Evening Star Newspaper, December 9, 1895, Page 2

2 THE EVENING STAR, MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1895—-SIXTEEN PAGES. LATE NEWS BY WIRE|MR. CAMERON DECLINES Fires at Ridgefield, Conn., and Ruth- erford, N. J. BUSINESS SECTION SWEPT BY FLAMES Ineffective Work of a Bucket Brigade. ee ee WATER SUPPLY WAS SHORT ae ee RIDGEFIELD, Conn., December 9.—The fire th@ started in this town last night bafled every attempt.to extinguish it, and it raged until It burned itself out. The loss is believed to be $100,000, of which there is insurance of $75,000. ‘The fire wiped out the business portion of the town. Ij started in the wooden block on Main street, owned by G. S. Gage, in the store occupied by Bedient & Nead,from the explosion of a kerosene lamp. Ridgetieid has no fir d rtment and very little water supply. Bucket gangs of volunteers rallied to the fire, but the in- tense hi soon drove them back, and their efforts made no impression upon the flames. A Western Union Telegraph of- fice, a Southern New England telephone office, the Ridgefield Press, house and grocery store of E. W. Hibbard, and the house and drug store of H. I. Scott were as engine that was summoned from Danbury could give no assistance because of the deficient water supply. ee DRIVEN FROM 5: BY FLAMES. Business Fart of Rutherford, N. J., Swept by Fire. RUTHERFORD, N. J., December 9.—A large portion of the business section of this borough has been wiped out by fire. The fire began shortly before midnight and burn- ed until daylight. The local fire companies were unable to cope with the flames and the Passaic fire department was summoned, The firemen succeeded in saving the whole resi- dence part of the town. ‘The fire was first discovered in the cellar of the four-story brick building at the corner of Depot square and Park avenue, known as MeMan’s row. The Rutherford National Bank was located in this building. Before the Passaic firemen arrived the McMan building was a mass of flames and the fire continued to spread. Most of the citizens of Rutherford got out of bed and aided in fighting the flames. ‘The business places destroyed besides the bank building ‘ncluded Arswaldt & Pine's shoe store, Hatch’s pharmacy, Noden’s sta- tionery store and Myer’s dry goods store. The business places adjoining the bank building were small structures and were soon wiped out. The floors above the bank and the other business places in McMan’s building were occupied by about a dozen familles. Most of the inmates were asleep when the fire broke out. The upper floors were quickly tilled with smoke and the inmates narrowly escaped being suffocated. They lost ali their Personal effects. The total loss, it is thought, will reach $50,000, the heaviest on the Mc- Man building. The body of Charles Vorwald, of Vorwald & Prince, shoe dealers, was found in the ruins to-day. Three members of a German family, whose names have not been ascer- a are supposed to have perished in the lames. VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE. Perrin’s Comet Has Become Much Brighter. MOUNT HAMILTON, Cal., December The Perrin's comet was again observed here this morning at the Lick observatory, after an interval of several days of cloudy weather. The comet has grown much brighter and is now plainly visible to the naked eye. It is a hazy object of about the fourth magnitude, and now rises about five hours fifteen minutes in the morning a lit- tle south of east. As it is rapidly nearing the sun, it will continue to rise later each morning. December 16 it will cross the sun about seven degrees to the south and will then become an evening object, but will rather be unfavorably situated for observ: tion in the northern hemisphere. The nea: est approach to the sun will occur on De- cember 18 at a distance of about 18,000,000 miles. On December 17 the comet will attain its maximum brightness as seen from the earth, being at that time over eighty times ag bright as at its discovery. About De- cember 27 it will be farthest east from the sun at a distance of about thirteen degrees, when it will again approach the sun, pass ing eight degrees to the north on January 11, when it again will become a morning ob- Ject. It is the eastern part of the constellation of Libra; in the right ascension fifteen hours twenty-one minutes and south declination. A photograph was taken this morning by A. L. Colton, and it shows the tall to be composed of one long streamer and several short ones. The principal streamer {s much curved and bent and shows the condensa- tion similar to the phenomena which has been photographed fu several of the brighter comets of recent year: —— SELL THE ATCHISON. To A Rallway System Worth $250,000,000 to Be Put Up at Auction. TOPEKA, Kan., December %—At 10 o’slock tomorrow morning at Topeka will occur the greatest auction the world has ever known, At that hour J. B. Johnson, special master in chancery, will offer to the highest bidder, for cash In hand, the entire system of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway. Nothing will re- served of its 10.000 miles of track, its 2,000 locomotives, thousands upon thousands its buildings, rights and franchise: . considered together, reach the im* ial value of $50,000,000, Special Master Jobnson will act as auc- tioneer, and as a preliminary to receiving bids, he will read the order of salg judg- of the court and other lega§ docu- nts, which will eonsume something re than an hour. There is one f linary. No one will be allow- bid unless he has first deposited in cash with the special master ed $500,000 @s an evidence of good faith. to Judze Henry C. Caldwell will come to Topeka for the purpose of confirming this sale. Among those who will be present at the sale are: Edward King, president of the Union Trust Company of New York; Wheeler H. Peckham, general counsel of the same company, and W. H. Rossin: ton and Charles Bloodsmith, local counsel President Ripley of the reorganized Santa Fe Company; D. B. Robinson, first vice president; Paul Morton, third vice presi- we R. Peck, general solicitor for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul; E. D. Kenna, counsel for the receivers; Vie- tor Morawitz, counsel for the reorganized committee; Receivers Walker and Mc- Cook. OVERHAULING THE NEW YORK. The Americnn Liner ramp's. PHILADELPHIA, F December 9.