Evening Star Newspaper, September 18, 1895, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR - PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Btreet, by The Evening Star Newspaper Company, 8. H, KAUFFMANN, Pres't. New York Office, 49 Potter Building. pita adc ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the elty by carriers, on thelr own accouat, at 10 cents per week. or 44 cents per month. les at the founter 2 cents each. Sy mail—anywhere in the United States or Canads—postage prepald—60 cents per mon! Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.00. @Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D. C., as second-clasa mail matter.) ‘All mail subscriptions must be paid In advance. ites of advertising made known on application. | No. 13,273. Che Even gq Star. WASHINGTON, D.C. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. 1 WIEL (BE (USED)| MENS REQUEST (GRANTED STATES School Building to Be Occupied te -—_— IN SPITE OF VIGOROUS PROTESTS The Miner Commissioners Announce Their De- cision on the Matter. DECLARED INSANITARY nl Notwithstanding previous promises, the Commissioners this morning decided to use the Miner School building at the corner of 17th and Madison street for a school house to accommodate the pupils of the Stevens School during the repair of the latter. While it was expectsd the Commissioners would take such action, the decision this morning came in the rature of a surprise to the delegation of citizens representing the West End League, who called to pre- sent a petition from the residents and Property owners in the neighborhood pro- testing against the use of the Miner build- ing. This petition was printed some days ago in The Star. After Mr. F. M. Evans had stated the object of the committee in appearing be- fore the Commissioners, and had presented the petition, Commissioner Truesdell, speak- ing for the board of Commissioners, said: “We have received a letter from Trustee John H. Brooks, in which he states that the Stevens bullding is insanitary. An examination of that building by District officials shows this statement is correct. ‘The certer building must be abandoned. It is not fit for school purposes, making it necessury In any event to have more room. It is not only insanitary, but unsafe. It was for that reason that an appropriation was made to reconstruct the building. Now, gentlemen, the Miner building has been re-examined by a committee of ex- perts, consisting of the health officer, the inspector of bulldings and the inspector of plumbing. They made their examination yesterday, and this morning submitted a verbal report, in which they say that the building can be made sanitary by a small expenditure, the plan being to give up all fixtures, and to plug up all sewer connec- tions. In the light of that report, and the fact that the Stevens building is not in shape to be used, the Commissioners find it necessary to use the Miner building. It is absolutely necessary to provide additional rcom for a portion of the pupils, and the Comunissioners have given the subject care- ful consiieration, and find it necessary to use both buildings. The wings of the Stevens building will be used until spring, when the improvements will be com: menced.” All the Year. “Then you will use the Miner building all the school year?" asked a member of the committee. “Yes,” repiied Commissioner Truesdell, “It will have to be used the entire year by @ portion of the pupils.” “But we were assured, gentlemen,” said Mr. Evans, “that you would only use the Miner building in any event until Jan- uary. Now we are told you are‘to use it the whole year. How many pupils do you Propose to put there?” “About 300, and that removes the most serious objection that your association has raised. I refer to the objection that the building would be overcrowded. Now, we do not propose to overcrowd the building. Stevens Building Repairs. “Now, returning. to the Stevens school,” continued Commissioner Truesdell, “the ap- Pprepriation for the repair of that building 1s about $5,000 less than the lowest bid recelved to do the work. We propose to commence the work of repair in May, and leave the construction in such shape that the building can be added to, and the plans carried out with the help of an additional Sgae bpatie “How are you to pay for these repairs to the Miner building recommended by the beard of experts?” asked Mr. Evans. “The Commissioners, replied Commis- sioner Truesdell, “have not obligated them- selves to pay for any of the repairs. The repairs will be made, and if the Commis- sicners can get an appropriation to pay for them in the future, why, all well and good. It is expressly stipulated in the lease with the owner that he fs to make all neces- sary repairs.” “But that is practically an evasion of the la Insisted Mr. Evans, “for you are virtually making a contract for which you have no appropriation.” Ends the Matter. “As far as that is concerned,” replied the Ccmmissioner, ‘“‘we think it is a moral ob- ligation to provide proper school facilities for the children in the District, and we are entirely willing to take the chance, feeling certain that our action will be satisfactory to Congress, and that the citizens of the District will sustain vs.” “But, gentlemen, the building is insani- tary, and the hygienic conditions are bad,” suggested Dr. Charles W. Filler. “Our experts yesterday examined the situatién carefully, and if we cannot be guided by its report, we needn't luok else- where. The repairs can be completed to have it ready for the opening of the regu- lar school year. The Commissioners have looked into this matter with an earnest desire to do what was best, and we see no other way out of the difficulty, and the course I have outlined to you is the one we are going to follow. If you can assist us in getting another building we will be obliged to you. There is no danger of this school being continued longer than another