Evening Star Newspaper, August 19, 1895, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY 1101 Peaneyianis Avenue, Cor. 11th Bes n Avenue, Cor. Btreet, by he Evening Star Newspaper Company, 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. New York Office, 40 Potter Building, pinto eth lly ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the city by carriers, on their own account, at 1 per week, or 44 cents counter 2 cents each. By mail—anyw in the United States or Cavada—postage prepaid—S0 cents F moni pe: th. Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 jear, with fore! = added, 3.00. babes, ign 5 ‘Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D. O., as second-class mall matter.) {7 All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. Che £vening Star. No. 13,247 WASHINGTON, D.C » MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 1895-TEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. MANY IN THE RUINS Wreck of the Gumrey Hotel at Denver, a EXPLOSION FOLLOWED BY FIRE Whole Rear of the Building Blown ; to Atoms. MANGLED BODIES SWEPT BY FLAMES Firemen Unable to Rescue the Pinioned People. wo SCENE OF PITILESS HORRORS ———— DENVER, Col., August 19.—Fifteen per- sons perished by fire in the Gumrey Hotel, on Lawrence street, in which a terrific ex- plosion took place at 12:10 a.m. The rear half of the building, a five-story brick and stone structure, went down with a crash. The hotel was crowded with guests, and many of them must have been killed out- right; as well as about ten hotel employes, who were slesping in the portion of the building which fell. The fronts of many buildings in the vicinity were nearly wrecked. ‘The cause of the explosion is uncertain, but it is supposed that the battery of boil- ers in the hotel basement must have ex- ploded. The sound of the explosion was heard throughout the city, awakening the People a mile from the scene. During the height of excitement a team ran away on 18th street, stampeding the great crowd of spectators. A number’ of People were more or less injured by being trampled upon and falling on broken glass, which covered the streets and sidewalks in every direction. The electric light wires dangling on broken poles added to the peril of the firemen. One horse was killed by coming in contact with a live wire. Two injured women had been almost extricated from the ruins wken the flames approached so close that the Fescuers had to abandon them. The bodies of three men were also to be seen in the back part of the building, but could not be reached. Before fire added to the hcrrors of the ex- plosion the firemen were appealed to pite- ously by men and women and babes, whose lives were being crushed out in the ruins. Then the fire broke out and that ended it. Blown to Atoms. The whole rear half of the hotel was blown to atoms, and the front portions are merely shattered and burned fragments of @ house. The force of the explosion was 80 great that for two blocks on Lawrence street and for some distance on Larimer street every window in the business blocks were shattered In pieces upon the pave- ments. It was.a catastrophe complete and pitiless in its horrors. The dust had cleared away somewhat when the firemen reached the place. There was no fire to be seen then. In front of the house there was the sound of glass falling, and people were rushing in night clothes in horror from the doors ond ap- poains piteously from the windows for iD. The explosion awoke the guests in the front part of the house, and by the time the firemen reached the scene were ready to be taken from the windows. The firemen, with torch ard lantern, entered all parts of the hotel. The Work of Rescue. First to demand the attention of the am- bulance corps was Michael C. Burgess, who was walking along Lawrence street on the opposite side from the hotel when the explosion occurred. The flying glass cut him about the head and face in a frightful manner. His injuries are very se- rious, though not necessarily fatal. He is @ painter from Custer City, S. D. Bud Hoskins, a bartender at the Gumry, was found on the ground floor of the ho- tel, unconscious and bleeding from many cuts, His injuries are not serious. At 12:35 five injured persons had been taken out of the ruins. They were all in- mates of the upper story and sank down with the floors, escaping more fortunately than those below. At 12:50 the ruins were burning fiercely, and the firemen were obliged to retreat from the work of rescue. Every engine in the city was pouring streams of water into the mass, but the flames could not be gotten under control before many of tae injured had been burned to death. As their chances of escape les- sened the cries of the imprisoned people increased, heartrending shrieks rising from every portion of the great mass of wreckage. At 1:30 the flames still kept the firemen back from the work of rescue, except just at the line of the alley wall. Of those pinioned beneath the debris only two were thought to be alive, both men from the fifth story, who were still lying on their beds. Eoth were covered with several feet of debris about their heads. Almost no Progress was being made toward releasing them, as the smoke was blinding. The fiemes were only kept back from. their bodies by half a dozen streams of water. The fire engines were still pouring water upon the burning ruins this morning. Buried in the ruins were many guests and employes of the hotel, whose bodies must have been wholly or partly cremated. Out of forty or more people who were certainly in the hotel when the explosion occurred a score were got out safely, three were rescued with more or less serious in- juries, and the others were unquestion- ably killed beneath the mass of bricks and shattered beams and twisted Iron at the rear of the ruined building. The firemen labored with energy at the work of exca- vatio¥. but it will be perhaps days before the uficertain horrors of the heap of de- struction can be fully told. The hotel was divided about the center by a rotunda or court running to the top of the building, though covered