— The American Line steamship New York, which left Newport News yesterday, pass- ed in the Delaware breakwater at 5 o'clock this morning. She is bound for Cramp's ship yard, where she will be thoroughly overhauled and repaired, a large force of workmen having been especially engaged for this purpose. The big steamship has nin the shops for three years, and her engines are very much 1 of attention. While in the dry dock News the New York's bottom shly cleaned and painted. Her m Her Way to not b ter ship, the Paris, was recently over- hauled at Cramp’s. ——____ re at Richmond. Special Dispateh to The Evening Btar. RICHMOND, Va., December 9.—Sanger Hall was rearly destroyed by fire at 5 v’elock this morning. The building had a summer gerden attached and was a favor- \te @:ndezvous of the German citizens. He Will Not Bo a Candidate to Succe>d Himself He Publicly Announces That He Will Not Run for Re-Election inte. to the § Senator Don Cameron today announced formally that he would not be a candidate uder any circumstances for re-election. He meade the announcement by maxing public the following letter, addressed to Semuel J. MeCarrell ef Harrisburg, P: UNITED STATES SENAT WASHINGTON, D.C., December ¢ My Dear Senator: I am in receipt of your letter of the 7th. You will remember that in a conversation at my home in Har- risburg just after my election to t ate I told you, as well as many other friends, that under no circumstances could i again be a candidate for re-election. Since then nothing has occurred to ¢ my mind. Many friends from every section of the state are writing me making inquiry as to my wishes and intentions and cordially of- fering their support. It is due to them that a public announcement should be made in reply to their inquiries, and I take this op- portunity, through the senator from iy rative county, to thank you and my friends in every county in the state for thelr more than generous support for more than a third of a century, and to say that I have not been, am not now and will not be a candidate for re-election to the Senate of the United States. Not being in office, bet- ter opportunity will be afforded me to serve those who have served me, and that I wiil do so there can be no doubt. Yours truly, (Signed) J. D, CAMERON. ‘To Hon. Samuel J. M. McCarrell, Harris- burg, Pa. Surprise Among His Colleagues. The announcement has caused much sur- prise among his colleagues. His intimate friends in the Senate did not know his intention to retire, though it seems that he has long had his mind made up on the subject. Speaking of the matter this afternoon, he said that he had not since his election the last time any intention of seeking elec- tion again. At the time of his last election, he said, he announced to his friends that he in- tended to retire at the end of his pres- ent term. “My intimate friends have known this,” he said, and I make the an- nouncement publicly at this time in or- der that aspirants to the office may have ample time to announce their candi lacy. I have no doubt there will be several can- didates and I think it due them that they should all know that I shall nut be a candidate. I make the announcement early, for the reason that the conventions are early next-year, it being presidential year.” ———____o+—___ ANOTHER BOND ISSUS. It is Believed to Be Probable Within the Next Few Months. The statement is made by persons who are among those best qualifiel to judge. that in the abserce of legislation’ to relieve the financia! situation, another bond issue Js altogether probable within the next few months at the forthest. The present coudl- tion of the exchange mark+t, and the com- mercial situation generally, it 1s said, point uamistakably to further large withdrawals of goid, and without something is done to prevent the usual heavy exports during January and February, which, for the last two years, have forced the issue of bonds to recoup the depleted gold reserve, a similar situation will confront the treas- ury before the new year is far advat ‘The available cash balance in the treas- ury today, including the reserve, is ap- proximately $175,500,000, and as the govern- ment has realized from its three bond is- sues about $182,000,000, it appears that but for these issues the government would now be without one dollar in the treasury, and, in addition, would have outstanding obli- gations amounting to about $6,500,000. In the meantime the excess of expendi- tures over receipts amounts to about $130,- 000,000. The exports of gold during the last four months have been as follows: August, $16,667,000; September, $17,424,000; October, $2,165,000; November, $16,000,000; so far dur- ing December, $3,540,000; making a total of 53, 796,000., So far this caléndar year the exports of gold amount to about $95,000,000. In 184 the exports amounted to $101,S819,924. From the best information obtainable it is be- lieved that the present month will show a surplus of at least $1,000,000, which will leave the deficit for the fiscal year to Jan- uary 1 about $15,000,000. It is expected that this amount will not be materially increas- ed during the remaining months of th fiscal year. ° o—__ ENGINEER EXPERTS. The Board to Determine How to In- crease the Water Supply. The board of engineer experts appointed by the Secretary of War to determine the important question of the best method of providing for an increased supply of water for the District of Columbia assembled at the War Department this morning at 9 o'clock and proceeded at once to the con- sideration of the business at hand. The board is composed of Major William L. Marshall and Captain James L. Lusk of the corps of engineers, and Mr. William Fteley, ehief engineer of the New York aqueduct commission, 4nd Mr. Desmond Fitzgerald, in charge of the additional supply of the Boston water works, with Lieutenant D. D. Gaillard, corps of engineers, as recorder. Major Marshall is president of the board. The board was assigned a room in the War Department and was provided with every facility for the prosecution of its work. Examining Plans and Papers. Today's session was devoted almost en- tirely to an examination of maps, plans and papers relating to the water supply system of the District, including a mass of data concerning the abandoned Lydecker tunnel conduit. The main question to be determined by the board is the best means of conveying the water of the Potomac from the distributing reservoir above Georgetown to the Howard University res r. This fon involves either the completion of ydecker tunnel or the construction of some other system of coniuit. The tun- nel, whiclg was filled with water several weeks ago to determine the amount of leakage, is now being pumped out for the purpose of enabling the board of experts to thake a personal inspection of its condi- tion and its availability for increasing the water supply. It 1s expected that the tun- nel will be ready for this inspection by Thursday. 