Evening Star Newspaper, December 18, 1895, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Company, 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres’t. New York Office, 49 Potter Building, ‘The Fvening Star is served to subscribers in thi ity by carriers, on thelr own account, at 10 cen! Der week, cr 44 cents per mouth. Copies at ti er bh. By mail—anywhere in United States or Canada—postage prepald—50 cenis per month. ‘ Sotrrdas Quintupl> Sheet Star, $1 per year, with n postage added, $3.00. at Washington, D. 0., ed at the Post Off an second-class mall matter.) must be paid in advance. tes of advertising made kncwn on application. rs 4 Che Evening Star. | No. 18,351, WASHINGTON, D.0, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1895-SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. [ey mall subscriptiot OUR DRINKING WATER The Grand Jury Reports on City’s Health Conditions. FILTRATION OF FOTOMAC WATER —————— Spread of Typhoid Fever and Its Causes. THE RECOMMENDATIONS —— The grand jury this afternoon filed the Teport upon the health and sanitary condi- tion of the District, referred to in yester- day's Star. Foreman A. K. Parris handed the report to Judge Cole, in Criminal Court No. 1, merely stating that he wished, on behalf of the grand jury, to submit a re- port of an investigation mad» by that hor! In accepting the report Judge Coie inform- ed the foreman that it would he placed on the files of the court. The report is as follows: Potomac Water. “In the discharge of our «uty as mem- bers of the grand jury, our attention was called early in October to a phase of the health conditions of the community in which every citizen °s, or should be, vitslly interested. Subsequently, the public prints ncticed the prevalence of typhoid fever in the District. The authorities vested in the legal carrying out of the law and health regulations wisely took notice of the re- ports, and the health department supple- ed by the medical fraternity, and by 1 experts, have recently made a te- though our conclusions were pra: tically reached two months azo, a pressure cf public business and certain other cir- cums:ances, which, in our judgment, justi- fied delay, has caused this repert not to be presented to the court until now, and in submitting ovr conclusions we desire in rowire to impugn in any way the fair rame of our city, but to emphasize the dl to suggest the possible ight to expect an improvement of these conditions. - Hess to oly facts. ach sue- rin the past twelve has practi- 1 to the per ¢ typhoid fever cases in th tistics, which are facts, show the propo! of typhoid cases to be greater than the sit ation und climatic conditions seem to war- rant. We have inquired diligently into the causes with the best means we have a hand, have examired medical authorit! and experts, and have individually give the matter our attention. Our belief is based on scigntific examination, that Poto- mac water for drinking purposes at th present time {3 conducive to the germin Uon of typhoid fever. Streams are ever moment undergoing a change froin natural causes; for instance, the increase of popula- tion in towns already op the banks, and new settlements springing up, continually alter its cha “The eff $ vater supply upon the decrease of typholl fever the authorities have abundantly proved. ‘To our water sup- ply we are largely indebted for health or je subject is a large one for even our medical men, but we, as a grand jury, have come to the conclusion, after a ci al con- sideration of the subject, and our duty in the premises, that, with the conditions as believe they are—with a constantly in- sing population—Washington and the of Columbia are entitled to in- erage facillitie: “That a system of sedimentation and fil- tration In connection with the water sup- ply is primarily necessary. “That the water supply is entirely inade- quate and should be increased. “That as opportunity offers, all pumps and wells used for drinking purposes should be el. . “That the use of box privies be discon- tinued by law. 11 improved premises abutting on ¢ and water mains should be with such sewers and water ir occupancy, unless So con bited by law. » to a more thor- absolutely essen- 1d “That leg ough ins tal, a there may be such imm: will improve the sanitary the Potomae a ing to the re ate legis : conditions along astern branch, look- ation mation of the marshes iff that section and the disposal of the polluied matier forced upon them under the present Bewerage om. “Atethe moment the river should be 1 from the mouth of every to the river channel, "We further recommend that a law be executed compelling all physicians to re- Port to the health department every case of zymotic disease coming under their knowl- Jarse We make this report in the hope that it Will stimulate action on the part of the authorities charged with such a vital que tion as the public health, as well as to re- mind the general government of {ts res s bility in the premises.” ne ~ Personal Mention. Phil Daly, jr, the well-known sporting man of Long Branch, is at the Arlington. Gordon McKay, a pr society n minent resident and n of Newport, fs at the Arling- Granville Kane, the New York society man and the best whip In the 400, is at the Shoreham, from Tuxedo. Col. R. C, Monroe is ins traveling companion. J. Stuart Bri James Neale, repre- es of Pittsburg's iron wreham, Hickman, ‘Ignacio Martinettt and Walsh of the Trilby troupe are at an, the Boston patent attorney, tent gh. Naval Academy Department for of the Lieut has rv exanun m, the navy is visit! Shoreham. r dat Wilton La Hiam M fs at the y to New York. Secretary Hervert has gone to New York to meet his dav r, who Is expected to arrive there today cn the Fulda. He will atiend the banquet in celebration of the t on fo toe Jay commercial aty tomorrow evening. -e--—_—_ National Bank Ca ne controller of currency has called port of the condition of national ks at the close of business Friday, De- the -o- Government F I bank notes re SISGSTS, nal revent ; miseellan for redemp- eipts: om DISORDERLY WERE COWED Police Preserve the Peace in Philadel- phia. Second Day of the Strike Sees the Situation Unchanged—Mayor Warwick on the Alert. PHILADELPHIA, December 18.