Evening Star Newspaper, August 16, 1895, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR —_—__»—____ PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 13th Street, b7 The Evening Star Newspaper Company, 8. H. KAUFF Pres’t. a New York Office, £0 Potter Building, The Evening Star fg scrved to subscribers In the elty by carriers, on their own account, at 10 cents Der week, or 44 cents ker month. Copies at the counter 2 cents each. By mall—anywhere In the Ualted States or Capada—postage prepald—0 cents ber month, day Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 ear, with postage added, $3.00. = red at the Post Office at Washington, D. C., elt ae her ship mail subscriptions must be paid In advance. Rates of advertising made Enown on appitent ion, the Star. No. 13,245, WASHINGTON, D.C. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1895-TEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. | Te proof of the pudding is in te eating. Yesterday's Sfor contained 29 cofumns of advertisements, made up of 511 separate announce: ments. Bese advertisers Bought pubficifp—not merefp Space, NOW FOR MORRISON|4 FLoorING oRDERED PRIVATE GILL’S CASE Sentiment Among the Silver Con- _ ference Democrats. THE KIND OF PRESIDENT WANTED The Most Likely Settlement of Radical Differences. GORMAN MENTIONED ——.___ The existence of a strong “Morrison sen- timent’’ among the democrats who were in silver conference here yesterday and the day before has caused much comment and speculation. It is regarded as some- what remarkable that some of the most radical 16 to 1, without regard to the action of other nations, free silver men should select Morrison as their favorite candi- date for the democratic nomination. Mor- rison is regarded as a bimetallist, friendly to silver, but he fs not looked upon as a free silyer man, as these others are. It was evident that the friendly feeling to- ward him and disposition to start his boom Was not confined to those who spoke freely on the subject, like Casey Young, but Was Very general in the conference. The lllinoisan has been very guarded in his ex- pressions on the money question, but what little he has said has indicated an ap- prehension on his part that it would not be safe for this country alone to attempt the resturation of free coinage. At least this is the general impression as to his attitude, and he Is considered very con- servative. It has been naturally felt that such radical free silver men as Mr. Young would look to some very pronounced sil- verite for a champion, and ihis talk of Morrison is looked upon 4s indicating a more accommodating spirit as to the se- lection of candidates than was expected. What is Most Wanted. It is accepted as indicating that what the silver democrats most want is a man in the White House who will regard the policy adopted by his own party in Con- gress as binding on him as their executive. Most of them would have confidence in one whom they count as a good party man. The history of the democratic party does not fully accord with the theory that vetoes should be based only on constitu- tional grounds. In the time of Jackson the whigs took that position in opposition to Jackson. When Cleveland, during his first term, went further than any other President had gone in vetoes, his party maintained the correctness of his theory of the veto power, while the republicans disputed it. The silver democrats do con- tend, however, that the President should not Set up his own views against a policy adopted by a Congress of his own party. They would not dispute the propriety cf his vetoing a high protective tarift bill passed by a republican Congress, but they deny his right as the head of the demvcrat- ic party to override the policy of that party declared by its representatives in Congress. It is believed that the democratic silver men, those wko want to hold the old dem- ocratic party, would be satisfied with the nomination of any old party wheel horse, who had never made a direct tight against silver, and who would recognize the right of a democratic Congress, following the pledges of a democratic national conven- tfon, to pass upon the policy of the party and to decide on party measures, and who would not put his own opinion against the deliberate action of his party. The Most Likely Settlement. A good many politicians here figure out that the most likely se.tlement between the radical sound money democrats cf the east and the radical silver democrats of the south and west will be found in the nomina- tion of a conservative sound money man, whose pariy associations and place of abcde more closely ally him with either the south or the west. In other words, they think that a man from a democratic sec- tion of the country who is better known as a party man than as a financier will stand the best chance at the democratic national conventicn, In this connection Gorman’s name is mentioned even among democrats who do not agree with his conservative money views. e PRINTERS’ AGE LIMIT. ty That It Will Be Done Away With. The civil service commission, with Mr. Rice returned from his vacation and pres- ent, had a session today to meet an expert keard from the government printing office. A full discussion of the proposed modifica- tion of the new rules was had. Members of the board stated that the only reason why a limit was thought of was to prevent aged printers coming to Washington from all parts of the country to pass the exam- inations, and then fail of appointment. As a rule, it was found that department offi- clals would invariably select the younger of the men certified to them, and it seemed to be an act of humanity to raise no hopes by putting an age limit and sticking to it. It was called to the atetntion of those pres- ent that when an eligible list is established the names of all the employes dismissed from the government printing office within a year will practically stand on the eligible list. Another examination will be held a week from next Wednesday, on August 28, to add to the list of eligibles for composit- ors, pressmen, and bookbinders. It seems likely from the trend of today’s conference that the age limit will be removed. This modification