Evening Star Newspaper, November 25, 1895, Page 1

—— THE EVENING STAR. paiva cena RUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenve, Cor. 11th Etreet, by The Evening Star Newspaper Company, 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. The Evening Star is served to city by cartiers,-on t per wees, «cr 44 cen! per smooth. pies at the ceunter 2 vents cach. Ry mall vhere In the United states or Cauada—postage prepald—O0 cei per month, Saturday Quintupl: Shect Star, $1 per scar, with foreign portage added, $3.00. Entered at the Fost Gifice at Washington, D. C., as second-class mall , sulcriptions inast be paid in advance. vertising made known on application. | No.13,331. WASHINGTON, D.C, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. Look on page 8 for the fourteenth installment of the new mystery story, “Before They Were Married.” $250 for the correct solution of the mystery by a woman reader. i AMERICANS ARE SAFE eg Intelligence Received by Minister Terrell at Constantinople. SENT 10 THE STATE DEPARTMENT Situation in Anatolia Reported Much More Tranquil. A CRUEL GOVERNOR DEPOSED es (Copyrighted, 1805, by the Associated Press.) CONSTANTINOPLE, November 25.—The United States minister, Mr. Alexander W. Terrell, has received a dispatch from Aintao announcing the safe arrival there of the American missionaries belonging to the+ Central Turkey Mission, Dr. and Mrs. Amer- icus Fuller, the R. Charles S. Sande Mrs. M. A. Trowbridge, Miss Ellen M. Pierce and Miss Eli h M. Trowbyidge, and the English governess, Miss McDonaid. The missionaries add that full protection was afforded them by the Turkish author- ities when it was demanded from the porte ty Mr. Terrell. The latter now says he is satisfied that 172 missionaries in Anatolia are safe. The situation here is still grave and more complicated. From what can be learned here it would seem that the situation in Anatolia appears to be much more tranquil than for some time past, and there is no doubt that efforts are being made to maintain order in the districts where disturbances are threat- ened and to suppress disorders where out- breaks have occurred. All danger is not possec however, even in Anatolla. The governor of Hadjin, who had threat- ened to burn the convent there and to set fire to the barley fields in the vicinity, has, owing to the strong representations made to the porte on the subject by Mr. Terrell, been recalled, and his conduct will be in- quired into. The members of the American colony, as well as other foreign residents of this city and vicinity, join in praising the energetic and effective action of Mr. Terrell un- der very trying circumstances. There seems to be no reason for doubting that his representations to the porte have been the means of saving American Ives and prop- tecting American property. Definite information has been received here that the missionaries attached to the station at Kharput have left that point un- der. escort for Constantinople. Demunds of Powers Refuse The question now being discussed tween the porte and the representatives of the powers Is that of adding four extra guardships to the little foreign fleets in the Bosphorus, Great Britain, Italy, Russia and Austria demanding firmans to pass through the Dardanelles an extra gunboat, to be attached to their respective embassies. Al- though the demands were made over a week ago, on the ground that the foreign population of Constantinople needed this additiqnal protection, the sultan still helds out in his refusal to grant the required permission. Minister Terrell's Advices. Latest dispatches to the State Depart- ment from United States Minister Terrell Staie that he ts now officially assured of the protection of the three ladies at Hailfin; that the provinces have been quiet for the last three days, and that the out- better. He adds that telegrams nd Marsovan report that the “3 are Safe and protected, and that he {s now able to report that all our 172 missionaries in Turkey are now pro- tected. The porte gives assurances quility will soon be restored. Return of Tranquility. The Turkish legation received from the sublime porte advices containing the fol- lowing intelligence: Perfect tranquility prevails at the pro- virces cf Kossovo, Scutari, Jarina, Adria- nople, Monastir, Salonica, Crete, the islands that tran- of the archipelago, Erzerovum, Moussoul, Khudavendikiar, Aidin, Trebizonde, Trip- oy of Africa, Bitlis, Castamouni, Koniah, Diarbekir, Bessorah,Mamauretal-Aziz,Alep- , ja and Beyrouth, and at th Sandjaks of Iemid, 7 and Tchatald; The authorit of Sivas and of Amas: have begvn te return to the owners «ll cles ef which they were robbed. The ssertion to the effect that the fire at Kharput had been set by the imperial troops is absolutely false. One Mussulman was wounded at Aintab by a gunshot fired from an Armeian house. Br. Johnston's Sensational Charges. ST. JOSEPH, Mo., November 25.—A spe- cial to the Daily News from Jefferson City, Mo., sa} “Rev. J.T. M. Johnston, D. D., pastor of the First Baptist Church of this city, who has just returned from a three months’ tcur of Turkey and the Holy Land, last night In a sermon on the Armenian trou- les made the sensational statement that American Minister Terrell ought to be hanged. “He declares that the minister to Turkey has joined the Mohammedan Church and ts alding In the persecution and killing of Christians instead of protecting them; that the situation ts far more horrible than re- ported to the papers; that Terrell prevents true reports from getting out of Turkey, sending out false reports himself. “Re Johnston and his entire party of four members have signed a petition nt Cleveland begging him to re- rell: oe DUMAS SERIOUSLY ILL. Seize With Cerebral Congestion Saturday—He Lies Comatose, PARIS, NNvember 25,—Alexandre Dumas, the distinguished author and playwright, is serfously ill. The physicians in attendance upon him at first thought he was suffering from