—The second day of the big strike of employes of the Union Traction Company opened with the situation practically unchanged as far as the running cf cars was concerned. All the branches were in effect tied up, although cars with formidable escorts of police had made the circuit of nearly every one of them without molestation. While this enabled the officials to declare that the lines were “open,” it did not nelp the situation much as far as the convenience of the riding pub- lic was concerned. There have perhaps been more cera on Chestnut street than any other thoroughfare in the city. At irregular intervals this morning the im- mense concourse of pedestrians which the strike has forced to that always crowded street have been treated to the extraor- dinary spectacle of a trolley car moving slowly down the street, preceded and fol- lowed by four mounted polieemen and car- rying on the front and rear platform an ag- gregate of five policemen. Each officer was armed with a heavy oak night stick. The chances are that in addition to this ar- ray, the motorman or conductor {s a deputy marshal,wearing pinned under his coat the silver star which denotes his authority, as many deputies are said to be running cars. Up to the hour of writing this dispatch not more than a dozen cars have made their way down Chestnut street, and ell of them were escorted in the manner described above. There are very few passengers, as the cars proceed so slowly that walking is preferable. Fortunately for the pedestrians, the weather is beautiful. The sun shines brightiy erd the air-is as balmy as on a spring day. Everything Reported Quiet. Mayor Warwick and Director of Public Safety Beitler, who spent the night in their cffices in the clty hall, ready for any emer- geney which might arise, reported this ‘morning, with an evident air of relief, that reports from all sections of the city are to the effect that everything fs quiet to- day. This condition is without doubt due in large measure to the determined stand taken by the mayor last night, when he served notice that it was no longer a fight between the traction company and the strikers, but a battle between the eity and mob violence, and that the city would win. To this end nearly a thousand extra po- lice were sworn in, the men being picked from the applicants for appointment who had pa: the necessary physical examina- tion. ‘These, with the regulars, consti- tuted an army of over 2,500 men, and every one was on duty today. ‘The car sheds and power houses in various parts of the city were vigilantly guarded ali night, but there was apparently no nccessity for the f the police, as no attempt at olence was made. The strikers’ headquarters, at Sth and Callowhill streets, some distance from the various depots of the branches of the Union Traction Company, were deserted soon after midnight, and none of the lead- ys made their appearance up to noon to- In the neighborhood of the big car sheds are rows upon rows of small dwellings, oc- cupied mainly by the employes of the com- pany, and in these localities there is nat- urally much excitement. The streets are filled at all times with the families of the strikers and their sympathizers, who dis- cuss the situation and abuse the men at work. Disorderly Element Cowed. On Market street the authorities have sta- tioned two moumted policemen at each cor- ner, in addition to two or more men on foot. This street and Chestnut street, which were the scenes of most of yesterday's rioting, are the most carefully guarded today, but the disorderly element seems to be either cowed or indifferent, for there has so far on these any other locality. Every ‘$a card bearing the words “I will w * stuck in his hatband or pin- nec to his coat, and many women are wear- ing them, too. The officials of the company declare that they have plenty of men to run thi rs if they can get protection for them. On the other hand, the strikers deciare that enough skilled men to take théir places cannot be obtained. Windfall to One Line. The strike has proven a windfall of con- siderable magnitude to the single independ- ent line in the city, which resisted the pres- sure when the big consolidation of all the other lines was recently effected. The com- pany runs its cars to West Philadelphia, on Arch and Vine streets, and in its endeavor to accommodate all the people who wish to patronize it, have pressed into service every summer car, and even resurrected some which had been permanently sent to the hospital. Every run is packed to the roof, and the officials contemplate the situa- tion’ with a large degree of satisfaction. ‘The Broad street omnibus line, controlled by the troubled Union Traction Company ran its "buses yesterday, but today, for som reason, there are only a few on the street. The Suburban cars of the Pennsylvania and the Reading railroad companies were again crowded. About 1 o'clock a crowd of strikers and sympathizers numbering over 500 and armed with brooms and flags began to march around the eity hall, A detail of the large squad of police on duty in the city hall court yard was ordered out and disper. the paraders. been no sign of a disturbance in streets or other man 1 Ss MOST FAMOUS OF HIS CLASS. Death of Nelson Driggs, the Counter- feiter. DAYTON, Ohio, December 18. nm Driggs, the most fmous counterfeiter of his time, is dead. He was at one time to be worth nearly a million dollars, ma by exchanging bad money for good. hac y is longest sente He pars In the penitentiary, e heing for fifteen year in Joliet, IN. For the past fiv six years he had lived a retire 2 . attending to his property and managing a roud house. —_——— Not Connected With the “Patriots. CHICAGO, December 18.