of the rule will not apply to the unskilled labor roll. 2 Personal Mention. Luther F. McKinney of New Hampshire, minister to Colombia, was at the State De- partment today, and will leave on the first of September for Bogota. Col. J. J. Crowley, supervising special agent of the treasury, has gone to New York on business connected with his de- partment. Solicitor General Holmes Conrad has left Washington on his summer vacation. As- sistant Attorney General Whitney is act- ing attorney general until the return of Mr, Harmon. Mr. Ralph Given of the District attor- ney’s office is spending the month of Au- gust at the Hotel Chamberlin, Round Hill, Vv THE Probab! A enj stant District Attorney Mullowny is ing a few days at Atlantic City. en Changes In the Interfor Department. The following changes in the Interior De- partment are announced: Patent office—Appointments—Frederick A. Tennant cf New York, fourth assistant ex- amirer, $1,200, Prometions—Edwin J. Prin- dle of Pennsylvania, to second assistant ex- aminer, $1,400 to $1,600; Albert M. Lewers of Nevada and Webster S. Ruckman of Pennsylvania, fourth to third assistant ex- aminer, $1,200 to $1,400. Resignations—Ar- thur »¢ of Indiana, fourth assistant ; Charles E, Hutchings of Alis- opyist, $720. eral land _office—Promotions—James Longstreet, jr., clerk, $1,400 to $1,600. Wil- ckson of Alabama, $1,200 to $1,400; ma T. Morris of Maryland, $1,000 to $1,200; Edward H. Hanter of North Car- olina, transcriber, $600, to copyist, $00. Pension office—Resignation—John W. Ben- nett of Missouri, copyist, $900. Men Working on the Post Office Building to Be Protected. A Safe Scaffolding Required Under Their Contract—What Superin- tendent Kinsey Says. ‘The workmen on the new city post office building will be provided with necessary scaffolding to insure them, as far as possi- ble, from loss of life in case of any of them falling while at work. This mcerning the foreman of the tron workers, representing Thorp & Bond, the contractors, received a letter of instruc- tions, directing him to purchase necessary scaffolding to be placed under the tron workers while engaged on the building. An order for the scaffolding will be given today, it is fully expected, by Superin- tendent John W. Kinsey, superintendent of the building, in which case all controversy on this subject will be at an end. Mr. Kinsey wrote to the contractors, de- manding that this flooring shou!d be laid, but it is thought that the contractors mis- understood the demand and supposed that Mr. Kinsey desired the entire sixth floor of the building to be covered. Such a flooring would require the use of 40,000 square feet of plank, whereas to merely place plankirg under portions of the work now being constructed would not take over 10 feet. No Further Trouble Expected. Mr. Kinsey does not believe there will be any further trouble in causing the con- tractors to provide safe scaffolding for their men, and if this is not done within a day or two he will take further action to enforce his demands. The clause in the contract under which he proposes to have the flocring provided is as foliow: “The contractor to furnish all derricks, scaffold- ing, machinery, tools, &c., necessary to execute the work required by this specifl- cation, and the same must be safe and suitable for the purpose.” A letter received by Mr. Kinsey from the contractors last evening was rather curt, though, as Ind'cated; !t was probably writ- ten under a misapprehens‘on of the demand that was Intended to be made. The con- tractors said that there were much higher and larger buildings erected in New York and elsewhere, and it had not been custom- ary to provide temporary flooring in such structures. On the other hand, as fast as the iron work was put in place the general contractor, according to custom, follows the workers from floor to fioor with the stone arches, on which. the flooring is eventually to be laid, ard Taorp and Bond tcok occasion to remark in their letter that if this nad been done on the Washington city post office building Charles Beach would not have lost his hfe. The Men Relieved. The men at work on the building were greatly relieved today when they found that flooring would be laid under them and it is expected that an increased amount of work will be secured from the force as soon as this is done. When the construction of the roof of the building is commenced ad- ditional means of safety for the men must be provided, as the work of placing the girders is regarded as by far the most dangerous part of the construction. It may be thet more scaffolding than it is now pro- posed to pluce on the floors will be re- quired, and if so a demand will be made on the contractors for iron work, and this demand, it is contended on the part of the treasury officials, must be complied with. Not only would the workers of the roof of the building be in danger of falling down 150 feet through the iron girders to the basement of the building, were flooring not provided them, but it would be necessary for them to venture out in building the roof over the great court yard, 100 by 200 feet in dimensions, and if they sheuld miss their footing when in that position they would have a clear fall of 150 feet to the ground. Some safeguard must be provided for the men who are to work in this peril- ous position, and it is quite likely that a demand will be made that a net sufficiently strong to catch a falling man, shall be stretched across the great pit of the court. It might not be necessary to make this net eves half as large as the dimensions of the court, but it should be of sufficient di- mensions to allow it to be stretched under men actually at work. Such a net would eest a considerable amount of mone: it may become nece: resenting the government to enforce their demand on the contractors. What Supt. Kinsey Says. Speaking of the need for safety rcaf- folding to a Star reporter today, Supt. Kinsey said: “It is clearly provided in our specifications that the scaffolding shall be safe and suitable for the purpose, and it is my intention to see that it is so. The rep- resentatives of the government are the judges as to what is safe and suitable. The foreman