Evening Star Newspaper, August 20, 1895, Page 2

9 . THE EVENING STAR,, TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1895—-TEN PAGES. naled that the course would be ten miles south-southwest from Sandy Hook light- ship, which meant a beat of ten miles to and around a mark boat off Asbury Park end a run home. The preparatory signal was made out from the shore at 11:37 a.m., and the Luck- enbach chonged her position to the point necessary to send the yachts away in a south-southwesterly direction. At 11:41 both yachts were heading for the line on the port tack. The wind had fresh- ened up nicely and the white caps were he- ginning to show up prettily to windward. The Start. ‘The starting gun was fired at about 11 ard the two yachts fi the line as fol- : Vigilant, 11: ; Defender, 11:46:53. y to seaward on the starloard tack, and Defender did the same and en the same tack. Defender, however, did not seem to be catching up to Vigilant, and, if anything, the latter was more than holding her own. Vigilant carried mainsail, club topsail, fore- said, jib and baby jib topsail. Defender was under the same sail, excepting the jib torsail. Although they stood teard tack after cro: ferder actully crossed it on the port tack, and then c after Vigilant, thus sing her to lose some time. They head- ed away to the southeastward off shore, and tore through the water in splendid style. Defender, by her maneuvering, it red from the shore, had got the wind- ‘a erth, although Vigilant had the lead. But when Defender went about on the star- board tack after Vigilant she began to do better, and crawled up on the leader, as well as outpointing her. A Whole-Sail Breeze, p.m. a nice, whole-sail breeze was stirring up the water into white caps, and there vas every indication that the wird would increase in strength con- siderably before the race was over. Soth yachts continued standing away ‘kK and Defender, point- ing closer than Vigilant, constantly eat her way into the wind, until she had an apparent lead of half a dozen lengths over Visi ‘The latter seemed to be ready down to it more than Defender, which, it was judged, was due to her big- ger club topsail in some measure. Vigi- lant held on to her baby jibtopsail, but Defender could not be coaxed into flying that kite to tne breeze, and this seemed to be good judgment, as she slowly but way on the star- ng the line, De- surely pulled away from the old cup de- ferder. at 12:18 p.m., went about on ck and stood away for the Jer- fey shore, also taking her baby jibtopsail. Defender followed suit about thirty sec- onds later, and it was then estimated that the latter had gained about half a mile on her rival. The breeze was freshening every minute and the sea increasing, until the white caps were rolling along merrily up the coast and causing bota yachts to dive into them in grand style, in throwing up clouds of spray and leaving a foaming wake behind them. Defender Standing Up Better. Defender seened to be standing up to it better than Vigilant and she was certain- ly making better headway, as well as potting closer into the wind. Defender at 12:40 p.m. had the race well in hand. Both yachts were standing on the port tack toward the Jersey shore, and the syndicate boat had a lead over half a mile on her competitor, and was expected to round the mark boat over five minutes ahead of Vigilant. Defender was easily outfooting and out- pointing Vigilant in as nice a whole sail breeze as a yachtsman could wish for. Both yachts at 12:50 p.m. were still standing toward the Jersey coast, and the mark boat on the port tack, and it was considered probable they would fetch the mark on that leg, thus making the total distance of ten miles in two long tacks. Defender increased her lead steadily on Vigilan’ ‘The sea at this hour was choppy and the wind growing stronger than at any other time during the day. Defender seemed to be over a mile ahead of Vigilant and to be constantly dropping her. Shortly fter L o'clock the two yachts were timed in passing a given point, and it was estimated that Defender was 4m. 28s. ahead of Vigilant, and as there is a rumor that the latter allows the former over a minute, Defender was about 5: ahead of her competitor after a bea about ten miles, and on two tacks only. A Possible Explanation. SCOTLAND LIGHT SHIP, August 20— The explanation given here of the retire- ment of the Defender from the race is that her owners concluded that she has shown herself superior to the Vigilant, and Capt. Haff, it is claimed, decided not to race her again in a stiff breeze, so as to avoid a} possibility of an accident, which migh hinder her chances of successfully defend- ing the America’s cup against Valkyrie III. ——__ FOREST BLA: IN NEW Mem and Uoys Fight the Flames All Night. HADDONFIELD, N. J., August 20—A forest fire is raging in the vicinity of Siarpsmount, about three miles fron Med- ford and five miles from this city. The fire was driven toward the cranberry bogs of the West Jersey company. Several hundred men and boys fought the fla all night, but they have not met with mi success, The fire s about three miles in extent and is burning everything before it. Farm buildings and the cranberry bog of Henry Thorn, Dr. Richard Braddock and Japhet Bowker have been destroyed. A big forest fire is raging about fifteen miles from Cape May. The corn crop is in great danger and will be destroyed un- less rain puts out the fire. Considerable valuable lumber in the woods at Mays Landing is being burned by a forest fire. The loss thus far has been very heavy. This fire, it is thought, Was caused by a spark from a locomotive on the West Jersey railroad. A big crowd of men and boys are fighting the flames to prevent the fire from spreading. to Mays Landing proper, where the residences are JERSEY. ch Sosa The forest fire In the vicinit; 4s still burning. ob Many tiremen who were called out ef church on Sunday to fight the fla ‘ mes etill doing § but the fire continues to spread. It is estimated that the various forest fires will do damage amounting to undreds of thousands of dollars, ——__ HAD TO SPEED FOR LIFE. Narrow of on Train. = DENVER, Col. August 20.