Evening Star Newspaper, April 18, 1895, Page 2

3 LATE NEWS BY WIRE General Campos Promises Reforms to Cubans. DECLARES REVOLT WILL BE CROSHED The Establishment of Peace May Take a Long Time. A SENSATIONAL RUMOR SANTIAGO DE CUBA, April 18—In a proclamation, Captain General Martinez Campos indicates that active military operations will be carried on, and pledges himself to carry out all of the promised political and economical reforms for the is- land if he is supported. He also thinks the rebellion will soon be crushed, but that the entire pacification of the island will re- quire a long time. In another proclamation, to be given out today, Campos will warn the planters in the interior against aiding the insurgents. The cruiser Conde de Venadito, which fired on the Allianca, is cruising in search of a suspicious vessel from Grand League or Hayti, which cleared for a port in Ja- maica. Senor Dupuy de Lome, the new Spanish minister to the United States, has gone to Havana. KEY WEST, Fla., April 18.—Report here has it that Gen. Martinez Campos has de- parted for the field with 6,000 troops. Gen. Masso, an insurgent leader, has issued a manifesto declaring death to any peace commissions, and asserting the strength of the insurgents to be 9,000 men and gainirg in numbers dally. KINGSTON, Jamaica,April 18.—The latest arrivals here report the burning of the town of Las Palmas, Cuba, by the in- 3urgents, under Cebreco. Cuban refugees te rt the town of Payamo is besieged by Sou men. HAVANA, April 18.—Senor Dupuy de Lome, the new Spanish minister to the United States, is expected here today on the steamer Marie Chmistina, and will prob- . aly leave here for New York on Saturday. ‘The steamer City of Cadiz arrived here at & 2.1m. today from Spain, having on board Brigadier General Ordonez, 850 soldiers and much war material. An official dispatch from Havana received at Madrid says that Col. Echevarria, com- manding a government force, had routed the rebel band led by Miro, killing one and wounding several of the insurgents. None of the Spanish troops was injured. The dis- patch adds that perfect quiet is now re- ported throughout the island, except in the eastern provinces. Col. Figueredo, at Tampa, received a tel- ‘gram yesterday from “onzales Quesada stating that the Spanish forces at San Mdefonso were raided by Garzon, Guiller- mon’s successor, and driven from there into Turagua. Quesada stated his inability to attend the Ocala meeting, and asked a postponement of the Tampa meetirg. Last night vague rumors stated that letters from Cuba asserted that Gen. Campos had been assassinated, shortly after his ar- rival in Santiago. It was impossible to trace the rumor, and gencral opinion was that it was a canard. At a meeting of the prominent American residents of Jacksonville yesterday an or- ganization was formed and named “The Friends of Cuba.” J. G. Christopher was elected president, J. Q. Munose treasurer and R. J. Martinez secretary. Committees were appointed to receive funds for the Cubans’ cause. Among those participating were W. R. Carter, editor of the Afternoon Metropolis; R. D. Knight, city councilman; H. G. Aird, cashier of the State Bank of Florida, and J. G. Christopher, wholesale grocer. a DRAMATIC COURT SCENE. A Weman Tho.ks God for the Con- yictiea of Her Husband's Slayer. EHICAGO, April 18—A dramatic scene occurred in Judge Stein’s court today when Mrs, Parento, an Italian woman, knelt in the court room and thanked God that her husband’s slayer had been condemned to death. Siiverio Barelli hed been on trial for the killing last Novemter of Dominic Parento, the evidence showing that the shooting occurred because Parento had thrown Barelli out of his house after the latter nad struck Mrs. Parento with his fist. ‘The jury returned a verdict of guilty to- “day, recommending the death penalty. Mrs. Parento, who had been a constant attend- ant of thé trial, fell upon her knees and poured out a fervent prayer of thanksgiv- ing that her husband’s murderer was to meet death. She called down blessings up- on the heads of the jurors, and then turn- ing to the judge passionately pleaded that he would see that the sentence be carried out. SSS CURRANTS ON THE FREE LIST. California Producers Ask Their Se torn to Protest. _ SAN FRANCISCO, April 18—The San Francisco fruit exchange has asked the California Senators to file a protest against the admission of currants from foreign countries into the United States free of duty. The action was made necessary by a recent decision of the board of general ap- praisers that all currants except Zante currants are entitled to free entry into the United States. The meeting was largely attended by the principal shippers and pro- ducers of the state. — SHOT HIS WIFE AND HIMSELF. Double Crime of a Wealthy Iowa Business Man. IDA GROVE, Iowa, April 18—A Schlel- ter, a wealthy business man, today shot his wife and then himself. He is dead and she cannot live. Several things indicate that he had been planning the suicide for at least several days. The hired girl was the only witness. The shcoting of Mrs. Schieiter was in the din- ing room immediately after breakfast. Mr. Schleiter approached his wife from behind and shot her. He then exclaimed that she had shot herself. Mrs. Sehleiter was his second wife. The union not a happy one. A few days ego Schleiter had a will drawn, leaving the bulk of his property, probably $50,000 or $60,000, to his children. The attorney says he doubts whether this is signed, as Mr. Schleiter was called out just as he was about to sign it. Schleiter’s chief clerk says that last even- ing he told him that he felt just as though he were becoming insane. es A STRANGE REPORT. A British Cruixer Said to Have Fired : on a British Steamer. KINGSTON,Jamaica, April 18.—A strange report has been received here. It is said that the British steamer Barnstable, from Boston for Port Antonio, was fired on off Grand League by the British cruiser Can- ada. It is sald the Barnstable was stopped and was boarded by the British officers. No reason for this action has been re- ceived. ——_ —_ FIRED ON THE TRAMPS. The Crew of a Freight Train Used Their Guns. WICHITA, Kan., April 18.