Evening Star Newspaper, March 20, 1895, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR PUBLISHED SS AILY EXCEPT SUNDAY AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Company, S. H. KAUFFMANN Pres't. EL oa Rew York Otfice, 49 Potter Building, sd ‘The Evening Star Is served to subscribers In the city by carriers, ca thelr own account, at 10 cents Der week, or 44 cents per month. Copies at the ¢eunter 2 cents cach. By mail—anywhere tn the United States or Canada—postage prepaid—60 cents Per month. Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $: at Washington, D. C., Entered at the Post Ott as_second-class mail matter.) {7 All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. Che Lveni g Star. No. 13,117. = WASHINGTON, D. C., WEDNESDAY,: MARCH 20, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. THe proof of the pudding is in'the eating. Yesterdap’s Star contained 49 cofumns of advertisements, made up of 726 separate announces ments. These advertisers Bought pubficitp—not merefp space. GONE TO THE JURY The Robinson Murder Trial at Buf- falo, N. Y. SENSATIONAL: SCENE IN THE COURT Sadie Becomes Hysterical During the Summing Up. INTERRUPTS WITH A SCREAM BUFFALO, N. Y., March 20.—In the Rob- insons’ trial for the murder of Montgomery Gibbs the defense moved today for dis- missal. Upon this being cenied the defense submitted their case without argument or evidence. District attorrey immediately began sum- ming up. Sadie is Hysterical. District Attorney Kennefick traced the movements of the Robinsons, step by step, and brought the murder to their door by their own confessions. “Gentlemen of the jury, you can have no reasonable doubt that the defendants, or one of them, is guilty of this atrocious crime. Who ts this Clarence Robinsan?’ he asked. = “He is better than you,” shrieked Sadie Robinson, who, up to this time, had ex- hibited no symptoms of hysteria, though she had twisted nervously about in her chair as the district attorney advanced argument after argument. Mr. Kennefick turned at this interruption, and addressing the jury but pointing at the ‘woman defendant, said: “She is an adven- turess.”” “I am not an adventuress,” she screamed, and then, flinging herself back in the chair, began to cry passicnately. After the prisoner was quieted the dis- trict attorney resumed. He argued that the fatal shot was fired by the woman,while Clarence was being held down by Gibbs. Yet because they went out with the pre- meditation of committing a felony, “they were guilty of murder in the first degree, and it was not necessary to show that pre- meditation of murder existed in their minds; further, Clarence was as guilty of murder in the first degree as Sadie, even though he was not the one that fired the fatal shot, inasmuch as he purposed to commit the felony and he endeavored to shoot Gibbs at the time of his encounter with him. He asked for the conviction of both defendants of murder, first degree. He closed his address to the jury shortly before noon. Charging the Jury. Judge Hatch then rose to charge the jury. Judge Hatch’s charge was very long and circumstantial, occupying nearly two hours in delivery. He reviewed the entire evi- dence and charged that the jury must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of premeditation. He reviewed the Indictment, in which there are two counts, and charged that the jury could hold on either count, if they found the facts warranted such a finding. During the delivery of the judge's charge, Sadie ard Clarence held each other's hands very affectionately. The judge finished his charge at 1:20, and the jury were instructed to retire for din- ner, and court adjeurned uniil 2:30. ee DIED FOR HIS FAMILY. Jobn Kurtz Sunerificed in Trying to Save Others—A Fatal Jump. NEW YORK, March 20.—Two men lost their lives in a fire which broke out at 2 o'clock this morning in the four-story flat house 168 West 25th street. John Kurtz, proprietor of the Chimney Corner saloon, 6th avenue and 26th street, was burned to death while trying to save the members of his family. Tony Ketchum, an insur- ance agent, jumped from the third-story window, and was so badly injured that he died an hour later. Five others who jumped escaped without receiving injuries. Kurtz was not at home when the fire troke out, but ving shortly after it was discovered he eded to arouse his fam- ily and the otht ‘enants of the building. The last that was seen of Kurtz alive he was running up the stairway through the flames. Kurtz's family, who lived on the second floor, all escaped, the two youngest children being dropped from the window, while Mrs. Kurtz and her eldest son reach- ed safety by way of the roof. Tony Ketchum jumped from a third-story window and sustained such injuries that his death soon resulted. Rebecca Schamp was severely burned about the neck and shoulders, and in attempting to descend by a ladder from the third story she fell, but was caught in a net and escaped with- out serious injury. When the fire had been extinguished the dead body of John Kurtz was found in the hallway. The loss by fire and water is about $4,000. ———— THE CORRESPONDENTS’ TRIP. Preparing to Entertain the Writers at Atlanta. ATLANTA, Ga., March 20.—A committee from the cotton states and international ex- position, consisting of President C. A. Col- lier, Mr. H. H. Cabaniss of the Evening Journal, Mr. Clark Howell of the Constitu- tion, Messrs. Frank Rice and Dr. R. D. Spalding. have been appointed a committee on arrangements for the entertainment of the Washington correspondents who will visit Atlanta as the guests of the exposi- tion company during the last week of May. The correspondents will be the guests of the Southern railway from Washington to Atlanta and return. Elaborate plans for their entertainment in Atlanta are being prepared. An immense Georgia barbec1e will be given on the exposition grounds, and they will thus have an opportunity to see the vast work rapidly taking shape at Pied- mont Park. By that time 189 acres of the Fark will be assuming some semblance to the completed exposition. Many buildings will be finished and all will be nearly completed. While at Atlanta the correspondents will be tendered the full freedom of the city and a great program will be arranged for their entertainmen: es Civil Service Law Passed. SPRINGFIELD, Il., March 20.