of the Spaniard, that signals were flying from her, but we were too far off and too much if line to fake them out. “We were from ine to teh miles off the coast at the time*the first gun was fired, and at no time were we within four miles of the shore. As you will sée, I hauled out a point to make sure, until I should arrive off the lighthouse. After that our course took us directly off the land.” Pensions Granted. Among the pensions granted today were: Distriet of Columbia—William B. Green. . Maryland—John Wyman,Baltimore; Chas. M. Stearns. Warwick; Mary Fisher, Balti- more. QUIET ON THE LEVEE New Orleans Negroes Working Under Military Protection. ARTILLERYMAN ACCIDENTALLY SHOT Considerable Excitement Caused for a Time. TROUBLE NOT APPREHENDED NEW ORLEANS, March 15.—If small squads of coldiers leaning against cotton bales or basking in the early morning sun- shine on top of freight piles were missing from the lev2¢ front this morning, no one would have thought that New Orleans was at the present time passing through one of the greatest labor crises it has ever had to deal with. The scene along the levee today is one of bustling activity. Nearly every ship in port which came for the’ purpose of re- ceiving’ cargoes of cotton is now -being loaded. In fact, it is not known that work is at a standstill on any vessel. Those ships which are loading by stevedores em- ploying colored labor, which fact brought on the trouble of last Tuesday, are being loaded as fast as men and machines can store the cotton bales in their huge hulls. The negroes are moving about their work with that low chant every southern negro uses when his mind is occupied on his la- bor. They have no fear now. They are surrounded on all sides by military and they: feel contented. Nevertheless, whenever a small crowd gathers around one of the vessels, for the levee is now_visited by hundreds of curi- cus people, the negroes become a little nervous and glance suspiciously at the whites and then at the soldiers. If the lat- ter appear to be contented the darkies re- gain their composure. There was a sigh of relief throughout the city this morning when daylight came. People went to bed last night with en un- defined féeling of dread that befure the night had passed something unusual would occur. What they most dreaded was fire. Many were under the impression that the strikers would chenge their method of warfare and would apply the torch. Nothing, however, occurred to disturb the peace of the city. The rioters remain- ed away from the levee and last night pass- ed off without one exciting incident. The troops detailed on the upper levee reached their destination at 7 o'clock this morning. They marched from their armbries without any incident worth mentioning. As soon as they had reached the various ships the negroes started into work. A few white screwmen hung around the scene, but they were kept at a distance by the presence of troops. The soldiers were tired out and were not in a hurry to resume their tedious detail. Their arrival was anxiously awaited by 300 negroes, who wanted to go to work, but who were afraid to do so without being protected. As soon as ibe soldiers made their appearance on the wharf the negroes threw off their coats and ten minutes later >otton was be- ing stored on thg English steamer En- gineer. 3 No opposition was made by the dozen or more white screwmen who hung around. Gov. Foster was interviewed this morn- ing by an Associated Press reporter. He stated that he would keep the militia on the river until all signs of danger had passed. When asked if he thought that a settlement was near at hand, he said that he could not tell. ‘There was a movement on foot among those whose interests are directly endan- gered by the recent trouble to settle the af- fair, but it would take several days before anything definite could be done. The gov- ernor did not anticipate any more rioting. Wallace Stevens, aged twenty-four years, a member of battery B, Washington ar- tillery, on guard at the Harrison line wharf, has just been taken to the hospital badly ‘shot. While Stevens was in the act of sitting down, his 38 caliber revolver fell from his‘ belt, and striking the wharf ex- ploded. The bullet entered Stevens’ body under the armpit, inflicting a bad wound. The report of the pistol attracted a large crowd to the scene, and it was all the po- lice could do to keep it back. All kinds" of rumors prevailed for awhile, and even the negro laborers, who were not twenty feet from Stevens when he shot himself, wanted to quit work, not believing, at first, that the shooting was an accident. It was not until the wounded man was removed from the levee that matters set- tled down to their normal condition. The doctors do not think that Stevens’ wound will result fatally. ——_—__ HE IS SKEPTICAL. The Spanish Minister Uncertain of Capt. Crossman’s Story. Senor Muruaga, in discussing the Allian- ca affair with a reporter this morning, be- fore the text of Mr. Gresham's dispatch to Madrid was known, said he was pursuing Ms investigations, and had received