—The National Umetaliist tomorrow will say that neither National Bimetallist nor the National ullie Union is connected in any way, tly or indireetly, with any kind of a organization, political or otherwise. Maryland Papers Consolidate. teh to Th ing Star. RSTOW » December deal been the Bim Special HAC 18.—A consummated, and which rries out of existence the y News, the oldest democratic paper n Maryland, whieh is to be ab- Daily Herald.the only repub- paper in Washington’ county. te and county printing to ent political uphea ctor leading up to the th some friction on iper has I Dail, , accompanied ¥ part 6! who man Wel- “Comas, who kholders in tae s is a move on 1 honors. ington and Judge Lewis is one of the 1 St sto Herald. Wis } the che HAD MANY CALLERS The President and Secretary Olney Congratulated for Their Attitude. A PEACEFOL SETTLEMENT POSSIBLE North Atlantic Squadron's Cruise May Be Abandoned. - , ADMIRAL BUNCE COMING Th: Venezuelan issue'was still the ab- sorbing topic of interest at the White House and uptown departments today, and there was an eager demznd on the part of Congressmen and public officials for copies of the full message and correspondence. President Cleveland had many callers, mostly Serators and Representatives, who came to congratulate him upon the atti- tude he had assumed in his message, and the telegrams which hegan to come in yes- terday commending his course were sup- plemented today by letters coming through the mails. Secretary Oluey Commended. Secretary Olney also had his share of callers, among others Justice Harlan and Mr. Wm. L. Scruggs, ex-minister to Venez- uela under Harrison, who had no hesita- tion in stampirg tke Secretary's famous letter of last July as the ablest statement of the Monroe doctrine ever put on record It may be proper at this point to note the fact that up to the beginning of last spring the United States had never gone further in the Vcrezuelun matter than to extend its good offices. At that point Mr. Olmey, then holding the office of Attorney General, initiated a new and importan, phase of the controversy by boldly taking the ground that Gredt Britaia’s course was in violation of the Monroe doctrine. There is nowhere a suggestion of any abatement of our claims, and, indeed, it is generally recognized that by announcing his determination to hold Great Britain outside of the boundary to be defined by our own commission, the President has left no avenue for retreat. A Penceful Settlement Expected. It is still confidently asserted here, how- ever, that the difficulty can and will be set- tled peaceably and with honor to all par- ties concerned. This belief 1s based upon the expectation that Great Britain will, as Lord Sal'sbury has indicated in his last note, re-establish diplomatic relations with Venezuela, and, as the revolution in that country has been quelled, and the internal peace he demanded as a condition is re- stored, he will probably treat the sub as he promises, in a more compliant spirit than the British government has hereto- fore exhibited in the negotiations, and thus speedily reach an.arrangement salis- factory to Great Britain and Venezuela, and, as a natural result, acceptable to the United States. In this way Great Britain would avoid any concession of the right of a third party to interpose, while likewise escaping an admission of the acceptability of the Monroe doctrine. There will probably be ample time for Great Britain to carry out this program dur- Ing the tong interval that must elapse be- tween the authorization and appointment of our boundary commission and the pre- sentation of its report. It {s entirely prob- able that Great Britain will abstain from presenting any evidence in support of her title to the commission, for by so doing she would admit oureright to interpose, which is the vital point in the controver: so that the commissien’s report is likely to fall sub- Ject to the same critictsm that “Lord Salis- bury applied to Secretary Olney’s statement, namély, that it is ex parte, and based en- tirely on the Venezuelan records. One Source of Danger. One source of present danger which gives some apprehension to the element that looks for a peaceful solution of the problem lies with the Venezuelans themselves, and It is feared that, earried away by the en- thusiasm aroused by President Cleveland’s and Secretary Olney's note of last, they may be led to attack the British outposts on the Yurnan, once be- fore the scene of trouble, without awaiting the findings of the United States commis- sioners as to the real boundary line. Salisbury’s Responses Not Weighty. Lord Salisbury's responses to Secretary Olney’s arguments are not regarded here as being weighty or logically strong. The par- allel he seeks to draw between the Alaskan boundary question and the Venezuelan boun- dary controversy utterly falls, it is said, when viewed in the light of the definition of the Alaskan boundary given in the Russiaa treaty of cession. As for his objection to the injection of the Monroe