—The civil service bill today passed the state senate by a vote of yeas, 38; nays, 10. Gov. Altgeld has already promised that he will approve it, and it will take effect be- fore the coming elections in Chicago. E —_—_ Disastrous Fire at Peoria. PEORIA, Ill., March 20.—Fire broke out early this morning under the roof of the Dewein building, one of the oldest and larg- est business structures of the city. The third story, containing lodge rooms of Uni- form Knights of Pythias and other orders, was burned out. Offices In the second story and the clothing stock of H. & N. Kreis- man, boot and shoe stock of J. P. Schnell- bacher & Sons, in the first story, were dam- aged by water. A portion of the rear wall fell down during the fire. Loss $100,000, mostly insured. 5 _>-— Eighteen Horses Burned. , SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., March 20.—Fire which broke out this morning in Kil- bourne’s cooper shop, at Stanford and Townsend streets, destroyed the entire plant and a big stable adjoining. Eighteen fine draft horses in the stables were burned to death. Loss, $30,000. THE NEW CHIEF Capt. Shoemaker Takes Charge of the Revenue Service. The Order Goes Into Effect Today—A Sketch cf His Eventful Career. Capt. Charles F. Shoemaker, who has been appointed chief of the revenue marine bureau, today took charge of the office. Capt. Shoemaker has been actively engaged for the pist thirty-five years in the revenue and life-saving services. His work in the life-saving service caused him to be pro- moted to the position of assistant inspector of the third district, comprising the coasts of Rhode Island and Long Island, and his efficiency as an officer in the revenue serv- ice has long been recognized by his super- icrs and subordinates. In 1858 he was appointed an acting mid- shipman at the Naval Academy at Annapo- lis by Miguel Otero, then the delegate to Congress from New Mexico. At the end of three years at the Naval Academy he re- signed and entered the revenue cutter serv- ice as a third lieutenant, commissioned Capt. Chas. F. Shoemaker. November 20, 1860, by James Buchanan, President, and Howell Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury. His first orders as an officer in the revenue cutter service took him to the Lewis Cass, stationed at Mobile, Ala. He was attached to this vessel when the state of Alabama seceded in the spring of 1861. The vessel was taken possession of by the state authorities of Alabama at the same time that the confederate forces oc- cupied Fort Morgan, at the mouth of the Mobile bay. The commanding officer of the Lewis Cass, Capt. James J. Morrison, arranged with the state authorities to take possession of the vessel, resigned his com- mission in the United States service, and cast his fortunes with the confederate cause. Third Lieut. Shoemaker, however, his brother officers and all the crew made the best of their way back to the north, remaining loyal to the government. From that time until April 4, 1864, he served in various revenue vessels of the service, on guard duty at the port of New York, and in convoying' vessels on the coast. At that date he resigned from the service and went Into business in the west. In June, 1868 he was recommissioned a lieutenant, and served until 1875, at the various stations along the Atlantic coast. He was then appointed assistant inspector of the life-saving stations, in the office of the inspector of that service at New York city, where he remained one year. His <p- pointment as assistant inspector of the life- saving stations of the third district imme- diately followed. Under the direction of Sumner I. Kimball, general superintendent of the life-saving ‘service, he reorganized the district from top to bottom, and put it in efficient working order. Two years later he was transferred to the office of the general superintendent in this city. His duties here were varied, such as investigating the loss of life in wrecks, the complaints against crews and Keepers of stations in all the districts of the service. In 1882 he was detached at his own request, and assigned to duty as executive officer of the revenue steamer “Seward,” serving in the Gulf of Mexico, and three years later was reassigned to duties as assistant inspector of the life- saving stations in the third district. Hav- ing reorganized and improved this district, he was thereafter employed until 1801 in the inspection of all the districts of the life-saving service, excepting the twelfth, on the Pacific coast. Capt. Shoemaker has also served on revenue steamers pn the Pacific and the Atlantic coasts. SSS PENSION APPROPRIATIONS. No Estimated Decrease in the Amount for the Next Three Years. Commissioner of Pensions Lochren esti- mates that there will not be any decrease in the amount appropriated for pensions during the next three years. The amount appropriated for the fiscal year of 1896 in round numbers fs $140,000,000. For the pres- ent year the amcunt was $150,000,009. The reason for the absence of any perceptible decrease is that the falling off, owing to deaths and other causes, is about counter- balanced by first payments in pensions al- lowed. As cases are allowed from time to time there are large first payments, soine- times for arrears and always dated from the time the application was filed. The de- crease in some classes of claims are quite great, as in the pensions for the war of 1812, which have decreased about 50 per cent in the past year. After three years, vhen it is expected the majority of claims will be adjudicated, and there will be few remaining first payments. Commissioner Lochren expects there will then be a rapid fallirg off of pensicns, as they have row reached the age when it is to be