a violent attack of neuralgia, but later they recognized graver symptoms. The Petit Pari: that Dumas was seized on Saturday with cerebral conges- tion, and that Dr. Pozzi diagnosed it as cereb; The patient, it is added, has been In a comatose condition since last evenin ndre Dumas, son of the great novel- born in Parts, July 28, 1824. In h he was fond of writing, and at n he published a volume of poems, however, possess little Mterary His fame was won by “La Dame * (Camille), which appeared in 1SiS, when he was twenty-four. Four years later he dramatized the novel, and the play was even a more pronounced suc- cess than the novel. Curtain raisers and plays followed rapidly, and more than fifty appeared before 1870 in the Paris theaters. He went to his country estate then and remained until order was re-es- tablished, and resumed his dramatic work. He was installed a member of the French Academy February 1, 1875, and made a comm pr of the Legion of Honor later. ge ee A Divorce Granted. Judge Hagner this afternoon signed a decree divorcing Belle D. Topham, whose maiden name was McCauley, from Howard am on the ground of desertion. Mrs. Topham is given the custody of their daughter Florence, now nearly five years of age. DID NOT COME INITHE NEW DIOCESE| The Pyesilent Failed to Put in an Ap- pearance at the White House. Probably Was at Work on His Mes- sage, Although There Was a Sug- gestion of Squirrel Shooting. The flag floated over the White House today, but the President was net there. Charle Loeffler, the President's doorkeep- er, and his favorite hunting companton, was absent from his customary post of duty, and that fact gave rise to a rumor. that the President is off on 2 short squirrel shooting expedition. It is beticved, how- ever, that the President spent the entire day at Woodlev writing his message to Congress. One Big Turkey Received. The President has received a big turkey for his Thanksgiving day dinner from Mr. Henry Harrison of Leesburg, Va., who has bi the President's host on numerous fishing trips. The prize turkey usually re- celved from a resident of Westerly, R. L, has not yet reached the White House, and it Is said that the donor is vexed because the last two turkeys he sent were turned over to the domestics at the White House, and that he has decided to send no more. Invitations Declined. The President and Secretaries Lamont and Herbert have been compelled to de- cline the invitation to attend the banquet of the Philadelphia chamber of commerce tomorrow evening. - ONE-CE) CES. An Exceedingly Heavy Demand on the United States Treasurer for Them. Ever since August last there has been an exceedingly heavy demand on the United States Treasury for one-cent pleces. This demand ts not contined to any one com- mercial center, but comes alike from all sections of the country. Treasury officials attribute it to the growing custom in dry goods establishments and other business houses of marking down prices from round figures, which practice naturally requires a good supply of pennies for making change. Prior to its adoption the one-cent piece cut a very small figure in ordinary shopping transactions. Although the demand has been general for the last two months, it has been con- spicuously heavy of late in the case of Chicago and St. Louis, and the theory is advanced that this special demand is due to the availability of the one-cent piece for the purchase of the local newspapers. The stock of pennies in the subtreasuries at Chicago and St. Louis was nearly ex- hausted a week a: nd it was found neces- sary to call upon other subtreasuries for assistance in that respect. The Treasury Department is doing its Lest to meet the demand, and for the last two months the mint at Philadelphia has kept three presses constantly in operation for the exclu coinage of one-cent pieces. The daily output has been the value of $1,500. The government ap- a protit of $1,200 a day on seiznioraze being at the eighty per cent of the face ‘This profit disappears, of course, when the coins are redeemed. is estimated that there are 790,000,000 one- cent pieces outstanding. rate of nearly value of the coins. —_—___-e + ADMIRAL KIRKLAND. He Will Probably Axk for a Detail of e Duty. Admiral Kirkland, recently detached from command of the European squadron, has arrived at New York from Havre, and is expected to visit Washington this evening or tomorrow. His detachment was unex- pected, and is said to be due to the Presi- dent's dissatisfaction with his action in congratulating the president of France on his election, and also because of his al- leged remark that the missionaries in Tur- key were “a bad lot.” It is only fair to the officer to say that he repudiated the re- mark. Unless Admiral Kirkland shall request an investigation of his conduct by a court of inquiry, in order to secure a personal vindi- cation, it is not likely that the department will take any further action in his case. He has been already punished for his alleged “indiscretions” by his summary re- eall. Inasmuch as he will naturaily be- come the ranking officer of the navy in about two years, it {s not considered as at all likely that he will go on the retired list of his own motion under the forty years’ service clause, merely to oblige the persons who want to get him out of their way. The probability is that he will ask to be given shore duty, with a preference for the com- mand of the Mare Island navy yard. : a PRESIDENTIAL POST OFFICES. A Large Number of Terms to Expire in December. There will be an unusually large batch of presidential postmasters in December. The list already is up to 130, and is likely to be Increased by deaths, Notice was re- ceived Saturday of the death of Postmaster McDenald at Altoona, Pa., whose term was to explre December 17. Friday death made a vacancy at Eustis, Fla. Within a week five other vancancies have been caused by death—at Huds fass., Belle- vue, Ohio; Bowie, Tex , Tex., and