—News rzached here at midnight last night to the cifect that eighteen tramps who were given n0- tice to leave Vailey Center too‘ charge of a Sania Fe ht and that the orev, open- ed fire and fataliy injured tw2 men. a a Fighting Strikers at Vieona. VIENNA, ‘April 18.—A mov of 500 strik- ers, composed of men and women, today made an attempt to prevent a number of brickmakers from working in this city. ‘The police were obliged to use their swords §n dispersing the rioters, and three of the Fs were wounded and a dozen of them were taken prisoners, THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. DRAWING TO A CLOSE|NOQT STRAIGHT LINES Probably One More Day of the Taylor Mur- der Trial. The Government Produces Evidence in Rebuttnl—The Alleged Fits of Taylor—Witnesses Today. There was another large crowd in at- tendance today at the trial of Thomas J. Teylor, charged with the murder of his wife, Nannie W., at their home on the 14th of last September, every seat being occu- pied and many persons standing. Among these present were several women, and Dr. John B. Chapin of Philadelphia, the well-known expert in diseases of the mind, who it is understood, testify on be- half of the government. : Yesterday afternoon after The Star’s re- Port of the trial closed the defendant con- cluded his testimony, ‘claiming that he shot his wife accidentally, after having first tried to kill himself. Taylor asserted that his wife admitted heing unfaithful. To Judge Cole Taylor denied that he ever drank to excess, and claimed that he dis- tinctly remembered the incidents previous to the shooting. - With the defendant’s testimony the de- fense rested and Mr. Birney calied as his first witness in rebuttal. Wilbur J. Carter, who stated that he had known Taylor from perhotd, and never knew of him suffering ‘om fits. Testimony Resumed. The first witnesses. called. today were Clara ard Laura Brown, and Mrs. Alice Adams, sisters of the defendant's wife. The defendant had test!fied that he had been an affectionate husband, and had al- ways treated his wife kindly. The de- ceased woman’s sisters, however, testliled that they-had frequently observed marks of violence upon their sister, who had eloped with Taylor, but that she invariably endeavored to make light of her husband's apparent ill-treatment. The sisters also testified that they had often provided the defendant's wife with clothing. They never knew of Taylor having fits. Mrs. Victoria L. Clarkson testified that she was in the Taylor home at the time of the shooting. She heard a shot, and either @ moment before or after the report heard Mrs. Taylor exclaim: “Before Gud in Heaven, I am innocent.” Then Taylor call- a Hops that he had shot himself and his wife. John W. Beall stated that Taylor had worked for him for quite a while, but had not known of him having a fit. The de- fendant was quick tempered when things did not suit him. The man also drank some. Adward J. Adams,the defendant's brother- in-law, testified to visiting him at the jail, and stated that Taylor had said to him that he was sorry he had failed to kill himself. He endeavored to talk further about the posting: but the witness would not allow im. Dr. Chas. C. Marbury of Providence Hos- pital described Mrs. Taylor's wound, stat- ing that she lived about twenty-five min= utes after reaching the hospital. Her dress was scorched by powder. . Jail Officials. After the usual midday recess Mr. Bir- ney called Jail Guard James Woodward, who testified that he had observed Taylor at the jail, but did not know of the man having a fit. Dr. D. K. Shute, the jail physician, stated that the defendant had no fits while at the jail, and from what he had seen of the man while at the jail he had concluded that he is sane. Dr. John B. Chapin of Philadelphia was the next witnces for the government, and stated that he had treated about 7,000 in- sane patients. Many times he had treated cases of epilepsy, hnd then he at great length @escrited the disease. The defend- ant, hs caoughc, had symptoms of epilepsy. But Taylor, he said, could not have been suffering from epilepsy at the time of the shooting if he remembered the details of it. Dr. Chepin said he did not believe in mo- mentary insanity, snd having examined the defendant and heard his testimony and that of the other witnesses, saw nor heard anything to lead him to believe that Tay- lor is now insane or was so at the time of the shooting. Dr. Chap: examination by Mr. new was developed. ‘That closed the case for the government, and the defense proceeded to call a few wit- nesses in sur-rebuttal, the case finally closing at 2:45 o'clock. It is expected that the case will go to the jury late tomorrow afternoon. was subjected to a long cross Barrett, but nothing ——— RUMORED ACTION. Grand Jury Said to Hare Ignored the Foster Shooting. There was a rumor floating about the City Hall this afternoon to the effect that the grand jury had voted to ignore the case of Policeman Green, charged with killing Reuben Foster, a young colored man, near Anacostia early last month. Seventeen members of the grand jury, it was report- ed, had voted against indicting the officer. The proceedings of the grand jury are sought to be kept secret, as well us the names of witnesses called before them, but it was stated today that Maj. Wm. G. Moore and Sergt. Kirby and other officers of the police force had, this week, been examined by the grand jury in the «ase. When asked about the matter, this a: terncon District Attorney Birney stated te a Star reporter that the reported action of the grand jury was news to him, and stated that he was confident that the re- port had no foundation in fact. —— ‘THB BENNING SHOOTING. ’ Said That Seott Fired the Shots Him- self. The police authorities have made a thor- ough investigation into the circumstances attending the shooting in Benning and are inclined to believe that Scott’s injuries were inflicted by himself and that at the time he was so drunk that he did not know what he was about. It is claimed that wit- nesses will be produced at the inquest who will prove conclusively that Franklin, who is under arrest, did not have anything to do with the shooting. It is thought that Scott will certainly die. His end is ex- pected at any time. SS CAUSED A SENSATION. Unexpected Appearance of a $300,000 Note. SAN FRANCISCO, April 18.