expected. He then expects the pension appropriation will be diminished in size very materially. —_—_ + e+ ______ THE CARSON MINT. A Shortage Discovered of Something Less Than 860,000. Mr. Preston, the director of the mint, to- day, in speaking of the reported defalcation in the Carson, Nevada, mint, said that early last month he received an intimation that there was a shortage in the accounts of the melter and refiner of the Carson mint, and that Superintendent Mason of the New York assay office was immediately detailed to make an investigation. On the face of the accounts there appeared a shortage amounting in all to something less than $60,000. So far as Mr. Preston knows, the responsibility has not yet been exactly located, but he has no doubt that one or more arrests will be made very soon. es s Personal Mention. Second Assistant Postmaster General Neilson has gcne to New York on official business. Capt. F. B. Hobbs of the ordnance de- partment and Capt. J. B. Burbank, third artillery, are in the city on leave ‘of ab- sence. Mr. Fred A. Emery of the Associated Press is at Atlantic City. eae ane Se Appointments Expected Soon. “It is understood that the President with- in a day or two will make a number of appointments under the recent act of Con- gress creating two federal courts in Ok- lahoma. It is pelieved that ex-Represen- tative J. Buckléy Kilgore of Texas will be appointed to one of the judgeships. ee eS Fourth-Class Postmasters. Thirty fourth-class pastmasters were ap- pointed today, of which twenty-six were to fill vacancies caused by death or resig- nations. HAWAII'S MINISTER His Recall Demanded by the Secre- tary of State. WR. THURSTON A PERSONA NON GRATA This Action Was Entirely Con- cea'ed From Congress. GENERAL OFFICIAL RETICENCE ‘These are days of diplomatic sensations. They follow each other so quickly that one seems to tread upon the heels of its pre- decessor. Sensational incidents have oc- curred in rapid succession in our relations with Germany, France, Great Britain, Mexico, Italy and Spain. The Spanish in- cident over the Allianca has not béen al- lowed to run its usual course before an- other sensation is sprung. The latest, and, therefore, the most prominent, is the an- nouncement that Secretary Gresham has demanded the recall of Mr. L. A. Thurs- ton, the Hawaiian minister to the United States. According to the best information, Secretary Gresham's letter making this de- mand was taken to Honolulu on the steam- er that left San Francisco on the 2lIst ul- timo. It was addressed to Mr. Willis, the United States minister there, with instruc- tions to present the matter to President Dole without delay. It was a long message, and gave’ full specifications of the charges against Mr. Thurston, including newspaper publica- tions said to have been inspired by him, and copies from official.documents of the State Department, for the purpose of showing that the minister had talked too freely about matters which the Secretary thought were still to be regarded as State Department secrets. Ample Time for a Reply. ¢ It is believed from the fact that the communication relative to Minister Thurs- ton was sent on February 21, that there has been ample time for a response from the Hawaiian government in the mail just received. Secretary Gresham's note reach- ed San Francisco in time to catch a boat which would arrive at Honolulu about the last of February,. Since then several ships have left Honolulu, the last ones reaching San Francisco and Vancouver, respective- ly, about a week ago. They brought the official mail, which has now arrived at the legation. It Is known that it contained a long communication from Mr. Hatch, the Hawaiian minister of foreign affairs, as Mr. Hastings received a brief message saying that such a communication was cn its way. If the Hawalian government has replied Mr. Thurston would be the natural and only channel of communicating it to the State Department, as he remains the offi- cial representative of Hawaii until his re- call is actually accomplished. That Secre- tary Gresham asked for Mr. Thurston's recall there is no longer any doubt, though the manner in which it was put is not yet known. Before answering. Secretary Gresham it is presumed the Hawaiian gov- ernment will communicate with its min- ister and seek his version of the circum- stances before acceding to Secretary Gresham’s request, which in a measure implies a personal affront to the indfvid- ual. Under these circumstances the com- murication from Hawaii, if it refers to the recall, as it thought extremely likely, may be short of a reply to Mr. Gresham's re- quest. Further developments, therefore, will be watched with great interest, and especially the answer of Hawaii, as a declination to accede to Secretary Gresham's request doubtless would be followed by Minister Thurston being given his passports, an act tantamount to a severance of diplo- matic relations. Gresham’s Course Criticised. In connection with the latest Hawaiian developments criticism ig made by members of Congress still in the city of the failure of the Secretary of State to transmit in- formation of his action to Congress prior to’ its adjournment on March 4. The re- quest for -Minister Thurston’s recall was dispatched prior to February 21. Congress had been informed officially that the gov- ernment would keep it posted on Hawaiian affairs, and would be supplied with the co respondence relating thereto. Notwith- standing this, the Congressmen say, no in- timation whatever transpired that the rep- resentative of the Hawaiian government to the United States had been declared per- gona non grata, and a step taken which may embarrass seriously the relations be- tween the two governments. No Official Information. An intimate friend of Minister Thurston now in Washington says that Mr. Thurston has no official information as to the request for his recall, while at the same time no doubt exists on the part of the minister that such a suggestion has been made to the Hawaiian government. It is not