—A special to eR News from Spokane, Wash., says: ‘assengers on the west-bound Gre: é rat Northern train had a narrow escape from death Sunday night. The train had passed through a fierce forest fire for a distance of ten miles, and when it reached the Little Spokane river, about twenty miles east of this city, a huge tree fell across the track from the mountain above, just as the train Was passing. The engine struck it, causing the train to stop so suddenly as to, throw ee oweneers violently from their seats. e burning tree was drag ially ia ged partial; under the cars, and for a moment the tute toppled to one side, until it almost went into the 150-foot chasm on the other side. So intense was the heat from the forest tire that the coaches blistered end almost tock fire. The burning tree set fire to the mall and baggage cars, but the flames were extinguished with water from the stream. oe “ Laos was cleared, and the succes n y fiero reaching here badly ‘The fires have now reached south alon: the line of the Great Northern and continue with unabated fury. Millions of feet of umber S already been destroyed. In the section where the flames are now buraing are several small settlements, and a sood Many settlers are scattered throughout the timber, and fears are entertained for their Passenger © northern panhandle of Idaho, wild and uninhabited wilderness, the a Is rapidly licking up the vast timber. Never before in the history of the northwest has the fire caused such havoc. Mr. McCreary, superintendent of bridges of the Northern Pacific, confirms the re- ported death of four men. They were bridge carpenters, and had gone out on a long bridge to extinguish the fire, and failing to do so, they sought to return, only to find their retreat cut off. They leaped from tlie bridge into the chasm, 136 fect below, aid were dashed to death. —_ Corouer Viewed the Body. The ceroner viewed the body of Malcolm Hurdle this afternoon and will decide tater on what action he will take. LATE NEWS BY. WIRE Free Silver Democrats Inclined to Be Conservative, CAMPBELL NOT A CANDIDATE District Meetings to Be Held This Afternoon. SOME TALK OF A SPLIT Spectal Dispatch to The Evening Star. SPRINGFIELD, Ohio, August 20.—The general political situation seems to be un- changed today. The free silver democrats held a conference last night, but as news- peper men and outsiders generally were ex- cluded, the ‘proceedings have not reached ) the public. It is known, however, that a much more conservative spirit than has characterized the actions of this faction was manifested in the meeting, and an inclination to get cut from under the leadership of such a radical free silver man as Allen W. Thur- man was shown. Some of the free silver men assert that they would easily control the convention were it not for the fact that many demo- ctats who favor free coinage will not sup- pert the free coinage proposition, because they are afraid to disturb what they cali the political equilibrium of the party. ‘Lnere are few even of the s.lver men who believe the free silver faction will control the convention. The probability is that it will not make a respectable showing. The outside figure places the free silver strength at 200 delegates. ‘There are a great many postmasters and other federal officers present, all said to be working for Senator Brice. Their pres- ence is unfavorably commented upon by the free silver democrats and the republi- can press. Campbell still insists that he will not permit his name to go before the conven- tion, but everybody believes that the con- vention wiil be stampeded to him, that he will be nominated before he can say a word against it and he will then accept the situ- ation. The delegates meet by congressional dis- tricts at 5 p.m. today, and at 10 o’clock to- morrow the convention proper will meet. ‘There is still some talk of a possible spilt in the conventicn, but It seems improbable. BRICE DINES WITH THOMAS. Arranging a Compromise at Spring- fleld SPRINGFIELD, Obi! August 20,—The district and other preliminary meetings of the demccratic state convention are held here today preparatory to the assem- bling of the convention at 10 a.m. tomor- row. Senator Brice reached Lima from New York yesterday and arrived here this morning. He is making the fight of his life for a platform in harmony with the views of President Cieveland, Secretary Carlisle and himself on the financial question. He is not taking an aggressive part for the nomination for governor or other offices, but is interested in the organization, so as to control the committee on credentials, which will determine the contests, and the committee on resolutions, which will report the platform. He is believed to have a majority of the S08 delegates with him, but the free sil- ver men claim 34) of the delegates, or erough to make trouble if no concession is made to them. The delegates are all here today, and the question is as to what con cession shall be made to the minorit: which claims to be over two-fifths, and almost one-half the membership of the convention. The Brice men are raising no objection to any of the free silver candidates, not even John H. Thomas and James Kil- borne, for governor, and they are both pronounced advocates of the free and un- limited coinage of silver. Jorn H. Thomas has been opposing Sena- tor Brice very strongly. But today Senator Brice, ex-Goy. Campbell and other leaders dined with Mr. Thomas, and it is under- stocd that a compromise was outlined, but it will not be known what the leaders did until after their plans are developed in the cenvention tomorrow. Senator Brice is the temporary chairman of the convention, and his keynote speech is sure to be for “honest money,” without regard to the outcome of the fight tonight for the organization of the convention. His speech will be conservative. Immediately after its delivery come the reports of the committee on credentials, the majority for seating the Brice men and the minority for seating the free silver con- testants. In ccnsidering these reports the Senator may have sdme close ruling, and the silver men may get mad. It is at this juncture of the proceedings that the contest between the free silver and the Brice men Is expected, although the latter had things their way today. Just before Senator Brice arrived, at 11 a.m., the city was flooded with dodgers bearing the following resolution, adopted at the meeting of silver delegates: “We favor the immediate restoration of the law providing for the free coinage of both gold and silver coins, and their use, witnout discrimination, as provided for in the Constitution.” The silver men met Senator Brice, and said that they had no fight on him, and all they wanted was this plank. The Sen- ator and his friends are non-committal, and want all to wait for the regular report. On the arrival of the train bearing ex- Governor Campbell at noon, Campbell badges were distributed broadcast in an- ticipation of his nomination. All the lead- ers and delegates arrived today. —__ NO CASE AGAINST WALLER. Statement of a Friend Cognizant of His Acts. LONDON, Avgust 20.