Hope, Ari. The rule of the office ts against giving out the names of offices where vacancies occur. It was the practice to do so a few ye ago, but it was de- cided that the knowlege of when vacancies were te occur drew upon the office a vast amount of needless correspondence, and the new rule. was made. Postmaster’ General Wilson has not yet considered applications for the 130 vacancies soon to occur, but will at once enter upon the task. In ‘most places there will be little difficulty in mak- ing selections, but In a few there are said to be hot contests going on. There are about 1% vacances to occur in presidential offices in January and 60 in Februavy. + e+ —____ ANOTHER BREAK DOWN. Chief Engineer Leach of the Boston Incapaeitated for Work. Another of the senior officers of the naval engineer corps has broken down from over- work. A telegram was received at the Navy Department from Mare Island today saying that Chief Engineer R. R. Leach of the U. S. S. Boston has been condemned by a medical board, and requesting the assign- ment of another chief engineer to the ship. Chief Engineer Leach has already veen re- lieved twice of duty this year on account of ill health, once from the Castine and once from the Alliance. ~~ Penalty Envelopes. A general crder hasbeen isued to the army in regard to the use of penalty en- velopes, In which the following rule {s laid down: “Information which ts intended to be used in the perfurmance of oftieial duty only is official information,whil2 that which is intended to be d for the furtherance of private ends or business In any way whatever, though called for by a public officer, is private information. The official envelope may be used to give or obtain the former, but not the latter.” How Bishop Paret Will Organize the Convention. HE DEFINES HIS INTENDED COURSE Points That Will Be Urged Before the Convention. THE STANDING COMMITTEE The legal questions involved in the elec- tion of a bishop of the Protestant Ep'scopal Church for the newly formed diocese of Washington at the convention to assemble here December 4 are being discussed with great interest by both the clerical and lay members of the convention. The chief features of interest leading up to the elec- tion of a bishop are the propositions to amend the constitution of the diocese of Maryland so as to give the lay members greater influence In the selection of a bishop and permitting his election by a ma- jority instead of by a two-thirds vote. Proposed Amendments. The proposed amendments to the consti- tution are the following: The election of a bishop to be determined by a majority of the votes of the clergy and a majority of the votes of the laity. ‘The laity to have a concurrent vote with the clergy in the election of a bishop, the two orders balloting separately. The laity to be represented on the stand- ing committee. The important question in relation to these amendments is whether the conven- tion to assemble here next week will have power to form its constitution regardless of the constitution of the diocese of Maryland, which many contend will regulate the new diocese with the same force that it operated upon the mother diocese. The Maryland Constitution. The constitution of the diocese of Mary- land provides: “Article 12. This constitution shall be un- alterable except in the following manner: A proposition for any change shall be in- troduced, in writing, and considered in con- vention; and, if approved of, the same shall be transmitted to the several vestries of the parishes and separate congregations, which shall have ratified this constitution. And, if ogain approved of in the next ensuing convention by a majority of the respective orders, voting thereon separately, the change shall take place and the constitu- tion so altered shall be valid and obliga- tory.” ‘The Election of a Bishop. Article 5, regulating the election of a bishop, provides: “The election of a bishop of this church shall be made in convention in the following manner: The order of the clergy shall nomi- nate and appoint, by ballot, some fit and qualified clergyman, of the Protestant Epis- ecpal Church of the United States, for that office; and the votes of two-thirds of that order shall be requisite to constitute a chcice. And thereupon such appointment shall be presented to the order of the lay delegates, and be considered by them, and if, on a ballot, it shall appear that the per- scn so nominated is approved of by two- thirds of the lay order, he shall be then de- clared to be duly elected,” etc. What Mr. Abert Says, “The question respecting amending the constitution is one of the very important ones to come before the primary c tion,” said Mr. Charles Abert today the ratification by the general convention of the act of the convention of the diocese cf Maryland, forming the new diocese of Wash- ington, a constitution to canons was it—that is, the new diocese will start with a constitution to canons identical with that of the diocese of Maryland. Tne -onstitu- tion provides a mode of amendment. The new diocese being subject to that constitu- tion, must proceed to amead it accordingly. The general convention says that constitu- tion shall prevail unless altered by the con- vention, and it seems to ine the convention ‘car: alter it only after the method in prac- tice. The primary convention can scarcely be considered a plenary convention.iecause it starts with a constitution to whica it is made subject by the gen-ral convention. The gene-al convention says explicitly that the new diocese shall be subj-ct to the con- stitution and canons of the diiocese so divid- ed. A diocese that is made ‘subject’ can- not be said to be free. Its convention can scarcely be said to be possessed ot plenary power.” Bishop Paret’s Letter. Bishop Paret has written to severa? gen- Uemen of this city a letter in which he in- dicates the course he will pursue in rexard to the orgarization of the primary conven- uon of the diocese