at the sec- ond floor. The building had been split in two at this point of division, and the entire five stories back of the rotunda were thrown into a shapeless mass .in the alley. Five stories of brick and wood and iron with the human occupants were made mere heaps of death-containing ruins. The frag- ments of the wreck on Lawrence street towered up into the air dark and yawning, while a great piece of roof hung in threat. ering suspension over the chaos below. Out of the pile of brick, wood and iron be- lew there came feeble moans and piteous cries for help, A fireman clambering up the mountain of ruins felt his feet crunch against human flesh. He reached down and touched with his hand an arm protruding from the mass beneath him. falling bullding, and the firemen devoted their efforts to the work of rescue. ‘And then suddenly the flames broke out and the workers were driven away and the volces ceased to cry for help. The great There still seemed to be no | fire. The blaze had been smothered by the | mass was from that moment nothing but a grave. At times the cries of a babe and the moans of the mother could be heard, but the flames and smoke increased, and finally the voices were all silenced. At 4:30 a large force of men and teams began hauling away the mountain of debris from the place where the hotel stood. It will take hours to work into the mass to the spot where most of the bodies are supposed to be. At daylight three bodies were already in sight, those of two men and a woman, but it was impossible to uncover them sufficiently to identify them, the fire still being dangerous. The Wrecked Building. The Gumry was a five-story brick with stene frcnt and was built about six years ago. It was of the better kird of second- class hotels, catering largely to transient family patronage. It was built as the Eden Musee by the widow of Gen. Tom Thumb, later being remodeled for use as a hotel. Gumry & Grenier have owned the hotel for several years. In the wrecked building there was a tier of five or six rooms extending across the rear of the building, facing the alley, on each of the three upper floors. All of these rooms are believed to have been occupied, as people residing {n rooms across the alley saw lights in every window during the evening. The force of the explosion carried away a large portion of the rear of the building adjoining the hotel, and one occupied by A. B. Wade, wholesale and retail furni- ture. The wall of the Gumry on the side toward 18th street crushed a stable and a small frame house, but no one was in- jured. At 2:40 a.m. twenty-four persons had been accounted for, six being probably fatally injured and the rest less seriously. The occupants, as determined by the clerk, are as follows: Gen. Charles Adams of Manitou, Col., occupied room 11 in the rear of the hotel and over the boilers, the section in which the havoc of the explosion was greatest. Mr. Rubbe believed he was in his room. Ex-State Auditor Louis Scwanbeck, a brother of Mr. Adams, was early at the scene of the disaster, and inquired eagerly for him. He says it was his brother’s cus- tom to retire early on Sunday evenings. If it is true that Mr. Adams was in his room, he is undoubtedly among the dead. A. L. Blake of Florence, Col., was sleep- ing in the room directly over the boiler, coe Rubbe places him also among the ead. Myron E. Hawley, a clerk in the freight department of the Union Pacific railway office, roomed in the rear and had been in the house for a long time. He had gone to bed early and is counted among the lost. James Murphy, a contractor, was a regu- lar boarder and also roomer ia the destroy- ed portion. Mr. Rubbe says he was in his rccm also and must be among the dead. Not Yet Accounted For. Others who had rooms in the hotel and who have not been accounted for are as follows: M> £. Letz, F. E. French, Bert F. Larch of Central City, W. J. Carson, Pubelo; —- Calkins, Mr. and Mrs. Burgess and two others, —- Edwards of Boulder, Herman Lueders, Mrs. Wilfe and daughter, A. W. Roberts and wife, Colorado Springs; T. E. McCloskey, Cripple Creek; three chamber- maids and one bell boy. The death list will include the owner of the hotel, Peter Gumry, the manager, Rob- ert C. Creiner, and his wife, who acted as day clerk. They were in the rear of the building and could not possibly escape. Some Wonderful Escapes. Joe Muneal of Cairo, IL, was rescued at 2:30 o'clock after an hour’s work, and it is certain no more of the victims can be alive. ‘d Muneal was found in the basement, dressed only in his underclothes, and was completely covered with ashes and dirt. When revived, he said: “I am a cigar maker and have been in the city for a week, having come here from Cairo, Hl. I was upstairs in bed when I heard the awful crash. I did not know what it was and got out of bed and hurried out, and in go- ing down stairs I must have lost my way, for when I got down on what I thought was the ground floor I fell down into the basement.” The most that the firemen could do, while the flames shot up fiercely and smoke drove them back, was to fight heroically for the life of Muneal, whose head and shoul- ders protruded from the burning mass. Police Surgeon J. A. Recki took his place where he could keep Muneal’s head moist and properly attend him while his lower limbs were being extricated. It was a po- sition of great danger on account of the flames and the overhang-ng roof, which threatened to come down at any moment. But the men worked on, hauling at beams with ropes and using every device to clear the space around the suffering man, who bore his agony with great bravery and cheered on his helpers. At last, about 2:30 o'clock, a great cheer arose, and word was spread among the great crowd waiting out- side that the work was finished. Soon fire- men and citizens appeared at the entrance of the alley, bearing Muneal on a stretcher. He was unconscious, but suffering great egony. His injuries, though severe, thought to be fatal. Six persons, including a woman and baby, were taken off the roof of the building ad- joining the Gumry, occupied by