2+. THE PRESIDENT’S RETURN. He is Expected Back Next Friday or Saturday. It Is said at the White House that the President will return to the city the latter part of this week, Friday or Saturday. That was his plan when he sailed away, and will be carried out unless circumstances make it desirable to prolong his stay in the duck- abounding waters of North Carolina. It is, therefore, possible that the promised mes- sage containing the correspondence «vith Great, Britain over the Venezuelan boun- controversy may be submitted to Con- ss early next week, and not delayed until after the Christmas recess. —___..____ Discussing the Walton Election Law. Special Dispateh to The Evening Star. RICHMOND, Va., December 9.—The Wal- ton law is being widely discussed among the legislators, and it is evident that this measure will occupy much time and bring out a great deal of discussion later on. Senator Mushback of Alexandria has ex- pressed himself as favoring a democratic caucus, In which the measura he considered and dealt with according to the agreement reached. He thought this a better plan than to have long speeches from pver a bundred members of the legislaturé, many of whom would doutless advocate a’ differ- ent Senator Mushback has been rman of the senate committee on counties, cities and towns, and he is third on the ‘committee on general laws and fifth on the committee on courts of justice. ° CAPITOL TOPICS The Honse Hopes to Have the Treasury Report Tomorrow. VENEZUELAN DOCUMENTS WANTED Several Bills Offered in the Senate Today. THE HOUSE OFFICERS The House adjourned until tomorrow, in- stead of taking a three days’ adjournment, in hope that Secretary Carlisle’s report may be ready. The Speaker and the repub- ean managers generally are anxious to see the report, and ate said to be very im- patient of the delay. It is important in marking out the line of policy for the ma- jority that they should “know what recom- mendations the Secretary has to make and what condition of affairs he will report. Consequently it is desirable that the report should be received before the committees are announced. The Venezuelan Correspondence. On the opening of the session today there was a great deal of talk about a resolution calling upon the President for the cor- respondence in the Venezuelan boundary matter. It was the original intention of Mr. Livingston of Georgia to introduce the resolution, and a number of republicans requested him to do so, but some demo- crats objected that such a move on the part of a democrat would be disrespectful to the President, and he reluctantly agreed to wait. Several republicans announced that they would take the matter up, but the session came to an abrupt close with- out their doing so. There is an immense amount of criticism of Mr. Cleveland's ab- senting himself from Washington. It is reported that this fact has been communi- cated to him, and that he may curtail his trip. The circumstances, however, if he adheres to his purpose not to send in the Venezuelan correspondence before the com- mittees are appointed, will permit him to remain away even longer than he intended. It is stated with apparent authority that the committees will not be announced be- fore Saturday. The Personnel of the Navy. Mr. Huling of West Virginia today intro- duced a bill in the House to increase the efficiency of the personnel of the navy. It is practically the same bill reported by Mr. Meyer from the committee on nayal affairs at the last session. The House Officers. Sergeant-at-Arms Russell of the Kouse to- day qualified and entered upon the dis- charge of his duties. He wili not announce the changes in his office until later in the week. Doorkeever Glenn was busy all day receiviag delegatiotis and individual mem- bers who had claims to present for patron- age. Mr. Glenn will probably "make public a list 9€ appointments tomorrow. Maj. Mc- Dowell, the clerk of the House, is expected to return from his home tomorrow, and will also have some appointments to make. It will probably be some time before the postmaster of the House announces any changes. Capt. McElroy stated today that he will proceed slowly In this matter, and will not make appointments in the’ post office unless the men whose names are pre- sented to him are qualified to do the work. his is a working job,” said Capt. McEl- roy, “and It would be folly to have men In here who are not fitted to perform the re- sponsible and arduous duties of handling the mail of the Congressmen. I shall only make eppointments as anplicunts show them- selves competent to fill the position.”” Some Senate Bills. A large number of bills were introduced in the Serate egain today, the most im- portant of which were: By Senator Berry—To provide a territor- jal form of government for Indian terri- tory, with the usual staff of territorial offi- cers, the territory to take the name cf In- dianola. By Senator Palmer—Giving a uniform pension of $50 per month to all who Iest a hand or foot in the late war, and of $60 to th pene lost an entire limb. Senator Allen—Disfranchising any cit- izen of the United States who thal contett or accept a title, patent of nobility or de- oe ae from a foreign nation, and punishing this act as a crime by and imprisonment. yabeth ane The Cherokee Indian Settlement. Attorney General Harmon sent to Con- gress a report upon the law feature of