yf Washington, to be opened here December 4. It is as follows: “My Dear Sir: I haye decided, I think, pretty positively upon the course which I ought to follow, and will fullow in the pri- mary convention. After contereace with Mr. Packard and others well qualified to advise, I am sure that there is no new dio- cese of Washington fairly in existence un- til it shall have been crganized. Th. may be an embryo diocese, but it is not yet born, and until it shall be, I must remain bishop of the present undivided diocese. “I purpose, therefore, to call the primary convention to order, to have a temporary secretary elected; to present then the offi- clal list of the clergy, and have certificates of lay delegates presented, from which two lists a preliminary roll will he called. Com- mittees will then be appointed on the rights of clergymen, and on the rights of lay delegates to seats. As séon as they shail have reported, the convention will elect its permanent secretary, will adopt rules of order, and will choose its name. I will thereupon give the formal and legal declar- ation of my choice of dioceses; whereupon the new diocese of Washington will be suffi- ciently organized. A president will then be elected, as required by the constitution, and I retire. “It is my wish not to appear in the after proceedings of the convention. It would be better that at this stage I should with- draw, and leave them entirely to them- selv under the direction of their own president. My presence at the beginning, then, will only be long enough to insure their preliminary crganization, and get them In readiness for business. “I would be glad to have this well un- derstood, and I send ccpies of this letter to one or two others. _ Yours truly, “WILLIAM PARET, “Bishop of Maryland.” There has been a great deal of discussion about the probable position the bishop would take in regard to the organization of the convention. The Bishop's Position. In the diocese of Missouri a short time ago the bishop conducted the convention until it was fully organized. Bishop Paret’s course seems to meet the hearty approval of a large number of clerical and lay delegates to the convention, as it per- mits the new diocese to be formed by the delegates themselves. It is probable that after the primary con- vention aijourns Bishop Paret will be ask- ed to take charge of the diagese uncil the new bishop ts installed, as tué election of the new bishop must be confirmed by the various dioceses*before he can enter upon his duties. It is possible, too, that under the two- thirds rule prevailing in the diocese it may be impossible to elect a bishop at the com- ing convention, as under that rule one- tixth of the delegates can prevent an elec- tion. The bishop must be elected by a two- thirds vote of the clerical delegates, and again by a similar yote of the lay dele- gates. There are only three dioceses of the fifty-three dioceses fm the United States tas elect their bishops by so great a ma- jority. — ENDED HIS LIFE George T. Parks Gommits Suicide Early Illness and Insomnia Caused the Fatal Act—Of High Character, With Many Friend: George T. Parks, a real-estate dealer at 1401 G street, committed suicide at his home, 457 M street, this morning about 10 o'clock. He was an unmarried man, thirty- six years of age, and lived with his widowed mother. For several months he. had com- plained of ill health and been severely trou- bied with insomnia. Business matters also weighed upon his mind. Of late, it is said, he had fallen into a moody and depressed condition of mind and often gaid that he was tired of life. While his condition gave his mother and brother conald2rable iety and they endeavored in every way possible to cheer him up and improve his physical and mental condition, they never suspected that he really thought of, suicide. This morning he arose as usual and dressed nim- self, and after breakfast returned to his room. A few moments after 10 o'clock a noise was heard apparently in hts room on the third floor of the house, which at first was thought to be the falling of a picture. The chambermaid was at that moment.on the way upstairs to attend™to the rooms, and as she started to enter Mr. Parks’ roam she found that the door would open but a few inches. On giving the alarm downstains the mother went up and. through the partly open door saw the body of her sen lying upon the floor Neighbors were summoned, who effected an entrance to the room ard learned that tne young man had taken his life. Messengers were sent to Coroner Ham- mett and to Mr. Frederick R. Parks, brother of the dead man, who Is tick2t agent at the Pennsylvania station. P On the arrival of the coromer, with the as- sistance of two policemen, aw exam‘nation was made and it was found that Mr. Parks had shot himself through the heart with a large “Bulldog” revolyer. He was evi- dently standing in the space between his bed and the door. He had taken off his coat, but otherwise was attired precisely as he appeared at breakfast, A large pool of blood had spread over the-floor at the threshold, In which the déad man lay. The coroner decided that an Inquest was un- necessary afd gave a certificate in accord- ance with the facts. Mr. Parks was born {n Warren, Ohio, in 1859, and came to Washinkton “with his par- ents when ten years old. He was educated at the Washington High School and the preparatory department of Columbian Un!