Evening Star Newspaper, December 20, 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. Few York Office, 40 Potter Building, Zoteecneusealcboseni ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers tn the city by carriers, on thelr own account, at 10 cents Der weck, cr 44 cents per month. Copies at the counter 2 vents each. By mail—anywhere in the tage cents United States or Canada ber month, Saturday Quintupl» Sheet Star, fereien vostage $1 per year, with tered at the Post at Wasbington, D. C.. et 7 AN mail subscriptions wust be paid in advance. Rates uf advertising made known on application. 00. ol = Che Lveni gq Stare. | Wo. 13,353. WASHINGTON, D.0., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1895—SIXTEEN PAGES TWO CENTS. If you want today’s news today you can find it only in The Star. PRIMARY ELECTIONS Lively Interest Taken by the Dis- trict Republicans. COL PARKER THE THIRD SUPERVISOR This is Not Relished bv the Glee- son Factien. A PARKER CLUB FORMED ——-- Local republican circles continue to be very much agitated over the question of how the delegates to the next national convention are to be chosen owing to a wide diversity of opinion upon what the recent resolution passed by the national committee and providing for primary elec- tions really contained or meant. There are three purported copies of the resolu- tion in circulation, no two of which agree, and when Chairman Carter's letter which contained a paragraph relating to the primaries, coupled with a reference to a convention, is added to the literature, it is as easy for the interested parties here to understand as plain Sanskrit. ‘The Gleeson people claim that the resolu- tion meant that the delegates should be cresen by a straight vote of the people, pure and simple, and the Carson people say this system is perfectly satisfactory to them, but under this apparently candid agreement there seems to be a lively cur- rent of mutual distrust, and each faction fears that there may be some means by which the acknowledged Intention of the ccmmittee’s resolution may be set aside. The powers of the supervisors appointed urder the resolution are also the »ubject of deep discussion, and pretty nearly every other local politician one meets clothes them with a different sort of authority. The announcement that ex-District Com- missioner Parker wculd be appointed to the vacancy now existing in the board has caused a great deal of objection on the part of the Gleeson men, and many of them deny that Mr. Parker is to be a member. Sena- tor Carter said this afternoon that he had not yet appointed the third member, but it is known that Mr. Parker has virtually been offered the place, and that he will ac- cept It. He left for Vermont this afternoon, and on his return the formal announcement of his appointment will probably be made. Mr. Parker's Candidacy. The force of the Gleeson party’s argument that Mr. Parker should not be selected as a supervisor because of his own candidacy for the position of delegate is somewhat weak- ened by the fact that the other two super- visors are even more pronounced caudidates It was said today by a well-informed ree publican that the local question would probably be brought up again at the meet- ing of the national committee in January, St. Louis, and all the vexed points be s€ttled. He also said he had no doubt the committee vould equip the supervisors with power to throw out of the final count any precincts where evidences of fraud during the primaries were plain. Mr. Parker's candidacy was further ac- ecentuated by his friends in the sixth as- sembly district, who met last night and organized a Parker republican club. After organization, which resulted in the election of J. C. Wright, president; Dr. George W. Cabaniss, vice president; T. A. Cox, sec- retary, and John Early, assistant secre- tary, a resolution was unanimously adopt- ed Indorsing the candidacy of Mr. Parker and promising that the club would do all in its power to secure his election to the convention in St. Louis, June 16 next. ——__ MINISTER MENDONCA ROBBED. Burglars Make Considerable Haul of Silverware. This morning about 3 o'clock burglars visited the residence of Senor Mendonca, the Brazilian minister, at No. 1800 N street northwest, and the minister is pow con- gratulating himself upon the fact that he was not robbed of more. Six pieces of solid silverware, worth about $500 or $600, were taken, while there was about $20,000 worth of the ware in the room. ‘The rea- son why more of the silverware was not taken is probably because about the time stated Minister Mendonca left his bed to go to another part of the house, and the noise he made, it is supposed, is what