doctrine into international law and the making of new international law by the United States, it is recalled that international law, as Speaker Reed once remarked of parliamentary law, “is not an exact science,” that it Is made and amended from time to time by nations able to support their views, and that the United States hae as sound a right to apply this doctrine to American affairs as had some of the European powers by combina- tion to regulate affairs in Europe and force tneir views upon ori»ntal nations. It is improbable that Secretary Olney will make a response to Lord Salisbury’s notes at this time, beyond a mere formal ac- knowledgmert of their receipt, and the Presidept will probably await the action of Congres upon his suggestion looking to a commission before proceeding further with the negotiations. Feeling in the Navy. Assistant Secretary McAdoo, who is act- ing secretary of the navy, in the temporary atsence of Secretary Herbert, declines most positively to discuss the question of the pos- sibility of war with Great Britain over the Venezuelan affair. Naval officers generally, and especially the younger officers, make no secret cf their great admiration for the patriotic stand taken by the administration as atfording a possible opportunity for a practical test of the value and strength of the new navy and the courage and capabili- ties of the officers and men of the naval establishment. The younger element is naturaliy ezxer for the fray, and many of their old and more experienced a: jates also show a decided inclination to again en- gaze in active work. © North Atlantic Squadron. As has been alrecdy stated in The Star, the North Atlantic squadron fleet is un- der orders to sail from Hampten Roads on or about the 2Ist instant for a practice cruise In the West Indies, extending as far south as the Gulf of Paria, off the coast of Venezuela. The ftinerary of the fleet was finally arranged last week anc was published in at the time. Trasmuch as the s betw Great Britain and the United States are being strained just at present, the ques- ndoning the proposed cruise fs dered, as it is not that the warships mnay eventually be reeded for more serious work than drills and exercises. Although the progress of events may tate a change In the program of the squadron, it was learned at the vy Department today that no action to that end has cen taken, nor fs at all likely before the feturn of Secretary Herbert from New Friday next. The matter will be definitely arranged, however, In a very few days, and there is good reason for the hellef that the proposed practice cruise will be abandoned, at least until the ouf= look for the future is more clearly defined. Admiral Bunce Coming Here. Admiral Bunce, who is in command of the fleet, arrived at the rendezvous in Hampton Roads, on his flagship New York, yesterday. He has infermed the Navy De- partment that ke will visit Washington in a day or two in order to receive final instruc- tions as to the movements of the fleet. He is expected here tomorrow, but may not come until Friday. “At amy rate, the ques- tion of the movements of the fleet will be held in abeyance until Secretary Herbert returns and has had a conference with the President on the subject. The main po:nt involved is as to the wisdom and advis- ability of the exercise of our warships in Venezuelan waters during the pending cri- sis with Great Britain with respect to its territorial rights in that vicinity. In the abserce of Secretary Herbert it is understood that Assistant Secretary Mc- Adoo will instruct Admiral Bunce to defer his departure until further orders. Vessels Under His Control. The squadron is reported to be ready to sail at short notice. The New York is in Hanipton Roads, the Columbia at Fort Monroe, the Montgomery, Raleigh and Am- phitrite are at Norfolk, the Cincinnati is at Key West and the Maine is at Newport. With the single exception of the Cincinnati all the vessels named will be assembled In Hampton Roads i apes a@ week, fully pre- pared to start south on the proposed cruise. The battle ship Maine.was today assigned to the North Atlantic squadron. This ac- ticn was based on the report of Commodore Dewey, president of the naval inspection beard, which has just concluded a thor- ough inspection of the vessel. He made a verbal report that the Maine was perfect in her construction, and was as fine 9 war- ship as he had ever seen. In answer to an irquiry on that point, he said she was ready to go into active service at once. ‘Thereupon the battle ship was assigned to the North Atiantic squadron, ard her com- mander was ordered to report to Admiral Bunce for orders. Two other formidable vessels that will also be added to the home fleet ure the battle ships Indiana and’ Texas. They are both practically finished, but will not be assigned to any station for a shori time yet. In case of necessity they could both be made fully available for gervice in a few weeks’ time. MR. CLEVELAND WROTE IT. Original Draft of the Message Wi His Handwritiag. The belief that the message sent to Con- gress was written by Mr. Olney, not by Mr. Cleveland, is very generally expressed, but it is authoritatively declared that this belief is not founded on fact, The original draft of the message was @m Mr. Cleve- land's handwriting. Mr. Cleveland returned to the White House about 3 o'clock on Sun- day. He at onre sent for Secretary Olney, Secretary Lamont and Secretary Carlisle, and was in conference with them for a comparatively short time., He worked alone that night, and before 11 o'clock Monday morning he handed: to oné of the clerks ‘the message, all in his own hand- writing. It