- versity, ranking high as aescholar in both institutions and. excelling especially in mathematics. He was a man of prec'se and correct habits, temprate to the last degree. He had for ‘sey years been en- gaged in the real estaté business. The lust two years of finandial.depression have given him considerable anx'ety. He was highly esteemed by a. large number of friends and had been. a regular attendant all his life atthe E Stréet Baptist Church. —— a THAT ANONYMOUS GUESS. The Writer of It in Identified and Will Receive the Prize. The writer of the anonymous guess as to the solution of the mystery of “When the War Was Over,” which was awarded a prize of $10, and which stood No. 6 in order of merit, has been {dentfied. She is Miss Kate H. Fish of Kendall Green, c' Saturday afterncon shortly after The Star ccrtaining the list of prize winners was iseued, a lady called at Phe Star offive, and giving the above name, stated that she was the writer of the anonymous gu She had forgotten, she said, to sign her name. She was given @ pen apd paper, and was asked to reproduce thé solution as she gave It. This she did promptly, and it tallied so well with the anonymous guess and the handwriting was so exactly similar that there was ro question as to identity. Besides, she described exactly the character of paper that had been used. Miss Fish will therefore receive a $10 prize with the others, whose names and addresses were all known. ~ —_—__—_ ANOTHER DELAY. Coroner Hammett Opposes Investigat- ing Annie Harley's Death. It is not certain that the body of Miss Ann‘e Hurley will be taken from the grave in Mt. Olivet cemetery, although District Attorney Birney directed that such action should be taken by the coroner when in- spector Hollinberger reported the case last week. The action of the district attorney in ordering the coroner to exhume ‘he body was taken because of the alleged suspicious circumstances of the young woman's death. There was no particular person suspected, but the polce authorities thought the case was one which should be investigated. As printed'in- Friday's Star, Detective Boyd was detailed on the case, and, much to his surprise, the body was not exhumed Saturday for the reason that the undertaker would not pay the $5 fee charged by the superintendent of the cemetery, and the coroner concluded to wait until today before taking further action. This afterncon Coroner Hammett called cn District Attorney Birney and consulted him about the case. The coroner could find no reason, so he told Mr. Birney, why the body should be exhumed. He had talked with friends of the dead woman, but had failed to gather from them any information which would justify him in making an ex- amination of the case. When these officials: had eoncluded their consultation Dr. Hammett told a Star re- perter that they had decided to take no further action until tomorrow. Then he will see a witness whem he says he thinks will throw no additional light on the case. People in the house No. 416 K stree where Miss Hurley died, are of the opin- fon that death resulted from natural causes. Inspector Hollinberger was somewhat surprised at the action of the authorities. He thought the case ought to be investi- gated to the frllest extent, so that the pany of the girl’s death would be forever settled, —_—.___ DECISION TOMORROW. Judge Cox Will Decide: the Stock- Broking Case. Judge Cox stated to a Star reporter today that he would render his decision in the case of Daniel Ferry, the stock broker charged with setting up a gaming table, temorrow morning. : Thig is the casein which;the defendant engaged in the office of Hodgen & Co., stcck brokers, was"placed on trial in Crim- inal Court No. 2 Saturday’ last. At that time, as reported in The Star, a stipulated statement of.facts was presented to the jury, when counsel for the defendant, Messrs. Henry Davis and Chas. C. Tucker, moved that a verdict of not guilty be directed, they contending that no viola- tion of law had been made out, the prose- ection, of course, contending to the con- trary. = As has been explained in The Star, the cese is a test one, and it is upon the appli- eebility of the law Judge Cox will render his decision tomorrow, CANAL PROSPECTS|M®. REEO OF MAINEITHE COLOR LINE Nicaraguan Project Receives a Se- Tious Blow. REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT BOARD Opposed to Its Construction on Present Data. COST UNDERESTIMATED —EE A special dispatch from Washington, pub- lished in the New York Herald today, g:ves what is claimed to be a synopsis and review of the contents and the text of the conclu- sions of the report of the Nicaragua canal commission. The report is said to be now under consideration by the President in connection with his annual message to Con- gress. The dispatch summarizes the report as follows: “The report is at such variance with the numerous rumors and predictions which have from time to time been published con- cerning it that it will cause great surprise and disappointment among those who have hoped for a generally favorable report and who have, therefore, placed credence in these rumors, which usually stated on the highest authority that the commission fa- vored the route proposed by the company and placed the cost of the canal at about $10,000,000, “The report points out that it is neither practicable nor advisable to attempt the construction of the Nicaragua canal upon the data at present available and that the undertaking would be fraught with hazards too obvious to disregard. That the neces- sary knowledge may be had of the physical and topographical conditions affecting the construction and maintenance of a canal across N.caragua, upon waich to form a final judgment as to the feasibility, perma- nence and cost, the commission rec ends an appropriation by Congress of $350,000 for extensive additional surveys and exam‘na- tions, covering a per‘od of eignteen months. Cost Underestimated. “With the data at hand, however, the com- mission makes a provisional estimate of cost’ of $123,472,808, or nearly double that of the Meritime Canal Company's unconditional estimate of $60,803,660, The general trend of the entire report is certainly very un- favorable to the canal company. The com- mission refrains from any direct criticism cf the company’s prospectus, but its report shows that certain features, which the com- rany has persisted in assuring the public, throngh Congress, were known to be abso- Ivtely safe and feasible, if put in execution