frightened off the burglars. Only three days ago Minister Mendonca gave a reception, which was attended by most members of the cabinet, as well as by other high officials and citizens, and on this occasion the handsome silverware displayed was probably seen by the burglars who called at the house this morning and made the haul. ‘The house was entered through a side win- dow, which had been inadvertently left un- fastened, and when the burglars got to- gether the silverware they departed by way of the front door, which they failed to fasten. When some of the domestics in the house got up this morning they discovered that the door and window had been left open, and the suspicions so aroused were followed by the discovery that the silverware in the dining room had heen tampered with. A hasty examination showed that the ar- ticles missing included a coffee pot, sugar bowl, tea pot, rose jar and pitcher, and it may be that articles not yet missed were also taken. Soon after the discovery complaint was made to the police, and Inspecior Hollin- berger detailed Detectives Boyd and Helan to investigate the case. The officers visited Minister Mendonca’s and made a thorough Investigation of the robbery, as well as getting a minuie de- seription of all the missing articles, and now they are looking for the burglars. pe SS FLAMES IN DENVER. Fire Causes Damage in the Riche Block. DENVER, Col., December 20.—Fire broke out at 3:50 this morning in the Riche block, a two-story building at 16th and Curtis Streets, The fire spread with great rapid- ity and a general alarm was turned in. Ry 5 a.m. the flames were under control, having been confined to the Riche bnild- ing. The stores of-the Estes, shoes: Bab- cock Bres., hatters and furrier: nd Tucker Bros., furnishing gocds, were gutted. —-——._— Admiral Bunce Here. Admiral Bunce, commanding the North Atlantic squadron, has come to Washingt- ton from his flagship New York tn Hamp- ton Roads for a conference with Acting Secretary McAdoo respecting the move- ments of his squadron He was to have sailed Saturday for the West Indies, but he will defer his departure for the time, and talk over the matter with Secretary Herbert when he returns to Washington next Sunday. The feeling is growlng in naval circles that the cruise will be ahan- doned, for {tt is now regarded as highly imprudent to send away from the country the only substantial defense of the Atlantic seaboard. —_——__+> e+_______ Confidential Clerk Appointed. Edwin A. Hill of Connecticut has been appointed confidential clerk to Commis- sioner of Patents Seymour, vice John W. Street, resigned. WHAT CAUSED THE DELAY Playing Reorganization Against the Vene- zue‘an Commission Bill, — Democratic Steering Committee in No Hurry to Fix the Minority Com- e mittee Representation. The delay in acting on the House Vene- zuelan commission bill by the Senate yes- terday is attributed more to the compli- cations over the reorganization of the Sen- ate than to any sentiment affecting the Venezuelan question. There is a very strong desire on the part of those repub- licans who want a reorganization that the committee should be made up according to the caucus program before the holidays. They do not want to go away for the holi- days without anything having been lone. The plan was that the House and Senate committees should be formed and an- nounced about the same time, and it has been suggested that the announcement by Mr. Reed should be delayed to this end. Democrats in No Hurry. The democratic steering committee has sFown an indisposition to be hurried in this matter, and, after thelr meeting yesterday, the republicans were informed that they were not yet ready to submit a list of minority assignments. It is indicated that they are not ready to take the attitude of a minority, until the republicans have in scme way manifested their ability to play the majority part. Mr. Gorman and his colleagues are well informed of the fact that a considerable number of the sound morey republican Senators are opposed to a republican organization on such a plan as will insure the assistance of the popu- lists, and that they would like to see the reorganization plan defeated. As long as this situation exists the demo- cratic steering committee is rot going to be in any hurry. They have ample excuse for delay ia the fact that the proportion of minority representation which the republi- cans are willing to allow has been but just announced to them. This demonstrates the impossibility of the committee's reoragniza- tion being complete this week, unless there is a deal made suddenly by which the re- organization shall end with the committees. If possible, the active reorganizationists want