of the ironworkers, having re- ceived instructions to purchase necessary scaffolding, I will wait to see what is done. I think that the necessary safeguard will not be provided without further corres- pondence, but if they are not sufficient in my judgment I will certainly see that they are made so.” -—_____ SILVER AND THE DEMOCRACY. Senator Harris Tells How the Na- tional Committee Will Be Selected. Senator Harris of Tennessee said to a Star reporter today that the executive com- mittee of the silver democrats will pro- ceed immediately to the selection of the men who are to compose the national com- mittee. Each member of the executive committee, which, as heretofore stated, consists of Senators Harris, Jones and Turpie, Gov. Stone, Mr. W. H. Hinrich- sen and Mr. Casey Young, has been as- signed a group of states. He will cor- respond with the leading democrats of those states as to the proper man to be appointed to represent that state on the national committee. When the subcommitteemen have made up thelr slates, Senator Harris will call a meeting of the full executive committee and the names will be considered again. The action of the full committee will be final, and those who are acceptable to the executive committee will be appointed. By these means It ts expected to obtain a na- tional committee that is representative and of influence, Men will not be put upon it merely for the purpose of conferring an empty honor, but those selected will be chosen on account of their ability to help the cause and their prominence and standing in the party as working demo- erats. “This movement is for the purpose of testing the strength of that portion of the democratic party which believes in the free coinage of silver and gold,” sald Sen- ator Harris. “It will result in a practi- cal demonstration of the position of the democratic party toward silver. I think it is an important movement in behalf of silver. It brings to the front the question which is of the greatest interest and im- portance to the American people’ today.” —___*_e— Fourth-Class Postmasters. At Mount Harmony, Calvert county, Md., Mrs, M. F. Baltzell, vice Ernest Owings, resigned; at Coulson, Carroll county, Va., O. R. Landreth, vice J. M. Edwards, re- signed; at Flat Woods, Scott county, Va. I. W. Baker, vice J, D. Harris, resigned: at Moab, Washington county, Va., O. B. Kendrick, vice W. J. Kendrick, resigned. ‘Total number of fourth-class postmusters appointed today, 39, of which 27 were to fill. vacancies caused by death and resig- nations. Petition -to the President for Miti- gation of Sentence. BIRKHIMER PICTURED AS A MARTINE? Instances Stated of His Treatment of Enlisted Men. WHAT MR. MORTON SAYS A great deal of indignation is shown by men who have been subordinates to Lieut. William E. Birkhimer of the third artillery over what is regarded as an excessively severe sentence imposed by court-martial upon Private Thomas Gill, who knocked Lieut. Birkhimer down in the arsenal some time ago, and is now serving a sentence of four years in the penitentiary for his act. A Petlion to the President. A petition is now being circulated in order to secure a reduction of the sen- tence, of which the following is a copy: WASHINGTON, D. C., August 15, 1895. To the President, ; Through the Honcrable, the Secretary of War: We, the undersigned, citizens of the United States, who were on duty with the meteorological service of the signal corps at the time that Lieut. Wm. E. Birkhimer was therewith connected by detail from the third artillery, desire to petition you for a reduction of sentence imposed by ccurt-martial upon Private Thomas Gill, until recently on duty at the arsenal in this city, for assault upon the person of the said Lieut. Birkhimer. Each one of us feels that the said Lieut. Birkhimer, while so detailed as his superior officer, sought to impeach the standing, honor and dignity of his subordinates by his un- gentlemanly conduct, overbearing manner and tyrannical methods; that in his hands laws created ty wiser heads and humane hearts for the proper subservience of mili- tary discipline were so rigidly drawn and executed as te make those whom they were intended to kindly govern feel that they were degraded in the eyes of their fellowmen: that in contradistinction to the considerate and courteous treatment be- stowed by many other officers, who were able and consistent disciplinarians, 2nd who were jikewise detailed with the sald Birkhimer, the latter's treatment of sub- ordinates was such as to detract from their self-respect and render life burden- some. In our opinion he was a martinet. May net this justify the commander-in- chief of the army in taking under advise- ment this petition in behalf of Private Gill? May it not be that human nature has at last revolied; and that his act was the culmination of abuse long applied? Is the person of an officer so exalted that for striking one a man may receive a sentence sometimes pasted for manslaughter in the District of Cclumbia? In the rame of humanity we respectfully protest against what we believe to be the cruel punishment of Private Gill for strik- ing his svperior officer, Lieut. Birkhimer. The offender was ‘under the influ- ence of liquor at the time of the assault, and there were other mitigating circumstar.ces. The civil courts would punish such an cffense with five or ten days imprisonment, or a fine of five or ten dollars. Is not this sentence of four years unrecessarity harsh and cruel, and 1s it not cut of place in this country and in this age? Being Extensively Signed. This petition has been signed, it is stated, not only by nearly every man who has had cause to serve immediately under Lieut. Birkhimer, but by a number of merchants and other citizens who are in sympathy with the movement. Those who are push- img the petition desire to have it under- stood that they are not making a fight against army discipline, but are merely protesting against what they consider the trutal acts of an officer, who, while he might be on the side of law technically, pessed all bounds of forbearance in his manner of dealing with subordinates. It is said that Lieut. Birkhimer, while at West Point, established