might jeopardize the practicability of the whole system, and possibly destroy fore: the hope of a canal by means of the San Juan river and Lake Nicaragua. “For instance, the Maritime Canal Com- pany has proposed to construct in Ochoa, on the San Juan river, twenty-nine miles from Greytown, on the Caribbean, what is known as a “rock-fill” dam to hold the lake and river level at a navigable clevation, and di- vert the line thence from the river, to the sea by a canal in excavating. This has, in fact, been one of the foregone certainties of the’ project, and the company has tolt Congress that this enormous structure could be erected for $9 The canal commis- sion says a “rock-fill” dam cannot be bu in Ochoa for less than $4,000,000, It al: shows that the dam, at any rate, is a most hazardous venture, but the commissione: have so little information as to the nature of the site of the dam that they cannot, is engineers, recommend any sort of a struc- ture at this point, although they admit the recessity for the success of the company’s scheme of a great dam in this locality. The commission finds that the company has made few borings in the bed of the river where it proposes to build this colossal structure, and that for lack of suitable tools the borings made reached such a shallow depth as to make them of little practical value in determining the character of the foundation on which the dam is to rest. Examinations Necessary. Members of the commission cannot, engineers, commit themselves favorably t¢ the construction cf such an unprecedented work, no matter how inviting and advan- tageous its successful completion would ap- pear, without a thorough knowledge of the physics of the site. Such an examination might prove the truction of the dam to be practicable. Withcut such an examina- tion, the commission regards the erection of the dam as unsafe and dangerous, and it calls attention to the possibility of 2 heavy flood demolishirg the structure and releasing such a head of water as to wash Gre awn into the sea. Very elaborate tables are submitted com- paring the commission's estimates of quan- tities and unzt price with those of the com- pany as corrected to 1895. A comparative recapitulation of the cost is thus given: division. buoys. and engin- cering Hospital ‘service 4,000,009 1,000,009 Totals. Coniingenct Grand totals. STAGNATI PROMOTIONS. OF Naval Officers Meet to Consider the Means of Relief. A meeting of line officers of the navy was held at the Arlington Hotel Saturday night to consider means for relieving the stagna- tion of promotions in the navy. There was a general approval of the efforts of Secre- tary Herbert to secure a better condition, and the bill presented by the congressional committee last year having for its object the desires of the line officers was generally indorsed. A resolution was adopted convey- ing to Secretary Herbert the appreciation of the line officers of his erforts. Another resolution was presented and adopted, appointing a committee, includi Capt. Sampson, chief of ordnance; Capt. Phythian, superintendent of the naval ob- servatory, and Lieut. Scheutze, naval aid to Assistant Secretary McAdoo, the work of the committee being to engage the aitention of Congress and secure the passage of the measure of last year, or one like it. It was the sentiment of the line officers assembled that nothing should be done to offset the work of the staff officers, who might make similar efforts in their own behalf. o+—____ TWO ARMY VACANCIES. There Are Many Applicants for Both Positions. A vacancy in the list of majors in the judge advocate general's department of the army has existed for several months.The de- sirability of the office is shown by the fact that there are fifty-eight active applicants for it, including twenty-elght captains and fifteen Meutenants of the line of the army, and fifteen civilians, mostly lawyers. An- other vacancy in the army open to civillans 1s that of regimental chaplain. This, like the other, has remained unfilled much longer than is usual with such appoint- ments. In each case, but more particularly in the chaplaincy, the duties are light and agreeable, and the pay good. It ts expected that the President will fill them both as soon as he gets his message out of the way. He Has Been Visited by Nearly Every Uon- gressman in Town. Not Yet Bothered by Demands for Committee Places—What His Friends Say. Mr. Reed of Maine, who srrived in Wash- igton yesterday, received many callers at the Shoreham today. About every member in town called on him, but thers were no political conferences held. He is not per- mitting himself to be interviewed on any subject. There is no indfcaticn that he contemplates the coming session with anx- iety, or dreads the responsibility that will fall upon him. The importunities of mem- bers fer committee assignments have not yet begun to bother him, but members are figuring on their prospects and preparing the way to present their claims, and they will hardly wait for him to be elected Speaker before making their wishes known. Over some of the important committee as- signments, especially the ways and means, eppropriations and rivers and harbors, there is a lively rivairy. Well and in Good Humor. Mr. Reed is looking as well as any of his associates-ever saw him, and seems to be enjoying the most complacent good humor. It is not understood that he has in mind any radical change in his system of rules. It is probable that the rules of the Fifty-first Congress, with but little change, will be adopted. The general principles which were contended for in the adoption of those rules have since been adopted, so that there is no likelihood of another such a fight as that with which the Fifty-first Congress was opened. It is believed that Mr. Reed will favor a conservative policy for the repub- licans this winter, and will not seek trouble for the sake of making things lively. What His Friends Say. 2 _His friends