—Fresh interest is added to the case of ex-United States Con- sul John L. Waller, at Tamatave, Mada- gascar, by the presence here of Mr. Ethel- bert Woodford, who assisted Mrs. Waller and children out of Madagascar after her husband kad been sentenced to imprison- ment for twenty years Fy a court-martial for alleged illegal communication with the Hovas, agairst whom the French are wag- ing war. Mr. Wo»dford went to Madagascar last February on business with the Hova gov- ernment. Mr. Woodfcrd while there lent aid to the family of the United States con- sul. He has arrived here upon his return and has had an interview with a represent- ative of the Associated Press. Mr. Woodford states that upon his ar- rival at Tamatave he found Mr. Waller in prison. According to Mr. Woodford, the sole evidence against tke ex-consul was embodied in letters to his wife and from a Hova friend, wherein the occupation of Madagascar by the French was discussed and a description given of alleged outrages upon women, Mr. Woodford declares, however, that the real cause for the French action against Consul Waller is that he had ob- tained valuable concessions from the Ho- yas, and that Mr. Waller had recelyed his exequatur from the Hova government, thcugh opposed by the French, who hoid the right te determine who shall be the consul at Tamataye. On May 18 last, says Mr. Woodford, ex- Consul Waller was hurriedly tried and sen- tenced. t the time I was in Madagascar,” said Mr. Woodford, “Edward T. Wetter of Georgia was in charge of the United States corsulate at Tan-atave, and I was his guest for a month. I was naturaily interested in effairs of the consulate, and saw all the ccrrespondence of the United States gov- ernment with reference to the Waller case. ‘The Americans were naturally much in- terested, and we thoroughly discussed the matter, but there was no American gun- boat near and ro protection of any kind. Nothing remained for the Americans to do but submit to the action of the French, and repert the occurrences to Washingtot which was done. As to the report, how- ever, if my information is correct, there will be serious trouble, as I understand the report was not received at Washington. I then went direct to Antananarivo, and found that Mrs. Waller and four children were In a state of destitut'on, and living on the charity of Hova frisids. I assisted them, and, when I was leaving, took the -} ters, family with me to the coast, and got | aboard the steamer for Mauritius, where ve landed almost penniless. The heavy additional expense of rescu- ing the Waller family was unexpected by me. I could not, however, do otherwise. There were grown-up girls in the family, and I knew the fate that would be in store for them when the French should occuny the capital. On the journey south to Vat- tomandry, which is seventy miles south of Tamatave, I did not iand at Tamatave, as Mr. Wetter had warned me that the French were seeking me and would shoot me if they couid catch me, owing to my visit to the capital, where they knew I had been in communication with the Hova government and the army officials. “I left the Island of Mauritius and came on here via Paris, at which latter place I communicated all I knew of the case to United States Ambassador Eustis, through whom, I am informed, the United States gcvernment has sent to Mauritius for Mrs. Waller, who sails from there today and will gc to Paris.” Mr. Woodford adds to the above that the French in Madagascar are mere filibus- and are committing frequent high- handed outrages. All mails, both from and on the island, are inspected by French officials, especially letters to and from the United States. Mr. Woodford’s own mail has been, he says, opened while he was there. MUST AWAIT THE DOCUMENTS. ssador Eustis and M. Benoit in Conference. PARIS, August 20.—The Gil Blas says that an important conference has taken place between United States Ambassador Eustis and M. Benoit, in which the latter said that however desirous the government might be of satisfying the demands made from Washington, it would take time to get the documents bearing upon the Walle: cas? from Madagascar. Am Instructions to Ambassador Eustis. ‘The State Department has not abated its interest in the Waller case, but is firmly resolved to actively press the matter to a conclusion. A dispatch in line with the policy was sent to Ambassador Bustis to- dey. The department is satisfied that none of the consular reports in the case have been tampered with by the French author!- ties, as its files are complete. ioc ake COSTLY TO THE CONTRACTOR Fines Continue to Pile Up on the Man Who Moves the Garbage, cen of Inspectors Find Many Insta Neglect and Poor Service All Through the City. It cost the garbage contractor exactly $22 in fines for his poor service yesterday. ‘There is no disposition on the part of the authorities to let up. When the reports of the inspectors indicate gross neglect on the part of the contractor the latter is prompt- ly fired. Up to date fines to the amourt of $413 have been imposed. This, however, is orly for the month of August. During July there were 231 complaints, but the con- tractor was only fined for three of them, end the fines only aggregated $10. The au- thorities did not impose fines the first month, for the reason that they were will- ing that the contractor should have time to inaugurate the dally service. A month they considered a good leng time, and when the Ist of August rolled around instructions were sent out to the inspectors to make full reports upon all complaints. Then the fin- ing commenced. Singular Failure to Explain Neglect. Each complaint wes carefully looked into, ard if it was established beyond a doubt that the contractor was at fault he was promptly fined, and notified in writing of the action and requested to appear und ex- plain the cause of neglect, if he could do so, and if the reason was satisfactory the fine would be remitted. Strange to say, in not a single instance has the contractor taken advantage of this effer, and every fine that has been inflicted stands. A single instance cited by the health officer is suifl- cient to show the poor work that the con- tractor is doing. A complaint was made from hcuse No. 909 L street northwest that the garbage had not been collected for a week. An inspector was sent to investigate last Friday. He found the facts as represented and so reported to the health officer. The garbage receptacle was of proper design, and easily accessible, being located under the front porch. A fine was imposed and the contractor notified. This was on Fri- day. Yesterday the garbage was removed, after