the settlement with the Cherokee Indians. The Secretary of the Interior has decided that the United States is indebted to these Indians in the sum of $1,111,284 paid for their removal to Indian territory and im- properly charged to the treaty fund. The Attorney General takes the position that the expense incurred in the removal prior to 1858 was properly chargeable to this fund. To Reorganize the Army. Mr. Sherman's bit! to reorganige the ariny introduced in the Senate last week carries cut Secretary Lamont’s suggestlon of the three-battalion infantry formation and makes many changes in the artillery and cavalry arms. The measure provides that hereafter the line of the army shall consist of a corps of artillery, three regiments of field artillery, one of horse and two of mourted, twelve regiments of cavalry and eighteen regiments of infantry. Two of the cavalry and two of the infantry regiments are to be composed of colored enlisted men. ‘The corps of artil- lery Is to have as a chief one brigadier gen- eral; also five colonels, ten lieutenant col- onels, twenty majors, six staff captains, be extra captains; sixty captains, sixty fi lieutenants, sixty ieutenants, five sergeant majors, five chief musicians, ten principal musicians, five chief trumpeters and ten color sergeants. Ther2 are to be sixty bat- teries of seacoast artillery. All officers of the corps of artillery below the grade of colonel are made subject to existing law governing examinations for promotion and retirement. Each battery of artillery is to consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieuienant, one first sergeant, four sergeants, four ‘corporals, two mu- siclans, two artificers and fifty privates. When he may deem it nevessary, the Presi- dent may add to this battery organization one second lieutenant and not to exceed four sergeants, eight corporals, one armorer, three machinists, three electricians and 116 privates. In time of peace the chief of the corps of artillery is to be appointed by seniority from the colorels of the corps. He is to be a member of the staff of the general com- manding the army, and, under the direetion of that officer, will have command and supervision of the Instruction, administra- tion and discipline of the corps of artillery. Acting with the Secretary of War, he will determine and regulate the armament and equipment of the corps of artillery. The pay and allowances of officers and men of the corps of artillery 1s to be the same as now fixed by law for like grades in the corps of engineers, except that the pay of all ser- geant majors in the line of the army Is to be $45 a month, and that of battalion ser- geant majors $40 a month. Presentation to Ex-Doorkeeper Hurt. The employes of the doorkeeper’s office of the House presented Mr. A. B. Hurt, the retiring doorkeeper, with a case of solid silver forks and ivory-aandled knives last Saturday. They were inclosed in a hand- some box surmounted with a gold plate suitably engraved. Mr. Hurt acknowl- edged the presentation in an appropriate speech and expressed his appreciation of this demonstration of the good will of his employes. The Two Bens. Mr. Ben Russell, the sergeant-at-arms of the House, and Mr. Ben Russell, the repre- sentative of the second Georgia district, have discovered a remarkable series of coincidences in their respective lives. They were both born in Octcber, each man’s father and grandfather, respectively, was named Benjemin, and their ancestors came from Massachi setts. Mr. Russell of Georgia enlisted in the first Georgig regiment, the other Russell enlisted in the first Maine as (afterward the tenthy-regiment. Both were discharged as fixst Jieutenants; both went into the newspaper siness; each man has owned his paper for twenty-one years; both were meyors of their respective towns; both served two terms in their state legislatures; both were delegatee to na- tional conventions, and now they are both serving the United States under the same roof. May Be TworElections Committces. It is probabl& that two elections com- mittees of the “Horffe will be formed by Speaker Reed, this action: being apparently necessitated bySgheNarge number of con- tested clection \pases: pending and the de- sirability of paging apon them at an early date to avoid exfeng# There have been at east Atty appiitatiggs for mombership on these commitices, apd Speaker Reed is proceeding wittt code and deliberation in selecting the men’‘who will compose the mmittees. It is said that he desires all contested election cases to be settled strictly upon their merits, irrespective of party ques- tions, and that the committee assignments will be made with this understanding. The Alaskan Boundary Survey. In a letter sent to the House today Con- gress Is asked to appropriate $50,000 in cun- nection with the survey of the boundary line between Alaska and British Columbia. This amount is asked in view of the possi- ble necessity of running definite Hnes ef demarkation on the upper Yukon and its tributaries, and for providing for the con- Ungency of surveys, which may be re- quired along the boyndary in unforescen localities. Secretary Olney, in an accom~- panying letter, says the determination and merking of the 14st meridian in that part which, by treaty, forms the boundary te- tween Alaska and British Columbla, is not provided for by any existing treaty, and negotiations to that end may be begun in the near future. Soldiers’ Home Report. The Speaker today laid before the House the annual report of W. B. Franklin, the president of the board of managers of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1895. The board has, the report says, in- spected the branches of the home and also the twenty-four state homes. They have been found to be in yery good condition. Water Boundary Commission, The Speaker also laid before the House a letter from the acting secretary of the treasury, requesting an appropriation of $10,000 for the United States’ share of the expenses and salaries during: the fiscal year, 1897 of the international water boundary commission between the United States and Mexico, under the convention cf March 1, 1889. Populist Senators’ Decision. The populist Senators have changed their former