to prevent adjournment.fo¥ the holi- days until the committee lists are filled, but they do not want this to appear as the reason for remaining in session. Populists Interested. The populists are Interested in the re- organization, because they will regard it as a victory for themselves, and this fact is suggested as an explanation of Mr. Al- len’s course yesterday. It is said that the suggestion has heen made to democratic sound money men that their party might prevent the finance committee under the plan of reorganization from being for free coinage, by putting sound money men on the minority. But the reply to this is that the democrats are not interested in reliev- ing the republicans from the embarrass- ment of this committee, which they would take control of only with the assent of the populists, and that, moreover, that the democratic steering committee have a much stronger silver sentiment in their party than have the republicans, and that they could nct get the party to agree to be represented on this committee by gold men. With this situation confronting them the democrats are very willing to be de- liberate in their action unless some special reason is shown them why they should make extraordinary haste. ——_-e-+____ AT THE WHITE HOUSE. Speaker Reed Called Upon the Presi- - dent Today. Speaker Reed was one of the early callers at the White House today. It is understood that he desired to inform the President of his purpose of announcirg the House com- mittees just prior to the adjournment of Congress for the Christmas recess. Anoth- er theory Is that he wished to know if the President had any communications to make that might render it desirable to keep the Congress in session during the holidays. erior Department Changes. following official changes have been made in the Department of the Interior: Patent office~Appointments—Edwin A. Hill of Connecticut, confidential clerk to the commissioner, $1,400, vice John W. Street, Connecticut, resigned; Clifton P. Townsend of Louisiana and Alston B. Moulton of Mas- sachusetts, fourth assistant examiners, $1,200. Promotions—Mayviile W. Twitchell ef New York and M Mary D. rter of Louisiana, copyists, $720 to $900. General land office—Promotion—Miss Au- gusta Erickson of Minnesota, transcriber, $600, to clerk, $000. Peasion office—Promotions—Miss Jennie S. Harvey of Michigan, $1,200 to $1,400; Miss Mary A. May of Louisiana, $1,000 to $1,2U0. Geological survey—Appointments, upon certification of civil service commission. John T. Bogard of Arkansas and Samuel F. Harvey of Ohio, messengers, $480. INTERSTATE COMMERCE. Muth Annual Report of the Commis- sion Made Public. The ninth annual report of the inter- state commerce commission, transmitted to Congress today, is largely given up to the defects in the law and amendments neces- sary to carry cut its purposes as originally intended by its authors. The amendments proposed are practically the same proposed to previous Congresses, but which have failed of enactment. What fs said about pooling is much the same as last year's report; practically it .s safd that if Congress shail determine to au- thorize and legalize pooling it should pro- vide necessary safeguards to prevent the abuse of the privilege. ——- e+ —_____ The Cruise of the Dolphin. Capt. Burwell, commanding the Dolphin, now at Norfolk, has informed the Navy Department that he will start to sea to- morrow, in obedience to orders, to make a survey cf the waters near the seacoast of Guatemala. The Dolphin will first stop at Key West for coal, and then proceed di- rect to Port Livingston, Guatemala, her headquarters during the progress of the survey, which will probably take several mont time. The special water to be surveyed is the gulf at the mouth of the Dulce river, which is destined as an an- chorage for vessels. It is understood the survey is to be made at the request of the Guatemalan government. 5 —_—_+-e+______ Grand Jury Indictments. The grand jury today returned the fol- lowing indictments: Wm. V. Flood, high- way robbery; Charles Mobley, John O'Don- nell and Charles Mobley, larceny from the person; Phillp Mills and Elizabeth Davis, adultery; Zachariah Sims, do.; Ma- jor Newton, assaulting an ofiicer; Edward Kemp, petit larceny, second offense; Orlan C. Culler, false pretenses; James Phillips and Percy Blagley, do.; Daniel Stoddard, assault with intent to kill. SSS Naval Movements. The flagship San Francisco arrived at Smyrna today. The cruisers Montgomery and Raleigh have dropped down into Hampton Roads from Norfolk, preparatory to joining Admiral Bunce’s squadron in a cruise, MODERATE IN TONE Utterance of the English Papers on the Situation. ROTHSCHILD DECLARES FOR PEACE Hope of a Pacific Settlement Ex- pressed in Russia. GEN. WALLACE’S: PREDICTION LONDON, December 20.