year. Its capacity is 600, and we are only going to quarter 300 children there. The Commissioners are sorry that they could find no other way of settling this im- portant question, but something had to be done, and we did what we thought best for ali concerned.” This ended the hearing. —————— DHAIR THE FASHION. Big Money Made by English Firms, According to usul Meeker. Consul Claude Meeker sends the Depart- ment of State an Interesting report on the recent astonishing rise in the price of mo- hair, from bradford, England, where two- thirds of the mohair of the world is manu- factuied Into weaving material. He says the price of the raw material has increased from twenty-four cents to sixty-four cents per pound, and of the yarns from forty: eight cents to $1.08 per pound. One firm is reported to have cleafed five million dol- in the past.five months, and half a others to have done almost as well. eause of the advance is found in the restoration of mohair and Juster fabrics to popularity last spring. In consequence of this change in the fashtons, Bradtord is enjoying a pros at it has not krown for Mr. Meeker 3 it is generally that the de- and will continue for another season or two. He also states that he has received letters from the United States, ard es- peck from the southwestern states. where the c.imate is adapted to raising Angora goats, indicating an inclination on the part of the people of this country to embark in the prcduction of this wool. inclined to urage the effort, and instances the suc 3 of South Africa in this industry The Turkish goverament prohibits the exportation of the Angora goat, but Mr. Meeker says he is informed that the prohibition is not strictly en- forced. President Phillips Removes the Supervisor of the Ninth Street Road. He Finds the Official Was Zealous and Efficient, but Offensive to “the Employes. The protest made by the motormen and conductors employed on the 9th street branch of the Metropolitan railroad against the further continuance of Supervisor El- lott in office, because of his alleged over- bearing manner and his attempts to make trouble for the men over whom he exer- eised control, was heard by President Phil- Ups yesterday. President Lawrence of the Protective Street Railway Union and Mr. Casey, members of the executive commit- tee of the union, were present. Supervisor Elliott was also in the room, but his pres- ence did not deter the men from reciting what they considered instances of his treatment of them. The paper which had been circulated for signature among the men r2quested that Mr. Elliott be relieved from duty as supervisor, and given his former position as a conductor on the line. ‘There were sixty-one signers. The hearing lasted nearly two hours, the testimony being taken down stenographically by Pres- ident Phillips’ secretary. At its conclusion Mr. Phillips announced that he would ren- der his decision today. Accordingly, this morning a letter was forwarded by Mr. Phillipe to Mr. Elliott, which read as fol- lows: “Dear Sir: After a careful consideration of the protest of the motormen and con- ductors against you I haye come to the following conclusions: “First. That you have been zealous and efficient in the discharge cf your duties. “Second. That from your manners you have, unknowingly to yourself, made your- self personally offensive to a large num- ber of the men. “Third. That a supervisor ought to have the respect and good will of the good men under his direction. “From these facts I conclude the welfare of the company will be best subserved by the appointment of another supervisor in your place. From the zeal with which you have filled your office it is my duty, as well as my pleasure, to offer you the Position of conductor.” Mr. Phillips this merning 2ppointed Mr. F. N. Thomas as supervisor in Mr. Eiligtt’s place. Mr. Thomas is 2 member of the union and is also an old conductor on the line. In his selection Mr. Phillips followed the civil service idea of recognizing merit and pursued his policy of promoting faith- ful men in the employ of the company to the higher positions as they become ve- cant. z —_—_ VALUE OF SILVER COINS. Why There ix n Difference Between Those of France and Mexico. Representative Bankhead of Alabama has teen in Washington during several day and his attertion was called to the quo- tatiors oi the value of the five franc Frerch coin and the Mexican dollar. He noticed that the French piece of money, which contained 48.7 cents of silver in commercial value, had a value of money reerly equal to $1. On the other hand, the Mexican silver dellar, with 53.25 25 cents worth of silver in commercial value, could not be excharged for more than half a dollar. In other words, the French coin passed in circulation for twice the value of silver contained in it, while the Mexican dollar was rot werth as money, or, at ‘east, did not pass currently as money, for an amount equal to its bullion value. Mr. Preston, director of the mint, was sought to throw light upon this subject, and he at orce replied that the solution was very easy. The Freach coin, he said, was*interchangeable with gold, while the Mexican government gave no assurance that their dollar could ever be redeemed or exchanged with anything else except sil- ver. The value of the American silver dol- lar is maintained by the same method as that which upholds the French coin. —__—_—_—_—_e—______ THE MORA CLAIM. Assignments Still Being Filed at the State Department. The Mora claim threatens to become a second Jarndyce case. Every mail brings to the State Department fresh assignments and subassignments, and until there is a reasonable certainty that all of these out- standing have been heard from the depart- ment will not proceed with the division of the indemnity. In addition to these assign- ments, there are broad claims that threaten to give much trouble. Among these are the claim of Mora’s nephew to a molety of the indemnity on the ground