was, written on @-small tablet, and made fiftech pages of his very fine manuscript. From ‘this ‘were made the ‘drafts of the message sent to Congress Tuesday. ' THE RECRUITING: SERVICE. nin the Acceptance of Ap- jcnnts to Be Obsetved. The Secretary of War has {ssued a cireu- lar letter in regard to tho Feeruitiag ser- vice, in which he says that “as the army is now closely approaching ‘ts maximum strength, recruiting will be restricted until furtber orders to the enlistment of excep- tionally desirable recruits and fermer sol- diers with good characters who fulfill all requirements. ‘ “The limit to which a company may be recruited is its authorized enlisted strergth less its allotment of men for the regimental band. “Due care will be exerctsed cerned that companies shall not exceed the limit defined in the preceding pa mh and that regiments shall not be recruiced beyond their authorized strength. But in cases Where recruits arrive at a post @ numbers sufficient to place companies there above their limit, they shall uot be borne ned on any returns, but, unless specially diregted, Hobe at jgned to those comp: at the post of the regiment for which they are intended, vhere the first vacancies are to occur, even though the assignments carry such companies temporarily above tacir limit.” Re trie CcoTTo) Interesting Facts in a Report by Consul General Panfield. United States Consul General Panfield, at Cairo, Egypt, has made a report to the State Department, which will, from Its im- portance, be made the subject of a special publication, calling attention to the rapid growth of Egypt as a competitor with the United States’ for the cotton markets of the werld. He says that his former repre- sentations appearing to have failed to se- cure the attention which the subject de- mands, he {fs induced to once more strongly urge the United States cotton producers to make efforts to meet this competition. At present Egyptian cotton is sold at Alexan dria fer two cents per bale more than the price of Amcrican cotton, and owing to the superiority of the Egyptian product it is being purchased in quantities for export to the United States. The sales which ten years ago umounted to but 3,815 bales have increased, nul, from the best estimates, it is believed that during the year beginning September 1, 1895, no less than 30,000 bales will be shipped to the United States, and as these Egyptian bales are 50 per cent larger than the American bales, the exports to this country will really amount to bales according to our standard. Mr. Pan- field urges that efforts be made by our planters to grow the Egyptian long staple cotton in this eountry, holding that there must certainly be some portion adopted to its growth, probably the Mississippi valley or the Brazos river section in Texas. -——_——_-e—______ BETWEEN LIFE AND ‘DEATH. The Condition of Cnpt. Isaac Bas- sett Late Th Afternoon. Capt. Bassett was lingering between life and death at 2:55 o'eloak this afternoon. The captain is no longer able to speak, and has lost control of the lower portion of his body. He cannot last mach longer. = “+ oe To Be Paid Before Christmas. The clerks and employes of the Tre Department will be paid their Decem} salaries up to and including Christmas day on the 28d instant, Monday, and it Is ex- pected that the same course will be followed in all the other executive. departments. 2 A Sugar Bounty Judgment. Alexander Porter Morse has receive? a dispatch from counsel at New Orleans ad- vising that the sugar producers in the test ease to recover the $5,000,000 bounty pro- vided by the last Congress, have recovered judgment in taeir favor this morning in fifth United Statgs circuit court. Notice to Spbscribers. Subscribers are éarnestly requested to report any irregularity in the de- livery of The Star and also any fail- ure on the part ofthe carrier to ring the door tell. A proper service cen only be main- tained through the courtesy of sub- scribers in reporting shortcomings. NOT BEINGDISCUSSED|°'STRicT IN CONGRESS'SENATE AND HOUSE Londoners Not Interested in the Venezuelan Matter. NOT A TOPIC IN PUBLIC RESORTS It Was Used on the Stock Ex- change to Depress Prices. EVENING PAPER COMMENTS LONDON, December 18.—In spite of the preniinence which all the newspapers give to President Cleveland’s message to Con- gress on the Veneztelan boundary ques- tion, the general public here refuses to get excited or even irterested in the matter. At the hotels, clubs, railroad stations, etc., the matter is rarely alluded to. Those who have read the correspondence resent Pres- ident Cleveland's attitude, but the almest {uvariable answer reccived to the reporters’ inquiries for an expression of opinion is: “What ts it all stout, anyway?” » The message, hcwever, is being used on the stock exckarge to hammer American securities. Consols also declined; but there was ro exciterrent. One newspaper remarked: “The Yankee jobbers are the only persons irjured Ly the message, and they have just ground for complaint. The editorial comments of the New York World and the New York Evening Post on the situaticn are reprinted here with ap- proval as reflecting American opinion. Radical evening newspapers take the most serious view of the situation. The Star, in a double-cclumn head, asks: “Is It War?” Editorially the Star remarks: “It 1s difficult to exagxerate the gravity of the situation. The United States may be assured that Englishmen, regardless of party, will adhere firmly by Lord Satis- bury’s claims, and will not submit to bounce.” “Public opinion,” says the Westminster Gazette, “will unanimously support Lord Salisbury, but it is a pity he enlarged the dispute and attacked the Monroe doctrine.” SUPPORTING THE PRESIDENT. ecrnors as to the Mes- ange. CHICAGO, December 18.