a reputation as a fighter, and that on one occasion he called down upon himself great disapproval by knocking out Fred. Grant in a fisticuff. As an in- stance of the lieutenant’s overbearing style, it {s said that on one occasion he happened to go to a hotel in which one of his men was stopping. The subordinate was in the same town with the lieutenant on business, but when the oiticer saw the subordinate sitting in the public dining room ne refused to eat there until the man left the house. Stories About Birkhimer. Many stories of despotic treatment are told by men who have served in the signa! corps under Lieut. Birkhimer. These men say of al the army olticers who in the past were in charge of that bureau, none acted other than in a gentlemanly way toward subordinates with the exception of Lieut. Birkhimer. It is said that the officers gen- erally endeared themselves to the men, ind when the time came for them to be de- teched from that srvice, there was a gen- eral feeling of regret. But in the case of Birkhimer, it is said that they sang ,halle- lujahs of praise when his detachment was announced. These men state that no su- bordinate was ever treated in a gentleman- ly way by Birkhimer, who, they say, con- sicered it degrading to him to speak other than in a tyrannical and dictatorial man- ner to the men serving under him, althougk these subordinates, in social standing and in education, in most instances, were quite ual with himself. “Gn one ovcasion it is said that an ob- server in the signal office called on Lieut. Birkhimer, and, the latter not recognizing him, and believing him to be a visitor of distinction, was very polite in his de- meanor, offering him the courtesy of a guide to explain the instruments of the office. It was presently developed that the visitor was one of his subordinates, and an enlisted man, whereupon it is said that the lieutenant was so chagrined by having treated aim politely that he abused him in round terms. On another occasion it is said that Birkhimer met one of his sub- ordinates, who was in citizens clothes, and was escorting a party of ladies to Cor- coran's Art Gallery. In order to degrade the man, it is asserted, the lieutenant ap- proached him, and in the presence of the ladies forced him to give him the military salute Which his rank called for. Accord- ing to the articles of war, the lieutenant was in the right, but such an interpreta- tion of military etiquette, it s said, is never enforced except by martinets. ° Rejoicing Over His Blackened Eyes. So numerous are the men who claim to have been insulted by Birkhimer that it is said there was the greatest rejoicing when it was found that Private Gill had used his fists to blacken the eyes of the officer and had rolled him in the gutter. While every one concedes that this act on the part of the private was to be condemred, those who sign the petition referred to think that four years in the penitentiary 1s an excessive sentence for such an as- sault. A similar case between citizens would have resulted, after a trial in the Police Court, in either a light money sen- tence or a short sentence in jail. Gill's Case Could Have Been Better Handled. It is further alleged that when Private Gill’s trial was about to come off his as- seciates desired to raise a fund in order to secure good legal counsel for him. They say they were told that the best of counsel would be provided for the private, and rest- ved on this promise. When Gill's case came up his counsel advised him to plead guilty and throw himself oh the mercy of the court, and the court in its mercy gave him four years in the penitentiary. Gill's friends say that they believe it would have been possible for a lawyer to have handled the case- with better effect, and there is now an inclination om the part of many of them to secure coursel and sée whether it is not possible to have the proceedings of the court-martial reviewed. There are’ men who believe that pnder the circum- stances attending the’ assault Gill should have been arrested by the civil authorities and given a trial in the Police Court. They say that a court-mantial of a private by officers who are not in’sympathy with him can never be followed by a just sentence. ‘In due time the above petition to the President will be forwarded to the White House through Secretary Lamont, and an effort will be made to present the case before the Secretary cf War in such a fd as to secure his approval of the pe- tition. What Secretary Morten Says. Secretary Morton was seen by a Star reporter today and asked whether he had formed any opinion in regard to the Birk- himer-Gill case, which has been brought to his attention by the fact that most of those row pétitioning the President are employed under his department. Mr. Mor- ton said that he only knew of the case from hearsay, had not heard the evidence and could not express any opinion. He saw no reason, hewever, why employes of the government in their private capacity as citizens should not petition the Presi- dent to have what they believe to be a wrong righted. ‘Phe right of petition, he remarked, was accorded to every citizen of the United States. The Case to De: Reviewed. The case of Thomas Gill, the soldier at the Washington barracks who wrs sen- tenced by court-martial to four -years* tm- prisonment at hard labor for striking Lieut. Birkheimer, his superiér officer, is now be- fore the War Department.