—As an effect of the publication here of cablegrams quoting presidents of certain chambers of commerce in the United States as being opposed to war with Great Britain over the Venezuelan boundary question, there was a slightly bet- ter feeling on the stock exchange today, though the markets were still unsettled, and almost entire absence of business, attributa- ble in part to the nearness of holidays. Con- sols fell 1 1-16 to 1-8, but other first-class se- curities were generally firm. Americans, however, continue very flat, though there were one or two fractional gains. Baron Rothschild, discussing the situa- tion, said to a representative of the Asso- ciated Press: “From a business point of view, opinions cannot differy All I want is peace.” Continental opinion continues to support Great Britain, and this is naturally made most of by the English newspapers. Only the Russian opinicn thus far received here has been non-committal. A dispatch to the Standard from Paris dwells upon the fact that French opinion is valued in the United States more than that of any cther country, and adds: “The French people entertain the most friendly feelings for the United States, yet their opinion unanimously condemns Presi- dent Cleveland. Moderate Tone of the Preas. The press of Lendon and the provinces continues to be moderate in tone. The Bir- mingham Post, organ of the secretary of state for the colonies, the Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, says: ‘We rely much on the serious reflection of the better class of Amer- icans."” The BraGford Observer remarks: “So far as this nation is concerned, it should be assumed from the outset that under no con- celvable circumstance can the question be made a sufficient cause for war. At all costs, we stand for peace.” These opinions are only typical of the general drift of opinion in the provinces. Mr. T. P. O'Connor's Sun is a notable ex- ception to the general rule. It says: “To us, whose public men are almost without exception honest, it is incredible that states- men should be prepared to bring misery and death to thousands for the transient glories of office. That to President Cleveland such methods are possible is reason why -\merica should pause." The Sun also states that: “The southern states must be reckoned with. *Yankees’ is yet a term of reproach in the south, and tattered war flags of the capital, Richmond, are revered and sacred relics. The name of Jefferson Davis is a greater one to con- jure with than Cleveland. There are yet men living in the south who dream that the stars and bars will one day wave above the stars and stripes.” England Cannot Afford War. PARIS, December 20.--The secretary of the United States embassy here, Mr. Henry Vignaud, in an interview published in Gil Blas today, is quoted as saying: “The United States cannot permit any nation to forcibly annex any American ter- ritory. In this respect, the doctrine of President Cleveland is more moderate than the opinion of the immense majority of Americans. Our cnly fear is that men of prudent minds, like M Cleveland, will be overwhelmed. It is certain that the United States will yield nothing,and Great Britain, who has everything to lose in case of war, will recede, for war means that Canada will enter the federation, or the United States, and that the English trade will be destroyed within a month after the out- break of hostilities. into an open port will cost England dear. It would be the ruin of her colonial empire. “Unquestionably, France will take’ ad- vantage of the occasion to settle the ques- ticns of Egypt and m, and Russia will edvance her interests in the direction of india. These are the reasons why Great Britain will recede. The United States cannot yield a point of the principles of tne message. Sir Charles Dilke, who is now in this city, in an interview today, is quoted as saying that he approves of the attitude of the Marquis of Salisbury on the Venezue- Jan question, and corsiders that arbitration is impossible. He is said to have stated that if there would be hostilities it would he too deplorable to consider, and added that while a conquest of Canada by the United States was possible, it would be at the cost of crifices similar to those of the war cf secession. M. Francois Deloniele, affti-English mem- ber of the chamber of deputies, in an inter- view in the Matin today declare: United States has the law on her side, and that compulsory arbitration between’ Eu- rope and America is an excellent idea. Mediation in Suggested. ST. PETERSBURG, December 20.