Evening Star Newspaper, May 22, 1895, Page 9

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. 9 DIFFERENT VIEWS Citizens Express Themselves on In- come Tax Decision. VIEWED THROUGH LOCAL EYES Majority Rejoice at the Overthraw of the Law. BETTER TRADE PROSPECTS Probably no one in Washington had ac- tually paid any income tax up to the time |. of the decision of the Supreme Court over- throwing the law. It is certain that no one has or will pay any tax since the Supreme Ceurt has spoken. Among Washingtonians there is not a unanimous feeling of re- joicing over the fact that there will now be no necessity to pay into the treasury a percentage of their incomes. Star report- ers today who asked a considerable num- ber of representative citizens for their views on the Supreme Court decision found as wide a diversity of views as was found among the members of the court itself. Like the court, a majority of those spoken to regarded the Income law as unjust and wrong, and rejoiced at its overthrow. A considerable number refused to be quoted on the subject, while many apnounced themselves in line with Judge Harlan and the minority of the Supreme Court. Those interviewed on the subject follow: Albert Sturtevant. Mr. Albert Sturtevant of the National Safe Deposit Compan “I am,gilad that the law has been declared unconstitutional, for I have never believed it a fair meas- ure. It has placed a tax on enterprise and prosp y, and has tended to discourage men from getting up in the race. I be- lieve im letting the rain fail equally on all alike. I think the decision will help the republican party, for it will make it she m necessary to raise revenue by the old-fashioned methods of taxation.” S. B. Hege. Mr. S. B. Hege, passenger agent for the Baltimore and Ohio railroad: “The result is good enough for me. I think that to mutilate the law as was proposed at first and then to let it stand would have been to kill the goose that laid the golden eggs. It would let the bond-clipping class es- cape, while it placed the burden of tax- ation on the mercantile classes, the main strength of the country.” John B. Wight. Mr. John B. Wight, secretary of the board of trad ‘I am not a lawyer nor a poli- ticlan, so I cannot speak from the stand- point of those people, but I have talked with a good many business men, both be- fore and since the law was annulled, and the general opinion has been that the tax should be abolished. Personally, I think that the action of the court is a good thing. I am glad that the decision was reached by a court divided on lines of principle rather than sectionalism or partisanship. I do not anticipate that it willjarouse any marked resentment against thd court.” James W. Whelipley. Mr. James W. Whelpley, treasurer of the American Security and Trust Company: “I have little to say beyond the fact that it is a good thing that the matter Is defi- nitely settled, for gcod and all. We know now exactly what we have to pay to the general government in the way of taxes, and that is an advantage.” Charlies Small. Mr. Charles Small of the firm of Small & Sons: “I cannot speak for the firm, and I have not paid much attention to the case. It is hardly in our line, but on gen- eral principles I think the court has done the right thing. I am well satisfied.” G. De Witt. Mr. G. De Witt, manager of the Riggs House: “It is a good thing. I was not subject to the tax, and so it did not affct me personally, but I have never felt that it was right for Congress to tax a man Le- cause he had been successful and enter- prising. The limitations of the law, in my were too narrow. The limit ought been brought down so that all but the laborers who earn a couple of dollars, or say $3 a day, should be subject to the tax, if any people were to be so assessed. Then it would have been more just.” J. T. Dyer. “I think the Supreme Court made a big mistake,” said Mr. J. T. Dyer. “I believe thet the income tax act should have stood on the statutes. I regarded it as a just law.” Flich, Fox & Brown. “I am very glad the Supreme Court gave a decision adverse to the income tax law,” said Mr. Fox of Fitch, Fox & Brown. “I echo that sentiment,” sald Mr. Brown, who was present. “‘{ts inquisitorial fea- tures were particularly un-American and repugnant.” Charles J. Bell. “I think it Is a very good thing for.the country that the income tax law was de- cided unconstitutional,” said President Charles J. Bell of the American Security and Trust Company, “but I regard it as unfortunate, however, that the court was divided.” John W. Thompson. “An income tax would have been cheer- fully accepted by the people as a war measure,” said President John jW. Thomp- son of the National Metropolitan Bank, “but in time of peace it was a very doubt- ful expedient to have recourse to in behalf of raising revenu N. H. Shea. Mr. N. H. Shea said: “It’s a good thing that the Supreme Court wiped the law off the statute books. The law was one of those inquisitorial things that are disagr2e- able to everybody. While the failure of the effort of Congress to raise revenue will cut the revenues of the country, I hope the government will get enough from other st s to meet all emergencies.”’ Frank Hume. “Justice Harlan hit the nail squarely on the head. It was an absolute mistake to declare the Jaw unconstitutional. I am willing to pay my share of the tax, and I think all other men shculd be willing to do the same. Wealth eertainly ought to bear its shafe of the burden.” Rebert Callahan. Robert Callahan sald: “I never did think much of the law, and am glad that the Supreme Court annulled it. While I am not personally interested in the law, ! think it highly improper that there should be a law which causes the government officials to pry into the private affairs of citizens.”” Joseph D. Franzoni. ‘So far as Iam concerned I have no opin- fon about the decision to express, for the | law did not affect the firm's business. We | made our returns, but did not have to pay | the tax. any George W. Driver. | “An excellent decision, indeed. It could | not have pleased the community better.” Fritz Reuter. “The decision was a very good one and ts fair and just. I pay about $1,100 taxes on my business and property, and it was cer- tainly not a fair thing that I should be compelled to pay the tax because I have a good business, when some other man who owns any number of houses and gets his rents should be permitted to pocket his money and pay no tax. I think the mer- chants should have as much show as other persons. W. H. Crosby. “I never did think much of the law, and therefore the decision pleases me.” F. P. May. “The mercnants