another fine had been imposed. The inspector who called at 35 New York avenue reported that the whole square was shamefully neglected. This cost the con- tractor just $5 more. Garbage Thrown in the River. Nor ts this all. Complaint was made that he was negligent in loading the scows at the foot of 26th street. An inspection showed that last week one scow was sunk opposite the wharf from being overloaded, and that a large quantity of garbage was thrown into the river. So bad in fact were the conditions there that it was found necessary to appoint an inspector, and un- til further orders Mr. R. B. Wilson will keep a sharp lookout that no.garbage is dumped into the river. Instructions have been given to the police to notify all property hoiders and residents that they must comply with the law re- garding the numbering of back alley gates; and providing proper garbage receptacles, and if they do not comply within a reason. able time to bring them into court. ~ ——._—__ MUNICIPAL ORDERS. Mary Necessary Sidewalks and Sewer Improvements Designated. The Commissioners today ordered that 420 Mneal feet of 18-inch sewer be laid along the west side of 3d street southwest be- tween O street and McLean avenue, and in McLean avenue between 2d and 4% streets; that 410 lineal feet of 24-inch sewer be laid along the south side of P street northwest between New Jersey avenue and 3d street; that 310 lineal feet of 18-inch sewer and 70 lineal feet of 15-inch sewer be laid in O street southeast, between llth and 12th streets, and that 310 lineal feet of 18-inch and 75 lineal feet of 15-inch sewer be laid in H street southeast between 11th and 12th streets. They also ordered that the gas lamp on the east side of 14th street between Ken- esaw and Kenyon streets northwest be moved north about fifty feet to the drive- way leading to the new engine house; and that the gas lamp on the south side of Maryland avenue between 13th and lith streets northeast be moved east about 75 feet to the entrance of the new engine house. An asphalt tile sidewalk was ordered to be laid on Corcoran street in front of St. Andrew’s Church. Henry J. Allan and E. Judson Allan were directed to be registered and licensed as registered plumbers and gasfitters. Augustus R. Smith was licensed as a third-class engineer. — PRIVATE SALE ORDERED. Action of the Court in the Receiver- ship Case of Willett & Ruoff. Judge McComas tcday directed Richard A. Ford, the receiver of the firm of Willett & Ruoff, to advertise for private proposals to purchase for casff all the stock, fixtures and assets of the firm, except their book accounts and bills receivable. In case no private offer is received and acceptance authorized by the court before noon, August 29, Mr. Ford is further «di- rected to sell the stock, fixtures and assets at public auction for cash, on the premises 905 Pennsylvania avenue northwest, Fri- day, August 30, at 10 a.m. W. and G. Steek Withdrawn From Sale Spectal Dispateh to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, August 20.—At the Liberty Street Real Estate Exchange today stocks and bonds to the amount of $183,500 of the Washington and Georgetown Railway Com- pany and belonging to the estate of D. H. Bartol were put up for sale. There were five bids, but the trustees of the estate re- jected all the bids, and withdrew the stocks and bonds. It was understood at the Ex- change that the holdings would be d.sposed of privately. FELL OVERBOARD Sad Drowpieg of Miss Bursley Whil a an Excursion. DELAY IN LAWERING THE LIFE BOAT ee Lack of Sy§tem Alleged by Wit- nesses.of the Afvair. BODY NOT RECOVERED On the up trip of the .Macalester last night, bringing ‘the city post office clerks’ excursion party from Marshall Hall, Ruta Bursley, the daughter of Lemuel B. Burs- ley of the pension office, fell overboard and was drowned. The’ parents and a brother and sister of the unfortunate girl were on the boet. All had enjoyed themselves dur- ing the ride and Miss Bursley was In hap- py spirits all day. On the way up the two young ladies and several of their friends had seats on the starboard side of the second deck, near the rail, in front of the wheel. The other mem- bers of the family were seated some dis- tance away. The stories of the accident conflict. One is that Miss Bursley sat part of the time on the rail, and that she was requested by her friends not to be so careless. Two la- dies noticing her sitting on the rail told her she was courting danger and warned her to get down, but she did not do so. A moment later she seemed to grow dizzy and reel. She let her handkerchief fall, and a second later, with a faint cry, fell over the rail into the rushing waters below just in front of the huge paddle wheel. Some said the young lady was sick from the motion of the boat and was obliged to lean over the rail. Her sister shrieked in alarm and the passengers rushed to the spot. Capt. Blake was found and ordered the boat to stop. The lifeboat was slow in getting into the water, and passengers state that probably twenty minutes elapsed between the accident and the lowering of the boat. Nothing could be found. It is believed the young lady was struck by a paddle wheel and sank at once. The Leary came up and threr its search- light over the waters, but nothing was seen. The two steamers waited half an hour, searching all around the place where Miss Bursley fell overboard, but in vain. Mr. and Mrs. Bursl2y were overcome by the shock, and Capt. Blake took them and the weeping brother and sister to his stateroom, where they stayed until the steamer reached Washington. The story started that it was a case of suicide, but of that there was absolutely no sign or proof, and the father of the ycung lady said he could not believe it was anything but ‘an accident. Some of the passengers were emphatic in their belief that the life boat had not been lowered as quickly as it should have been, and a good deal of censure was visited upon the management of the steamer. Capt. Blake heard the statements and called the post office clerks, who had given the excursion, into the cabin, and explained to them that the engines could not have been stoppef sooner than they were, and that boats were lowered as fast as they could be. ‘The captain, who has been a seaman all his life, was quite overcome by the accident. He said that he had done all eat he could do to rescuc the unfortunate rl. Mr. Croggon’s Version of the Accident Mr. J. G. Croggon of the city post office was an eyewitness of the accident. To a Star reporter today he related the affair as follows: : “I was sitting with the ladies of my fam- ily near the young lady who fell