likely, however, that Mr. Thurston will leave this country. He will continue, it is stated, to look after Hawaiian interests in an unof- ficial manner. Mr. Thurston’s friend says that, as a matter of fact, he has never been treated at the State Department as other foreign ministers have been treated and has not been accorded the courtesy usually ex- tended to men holding similar positions. Mr. Thurston, it is said, does not know who will be his successor, but it is inti- mated that Frank Hatch may be selected and that he will represent the same ideas and views that have been prominent during the mission of Mr. Thurston. Mr. Hatch is said to be unusually well qualified for the Post. od Not Recently at the Department. Mr. Thurston has not been seen at the Department of State in person recently, although Mr. Hastings, the secretary of his legation, and the charge d'affaires dur- ing the absence of the minister, has been a frequent vistor, though not on diplomatic errands, so far as can be ascertained. A special cause of grievance against Mr. Thurston is that he was a frequent vis- itor at the Capitol during the consideration of Hawaiian matters, on the theory that he attempted to influence legislation favor- able to the interests of the Hawaiian re- public regardless of whether or not it was in accord with the wishes of the adminis- tration. The Hawaian Cable. He was specially interested in the bill for the establishment of a cable line be- tween the United States and Hawali, and made no secret of his desire for its enact- ment, when, as is well known, the measure was opposed by the administration. The President had recommended the amend- ment of the old treaty with Hawaii, so as to authorize the construction of a Hawa- iian cable by British capitalists. May Soon Be Recalled. Although Mr. Thurston has not as yet been actually recalled, so far as admitted, there is no doubt that the Hawatian govern ment will promptly acquiesce in the Presi- dent's suggestion with regard to him. Ac- cording to diplomatic usage, it is only necessary to hint that a diplomatic repre- sentative is persona non grata to the gov- ernment to which he is accredited to in- sure his recail. The cases of Mr. Cate cazy, the Russian minister, and Mr. Sack- ville West, tke British minister, are in- stances in point. They were both recalled &t the suggestion of the President of the United States. es May Retaliate. The Hawaiian government may supply a sequel to the Thurston incident by making a similar suggestion to the United States with respect to its minister at Honolulu. Mr. Willis is not in the highest favor with the Hawaiian government. ‘His public criticisms of its actions and his sympathy with the monarchical party have-contrib- uted to this result.. Although not made a matter of official complaint, it is nn open secret that the Hawalian zovernment has been dissatisfied with Mr, Willis’ frequent interference in political matters.. The im- pression is,-therefore, strong in diplomatic circles that President Dole, in complying with the request for the recall of Mr. Thurston, will take occasion to suggest the recall of Mr. Willis. A Diplomut’s Views. A member of the diplomatic corps, long in the service and well versed in the pro- cedure, said: ‘Ihe books do riot contain a precedent warranting a demand for a min- ister’s recall because he has stated to the public or the press a condition of facts within his country. The contrary was ex- pressly held by Mr. Webster when he was Secretary of State and also In a Spanish case. In the case of Mr, Thurston he was under no obligations to give to the State Department information of the sentences imposed on those convicted cf rebellion. ‘The department has its own medium of in- formation in Mr. Willis. On the other hand, there is no precedent against Mr. Thurs- ton's giving information to the press before or after giving it to the department as to the sentences of the rebels. It was in- formation as to facts which had actually occurred, and not of subjects involved in diplomatic negotiations. The precedents are agreed that a minister ‘should not com- municate with the press or give opinions on purely diplomatic questions, but he is al- ways at liberty to state conditions of fact.” MR. THURSTON WILL NOT TALK. He Will Not at This Time Discuss Mr. Gresham's Action, Mr. Thurston, when seen today at the Hawaiian legation offices at the Everett, 1730 H street, said he could at present make no statement for publication, either as to the personal phase of the incident or as to the effect on the relations between the two countries. This, he said, had been his uniform answer to all representatives of the press. He would not deny the statement of the affair as it appeared in the Associated Press report, and bélieved it was a fact that the Secretary of State had taken the action indicated. From nothing he said so much as from the manner of saying what he did it was to be inferred that Mr. Thurston had recelved. from Mr. Gresham in some quast-official way motice-of the action taken. Mr. Thurston would: make ne comment cn Secretary Gresham's treatmest of him ror of what the course.to be taken by the Hawaiian government would be, although he was plied with questions very carefully from every point of view bearing on the in- cident. He has received ho advices from his government.in regard te the matter. The legation is open as usual and there were no indications. manifest of the sur- prising disruption luced by Secretary Gresham's ayersion for . Thurston. The diplomatic represeftatives of other governments, most qf whom are just now keyed up to a certain degree of tension by little international differences of opinion, will not discuss the Thurston contretemps. They are eager for sieaielves" and it is evident that among themigelves they take the affair as a good joie, and discuss it without reserve. But they discreetly re- fuse to be quoted or to express an opinion within earshot of a newspaper man. Mr. Thursion and Mr. Gresham. Mr.. Thurston’ first camé to Washington as