—The Russian newspapers generally discuss the Venezuelan question and express the belief that it will have a pacific issue. The Novosti considers that the position assumed by the United States is in conflict with the interests of the whole of Europe, and suggests that the mediation of certain European powers and a new and peaceful settlement therefcre would be opportune. England Would Be Bankrupted EVANSVILLE, Ind., December 20.—The annual meeting of the Indiana Loyal Legion was held here last night. Almost a full at- tendance was present and thirteen new ci didates were accepted. A banquet was held at the St. George Hotel with three hundred present, at which resolutions were unani- mously and with deafening applause adopt- ed approving the President's stand on th Monroe doctrine. Gen. Lew Wallace was vehemently ap- plauded when he said he Monroe doctrine is the glove of ch lenge thrown to all the great powers of rope. If one accepts the gage, it will in likelihood be with most others in the alli- ance. That Lord Salishury took six months to compose his response decli he arbi- tration to which he was invited, much more cd, reasonable is it to believe his lordship con- sumed three months looking for allies in case he refused to ar and in arms against us is one thing; all Euro with the exception of Rr i$ another. “Here is the conclustoz I wish it could be with that it would be an ¢; were sing] complete affair—a finalit with us at first; but we Before a year there would commerce; the interpretation of which simply universal British bankruptcy, at the end, as I see it, we would own ev thing on this side of the globe from the G of Mexico to the north pole; second, Rus: would be established in Constantinople a ngland lor affair if the duel le-handed, but that it would be a It would xo hard ‘ould not be idle. be no British is and hurrying the conclusion in British India. It all depends upon the constancy of uur peo- ple; if they endure and go grimly on, the hour will come when w n ‘efte wake the democracy of Englaad.” *New York Meeting Postponed. NEW YORK, December 20.—There will be no special meeting of the chamber of com- A few shells thrown | merce to consider the Venezuela situation, at least not until after the United States Senate shall have taken action. The peti- tion to have a meeting called, which was circulated yesterday, has been temporarily withdrawn. It has more than twenty sig- natures, only ten being reqtired to make the circumstance of a call incumbent upon the President. DISTRICT IN CONGRESS Bill to Enlarge the Jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals. What Senator Brice Says of It—Other Measures That Are of Local Interest. Mr. Brice introduced a bill in the Senate today relating to the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals of the District of Colum- bia. This measure has the approval of Attorney General Harmon, who prepared it, and who, in a letter of transmissai to Mr. Brice, says: “I am quite sure the moral as well as the legal position of the government will be greatly improved by the prompt passage of this bill." The bill provides as follor That the Court of Appeals of the Dis- trict of Columbia is hereby given jurisdic- tion cver any and all suits that may be brought by the United States to enforce or obtain other relief upon any lien or liens, or any railway or railways, or on any properiy belonging to one or more railway corporations wherever said property may be situated. Sec. 2. Separate liens upon different rail- ways or railway properties may be en- forced by :the United States in the same suit when such railways constitute or were intended to constitute, together, a through line, or are part of or connected with a through line or general system of rail- ways. The court shall have power to make such orders concerning the sale of said property as may be just and proper for the protection of the interests of all parties concerned. Sec. 3. Said court shall have power to issue process mesne and final, which shall run into any district and be served as other like process by the marshal of such dis- trict, and to enter all proper orders, de- crees and mandates, including orders, de- crees and mandates for the payment to the United States of any deficiency arising urcn a sale under such lien. Sec. 4. Holders of liens on any such rail- ways or property may be made parties to such suit, or may intervene if not made par- ties, and said court may order any and all proceedings by any party or parties in other courts having jurisdiction of part only of the property involved to be discontinued or stayed until the termination of such suit by the United States. Statues to Be Provided For. Mr. Quay introduced a bill in the Senate today