A. Lilly- blade. Peter Poss, an aged gentleman, from Chattanooga, Tenn., was oceupying room No. 34 with his daughter, Addie. He is an invalid. He was awakened by the noise and found the room full of dust. He had a slight cut above the left eye. Peter Daily, special officer of the Union Pacific, carried Mr. Poss down from the fourth floor on his back. The daughter got down the stairs unaided and uninjured. E. E. Clark of Central City, Col., says when he awoke the building was shaking and rocking, and it seemed that it was Iikely_ to go down. The room was full of lime dust so he could scarcely breathe, and the plaster was falling all about him. He rushed, half-dressed, down the stairway. W. G. Purcell and wife of Broken Bow, Neb., W. A. Logan of Buena Vista, Col., and many others had similar experiences. Counting the Missing. A. E. Cowin, the night clerk, who with the barkeeper, William Dubbe, had a mira- culous escape, went over the register for the last few days this morning and en- deavered to call to mind the occupants of the different rooms. He says there were between fifty and fifty-five people registered and sixteen were occupying back rooms, where it was more difficult to escape. How many of them were saved it is impossible to state, but it is known, that several who were in the back portion of tne building managed to escape in some manner. ———.__—_ BOLIVIA AND PERU. No Advices Received as to the Alleged Trouble. No advices have been received at the State or Navy Department concerning the reported troubles between Bolivia and Peru. At present the United States has no warship in the waters of those countrics, but in case of hostilities both the Alert, at Panama, and the Ranger,at Guayaquil,could be sent to the scene for the protection of American interests. SSS Dividends Declared. The controller of the currency has de- clared dividends in favor of the creditors of insolvent national banks as follows: A second dividend, 25 per cent, in favor of the creditors of the First National Bank of Llano, Tex., making in all 50 per cent on claims proved, amounting to $30,319. A second dividend, 25 per cent, in favor of the creditors of the El Paso National Bank, E! Paso, Tex., mak‘ng in all 50. per cent on claims proved, amounting to $170,666.71. - A second dividend, 10 per cent, in favor of the creditors of the Second National Bank of Columbia, Tenn., making in all 35 per ere on claims proved, amounting to $137,- are not THIRD TERM TALK|THE NATIONAL COMMITTEES| STREET EXTENSION It is Growing in Volume in Regard to Mr, Cleveland. CASES OF GENS. JACKSON AND GRANT The Former Declined and a Com- bination Defeated the Latter. THE PRESIDENT’S SILENCE The talk of a third term for Mr. Cleve- land is growing in volume. One hears it from representative men of both partics. A great variety of opinions are expressed. As shrewd an observer as Mr. Quay among the republicans declares that if the finan- cial question is kept to the fore Mr. Cleye- land is likely to receive another nomina- tion. He lkewise deciares that, despite the tradition respecting a third term,Mr. Cieve- land would run well next year. Mr. Wh ney, among the democrats, although ex- pressing himself more cautiously, and with regard to his own position as a probable factor in the fight, is of the same opinion. On the other hand, men like Goy. Stone of Missouri and Henry Watterson enter a vigorous protest at the bare suggest!on, and assert that Mr. Cleveland as a third term candidate would not carry a state in the Union. Whenever this subject is mentioned the discussion at once leads to the careers of Andrew Jackson and Gen Grant, and lke- nesses are ought for poir,'s bearing on the present cas>. Mr. Cleveland's matier of fact, blance to the career of either of those men but because Jackson served twice as Pr dent and had a strong hold on his party at the close of his second term, and be- cause the effort was mud: to give Gen. Grant a third term, the politi ns much in the history of those two per.c to stimulate their speculation. The Case of Jackson. Why was not Gen. Jackson put up for a third term? Was it solely because of the Washington precedent? He was completely the master of the situation at the time. He had put down all oppcsition in his own party. He had dished Calhoun, who had aspired to succeed him, and Van Buren, who enjoyed the highest favor with him and who did succeed him, was his servant to command. The best accepted authori- ties are agreed that Jackson's simple word was law to his party. Jackson did not offer for a third term, but put up Van Buren and elected him, and in that way had his policies coi tinued and his friends cared for. “Jackson’s gang,’ as Mr. Clay scornfully denominated the Jacksonian fol- lowers, were all kept in their places by the new administration. Gen. Jackson in 1836 was an old man, nearly seventy. His health was poor, and something of the mel- ancholy that preyed upoff Dariel O'Connell in his closing days had seized him. He was worn out, physically and spiritually, and longed for rest. He lived nine years after leaving the White House, it is true, but his friends always insisted that this was purely the result of his complete sur- render of the burdens of office. What Defeated Grant. What defeated the attempt to nominate General Grant at Chicago in 1880 for a third term? The influence solely of the Washington precedent? The attempt but barely missed success. Three hundred and six delegates to the convention, gathered from all sections of the country, and led by one of the purest and ablest men in the country, stood for days insisting upon the nomination. They were willing to take the risk. Mr. Conkling conld see nothing un- patriotic, nothing dangerous to the country, in his program. His eulogies of Gen. Grant were applauded by the whole convention, but whenever a vote was ordered the Blaine men and the Sherman men, though unable to meet on common ground in favor of anybody, would record themselves against the third term project. Did the Washington precedent control them? or were they remembering the fate of their favorites at Cincinnat! in 