overboard, on the starboard side of the boat in front of the paddlebox, I had noticed her for several moments, before she disappeared over the side of the boat. She was sitting on the rail, a‘littte girl being on the seat below her. Miss Bursley seemed to be restless, and once she got down from the rail and sat beside her sister. Then she resumed her former position on the rail. She had a handkerchief in her hand, which fluttered overboard. In another second she went backward off the rail. I did not hear her make a cry as she disappeared. The little girl who had been with her fled to another part of the boat, and the ladies who saw the accident gave the alarm by screaming. The place where Miss Bursley sat was directly In front of the paddle wheel, and it was a sheer drop to the water below. She just seemed to topple over, and probably did not have time to utter a word. ‘When she first sat on the rail she was lean- ing her back against a post. It has been suggested that when she got on the rail a second time she leaned back for the post and missed it.” Delay in Lowering the Life Bont. The accounts of a number of people make it four or five minutes from the time the alarm was given until the steamer was stopped and a still longer time until a small boat was lowered to search for the young lady. As the steamer was running at a rapid rate, they say probably a mile was covered before the boat's headway was checked. Mr. F. L. White of 609 Florida avenue witnessed the operation of lowering the small boat, and he criticises the steamboat management very severely for the lack of discipline and system observed in this op- eration. White ts a sailor, and for eighteen 1s has followed the sea, in both the government service and the mer- chant service. “I think it was fully fifteen or eighteen minutes from the time the alarm was given until the boat was lowered,” he said to a Star reporter today. “The boats are carried on the hurricane deck and are swung into the water by davits. These boats, however, were lashed over with.tar- paulin to keep out the rain and were tied securely to the deck. Of course it took time to unlash one of them and lower it away, ev2n after a crew had been sum- moned for it. As tke boat was lowered 1 was standing on the salcon deck, aft of the wheel, and as the boat came down I saw that one of the chocks was attached to its bottom. You know, the beat rests on two heavy blocks of wood with a V-shaped slot cut in them, and one of these had stuck to the keel. Probably it had never been moved since it was painted. I un- loosened the chock and that took at least another minyte, the boat hanging by the davits meantime. “Then, when the boat reached the water, it was found that the plug in the bottom was out end the boat was taking water through the hole. Another minute of valu- able time was lost in hunting around for the plug. Two colored men and a white man were sent away with the small boat. “The river boats when they leave the wharf with:s crowd of excursionists should swing a lifeboatzover the side, with the boat fallsjgleared away ready for lower- ing. There are mpdern appliances for low- ering Nfekoats, s@ that they can get intc the water,within one minute, the steamer’s headway makingino difference. A portion of the crew-should be stationed near one of these boats to man it when called upon. Last night one of the colored waiters who hand aroynd lemonade was put to work helping get-out that boat.” The Lit in the Case. Under the laws of the United States, river steamers ‘are required to discipline the crew to a¢t premptly in cases of disaster. Section 4495 af ‘the Revised Statutes, re- lating to the steamboat Inspection service, provides as; follows: “Upon navigable‘rivers the captains of all passenger Steamers of thirty net tons and over shall be required to maintain a strict discipline, and to organize the officers and permanent crew so as to act wth prompt- ress in case of fire or other disaster; and the captain shall cause to be prepared at leaet two station bills assigning the officers and permanent crew to definite places; said station bills shall be conspicuously placed under glass near the inspection certificate.”” In ocean-going steamers the law requires periodical drills with the lifeboats and fire e©.pparatus. Am Indignation Meeting. After the search for the missing girl had been abandoned last night, and the steamer had proceeded on her way to Washington, the executive committee of the postal clerks in charge of the excursion held a meeting In the cabin and criticised Capt. Blake for not acting more promptly and thoroughly in the efforts to rescue Miss Bursley. The captain defended the conduct of himself and crew stoutly, and said that everything had been done which, under the circumstances, could be done. It is said that at this point the interview became heated, and Capt. Blake withdrew from the cabin, and -refused to have anything further to say to the committee. To Search for the Body. Durcan S. Walker called on the Commis- sioners this morning and asked for the use of the police boat Joe Blackburn to be used in the search for the body of Ruth W. Bursley, who was drowned last evening. Capt. Blake's Statement. Capt. Blake said this afternoon that the steamer was stopped within two minutes last night after the alarm was given that there was a person overboard, and that within eight minutes the small boat was lowered. He sald his small boats are equipped with patent hooks and are handled very quickly. He sald the first officer picke® a crew for the small boat, as was his duty, and saw to its launching. Capt. Blake said that under the circum- starces it would have been utterly impos- sible to have saved a person falling uver- board in front of the wheel. Pilot Ross’ Story. The pilot of the steamer, Capt. Ross, said he had stopped within less than two minutes after the person went overboard, as there was some uncertainty as to what was the matter when the alarm was given. As scon as he heard the cry of woman overboard he stopped. He blew four whis- tles as a signal to the steamer George Lesry, just astern, whese pilot promptly stopped and turned cn bis search light, and then backed to a safe distance. The Leary, he said, acted very nicely. The Macalester has station drills, aa re- quired by law, but has no boat drills. Dragging the River. ‘The police boat is dragging the river this afternoon, and Col. McKibbin of Marshall Hall is out with some of his boats; but there is little hope of finding the body by dragging, as the river is very deep at that point and the tide was setting out quite rapidly last night. ERRORS ABOUT ELIGIBLES