are already heavily tax- ed, and the decision {fs certainly a just on Not only do the merchants pay their re lar taxes, but they give employment to and other gatherings, and certainly that is enough tax for them to pay. The decision is especially good for the reason that the men who ought to pay the income tax would not have been required to pay one cent.” Chas. R. Edmonston. Mr. Chas. R. Edmonston of Wilmarth & Edmonston was very strong in his expres- sions of approval of the action of the Su- preme Court. Said he: “The law as it stood on the books was so manifestly unjust that I cannot see how any one could approve it. Now, for instance, I have two friends whose experiences show the iniquities of the law. One is a woman who owns prop- erty to the value of $500,000, yet, under the terms of the law,she would not have had to pay a single cent in taxes. The other is a business man who works hard every day in the year, and has an income, I suppose, in the neighborhood of $10,000, as a result of his labors. He is a producer and adds to the material wealth of the community, and yet he comes under the provisions of that = r. Does rt seem quite just and equita- je? W. P. Van Wickle. Mr. W. P. Van Wickle said to a Star re- porter: “The law never could have been a success, and I was glad to see it wiped out. In time of war an inoome tax is not so ob- Jectionable, but in peace and in a country like this it cannot be else than objectionable. Times are getting better, and the revenues will take care of themselves all right. At any rate there are more satisfactory ways of raising money than by an income tax. I would rather go back to the old stamps for checks and other commercial papers, but I do think that an added tax on whisky, beer and wine would raise all the money wanted without any one feeling imposed upon.” Mr. Bernard Kopf. “It would seem to me that there can be only one opinion on the merits of the in- come tax. That sort of a tax is all right if it could be made uniform and just, but unfortunately our law was not that sort of a law, and I am glad the Supreme Court did as it did.” J. Warren Bird. Mr. J. Warren Bird, a prominent lawyer of New York, said: “I am sorry I could not have been here when the decision was handed down, but in my opinion it was a most just and proper ruling. The income tax could never have been made to apply with justice and equality to all people, and drawn up as the law was, it was bad and unjust on the face of it.” A. Lipscomb. Mr. Andrew A. Lipscomb sald: “In 1880 the United States Supreme Court unani- mously decided that an income tax was constitutional, and not a direct tax. That decision was made at a time when there was perfect freedom from public clamor. Now, the court reverses itself, but how it arrived at its last decision will, I think, puzzle future generations as well as this ene. I believe in the income tax and great- ly admire Justice Harlan’s opinion, full of prophetic words. I have not the slightest doubt but that the next democratic na- tional convention will insert in the plat- form an amendment to the Constitution to collect from colossal fortunes their share of the burden of taxation, which the re- cent decision of the Supreme Court de- clares shall be borne by those least able to bear it.” James Coleman. Mr. James Coleman, another member of the District bar, said: “The opinion of the Supreme Court is, I think, the right one. The construction put by the court upon the law Is right, otherwise the court would not have decided as they did. Lawyers al- ways take the law from the court and stand by its decisions. In my opinion the law, as a matter of public policy, was wrerg. In a republic like ours no one class of people should dictate laws to control the interests of others. The result of such Icgislation would in the end lead to revo- lution, and would before long see the ‘red specter. John B. Larner. “I was,” explained Mr. John B. Larner, “dn favor of the law. I believed it was con- stitutional. But, after the first decision by the Supreme Court I believed all of the provisions of the law should have been de- clared invalid and the law wiped off the statute books. I think the effect of the decision will be to seriously cripple the tax- ing powers of the government, and it will, I think, be absolutely necessary, if the de- cision ts to stand, to amend the Constitu- tion.” Charles Baum. “The repeal of the income tax I regard as just,” said Mr, Charles Baum. “Of course, you will find differences of opinion in dif- ferent sections of the country, but the con- sensus of opinion is, I believe, against di- rect taxes. The merchants, generally, are glad to see the law repealed, and they are the best judges. Taxes should be levied equitably, and every American citizen should feel proud to have an opportunity to contribute t6 the support of the govern- ment. If this tax had been necessary and imposed upon all alike, I mean proportion- ately, it might have been enforced. As it was interpreted it was un-American and I am glad its death has come. Its effect will be felt upon business and trade will in- crease and times improve.” M. A. Tappan. M. A. Tappan said: “I am glad the Su- preme Court has declared the income tax unconstitutional. The merchants of Wash- ington are especially pleased, I take it. We have to pay heavy enough taxes now. You know beside being taxed for our realty we have to pay a tax on our stock in hand in the shape of a personal tax. It’s all well enough to say that what we pay in taxes goes to make up the other half the general government pays for the sup- port of the local government, but I ven- ture to say if the matter were sifted it would be found that we are paying about 75 per ceut of the whole tax.” Isador Saks. Isador Saks of Saks & Co.: “I guess we all think alike. My Impression is after the first dectston, which you remember ex- empted rents, &c., from the provisions of the tax, the last decision will have a good effect. Many people, save the rich, when the first decision was announced, believed it a great hardship. I think all are satis- fled now. The effect will be to restore con- fidence and make business generally bet- ter.” M. M. Strasburger of the Family Shoe Store was enthusiastic over the defeat of the in- come tax. To a reporter of The Star this morning he sald: “The people of this country are to be ccngratulated over the decision of the Su- preme Court which wipes the income tax from the statute book. It was never popu- lar with the masses, and after the first decision became so utterly unjust that its absolute repeal was certain. The immediate effect will be a boom in the