that his father was half owner with Mora in the seized estates, and one for a large amount by a person who claims to have held a mort- age on the estates. It is believed at the State Department that these claims must eventually be passed upon by the courts, and from the amounts involved the claim- ants will doubtless not be contented with anything less than the decision of the Su- preme Court, in which case the department may be enjoined against any disbursements of the fund for an indefinite period. oe CAPITOL OIL PAINTINGS. The Work of Retouching and Re- varnishing Them Nearly Completed. The work of clearing, retouching and re- varnishing the oil paintings in the Capitol, which was begun shortly after the ad- journment of Congress, is now nearly com- pleted. All the paintings in the rotunda have been taken from their frames and gone over by the artist, the last one—“De Soto Discovering the Mississippi’’—now being under his hands. The large oil paint- ing representing a scene in the battle of Lake Erie, which stands at the head of the staircase on the Senate side of the building, was not taken from its frame for purposes of retouching. Great scaffolding was built in front of it, and the artist stood on this while doing his work. The result of the artist’s work has been that the oil paintings about the Capitol have a freshness they have not borne for a long time. ——____-e. An Insurance Item Disallowed. Acting Controller Bowers has disallowed the item in the account of Pay Director May for additional irsurance on the Unit States gunboats Machias and Castine while on their trial trips on Long Island sound. Mr. Bowers holds in effect that where the contractor (in this case the Bath Iron Works of Bath, Me.,) is bound to keep a vessel insured for the benefit of the United States until accepted, the government is not, in the absence of agreement, liavle for additional insurance procured by the contractor to cover a trial trip held else- where than in waters adjacent to t tractor’s works. --— The Gold Reserve. The treasury statement today shows that the gold reserve is $05,456 This in- cludes the withdrawal of $1,000,000 on Mon- day for export, but as the treasury gained $71,496 in gold in regular business transac- tions the actual ioss was but $925,574. Sec- retary Carlisle has been notified of gold receipts from banks in different parts of the covrtry today amounting to $530,000. Yesterday's withdrawals amounted to’ but $250,000, so that the balance today actually Stands at $98,066,004. IN CHARGE Dedicating Monuments on Chicka- mauga’s Field. FEW CONFEDERATE MEMORIALS THERE An Ovation to Vice President Stevenson. ————— FAMOUS GENERALS PRESENT See Special From a Staff Correspondent. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Tenn., Septem- ber 18.—The notable guests in attendance upon the Chickamauga ceremonies are be- ginning to arrive in numbers. The Vice President of the United Stat ex-Speaker Crisp, Senator Harris of Tennessee, Sena- tor Hawley of Connecticut, ex-Senator Manderson of Nebraska, Senator Peffer of KanSas, Senator Palmer of Illinois and gevernors galore are on the spot. There are also Gen.’ Absclom Baird of Washing- ton, Gen. Stanley of the Soldiers’ Home, Public Printer Benedict, Col. G. C. Knitfen of Washington, Gen. Dan Sickles of New York, Gen. Butterfield of New York, Gen. Grosvenor of Ohio, Gen. J. J. Reynolds, Gen. J. B. Gordon, Gen. Longstreet and Representative Bowers of California. The cabinet party are expected this even- ing, and will be handsomely entertained. The Vice President received an ovation upon his arrival last night, four thousand people turning out to do him honor. Col. Bright, sergeant-at-arms of the Senate, is in charge of the official party, and will take them to the park tomorrow to attend the dedicatory ceremonies. The Indiana, Ohio and Ilinois people have almost taken possession of Chickg mauga, as it is their right to do, on a’ count ‘of the prominent part which the troops from those states took in the bat- tle. Indiana is encamped upon the battlefiel Gov. Matthews establishing his headqua ters at Cave Springs, where a small city of tents has sprung up. The Indiana folks have their own commissary—a big dining room under canvas—and are conducting their affair upon a regular military basis. Thicy are somewhat disappointed becau cnly a few of their monuments have been put in plac Ohio makes a rich display of monuments to mark the spots where her soldiers fought their bloodiest battles and where her prom- inent men fell in the struggle. Illinois Las plastered the entire field with her monuments, giving the impression that wherever there was “slight bickering” be- tween the armies she was in it. Pennsylvania has had to take a back seat in. the affair on account of the total failure to get her monuments in place. There will be a Pennsylvania day in November. Michigan, Minnesota, Kentucky, Missourt, Wisconsin ‘and Kansas are represented in proportion to the part played by their troops in the fight. Confederate monuments there are practi- cally none—that is, there are no memorials in granite or bronze erected by the south- ern states. The government, however, has erected some markers, which speak as ei quently of the fallen dead as majestic shaf of stone. There are descriptive tablets co ering the greater portion of the field, celling to the reader the story of the battle by regiments, and showing the advance of the confederate troops against the enemy’s bar- riers, giving the names of the leaders, and presenting the number of the killed and wounded, speaking plainly and simply of the courage and devotion of the men. It is rather pitiful to observe the lack of monuments upon the confederate lines, and, where the norttern visitors throng around the graceful shafts commemorating their fallen ccuntrymen, the southerners go poking around the bushes looking for traces of their troops in the markers put up by the park commission. Of course, this lack of display by the scuth is not the fault cf the commission, but. is due entirely to the indifference and raggardliness of the southern states in pro- viding memorizls to their children who fell at Chicakamauga. Commander Anderson of the Department of the Potomac has arrived, accompanied by his wife and daughter. Commander An- derson stopped at Nashville on his way down and also visited the battlefield of Murfreesboro’, at both of which places he fought and was wounded. He will attend ihe dedication ceremonies and visit his old fort at Stevenson, Ala. The official visitors are spending today on the mountain, resting from their jour- ney and getting ready for the great day tomorrow. DEDICATING THE MONUMENTS. Thovsands of Witnesses of the Cere- CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., September 18.