The Civil Service Rules and the Govern- ment Printing Office. The Commission Explains Things in Connection With Them Many Now Misunderstood. The civil service commissioners state that many erroneous impressions have gone out in regard to the gcvernment print- ing office which are causing misunder- standings and necessitating personal ex- Planations to inquirers. For instance, tkere is a very general Impression that the names of all persons who were dis- charged from the government printing of- fice within less than a year prior to the Gate of the classification will be entered upcn a register of eligibles and certified for appointment when vacancies exist. This impression is entirely erroneous. The only names entered upon registers of eli- gibles are the nimes of persons who pass examinations. Those who are separated from the service without delinquency or misconduct are eligible to reinstatement within one year, but the reinstatement can take place only when the public printer makes requisition for it. If the public printer desires to reinstate a man who was Separated from the government print- ing office less than a year ago without delinquency or misconduct he makes a statement of the facts in the case to the clvil service commission, and if, upon the statement of facts, the man is found to be eligible the civil service commission issues a certificate authorizing his rein- statement. Considerable confusion exists in the minds of would-be applicants in regard to the special examination to be held on the 26th instant. This examination is for appli- cants for the positions of compositcr, press- man, bookbinder, stereotyper and electro- typer, and for no others. Skilled laborers cannot be examined on that date. The examination on that date will be held in this city, and cannot be taken in other cities of the country. It does not seem to be fully understood, however, that appli- cants in different parts of the country may file applications and select from the depart- mental schedule of examinations the time and place which will be most convenient for them. This enables persons outside of Washington to be examined at points con- venient to their own home during the mcnths of October and the first part of No- vember. It has been definitely decided, however, that the skilled laborer examina- tion will not be given to either men or wo- men outside of Washington, hence that ex- amination can be taken only in this city ‘on Gctober 2, although the commission may find it necessary to <ontinue the examina- tion more than one day, if there should be an excessive number of applicants, but in such an event the applicants who elect to be examined in this city on October 2 will be notified of the change of the date. Some false intormauon has gone forth in regard to the results of the first examina- tion for the government printing office. The facts are as follows: There were 229 competitors in the skilled laborer examina- tion, of which 1 ed and 47 failed. In the compositor examination there were 46 competitors, of which 29 passed and 17 failed. In the bookbinder examination there were 12 competitors, of which 8 pass- ed and 4 failed. In the pressman examina- tion there were only 4 competitors, all of whom passed. —___+-2+-____ BOUND FOR BOSTON. Knights Templar Who Have Left for the East. ST. LOUIS, Mo., August 20.—The van- guard of the Missouri division of Knights Templar started for Boston, the scene of the twenty-sixth triennial conclave, at noon today. St. Aldemar Commandery left over the Big Four route, and escorted by the Bridgewater (Conn.) Band, which arrived Monday to act as escort. The party will go by way of Niagara Falls, Kingston, Ont., down the St. Lawrence river, through the White mountains to Boston, which they will reach Monday. Other commanderies will leave later in the week. OMAHA, Neb., August 20.—Five hundred Knights Templar of Iowa and Nebraska leave Omaha this week for the Boston meeting. A feature of the Nebraska dele- gation will be a carload of golden rod, Nebraska’s official flower. It will be used to festoon the great headquarters’ tent and any place where Nebraskans may be found at the conclave. The badges are costly and beautiful. - DENVER, Col., August 20.—The Denver- Boston ’9 Club have started for the east on a special train amid the cheers of 200 friends who had assembled at the depot to see them off. There are sixty persons in the party, and with the exception of the colored porters, every man on the train is a Templar and a Shriner. The train will gun as a special through to Boston via the Burlington to Chicago, the Lake Shore to Buffalo and the New York Central and Boston and Albany the remainder cf the way. —_--—— CARPET FIRMS SIGN. The Big Strike of Weavers Will Soon Be Over. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., August 20.—The ingrain carpet weavers’ strike is broken. Three more firms have accepted the 1.ew schedule and their employes went to work today. These, with the firm of Taylor & Son, who started their plant yesterday, will employ 319 weavers. The firms that signed are Samuel White, Centennial mills, giving employment to 100 weavers; Thomas Boggs & Son, employing eighty-three weavers, and John Boggs, who occupies a pertion of the Whitaker mill, employing fifty-five weavers. It is expected that the other manufactur- ers will soon sign the schedule, and a speedy termination of the strike is looked for. ee Wires Must Come Down, INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., August 20.—Tne city council last night passed a sweeping ordinance repealing all franchises to tele- graph and telephone lines within the busi- ness district of the city, including terri- tory a mile square, and ordering that all overhead telephone and telegraph wire be removed within a reasonable time. FINANCE AND TRADE Wall Street Gossip Regarding the Gold Reserve. EXPECTED ACTION OF THE SYNDICATE Increasing Confidence Among Speculators. SENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, August 20.