- The -recoré of the court, showing his conviction and sen- tence, and the approval of Major General Miles, was received this morning by Gen. Leiber, judge advocate general of the army. It will be veviewed by that officer to determine the entire legality and regn- larity of the proceedings of the court, and, in case they ate ‘found ail right, there will be no further action on the part of the War Department, unless application should be made to the President for executive clemency, In which event the probabilities are that the judge advocate general's office would be called upon to make a report of the case for the special benefit of the Presi- dent. Meanwhile theré will be no interfer- ence by the War Department with the exe- cution of the sentence. Mort Columbus, N. ¥., has been designated ag the place of con- finem-ent of this soldier. Under the regula- tions, military convicts receive an abate- ment of two months i eath year for good conduct. Therefo-e it is possible for Gill to secure a reduction of eight months on his sentence. rious infractions of the regulations prior to this offense, but tney all of a minor and insignificant chargeter, Striking a su- perior officer is a capital offense, and, ac- cording to the articles of war, may be pun- ished by death, even in’ ume of peace. The punishment, however, may be of much less severity in’ the ¢ttserctiom of the court. Ac- cording to officials of ze War Department, the only way that Gill’s sentence can be mitigated is by president#’l pardon or com- mutation, unless | ity, rhowld appear that there was some irresilarity: imthe proceed- ings of the court Ly which he was cone victed, in which case h@ would be given ancther {rial. oe QUARTERS -AT CHICKAMAUGA. Barracks to Be Erected Like Those at the Washingtun Encampment. Gen. J. S. Fullerton, chairman of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Con:misgion, has issued a cir- cular as follows: “It appears from numer- ous letters received by this commission that its previous circylar in regard to fur- nishing quarters In camp bartacks has been construed to mean that such barracks will be erected without regard to the or- ders received, and that those desiring these quarters can obtain them upon their ar- rival at Chattanocga, This, however, is not the case. As Congress made no appro- priation for free quarters, a plan was de- vised by which barracks accommodations could be provided by the sitizens’ committee of Chattanooga at a yefy low rate for ail who might order such @ sufficient time in advance. It is the intention to extend barracks as orders for accommodations are received, Such accommodations cannot be provided under applications received after August “30, 1895, ‘Those who send §2 to Capt. Charles F. Muller, Chattanooga, Tenn., will recetve in return a ticket which wilt entitle the holder to a comfortable barrack bunk for the entire time of his stay at Chattanooga, including safe stor- age for hand baggage and toilet accommo- dations. It will not be possible to furnish ladies with quarters.in these barracks, or to suppJy meals or lunches in ponpecceg with them. It will be necessary for eac person to bring his own blanket and towels. ‘The barracks Will be constructed upon the plan adopted. at the Jast Grand Army en- campment at Washington city, where a very large number of veterans were thus housed. Such structures: will be erected in Chattanooga, where, within convenient distances, meals and lunches may be ob- tained at reaSonable prices. Communica- tions in regard to barracks addressed to Capt. Muller, who was selected by the citizens’ committee to take charge of this work, will receive prompt and reliable at- tention. The indications of a very large at- tendance at the dedication are such as to lead this commission to urge that all con- templating attendance make arrangements in-advance-for quarters. A citizens’ ex- ecutlve committee, of which Capt. H. 8. ‘Chamberlain is chairman, is now canvass- ing the city of Chattanooga to find quar- ters in private: families for those who de- sire such accommodations. Full informa. tion may be obtained by addressing that committee, and assurances have been given that ‘rates Will be Teasonable.” Hs —_—__+ e+_____ INDIGNANT BRITISH BICYCLISTS. The State Department, However, Can- not Interfere. The protest which the English bicyclists, arrested at Omaha, say*tley re going to make, has not yet reaghed the State De- partment. If it does come it is probable that the Englishmen would be promptly informed’ ‘that the depertment would take no action in a case where a municipality had punished a person, even though a for- éigner, for violating & police regulation. It appears that many American bicyclists are arrested in England for violation of polize regulations, which are extremely strict, and no thought is made'of making an in- ternational matter of dt. American bicy- clists. have been arrested for failure to ring bells when passing through the street, for not displaying light promptly a quarter of an hour after sundown,and for not pass- ing on the left-hand side of the road,whiech is directly opposite to the custom in the United States. ———~e-—___—_ Gen. Doe’s Miness. . Geu. Doe, who has been acting secretary of’war since the departure of Secretary Lamont forsSorranto, Me., has been con- fined to bis apartments in the Cairo for two Gays past with a severe ulceration of the.throat, .@ malady to which he is sald to be subject at Intervals. An operation wilt probably be performed on his throat this afternoon. There is nothing specially serious in his condition, and he will prob- ably be able to resume his official duties at the department in a few days. His ill- ness has not interfered in the least respect with the dispatch of the business of the department, as all mail requiring the ac- tion of the Secretary has been taken to hi house for signature. : G:l has beew convicted of va- FIGHT FOR SILVER|AN O&4ECT LESSON|THE NECESSARY LINK It is Now Inaugurated Within the = Democratic Party. A. CHANGE IN THE SITUATION Gold Men Expected in the Na- tional Convention. A SECTIONAL QUESTION The fight for silver within the democratic party has now been fairly inaugurated. The Iceal committees authorized by this Wash- ington conference will be appointed at once, and energetic and concerted action enjoined upon all. Change in Party Situation. The leaders of this movement do not un- dervalue the difficulties that confront them. They frankly confess that an astounding change has come over the party situation within the past six months. Up to that time the demccratic party had been known as the free silver party. Its platforms and stump deliverances and votes in Congress had all been in silver’s interests. No other expression had ever been seriously attempt- ed. Probably not more than a corporal’s guard of gold democrats could have been mustered throughout the whole of the southern and western and middle states. The silver men, serene and