decision concerning the organization of the Senate and have now agreed among themselves to interpose no objection to the republicans taking control. They will act togetrer, but will withdraw as a body and allow the republicans to elect their candi- dates for the Senate offices. They may nominate a candidate for pres- ident pro tem, but they will not press his claims nor continue his candidacy so as to materially delay organization. pasa os enh wae THE NEW DIOCESE. Dr. Elliott Elected Chairman of the Standing Committee. The committee gf the convention of the diocese of Washington appointed to make formal announcement to Rev. Dr. Satterlee of his election will call upon him Wednes- day of this week. The committee consists of Rev. Dr. Elliott, president of the conven- tion; Rev Dr. Mackay-Smith and Gen. J. G. Parke. The standing committee of the new diocese held its first meeting today. It will be the duty of this committee, when the proper time comes, “to communicate the desire for the consecration of the bishop-elect to the standing committees of the churches in the different dioceses, together with coples of the necessary testimonials. If the major number of the standing committees shall consent to the proposed consecration, the standing committee of the dlocese of Wash- ington shall forward the evidence of such consent, together with other testimonials, to the presiding bishop of the House of Bishops, who shall communicate the same to all the bishops of this church in the United States; and, if the majority of the bishops consent to the consecration, the presiding bishop, without delay, shall notify the bishop-elect of such consent and on his ac- ceptance the presiding bishop shall take or- der for the consecration of the bishop- elect. The testimonials of the bishop-elect were signed in open convention by the clergy and laity. They were engrossed on parchment by Mr. E. B. Hay. Organisation Perfected. At the meeting of the standing commit- tee of the new diocese of Washington this afternoon an organization was perfected by the election of a president and a secre- tary. Rev. Dr. John Elliott, who made such an admirable president of the recent convention, was elected to the head of the committee, which will be the ecclesiastical head of the diocese until the consecration of {ts first bishop. Dr. Elliott is the rector of the Church of the Ascension. For years he served on the standing committee of the diocese of Mary- land, and his election to his present high office was almost a foregone conclusion. Rev. Alfred Harding was elected secretary. The committee transacted a considerable amount of routine business before adjourn- ing. ENGLAND DEMANDS 860,000 Indemnity From Venesnela for Ar- rests in the Disputed Territory. Special Cable Dispatch to the New York World. CARACAS, Venezuela, December 7.—The English note is said to have been received here today. It Is now in the hands of the German minister. He wiil deliver it on Monday to Presi- dent Crespo, when the latter comes tothe capital to appoint a new cadinet and to relieve Vice President Acevedo, who has been acting president during the absence of Gen. Crespo. The British government demands £12,000 (60,000) for the arrest by Venezuelans of “Englishmen in English territory’—the dis- puted region on the border of British Guiana. Venezuela will not pay ft. The revolution is now confined to the state of Los Andes. —cee—___ Repudiated by Mr. Jefferson. CHICAGO, December 9.—The general mavager of the -Associated Press has re- ceived the folowing communication: “To the geneyal manager of the Associated Press: 8 ; “Will you Kindly,gtate that the interview said to hava taken place with me at St. Paul last week referring to Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland never occurred. (Signed) ») “JOSEPH JEFFERSON.” Mystery, Story Final Chapter. The final chapten of the mystery story, “Before They Were Married,” will be pub- lished in next Saturday's Star. Guesses as to the solution of the mystery may be forwarded td The Star office until Wed- nesday evening at 6 o'clock, when the polls close. As is well known the $250 of- fered in prizes are to be awarded only for explanations sent in by women and girls according to published conditions. —_—-—_ Burned Cell Floor and Escaped. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., December 9.— J. Wilhelm came here a few days ago from the east and represented himself to be with a Washington and New York bi- cycle house. Later he made a proposition to furnish dealers with wheels at $25 each. He finally acknowledged he was a profes- sional bicycle thief and was arrested. He has since burned the wood floor of his cell, removed bars and escaped. He ts wanted in various parts of the country. Long Litigation Ended. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., December 9.— Judge Baker has confirmed the sale of the South Bend and Mishawaka electric railway. The confirmation puts an end to a long liti- gation. —+ DEFECTIVE SEWERS Bad Work of Twenty Years Ago Makes Trouble Now. ATTORNEY FOR STREET EXTENSION CASES An Important Amendment to the Building Regu'ations Considered. ————— OTHER DISTRICT NEWS Recent Investigations in the sewer de- partment has disclosed a large number of sewers built twenty years ago which are so faulty in construction as to necessitate replacement by new sewers. The great trouble was that in nearly every instance the roots of trees had found their way through small openings in the pipes where they were imperfectly jolned and complete- ly stopped the sewer. It was further dis- covered that a most peculiar system of laying sewers existed in those days. Now, when one of these sewers is exposed it re- sembles a rail fence, so irregular 1s it. It seems the idea in those days was to test the ground at one point, and take for granted the remaining 100 feet was alike, and go ahead with the sewer. This made a faulty foundation in many places, and the pipe, sinking in the soft places, pulled the joints of the pipe apart and caused all the trouble. Again, it seems, the contractor when building ‘his sewer conceived a pe- culiar method of getting around obstruc- tions. Instead of cutting out a big stone or stump, where it