business world.” Strasburger. A. & H. Mayer. A. & H. Mayer of the Bon Marche sald they believed now that the Income tax had been declared unconstitutional that busi- ness would improve. Parker, Bridget & Co. Parker, Bridget & Co.: “The action of the Supreme Court in annulling the income tax was wise. When the different features of tho law are stud!ed in connection with the first decision, which exempted certain in- comes from taxation, its unjustness will be The repeal of the law will ma- help the merchants all over the M. Metzger. M. Metzger of the M. Metzger Company, grocers: “I think the merchants through gut the country are glad the income tax is no more. When the subject was first discussed in Congress of taxing Incomes, I was opposed to it. Such laws are not wholesome, and have a bad effect on trade. ‘rhe repeal of the law will be manifested in an increase of trade and a general feel- ing of security throughout the entire coun- try: = James Lansburgh. James Lansburgh of the firm of Lans- burgh & Bro. said he had not studied the decision carefully, but generally speaking, knew its scope. Any tax hurt business, and the operation of the income ‘tax took away just so much of the people's income. if they were allowed to keep t money ; = | others, are assessed for every picnic, tar | they would spend it, and trade generally would be benefited. John Rudden. John Rudden, the furniture man, express- ed himself as Qeartily in favor of the re- peal of the law: “As originally drafted it might have done good, but with these de- cisions exempting such-and-such incomes it made its enforcement hard upon a cer- tain class, the one not intended to be reach- ed. Its repeal will help business material- ly, I think, and bring about a better con- dition of affairs al! over the country.” Johnston & Co. The senior member of the firm of John- ston’s grocery store, on 7th street, said: “It don’t look as if we cared much whether the tax remained on the statute books or not. Our business is increasing every day, and my impression is there will be a further stimulation by reason of the defeat of the income tax.” Henry King, jr. Henry King, jr., of King’s Palace, said: “The repeal of the income tax is one of the most popular things the Supreme Court ever did. I am opposed to taxes raised that way in time of peace. There is no need for it. Here in Washington the merchints are taxed heavily enough. It is far better to tax liquors and raise money that way. This income tax was not just, and I fore saw its repeal. The effect will be felt in business circles generally, and I look con- ae for a better business season next ral.” F. W. Bolgiano, F. W. Bolgiano, the seedsman, said, tn discussing the repeal of the income tax: “It is the popular verdict, I believe, that the repeal of the law is a good thing. Any tax that is inquisitorial is bound to be un- popular. Of course this big deficit will have to be made up somehow, and I ex- pect the tariff will be revised. Anyhow, the defeat of the tax will help business.” Woodward & Lothrop. Mr. Lothrop of Woodward & Lothrop sald: “I believe that the decision is a just one, and is generally so regarded by the business men of the country. I don’t think that an income tax is necessary, and if additional revenue is needed, it should be levied on imports that may ‘be classed as luxuries.”” John Joy Edson. John Joy Edson, president of the Wash- ington Loan and Trust Company, said: “I think that it was a very wise decision, and in my opinion will act as a check upon future legislation toward inquisitorial and iniquitous taxation. I hope that this coun- try will never be cursed with unjust, un- equal and unfair laws like the peaple of most of the old countries have been and are. Instead of an income tax being a benefit in favor of the masses of the peo- ple and against the class at which it was aimed, I consider that it would have re- sulted fn injury to the former class. I think this country is to be congratulated on the satisfactory ending of such an im- portant economic question.” The Palais Royal. Mr. Lisner of the Palais Royal said: “T was well enough pleased with the method of raising money by taxing incorhes until the first decision of the Supreme Court, which exempted real estate and bonds from this tax. I thought that the effect of that decision was to free the rich from this burden and leave it on the shoulders of what might be called the middle class and the business men. Now that the entire law is overturned I think that it is a good thing. I am only in favor of an income tax when the money is needed to meet a public emergency; otherwise I regard it as an unnecessary piece of legislation.” B. H. Warner. B. H. Warner said: “I am glad that the decision was rendered as it was, in view of the present condition of the country, but regret the majority of the court came to a conclusion which may seriously af- fect the country in the future. In general, I agree with Justice Harlan, whose broad patrivtism gave a characteristic color to his viows.” Great Falls Ice Co. Mr. Martin, manager Great Falls Ice Company: “I personally am in favor of a just and reasonable income tax law, but I am glad the court upset the last law. It was unfair and impracticable.” W. H. McKnew. William H. McKnew: “The result pleases us. The law was full of unreasonable fea- tures and Worked injustice. The decision pleased me, certainly. If there is a way to tax incomes and do so fairly and equitably, let’s have it.” Seaton Perry. Seaton Perry, the dry goods merchant: “I am pleased to have the law declared veid.”” Mr. Guggenheim. Mr. Guggenheim, manager Brentano's: “Tke law put the burden on the poor and let the rich escape. It was unjust, and I for one, and I think all of our firm, feel satisfied to have the whole measure wiped off the book: John A. Luttrell. Mr. John A. Luttrell of Johnson & Lut- trell: “I was for the law. I am sorry the measure has failed. It had its defects, but the government must be supported and the burdens of our taxes are not now justly apportioned.” Geo. C. Henning. George C. Henning, president Traders’ National Bank: “I have always been op- posed to the idea of an income tax. I was opposed to it as a republican measure and later as a democratle measure.” WwW. D. Clark. W. D. Clark, dry goods merchant: “I am glad it is declared unconstitutional. It was unjust and odious, and I rejoice at its over- throw.” James F. Oyster. James F. Oyster: “I am glad the court decided against the law—not that I am not willing to support the government, but the law did not distribute burdens evenly. I hope the revenue will increase and that there will be no