—There is quite a sensation in financial circles over a note for $300,000 involving the Stanford and Fair estates. It was in the nature of a surprise to the attorneys and executors of both sides. The note was forwarded by William C. Howell of New York, of whom nobody appears to ever have heard of be- fore, to the First National Bank for col- lection. Samuel Nilson of Nilson & Nilson, attor- neys for Mrs. Stanford, said he had not heard of it. He adm‘ated, however, that it might exist, but as for himself he had not been lately engaged with the heavy work of the estate, and consequently it might have come to the knowledge. of the firm without his attention being called to it. J. 8. Angusone of the executors of the Fair estate said there was such a note for 00,000, but whether genuine or not he was not prepared to say. “AN we know about f sald he, “is that last Monday 8. G. Murphy, president of the First National Bank, came to us with the rote. It purporied to be drawn by Mr. Fair to the order of Leland Stanford. It was for $360,000, was dated five years ago, was then within a short time by its face of being duc.” ii ures of both Stanford and Fair d xood, and no one seemed desirous of saying tat they were forgeries. —_- Perfect Racing Weuther. Perfect racing weather prevailed at Alex- ander Island today and drew a-large crowd to the track. The card presented was a good one in every respect. The track was in first-olass condition. Dighteen. books were on, and betting was brisk. First race, four and a half furlongs— Meadows (Parsons), 5 to 1, first; My Gyps Gam), 4 to 1, second; Imp. Nora (An- drews), 10 to 1, third. Time, 55 1-4. Deflection of Streets and Avenues on |: New Plans. DISCUSSION OF THE The Trapezoid Formed on Meridian Hill. A CEMETERY WIPED OUT —_ + — — The publication of Justice Bradley’s de- cision in the case of the Brentwood sub- division, defining the powers of the Com="| missioners respecting the diversion of streets and avenues from a direct line, un- der the new street extension law, has caused considerable discussion and called attention to other instances of variation from straight lines in the proposed street extensions. One case, it is said, by those interested, will in a day or two be brought to the attention of Secretary Lamont, Sec- retary Smith and Gen. Casey, chief of en- gineers, who compose the board of appeals, which will decide all controversies relat- ing to the extension of suburban strects and avenues. The accompanying cut shows a- portion of the now fa- mous map hanging in the board room of the District Commissioners. This much lauded map, by the way, is of no interest to any one wanting to know how the ex- tended city is going to look in the north- eastern direction, as it Includes only the northwest section, from 7th sireet to the western limits. Between 16th and Cen- tral street (or 17th street extended) will The Trapesoid. be found a trapezoid, the bisecting oblique lines of which are noted as Florida avenue, Prospect street, Cfescent street and Super- jor street (which is California avenue). The curved, looplike outline running through the center is the present Prospect and Crescent street, and was made by the orig- inal owner of the property to conform to the natural lay of the land. Property Owners’ Grievances, The story that will be laid before the offi- cials named by owners of property who Lelieve they have a grievance is substan- tially as follows: When the property came into, possession of the present owners and grew to be of great present as well as very large prospective value, the intentions of the District Commissioners in relation to the streets and avenues traversing it and its neighborhood were ascertained, in order that the permanent metes and bounds of the property might be definitely learned, end so that future improvements might be sersibly contemplated, in aécordance with them. Sixteenth street at the time was a steep hill in front of the outlets of Cres- cent and Prospect stretts. About four years :go an appropriation of $17,000 was trade to cut 16th street through. Most of this sum was consumed, however, in the purchase of the Burr tract, which was necessary to widen 16th street to the re- quired 160 feet. The next year $11,500 was added to what remained, and expended in grading 16th street to a 6 per cent grade as far as the north side of Morris street, end a year ago $5,000 were appropriated to make Crescent and Prospect streets con- form to the 16th street grade. This sum was considered insufficient for the purpose by the District Commissioners, and Mr. Henry May and Dr. Z. T. Sowers added be- tveen $3,000 and $4,000 to the amount, in crder to have the work done properly. The reason these gentlemen made this outlay from their private purses for a pub- lic purpose was because they. owned ad- vantageous property at the intersections of these streets with 16th street and had had, as they claim, the definite understanding with four District Commissioners, Messrs. Douglass, Ross and BRossell and afterward Mr. Parker, when he succeeded Mr. Doug- lass, that 16th street would be a 6-per-cent grade and the streets on either side, in- chiding Crescent and Prospect streets, would be the same. Dr. Sowers and Mr. May also spent, on their faith in the supposed of- ficial decision of the Commissioners, be- tween $15,000 and $16,000 in cutting down their property to conform to this 6-per-cent grade. Dr. Sowers went so far as to sur- round his extensive holdings with an iron ornamental fence, and so did Mr. May. Dr. Sowers sowed his in grass seed and had the genesis of a splendid future lawn in reach. His property and that of Mr. May only awaited the architect and builder. Water mains were put in on 16th street and ex- tended up Crescent street, in conformity with the 6-per-cent grade already estah- lished, and Dr. Sowers and Mr. May paid their proportion of the assessments for the water mains. When Capt. Rossell retired from the District service Crescent street ‘was completed in conformity to the 6-per- cent