tele- graphic and mail reports from the governor general of Cuba, all of which stated that there was no information of the Spanish gunboat, although the officials along the eastern coast of Cuba, where the supposed outrage occurred, had been on the lookout. “For my part,” satd the minister, “this lcoks very much like a sea serpent affair. Every now and then a captain states that he has seen the sea serpent, and came near being swallowed by it. - “Capt. Crossman is, no doubt, a worthy officer, but it looks very much as though he had had a dream as to seeing a Spanish gunboat. There are no affidavits as yet, and the proper course would be to exact affidavits from the crew and passengers of the Allianca, afid find out if they agreed with the statement of Capt. Crossman.” The letter from the captain general of Cuba received by Minister Muruaga says that everything {1s quiet in five provinces and that the only danger comes from the possibility of shipping arms, ammunition and men from the United States. The peo- ple of Cuba, reports the captain general, are entirely opposed to all ‘disturbances, this being the case even with the leaders of the former revolution. Senor Muruaga was asked how this re- port from the captain general could be reconciled with the statement of Col. Fir- arado at Tampa, who has just arrived from Cubs, and who, as published in Associated Press dispatches, said that the revolution- ists had held a constitutional convention, chosen a commander-in-chief and envoys to foreign governments, and were about to choose a president for the new republic and issue a declaration of independence. “Is it probable such things could have oceurred,” said the fhinister, “and all men- tion of them be withheld by the captain general in writing to me? It is part of the insurgent program of spreading false re- rts? = The minister also denied the report of the killing of 500 Spanish soldiers in the battle of Veginta, saying such a calamity would have been quickly reported to him. Senor Muruaga was asked if any steps would be taken concerning Col. Firarado pr others at "Tampa. He said that the proper course would be for the Spanish consul at Tampa to report the facts to the Spanish legation here, whereupon proceed- ings could be taken before'2 magistrate for the arrest of Col. Firarado for breach of the neutrality laws. —_._—_. Assistant Secretary McAdoo’s Trip. Assistant Secretary McAdoo proposes to accompany the cruiser Columbla on her cruise to the West Indies to join Admiral Meade’s fleet of evolution. The Columbia is now fitting out at New York and will probably start south about the end of next week. Mr. McAdoo will combine busi- ness and pleasure on this trip. CHINA AND OUR GOLD SUPPLY Some Features of the Peace Negotiations Interesting to Financiers, If a Gold Indemnity is Demanded There May Be 2 Drain on Uncle Sam’s Supply. Same people interested in the financial situation in this country profess to see the possibility of the United States treasury being made an interested purty in the prok- able peace settlement between China and Japan this spring. The fear is expressed that the treasury gold reserve of this country may be seriously invaded in the payment of the Chinese peace indemnity. Foreign dispatches intimate that in the arrangement of peace negotiations Japan will require a cash payment from her vanquished foe of a sum approximating $500,000,000, It has not yet been stated whether Japan will call for silver or gold, but the inference is that the yellow metal will be demanded, and in that event the United States is likely to become interest- ed, it is said. The presumption is that China will bor- row from European governments the sum necessary to meet the war indemnity, and it is thought she will have no serious difil- chity in negotiating the loan. If, however, the arrangement calJs for gold, the draft upon the market supply of that metal will be very heavy, causing the lending govern- ments to lock abroad for the wherewithal. The ease with which the United States treasury could be drained of half a hun- dred millions of the precious money, as demonstrated by recent experience, is like- ly to present a strong. temptation, it is feared. Those who have given the matter thought feel well assured that the tempta- tion would prove too strong to be resisted, and that the first move in the direction of negotiating the loan with China would be a vigorous raid upon the gold reserve of the United States treasury. In the remote contirgency of Japan ac- cepting payment in silver, a contingen-y which is said to be so vague as.to be a bare possibility, the United States might be benefited by a revival of the silver mining industry. In that case it is thought the free silver advocates in this country would take encouragement for the rehabilitation of silver as a monetary factor and an im- petus would be given to the political efforts now on foot n behalf of silver. It is for these reasons that the progress of the negotiations for peace in the far east are being watched with unusual in- terest in financial and political circles in this country. = ee WRECK ON THE VANDALIA. A Terrific Crash, but Fortunately No Loss of Life. TERRE HAUTE, Ind., March 15.