need of an income tax.” Mr. Bayley. Mr. Bayley of the firm of John F. Ellis & Co.: “We were in favor of the income tax as a measure of necessity, but there were inquisitorial features in it that were wholly wrong, and we are satistied to have it over- ruled.” M. Goldsmith. M. Gcldsmith of Goldsmith & Son, Jewel- ers, said: “It may disappoint the country, but the law, as left by the first decision of the Supreme Court, would have burdened ali the poor and exempted the rich. It is a good thing the law is noi to stay.” Edward Dreop, jr. Edward Droop, Jr., speaking for the house of which his father has for many years been the head, said: “We were personally opposed to the law, not so much because it was an income tax, but because it did not work equitably. For instance, here we were asked to include in our returns a large amount of installment business, some of which would not be money in hand for three years yet. We are glad the court held the law to be unconstitutional. Yet if a just and equitable law can be devised we should be glad of that also.” Wm. F. Mattingly. “Theoretically,” said Mr. Wm. F. Mat- tingly, “if we lived in Eutopia, where every one is disposed to do what is right and just and proper, the income tax would be all right. But we do not live in such an age, and the income tax is, therefore, all wrong. There is undoubtedly a feeling throughout the country that it would be right and proper, but the act was the result of a yielding to an agrarian purpose largt ly prevailing at the time of its passage, and for that reason alone it is a good thing that the law was declared unconsti- tutional. ‘There are innumerable other ways of raising revenue which would not he objectionable to the people. The law, too, would have been productive of per- jury.” Harry Rapuey. Mr. Harry Rapley said that in his opinion the income tax ‘was an attempt at class distinction which was unfortunate and un- just. He was favorable to a repeal of the law, and the action of the court in wiping it off the books met with his heartiest ap- proval. i S. G. Cornwell. , “You will heve a hard time to find any one who is not in line with the Supreme Court's decision,” said Mr. S. G. Cornwell. “I never did hke that sort of a law, for there are better ways of raising revenue than by providing an income tax, which cannot help but make a class distinction.” - Edward H. Allen.” “The ircome, tax was an iniquitous tax, I think, and tiigigeople generally have rea- son to be grateful that it has been disposed of. As a war ire it may be all right, but these are ’ war times, and a tax on thrift and ind is bad business at best. I am extremely glad that the Supreme Court saw things the way it did.” € Jol WW. Douglass. “I agree wi e minority report of the Supreme Court on the income tax law on every point,” said ex-Commissioner John W. Douglass. “f{ don’t believe that rents are equivalent to lands in the eyes of the law any more than my shadow is equiva- lent to my person. By direct tax, accord- ing to the Constitution, I take it to mean a tax upon land or upon individuals specifi- ia Frank L. Hanvey. “I was very much disappointed at the de- cision of tlhe Supreme Court,” said Mr. Frank L. Hanvey: “The seriousness of the opinion as a precedent will be felt if a war comes and the country is confronted with a necessity for money at a time when im- ports have ceased and a similar cessation of exports has paralyzéd home industries. The decision ties the hands of the govern- )ment so fat a8 raising money is concerned in such ar. emergency.” Robinson, Chery & Co. Mr. Robinson of Robinson, Chery & Com- pany said: “I consider the last decision a righteous and just one, and I think it is so regarded by the community generally, whether effected by, it directly or not. I paid an income tax during the war cheer- fully, but I see no necessity for such a measure in times of peace.” W. H. Moses. Mr.*W. H. Moses of W. B. Moses & Sons said: ‘The opinion of the court was right, but the dissenting opinions are like setting fire to inflammable material.” E. P. Mertz. E. P. Mertz said: “I believe that the de- cision will meet with general approval. I very much regret, however, that the de- cision was not rendered by a large major- ity of the court, as ‘t will tend to create dissatisfaction in the minds of many who favore’l the law. It appears to me that there are other methods of raising needed revenue than by an income tax, which, I think, should be the last thing resorted to. I trust, however, that it will not be neces- sary to have an extra session of Congress, as I believe that business throughout the country will be better if undisturbed by any prospect of legislation of any char- acter. Every business interest seems to be slowly recovering, as evidenced by the re- cent advances in salaries of the employes volunteered by large firms and corpora- tions.” J. J. Darlington. “The principle of such a tax is,” said Mr. J. J. Darlington, “a good one. I do not be- leve there could be a better tax law, but whether the bné, just decided unconstitu- tional was a good law or not I am unable to say, for I neither thoroughly considered the act nor carefully read the court’s opin- jon." F. H. Mackey. “Mr. Justice: Harlan,” explained Mr. Franklin H. Mackey, “expressed my views in the matter,,only more, much more, ably and clears than E could have done. I agree with him.” A Job “Barnard. “The majority Qpinion of the Supreme Court,” declared .Mr. Job Barnard, “was right and just, im/my humble opinion. A tax on personaity’ls as much a direct tax 4g a tax on realty, and under the provisions of the Constiteition‘the income tax law was clearly unconstitutional.” aad Ce SHORT QUART BASKETS. tor ‘They Are, Being Largely Used for the Sale.of Strawberries, Some time’ago The Evening Star called attention to tht fact that there was a gen- eral custom among hucksters who Sell stra-~berries; to dispose of them in what are popularly known as “‘short-quart” bas- ke’) or boxes. The Ster published inter- views with local dealers in such boxes, in which they stated that they sold a thou- sand ‘shorts’ where they sold a hundred full-quart boxes, the former holding only a pint and a half. There seemed to be no remedy for the evil other than a watchfui care on the part of purchasers and a de- mand on their part for a full quart of ber- ries when they paid for such a quantity. Now that the berry season is reaching its height, and thousands of quarts of straw- berries are being sold in Washington every day, the Market Dealers’ Co-operative As- sociation is making vigorous war against the use of the short quarts. “It is but just that berry consumers should be informed that they are being im- Fosed upon every day by peddlers of ber- ries who use the short-quart boxes,” said Mr. J. K. Mangum, the president of the association, to a Star reporter today. “We are taking active measures against their use, and we are determined never to let the matter rest until we have driven this de- testable undersjzed measure from the Dis- trict. If the consumer will compare one of these ‘short quarts’ with a regular size quart basket he will readily see that he has been only receiving three-fourths of a quart for his money. A committee from our association has waited on the whole- sale dealers in berry baskets and requested them not to purchase any more ‘short quarts.’ We have condemned the practice by resolution, and have appealed to the District authorities to prevent the use of these short-measure baskets or boxes, and we hope berry consumers will refuse to buy from street peddlers or dealers who use them. In this way their vse may be stop- ped.” —_———. RICHARDSON’S IDEA. He Thinks the Defect May Be Made Up on Beer. Representative Richardson of Tennessee was in the city yesterday afternodn, “I do not see what the democrats can do about the income tax law,” sald Mr. Rich- ardson to a Star reporter. “So far as I am able to judge that matter will have to be dropped, as the next House of Representa- tives will have a two-thirds majority for the republicans, “I unde~stand that Mr. Carlisle “believes that when th> present tariff law gets into operation will raise sufficient revenue for the needs of the government, and even if it should fail to do that I have no idea there wijl Je any revision of the tariff. I v@derstonc that Mr. Reed was in favor, during th. last Congress, of putting an additiona! tax on beer, and if the revenue should run short, E,should think the defl- cit might be made;ip in that way. “Everybody\is for.silver dgwn in Tennes- see,” said 2ighardson, in reply to a question. many people who ere, are want to see as Gilnuse brought stout by international agreement, but the great mass of the voters-there,don’t believe in waiting for such a ppycedite. So far as I know, Be there has been no xaovement in Tennes yet to form an organization to co-operate with > Natlonal Bimetallic Union, which was d inp SaltiLake City a few days + Charges Assault. y afterndon Precinct Detective of the sedond precinct arrested Collis, # tinner, twenty-three aid tool him to the station. or had, a warrant charging assault young mam.was released on $500 ate security for his appearance. nie Conners, daughter of Con- John Conners of 469 New York made the complaint. She charges that C“llins called to see her last Thursday lacfternoon, and committed an alleged in- decent assault on her. He denies the charge. His friends today expressed con- fidence in his acquittal. Lawyer Shillington appeared in court as his counsel and demanded a jury trial. The case went over until tomorrow. ——— Smallpox at Meridian, Miss. It Is learned from passengers from Me- ridian, Miss. that thirty new cases of smallpox appeared there yesterday. The cases have been isolated and removed a short distance from the city. The Grand Lodge, Knights of Honor, which was to have met there yesterday, went to Jackson to hold its session. SOME ILLINOIS MEN Silver Democrats Have Hopes of Stevenson and Morrison. EVENTS REGARDED AS SIGNIFICANT Senator Palmer Boldly Denounces the Free Coinage Movement. ALTGELD SAYS WHAT GOV. Special From a Staff Correspondent. BLOOMINGTON, IIL, May 20, 1895. A distinguished democrat resides in this thriving Illinois town, a man who is the subject of considerable speculation at this time among the democrats of the state. It is Mr. Adlai I. Stevenson, the Vice President of the United States, and the secret hope of many a western democrat whose thoughts wander to the next presi- dertial convention. Any pleasant afternoon Mr. Stevenson’s tail form may be seen striding up and down the leaf-covered walks of Bloomington, his head bowed in thought, his hands crossed behind his back. While no one has been able to get a word out of Mr. Stevenson upon the question which is agitating the democrats of MlU- nols to the center, the free silver men are not worrying about him, for the reason that they believe their views will domi- nate and that as soon as this is demon- strated Mr. Stevenson will come out and declare himself. Mr. Thomas J. Buan, cne of Mr. Stevenson’s closest henchmen, and a man who, in some respects, is regarded as reflective of the Vice President's views, a few days ago came out boldly for free silver. At this the knowing ones looked wise and regarded it as a straw in the vice presidential wind. 2 Bloomington is enthusiastically for free silver at 16 to 1, and the sentiment is growing daily in strength. The county will send fourteen delegates, and it is thought they will be unanimous for silver. William R. Morrison. There is another distinguished denocrat now in Illinois who has become something of an enigma to the general public, al- though the inside politicians claim to un- derstand him and his plans. This is Mr. William R. Morrison, also a presidential possibility under certain circumstances. When Mr. Morrison left Washington a few weeks ago for Illinois it was the gen- eral impression that he would take occa- sion to endeavor to modify the free silver stampede. There are some reports,~ however, that Mr. Morrison, since he got around among the people, while not coming out boldly, has been casting an anchor to windward with the silver people by criticising the Prosi- dent’s bond issues, his gold standard talk and the general financial policy of the ad- ministration. It is reported he has been shaking his head and saying the President has gone a little too far with his gold ideas. Granting the reports to be truc, even Mr. Morrison's critics are not prepared to say he is going to desert sound money prin- ciples or to do more than try to carry an even keel in the choppy sga of Illinois politics for a time at least. Bousts of Silver Men. It is openly declared that neither Mr. Morrison, Mr. Stevenson, or, in fact, any other democrat will have influence enough to prevent the convention of June 5 from fixing the ratio at 16 to 1. It 1s realized that a strong effort will be made by the little group of sound money delegates to the convention to do this, but their effort ig already discounted. It is the wish of the radicals, Mr. Altgeld and Mr. Hinrich- sen, that the convention shall sot stop short of a bold and outright, independent, unlimited free coinage declaration, ratio and all, and this program will be carried out to the