a commissioner in favor of annexation. The administration opposed him with all the power that it possessed. The field of Mr. Thurston was, of couse, the Congress; and in that field he often proved himself stronger than the administration. He ap- peared at times stronger even than the ad- ministration with some prominent mem- bers of the democratic party. When the Hawaiian government became a republic and Mr. Thurston was appointed the min- ister the administration received him; but it was generally understood that the Secre- tary of State greatly regretted that he was compelled to do so. There have been, it is said, many stormy interviews between. Min- ister Thurston and Judge Gresham. Some of these are of recent date. The cause of the latest differences has been the action of the Hawaiian government in the matter of the trials for treason, Secretary Gres- ham, it is said, has endeavored to have Minister Thurston insist that the govern- ment of the Hawatiian republic, the crea- tion of which the Cleveland administration did s¢-much to péevent, ghould take its in- structions from Washington. Minister Thurston declined to attémpt to influence his government in that ,respect, and in- formed the Secretary of State that the re- public of Hawaii is an independent sov- ereignty, and that he did not feel called upon to attempt to regulate the sentences of its courts, Secretary Gresham, moreover, is said to have been greatly irritated at times at the consideration which has been given to Mr. Thurston in Congress. He has been restive at the fact that Minister Thurston seems to have been able to accomplish through Congress things which could not be se- cured in the ordinary course of diplomacy. At least, he has charged that Mr. Thurston has done that. Judge Gresham hat held Minister Thurston responsible for articles which have appeared in the newspapers, of which Minister Thurston, it Is asserted, never ever had knowledge. Altogether, there has been a long series of differences between the Secretary of State and Mr. Thurston. Mr. Thurston has always in- sisted that his government should be ac- corded the diplomatic rights to which she is entitled. He has stood upon his rights, and served the interests of the young re- public with great skill in the face of diffi- culties and opposition which would have jouraged men with less tact and cour- ———— JAPANESE CABINET OHANGES. The Legation Here Has Been Notified That Several Have Been Made. The Japanese legatiom has received cable information of several cablmet changes, one of which, Mr. Matsugata, to be min- ister of finance, has nat yet been announc- ed. Field Marshal Yamagata, who was in command of the first army umfil he became ill, now becomes minister Of war. The place was occupied temposarily by Marshal Oyama, the hero of Port Arthur, who now returns to the field. The new minister of finance is one of the,foremest statesmen of the east on the meney question, and he has had charge of Japan’s fimeal affairs at former eventful periods of her history. ‘These cabinet changes,.and the appoint- ment of Pringe Komatsu @s commander-in- chief of all the military forces of Japan, are regarded as having a significant bear- ing on the peace negotiations now in pro- gress, and as clearing the way for a decla- ration of armistice and a cessation of hos- tilities. Thus far the military commands have been divided, several marshals con- ducting different campaigns. These are now concentrated into the hands of one man, closely in acgord .with the imperial household, so that’ an armistice could be executed quickly without waiting for the different corps commanders to check their respective campaigns. The new minister of finance will have charge of the enormous cash indemnity of gold er silver to be paid by China. Se A Collector Appoimted. The President today appointed James H. Collins collector of ggstoms at Nashville, Tenn, . | ADAM BADEAU DEAD Gained Reputation as Gen. Grant's Military Secretary. HIS CAREER DURING THE REBELLION Consul General at Londen and Havana. WHY HE RESIGNED —_-+—_—__ RIDGEWOOD, N. J., March 20.—Gen. Adam Badcau, who was on the staff of Gen. Grant as military secretary and who afterward served.as secretary of the Amer- ican legation in London, is dead, aged sixty-four years. Adam Badeau was born in New York city December 29, 1831. His education was received through private instruction and at a boarding school in Tarrytown, N.-Y. He volunteered in the military service of the United States in 1862, and was ap- pointed aid on the staff of Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sherman. In that capacity he served in Louisiana until May 2%, 1863, when he was severely wounded almost at the same time with his commanding offi- cer, in leading an assault on the confed- erate works at Port Hudson. In March, 1864, he was appointed military secretary to Gen. Grant, with the rank first of lieu- tenant colonel and afterward of gcolonel. On this duty he accompanied the general in the Wilderness and Appomattox cam- paigns ard remained on his staff until March, 1869, when he was retired from the army with the full rank of captain and the brevet rank of brigadier general, U. S. A. He also received a similar brevet in the volunteer service. From May to December, 1869, he was secretary of legation at London, During 1870 he was sent to Madrid as a bearer of government dispatches, and in May return- ed to London as consul general, retaining that office till September, 1881. In 1877 and 1878 he was given leave of absence by the State Department to accompany Gen. Grant on his tour round the world. He was consul general to Havana from May, 13882, until April, 1884, and then re- signed because he was not permitted by the State Department to substantiate charges of corruption of which he accused its administration. He had been appointed United States minister to Brussels in 1875, and to Cepenhagen in 1881, but declined both appointments. He has published the “Vagabond,” a ccllection of essays (New York, 1859); ‘‘Military History of Ulysses S. Grant @ vole., 1867-’81 Cuban Romance” (1885); England” (1886), and “Grant (886). in Peace” —>__ HAD A GREAT RECORD. Ralph Wilkes, the Fast Stallion, Was Defeated Only Once. LANCASTER, Mass., March 20.