— At early dawn the tens of thousands of people in this region, natives and visitor: began to stir themselves. By sunup hun dreds were on the streets, and before § o'clock every thoroughfare in the city was thronged. Not since the bloody battle that occurred here thirty-three years ago hav there been so many people in this region. Some of the old veterans who fought all over the grandly beautiful mountains and valleys surrounding Chattanooga say there are more people here today than upon that awful event. Estimates as to the size of the multi tude vary. Some of the conservatives there are not over 50,000; others place the number at 100,000 or more. At daylight the people began to move to- ward Chickamauga, and from that time cn until after noon the trains and electric cars reminded one of those leading to the world’s fair at Chicago. The crowd was well handled, however. A large number of special policemen were on duty, and there was no congestion or blockade to speak of. At the battlefield were hundreds of ve- hicles of every sort and description pre- pared to carry passengers to any part of the historié field It is now definitely settled that Chat nooga will have tonight Ss her guests four of the President's official family. Secretary of the Interior Hoke Smith, Secretary of the Navy Herbert, mon and Postmaster Washington last evening, and wi tonight over the Southern railway o'clock. The first event ofthe day was the dedi- cation of the Michigan state monuments at Snodgrass Hill, a point at which there was probably more hard fighting during the battle than on any part of the field. Gov. John T. Rich, with his staff, the members of the park commission, arrived at the hill a few minuies after 9 o'clock. Chairman C. Belknap, president of the Michigan commission, in a brief speech, in which he tcld of the work done by the com- mission, called the assemblage to order, and then introduced Goy. John T. Rich,who spoke. Col. Henry M. Duffield of Detroit re- sponded. When he had finished there was music by a military band, after which the benedic- tion was said. Wiscorsin’s Monuments, In the ncrtheast corner of the park the monuments of Wisconsin were turned over to the government at 11 o'clock. The ex- son left 1 arrive at 8 ercises were presided over by Col. W. W. Watkins, chairman of the state commis- ston. After the audience had been cailed to order the Rev. J. E.Webster offered prayer. Col. Watkins formally turned the monu- iments over to Gov. W. H. Upham, who re- ceived them and then transferred them to the government. Gen. Henry Hardin made a speech in re- sponse, after which speeches were made by Col. B. F. Bryant, ex-Gdv. W. D. Hoard and E. G. Timme. Ohio’s Monuments. The veterans of Ohio took possession of Snodgrass Hill as econ as those from Mich- igan had finished. Gen. John Beatty, presi- dent of the Ohio commission, presided. When he had called the audience to order Bishop Joyce invoked the blessing of the deity. Short addresses were then made by ex- Gov. Campbell, who was governor at the time the commission was created; J. 8S. Gill and J. S. McElroy. Gen. Aquilla Wiley then made a short address, formally turn- ing the mo: uments over te Gov. McKinley, who in turn received them and then trans- ferred them to the national government. Brief addresses by Andrew Jackson, Col. James Watson and Frederick Wendell, merbers of the commission, followed. The IlMnols Memorials. Illinois monuments were dedicated on the site where Widow Glean’s house stood during the battle. It is a few hundred yards southeast of she famous “Bioody Pond.” The widow's house was burned dur- ing the fight, but “Bloody Pbdnd” is still there. It was so named because its watcrs were red with human blood after the bat- tle and the people living in the vicinity say that since that terrible day animals heve refused to drink of its waters. It was 2 o’clock when Gov. Altgeld and his party arrived. Several thousand people, principally from Mlincis, or those who had served im Illinois regiments, were there to witness the ceremor Col. H. S. Reeves, president of the ili- nois commission. called the meeting to or- der. Prayer was offered, after which Gov. Altgeld was introduced and made his ad- dress, turning the monument over to the gevernment. Responses were made by Col. Smith D. Atkins and Col. J. G. Everest. The bene- diction was then pronounced. Indiana's Dead. The exercises attendant upon the transfer of the Indiana monuments to the govern- ment took place at Lytle Hill, as the ridge south of the Dyer house is called in mem- ory of Gen. Lytle, who was Killed there. It is a short distance rorth of the Widow Glenn's house. Gen. M, C. Hunter was master of cereinonies. The exercises were opened by prayer by Rev. Dr. Lucas, at 2 o'clock. H. D. MeConrell made the dress, turning the mcnuments over to Gov. Claude Matthews, wh) responded. Gen. Lew Wallace ard Col. I. N. Walker, commander-in-chief of the G. R., spoke. ‘The exercises were concluded with a salute fired by the regiments of Indiana militia that were present. —-— THEIR RELIEF. CAME TO Sceretary Lamont Advances Money