confident in theit strength, were simply biding the time when they would rise up in convention and ‘Tebuke the action taken under Mr. Cleve- land’s direction, whereby silver, in the re- peal of the purchasing clause of the Sher- man act, had received a staggering blow at the hands of a coalition composed of more republicans than demo:vrats. But what six months ago seemed to. be no difficult mat- ter presents tcday an entirely different appearance. Silver is challenged to a fight to a finish in its own corner. Gold dem>- crats have suddenly multiplied, and states that were then classei as “dead easy” for free coinage are now on the doubtful list. All of this the free coinage democrats con- cede, and, conceding it, are putting them- selves in shape for the battle. Gold Men in the Convention. It is likewise conceded that the gold men will come to the next national con- ventioa in formidable numbers. They are expected to control the delegations from New England, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Wis- consin and Minnesota. Ohio is now In the balance. If Mr. Brice wins next week that state will be found in the gold column next year But with or without Ohio the number of gold votes in the convention will be large, and they will come from states where the financial interests will demand and encoyrage the most stubborn contest for supremacy. The national ad- ministration, with its enormous power, will be benind them. A Sectional Question. The silver forces will come from the south and west, with assistance from In- diana, Illino's, Iowa and probably Michi- gan. Expert calculators are expecting the two factions to be evenly divided, and the tug of war to come over the effort of each side to secure the additional votes neces- sary to comply with the two-thirds rule. But it is said to be highly probable that at this point the silver men will raise an interesting question. It bears a close analogy to a point long in controversy between the northern and the southern republicans over the naming of the presi- dential candidates of that party. The northern republicans always insist that the nomination on their side shall not be made by their southern brethren. Con- sideration, they insist, both in the selection of the candidate and in the writing of the platform, must be given to those sections which furnish the votes necessary to suc- cess in the eiectoral college. Why permit the south to name the man and shape the issues when she is certain not to be able to contribute a single vote in the college toward the seating of the candidate in the White House? And so after this fashion will the silver democrats argue next year. They will ob- ject to the naming of the candidate or the writing of the platform by any combina- tion in convention made up in its majority by votes from those states which are cer- tain not to have a single vote to give to the democratic candidate in the elec- toral college. Why, they will ask, should New England, with her solid republican front, Pennsylvania, with her quarter of a million republican majority, and Ohio, Wis- consin and Minnesota, with their unshaka- ble republican leanings, be permitted to impose their views or their favorites on the south, which is expected to furnish, and will furnish, nine-tenths of the demo- cratic votes necessary to success at the polls? ee Presidential Appointments, The President has made the following appointments: Charles B. Simonton of Ten- nessee to be United States attorney for the western district of Tennessee; Charles L. Stowe to be United States marshal for the scuthern district of the Indian Territory; Robert J. Ray of Oklahoma to be register of the land office at Woodward, Okla- homa Territory; John L. Richardson of Kansas to be register of the land office at Topeka, Kan.; Luke C. Hays of South Dakota to be agent for the Indians of the Fort Belknap agency in Montana; George H. Cleaves to be surveyor of customs for the port of Greenport, N. ¥.; Frank Reed to be postmaster at Bismarck, N. D.; Wil- liam W. Shanks to be postmaster at Ode- bolt, Iowa. Pensions Allowed. District of Columbia—Restoration and re- issue, William M. Linder, Tenleytown, Washington; increase, Roger McBride, Washington; reissue, John S. Borden, John E. Preston, allas Edward Preston, Wash- ington; reissue and increase, Franklin F. United States Soldiers’ Home, Washington. Maryland—Increase, Alexander Thomas. Fearer, Garrett; reissue, Scipio Kinegeat, Isaac Hutchinson, Baltimore. ‘Virginia—Increase, Peter Altenstatter, National Soldiers’ Home, Elizabeth City; reissue, Robert Poulson, Trower, Accomac: original, widow, Jane Thomas, Bristow, Prince William; reissue, Charles Riley, Williamson, Logan. ———____o+__——_ The Amphitrite Docked at Port Royal Acting Secretary McAdoo has been in- formed of the successful opening of the dry dock at Port Royal, 8. C., yesterday. Lieut. Rockwell, in charge of the works there, telegraphed that the Amphitrite had been docked and that everything was satisfac- tory. —_—___e-__ A New Five-Dollar Counterfeit. The secret service has received a new counterfeit $5 national bank note on the Hill County National Bank of Hillsboro, Texas. The bill is a plain photograph, with no attempt to color or seal. It is not con- sidered dangerous. oo “4 Knight of the Nets.” The first installment of an interesting, wholesome story, entitled “A Knight of the Nets,” by Amelia E. Barr, will appear in tomorrow’s Star. The scene is laid in Scot- land among the honest, pure-minded fisher folks, and the story is charmingly told. It will be continued seyeral days next week. Secretary Morton Pays Some of His Em- ployes in Silver. A Good Denil of Kicking to the Pay- master—Some Consider This Ac- tion Very Unfair. Secretary Morton of the Department of Agriculture gave what he regards as an ob- ject lesson to the employes of his depart- ment yesterday afternoon. He had heard arguments by many of his subordinates in favor of silver as “ta poor man’s money.” Accordingly he ordered the paymaster of the department to pay out $1,000 in silver coin, this money weighing sixty pounds. The silver coin was paid to all the em- ployes about the grounds of the Agricul- tural Department, to