—The famous stallion Ralph Wilkes, owned by Col. John E. and Bayard Thayer, died here today. The Thayer brothers had refused $75,000 for him. Ralph Wilkes had a re- markable record, except in one instance winning everything he ever started for. He was foaleé in Kentucky six years ago and was bred by Dr. W. F. Galbreath of Lexington, Ky. He was sold for $30,000 when but two years old to John E. Thayer, and at that time had a record of 2.18 on high wheels. When three years of age he made an exhibition mile in 2.13%, and last fall _he lowered his record to 2.06 3-4 at Nashville, Tenn. The stallion was sired by Red Wilkes, son of George Wilkes. His dam was Mary Mays, by Mambrino Patcheon, a son of Mabrino Chief. Sa LYNCHING OF MRS. HOLTEN. Two Desperndoes, Believed to Be In- volved, Arrested. BUTTE, Neb., March 20.—County Attor- ney C. W. Lear is now at the scene of the lynching of Mrs. Holten, near Brocksburg. Ward was received here today that he had arrested two men named Hunt and Miller as perpetrators of the dreadful deed and will bring them in at once. These men are desperadoes and have been mixed up in a number of lawless affairs. Their latest known exploit was the holding up of Dr. Ellis on the road from Butte to Bonsell, S, D., two weeks ago. Attorney General Churchill will probably reach here tomorrow, having been ordered here by tha governor to investigate the case. Hunt and Miller, it is believed, are only two of a number of men who were in- terested in putting the poor woman out of the way, though probably not more than two were actually engaged in it. —— INDICTED FOR MANSLAUGHTER. The Owner of the Collapsed Orchard Street Building. NEW YORK, March 20.—The grand jury has returned indictments for manslaughter in the second degree against William F. Lenon, owner of the building at 159 Or- chard street, which collapsed on March 1, killing five men. Indictments were also re- turned against Contractors Glave and Cones and District Inspector Timothy Ormsby. All the-indicted men are now un- der bail, fixed by the coroner, and they will probably be arraigned in general sessions to plead some time during the present week. —_.__ Armenia’s Friends in the West. CHICAGO, March 20.—The western branch of the United Friends of Armenia has been organized. The object of the or- ganization is t& create public sentiment against the condition of affairs that exists in Armenia. The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. E. W. Shippen; vice president, M. M. Mangasarian; re- cording secretary, Mrs. Mary E. Holmes. Mrs. Shippen read a letter from Gulesian, the secretary of the parent society in Bos- ton. Brief addresses were made by Mr. Mangasarian and Mr. Garabedyan. —_—>—__ Fire on a Fredrick County Farm. Special Dispatch to The Eveniug Sta FREDERICK, Md., March 20.—Fire of incendiary origin destroyed the large barn on the farm of Samuel Clagett in the Petersville district last night, burning, be- side a lot of grain and farming imple- ments, six fine horses. The loss is about $1,500, insurance $650. —_—.——_ Found Dead in the Street. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., March 20.—Quite a little excitement was created this morn- ing in South Chattanooga by finding the body of T. P. Brogby, a well-known negro, lying in the st#eet. Foul play was sus- pected, but the coroner's inquest discovered that paralysis of the heart had caused death. es The Vice President’s Trip. BLOOMINGTON, Ill, March 20.—Vice President Stevenson will leave for Europe the 10th of April with*his family, where they will spend the entire summer, making London and Paris their principal abiding places. The health of Mrs. Stevenson is poor, and since the death of her daughter Mary, last January, she has been resting quietly at the home of her brother-in-law with the exception of a brief trip to Dan- ville, Ky., her old home. SEEUING 1) 2 ***SPAIN'S POSTER Suspicious Aroused by the Policy of Secrecy. That Was Withheld Public Regarding Information From the the Garbage Contract. As showing how the rule of the Commis- sicrers, which forbids the giving of infor- mation to the press by subordinates and encouraging secrecy in every possible way, wcrks in actual practice, a sample case may well be cited with profit. There are people who think that what public officials do should be made public in the interest of the community unless publicity works a positive injury. The Commissioners are rot among these people, and it is said that they are contemplating wearing at least one kid glove apiece during office hours in order that their left hands may not know what their right hands are doing. Yesterday a communication was received by the editor of The Star asking for cer- tain information which the writer said he had been unable to secure. It was a mat- ter with which the people of Washington have every right to be kept informed, and *with reference to which no possible inter- est could be conserved through secrecy. Here is the ccmmunication in full: To the Editor of The Evening Star: The undersigned, a humble citizen of the District, not being able to get any in- formation himself on the subjest, would like the assistance of The Star in nding out what has been decided within ihe sacred precincts of the “holy of holies” in refer- ence to the new garbage contract. The several local contractors who are waiting for a chance to bid for the work have heard it rumored that, owing to congres- sional influence, the entire sixty thousand a year is to be dumped into the capacious muw of the present Baltimore contractor without even the formality of competition. The silence of the Commissioners is cer- tainly very suspicicus when we es a that the present contract was given out in February, so that the contractor would have ample time to get his plant ready by the Ist of July following, and