letter, it is thought. The sound money men have been drop- ping a few hints of warning to the free stlver advocates about the danger of the present hasty movement resulting in a split in the party, but declare there will be no split, because the free silver men will represent 95 per cent of the demo- cratic vote of Illinois. Senator Palmer's Bold Stand. The course of Senator Paimer is in mark- ed contrast with that of his two fellow democrats. Just as soon as the Altgeld people raised their free silver flag Senator Paimer opened fire with full vigor. Ever since, when a stray free coinage scout takes a shot at Senator Palmer he has received a volley in return. The result has been that the free silver people have mark- ed him with a gold bug tag and set him aside with Cieveland and the others for slaughter. “The result of this free coinage conven- tion will be very disastrous to the demo- cratic party of Illinois,” said Senator Palmer to the writer today. “With the aid of what was really a minority of the state central committee they have given their movement the indorsement of the state organization. I have no doubt the convention will declare for the free and unlimited coinage of silver at 16 to 1, and then they will claim it as the verdict of the democracy of Illinois. Of course, after that there will be nothing left for us but to try to scrape together the remains of the old organization next year. I am very much afraid, however, that the democracy of this state will be put inté eclipse. “I expect to see the republicans arouse the people on the foreign policy.. They will have the annexation of Hawail, prob- ably of Cuba, and they will divert the at- tention of the people on those issues, so that their followers will lose sight of the other things, and will surely not straggle off after silver idols in the democratic party. How Gov. Altgeld Puts It. The writer called on Governor Altgeld at the state house. “This silver movement was not a sudden thing,” said Governor Altgeld, when he was asked to give Tht Star a brief state- ment of the reason for calling the con- vention. “It was the spontaneous upris- ing of the people against a great wrong and in behalf of their own interests. They have come to the conclusion that the: will never be a permanent change for the better in the business affairs of this coun- try until they have a greater volume of purchasing power, and the only way to get that is to restore silver to use as a money metal upon a basis with gold. They have decided to take matters in their own hands and not permit their interests to be put off upon one excuse and another, deferred to the interests of another class. “There has been some complaint by de ocrats who were not consulted in the move- ment as to the calling of the convention at this time, but it was the action of the state central committee, the body author- ized to do so, and it has received the commendation of the people. The coriven- tion will declare for the free and unlimited coinage of silver and in doing so will voice the sentiments of the democrats of Illi- nois.”” “Do you think this action will make a split in your party?” he was asked. “Not at all, for there will not be enough democrats in the state of Illinois oppus- ing silver to make a corporal’s guard. Who will there be to split? It will not make any trouble, and those people who may be halting and hesitating now will come with the party when it takes its stand.” Governor Altgeld’s estimate of the strength of the opposition is at variance with figures obiained from the other side. According to the statement made by the president of the Honest Money League of Chicago to the writer a few days ago there are 5,000 enrolled democratic members of the Honest Money League in Chicago, and before the year is out the league will have an organization in every city, town and county in the state, with members enrolled and pledged to oppose free Cres ~ FOR SILVER FIRST. Congressman Shafroth Says That Party Loyalty Should Come After. DENVER, Col, May 22.—Congressman John F. Shafroth, republican, who has just returned from Salt Lake, where he attend- ed the silver conference as a delegate ftom Colorado, says if the democrats put a free silver candidate In the field for President and the republican party does not, it will be the duty of the republicans of this state to support the democratic nominee unani- mously and heartily. “The democracy is a great national par- ty,” he added, “and has a foothold over the country that a new party would not have and by working jointly the repub- licans and democrats of the west would have a great chance of carrying the day for their candidate. I believe in giving my own political party the first opportunity to keep us in the fold, but if it does not come out ‘in its platform for free silver plainly and unmistakably and with no loop hole left to crawl out of the position, then I am going to leave the party and vote for the candidate, no matter what his politics may be, who will support and carry out the free silver principles. For these reasons I would have the delegates to the national conventions definitely in- structed so that should the national con- ventions refuse to champion the cause of silver the delegations could leave the con- vention honorably and afterward unite upon their own candidate. Let the east and the doubtful states construe it as a threat if they choose, I believe they should be made to understand our position at once and in plain terms.” THEY WANT FREE COINAGE, Horseshoers Binme Demoncetization of Silver for Hard Times. MILWAUKEE, May 22—The interna- tional horseshoers’ convention has adopted resolutions favoring free coinage. The pre- amble stated that all the hard times of the past two years have been caused directly by the demonetization of silver and that to this cayse was due the compulsory idleness of 2,000,000 workmen. Another resolution was adopted providing for copies of the resolution and preamble to be sent to Pres- ident Cleveland, Vice President Stevenson, Secretary Carlisle and the chairman of the finace committees of the Senate and House of Representatives. RESTURE THE OLD RATIO. President Andrews on Relations of Gold and Silver. BOSTON, May 22.