messengers, and well- known silverites in various positions in the department. Unless Mr. Morton receives a petition to the contrary, it is expected that silver will be paid out again and again on pay day, at least to the men who are known to favor it as currency. A Good Deal of Kicking. There was a gooc deal of kicking among the employes of the department over Sec- retary Morton's act, and a good many of them have indicated to the paymasier that they want paper mcney on their next pay day. When these men have protested against receiving silver, they have been esked whether they do not believe that silver is the “peor man’s money” and whether it is not as good as any other mecney. One of the men, who was given several pounds of silver to carry home last evening, remarked today: “I think Secretary Morton is very un- fair in what he terms as his object lesson. He might as well pay us in nickel pieces or in copper pennies, and if we protest that that is not a convenieat form of money to carry he might say by that protest we are not in favor of copper and aickel coin. As a matter of fact, if a man were paid, say, $16,000 in gold coin, which he would be expected to carry home with him, he would protest as strongly as we protest at being paid our monthly salary in silver dollars. The $16,000 would weigh sixty pounds, and greenbacks of large denominations, or silver certificates, for the matter of that, would be preferred to the heavy coin. We are in- telligent men in this department, and if Secretary Morton wants to present an ar- gument to us we see no reason why he should not present some manly argument, instead of Indulging in the child’s play of paying us off in silver dollars. Let him give us silver certificates and he will hear no complaint.” “¢ —_—_—__-_e-_—___ EXPORTS AND IMPORTS. Interesting Report om Foreign Mar- kets Issued by the Agricultural De- partment. The Secretary of Agriculture has issued @ supplement to the publications on reviews of foreign markets. It shows that, not- withstanding the depression of bustmess in 1894, the United States exported $$89,813,000 against $847,665,194 in 1893. Three-fourths of the amount came from farms. The Eng- lish speaking people of Europe bought of American exports $451,000,000 worth, and, takit.g the British possessions altogether, they took $523,000,000 worth. The United States imported from Great Britain $107,000,000 worth in 1894, or 16 per cent of our entire imports. Almost ® per cent of the total United States exports were to the united kingdom and British posses- sions, Germany, Canada, France, Nether- lands and Belgium. Of imports, after the first place held by the united kingdom und the British ms, follows Germany with a yaluation of $96,000,000, Spanish West Indies, $82,000,000; Brazil and France, $76,000,000 each, and Canada, $37,000,000. ————__+-o+______ MR. SIBLEY ON SILVER. He Thinks the Sentiment is Growing Too Fast. Ex-Representative Sibley cf Pennsyl- vania, the silver nominee for the presi- dency, passed through Washington today on his way to Pennsylvania. He will make some speeches in that state, after a short stay at his home, and then will go to Kentucky to take the stump for silver. “This talk about the silver sentiment dying out is ridiculous,” he said to a Star re- porter. “Far from dying out, if there is anything the matter with it, it is growing too fast; it 1s growing faster than we can organize. The people do not need educa- tion on the subject; they have been edu- cate] to make the courtry overwhelmingly for the free coinage of silver 1¢ to 1; but what is needed is organization. I am satis- fied that if we could get u vote directly on that question, without reference to any- thing else, we could carry both New York and Pennsylvania for fre silver by a large majority.” © +______ DOCKING OF THE COLUMBIA. Report of the Naval Board Received at the Department, The report of the naval board appointed to examine the hull of the cruiser Colum- bla to determine the exact extent of the damage sustained by her improper docking at Southampton was received at the Navy Department this morning. It will not be made public, however, until after Acting Secretary McAdoo has had an opportunity of carefully considering its contents. He was unable to do this today in consequence of the pressure of other business. The probability is that the report will be made public tomorrow. The general impression among naval officers is that it will show that the vessel was not seriously injured in any material respect, and that she can continue in active sea service with a few minor repairs involving very little time or expense. WANTS TO KNOW HIS MEN, Weather Bureau Chief Moore Calls for Reports on the Employes, Chief Moore of the weather bureau has called for reports on the conditions and qualifications of all subordinate employes, and stating that in order to improve the present standard of the service rigid in- spections as to morals as well as official character of employes are imperative. Of- ficials in charge of stations are required to select assistants to take temporary charge in their absence only from those best fitted for the work, greatest weight being given to ability and length of service. —————+o.+____ Foreign Flags in Cuba. Consul General Williams at Havana has forwarded to the State Department copies of the Diario de la Marina, containing a circular issued by the general government to the provincial governor of the island prohibiting the hoisting of any foreign on private buildings, commercial es- tablishments and theaters without previous authorization. ———_—___+2+____—__ Minister McKinney Here. Mr. Luther F, McKinney of New Hamp- shire, United States minister to Colombia, who has been in this country for several weeks on leave of absence, called at the State Department today and had a busi- ness conference with Acting Secretary Adee preparatory to his return to his post. He expects to start for Bogota about the ist proximo. Chain of Evidence Against Durrant Complete. ‘AN IMPORTANT WITHESS APPEARS Saw Him Enter the Church, With Blanche Lamont. ———— STRONG CASK AGAINST HIM SAN FRANCISCO, August 16.