in the pres- ent instance we have the beginning of April here and the specifications not even advertised. This information is necessary in a strictly business sense, and The Star will confer a great favor by publishing it. A Reporter's Investigations. The matter was turned over to the un- fortunate repertorial outlaw who “does” the District butiding for The Star for the purpose of securing the information de- sired, as it is a question in which every householder in the city is directly interest- ed. - In the good old days gone by it would have been possible to get the desired facts without delay. Things are different under the new rule of the Commissioners, and it took some hours and much red tape to get at the very simple facts in the matter. Under the system now in vogue Dr. Tin- dall, the secretary of the board of Gom- missioners, is the official filter through whom alone matters of public interest are allowed~to percolate before they can be made known to the taxpayers of Washing- ton, in whose interests the Commissioners are supposed to labor. He is the only re- course of the newspaper men, and the mat- ter was laid before him. “I really do not know anything about tt,” said Dr. Tindall. “I was away when the matter was considered. I believe it has been turned over to the health officer and the attorney for the District for a report. ges might see the Commissioners about t “Thank you.” Commissioner Ross is out of the city. Commissioner Truesdell was not at the District building. Commissioner Powell was in his room, however, and, with the assistance of a jimmy, a brace and bit, a sledge hammer and a dark lantern, an en- trance was effected into the sacred pre- cincts. Much good it did. There were two visitors in the room not under the news- paper ban, and the outlaw reporter might as well have stayed in the strong room where the reporters are confined. He wait- ed in the Commissioners’ office until the hands of the electric clock showed that it was too late to get anything into the paper, and then he departed. Health Officer Woodward Explains at His Peril. This morning the letter was shown to Health Officer Woodward. That courageous officer took his official life in his hands, and said that he thought he might be per- mitted to answer the question without violating the Commissioners’ rule, as he did not construe it as covering matters of this sort. “I have already submitted to the Commis- .sioners,” said Dr. Woodward,“a draftof the Proposed police regulations which are to be put into effect this coming ‘year to regulate the collection of garbage, providing they meet with the approval of the Commission- ers. A knowledge of the rules that are to be enforced is necessary, of course, to the ecntractors before they can bid intelligent- ly on the work. I am now engaged in drawing up a contract for the work, which will be so worded, I hope, that the District will not get altogether the worst of the bargain. When this has been approved by the Commissioners, they will advertise for tids for the work. The present contractor will have a chance to bid, but others will have the same privilege. The contract will be awarded in season so that the con- tractor will have plenty of time to con- struct his plant before the beginning of the next fiscal year. A couple of months would be sufficient, but he will have more than that.” —E— A LOWER RATE. Falling Off in the Number of Local Deaths. The rise in the death rate of the city which ensued after the late cold spell of weather was followed by an equally as| sudden fall last week. The rate, which had averaged during the fall and early winter at a low figure, after the rise has swung back to about the same degree. According to the reports received at the health de- partment, there was a falling off in the number of deaths during the week of near- ly 24 per cent, as compared with the pre- vious two weeks. The death rate conse- quently receded from 26.71, the highest point, to 16.45. The improvement is gen- eral in extent as to disease. The danger- ous contagious maladies seem to be in abeyance, there having been but one death each from diphtheria and whooping cough and no death from scarlet fever reported. The noticeable feature of the hygienic his- tory of the week is the comparatively large proportion of mortality among the colored people, there having been 49 deaths of these as against 47 deaths of white per- sons. This may be possibly an exceptional result. The tctal deaths were 96; births, 91; marriages, 25. —_—.—__. The New Magazine Rifle. It is expected that the issue of the new magazine rifle to the infantry will be com- pleted by May 1 next, and the issue of the new magazine carbine to the cavalry by September 1.. Range practice will be held only with the new arm. In no case will the firing season be extended beyond Oc- tober 31 next. —+-e+—__. Naval Movements. © The Concord has arrived at Shanghal. The Charleston sailed from Cheefoo yester- day for Port Arthur. The Detroit left Nagasaki yesterday for Chemulpo. The ram Katahdin sailed from Boston today for Bath. This Government Should Watch the Cuban Filibusters, SECRET SOURCES CF INFORMATION What May Be Urged in the Final Reply. THE TWO CONTENTIONS Are the Spanish authorities in possessior of particulars respecting the activity of thy friends of the Cuban leaders in this coun-~ try? And do they intend to use this infor- mation in any way in the final reply they shall make to this government in the case of the Allianca? It is remarked in diplomatic circles that close track seems to have been kept by Spanish officials of certain transactions. ‘The Spanish commanders in Cuban waters are evidently suspicious of all American craft in that latitude, and the commander of the gunboat who trained his guns on the Allianca had informed himself of the car- rying of munitions of war by that ship. Capt. Crossman explains that this portion of his cargo was not consigned to Cuba and was not landed there. But the fact re- mains that the Spanish commander had news of the Allianca’s