grade determined upon by the Dis- trict Commissioners. Change Made by Commissioner Powell When Commissioner Powell entered upon his duties, it is asserted, he immediately ordered a change of Crescent street, at the west end, where it curves into Central and Prospect streets. He had it lowered about eight feet, and the work exhausted the fund which was intended to complete Pros- pect street in conformity with the six per cent grade determined upon by his prede- cessor and his colleagues. Then came the order to change 16th street to a 3 1-2 per cent grade, grade agreed upon. Property owners claim that they have never been able to assertain the reason for this, and Dr. Sowers and Mr. May found their property eight or ten feet higher in the air than they contemplated when they did their grading. The water mains were lowered on 16th street, but Crescent street was left also in the air’ akove grade, like the surrounding property, and is there yet. Subsequently the Commissioners decided to cut up the neighborhood pursuant to the statute providing for the extension of streets and avenues beyond the city limits. In the small territory urder consideration, so the complaint goes, the Commissioners have decided to run streets shown on the accompanying cut, namely, Crescent and Prospect streets, obliquely at the same angle as Superior street (or California ave- nue). On the opposite or east side of 16th street, however, as a glance at the map in the Commissioners’ office will show, Pros- pect street is designed to run exactly east and west from 15th street to 16th street. ‘The street immediately north of Prospect street, called Morris street, and which 1s virtually the eastern continuation of Cres- vent street, also runs directly east and west between 15th and 16th streets the same as Prospect street does between those streets. The carrying out of the oblique plan now determined upon by the District Commissioners for Crescent and Prospect streets between 16th and lith streets ex- tenled, will, Mr. May and Dr. Sowers be- lieve, absolutely ruin their property. It is said that Secretary Lamont, Secretary Smith and Gen. Casey, who compose the | board of appeals in matters relating to suburban street extensicn, will have their attention called to this matter in the course of the next few days, in order that they may be equipped to consider the question BRENTWCOD CASE instead of the six per cent-| . 0. H. Douney, of Albion, Ind., an ackngwiedged expert in mat- ters relatingtoadvertising,pro- notinces The Washington Even- ing~-Star- offe of the best six daily papérain the United States for advertisers’ use, because-+ to use filgown words--‘because it comes nearer to covering its -- field entirely than any other ” Commissioners is flaid before them for de- términation. . a Es) Prospect Hill, Cemetery. The Commisstonets have another fight be- foré theiti dis6. and this will be with an dld and stubborn adversary—Prospect Hill cem- etery. Congress, it will be rememterei, Passed en act providing fot the securing of a right of way through this cemetery for North Capitol street,’and appropriating such an amount of money 2s a board of assessors should decide was proper to re- maunerate.the cemetery asseciation«for the land thus taken, The property was. con- demned, the board made its. report to the court and ‘it was approved. ) The Court. of - Appeals :.upheld « lower court. The. Commissioners Heved the amcunt awarded was exces- sive, and went to Congress and got that body to pass an‘act directing the court to set aside its finding and reopen the pro- ceedings. The court,refused to recognize the right of the legislative branch to inter- fere in such a manner with the judicial branch of the government, and the Court of Appeals also“npheld: this view ‘of the case. * ‘The Commissioners have not yet paid the mcney awardel, and it is g2nerally bel‘eved they are waiting for Congress to come again..in, order, to get more, legis- lation on’ the subject. ‘The’ cemietery association was recently informed that the Commissioners in drawing up their new | map of the District had entirely obliterated Prospect Hill cemetery from the face of the earth, so-far as the map is concerned. I Its place is taken up by a series of streets, jaa no one caf find Prospect Hill ceme- { tery unless he is familiar with the spot ) ft “octupies. The cemetery association has demandéd of the Commissioners that their holdings be properly shown on the new map. Members of the association are in- clined to appeal to the courts to uphold what they claim are the charter rights of the association in the matter, and if a | trial comes it may be as interesting in de- velopments as the Brent ‘Subdivision case just decided. Property owners who criticise the Com- missioners. for diverting streets and ave- nues from their proper geographical lines say that if such diversions are finally ap- proved there may be an enormous Dill to be patd tn the end for damages. received by persons whose property is injured in the process. ‘They complain also that they can get no satisfaction ‘from the District office, and they say that all the vehement denials that may emanate from the District build- ings will not disprove the fact that pro- tests are unheeded and inquiries unan- swered. 