—In sympathy with London's attitude, our market opened a shade under closing prices, but subse- quently became strong, under a fair vol- ume of buying, mostly professional. The engagements of gold thus far announced will aggregate about $3,000,000, and indica- tions point to a further loss at the end of the week. The treasury’s gold reserve will thus be brought down under the $100,000,- 000 mark, but the syndicate banks are ex- pected to deposit the amount necessary to restore the full reserve. This action on the part of the syndicate had a good effect on prices last week, and this consideration alcne would n all probability result in its duplication at this juncture. The exchange market was slightly easier in tone, owing to an Increased supply of gold bills. Bank- ers and commission houses are both offer- ing this class of bills, which is a new and significant feature ‘of the situation, bank- ers having taken no active part in the ex- port movement heretofore. The volume of business is light, and this in some measure explains the recession in rates. The action of the more active stocks during the day indicates an increasing confidence in the early culmination of the movement and in the ability of the banks to prevent any serious inroads being made on the federal gold supply. A year ago such shipments us were reported toda: would have had a decidedly adverse in- fluence on the entire market, but the feel-~ ing of apprchension then in the ascendancy bas given way to one of stropg confidence in the ultimate solution of the difficulties which periodically force this unwelcome ex~ port movement. American tobacco was again an active feature of the day’s trading, the short in- terest being particularly urgent in its de- mands for stock to make good yesterday’s contracts, An advance of 4% per cent re- sulted from this demand. ‘The sentiment of the street is unchanged as to the general tendency of this stock, but pending some definite action on the Fart of the independent manufacturers at tomorrow’s meeting <here is little disposi- tion to increase preseut obligations in the fece of a 20 per cent decline. Sugar was sold and offered down to 110 1-8, but at this point supporting or- ders were plentiful, and the price was soon forced back on buying for both accounts. There were unmistakable evidences of a conflict for the control of the speculative machinery in this property, in which the tear party was temporarily worsted. The expected demand from the trade shows no indication of immediate mi terialization, and it is generally regarded as probable that some concession in rates will be made to attract business. There is a strong element in the property opposed to further improvement in the market price of the stock, but as yet all attempts at de- pression have been skillfully defeated. Chi- cago Gas was sold down by traders on a mysterious rumor of pending unfavorable developments. In the railroad list the coal stocks were the features on reports that negotiations looking to the settlement of existing diffi- culties were to be actively resumed and with a fair chance of reaching a satisfactory conclusion. Jersey Central and Reading were ad- vanced on these reports, the former stock being unable to retain its advance, owing to realizing sales. The grangers were in good demand at fractional advances, all in- telligence having a direct bearing on the future prosperity of this group of securi- ties being favorable. The trading of the last hour was moderately active, and in many instances at the highest point of the day, the demand from the short interest . particularly noticeable during this period. ——.__ FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. The following are the opening, the high- est and the ‘owest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as re- ported by Corson & Macartney, members New Yor": stock exchange. Correspondents Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. 8) Broadway. Stocks. Open. High. Low. Last. American sogat Na MF Mose AY ‘American Suge! 10310810234 10835 5 Oe American Tobacco. American Cotton Oi Atehison Canada Canada Pacific GC, C. & St “Chicago. B. & Q.2. Chic. & Northwestern. jash' 4 Long Island ‘Traction . iy 14K 14g 143 Metropolitan iraction.. 102% 1023 102” 109: Manhattan Elevated... 14¥ 14% M14y 114% jleulgan | Central 11" i011” 101 uri Pacific 3% 38; Nationai Lead G uA Be sof Es Pullman Pal. Car Southern Railway, Pi Phila. ‘traction. : i ing & L. Erie. 16 16% 16 Wheeling & .. Erie,Pfd. ag ag b1 Westera Union Tel. ma” (aie Wisconsin Central Silver —————— Washington Stock Exchange. Sales—regular call—12 o'clock m.—Lincoln Fire Insu: 20 at Goveratient Bonds —U. 8. 4 112 11: asked. _U. ren read skeet |. 8. 48, coup., 2% U.S. 4a, i925, 121 bid.”'U. 115 bid. District of Columbia Bonds.—Zo-year Fund. 5s, 103 bid. 30-year Fund. gold Gs, 112 bid. Water Stock currency Zs, 1901, 115 bid. Water Stock currency 7s, 1903, 116 bi currency 3, Miscellaceous Bonds.—Washington and George- town Railroad conv. 63, 1st, 150 bid, 180 asked. Washington and Georgetown ‘Railroad conv. 68, 2d, 160 bid, 180 asked. Metropolitan Railroad conv. 6s, 107% bid. Beit Railroad 5s, 82 bid, 85 asked. Eckington Railroad 6s, 100 bid, 105 asked. Colum- bia Kallroad 6s, 111 "bid. Washington Com- bid. Washington Gas Com- | Wasbington Gas Com- bid. United States Electric Chesapeake and Potomac bid. American Security and ‘Trust 5s, F. and A., 100 bid. American Security and Trust 5s, A. and 0., 100 Market Company Ist 6s, Market Company imp. 6s, 110 bid. Washington Market Company exten. 68, 107 bid. Masonic Hall Association bs, 100 bid. Washington Light Infantry Ist 68, 100 bid. National Bank Stocks.—Bank of Washington, 290 bid. Bank of Republic, 250 bid. Metropolitan, 285 bid. Central, 270’ bid. Farmers and Me- chanics’, 175 bid. "Second, 139 bid. Citizens", 130 bid. Columbia, 130 bid. Capltal, 115, bid. West End, 106% bid. ‘Traders’, 104 bid. Lincoln, 100 Bote Deposit end T it Compantes.—National Sa: fe Deposit and Trust Compantes.—Nat: fe Deposit and Trust, 120 bid, 1 ¥ Loan and Trust, 120 bid, 125 asked. “American Se- curity aud Trust, 137 bid) Washington Safe De- ‘ealiroad Stocks, —Washt nd G roa .—Washington and Georgetown, 20 bid, 300, asked. Metropolitan, 0% bid, 106 asked. Columbia, 60 bid, 70 asked. Belt, 35 asked. Eckington, 35 asked. Gas and Electric Light Stocks.—Washington Gas, 50% bid. Georgetown Gas, 5014 bid. United States Electric Light, 134% bid, 133 asked. Corcoran, Potomac, 65 bid. Arlington, 140 bid.’ German American, 165 bid. National’ Union, 10 bid. Co- lumbia, 18 did. Biggs, 7 bi "a, 5% did. Commerc! bid. ‘ial, bi ‘Title Insurance ‘Stocks. Real “estate Title, 105 bid, 115 asked. Columbia Title, 7 bid, 8 aske Washington ‘Title, 8 asked. District Title, 10 ri © ‘Telephone Stocke.— 1 37 bid. - Hinge’ 20°bid, 2 eaeg Pneumatic Gan Car- Misccilaueots ron Murket, 16 3 Stocks. —Washingts bid. Great Falls Ice, 130 bid, 140 asked. “Buil Run Panorama, 35 asked. Norfolk and Washington Steamboat, 90 did, 97 asked. Lincoln Hall, 70 bid. Merganthaler Linotype, 190 bid. *Ex. div. ——— Baltimore Markets. BALTIMORE, August 20.