barred the way of a straight course, the contractor would build the sewer around it. This was not a very desirable feature, and gave rise to any number of complaints of stoppage of sew- age. Whenever one of these badly con- structed sewers is uncovered now, the work is usually followed by a recommendation for a new sewer. The Street Extension Cases. The Commissioners are discussing the ad- visability of employing special counsel to hendle all street extension cases which arise in the courts. These cases are so numerous thit it requires the constant at- tenticn of a lawyer, and the work of the attorney’s office {s of such magnitude as to prevent him from handling the matter. The serious drawback to the appointment of special coursel is the fact that there {s no money in the District treasury available to psy the salary of such counsel, and in the event of one being selected It must be contingent upon an appropriation by Con- gress. The Commissioners realize the im- portance of Leing properly represented when these cases come up for trial, and will doubtless find an attorney willing to urdertake the work. Little Opposition Looked For. The fate of the bill amending the hign- way act to cover the defecis in the existing law, as pointed out from time to time by ‘The Star, is of great concern to the au- thcrities, and the Commissioners are strengthening their case as much as pos- sible, in order that the matter may be con- cisely presented when the bill comes up for discussion. It is understood that Senaior Preetor will be the District's champion of the bill, and all of the evidence available is being compiled to send to him. Little opposition is anticipated to the bill, and it is believed that It will become a law in a very short time. A New Plumbing Rexalation. The Commissioners have before them for consideration several proposed amend- ments to the plumbing regulations. These amendments are, for the most part, of minor importance, end relate more to de- tails than radical changes. There is, how- ever, one of considerable importance. It relates to stop-cock boxes in the street. The present regulations require that they shall be placed a certain distance from the building Ine. In cases of narrow streets, the box usually is placed in the sidewalk, which is not desirable. The new regula- tion obviates this difficulty by requiring the box to be placed as near the building line as possible. The style of the box is also to be governed by a regulation, and none will be permitted that cannot readily be brought to the grade of the street when the latter sinks. Electric Lighting. The representatives of the Potomac Light and Power Company were at the Commis- sioners’ office this afternoon to report the progress that had been made in the way of equipping its poles on Tenleytown road and Grant avenue with incandescent elec- trie lights. They stated the work had all been completed and a trial made, which was satisfactory in all respects. The work under the contract recently made with the company begins tonight. They also stated that a contract had been entered into between their company and the owners of Cleveland Park to light the latter with twenty-four incandescent electric lights of 30-candle power each. The contract for lighting the Aqueduct bridge has not yet been signed, for the reason that the company has not yet or- ganized, and there is no one to sign as rep- resentative of the company. The wires have ail been laid, it is understood. Next Tuesday the court will decide the injunction suit of the United States Elec- tric Lighting Company against the Poto- mae Electric Light and Power Company, and then, if the latter company Is success- ful, the fight for lighting the city will be- gin in earnest. The Potomac company has retained Messrs. Britton and Brown as counsel. Yo Abnte a Nuisance. The health department has been waging war against the residents and property owners south of M street northwest be- tween 3ist street and the Aqueduct bridge. "Tre sewerage facilities in this section are meager, and the residents have been in the habit of throwing the waste water out into the street. The grade there is steep and the water runs into the canal. That is, it is supposed to run there, but much of stices of der floods the towpath and makes it mudd and almost impassable. Inspectors hav been paying particular attention to this section recently, and the result has been that much of the nuisance has been abated, and the engineer department has been flood- ed with applications to lay sewers there under the permit system. Improvements Ordered. The Commissioners, today ordered: That portion cf alley in square 916 be graded and repaved, under the provisions of the permit system, at an estimated cost of $90.30. That the sidewalk space of Cincinnati street between Columbia road and Rock Creek bridge be graded, under the provis- ions of the permit system, at an estimated cost of $1,200. ‘That the sewer in alley between Bladens- burg road and Trinidad avenue south of Levis street be extended twenty feet, to serve 1044 Bladensburg road, under the pro- visions of the permit system; estimated cost, 2 That the sewer in Kentucky avenue be- tween East Capitol and B streets be ex- tended twenty-seven feet, to serve lot 12, square 1014, under the permit system; es- timated cost, $38. That the old hydrant at the corner of 12th and R streets northwest be removed and a new one erected on the west side of 12th street between Rand S streets northwes estimated cost, That a catch basin be constructed at alley entrance in east side of Florida avenue bi tween Q and R streets; estimated cost, $80, chargeable to appropriation for improve- ment and repairs, northwest section. Pool Rooms and Minors. According to a recent decision of the Po- lice Court, there is no law in the District preventing minors from frequenting pool rooms. The excise board, however, step- ped in today and Issued an order which will accomplish the purpose of keeping minors out of pool rooms, at least where liquors are solid. They issued an order that In applying for a license to sell liquors in those places which have pool rooms con- nected with the bars the applicant will be required to sign a stipulation that he will