2 —— ‘NATIONAL UNIVERSITY. Annual fteunfon and Banquet a Grent * < . Suceess. Alumni of the law, medical and dental de- partments gf the National Untversity held their’ seco reunion and banquet at the Nati§fal@fotel last night, when old friendships wed and strengthened, new acquaintané§s formed and the praises ater loudly sung. There was tercourse in the parlors Was ed to the banquet hall, where the natlo#al colors were conspicu- ously displayed and gracefully draped around the walls, forming a background for the banks of palms ang foliage plants that wave added beauty to the appearance of the room. The tables were profusely decorated with cut flowers Occupying are et of honor at the fes- tiyé board Were’ Civil Service Commissioner Charles Lyman, the president of the alumni association and tdastmaster of the evening; Judge John Goode An@ Prof, Edgené Carusi of the law faculty, Prof. Thomas Wilson of the board of regents of the university, Col. Isade 8." Tichenor, a member of the first law class graduated from, the univer- sity, Col: ‘Charles P. Lincoln, Dr. Thos. J. Jones, L. Cabell Williamson,’ Dr, John T. Witter, dean of the medical faculty, and Shelby Clarke, After cigars had been dis- tributed the toasts of the evening were given and responded to, Col. Chas. P, Lin- coln spoke to “Our Country,” and glowing- ly depicted its advantages and the splendid opportunities tt offered for young men, es- pecially young lawyers. Judge Goode re- sponded to thé toast “The bar of the Dis- trict of Columbia,” in which he took occa- sion to eloquently describe the responsible position the lawyer occupied in the com- munity, and the glorious rewards conse- quent upon a faithful and honorable per- formance of his high duties. Mr. Lyman proposed @ toast to the venerable chancel- lor of the university, Judge Arthur Mac- Arthur, in which all heartily joined. Prof. Thomas Wilson spoke to “The Nation University—its past, present and futur Prof. Wilson said that although he him- self was a lawyer, and fully indorsed the complimentarg* things- which had. been spoken of the legal profession, yet he ap- preciated the fact that in the physician’s career there were occasions which demand- ed the most sublime courage, devotion to duty and self-abnegation. The last formal toast was. “Dentistry vs. digestion,” to which Dr. Thomas J. Jones made fitting response. Other speakers were then called upon, and those who made remarks were Prof, Eugene Carus!, Col. Isaac 8. Tiche- nor, Dr. John T. Winter, Prof. Walter F. Rogers and W. Preston Williamson. Interspersed between the speeches the Schubert Quartet, composed of Melville Hensey, M. LeRoy Gough, E. O. Asmussen and Taylor Cronin, rendered some well- chosen selections, and the company dis- persed after singing “Amerfca,” with the quartet leading. Those present were: Chas. Lymian, Jno. Goode, Chas. P. Lincoln, Prof. Thomas Wilsqn, W. Preston Williamson, L. Cabell Williamson, Dr. Sheldon G. Davis, F.. W. Ritter, Julian C, Dowell, A. E. Dowell, J. Van Allen Shields, Chas. B. Bag- ly, E. Bierer, jr., J. Vinson Wiggins, C. D. Judson, Donald McPherson, S. F. Thomas, W. _H. Wills, E. G. Siggers, S. S. Symons, D. E. Pine, Philip Otterback, Walter F. Rogers, T. F. Stewart, Jno. I. Brown, E. J. Puliman, W. E. Aughinbaugh, Jno. A, Bar- thel, C. M. Bigelow, J. Wm. McKinley, Edw. Heilig, Dr. Rosier Middleton, R. S. Ferguson, Shelby Clarke, Jas. A. Edwards, Dr. J. T. Winter and Dr. Olin Leech. ——+— DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. Dangerous Houses, Dr. F. P. Murphy, the owner of house 332 2d street: ‘northeast,- has ‘been ordered to tear down the house, as it is dangerous to life and limb. , 1» Is; Dangerous, The arctiftect#of St. Andrew’s Church have been potified to reconstruct the pres- |, ent-northwest tier, as the building inspector thinks that,as at present constructed it is dangerous. Use ef Explosives. When the board met this morning, it called for ‘the papers in the case of Mrs. Morris, thé property holder in Georgetown who has made such a strong fight against the contraetors for excavating for the new union station. 1Her complaint has been that the heavy, blasts have injured her property. Several days ago the Commis- sioners revoked -the permit to use explosives in the work of ¢kcavatfon. Attorney #. P. B. Sands detailed at length the damage his client, Mrs. Morris, had suf- fered. ‘Thescontractors, however, entered a strong denial of tthe charges. After the ar- |. gaments had betn presented, the Commis- sioners called for the inspector of buildings and the attorney for the District and heard their statements. Then they decided to is- ste a permit for the use of explosives, stip- ulating, however, that their use should be Ifmited to such quantities as not to injure the surrounding-property. New Engine House. The Commissioners have closed with O. W...White for the sale.of lots 3 and 4, square 228, to the District, at $14,400. Upon this site will be erected the new No. 2 en- gine house. + The President at Woodley. The President spent today at his country home—Woodley—and it is reported that he has important. .business under considera- tion. ie will come into town tomorrow to Jon its merits when the final plan of the | attend the regular meeting of the cabinet. [AWARD OF HONORS The Academy of Sciences Gives Lord Rayleigh a Gold Medal. FOUR NEW MEMBERS CHOSEN Philadelphia Will Have the Fall Meeting of the Academy. THE FOREIGN SCIENTISTS The National Academy of Sciences met today for its business meeting in Professor Gocde’s office at the National Museum, and proceeded to the election of new members. This very interesting operation is onc which prominent sclentists all over the country watch with a close and peculiar interest. The academy is a self-perpetuat- Waleott Gibbs, ing corporation and it keeps its comple- ment of members at one hundred by ap- nually electing to its membership men of highest prominence in the scientific world. Applications are not permitted, and it is by a sort of freemasonry management of the process that the new members are chosen. All nominations are made at one meeting and lie over for action at the following meeting. Thus, the gentlemen voted Into membership today have been under con- sideration since the meeting held here a year ago. New Members. The new members elected today by secret ballot are: Dr. William H. Welch of Johns Hopkins University, Dr. William L. Elkin of Yale University, the noted astronomer; Prof. Charles Sprague Sargent of Harvard University, the famous arboriculturist, and Prof. Charles Whitman of Chicago Uni- versity. Prof. Whitman was formerly con- nected with the Troy Polytechnic Instt- tute, and is a celebrated paleontologist. The academy selected Philadelphia as the place for the fall meeting, and fixed the date at October 29. At that meeting the new president, Prof. Wolcott Gibbs, will be inducted into office and Prof. Marsh’s term of office will terminate. Three foreign associates were chosen— Prof. Rudolph Leuckart of the University of Leipsic, Prof. Julius Von Sachs of Wurz- burg and Prof. Sophus Lie, the famous Norwegian