—The Vandalia west-bound passenger train No. 7, with six coaches with passengers, was wrecked at the east yards, near the fair grounds, at 1:30 this morning. The express. and baggage cars were crushed to splinters, but the passengers miraculously escaped with slight bruises. The train was ten minutes late and was running at a high rate of speed, when the headlight threw its light into the yards and it was found that a switch ine and two cabooses were standing on the main track. Engineer Pat Dailey reversed the engine and applied the air brakes. This, no doubt, saved the lives of many passen- gers, but it did rot prevent a disastrous wreck. The train stopped so suddenly that the passengers were thrown from their seats. ‘Then there was a rush from the cars. Fully one hundred yards from where the smash-up occurred were two engines—the pony switch engine, reared high in the air and leaning against the big Ben Mo- gul. The cab and tender of the yard en- gine were crushed flat, and one of the ca- booses was on the top of the entire heap. No. 7 was going at such a high speed that she seemed to pitch the smaller en- gine clear off the track and carry it along. Far to the front of one of the smashed cars, covered by trunks, twisted rods, bi- cycles, etc., could be seen a smali flame. In less than a minute it was burning fierce- ly, and as there was no way of getting at it the passengers could do nothing but stand by and watch it rapidly lick up the wreck. ‘The passengers were brought to Terre Haute at about 3 o'clock, and pre3ented a sorry sight—torn dresses, shapeless hats, bruised heads, scratched hands and clothes bespattered with oil, marked their appear- ance. Adolph Gagg, M. Higgins and Wig Sage were on the train. They were badly shaken up, but J. D. Early of this city bears the worst, mark. é The official account of the wreck rendered to the officials shows that the injured are: A aerial Dailey, slightly bruised, cut in ID. Fireman Hanley, slightly cut in face. Baggagemaster E. R. Storms, sprained. Conductor J. Rahm, had his left wrist sprained and he was bruised on the hip. W. P. Kitt of the “Irish Hearts” Com- pany, had his wrist sprained. A lamp fell on his head, making a cut which is not se- ious. The train was delayed three hours and fifty minutes.-The passengers all went forward in the regular cars. TO CHRISTEN THE ST. PAUL. Miss Francis E. Griscom to Break the Bottle. PHILADELPHIA, March 15.—At the solicitation of Charles H. Cramp, Miss Francis E. Griscom, daughter of Clement A. Griscom, president of the International Navigation Company, will christen the big Passenger steamship, the St. Paul, en March 25. Senator Davis of Minneapolis will direct the sending of invitations, and, among others, he will invite prominent citizens of Minneapolis, as well as of St. Paul. Of the latter city, members of the board of trade and of various commercial bodies, together with the mayor and other offi- cials, will be invited here, and wilh be the guests of the International Company dur- ing their stay. ——— TROUBLE NOT LIKELY. ‘The Presence of Militia Restrains Hot-Heads at Winchester. WINCHESTER, Va., March 15.—The trial of Thornton Parker, the negro charged with assaulting Mrs. Melton, a white woman, is proceeding quietly here, though on account of the intense excitement and threats of lynching made by the whites and counter threats made by the negroes the militia was called out, It is thought un- likely that there will be serious trouble. ————— Passed Over the Allianea’s Path. NEW YORK, March 15.—The Pacific Mail Steamship Company’s steamer City of Para, from Colon, March 8, reached quar- antine today. Capt. Lockwood reports everything quiet at Colon. On March 11 the City of Para passed Cape Maysi,the ex- treme east end of Cuba, but saw no war vessels. Capt. Lockwood was somewhat surprised when told of the firing on the steamer Allianca by a Spanish man-of-war while the steamer was passing Cape Maysi, but did not care to express any opinion in relation to the matter. He stated, how- ever, that from what he knew of Capt. Crossman there was no reason to discredit his story. ae A Grand Trunk Train Ditched. LONDON, Ontario, March 15.—The Le- high Valley express on the Grand Trunk railway, due in London at 10:45 a.m., is re- ported ditched somewhere cast of London. ‘A broken wheel was the cause. back | OFFICIAL BONDS The Must Hereafter Be Examined Every Two Years. REPORT OF BUREAU WORK REQUIRED Two Provisions in the Legislative Appropriation Bill. DOCKERY COMMISSION WORE; There are two paragraphs in the legisias tive, judicial and executive appropriatio# bill affecting the operations of the depart- ments in Washington which are now in ef- fect, although the general provisions of thd bill do not take effect until July 1 next, ‘These paragraphs were inserted in the bil} by the Dockery commission and are the re= sult of the work of the experts. One of these’ provides that “Hereafter every