not sell, or aliow to be sold, or delivered, any drinks in the pool room, and that he will not permit minors to play in the place. Liquor Licenses Granted. Licenses to sell liquor by retail were is- sued today to the following: William Can- non, 1218 7th street northwest; Michael Haliiman, 1250 7th street northwest; Theo- dore M. Rudd, 931 Louisiana avenue north- west, and Charles H. Parks, 111 6th street northwest. Notes. Tne Commissioners have appointed B. F. Russell and James L. White additional privates of the Metropolitan police force for duty at the House of Representatives. In view of the fact that Ray Galvin failed to pass the required examination, the Com- mizsioners have withheld his appointment as engineer of the Girls’ Reform School. J.C. Harper having satisfactorily served his probaitonary term, has been placed on the permanent roll of the fire department. First-class steam engineers licenses have heen granted by the Commissioners to the following: George E. A. Griffin, George W. Waterbury and H. K. Collins. According to the weekly report of the Municipal Loaging House for the weck ending December 7 an increase of 228 per- sons were provided with meals and lodging over the preceding week, MISS AUB SAID SHE WAS GUILTY. But Judge Cowing Refused to Accept Her Plea. NEW YORK, December 9.—Barbara Aub, who confessed to perjury in testifying that We L. S. Langerman had committed a criminal assaul: upon her, upon which evidence a jury returned a verdict of guilty against Langerman, was arraigned before Judge Cowing in the court of general ses- sions to plead to an indictment for perjury. She pleaded guilty, but Judge Cowing re- fused to accept the plea, and assigned F. B. House to her defense. Miss Aub was then remanded to the tombs until next Friday, when she will be arraigned again te plead. WILL STOP THE PROSECUTION. The Reichstag Takes Action in the Cases of Liebknecht and Others. BERLIN, December 9.—There was a large attendance in the reichstag today, in view of this being the date for the presentation of the financial statement of Count Von Posadowsky-Wesner, secretary of the im- perial treasury. The chancellor, Prince Hohenlohe; the minister for war, Gen. Bronsart Von Schellendorf, and the min- ister of finance, Dr. Miquel, and other min- isters were present. At the opening of the proceedings the house adopted a proposal to stop the prose- cutions of Herren Liebknecht, Stadthagen, Bueb, Herschel, Fischer and Heinrich Moeller, The conservatives opposed the motion. ——.__ INSTIGATED BY RUSSIANS. Charged With Being Uehind the Corean Conspiracy. LONDON, December 9.—A special dis- patch from Shanghai says that news which has been received there confirms the report that the Russians were the instigators of the conspiracy of Li Hau Shin against the King of Corea. The Russians, who assisted in the affair, have indentified some of the Americans who participated in the plot. It Is alleged that the latter joined in the conspiracy owing to the revocation of the gold mine concessions granted by the queen, and because their salaries as ad- visers were reduced. —— FIGHTING IN ABYSSINIA, A Large Body of Natives Surprised by Italian Troops. ROME, December 9.—The army of King Monlik of Abyssinia, consisting of 20,000 men,- was surprised yesterday by five companies of Italian troops under Major Teselli at Ambalagi. General Arimondi, with another body of Italian troops, ad- vanced to the support of Major Toselli, but was stopped by the enemy. A severe bat- tle was subsequently fought. The official dispatches say that the losses of the Abyssinians were heavy; but no news is furnished concerning Major Tosel- lis command, and nothing is said about Italian losses. MICHIGAN DAY. Cloudy and Threatening Weather for the Wolverines. ATLANTA, Ga., December 9.—Michigan day at the exposition is cloudy and threat- ening. The main delegation from the pen- insular state reached the city at 9 o'clock, and after breakfasting at their hotels, made their way in groups out to the exposition, where the visitors and their hosts assembled ee the auditorium for the exercises of the jay. ee es NO ONE TO BLAME. Verdict of the Coroner in the Cleve- land Bridge Disaster. CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 9.—The coroner rendered his verdict on the central viaduct disaster today. He fails to find suf- ficient evidence of an act committed or omitted on the part of any person to war- rant him in holding any one criminally liable for the accident. He concludes that the seventeen victims of the disaster came to their death as a result of injuries sus- tained or from drowning in the river. eS Probable Strike of Ohio Miners, MASSILLON, Ohio, December 9.—The coal operators of the state having absolutely refused to concede anything to the miners employed in the company store mines, there remains every prospect of a state strike. The cash cperatcrs are hopeful that when it is ordered they will be exempted from its operations, and they think that a policy of this sort would bring in company store operators more quickly than any other. Found Her Baby Fatally Burned. Special Dispatch io The Evening Star. CUMBERLAND, Md., December 9.—The three-weeks-ol¢ chiid of Mrs. Wm..Pittman was placed upon a pillow in an upper room Saturday while the mother was getting breakfast. She was attracted by the smell of smoke, and upon going upstairs found the child burned to death, the pillow upon which it was lying having caught fire from a spark from a stove in the room. SS Baltimore Markets. December 9.