1876, when both had met defeat through the instrumentality of the Grant and Conkling influence? At any rate it was the Blaine and Sherman forces that finally overthrew Mr. Conk- ling, and this led to*the assertion at the time that the practical politics of the day, and not the presidential precedent set near- ly a hundred years before, had decided the igsue in the convention. Mr. Conkling and his followers never recanted, but, on the other hand, had a medal struck to com- memorate the contest. As to Mr. Cleveland. In discussing Mr. Cleveland’s case in the light of this history the politicians note the differerces that exist. Gen. Jack- scn was old and infirm when the close of his second term approached. His party was a unit on public questions and his werd was law to every member of it. Any man designated by him could have been elected President. Van Buren simply for being Jackson's choice was clected Presi- cent. Mr. Cleveland is not yet sixty years of age, and is in the most robust health. He is probably good for twenty years mcre of active life. His party is torn and divided as never before since slavery days. Another nomination is suggested for him because of the belief that he alone can hepe to succeed. The doctor, it is held, who has thrown the party into fits must certain- ly be a specialist in the treatment of that disorder, and must come forward now and cure the patient. The bearing of the Grant episode is thought to be less direct than it might be for the reason that as strong a man as Mr. Conkling always held that the contest at Chicago In 1890 was not decided on the third-term issue, but by a success- ful combination of the friends of the men who had gone down in defeat at Cincinnati four years before. Meanwhile, with all the politicians busy with the topic, burrowing in history and developing many lines of so-called thought, Mr. Cleveland himself is preserving a nine- teenth-ceniury silence that a sphinx might envy. Personal Mention. Mr. H. W. Van Senden, private secretary to Secretary Carlisle, has resumed his duties at the Treasury Department, after a visit to San Francisco and other cities on the Pacific coast. Edward L. Burns has returned to the city from a trip to Colonial Beach. Commissioner Miller of the internal rev- enue bureau hes left Washington with his family for a few weeks’ vacation at Buena Vista, Md. Messrs. Waiter S. Ward, Clarence Fore- man, Ernest R. Humphrey and R. Mel- ville Hicks have returned from a trip to Atlantic City. Mr. William F. Gude, state vice presi- dent of the Society of American Florists, left for Pittsburg this morning to attend the annual convention, which is to be held there fro August 20 to the 24th. Mr. A. Coulter Wells has returned from a two weeks’ visit in Waynesburg, Pa. Lieut. D. W. Coffman of the navy is in the city on his way home. —+--+—_____ = Commander Watson Convalescing. A cable message has been received at the Navy Department saying that Com- mander Watson, commanding the Ranger at Guayaquil, who was recently stricken with coast fever, is convalescing rapidly, and will soon be able to resume active command of the Ranger. A Struggle as to When the Conventions Shall Bé Held, Silver Men Want an Early Date, While the Antis Desire a Short Campaign. There is going to be a struggle in both national committees between the silver and anti-silver men over the question of time ,of holding the national convention. The gold men in both parties are in favor of a late convention and a short, sharp campaign. The silver men want to have the conventions early enough to afford time for them to make other arrangements if they do not get recognition for silver. It is anticipated that the silver men may be able to carry the day with the demo- cratic national committee and secure an early convention, perhaps considerably earlier than usual. The republican conven- tion is usually held before the democratic, but this time, the democrats being the party m power, the order will probably be reversed. Chairman Carter's Desire. Chairman Caiter has indicated his inten- tion to call the republican committee to- gether a month or two earlier than they generally meet to decide upon a time und place of holding the convention. Mr. Car- ter is a silver man, and hag the interest of his sectiun at heart. His proposition to get the committee together early is In accord- ance with the idea of the silver men, but when the committee meets that will prob- ably be the end of the silver influence. The “sound money” men are unquestionably in a majority on the republican national com- mittee; however, they may be outnumbered in the de nocratic committee, and it is probable that the proposition for an early convention will fail there. The situation bears the prospect that the two conven- ticns will meet widely apart as to time, Uhe democrats being the earliest in the field. A Partial Vote. A vote has been taken among the na- tional committeemen on this question by one of the Chicago papers, but too few votes were cast to give any indication of the temper of the committées. There are forty-nine members of each committee. The responses were from cignteen members of the republican committee and twenty from the democatic, far less than half in each case. The vote was as follows: Republican national ¢ ittee—For a short campaign, 14; against a short cam- paign, 3; non-committal, 1; total vote, 18. Democratic national committee—For a short campaign, 10; against a short cam- paign, 6; non-committal, 4; total vote, 20. 