to s Pay Army Gtficers, Although Secretary Lament has done his st to con:eal the fact, it is well known throughout the rank and file of the army by this time that they would not have re- ceived their back pay for some time to come if the Secretary had not come to their relief! by advancing the money re- quired from his own private funds and also by the transfer of funds, Paymaster General Stanton has notified all the offi- ce of the army who have not yet re- ceived the pay due them by the gevern- ment on account of their official salaries for any part of the fiscal yeir ended June 30 last, because of deficiency in appropria- tion, that the Secretary of War has unoffi- cially arranged for ‘their prompt payment without discount. The necessary funds for this purpose have been deposited with the National City Bank, 52 Wall street, New York. All that is necessary for an officer to receive his arrears of pay is for him to forward his pay account, properly indors- ed as correct by the paymaster general of the army, to the bank named and receive in return, either through the paymaster general or an officer of the pay depart- ment, whichever method is most conver: jent, a draft for the full amount stated fo be due. It is estimated that it will take at least $25,000 to meet these payments. Secretary Lamont has advanced this sum in the confident expectation that he will be reimbursed in due course of time when Congress has had opportunity to consider the subject. The accounts will not be pre- sented to the acccunting officers of the treasury until after Congress shall have made ample provision for their payment throngh a deficiency appropriation. In addition to the amount due the offi- cers there is also about $50,000 due to en- listed men, through the action of the last Congress in revoking the law requiring the retention of a csrtain portion of their pay without making any provision to meet the deficiency thus created in the appro- priations. The Secretary has found a way to partially meet this deficiency by the transfer of certain unexpended balances, and the soldiers will be paid as far as pos- ble ‘out of this account. It is understood that the accounting officers have decided that there are no legal obstacles in the way of the Secretary's generous plan to provide for a congressional oversight. ——-e+—____ The New York Castom House. _ Collector Kilbreth and Deputy Collector Conch of New York have arrived in Wash- ington, and today had a conference with stant Secretary Hamlin in regard to certain matters of administration in the New York office. In response to inquiries, Mr. Kilbreth said that his order against allowing an examination of imported to- bacco by prospective purchasers was in- tended to do away with a custom which had recently grown to be a great evil. So far as he knew, the only complaints against the enforcement of the order had come from a few brokers, who had come to tr the warehouses as show rooms for th goods. The large and responsible 4dealet so far as he knew, had made no complain bin Has Returned. Col. H. C. Corbin of the adjutant gen- eral’s department has resumed his duties at the War Department, after a ten day: arive through the mountain districts of Maryland and Virginia. He took the out- ing for the benefit of his health, and says that it did him a world of good. Miss Coybin, his daughter, accompanied him and enjoyed the novel experience exceed- ingly. The colonel says he has traveled all over the United States, but never before had he seen snch a magnificent country, as he passed through in Washing- ton and Frederick counties’ and in the vicinity of Winchester, Va. goa Only One Bid Received. In response to adycrtisements for pro- posals to supply a rapid-fire field gun and ammunition sent out by the ordnance bu- reau of the War Department, but one bid was received. It came from the Hotchkiss Ordnance Company, and was opened to- day. This.company agrees to supply. the gun with spare parts for $1,500, to furnish a non-recoil field carriage for $659, and to supply other articles required at the fol- lowing rates: One hundred solid brass drawn cartridge cases, $200; three hundred common shells, empty, $675; three hundred rounds of smokeless powder, $60U. Consuls Recognized. The President has recogrized R. W. Stewart as Italian consular agent, and the following congular Officers of Spain: Enrique Mariategui-and Pedro S. Arias, at Tampa, Fla.; Manuel G. Cruz, at Jackson- ville, Fla., and Manuel Rodriguez Escu- dero, at Key West, Fla. = Government Receipts. National bank notes received today for redemption, $137,066. Government receipts —From internal revenue, $208,841; customs, $933,934; miscellaneous, $10,413. ON ALL ITS LINES|THE TORPEDO BOATS/SOQUTH’S GREAT SHOW The Metropolitan Company Will Put Tn the Electric System. SAME AS ON NINTH STREET Construction to Begin at Once ard Cars to Run Next August. — CONTRACTS AWARDED The work of placing the underground Connett electric system, now in operation on 9th street, over the entire road owned by the Metropolitan Street Railroad Com- pany will be commenced October 10. In conversation with a Star reporter Mr. 8. 