for the purchase of a marble bust of General Phil. H. Sheridan, for which $5,000 is appropriated. Mr. Voorhees introduced a bill appro- priating $40,000 for the erection of an equestrian statue of the late Major Gen- eral Zachary Taylor, President of the United States and hero of Buena Vista, the same to be erected in ths city of Wash- ington. : y A National University. Mr. Kyle introduced in thé Senate a bill to establish a rational university. It is the same measure that was reported during the last Congress by the select committee to establish the University of the United States, of the Senate. To Protect the Parks. The Secretary of War has transmitted to Congress a draft of a bill proposed by Col. John M. Wilson, superintendent of public buildings and grounds, for the protection of the parks and public reservations of this city. The bill is drawn upon the lines of the statute now in force relating to the Capitol grounds. The bill was referred to the committee on public buildings and grounds. Bonrd of Audit Certificates. Mr. Wellington of Maryland has intro- duced a bill in the House for the redemp- tion of outstanding certificates issued by the board of audit and board of public works of the District of Columbia. by is- uing drawback certificates drawing 6 per cent interest. + e+. _____ HAYWARD'’S ALLEGED CONFESSION. Looked Upon as False as Regards the Californian Murder. LOS ANGELES, Cal., December 20.—The story told by Harry Hayward, recently ex- ecuted at Minneapolis for the murder of Miss Ging, regarding the murder of a Pasa- dena woman five years ago by him, is thought to be entirely false. Old citizens here fail to recall any mys- terious ppearance or mysterious cir- cumstances surrounding the departure of any Pasadena girl from the city at any time, and think that Hayward deliberately falsified. “There are those who declare that it is barely probable that such a murder might have been committed and the victim been a winter tourist here, but investiga- tion fails to unearth even a susplcious cir- cumstance that would connect Hayward with a murder here. Hayward is represented by a Minneapolis paper as confessing to the murder of five persons. The first victim was Carrie Hass in California. He is shown as having no regret for his crimes. He claimed to have hypnotized Blixt in the Ging murder and that the other was helpless. —— JAMES A. GARY WITHDRAWS. That This Practically As- Mr. Wellington's Election, h to The Evening Star. BALTIMORE, December 20,—It has just been announced that Mr, James A. Gary has decided to withdraw from the fight for the United States Senatorship, and will sup- port Congressman George L. Wellington. Mr. Gary heid a conference yesterday after neon wth Governor-eiect Lowndes, Atto. neral Clabaugh, and other leading re- ns, the result of which was his de- termination to withdraw. It is now claimed that this practically as- sures Mr. Wellington's eleciion us the next Senator from this state. S22 Asks Reinstatement. A number of people appeared-before the issioners in the interest of Edward a colored special officer whose i S recently revoked by the Arguments were made the good character of John- but the Commissioners reserved their Commissione tending to prove son, e Notice to Subscribers. Subscribers are earnestly requested to report any irregularity in the de- livery of The Star and also any fail- ure on the part of the carrier to ring the door tell. A proper service can only be main- tained through the courtesy of sub- scribers in reporting shorjcomings. NOT TO BE RECALLED No Action in Regard to Mr. Bayard _ at This Time, NO BASIS FOR A WAR SCARE Speculation as to the Commis- sion’s Composition. SOME NAMES SUGGESTED Reports were current here last night, due largely to the excited state of public feel- ing on the Venezuelan question and to the prior attack on him in the House of Repre- sentatives by Mr. Barrett and others, that the recall of Ambassador Bayard was im- minent. Private Secretary Thurber, when asked about them, made an absolute denial of their accuracy, adding that the ambassa- dor’s recall was not contemplated. At the British embassy the belief was expressed that the rumors were untrue. It is believed here that the President would not at this time make any change in our embassy to Great Britain, for it might aggravate the present situation and alienate the friends of Mr. Bayard in this country at a time when their good will is desired. It is also pointed out that regardless of how the administration may regard Mr. Bayard’s speeches, still, as they were char- acterized by expressions of good will to- ward the British people and hopes that nothing might ever come between the two great