2--—_____ THE CRUISER COLUMBIA. May Be a Court of Ingmiry to Settle the Officers’ Responsibility. Acting Secretary McAdoo said today that he had not decided what cburee to pursue with regard to the case of the cruisor Co- lumbia. Although the probabilities are that the case will be dropped,"it is possible that a court of inquiry mey be appointed to determine whether the injuries received by the improper docking of the vessel at Southampton were due tg the negligence or Inefficiency of Capt. Sumner, command- ing the vessel, or any of hig subordinates. Latest advices in regard to the accident show that a merchant vessel had just been floated out of the dock when the Columbia was taken in, and ccnsequently the exact location of the blccks of the dock could not be seen by the officers of the Columbia until after the water had been pumped out and she had settled on the ways. The dock is a private concern, and is usually em- ployed in the docking of merchant ships, which are almost invariably lowered to the ways without requiring the dock to be emptied for examination. Although it is admitted that the officers of the Columbia could not have foreseen the accident under the circumstances, it is intimated that they failed in their duty in allowmg the vessel to go into the dock until they had estab- lished the perfect safety of such a proceed- ing by a personal examination of the dock with the ways exposed. LETTER CARRIERS’ CONVENTION. One of the Subjects Which Will Be Considered at Length. One of the subjects that ts likely to take up a good deal of time at the convention of letter carriers’ union at, Philadelphia next month will be the recent charges made against carriers in many cities by post office inspectors. It is contended by the representatives of the carriers that in many cases the inspectors have tried to make a record for hard work by exaggerat- ing the offenses of the men whom they spotted, and by spotting for, utterly triv- ial offenses. Further, it ig said, the charges have, in nearly every instance, been held up for so long that when they were pre- sented it- was almost impossible for the curriers to remember the circumstances or to offer any defense except a general denial. It is asserted that the reports of the inspectors have been so far-reaching that they have somewhat weakened their own force, and that the Post Office Depart- ment is now giving them much less weight than at first. The penalties are being re- duced, and in some cases the reports of the inspectors are being disregarded. —_—_—_+ «+ _____ HANDSOME SILVER VASES. How Acts of Heroism: Will Hereafter Be Rewarded. Hereafter the government will recognize acts of heroism on the high seas in behalf of citizens of the United States by the award of handsome silver vases instead of gcld watches, compasses, ete., as has been the custom in the past. It has frequently happened that these watehes, fine though they are, have been bestowed upon mar- iners possessing chronometérs of a much superior quality. The same is true of other navigating apparatus which it has been customary to give in acknowledg- ment of valuable heroic service to Ameri- can seamen. The State Department offi- cials who have charge of this matter have decided to substitute vases for other ar- ticles as an experiment, and, if it proves successful, that style of award will be adopted as the standard. The design most favored is a tall vase, embossed t the base in imitation of dashing waves, with zn, American eagle surmounting a shield in- scribed with the American coat-of-arms. . Duty on Liquors Increased. Consul Hollis, at Mozambique, reports to the State Department that a decree by the Portuguese government at Lisbon has been published increasing the duty on liquors imported into the province of Mozambique. On ale, beer and other fermented liqdors the duty is increased from 400 to 700 reis per decalitre, distilled liquors from 1,200 to 1,800 reis per decalitre. The importation of foreign goods destined for the production of alcohol is prohibited. ———— Post Office Allowances. Acting First Assistant Postmaster Gen- eral Lamar has fixed the yearly allowance for rent and office expenses ‘for the post office at Charlottesville, Va., at $2,500, and at Huntingdon, W. Va, at $2,000. The District’s Answer to the Tin- gles’ Suit Filed. EFFECT OF HE PROPOSED MAP Land Not to Be Taken Without Compensation. THE CASE CONTINUED Attorney fer the District S. T. Thomas filed today in Circuit Court No. 2 an answer of the Commissioners to the bill of complaint and amendment brought against them by A. K. and E. J. Tingle. The present street extension plan results in taking nearly all of the four and a half acres belonging to the complainants for use as streets and a small triangular park, leav- ing Mr. Tingle’s house partly on a portion of the property not so used and partly in the public highway. The ground left for bis use comprises narrow strips of land, ond the grading of the streets through will be very heavy. In their answer the Commissioners say: Occupancy of the Land. “Answering the third paragraph of the till, we say we have no knowledge as to how long the complainants have occupied thelr property, except such as we gain from the reading of said paragraph, but we deny that said property is greatly im- proved, adorned and beautified, or that the complainants have built thereon com- modious barns and other outbuildings; we also deny that because the complainants’ dwelling is located back of the public street, or ‘Spring road,’ its value is en- Renced to any considerable extent. On the contrary, w= say the improvements upon said lands, and the trees thereon, do not add materially to its value. Preparation of the Map. - “Answering the fourth paragraph of the bill, these defendants say it is true that by virtue of an act of Congress approved March 2, 1893, entitled “an act to provide a permanent system of highways in that part of the District lying outside of cities,’ they had prepared section No. 1 of the plan for a permanent system of highways, em- bracing that portion of said District includ- ing the complainants’ premises, and that they have made a map of said section on which appear streets, avenues and reserva- tions, but they have not assumed to dedi- cate any part of the co:mplainants’ land to public uses, but have simply, as executive officers, done what the statute requires them to do, viz., prepared section No. 1 of the plan for a permanent system of high- ways. These defendants submit with their answer hereto a plat of the part of said section embracing the land of the complain- ants, showing the streets, etc, laid out by them, in said section, upon and in the im- mediate vicinity