astronomer, now lecturing at Leipsic. This Afternoon'’s Proceedings. This afternoon at 2 o'clock the academy met in the audience room at the museum to witness the presentation of the Watson medal to Mr. Seth C. Chandler, for his re- searches on the variaticn of latitudes, on variable stars, and for his other works in astronomy. The medal was presented by President Marsh, who made a fitting speech explaining the meaning of the honor con- ferred. Following this Prof. Gould of Har- vard read a biographical memoir of Dr. Lewis M. Rutherford, and a paper by A. M. Mayer was read, entitled “A Linkage Showing the Laws of the Refraction of Light,” and Mr. Seth C. Chandler read a paper on a “New Determination of the Nu- taticn-Constant, and Some Allied Topics.” For Discovering Argon. The Barnard gold medal was yoted to Lord Rayleigh for his discovery of argon in the atmosphere. Arrears Considered. Among items of business passed upon at this session is an amendment to the con- stitution of the academy in regard to ar- rears of dues. This amendment was pro- posed by Dr. Billings and adds to article 10 of the constitution the following para- graph: “Whenever a member hag not paid his dues for four successive years the treasurer shall report the fact to the coun- cil, which may report the case to the academy, with the recommendation that the person thus in arrears be declared to have forfeited his membership. If this recommendation be approved by two-thirds of the members present the said person shall no longer be a member of the acad- emy, and his name shall be dropped from the roll.” This amendment will probably be adopted by the academy at its present session. Other amendments effecting the organiza- tion of the academy will also be taken up. New Theory of Ventilation. ‘The paper presented by Dr. John 8. Bill- ings on the composition of exhaled air has created much interest. The conclusiéns are that in the exhaled breath no conditions of disease exist. The disease bacteria find a vehicle in the or- ganic matter carried in the breath and com- ing from the teeth and lungs. Even the minute quantity of organic matter exhaled by healthy human beings contains no poisonous bacteria. The breath even of a consumptive is not dangerous. It is only when the subject coughs or sneezes that the exhalation bears the germs of disease. It is never in the air itself that such disease spreads, but in the dcst from sputa. Experiments have been made with a tracheotamatized sub- ject, by which it was made clear that air from the lungs passing from the windpipe and not over the organic matter in the pharynx and on the tongue and teeth was free from bacteria. All this has an im- portant bearing on ventilation, and to ar- chitects is a matter of the greatest prac- tical value. Of course, the whole theory of the paper was subversive of accepted ideas of ventilation. Dr. Billings even goes so far as to say that, aside from the matter of inhaling poisonous organic matter, breathing the pure air of the mountains secures no special immunity from disease over breathing the air of the slums. Neither produces disease. There followed this paper an interested discussion: Prof. Remsen of Johns Hop- kins said it would upset all accepted no- tions on the subject. Prof. Bowditch of Harvard said he agreed with the general ine of results brought out by Dr. Billings and thought the skin was a great source of disease conditions. Members Present. The members of the academy present are Prof. Alexander Agassiz of Harvard, Prof. George F. Barker of Philadelphia, Prof. Carl Barns of Washington, Dr. John 3. Billings of the National Medical Mu- seum, Mr. Lewis Boss of Albany, N. Y., Gen. Thomas L. Casey, U. S. A.; Prof. Charles F. Chandler of Columbia Univer- sity, New York city, Prof. Theodore N. Gill of Washington, Prof. E. D. Cope of Phila- delphia, Prof. Wolcott Gibbs of Newport, R. L, Prof. G. Brown Goode of Washing- ton, Prof. Benjamin A. Gould of Harvard University, Prof. Arnold Hague of Wash- ington, Prof. Asaph Hall of Washington, Prof. Charles S. Hastings of Yale Univer- sity, New Haven, Conn., Mr. George W. Hill of West Nyack, N. Y.; Prof. O. C. Marsh of Yale University, New Haven, Conn., Prof. Thomas Mendenhall of Worcester, Mass., Mr. Edward 8S. Morse of Salem, Mass., Prof. Simon Newcomb, U. 8. N.; Prof. Ira Remsen of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Prof. Henry A. Row- land of Johns Hopkins University, Balti- more, Prof. Charles A. Schott of Washing- ton, Prof. John Trowbridge of Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., Gen. Fran- cis A. Walker of Boston, Prof. Charles A. White of Washington. ——._—_- ~The Weather for Base Ball, Specials to The Star indicate that the weather ts clear at St, Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati and New York, and cool and cloudy at Baltimore, at which places the base season will be opened today. _—_—_—$$——————_$$_—$—— J THE DONN INQUIRY FINANCE AND TRADE Gounsel Argue the Case Today in a Livély Style. Severe Langtiage—The Proceedings of the Inquiry Adjourned Until Tomorrow. . The fifth and final day devoted to pro- ceedings to determine whether or not Mr. Oliver P. Donn, an old and respected resi- dent of this city, is sane and capable of properly caring for his estate, valued at more than $200,000, opened this morning at the city hall, with the usual throng of in- terested parties in attendance. The petition resulting in the inquiry was filed by Mrs. Ella F. Todd and Mrs. Lula A. Burton, two of Mr. Donn’s daughters, in which they alleged their father to be of u-sound mind and not capable of attending to his business affairs. The petition was opposed by two other daughters, Mrs. Mary C. Metzger and Mrs. Cora L. Din- widdie, who claimed that Mr. Dour, al- though in feeble health, ts sound and com- petent'mentally. The hearing has been fol- lowed with interest, owing to the promi- nence of the parties concerned and the large amount involved. Today’s Proceedings. This morning ©. G. Harbaugh, Mrs. Ella F. Todd, Mrs. Mary C. Metzger, Emmons S. Smith, Mrs. L. H. Schneider, John M. Birckhead and Mrs. Virginia Douglass gave testimony similar to that presented by their predecessors on the stand, and then Mr. Worthington, counsel for the peti- tioners, made his opening address to the jury. After recess Mr. Browning opened for the opponents to the petition with an impassioned speech, in the course of which he characterized Mrs. Todd as an “un- grateful daughter—a woman with a hon- eyed tongue, but with the spirit and sting of an asp.’ Mr. Browning claimed that lunacy inquirendo should be conducted at the residences of the persons whose sanity may be questioned, and he detied the mar- shal to bring such persons into court if they did not care to appear there. Tne proceedings at % o'clock were ad- journed until tomorrow morning. Just be- fore the adjournment a lively scene was enacted. In referring to the testimony of Deputy Marshal Robison, to the effect that in his opinion Mr. Donn is incapable of transacting business, Juror John Mitchell stated that he thought Mr. Robison justified | in so testifying and added that he (Mr, Mitchell) also considered Mr. Donn not competent to attend to business. Thereupon Mr. Perry entered an exception to Mr. Mitchell sitting longer on the jury after “having expressed an opinion in re- gard to the case. The matter was smooth- ed over, ard the hearing adjourned until tomorrow. —_—.>—__ NATURAL CAUSES. There Will Be No Inquest Over the Body of Patrick Ward. This afternoon at 3 o'clock Coroner Ham- mett was to have held an inquest over the remains of Patrick Ward, the saloonkeeper who has been in the liquor business for many years at No. 1213 7th street. north- west. He was found dead in the water closet in rear of the saloon yesterday after- noon, and because of the circumstances surrounding the case the coroner had de- cided to hold an investigation. The dead man’s gold watch, said to be worth $150, was taken from him after he died, and the police have three colored men arrested on suspicion of complicity in the robbery. They are Fred. brown, Oliver Thornton and Henry Pearson. These men were about the place at the time the dead man's body was found, and were arrested there, but the watch was not fourd. In falling it is supposed that Ward struck his head against a bucket, as there was a cut on his face and a few drops of blood in the bucket. A penknife, said to belong to Pearson, was also found in the little room. An autopsy held earlier in the day had shown, however, beyond a doubt that death resultcd from natural causes, and the coroner abandoned the idea of having a jury hear the evidence, and gave a cer- tificate of death from natural causes. ‘Ward, who was about fifty years old, the police say, was a steady drinker. aoe Civil Service Rules Amended. President Cleveland has slightly altered one of the rules of the civil service com- mission. Previous to November 2 last per- sons could be appointed to government po- sitions not protected by the civil service law, nor subject to examination, and then after a year’s service could be transferred to positiéns within the civil service with. out undergoing the usual competitive exam- inations. This method, giving rise to abuses, was at that date prohibited by the President. He has now issued another or- der explaining that his previous prohibi- tion was not intended to be retroactive, and is not to apply to persons who were in the unclassified service prior to the time of its issuance. —— a e. Tomorrow’s St. Axaph Entries. First race, six and half furlongs, selling— Watchman, 107; Golden Gate, 107; McKee, 104; Silent Friend, 104; Van Brant, 104; Tancred, 101; Tuscan, 101; Phoebus, 98; Irish Lass, 98; Deus, 98; Curious, 98; Her- kimer, 98; Albert Sidney, 98; Stanley M.,95. Second race, five furlongs, handicap—Wah Jim, 116; High Point Belle, 116; Humane, 110; Milly, 110; Sir John, 108; Lollie Eastin, 106: King Gold, 104, Third race, half mile, selling—Vice Regal, 110; Lambert, 107; Cadiz, 107; Miss Linah, 104; Pearl Brock, 104; Seagull, 97. Fourth race, Blue Ridge stakes, seven furlongs—Wernberg, 111; Marshall, 110; Charade, 109; Captain, 109; Copyright, 107; Sandowne, 106; Owlet, 105. Fifth race, six and a half furlongs, sell- ing—St. Michael, 116; Buckrene, 116; Jack Rose, 116; Fidget, 115; Bound Brook, 111; ne 110; St. Vincent, 97; Romping Girl, Sixth race, one mile, selling—Wili Fonso, 111; Penniless, 111; Longbrook, 110; Plenty, 108; Bandit, 107; Knapp, 107; Cass, 107; Kil- kenny, 107; Solitaire, 107; Little Matt, 105; George Dixon, 105; Nockbarren, 104; Lady Adams, 110. —__~>___ Grain and Cotton Markets. Cotton and grain markets, reported Ww. B. ‘Hibbs, stock, grain S cotton broker, 1431 F st. INgh. Low. Close. see BF ae 5 ded 5 59 45 48 45: % 465 40% 4846 3 28h (28 s4B (2.3 L 1210 12.15B 1242 1245 12.378 692 692 6ST 687B OT TOT 7.00 7.02 625 622 622 640 687 6.37 Tigh. ote 6.78 676 667 6.67 80 672 672 675 6.76 Washington Grain Market. Reported by the Grain Exchange. Spring patent flour, per barrel, 3.60a3.75; sprit straight Hour, per barrel, 3.250873; wines, patent flour, per barrel, 3.2033.35; winter straight flour, per barrel, .10; winter extra flour, per bar- rel, 2.40a2.50; clipped white oats, per bushel, 39a 40; Xo. 2 white oats, per bushel, S7assig:' No, 2 mixed ‘oats, pet bushel, 831493414; No, 2’ yellow corn, per bushel, 52; No. 2 white corn, per bushel, b2; No. 4 timothy hay, per ton, 13.00a12.50; No. 2 timothy hay, per ton, 11.50a12.00; No. 1° mixed hay, per ton, 11.00a12.00; No. 1 clover hay, per fon, 9.00010;50; No. 1) cut hay. per, ton, 18. 17.50a18.50; bulk mid- 4.00; bran, dlings, per ton, 18.00a18. rye straw, per ton, 13.50; whea' ton, 5.506.00. The 13.00a13.50; z Foptad ). above quotations car lots delivered trac Washington. a iprin! ——— Baltimore Markets. BALTIMO! April 18.—Flour firmer, Tooth, divacs month, Y4a646; May, 684426314; Beamer No. 2 red, GlaGl% “receipia, 1 56,000 bushel: tock, 145,006 bushels unchanged barrel May, 493050; July, 50 bid; steamer mixed, 45%a49—receipts, 34,685 Vase ‘k, 290,363 bush- els les, 87,( els; southern white corn, 49\%4 250; do, Fellow, 40%4a00%, "Oats aulet and stendy.— io, 2 white western, ed; No. 2 mixed, 34 | receipts; 4.014 busheles stock. 