—The following messages were received by the Record, in response to requests sent the governors to give their opinions of the President's mes- sage: CARSO:! Opinions of G . December 18.—Not vigor- cus enough. Nevada people are strong sup- porters of the Monroe dectrine in its en- urety. FE. JONES, Governor. r SALEM, Oreg., Decemt 18.—If the Mon- roe doctrine is a principle of vital force in country, President Cleveland deals WILLIAM P. LORD. Miss., December 18.—I believe ident Cleveland’s Venezuclan méssage is sound, statesmanlike and I fully approve it. J. M. STONE, Governor. ATLANTA, Ga., December 18.—The Presi- dent’s message is a correct interpretation of the Monroe doctrine, and the Venezue- stion furnishes a case which calls enforcement. The people of Geor- gia will approve of the message of the President. W. C. ATKINSON, RICHMOND, Va., December 18.—It is strong, pointed and direct, and can leave no doubt as to his position. It is charac- teristic of the man, courageous and truly American, There will be no retreat on his part. The Monroe doctrine ts the very woof and web of the policy upon the main- tenance of which depends our safety jainst the European aggrendizement and the greed and avarice of European powers. CHARLES T. O'FERRALL, BURLINGTON, Vt., December 18.—Pre: dent Cleveland’s message is unmistakable in its tone, and will meet with the approval of the majority of the people of the United States without regard to party. I consider ility to the United it an act of hos ates for Great Britain to attempt to acquire more territory on this continent, and we must vigorously assert our righ pre- vent. WOODBURY, Governor. CINCINNATI, Ohio, December 18.—Pa- pers today publish short Interviews on Cleveland’s message. Among those inter- viewed was ex-Gov. Foraker, who said: “Yes, Cleveland’s message has the true American ring.” “What if it brings war?” “J don't care if it does. I always believed in the Monroe doctrine.” A COULD RAISE FLEE Irving M. Scott on the Question of American Warships. SAN FRANCISCO, December 18.—Irving M. Scott, vice president and general man- ager of the Union iron works, who has bullt some of the best warships in the navy, ex- s the belief that although the present strength of the navy is not great, there could be extemporized a sufficient fleet to enable the United States to maintain the prestige of the flag. Continuing, he gave in detail the number of vessels ready and those which could be readily prepared for war, saying: “We can count on thirty-four row ready, besides six turreted monitors, six gunboats and two battle ships now bei built, making a total of forty-eight. ‘Then there are thirteen of the old Erics- son monitors that could be put in prepara- tion by having their turret arrangement moved and two eight-inch appearing and disappearing guns placed in a barbette tn the old, making them very formidable ves- gels in the defense of our bays and harbors. — MESSAGE FROM LI HUNG CHANG. China, He Says, Wants More Ameri- can Mixsionaries. CHICAGO, December 18.—Bishop R. E. Hendrix of the Methodist Church South has just returned to his home here from Japan, Corea and China. He brought a messa: from Li Hung Chang to the American peo- ple. It is now made public for the first time. “Say to the American people for me,” said Li Hung Chang, “to send over more men for the schools and hospitals, and I hope to be in a position both to aid and protect them.” Li Hung Chang had asked Bishop Hen- drix how many American missionaries there were in China. “There are about 60," replied the bishop. “More are and in a moment words, “more a He then exp > Br of China to the American mii the Chris said Li Hung Chang, ted the he r same to convey the messaj PRESIDENT MAYER RESIGNS. He Wil Remain In Office Until Hix um ssor in Chosen, BALTIMORE, Md., December 18.—Presi- dent Mayer of the Baltimore and Ohio has resigned, and his resignation has been accepted, but he will retain office until his successor shall be elected. A Billto Establish a Post-Graduate Medical School. Prominent Physicians Named as In- corporators — Other Measures of Local Interest Introduced. Mr. Babcock, by request, has introduced a bill in the House to incorporate the Post- Graduate School of Medicine of the Dis- trict. It names as incorporators H. L. E. Johnston, E. L. Tompkins, J. Foster Scott, William W. Johnson, Samuel S. Busey, C. W. Richardson, James Kerr, M. F. Cuth- bert, E. M. Parker, G. Wythe Cook, J. Bird Harrison, S. S. Adams, G. N. Acker, W. H. Wilmer, H. D. Fry, J. Ford Thomp- son and Thomas E: McArdle. The corpor- ation may hold real and personal estate to the amount of $200,000. The Post-Graa- uate School of Medicine is empowered to make such by-laws, rules and regulations as they may find necessary, and to per- form such other things as may be requisite to carry this act into effect, and which may not be repugnant to the Constitution and laws of the United States. The school is endowed with all the rights that appertain to other medical schoois in the District. . A War Claim, Mr. Dayton of West Virginia has intro- duced a bill in the House to pay the estate of the late A. H. Herr of this city $17,288 for the use of the premises known as Herr's Island, near Harper’s Ferry, by the army during the war. A Statue to Burnside. Mr. Arnold of Rhode Island has intro- duced a bill in the House apprdpriating $4,000 for the preparation of a site and the erection of a pedestal for a statue of General Burnside in this city. The Home Telephone Compa Mr. Wellington of Maryland, by