of the complainants’ land; that the area of the complainants’ land re- quired for streets, and also the area left to | them, appears upon said piat, ati further that the land left to the complatnants by reason of its frontage upon an established thoroughfare, in conformity with the plan of the city of Washington is more valuable to them than the entire tract was before, fronting as it did upon a narrow road not in conformity with the plan of the city. Not Formally Approved. “Answering the sixth paragraph, the de- fendants say that on or about the 2th day of April, 1895, they approved, certified and delivered to the commission provided fer in section 2 of said act of Congress section No. 1 of the plan for the extensicn of a permanent system of highways over that part of the District. including the land of the complainants for the final approval of said commission; that said commission has not yet formally approved said sec- tion. These defendants deny that the street shown on said plat, running east and west throngh the land of the complainants, is not required for public convenience, or that the same is not consistent with economy of expenditure, etc. On the contrary, we say that said street is necessary for public convenience, and is consistent with econo- my of expenditure, and that said boulevard (avenue), reservation and street shown on said plat are each and all authorized by Jaw, and in conformity with said act of Congress. Not Without Compensation. “Answering the seventh paragraph of the bill, the defendants deny that the filing of the said map for record in the office of the surveyor of the District will be a tak- ing of the property of the complainants for public uses, without compensation, or that such filing will operate to their great and irreparable injury. On the contrary, these defendants aver and charge that the re- ecrding of said map will not deprive the complainants of their property without just compensation, inasmuch as said act of Con- gress provides specifically for such compen- sation and protects all the rights of the cemplainants. “Answering the eighth paragraph of the bill, the defendants say it is true that they intend to file and record said map as soon as the same is approved and delivered to them, unless enjoined from so doing by this honorable court. “Answering the ninth paragraph, the de- fendants deny that the filing of said map with the surveyor of said District will be a setting apart, appropriating or taking of the property of the complainants for public use, wholly without compensation and to their great and irreparable injury. On the contrary, the defendants say that such will not be the case; that the record of said map will result in no injury whatever to the complainants, and that whenever their property is required for public uses it will only be taken on just compensation being made, as provided by said act of Congress. Not Entitied to Relief. “These vefendants, further answering, say they are advised by counsel that the complainants have not made or stated such a case in their original and amended bill as entitles them to any relief in a court of equity, and they pray the same benefit and advantage of this suggestion as though they had specially and formally demurred to said bill and the amendment thereof for want of equity. “And now having fully answered so far as they are advised, it is material and nec- essary for them to answer, these defend- ants pray that the restraining order here- tofore issued in this case be discharged and that they be hence dismissed,” etc. The answer is signed only by Commi: sioners John W. Ross and Chas. F. Powel Judge Cole continued the case until Thursday morning, when Judge McComas will be presiding, and will take up the matter. —___.—__—_ A STRIKE AVERTED. President Phillips Has a Conference With a Committec. Leading officials of the Protective Street Railway Union are authority for the-staté& ment that until shortly before 11 o'clock this morning the Metropolitan Railway Company were dangerously near-having a strike on their hands on account of recent actions of President Phillips toward the corductors and motormen on the 9th street line, and that it was only after a confer- ence between President Phillips on the one hand and a committee on the part of the men, composed of President Lawrence and Messrs. F. M. Dent and John Redding, that an agreement amicable to both sides was reached and a tie-up averted. When President Phillips was seen at his office in Georgetown by a Star reporter he said that a very long conference had been had between the committee ant himself and an agreement was reached, copies of which will be posted at the 4 1-2 street power house tonight. He regarded, he said, the terms of the agreement very fa- vorable for the employes. The Agreement. The agreement is as follow “All employes will be given an equal chance to learn to be motormen, and after every one has had a fair°and full oppor- tunity to learn, those who show themselves most efficient and desirable will be pre- ferred.. When two men stand equal in efficiency and desirability the man who has had the longest -servic2 with the company will be preferred. There will be pending the final assignment of cars by the presi- dent about forty-two motormen and forty- two conductors employed, and they will be Givided into. sections of six each. These six will alternate each week with each other, so that each set will have an equal chance at work and hours. There will be a sufficient number of extra men to relieve emergencie:.”” Strained Relations. For several days past the relations be- tween President Phillips and the employes of the road have been badly strained. To a committee which called upon him Satur- day, in reference to the matter, the presi- dent is said to have declared his ability to cope with anything the Street Railway Union may see proper to do at any time, meaning, it was inferred, that if the em- ployes saw proper to strike there would be no difficulty in securing men to operate the cars of the company. As this declaration was made to the com- mittee in the