—Flow Kk. $2.50a82, do. '$2.50a4 + $3.4 do.,$3.65a$4.00; spring wheat sti recdipts, 1427 barrels, ns eee weak and lower—spot, 66) Se] %; ‘Decem| r No. red, 6314263'4—recely els; stock, 761,618 bushels; ‘sales, 100,000 bushels— southern ‘wheat by sample, 67209; do. Cor dull and lower” asked Vheat Oats steady and fairly %; No. 2 mixed, 2u receipts, 11,909 ‘bushels; stock, 111,967 bush- Rye steady—No. 2, 48—recelpts, 2,583 bushels; stock, SoU bushels. * Hay tirm—cholce timothy, $14.502315.00. Grain freights very quiet, demand Poor, unchanged. Sugar firm, unchanged. Butter stendy—fancy creamery, 20a21; do, imitation, 153 = rg 16; do. ladle, 14; good Jadle, 12433; store pack: 1oat2.” “Eggs fir fresh, ‘14. Cheese firta, un changed, Grain and Cotton Markets. Cotton and grain markets, reported Ww: B. Hibbs, stock, grain and cotton broker, Lael Fat, “Open High. La a rt ay eR ‘BI 31! 31 a - 10. 10.: Be 9.95 - 615 617 615 G17 one 617 602 617 ‘Open. Tow. 723 TS 7.23 7.30 729 T3t T2 7. Tu T4l 733 TAL 733) TAT) «7.39. TAT ROBY PRIDDY’S DEATH. The Story as Told by a Companion— The Funeral Today. The fureral of Roby S. Priddy, who was drowned Sunday afternoon in the Potomac above Georgetown, as stated in yesterday's Star, took place this afternoon from his late residence, No. 7 H street northwest. There was a large attendance. Among the many floral designs was a handsome tribute from his five companions of last Surday. The interment was at Glenwood. One of the boys who were with Priddy Sunday gave to The Star the following statement cf the circumstances attending the drowning: “In company with five boy friends, Chas. O. Paxton, Frank 8. Howell, George W. Cooke, George T. Mahon and Clarence 8. Howell, he walked up on the Virginia side of the river, and when College Rock was reached, all of the others went in bathing. Priddy, being unable to swim, declined at first to go in, but, after watching his com- panions for some time, he decided to join them. He was advised not to go in from the rock, because of the great depth of the water at that point, but he requested that one of the boys who could swim should take him out. Resting upon the shoulders of Frank Howell and George Mahon, he ventured to swim out a short distance. In endeavoring to turn, Priddy swallowed some water, and was his hold upon Mahon, he caught Howell about the waist in such a manner as to pinion his arms to si “The two boys sank together, and upon rising Priddy released his hold on Howell and caught Mahon. They sank twice, and when Mahon rose for the second time Priddy was missing. In the meantime the other boys had plunged in to rescue their ecmpanions, but their efforts were useless. At no time did any one of them lose his presence of mind, and the gallant efforts of all, as well as of a stranger, who plunged in with all his clothes on, could not cope with the strong current and the great Gcpth of the water.” Roby Priddy was well known in this city, and his untimely death was a great shock to his mary friends. The boys who were with him when the sad event occurred are deeply distressed at the fate of their com- ranion. —__—_—_— AN ATTRACTIVE CARD. It Drew a Good Attendance to the Island. A very attractive card was presented by the Old Dominion Jockey Club at the Alex- ander Island track today, which drew a good attendance. The track was dry and fast; weather clear and warm; attendance very good. Five books were on. Tomorrow's St. Asaph Entries. First race, seven furicngs, selling—Postal Airplant, 110; Goy. Fifer, Kenneth, Litho- graph, Roman, Jack Barry, Billy Leggins (late Adalgisa gelding), Anxiety, Ninety- seven, 107; Myrtie R., 5. Second race, two-year-olds, maidens, four furlongs—tirish H., Little Ralph, Elves, Ma- rio, 103; Soroso, Creosote, Rapids, Marion F., Little Tommy, 100. ‘Third race, four and a half furlongs, sell- irg—Jach Lovell, Vestibule, R. F. Dee, 115; Oxford, Sentine] Second, Moderate, Finance Second, Hard Work, 112; Mollie May, 110. Fourth race, seven furlongs, selling— Chieftain, Little Bravo, Reform, Paymas- ter, Vespasian, Tennyson, 110; Dr. Reed, Major McNulty, Inter-Ocean, Nobby, 107; Marguerite Second, 105. Fifth race, four and a half furlongs, sell- ing—Harvest, Elmstone, 115; J. McLaugh- lin, Frank D., Pie, Grampien, Bonnieville, 112; Silver Queen, 110. Sixth race, six and a half furlongs, sell- ing—Hippona, Trojan, Foxglove, 100; Marie Lovell, Sir Rae, Patti, 95; Prosper, Galety, Adjourn, 92. DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. Water Inspector Karpeles. The result of the competitive examination fcr the position of inspector in the water department was made known today. Her- man L. Karpeles received the appointment. Forty-six men took the e: ition. Bu ‘= Permits, Building permits were issued today as fol- lows: W. H. Henning, to erect one brick dwelling at No. 15 3d street northeast, to cost $4,000. Frank B. King, to erect @ three-story brick apartment house at Nos. 1152 and 1154 19th street northwest, to cost —_—_ ‘Transfers of Real Estate. Deeds in fee have been filed as follows: Edw. C. Moore to Christian J. Ubhoff, part original lot 12, sq. 1027; $10. Wm. A. Gor- don, trustee, to Sidney Bieber, lot 9, sq. 997; $510. Diller B. Groff to Wm. and Frances T. Avis, lot 96, sq. 754; $5,500. J. Harrison Barrett to Christine Tyner, part lot 126, Mt. Pleasant; $50. Jno. H. Greg- ory to 8. Herbert Giesy, lot 19, sq. $28; $10. Northwest Eckington Improvement Com- pany to Nelson E. Luckey, lot 4, blk. 3 Northwest Eckington; $10. Jas. N. Tyner et ux. to Harrison J. Barrett, part lot 124, Mt. Pleasant; $50. Julius A. Maedell et ux. to Lucy C. Mackall, undivided one-third in- terest in part lots 14 and 15, Reno; $1. —_—_——__ Racieg at Saratoga. SARATOGA, August 20.—First race, four and a hali furlongs, selling—Kilrona, firsts Argentina, second; Sky Blue, third. Time, 56. Seccnd race, mile and a furlong, selling— Lookout, first; Semper Lex, second; Nava- hoe, third. Time, 1.57. Third race, mile handicap—Sir Excess, first; Wernberg, second; Pepper, third. Time, 1.42 3-4. SS President Hill Has Something “On.” ST. PAUL, Minn., August 20.—It has just heen discovered here that President J. J. Hill of the Great Northern left very quiet- ly last Saturday night in company with Crawford Livingston. No doubt is enter. tained kere that the visit has something to do with the Northern Pacific reorganization deal, and the secrecy with which Mr. Hill veiled his departure adds interest to his movements. —_.—_— Fatal Wreck on the Big Four. LOUISVILLE, Ky., August 20.—News was received here of a bad wreck on the Big Four near Lawrenceburg, Ind., this morning. The engineer was killed. The accident occurred at 6 o'clock this morn- ing. The operator threw the switch wrong and an eng:ne and six cars were ditched.