request, has introduced a bill in the House to permit the Home Telephone Company of this city to install a telephone and telegraph plant in the District of Columbia. The rajes to be charged by the company shall not at any time be more than $30 per year for residence and $. for business houses in the city and $15 per ger for the execu- tive departments. Mr. Long has introduced a bill in the House to relieve James Linskey from the operation of the act restricting the owner- ship of real estate in the District to Ameri- can citizens. Ford's Theater Disaster Claimants. The following, claiming for injuries at the Ford’s Theater disaster, were examined | by the medical board yesterday: Clifton Lowe, Alex. C. Black, Lloyd Jones Smith, Cc. R. Owen, Chas. S. McLaughlin, Daniel P. McCormack, John Henry Harding. —___-e CAPITOL TOPICS. The Senate committee on foreign relations was in session today and decided to sit during the holiday recess for the consider- ation of the Venezuelan question in its en- tirety. There is a feeling on the part of some of the more extreme republicans that a com- mission might delay and keep the matter in suspense for too great a time, though it is admitted on all hands that such com- mission could, if so disposed, complete its labors within two or three months’ time. Cession of Indian Lands. The Secretary of the Interior has sent to the House a draft of a bill for carrying out the agreement for cession to the govern- ment cf the lands held by the Turtle mountain band of Indians, in North Da- kota, which was provided for by Congress in 1891. Secretary Smith says that these Indians have been in a state of unrest because of the failure to ratify the agreement, and that it is opposed only by a Canadian half- breed faction, which has always been a turbulent element on the reservation. The bill provides for annual payments of $50,000 to the Indians for a term of twenty years. Belligerent Rights for Cuba. Mr. John Trimble of this city, secretary of the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, has addressed the Vice Presi- dent asking that Congress grant belliger- ant rights to the provisional government of Cuba. It was referred to the committee on foreign relations. . House Mensures. Among the bills and resolutions intro- duced in the House today were the follow- in = By Mr. Sulzer of New York, joint resolu- tion providing for the election of Senators by the direct vote of the peoplé. By Mr. Fischer of New York, to investi- gate the report that mechanics employed at the New York navy yard who obtained their positions upon a competitive exam- ination have Leen discharged for incom- pretence. By Mr. Woodman of Illinois, to prevent adulters tion of beer and ale by the use of substitutes for hops. Messenger for the Press Gallery. Mr. Quigg of New York introduced a resclution in the House today to appoint a messenger for the House press gallery, at $1,200 per year. os HORRORS AT CAE! AREA. Description of the Mansnere of Ar- ™m fans There. CONSTANTINOPLE, December 18.—Re- plying to a telegraphic message from the United States minister, Terrell, the. mis- sionaries at Marsovan telegraphed yester- day that they were all safe and guarded by treops. A letter dated December 2 has been re- ceived here from an American missionary rea, giving harrowing details of the horrors of the previous three days. The writer ays that the Turks 5) rmed through the streets and into houses, ston- ing, clubbing and killing every Armenian within rea rhe American mission, how- ‘er, was not harmed, evidently owing to the Turkish offictals nary continues, the bar- prac asses all description. nd women were literally h and a thousand per w fternoon of November 20, onary also says that t confe: uve them permis The hoys or the American school are fe, the let- ter concludes, and 109 fugitives are being sheltered in the mission buildings, but th of the missionaries depends upon the nee of the troops who are guarding at Caes: But, barity he Turk- the government The m Funds for the Suffering Armenians. CHICAGO, December 18.—Benon! Lek rian, a prominent Armenian of this cit has received a telegram from a leading ‘Armenian of Indianapolis, saying that a young man clalming to be an Armenian is there, delivering addresses and collec money in behalf of the Armentan eau inquiring whether he ts authorized to do so. President T. BR. Khungian of the Chicago branch of the Arm National Union desired the As: ted 's to say for him that no authority h been given for such collections, and that all funds for that pu honld be sent to Miss ident of the 1 Cross So n, or to Spencer Tr: , treas Armenian relief fund committ Pine street, New York city. e j sequel to the Pré Mr. Call’s Election Frauds Resolu- tion Adopted. - BILL FOR A VENEZUELAN COMMISSION It is Offered by Mr. Hitt and Passes the House. REMARKS MADE ON IT Mr. Hitt (111) rose in the House this morn- ing as soon as it had been called to order and asked for unanimous consent for the cons‘deration of a bill to empower the Presi- dent to appoint a commission to consider the Venezuelan boundary question, and to appropriate $100,000 therefor. For a Venezuelan Commission. The text of the bill follows: A bill making an appropriation for the expenses of a com- mission to investigate and report on the true divisional line between the republic of Ven- ezuela and British Guiana, Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the sum of $100,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and the same is hereby appropriated for the expenses of a commi: sion to be appointed by the President to in- vestigate and report upon the true divisional line between the