absence of any allusion on the part of the latter to a strike, matters were regarded as becoming serious. After the committee had left Mr. Phillips’ office they determined to have a special meeting,which was held last night in Georgetown. At this meeting it was determined to have the committee again call on Mr. Phillips today and see if possible trouble could be averted. The result of this effort is stated above. ———_—_ SEED CONTROL STATIONS. The Quality Has Greatly Incrensed Since Their Establishment. The extent and work of the seed control stations of the world are reviewed in de- tail in a statement compiled in Germany and republished here in a bulletin of the Agricultural Department. It is shown that seed control was begun twenty-six years ago, and that there are now 117 stations in active operation outside of the United States. The different countries are said to be represented as follows: Belgium, nine stations; Bulgaria, three; Denmark, one; England and Scotland, two; France, one; Holland, four; Italy, one; Norway, three, Portugal, three; Roumania, one; Russia, seven; Spain, one; Switzerland, two; Ger- many, thirty-eight; Hungary, six; Austria, fcurteen; Sweden, sixteen; Brazil, one; Japan, one, and Java, three. The scope of the work embraces tests of seeds as to purity, germinative ability and intrinsic worth. The resulting benefits in Europe are depicted in the reports of ‘the stations, showing that the quality of seed has stead- ily improved since the introduction of seed control. The Agricultural Department urges that the necessity for seed control in this coun- try is not Jess than in Europe, and is sec- ord only in importance to the control of the sale of commercial fertilizers now exercised 80 generally in the states where fertilizers are used. ++ ——_____ ENGINEER CORPS CHANGES. Important Assignments Announced in Recent Orders, Major Henry M. Adams, corps of en- gineers, wko has been on duty in the office of the chief of engineers in this city, has been relieved from further duty in that of- fice and is ordered to take station in New York city, relieving Col. Henry M. Robert of all works in his direct charge in New York harbor, except on fortification. Maj. Adams will also relieve Lieut. Col. Geo. L. Gillespie of the charge of the works lately transferred to him by Capt. Thos. L. Casey, jr. Another order of spe- cial interest to this city is that relieving Capt. William L. Black from station and duty at Willet’s Point, N.Y., and ordering nim to report in person to the chief of en- gineers for duty in his office as an assist- ant, vice Maj. Adams, transferred to New York. These changes will take effect early in September. The relief of Major Adams is probably the last change that will be made !n the office of chief of engineers, consequent on the retirement of Gen. Case: several months ago. Major Adams was Gen. Casey’s right haad man, and had charge of all river and harbor works as the im- mediate representative of the chief of engineers. He had performed similar serv- ice for previovs chiefs of engineers. His service in this city has extended over the past sixteen years, and he has generally been regarded at the War Department as an indispensable fixture, because of his thorough familiarity with river and har- bor works, and all legislation in connec- tion therewith. Col. Alexander Mackenzie, first assistant to Gen. Craighill, chief of engineers, will huve charge of this im- portant branch of work when Major Ad- ams’ new orders take effect. Capt. Wm. M. Black, stationed at Willet’s Point, N. ¥., who has been ordered to this city for duty in the office of chief of engineers, will also act as an assistant to Gen. Craighill and will relieve Col. Mackenzie of some of the duties now under his supervision. —<——_-o._ MR. BUTLER’S SUGGESTION. His Proposition to the Democratic Silver Committee: Ex-Senator. Butler of South Carolina called today on Senators Jones and Harris, members of the executive committee ap- pointed by the democratic silver conven- tion, and suggested the following proposi- tions to be advocated by the silver demo- crats: . 1. Repeal the tax on state bank circula- tion. 2. Admit silver to coinage at an equality with gold at the ratio of 16 to 1. 3. Retire all greenbacks and coin certifi- cates, 4. Require rational banks to surrender their charters and permit them to take out state charters under national supervision. 5. Take the government entirely out of the banking business. 6. Stop the issuance of long-time bonds by the government. The revenues should be enough to support the government. But if it is necessary to issue bonds they should be of small denomination, in order that our own people may invest their savings in them. Fourth-Class Postmasters. At Rugby, Grayson county, Va., W. W. McCarroll, vice J. F. Richardson, removed; Congo, Hancock county, W. Va., Mrs. M. J. Williamson, vice Mary Prosser, resigned; Woodbine, Nicholas county, W. Va., W. A. Music, vice M. H. Hinkle, resigned. Total number of fourth-class ‘postmasters ap- pointed today, thirty-two, of which twenty- three were to fill vacancies caused by Jeath and resignations. ——_——_ 2+ ____. _ Naval Movements. The Monterey has arrived at Redondo Beach, Cal., on her way to San Francisco. The Cincinnati has arrived at Key West, relieving the Atlanta, which sailed at once for New York. Admiral Bunce’s fleet has arrived at Bar Harber. ———_-2-—_____ _ Cholera Not Epidemic. A cablegram from Consul General Jerni- gan at Shanghai says that cholera is not epidemic there. MR. RANSOM’S CASE The Recent Decision May Affect Several Other Officeholders, JUDGE MKENNA OF CALIFORNIA He Was Appointed While a Repre- sentative in Congress. AN IMPORTANT POINT SS The recent decision of the acting attor- ney general in the case of Minister Rensom is apt to have an important bearing upon the cases of several other persons holding important positions under the general gov- ernment whose appointments were made under almost identical conditions. Proba- bly the most important case of this kind is that of Judge Joseph McKenna, circuit judge for the northern