—A largely attended meeting of the Mystic Valley Club was held last night at the Quincy House. President E. B. Andrews of Brown University, Provi- dence, and Mr. Brooks Adams of Quincy, spoke on “Honest Money.” President An- drews delivered the principal address. He traced most of the difficulties of the last twenty years to the great currency change made in 1873. Through the rupture of the ratio in the value of gold and silver it is impossible to determine values. By the diminution of the amount of the funda- mental money, through cutting off silver, a regime of falling prices was inaugurated. What is to be the outcome of the present condition of affairs the speaker said he could not state, but his convictien was that the old parity should be restored and the two methods be permitted to work together in the business world. Senator Palmer’s Report. Senator John M. Palmer of Illinois called on the President today and told him about the silver situation in that state. Senator Palmer jokingly responded to a reporter’s question as to whether the silver move- ment in I'linois had been arrested by say- ing that warrants were out for the move- ment, but the officers having the warrants had been unable to come up with it yet. The Senator says that so far as the demo- cratic convention called to meet in June is concerned, it is a foregone conclu- on that a free silver plank will be adopt- —_.>—__. NEXT CONSERVATIVE MINISTRY. Already Agreed Upon at the Caricton Clab, London, The London afternoon newspapers have devoted much space to the scare caused in certain circles by the report spread of the approaching dissolution of parliament. The Westminster Gazette, for instance, says that the next conservative ministry has already been agreed upon at the Carle- ton Club, headquarters of the prominent conservatives. It added that the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour will be premier. The Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain is slat- ed for the office of secretary of state for home affairs; the Marquis of Salisbury is likely to be the fext secretary of state for foreign affairs, and George N. Curzon, at one time parliamentary under secretary for India, is said to have been selected for the office of secretary of state for India. Prussia for Bimctallism. The lower house of the Prussian diet yesterday, by a vote of 157 to 92, adopted the motion of Dr. Otto Arendt, urging the government to take steps in favor of an international settlement of the currency question with the view of securing inter- national. bimetallism. The house also adopted an amendment proposed by Baron Yon Zedlitz, a member of the privy council, to the effect that Germany is only to act in the matter in connection with Great Britain, ‘Treaty Between Chile and Bolivia. The treaty of peace and friendship con- eluded between Chile and Bolivia has been confirmed. The documents in the case have been signed. ——___ + e+-____ Wants to Be Restored. Ex-Commander John N. Quackenbush of the navy late yesterday afternoon filed a petition for a mandamus to compel Sec- retary Herbert io restore him to the rank of commander. In 1874 Mr. Quackenbush was tried by court-martial and sentencéd to dismissal from the service. President Grant commuted the sentence to suspen- sion for six years. After serving out the sentence, the commander went on waiting orders, and received the pay of his grade until April 1, 1881. In June, 1874, the President nominated W. S. Schley to the rank of commander, vice Quackenbush, “dismissed.” Subsequently, in 1883, Secre- tary Chandler, In accordance with a de- cision of the Supreme Court affecting the President's right to remove an officer in time of peace, caused Quackenbush’s name to be stricken from the rolls, which the latter claims was done arbitrarily, and which he now seeks to have revoked. a Struck Her Friend. Charlotte Washington and Harriet Swain, colored women who have been friends for many years, got on “cross questions” two days ago ané now they ere enemies. Char- lotte lost her patience, and being unabie to control her temper she used her hand on her former friend's cheek, and so offended her that she swore out a warrant for as- sault. This morning Judge Miller made Charlotte pay $5 for her conduct. ee Many Marringe License: During the past two weeks the clerk of the court and ministers have experienced the busiest season in the matrimonial line ever known in this city, and all pecause of the fact that the police are vigorously prosecuting cases under the Edmunds law, which is more familiarly known as the Utah act. Today showed no drop in the matrimonial market and a large number of Heed marriage licenses were added to the ist. ——ES Army Assignments, The following assignments to regiments of officers recently promoted are ordered: Maj. James M. J. Sanno, to the third in- fantry; Capt. George S. Young, to the seventh infantry, company H; Capt. Chas. L. Steele, to the eighteenth infantry, com- pany F; First Lieut. John S. Grisard, to the seventh infantry, company B; First Lieut. Charles P. Russ, to the eighteenth infantry, company K. The following transfers In the eighteenth infantry are ordered: Capt. Carroll H. Pot- ter, from company I to company F; Capt. Charles L. Steele, from company F to com- pany I. —-—+-2- Arbitration on nn English Claim. It is expected that the president of Switzerland will be asked to designate the third member of the arbitration commis- sion which is to settle England’s remain- ing claim against Nicaragua. The details of the arbitration are expected at an eariy day. It is hardly expected that the Swiss president will designate the United States as the third arbitrator, owing to the part taken by the United States in the Corinto affair. ———_++-2e+ —_____ Extending the Mexican Central. It has been decided to extend the Mex- ican Central railroad westward to the Pa- cific coast. The terminus will probably be either at San Blas or Chamettla. TRAINS NEED NOT STOP Judge Kimball Overrules s ¢2“ety Regula- tion of the Commissioners, Right to Make B. and O. Engineers Stop Their Trains at H Street— An Interesting Case. Judge Kimball has rendered another de cision favorable to the Baltimore and Ohic Railroad Company. The gecision annult one of the regulations of the District Com- missioners, which the people of Northeast Washington believed gave them some pro- tection from the railroad trains at the Del- aware avenue and H street grade crossings. The case was brought ngainst Thomas Co]- lins, an engineer, for failure to stop his train before crossing H street after com- ing around the sharp curve. President Tucker and William J. Frizzell of the Northeast Washington Citizens’ Associa- tion were in court, but they were not sur- prised at the decision. Although this regu- lation has been wiped off the statute books, they ‘say they will keep watch over the fast-running trains, and cause the arrest of the engineers. The facts in the case were virtually ad- mitted. George E. Hamilton, cou: for the company, argued that the Commission- ers