republic of Venezuela and British Guiana. .A scene of considerable excitement fol- lowed the request of Mr. Hitt for unani- mous conrent to consider the bill, which had been read by the clerk and loudly applauded, Mr. Boutelle Suggests Caution. Mr. Boutelle (Me.) was on his feet in the aisle in front of Mr, Hitt. He prefaced his remarks by the statement that he disliked to object to the consideration of such a bill. “But,” said he, “it seems to me that this subject is one of such serious importance that the House of Representatives should proceed in a decorous manner to consider it. The President’s message was read but yes- terday, and it seems to me that gentlemen may not be ready to pass on a matter of this importance without deliberation. Cries of “Ready! Ready!” from the re- publican side interrupted Mr. Boutelle, but he proceeded, urging that the matter was one which affected the relations of the two great English speaking nations of the world. Said he, “I tave been accused of being a jingo, whatever that may mean. I hope no one in that part of the country where Iam known would believe that I would hesi- tate in my support if the honor, dignity or safety of the country required us to take up arms against any or all of the nations of the world. But the press shows the coun- try to be in a state of feverish excitement. It seemc that we ought to give this matter as much consideration as we would give ts an appropriation of a few thousand dol- jars."” 4 Mr. Boutelie referred to the President's message as an “extraordinary” one, and went cn: “It seems that we should send to the committee to be calmly considered this great question, and the message In which the executive himself, -for the first time in the history of such correspondence, has outlined. the possibilities of war between the two great Anglo-Saxon nations of the world.” Ree Speaker—“Doer the gentleman ob- ject?” Mr. Boutelle said that he had merely sug- eres a hope that the bill go to the com- mittee. Mr. Hitt Urges the Bi Passage. Mr. Hitt announced that he only desired to say a word concerning the bill and its purpose. He would so, he said, “without mention- ing this side or that side,” for he there would be no two sides when it came to a question like this. "Aside from its gen eral discussions of matters of national policy and interests there was a request made by the President for help from the House to enable him to exercise his ex- ecutive functions. “The first thing for us to remember a: patriots is that the success of our country depends upon our maintaining a united front—that our President should speak for all the people of the United States.” The suggestion of the President, he con- tinued, was for a judicial investigation. He was sure it was made in the proper spirit, and the ceccasion required that the country should act as one man. He said: “In such a time the executive is hampeved by every criticism that comes from our own coun- try; it would be urged by the British press that the President was not backed up by his courtry, but only by his own party. We have had a long time to consider the Monroe ductrine, we may not agree with all the detail outlined by the President and Secretary Olney, but any discussion here will prove a help to those across the sea. I hope the bill will pass.” Mr. Crisp’s Remarks. Mr. Hitt moved the previous question, but Mr. Crisp (Ga.) secered his permission to say a word. He began: “I speak for all this side of the House, where there is no division as to the propriety of passing the bill. This House respectfully invited the government of Great Britain to arbitrate the boundary question between Venezuela and British Guiana. Great Britain has de- clined. Now what are we to do? If the American people have a fixed opinion on any question they have a decisive opinion that no European country can acquire territory on the American continent by force. Mr. Hitt entreated Mr. Crisp, in view of the magnitude of the interests involved, not to precipitate a hasty discussion of them. Mr. Crisp reminded him that the re- publicang hac introduced the bili which he bad attempted to bring in himself yester- day, and continued, saying that if the beundary could rot be ascertained by ar- bitration with the participation of Great Britain the United States should ertain it at once. “And when we have ascertain- ed where ii ts," he concluded, “we should heve tho courage and manhood to main- tain it.” The Bill Passed. Mr. McCreary (Ky.) and Mr. Boutelle were shouting for recognition, but Mr. Hitt refused to yield the floor, and the previous avestion was put and carried with a shout of “Ayes” and no opposing voices. At the close of the debate Mr. Meredith of Virginia shouted that it seemed to be an opportune time to repeal the law forbid- ding ex-confederates to enlist in the United States ermy, but no reply was made to his suggestion. The Holiday Recess. A resolution was offered by Mr. Dingley, and agreed to, that the holiday adjourn- ment be from Friday, December 20, to Friday, January 3. ‘Then the House, at 12 Friday next. , adjourned until THE SENATE. Less than a dozen Senators were present when the session opened today, but the galleries were well filled in anticipation of a dent's message on the Venezuelan question. In presenting a bill for the repeal of the law imposing disabilities on those who sery- ed in the war of the rebellion Mr. Hill (N.Y.) spoke briefly. The main purpose, he said, was to wipe out that feature of the statute which prevented ex-confederates from serv- ing in the United States army and navy. “It is most opportune at the present mo- ment,” said Mr. Hill, “that these men of the