district of Call- fornia. He was appointed to that office March 17, 1892, while he was a Representa- tive in Congress from the San Francisco district, urd after having served during the session when the legislation was enuct- ed which created the office to which le Was subsequently appointed. In fact, it was necessary for him to resign his office as a member of Congress to accent the Judicial position which he now holds. Judge McKenna'’s Case. ' Such an appointment is contrary to the terms of the Constitution, according to the decision of the Department of Justice in the case of Mr. Ransom. No question has ever beeu raised officially against the lc- gality of Judge McKenna’s appointment, and it is not known that it will be done. The recent action of the Department of Justice applies only to the case of Minis- ter Ransom, but, according to general zcs- sip, all the essential principles of that de- ciston apply with equal force to the case of Judge McKenna and all ex-members of Congress who are holding offices created curing their service in Congress or in which the compensation was increased dur- ing their congressional career. It is not likely that the administration will do any- thing to prevent the continuance in office of Judge McKenna, and the probabilities are that the oniy way in which the question of the validity of his appointment to the bench will arise will be through the action of some litigant dissatisfied with Judge Mc- Kenna’s decision in a case in which he was interested. In that way the question would be brought before the courts for judicial determination. An adverse decision would vacate the office now held by Judge Me- Kenna and give the present administration another important appointment to bestow. There is considerable doubt as to the effect such a decision would have upon the acts of Judge McKenna in his judicial capacity. Another Complication. The news from the City of, Mexico of the Ferious illness of Mr. Butler, charge d’affaires, adds another ccmplication to the Ransom case, and may have the effect of hastening action in the matter of his re- appointment. The legation at Mexico is seriously crippled, and there is now no one there outside of Mr. Butler authorized to perform the necessary diplomatic func- tcrs. The State Department has not been advised of the illness of Mr. Butler, and until it is will take no action in the mat- ter. It is possible, however, that the Pres!- dent may be required to designate some one to temporarily represent the United Stetes in a diplomatic capacity at the capital of Mexico until either Mr. Butler recovers his health or all doubt as to the legality of Mr. Ransom's appointment shall have been removed by his reappointment urder a new commission. An Important Point Settled. One important point with reference to federal appointments settled by the deci- sion in the case of Minister Ransom is the time when a federal appointment is an accomplished fact. Mr. Ransom’s com- mission is dated February 23, and the au- ditor says the legal presumption fs that the signing and sealing were accomplished at the came time, unless rebutted by proof to the contrary, which he says he has been unable to obtain. It has been claimed in Mr. Ransom's behalf that the appointment was not com- plete till he took the oath of office, but the auditor says all the legal authorities prove the contrary. Among these cases is that of Marbury against Madison, which was decided in 1803 by Chief Justice Marshall. In that decision it is held that the confirmation by the Senate of a nomination practically makes an appointment complete, the com- mission afterward issued being merely perfunctory. Other cases cited insist that pesitively the last step is the signing and sealing of the commission, so that under the most extreme view, the auditor holds, the appointment of Minister Ransom was complete on the 23d of February, while he was yet a Senator. Ex-Senntor Butler's Opinion. In discussing the case of Judge McKenna ex-Senator Butler said that there was no question about the position taken by the department being correct. The Constitu- tion was very explicit on the point. If ‘he case of Justice McKenna was similar to that of Minister Ransom; if during the term for which he was elected he was ap- pointed to an office created during that term, or of which the emoluments had been increased during the term, the appointment was invalid and the office vacant. The Senator said that while the circuit justice- ship would be vacated, if such were tne circumstances of the appointment, he did rot think it would follow that the judicial acts of the incumbent of the office would be vitiated, because, as long as he heid the office without h‘s title being disputed, he was justice de facto. + e+_____— Strength of the Corean Army. A report received at the State Depart- rent from John B. Sill, minister to Corea, shows that the total strength of the Corean army is about 5,000 officers and men. Th: compensation is from $23 per month to a colonel of cavalry to $3.50 per month to private foot soldiers. This is paid in the silver yen, werth about fifty per cent of their gold valuation. The minister aiso calls attention to the fact that the government in Corea has for the first time in the history of the cow proviled for the observance of the Chris- tian Sunday. — Pensions ANowed. District of Columbia—Original, Thomas M. Shepherd, Washingten; original, W' liam Morgan, United States Soldiers’ Home, Washington; original, Edward Flan- nery, Washington; reissue, Amos Yocum, United States Soldiers’ Home, Washingtor reissue, Albert G. Knapp,’ Washingto origina) widow, Sophie Pohlers, Washing- ton. Virginia—Reissue and Increase, John D. Klowles, National Soldiers’ Home, Eliza- beth City; original widow, Elizabeth C. Nethaway, Ashiand, Hanover, Maryland—Supplemental, George w. Gatec, Dublin, Harford. a Died in Colorado. The Inoian bureau received a dispatch this morning from Glenwood Springs, Col., announcing the death there of W. 8. Davis of Arkansas, chief of the accounts division of the bureau, who has been absent on sick leave. x