had no authority to enact such a regu- lation. ; Mr. Pugh, the prosecuting attorney, ar- gued the case for the District, but his ar- gument had not much weight, for Judge Kimball had decided a similar case several, weeks ago, and it required him no time to reach a conclusion. Judge Kimball's Decision. In disposing of the case Judge Kimball sald he sympathized very strongly with the people of Northeast Washington in their desire to be protected from the evils of the surface railroad. “But,” he said, “the Commissioners are Umited in their powers. They undoubtedly have power to limit the speed of trains and to compel the company to erect gates and put watchmen at the crossings. The law gives them the power to make reasonable and usual regulations, and the question is whether this is a reasonable or usual regu- lation. Is it usual to require trains to stop at street crossings? I think not. Under State laws some of the railroad companies are required to stop their trains before crossing other steam road tracks, but it is certainly not usual to require the trains to stop at street crossings. “If the Commissioners had power to coin- pel the trains to stop at H street they could compel them to stop at other streets and alleys, and could so hamper the movement of trains as to require half an hour's time to move through the city. “While I sympathize with the citizens of Northeast Washington and think the tracks ought to be either overhead or underground, I think that Congress intended to give the Commissioners no such power as they have exercised in framing this regulation.” The charge against the engineer was thereupon dismissed. —_—_ DEFECTIVE BRAKE. It Caused a Serious Accident on the" Eckington Road. An accident occurred on the track of the Eckington & Soldiers’ Home R.R. at Brook- land station last evening, which might have proved very serious. A trailer had been derailed at the end of the track and de- tained the cars coming to Brookland. Two motor cars, each with a trailer, were strung along waiting, when car No. 5, of which Charles Radey was motorman, came down the steep incline. Radey tried to put on the brake, but it would not work, and although he reversed the motor the headway gained was tco great, and his car crashed into the rear of the trailer in front. The vestibule on car No. 5 was smashed, end Radey was pinned in the wreck so that he could not move. He was evidently stunned by the shock, for it was some minutes before he uttered a word, and it was at first thought he was ‘killed. Quite a crowd gathered, and a couple of mounted policemen aided the railway men from the other cars in ex- tricating the motorman from his unpleas- ant position. He was finally lifted out and taken into a trailer, when it was as- certained that he had fortunately received no injury except a cut. back of the ear by broken glass. The other men said that they heard Radey tell the superintendent that the brake on car No. 5 would not work, and that he was afraid of it, but that the superintendent, while admitfing that, said that he guessed it would work until 8 o’clock. The accident took place at 7:30. —__ The Golden Cross. At the last meeting of Mt. Vernon Com- mandery, United Order of the Golden Cross, Noble Commander Marion F. Holder- man presided. Two applications for mem- bership were presented. C. G. Harrison, M. L. Venable and David Cranmer were appointed a committee to join commit- tees of sister commanderies on the sub- ject of the revision of the constitution of the Immediate Fund Relief Association. The newly appointed deputy grand comman- der, Miss Clara BE. Lewis, installed L. E. Harrison as warder of the outer gate. Re- marks urder the good of the order were made by Noble Commander Holderman, Miss Clara Nelson, C. G. Harrison, M. L. Venable, Jos. Fugenbaum and others. At the next meeting on June 5 the degrees will be conferred and an interesting pro- gram will be presented by the commit- tee on the good of the order. At Trinity Commandery’s last meeting Miss Susan A. Langley presided, and the degrees were conferred on one candidate. A committee consisting of E. J. Pattee, Geo. W. N. Custis and W. T. Kent was ap- pointed to formulate by-laws for the gov- ernment of the commandery. Remarks were made by the noble commander, E. J. Pattee, Dr. Custis and others, on the re- quirements of the law in regard to sick members. Notification was received from Grand Commander Hallam that a reception would be given to the officers of the Su- preme Commandery on the 27th. ——— Change of Tracks Authorised. The Commissioners yesterday heard the president of the Metropolitan railroad in an argument to locate-the track of the Metropolitan railroad on Water street southwest. It will be remembered, as printed in The Star yesterday, that Prest- dent Phillips desired permission to locate separate track, in lieu of running on the east track of the Belt line railroad. The hearing this morning was attended by the representatives of the Washington and Georgetown railroad and Belt line railroad. The same arguments were advanced by President Phillips es to the necessity of the new track, and, there being no opposi- tion to that feature, the Commissioners, after some deliberation, decided to approve the new plans. ——_—_ Divorces Asked for and Granted. Sarah A. Mockabee has applied for a divorce from Samuel R. Mockabee, stating that they were married at Baltimore, Md., March 8, 1892, and alleging that her hus- band willfully deserted and abandoned her May 30, 1892. A petition for divorce has been filed by Helen P. uglass against Macdonald Douglass. Mrs. Douglass states that they were married here October 5, 1881, and charges that in May, 1893, her husband deserted her. She also prays for the custody of their only child, Macdonald Douglass, jr. Judge Cox has granted Effie L. Bird- sall a divorce from Charles W. Birdsall, with permission to resume her maiden name of Mansfield. The ground for the divorce was desertion and abandonment by the husband. — Fire on G Street. There was an exciting fire in J. A. Cohen's tailor shop, No. 904 G street north- west, about 9 o’clock ‘last night, and the fire department experienced a little trouble in reaching the scene of the confiagration owing to the almost impassable condition of Oth street, where the street railroad company is putting down its new tracks, The taflor’s stock, valued at $1,500, and on which there was an insurance of $600, was destroyed. The building, which is owned by Henry Dellinger, was slightly damaged. ed The sister of President Diaz died in Mexico Saturday. She was universally be- loved for her charities end virtues. :