—A local paper says that the last link in the chain of evidence against Theodor2 Durrant, the alleged murderer of Blancke Lamont, has been discovered. A woman who lives across the street from Emanuel Church has reported to the Police that she saw Ducrant and Blanche Lamont enter the church at 4:10 on April 3, the day of Miss Lamont’s disappearance. The woman’s name is Mrs. Leake and she lives at 124 Bartlett street. She is fifty years of age and has been a member of the church a number of years. She knew both Durrant and Miss Lamont intimatcly and therefore cannot be mistaken with re- gard to the identity of either. She says she has remained silent ‘s'!nce the discovery of the bodies of the two girls because she did not wish to undergo the annoyance of being a witness in the case and did not consent to divulge her informa- tion to the police until she became con- —— that it was a duty she owed to the state. On April 3 Mrs. Leake sat at the window of her residence nearly all the afternoon looking for her daughter, whom she ex- fected to arrive from San Mateo. At 4 o'clock she saw a couple coning up the street, one of whom she frstantly recog- nized as Durrant, but at first she was puz- zled over the identity of the girl. She first thovght that the young lady was Lucille Turner, but as the couple came nearer, Mrs. Leake recognized the girl as Blanche La- mont. Miss Lamont wore a short school girl’s dress and carried a package of school books. The dress and the school books were afterward found secreted in the church. * When the couple reached the church gate they stopped for a moment. Durrant opened the gate and they passed through. Mrs. Leake from her point of observation was watching them, ana when the girl stepped through the gateway she said to herself: “What an imprudent thing for her to do.” aes Mrs. Leake knew.nothing detrimental to Durrant. She had always considered him “svch an exemplary young man,” but, not- withstanding that fact, it was exceedingly imprudent for the girl to go into the chureh with him alone. She imagined that they had some errand in the church, and ex- pected in a few minutes they would come out. She watched carefully, but the gate did not open. ; There is only one entrance to Emanuel Church during the week, and that is by the side gate and rear door. Mrs. Leake knew the young people would have to pass through the gate, and she wanted to see them on the street again before she left the window. She waited a long time, buf household duties finally called her to an- other part of her flat, and she was obliged to give up the vigil. Mrs. Leake’s testimony completes the chain of evidence against Durrant. ‘Tiree school girls saw Durrant and Blanch: Lamont riding on a Powell street car at 3:30 on the day that Miss Lamont disappeared. Attorney Quinlan saw the couple a few blocks from the church a few minutes before 4 o'clock. Now comes Mrs. Leake, who seys she’saw Durrant and Miss Lamont enter the church a few min- utes later. George King, the organist, has already testified that he entered the church about 5 o'clock and saw Durrant coming out down from the attic. Durrant’s hair was disheveled, his face was red and he wa: panting for breath and was in a state of utter physical and nervous collapse. In. arswer to inquiries he explained that he had been engaged in repairing electric wires for the organ loft. He afterward examined the wires and testified that no- repairs of the nature Durrant claimed to have made had been made within six: months, —_—_——~—__ NEEL BROTHERS BEATEN. Wrenn and Chace to Play Hobart and Hovey in Tennis. NARRAGANSETT PIER, R. I., August 16.—The match in doubles between Neel brothers and Wrenn and Chace, to decide which team shall meet Hobart and Hovey in the contest for the national champion- ship in doubles, at Newport next week, attracted a large crowd to the Casino grounds this forenoon. In the first set Sam Neel played remark- able tennis, but his brother Carl was rather weak, and the set went to Wrenn and Chace, 6-4. In the second set Carl Neel was evidently very much affected by the heat, and his playing was decidedly ragged. Wrenn and Chace took the set, 6-3. After a rest, Carl Neel came on the court in very much better form, and the playing of the brothers in the next set was 80 much stronger that their opponents were unable to get even a game, and Neel broth- ers won, 6-0. The fourth and final set was easily won by Wrenn and Chace, 6-2, Late in the afternoon the semi-finals in singles will be played, Howland being pitted against Davidson and Stevens against Paret. Finals in singles will be played tomor- row. —~—— SUDDENLY STRICKEN DOWN. Capt. Adams of Trenton, N. J., Dies From Apoplexy. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J., August 16.— Capt. John Quincy Adams, aged fifty-five years, of Trenton, N. J., was stricken with apoplexy and died almost instantly while talking with a friend on the porch of the Boscobel cottage last night. Capt. Adams called on V. G. Edwards at~ the Boscobel and after talking for a few minutes he said: “I think I'll go home.” He sterted to rise from his chair, but fell back gasping. A physician was hurriedly summoned, but the sufferer was dead be- fore his arrival. Capt. Adams was a well-known Mason and G. A. R. man, he having gone out with a Massachusetts regiment during the re- bellion. In later years he commanded a company in the second United States in- fantry. Capt. Adams sees ap tmiegenayad for several years, and at one time was itary instructor of the cadets of Girard College. Capt. Adams has his home in Providence, R. I., where he is connected with The New England Magazine. At the time of his death he was preparing a book on “Men of Progress of Rhode Island,” for a Bristol, R. L, firm, when his health gave way and he came here hoping to be bene- fited. ————_- Mrs. Gardner Insane. LINCOLN, Neb., August 16.—Mrs. E. L. Gardner, the Nebraska Christian Endeavor delegate, who deserted her family in Bos- ton, and was later found in Norwich, Conn., in a supposed demented condition, has been brought here for medica] treatment. Physi- clans attending her declare positively that she is insane, with some hope of recovery. "They add that she is more a subject of pity than censure.