—Flour_quiet—west- 2.65; dv. extra, $2.790$3.00; do. Winter wheat patent, $3.0 spring’ t, $3.25883.40—recelpis, 19,714 barre 40 barrels; sales, $50 barrels, pot and month, G6t4 3 2 red, 6ti4a6314—receipts, 43,4 ),654 oushels > erent ae bushels— a year and Jan- 33%; February, 3434); March, 34M amer mixed, 32iaa32%—receipts, "105, i8 shipments, 103,869 bushels; stock, 1,35: 108 bushels; sales, 278,000 busbels—southern Wh corn, S2igads; do.’ yellow, 32%a34. Oats firm, de- mand firm—No. 2 ‘white’ western, 242414; No. 2 mixed, 23 asked—receipts, 5,141° bushels; stock, 44a45 nearby; Stock, 99,805 4alT western— bushels. Hay firm, choice timothy, $15.50. ights quiet and team to Liverpool per bushel, 34d. carly Cork for orders per quarter, 3s. Dece.n- Sugar tirm—granulated. per 100 pounds. Butter tira—faney creamery, 2 do. imitation, 0a23; ladle, od 8 1 E; cold Storage, 1 lined, 16. y New York, pounds, 11a11%; do. 35 pounds, 314a11%; do, 22 pounds, —— Grain and Cotton Markets, Furnished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., 1421 F street, members New York stock exchange, correspondents Messrs. Ladenburg, Thal- mann & Co., New York. High. Low. Close. bw 57% CBG Glia 234 * 26* 62% Penmaes eeeere 2 3: ZSC8 wmerg FINANCE AND TRADE No Important Gold Shipments Im- mediately Probable. THE DETERMINATION 10 ISSUE BONDS Looked on in Wall Street as Already Settled. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS es Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, December 9.—Opening prices morning reflected some irregularity, were generally steady around last week's final figures. The volume of foreign business was small, and consequently was disregarded as a speculative factor. Ex- change rates were disposed to yield slightly as the result of more Mberal commercial offerings, and no important gold shipments are immediately probable unless forced to- Ward the close of the week. The outward movement of coin has not reached the terminating point, however, and liberal ex- ports are anticipated toward the end of the year. The determination on the Part of the gov- ernment to issue bonds in the event of failure on the part of Congress to Provide relief for the treasury is pretty generally known, and the actual official announcement of such a Purpose will in all probability have less effect than usual. An advance in prices might follow, but tem- porary expedients rarely produce lasting results. American tobacco was again an active feature of the day’s trading, liberal sales around the opening resulting in a decline of 4 closing. per cent from Saturday's low At the decline a but 4 ac good buying demand set in and a 5 per cent recovery was recorded. The recent unsatisfactory action of the company’s directory has destroyed confi- dence to such an extent that professional operators are likely to be unassisted in future campaigns in sold down 1 14 per cone oroperty. Sugar neticed, the price recovering sha: buying of the usual significant aanoeen The belief that ro legislation will be had on any subject in which this company is interested continues’ to inspire confidence in the advancing tendency now apparent. Chicago Gas sold down 11-4 per cent in sympathy with the movement elsewhere, but the decline had no substantial basis. The railroad lst, while in a great meas- ure neglected, was steady arognd first prices. The better opinion relative to the probabie action ot @ stocks in this de- sional dullness ‘priger seit Nae of ae s prices 8 tenally os the end of se 1e ing of the last hour was e tically unchanged in character, prices be- ing irregular, and the industrial shares monopolizing the trading. The market would respond easily to any new Incentive, but the continued absence of motive must result in fractional concessions, ——.__ FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL, The following are the opening, the high- est and the lowest aad the clost: ef the New York stock pecans. pose » members New Yerk stock exchange. Correspond Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. SO Broad a prt dway. American Sugar. American Sugar, American Tobacco. American Cotton chigoi Loui x Long Isiand Traction. Metropolitan ‘Traction. ee ated. ichigan Central. assur Pacifi New Jersey Central. sew York Central Phila. & Re: ——- Aon Car 10... ern Railway, Pfd.. Phila. Traction. ‘Texas Pacific, Wabash... . Wabash, Pid. Wheeling & L. Erie... Wheeling & L. Erie,Pfd. Western Union, Tel. Wisconsin Central Silver. *Ex-div. 247. —- Washington Stosk Exchange. Sales—regular .all—12 o*clock m.—Metropolitan Railroad 6s, $1,000 at 116%. American Security and Trust, 9 at lil. U.S. Electric Light, 5 at 245% 5 at American Graph 124%; 24 hone, at 4; 100 at 4. 114% bid. of Columb Miscellaneous Bonds, —Metropolitan Ratiroad conv. Gs, 116 bid. 117 axks Metropolitan Rath 5s, ity did.” Belt Railroad 6s, 85 bid, ed. Eckington Railroad 6 e Railroad Os, 112 bid, 114 asked. Washington Gas Company Gs, series A, 112 bid. Wi: Company nl 113 bid, 116 ask bid. id. § eetric T Chesapeake and Potomac T 101 asked. American Security Mand A., 101 bid. American Se- curity and Trust ¥ and O., 101 bid. Washing- ton Mark inpany Ist Gs, 110 bid. Washington imp. 68, "110 bid. Washington ext. 68, "110 bid. Masonie Hall Washington Light Infan- 103. asked. ational Bank Stocks.—Bunk of Washington, 285 290 asked. Bank of the Republic, 240° bid. uy tan, 283 bid, 800 asked. Central, 270 bid. Farmers and Mechanics’, 180 bid, 195 asked. See- ond, 135 bid. 139 asked. Citizens’, 125. bi id. Co- 115. bid. West End, 106 bid. Traders’, 104 bid. Lincoln, 97 bid, 102 asked. Ohio, 85 bid, 96 asked. Safe Deposit and Trust’ Compantes.—National Safe Deposit and ‘Trust, 123 bid, 130 asked. Washington Loan and Trust, 119 bid, 122 asked. “American Se- curity and Trust, 140 Did. Washington Safe De- posit, 60 bid, 75 asked. Railroad Stocks.—Ca bid, 78 asked. Columbia, 45 bid. asked, G i 131 bid, 138 asked. Capital, Traction Company, 75 101 bid, 103 asked. Eckington, 37 30 asked. 5 ask Tnsui Franklin, 3° ‘WO bid. ked. ged Wt ples, 5% asked. Riges, = A ee Lincoln, 7% bid, 8 asked. Commercial, hid. Title Insurance Stocks,—Real Estate Title, 108 Did, 116 asked. € Title, 7 bid, 86 asked. Pennsylvania, 37 bid. Chesa- 2 asked. Amecican Gee: Paeumatle Gun Car- isc Stocks. ton Mraket, 14 hd. Bull Run Panorama, 25 asked. Lincoln Hall, 60 bid. Mergenthaler Linotype, 28) bid, 230 asked. Mystery Story Final Chapter. The final chapter of the mystery story, “Before They Were Marrie: will be pub- lished in next Saturday’s Star, Guesses as to the solution of the mystery may be forwarded to The Star office until Wed- nesday evening at 6 o'clock, when the polls close. As is well known the $250 of- fered in prizes are to be awarded only for explanations sent In by women and girls according to published conditions. ges el, the German historical paint- ee eolebenten nis eightieth birthday yester day in Berlin.