say, however, that if his can- Gidacy for the presidency is expected to rerder him over-cautious and conservative this expectation will be disappointed. They say that his course will be directed by his jidgment and rot by his ambition. He is vot indicating at+this time what his policy | will be in any matter. THE HALL OF THE HOUSE. A Proposition Expected to Be Made to Reduce Its Size. A proposition will probably be made as soon as Congress"ineets to reduce the size of the hall of the House. It is heid that the great size of the hail interferes with the -expeditious perfcrmunce of public business, it is difficult to be heard and to command attention while the members are scattered So far apart aud engaged in ail sorts of oc- cupations not relating the business of Congress. The habit members have got into of writing letters at their desks in the hall of the House and doing much of their clerical work there is a great interrupiton to the orderly and intelligent performance of public business, . To Take Out the Desks. It will-be proposed, therefore, if the dem- ratic managers can be got to agree to it 50 as not to excite a party fight over the auestion, to clear out all of the desks, to erovide seats only, and to partition the fall into three parts. The central section would, under this plan, be the hall of the House, and the two sections partitioned off, one on either side, would be used as con- sultation rooms. It is thought that the propesition will meet with general ap- proval as a means of facilitating business. The extreme inconvenience of so large a hall with desks has been long recognized, but the necessity of members doing much of their cle: 1 work there made the desks aecessary. Now that each member has a clerk this reason for the retention of the desks is removed. While the room in the hall is more than needed, if the desks are dispensed with, there 1s a scarcity of sommittee and conference rooms. A Question of Quorum. In this connection it will be proposed to reduce the number of members necessary to constitute a quorum, and rules will be made to provide ample opportunity for members to know what is to come up from day to day, so that they may be present if their interest in public business is enough to induce their presence. —\_—_~-o-——___ TWO CASES HUNG UP. Many Promotions Blocked Until They Are Disposed Of. It is expected that the President will soon act on the cases of Commander Ludlow and Medical Director Kershner. The Secretary of the Navy and the naval examining board have recommended the promotion of Com- mander Ludlow to the grade of captain in spite of the President’s recent protes against such advancement, and it is now be lieved that the President will approve their recommendation. Medical Director Kersh- ner was sentenced to dismissal by a court- martial on conviction of serious infractions of the regulations, but he has influential friends near the President, and the impre: sion prevails that is sentence will be miti- gated to a period of suspension. A large number of promotions are blocked until these two cases are disposed of one way or the cther. Personal Mention. Representative-elect S. M. Sparkman of Tampa, Fla., is at the Metropolitan. Representative-elect Charles A. Towne and Mrs, Towne have registered at the Ra- leigh from Duluth, Minn. Among the arrivals at the Cochran this morning is Representative-elect F. Lb. De Witt of Paulding, Ohio. Geo. W. Banks, Mrs. Banks, Miss Banks, J. R, Miller and Mrs. Miller are stopping at the Cochran for a day or so. The party is takng a trip around the country for health. Rey entative-elect W. R. McKenney of Pet burg, Va., is a guest at Page's. Don M. Dickinson, ex-Postmaster Gen- eral, has arrived at the Arlington from De- troit, Mich. Miss Juliette Corden, Miss Anna O'Keefe and Mrs. O'Keefe, the opera singers, have taken up their quarters at the Arlington. ‘Three Congressmen-elect have arrived at the Normandie. They are O. L. Miller, Kan- sas City; Robert G. Cousins, Iowa; Sereno E. Payne, Auburn, N.Y. Representative-elect Eugene J. Hainer of Aurora, Neb., is a guest at the Riggs House. Mr. Alfred N, Dalrymple has gone to the Atlanta exposition. Capt. W. H. Carter, sixth cavalry, is in the city on leave of absence. Gen. Miles has returned from New York. Commander C. H. Davis of the Montgom- ery fs in the city on leave of absence. He is stopping at 1705 Rhode Island avenue. Surgeon F. Anderson of the Amphitrite is visiting at 1628 19th street. Mr. A. C. Fowler of St. Louis is visiting his parents, at 1420 M street. ——— Army Orders. Lieut. James B. Goe, thirteenth Infantry, has been ordered to report to the examin- ing board at Fort Leavenworth for exami- nation for promoticn. The following transfers in the ninth cav- alry are made: Capt. Matthias W. Day, from troop L to troop B; Capt. Walter L. Finley, from troop B to troop L; Second Lieut. Charles vonng, from troop B to troop L; Second Lieut. Harry La T. Cay- enaugh, from troop L to troop B. A Court of Inquiry Assembles at the Navy Yard. THE HAZING OF SEAMEN GUNNERS Testimony of Commodcre Howell and Ensign Williams. — + THEY WHAT HAD HEARD A court of inquiry was convened at the navy yard this morning to investigate some charges that have recently been made with reference to the alleged maltreatment or hazing of certain members of the class of enlisted men under instruction in ordnance at the yard. The class consists of thirty-six men, four of whom are colored, and it is alleged that the lives of the latter have of late been made anything but pieasant by thelr white brethren, their actions growing out of race prejudice. Two of these students, it is said, were asked to leave the class, and on their refusal to do so were ducked in the river and treated with other indignities. Interest in the Inquiry. The detail of the court of inquiry is as follows: Commander Washburn Maynard, Lieut. Commander Richard Wainwright and Lieut. W. W. Kimball, with Ensign Warren J. Terhune