1, Phillips, the president of the company, said everything was in readiness for the beginning of the work, and that nothing would be allowed to prevent its being rapidly pushed. “Contracts have been made,” said Mr. Phillips, “with the Pennsylvania Steel Company for all the wheel rails, slot rails and conductor rails; with Mr. Edward Saxton to build the conduit and do all the street worl with Davis & Thomas for casting yokes, manhole covers and other castings generally; with J. H. McGill for the foreign and domestic cement; with Washburn & Mohen for the copper bands which are used in conducting the electric current, with H. L. Cranford & Co. for the entirg asphalt work, and with the Diamond State Iron Company of Wilmington, Del., for the bolts, tle rods, et cetera. “These contracts comprise all the work in connection with the street construction.” “This work will be completed and the road will be running by August 1 next,” contin- ved President Phillips, “It will comprise thirteen and one-half miles of road, or a mile and a half mcre than the present east and west lines. This increase will be due to the road being extended at the east to 15th street northeast and to Georgetown College at the west end. “The unprecedented success of the Con- nett system on the 9th street road has in- duced the Metropolitan railroad to duplicate in every detail that construction over its entire lines,” said he, in conclusion. ——— LADY OF THE LAKE. Bids Received to Remove the Wrecked Stenmer. Maj. Davis, the engineer officer in charge of the Potomac river improvements, has received seven bids for the removal of the wreck of the steamer Lady of the Lake, now forming an obstruction to navigation in the Washingtcn channel near the foot of 7th street. The bids are as follows: John- ston & Townsend, Somers Point, N. J., Alonzo M.Lawson, Brightwood, D. Lewis H. Skinner, Washington, D.C., $v; C.. J. “Kelley, Atlantic City, -N. John J. Williams, Thurlow, Pa., RIVAL CONVENTIONS. Colored Republicans in New Jersey Fail to Come Together. TRENTON, N. J., September 18.—The rival colored republican state conventions met today with about i00 delegates each. One convention was called to order by P. T. Calding, chairman of one of the rival state committees, and J. C. Gunnell of Hudson was elected chairman. The other convention was called to order by Chair- man Johnson of the other state committee and Alexender Huggs of Essex was made chairman. R. Henri Herbert of the John- son conventioa moved for the appointment of a conference committee of five to bring about a unification of the two conventions. Herbert was made chairman of the _com- mittee appointed by Presiding Officer Huggs. The Calding convention is not dis- posed to accept the olive branch, and both conventions will probably go ahead and select some person for recommendation as member Of the republican state convention, which will have to settle the dispute to- morrow. rs _———— DYING BY THOUSANDS. Sprend of the Cholera in the Russian Provinces. ST. PETERSBURG, September 18.—In the province Volhynia, between August 18 and August 24, inclusive, 5,849 cases of chelera were reported, and 2,134 deaths from that disease. s in the provirce of Podolia, from the 2ist to the Stst of August, 101 cases of cholera and forty-five deaths were reported. ————e— Army Orders. Lieut. Col. M. V. Sheridan, assistant ad- jutant general, has been granted leave ab- ence for one month. Capt. J. J. Brereton, twenty-fourth infantry, has been granted leave for one month. Lieut. John M. Mor- gan, eighth cavalry, has been granted three months’ leave, and Lieut. John K. Miller, eighth: infantry, has been granted forty-tive days’ leave. Upon being relieved from duty in the office of the chief of en- gineers at Washington Major Henry M. Adams will relieve Lieut. Willlam E. Craig- hill as engineer of the third lighthouse dis- trict, and Capt. William H. Bixby will re- lieve Major Charles W. Raymond at Phila- delphia as engineer of the fourth light- house district upon the expiration of his sick leave. —_———+-2e+___ Pensions Allowed. District of Columbia—Reissue, Horatio R. hildreth, Washington; William B. Morgan, Washington; John Boling, Washington; Ezra M. Longley, Washington; original, Albert S. Seely, Washington; additional, Reuben Thornhill, Washington, Virginia—Original, William Thornton, Staunton, Augusta; Henry Stone, National Soldiers’ Home, Elizabeth City; reissue and ircrease, Daniel R. Rountree, Newsoms, Scuthampton; reissue, Daniel Hiner, Na- tional Soldiers’ Home, Elizabeth City; Chas. Richards, Hampton, Elizabeth City; Dan'l A. Smith, Highland Springs, Henrico. Maryland—Original, John B. Pettingall, Westernport, Allegany; Daniel Mason, Clearspring,’ Washington; increase, Jona- than Myers, Westminster, Carroll; original . minors of Charles’ Mayers, Baltimore; reissue, Albert S. Hyson, Balti- mere; John Laengraef, Baltimore; James A. Heard, Leonardtown, St. Mar; Mexi- can war widows, Mary V. Mullin, Clear- spring, Washington. ——___+ e+_____ Shooting Contest at Rome. The Italian ambassador has sent to the Department of State a program of the shoot- ing contest at Rome, which is to take place September 18 and continue to October 2. He is anxious that all American shooting socie- ties be informed of this event, and that he be put in possession of the names of such socte- ties or marksmen who may wish to partici- pate. ee The Maine in Commission. The Navy Department is informed that the steel armored cruiser Maine was put in com- mission at the New York navy yard yester- day. She will be attached to the North At- | lantic squadron and will probably take part in the ficet evolutiqns, The Herreshoffs May Get the Contract to Build All Three. Recommendations to That Effect if It Can Be Done Without Viela- tion of Law. Chief Naval Constructor Hichborn and Chief Engineer Melville, who have had under joint consideration the bids for the three torpedo boats authorized by the last Corgress, have completed their report, and it is understood have recommended that the bids of the Herreshoffs be accepted, provided it can be done under the law, which provided for building one boat on the Pacific coast, one on the Mississippi and one on the gulf coast. The only west- ern bids were from the Pacific coast, and these exceeded the limit of cost fixed by Cor.gress. Nothing official will be given out concerning their conclusions until the Secretary of the Navy passes upon the question, but the understanding about the department is. that the two bureau chiefs egree in recommending the acceptance of the bid of the Herreshoffs, which was the lowest made, with some conditions attached end providing the-contract can be let to this firm without violation of law. Legal Questions Involved. ‘There