140,408" Bu D ‘Bye firm. 2, 61a62—stock, ‘21,098 bushels. quiet and steads—good to ‘choice timothy, z aia in freights very flat, unchanged. » unchanged. Butter, eggs and cheey~ Scm, unchanged. wv Indications Point to Livelier Speoe ulation in the Street, A MMCRE HCPEFOL FEELING PREVAILS London Prices Reflect a Better Tone There. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, April 18.—Speculation was influenced by no new developments this morning, the absence of anything of a Pronouncedly unfavorable nature serving as an incentive for a continuation of the upward movement. The strength of the local security market is attracting atten- tion at all money centers, and indications point to an early outside participation in a movement which until this time has been largely confined to the room. A more hopefv! feeling is everywhere ap- parent, and, notwithstanding previous dis- appointments, the street is confident that the real recuperative process has at last been successfully and permanently in- augurated. The one point in the situation which prompts cautious operators at the advance is that the trading clement is al- most unanimously prejudiced in favor of pd ceed side. A reaction may occur at any ime, but unless present theories ar: a leatly overthrown, the setback in wales will be insignificant and not wholly un- ay ndon’s prices reflected a better that market, and foreign houdan ware bee chasers of the favorite international securi- ties, in a majcrity of which substantial fractional gains were recorded. The Grangers were all improved in - Paul and Northwest attracting the bulk of the business. Manhattan was the fea- ture of the morning, continuing yesterday's sharp advance for an additional gain of 2 per cent to 1191-2. Realizing sales at this point forced the price back slightly below the opening level. The decline attracted some new buying, howeyer, which improved the price, but not to the full extent of the early loss. The recent activity is attributed, in the main, to covering. Western Union was strong up to 89, on what was described as good invest- ment buying. The brighter outlook for the iron industry resulted in further enhancing the value of Tennessee Coal and Iron,a gain of 1 1-4 per cent following the first hour's trading. There is a bull pool operating in this stcck and higher pricés are un- css trade conditions become a retarding in- fluence. In the industrial list Sugar at tracted a large volume of business, and added 1 1-8 per cent to first prices. The manipulation tends to a further ad- yarce in the price of this property. Above 06 some realizing by the room element. was noticeable, but the buying is by stronger interests than the selling. National Lead common. was marked up 1 1-4 per cent on purchases for both ac- counts, the short one predominating. Gen- eral Electric advanced 1 per cent under covering, the annual statement again being used to incite purchases. The trading of the last hour was active and strong, with prices well up to the best of the day. Where concessions did occur they were the result of realizing sales by traders, and consequently of little signifi- — Buying orders are noticable on all ines. — FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL, The following are the opening, the high- est and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as re- ported by Corson @ Macartney, members New York stock exchange. Correspondents Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. 80 Broadwa} - 105% 1 : 9 ig 40) ne Washington Stock Exchan; Sales—regular call—12 o'clock m.—Washington Gas, 100 at 49%; 75 at 4014; 8 at 491g; 2 at 40% 25 AE ONG; 200 8 OO Jovernment Bonds.—U. registered, 111 bid, 112 asked. U.S. 4s, coupon, 112 bid.’ U. 5s, "115% bid. es District of Columbia Bonds. 20-year fund Ss, 104 bid. 30-year fund Os, gold, 1144 bid. Water stock Zs; 1901, currency, 116 bid. Water stock Ts, 1 currency, 118 bid. 3.6%8, funding, curcency, 111 Did. Sigs, registered, 2-08, 100 bid. Miscellaneous Bonds. town Railroad conv. 63, 1 Washington and G 125 bid, 135 asked. 3 102 bid, 10315 asked. it .. Eckington Railroad @s, 103 bid, Columbia Railroad 6s, 10015 Electric apeake ai American Securit; ‘rust A., 100 bid. Ame: and ‘Trust 5s, and 0., 100 bid. Washington Market Company’ 1st @s, 110 bid. Washington Market Company imp, Se, 110 bid. | Washington Market Company, ext. G3, 107 bid. “Masonic Hall Association 5s, 103 bid. Washington Light Infantry ist 6s, 101% bid. Wash ington Light Intantry, 2d Zs, 100 bid. Bank Stocks.—Bank of Washington, tional 200 asked. Bank of the Repettic, 220 ri oe, Cen- 275 asked. Metropolitan, 283 bid, asked 265 ‘bid. Farmers’ and Mechanics’, 185 bid, 200'asked. Second, bid, 150 asked. " Citizens’, 135 bid. Columbia, 135 bid, 145. nsked. tal, 1184 bid. West End, 108 bid, 110% asked. ers’, 103 bid. Lincoln, 100 bid, 103 asked. Ohio, 82 Did, 100 asked. Safe Depesit and Trust Compantes.—National Sa! Deposit and Trust, 126 bid. Washington Loan Trust, 122 bid, 128 asked. American Security ai “Matiroad ‘Stocks.—Wasbington and _ Gi jroad_Stocks.—Washington and Georgetown, 250 bid. m, 64 bid. Columbia, 68 Did Bel asked. gton, 25 bid. and Electric Light Stocks.—Washington 149 bid, 40% asked. “Georgetown Gas, 50 id, 66 asked. 'U. S. Electric Light, 133% bid, 185 ask Insurance Stocks.—Firemen's, 40 bid. Frauklin, 44 Did. Metropolitan, 71 bid: Corcoran, 56 bid. 68 Arlington, 151 bid, 185 asked, id. ' National’ Union, 1: ‘Columbia, 13% bid. Rt 7H, asked, People’s, 5% Wid, asked Lige coln, 8% bid, 8% asked.” Commercial, 4% bid. Title ‘Insurance Stocks.—Real Estate bid, 116 asked. Columbia Title, 7 bid, District Title, 10 bid, 13% asked. ‘Telephone Stocks.—Pennsylvania, 87 bid. tle, 108 8 asked. Chesa- peake and Potomac, 56% asked. Amerleah Grapho- Dhone, 24 bid, 3 asked. Pacumatle Gun Carriage, °30 bid, “$2 asked. Miscellaneous Stocks.—Wasbington Market, 14 bid. Bull Run Panorama, 80 asked. Norfolk and Ws ington pee 4 si pant an a = Brick Company, incoln fergenthaler Sd, 195 asked. Mergenthaler Linotype, 17 *Ex div. The Voting at Dover. DOVER, Del., April 18.—The 114th ballot for a United. States Senator was taken today. Massey again failed to receive a vote. The ballot resuited as follows: Hig- gins, 10; Addicks, 5; Pennewill, 4; Ridgely, 9; Bayard, 1. a ow