as recorder. None of the members of the court are serving at the yard and they were all selected because of their entire disinterestedness. The mectings are held in ihe new court-martial room in the eastern portion, a much more desirable place than the old room, which has been used in years past for the holding of courts-martial. The present court of inquiry is likely to prove of more inierest than would seem to appear at first sight, as there is said to be a growing feeling of race prejudice among the enlisted men oy the navy and an effort is to be made to ascertain how strong this feeling is and what can be done toward eradicating it. The first witness before the court this morning, after the customary proceedings had been gone through, was Commodore J. A. Howell, the commandant of the yard, Commodore Howell's Evidence. Commodore Howell stated he had no per- scnal knowledge of the alleged hazing. The matter was brought to his attention first several weeks ago, when complaint was msde to him that a colored man named Wm. Johnson had been struck and cut on the kead by a fellow seaman on the night of October An investigation was made at the time, which developed little of fi terest. It was not then thought that the assault was anything more than a personal affair, and not necessarily the result of any tace feeling. In November Other re- perts of trouble were made to him, and these rade the first trouble ‘appear all the more serious» These reports, which were rede to Commodore Howell, by the two Heuter: nts, successively, in large of the scamen's quarters, were forwarded to the Secretary of the Navy, and led to the hold- ing of the present ccurt. ‘Some Indignities Inflicted. Accomling to these reports Seamen John- son, Thompson and Jackson were the suf- ferers from the hazing, practices perpe- treied by a number of the white members of the class.’ In Johnson's case, spittoons were emptied into his bed and locker, while his name plate was removed from the class beard and destroyed. When compiaints were made the colored men were ostra- cised by the other seamen-gunners, and they were subjected to all manner of petty annoyances, Water was thrown cpon them from upper window? while they were walking through the yard. They were made to €ai at a separ: taMe from the white memvers of the class, ani in other ways humil 4. The officer In charge of the eamen’s quarters reported that from the investigation hy had made he wes satis- fied that a determined effort was being made to ferce the colored men out of the class. Ensign Williams’ Testimony. Ensign G. W. Williams, now in charge of the seamen’s class in gunnery and of the quarters, testified that he also knew noth- ing personally of the matter, although he hed seen a wound on the man Jackson, said to have been made by one or more of his associates in the class. He made two reports on the matter to his superior cfficer, one enumerating statements of Seamen Jackson, Johnson and Thompson telling of the assaults and the threats made against them, and the other was a memorandum to the commandant relating to the sentiment of the white members of the class in regard to the matter. The sentiment of these men, he said, was op- posed to the practice of having classes of white and colored men. They did not think it a good thing for the service to put col- ored men in positions of authority over white men. He also stated in this memorandum that from the spirit exhibited by the white men it was evident that no voluntary state- ments could be received from them in re- gard to these acts of hazing. Watch Daty Established. Continuing, Ensign Williams stated that about twenty members of the class had de- nied having participated in the hazing. In his work with the class, Mr. Williams said, he is assisted by a boatswain and two sail- makers as officers of the day. Gunner Kil- martin js the instructor of the class, and has been on duty in that capacity for sev- eral months. Between 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. they, as officets of the day, have what op- portunity they choose to observe the ac- tions of the men in quarters. In the day- time the seamen are in the Shops. At night the officer of the day sleeps in the building, with a room intervening between his sleep- ing quarters and those of the class. About the time Mr. Williams took charge a watch duty was instituted, by which four mem- bers of the class are on duty all the time between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m, ‘This was done as a precaution against dis- order, and he also ordered the officer of the day to make inspections-after taps, and the marine corporal’s guards inspects the quar- ters every hour. No outbreaks of a hazing character have occurred since the establish- ment of this watch, so far as he knew, be- tween the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., though there was a report of insulting language be- ing used towards Thompson November 16. He ascertained the sentiment of the class through statements of the master-at-arms, the pay-yeoman, as well as of several of the eamen themselves. The latter said that it asn't right for niggers to be put over white peopl Those Who Had Denied. In response to a question from the re corder, Mr. Williams named over as many as he could recall of the seamen who hed denied having anything to do with the haz- ing. Their statements were made volun- tarily, and the categorical question was not put to the balance of the class. ‘At the conclusion of Mr. Williams’ testi- mony, at 1:30 o'clock, the court adjourned until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. —————— Wanted for Falne Pretenses. ‘A requisition was today received by the Chief Justice of the District Supreme Court from the governor of New Jersey for John J. Fink, who is wanted in that state for false pretenses. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Fink and Detective Carter set out in auest of the man_