are Several legal questions involved in the matter, which have not yet been taken up. The law provides for the build- ing of one of the three torpedo boats on the Pacific coast, one on the Mississippi river and one on the gulf coast, providing certain conditions are complied with, and that in case these conditions are not ac- cepted by the bidders the department can have the boats built elsewhere. No bids were received from either the gulf or the Mississippi river section, while three were inade from the Pacific coast and one, that of the Herreshoffs, from the Atlantic coast. Of these four bids, that of the Herreshoffs was the only one which, with the arma- ment added, would come within the limit of cost fixed by law. The Herreshoff* and the Contract. In view of these conditions, it would be clearly competent to give the contract to the Herreshoffs for all the boats, if plans should prove acceptable, but for the doubt that is felt as to the propriety of having the vessels built on the Atlantic coast with- out giving other eastern ship builders fur- ther opportunity to bid. Another legal point involved is as to whether it is contemplated by the law that the cost of each boat shall be limited to $175,000, or whether some of the boats can be constructed at a greater price and some at a lesser, providing all the vessels are built within the aggregate appropriation. SECRETARY SMITIVS WORK. Against Free Coinage in Georgia. Special Correspondence of The Evening Star. ATLANTA, Ga., September 17, 1995. The hardest working member of Presi- dent Cleveland’s cabinet this summer has been, unquesticnably, Secretary Hoke Smith. While the other Secretaries and the President have passed a more or less com- fortable vaceticn, Mr. Smith has been mak- ing a campzign in Georgia which is bound to bear fruit. He is speaking two or three times a week, ard on off days is in the court room or his law office. He has spoken at Toccoa, Jeffersonville, Athens, Rome, La Grange, Cordele and a nimber of otner places, and is still speak- ing at intervals of ene or two days. At Ccrdele, which is the only middle Georgia point where he has appeared, he was followed Ly Representative Livingston of the fifth congressicnal district. Mr. Liv- ingstcen has since been declaring that the Secretary said in that speech: “I am for free coir.sge, too, but, boys, we can’t get it. Mr. Smith's friends all say that the con- text ehowed that he meant he was for free coinage by international agreement, but that the latter cannot be obtained. At La Grange Mr. Smith consented to a joint dctate with Judge Longley. That is a strong silver community, but both sides claim to have nad the best of the joint de- bate. This campaign means everything to the Sceretary. If he can carry the state next year, and get the delegation to the na- ticnal convention, it will be a victory over the grestest odds any man ever fought single-hai ded in Georgia. The state machinery is rather against the administration. Such a victory would send Mr. Smith to the United States Sen- ate to succeed John B. Gordon, provided the stete goes democratic in the October election of 1896. Democratic success in that campaign is not a sure thing to bet on, though, so far in advance. More can be teld about it after the extra election in the tenth district next month. It will be remembered that Representa- tive J. C. C. Black, who was re-elected last November, resigned when Tom Watson, the populist leader, charged that his election was by fraud. Black voluntarily resigned and agreed to run the race over. The reg- istration haz just closed for this election, which is to occur October 2, and by the closest calculations Black’s margin is only 500, If Watson is elected, the chances are that the populists will elect a governor next year and control the legislature which elects the United States Senator. If Wat- son is defeated, populism will not be a menace of 1896. Last year the third party cut the demo- cratic majority of 71,000 down to 25,000. If Watson succeeds that majority may be wiped out altogether. Hence, a fierce cam- paign is being waged. Unfortunately for Black, who Is a leading Baptist in Georgia, the A. P. A. is against him, and it is said to have 500 votes in Augusta. If that vote is thrown solidly against him, his chances are bad. The state has a new registration law, and it is being tested for the first time in this campaign. Maj. Black and his manggers announce that they would rather lose in a fair election than win by fraud. Watson, who burned up his law books five years ago when he joined the Farmers’ Alliance, has resumed practice; but he is giving every day right now to a house-to-house canvass of his district. a Personal Mention. : Attorney General Harmon, Secretary Her- bert and Secretary Smith left Washington last night for Chattanooga, to be present at the opening of the Chickamauga Nation- al Park. Commarder J. B. Coghlan, on duty at New Orleans, is in this city on light house business. Mr. Chris. J. Gockeler has returned from a short trip to the Hanover fair and Gettys- burg, Pa. Ensign H. P. Jones, who has been detach- ed from the Atlanta, has reported at the Navy Department for examination for pro- motion. is Lieut. Herbert Winslow of the Naval War Coliege is in the city on leave. Agsistant Surgeon F. C. Cook of the New York is on a visit to this city. —— Acting Secretaries. Admiral Ramsay, chief of the bureau of navigation, is acting secretary of the navy, in the absence of Secretary Herbert and As- sistant Secretary McAdoo, and Mr. John Tweedale, chief clerk of the War Depart- ment, is administering the affairs of that de- partment, in the absence of Secretary La- mont and Assistant Secretary Doe. Secre- tarles Lamont and Herbert will return to the city in a few days, Speaking Opening Exercises of the Atlanta Exposition. NEARLY ALL THE EXEIBITS READY A Vast Amount of Work in the = Last Hours. THE WEATHER PROPITIOUS ATLANTA, Ga., September 18.