officer required by law to take an@ approve official bonds shall cause the sam@_ to be examined at least once every two! years for the purpose of ascertaining the’! sufficiency of the sureties thereon; and every ofticer having power to fix the amount of an official bond shall examine it to ascertain the sufficiency of the amoun§ thereof and approve or fix sald amount at j least once in two years, and as much oftener ‘as he may deem it necessary. Heres | after every officer whose duty it is to take and approve official bonds shall cause all uch bonds to be renewed every four year’ after their dates, but he may require such bonds to be renewed cr strengthened oftene er if he deem such action necessary.” A General Overhauling Will Results The result of this law will be, it is said, a general overhauling of the official bonds of a large number of government officials, and it may be that new bonds will have to be executed. The experts who investigated this mattcr found that there were many. cases where bondsmen were dead or insol- © vent, or the gua: paired. 2 It is said there are 12,000 or 15,000 fourth. , class postmasters whose bonds will have to be examined under this law. This task will be performed at once and new sureties demanded by the governmert in neces-' sary cases. Condition of Business. The other paragraph of interest to the ; departments is as follows: J “It shall be the duty of the head of each exécutive department or other government establishment in the city of Washington to submit to the first regular session of the Fifty-fourth Congress, and annually there- statement as.to the condition of in his department or other sorauaetas, tablishment, showing whether any part the same is in arrears, and, if so, in ' divisions of the respective bureaug ang offices of his it or other bat ment establishment such arrears extent thereof, and the reasons 2 and also a ———— of the number compensation em} At any rate, the next less be interested in knowing what have fallen behind m their work during the vacation. and that will furnish a basis for calcula- tion when the rext report comes in.” oe CAPT. SHEPARD’S DEATH. Funeral Services at the Church of” the Covenant Tomorrow. Capt. L. G. Shepard, chief of the revenue eldest son is seriously ill with pneumonia, | and is not yet aware of his arent | death. Funeral services will be conduc! at the Church of the Covenant at 1 o’clock | tomorrow afternoon. The remains will be carried to Dorchester, Mass., where the oe will be made in the family burial jot. Assistant Secretary Hamlin has called a meeting for this afternoon of the chiefs of division of the Treasury Department to take action on the death of Capt. Shepard. oe THE PRESIDENT’S RETURN. He is Expected to Be Back This Even- ing or Early Tomorrow. Department officials expect that the President will return here late this even- ing or early tomorrow morning. It is pose sible that he may hasten his return by leaving the Viclet at Norfolk and making the journey from there to Washington by rail. Private Secretary Thurber said today. that he had not heard from the President, and that he did not know exactly when he would return to the city. es THE CRUISER MARBLEHEAD. She Pat Halifax Because She ‘Wanted More Coal. In answer to the inquiry from the Navy Department as to why he put into Halifax, after leaving Newport for the Azores, Com- mander O'Neill of the Marblehead has telegraphed that he encountered strong head winds on the beginning of his cruise and found that he required 100 more tons of coal to continue the voyage, so to ob- tain this supply he had put into Halifax. It is probable that further inquiry will be made to ascertain why the ship fell belo expectation in carrying enough coal to cross the Atlantic without stop. ————+»-—_—_ Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians. Capt: Albert E. Woodson, fifth United States infantry, is in Washington with @ delegation of nine Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians, from the agency under his charge. Capt. Woodson says the delegation is here to interview the Indian officials relative to’ the disposition of the tribe. Lands have been allotted to these Indians in severalty, but as yet they have made no improve- ments or undertaken any farming opera- tions, although the lands are the righest in Oklahoma. In three years the, treaty with these Indians will cease, and the govern- ment will no longer issue rations and an- nuities to them. Capt. Woodson rays an effort must be made in the imeantime to make them self-supporting. They have @ million dollars to their credit in the treas- ury, and he will suggest that they be al- lowed to use a of this amount in building houses on their lands and begin- ning farming operations. —_——__2+__—— Treasury Officials Il. Deputy Controller Mansur is confined to his bed with the grip. Commissioner Mil- ler of the internal revenue bureau, who has been fil —. = — —- aot = improving slowly, a1 - tory Nar able ioweanne ‘his duties next week. We have a statement of the | condition of the work up to a recent date '