invoice, and this shows the establishment of secret sources of information leading straight to Spanish ears. The rumor of the sinking of the fish- ing smack Irene by another Spanish gun- boat, although discredited both in this country and in Spain, is yet attended with the statement that the little boat had been under suspicion for some time. Upon whose information? Minister Muruaga has called the attention of the State Department to a shipment of arms now on the Florida coast, intended, he has reason to believe, for the use of the Cubans in revolt. He has like- wise referred in an authorized interview to the presence in a Florida port of several schooners flying the American flag, but be- lieved to be loaded with stores for Cuba. How far does this detective service and how much has it accomplished? Are the names of the friends and agents of the Cuban leaders in this country known, to- gether with the names of those with whom they have been dealing? And if Spain has these particulars and intends to use them, how should she do so to make them effec ive in her reply to Secretary Gresham’ dispatch. What Spain May 1 it Upon. It is suggested that if the United States insists upon a rigid reading of the right of search at sea Spain in the cireum- stances may insist upon as rigid a reading of the law prohibiting the harboring of fiilibusters and the fitting out of their expeditions in the ports of a power friendly to the power against which the expedi- tions are aimed. Spain is known to be giv- irg-a good deal of attention to this sub- ject. She has consented promptly to the statement of the case respecting unoffend- ing American shipping. Cuba is so close to the shores of this country and 80 directly in line with sailing routes to the south, all American shipping, unless something very explicit on the subject were established, would be liable to suffer serious incon- venience as long as the present trouble on the island continues. Spain concedes this point without discussion or a moment's delay. But is not she preparing to show that this proximity of her shore line to that of the United States should count for as mfuch on one side as on the other? If American shipping interests are involved, so are Spanish territorial in- terests involved. If American vessels are to proceed without molestation or anno: ance through Cuban waters, Spanish terri- tory must not be invaded by American sympathizers with Cubans in rebellion. The United States must do unto Spain as she demands that Spain shall do unto her. The law must be interpreted for both sides alike. Cuba is close at hand, and a great deal of American shipping passes its coast. This shipping must go and come as freely as possible. This is the American con- tention, and it is granted. The United States lies close at hand, and filibustering expeditions with Cuba as their destination enjoy unusual advantages. The United States, as a power friendly to Spain, must employ unusual diligence to prevent such expeditions from leaving her shores. This is expected to be Spain's contention. Will it be granted? And if Spain insists that such diligence has not been shown in the past, what will be the reply of this government to the charge? - Points Still Unsettled. Lawyers of experience in matters of this complexion declare that notwithstanding the many cases that have arisen involving the duties of a friendly power in such cir= cumstances as now exist in this Cuban im- broglio, there are many points still open for settlement. The Itata episode is recall- ed, as also the fact that that case went off the docket in a way thoroughly unsatisfac- tory to both sides. The larger questions involved were neither argued nor decided. It still remains to be determined how much of a detective a government must become in protecting the interests of a friendly power within its own boundaries, and upon what evidence it must preceed and how far it should go. Or should it play the part of a detective at all in such matters? Should not all such information be gathered by the official representative of the power threatened, and laid formally before the authorities having the right of action in dispersing the law breakers? In the present case the unofficial com- plaint of the Spaniards is that this govern- ment has taken no steps to discourage ac- tive sympathy in this country with the Cu- ban movement. With many public ex- pressions of sympathy with the Cuban cause by leading newspapers, and rumored Cuban rendezvous all along the lower At- lantic coast, to point to the necessity of some action on their part, the federal au- thorities, it is charged, have yet held their peace, and let unlawful work go on. The question now is as to whether this com- plaint is to become official, and how vigor- ously, if at all, the point will be urged. Spain has the floor. ————_____+ e+_____ SENATOR FRYE’S HOPE. He Wished We Could Take Possession of Cuba. Senator Frye was asked today what he thought of the prospect of an amicable settlement of the Allianca difficulty with Spain, and replied: “Unfortunately the later reports make it appear to be very good. It looks as if Spain would make the required apology and as if all would soon be settled. I had hoped it would: be otherwise, and that Spain would assume such an arrogant and belligerent tone that it would be neces- sary for the United States to go over and take possession of Cu We certainly ought to have that island in order to round out our possessions as they should be, and if we cannot buy it, I for one. should like to nave an opportunity to acquire it by conquest.” Inasmuch as Mr. Frye is a member of the Senate committee on for- eign relations his utterances possess con- siderable significance, indicating as they do the early revival of efforts to acquire Cuba. e ——_——_-2-___—__ Presidential Postmasters. The following appointments of presidene tfai postmasters were made today: Prince- ton, Ill, E. K. Mercer, vice C. P. Bascom, commission expired; Laredo, Texas, C. W. — vice F. H, Pierce, commission exe pired.