—The mcrning of opening day of the south’s @reatest show, the cotton states and inter- national exposition, dawned auspiciously bright and clear, affording to the thou- sands of northern visitors in the city a sample of typical southern September weather. As the day wore on the heat be- gan to pass the limit of comfort, but the Tuoyant crowds on the streets do not seem to mind the temperature, and good humor reigned supreme. During the night the finishing touches had been put on a number of the buildings, and every effort had been made to get the grounds in good shape for the opening, and those who left the park yesterday af- ternoon found this morning that a great transformation had been wrought. From the tops of the 347 flagstaffs on the build- ings around the grounds there floated ihe pennants and flags of the nations of the earth, and the doors of the buildings, which have been closed for several days, were all thrown open. Nearly All Exhibits Complete. In the interior of the buildings a great deal of work had been accomplished. Over nine-tenths of the exhibits were complete, and neatly appareled attendants stood st each booth. The policemen had advanced and were patrolling the grounds, exposi- tion guards were everywhere. and every- thing was ready for the crowds. As the day grew older the crowds who had not been admitted to the grounds gathered about the gates, and anxiously awaited the appearance of the military and the directers. Awaiting the Parade. Down town preparaticns began early fur the perade to the grounds, and the uni- forms of United States regulars and vis- iting snd local miiltary lent a martial tone to the multitudes that congregated in the neighborhood of the corner of Broad ang Marietta streets, where the marching forces were raobilizea. The city is a mass of bunting and the waving decorations, the flying flags, the bands of music and the general atmos- phere of gayety offer the strongest pos- sible contrast to the dismantled Atlanta of '6$, so familiar to many of the veter- ans >i the federal army whe today par- Ucipated in the celebration of the great- est victory of peace the south has ev: won. The Opening Signal. At high noon every steam whistle in the city broke forth into noisy chorus, the crowds in the streets cheered long and loud, and the festivities of opening day were fairly begun. At 1 o'clock the procession, under com- mand of Col. W. L. Kellogg of the United States army, began to move. In the line were the fifth regiment, U.S.A.; the Wash- fagton. Artillery, New Orleans’ crack company, commended by Col. John B. Kichardson; the fifth regiment of Georgia and various visiting state troops, making twenty-five com- panies in all. Five bands, including Gil- more’s famous organization, headed by Victor Herbert, furnished music for the tramping column which swept its bril- lant length out toward the exposition park between continvous lines of admir- ing and cheering spectators. As the heed of the column reached the gate, the companies were nalted and the exposition directors and their guests in carriages passed Into the grounds, then the military companies marched in, stop- ped on the plaza, stacked arms, and were taken to the barbecue stand, where they tke ®uests of the exposition for a short le. The guests and directors followed to the auditcrium, where the formal opening oc- curred. Sneeches were delivered on the small stage, which was profusely deco- rated. The Opening Exercises. While the crowd was still gathering, Victor Herbert's band remdered his new and original “Salute to Atlanta,” amid great applause. Vice President Hemphill, as muster of ceremonies, presented Bisaop Cleveiand Kinlock Nelson, who offered the opening prayer. Mr. Hemphill presented Col. Albert How- ell, who read the exposition ode, written by Frank L. Stanton. Then Mr. Hemphill intreduced President Collier, who delivered the opening ad- dress. President Collier was followed by Mrs. John Thompson, president of the board of women managers, who spoke In behalf of the women’s department. Booker Washington, the principal of the Tuskegee Normal Institute, then delivercd an address behalf of the negro depart- ment. Mayor King spoke for the city. When He Will Press the Button. BUZZARD'S BAY, Mass., September 18.— Owing to delay in the adjustment of the southern end of the. wire connecting the presidential residence with gnachinery hall, cn the Atlanta exposition grounds, it is an- nounced that the button will not be pressed until 5:30 p.m., Boston time. —a INDORSED REPUBLICANS, Action by the Philadelphia Democrats. PHILADELPHIA, September 18.—Consid- erable excitement prevailed at the demo- cratic county convention today over a reso- lution preserted by the committee on reso- lutions deeming It inexpedient to make any nemination against the republican nominee for, and present incumbent of the office of District Attorney George 8. Graham. After much interruption and amid great confusicn, a vote was finally taken, and the cemmittce’s report was sustained by @ vete of 488 to 204. Tke following nominations were made: City controller—Frederick B. Vandegrif recorder of deeds—John J. Curley; coroner— Dr, Edwin S. Harrington; clerk of quarter sessions—Edwin J. Sellers, At the judicial convention Craig Biddle, the republican nomince, was indorsed. ——___ NOT ABOUT BONDS. County Aunintant Sceretary Curtis Sees a Rep- resentative of J. organ & Co. NEW YORK, September 18.—Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Curtis was at the treasury today in conference with Sub- treasurer Jordan and Mr. Bacon of J. P. Morgan & Co. Mr. Curtis informed a representative of the Associated Press that his conference with the gentlemen men- tioned in no way related to an Issue of government bonds. His visit is entirely on private matters. Mr. Bacon and Mr. Jor- dan confirmed this statement, and said that the conference does not In any way call for a statement to the public,