English-speaking nations, to base his recall upon any such grounds might very naturally be taken in Great Britain as an evidence of hostile perpose, which it is extremely impolitic to convey in the pres- ent crisis. No Basis for a War Scare. The feature of the situation today in Washington is the firmness of the convic- tion in all circles that there is no substan- tial basis for a war scare, and that if tur- bulent spirits on both sides of the Atlantic can be held in check the way is still open to a settlement of the Venezuelan question alike benerable to all parties concerned and without bloodshed. There is a growing in- disposition to qrowd Great Britain by re- fusing to treat the subject with that de- liberation that is permissible in all diplo- matic negotiations, and thus place her in a position where the issue might become one of national pride, instead of one to be settled soberly and judicially on its merits as a question of fact. This was evidenced In the abandonment of the idea, which was in favor yesterday in some quarters, of fix- ing an unreasonably short time limit on the work of the proposed commission, and still more strongly by the exclusion of the location of the boundary line from the task set for the commission. Composition of the Commiasion. Attention has been drawn to the question of the composition of the commission by the action of the Senate in suspending the law prohibiting any employe of the govern- ment from drawing two salaries, for it is understood that this is the direct outcome of a suggestion made to either Senator Morgan or Senator Lodge by Secretary Olney yesterday, and indicates that at least ore prominent official of the government centemplated as a member of the commis- sion. As Justice Harlan of the Supreme Court has’ actively interested himself in this matter, and has been in consultation with Secretary Olney thereon, it is suggest- ed that he has been kept in mind as a suitable person for membership. Another name that has been brought forward is that of Frank C. Partridge, who was not only solicitor of the Department of State, but afterward, and for some time during Secretary Gresham's administration, United States minister to Venezuela, but is now engaged in private business in Vermont. Mr. Partridge is reported to have made a special study of this whole boundary con- troversy while on the ground in Venezuela, and is consequently as well informed as ony. other public man in the matter of de- tails. In the class of government officials again the name of Assistant Secretary Rockhill of the Department of State is mentioned, and on the outside are suggested ex-Secre- tary Foster, Mr. Coudert and ex-Minister Phelps. 2 TO INSPECT THE TEXAS. Official Statement as to the Cause of Her Last Failure. The account of the last failure of the Texas to run her trial trip is contained in the following telegram from Capt. Glass to the Navy Department, describing yes- terday’s attempt off Sandy Hook: “Trial tcday a complete success for three hours and five minutes, when we were compelled to stop from an accumulation of water in the crank pits, owing to inefficient drain- age. I recommend going to a navy yard to put in proper pipes and bilge pumps. Four days will be required to get ready for a new trial, and then there would be no certainty of success with the present drainage system. If new pipes are ordered the probable time would be ten days. The contract horse power was exceeded. The average speed was 7.8 knots, and the best speed, knots for ten minutes.” Acting Secretary McAdoo has by tele- graph ordered the.Texas to remain at her present anchorage, and has not ordered a new trial. The inspection board will be gent to New York to make a thorough ex- amination of thé ship Monday, excluding the engines, with which they have nothing to do. The vessel has not yet been inspected in this manner. The vessel must undergo another trial,of course,before the machinery can be accepted from the contractors, but just when has not yet been determined. It may be that a special board will be convened to examine the machinery and make recommendations to insure its success, and it wil ldetermine whether the past failures are to be accounted for by defects in the engines themselves, or in the lack of suffi- cient support for them—which would ac- count for the deflection of the shafting and the consequent heating of the journals. As far as the bilge pumps are concerned, it is said that they were never designed to re- move the great quantity of water thrown upcn the bearings to keep them cool. eee FUNERAL, CAPT. BASSETT’S A Senate Committee Appointed to At- tend the Services. The arrangements for the funeral of the late Isaac Bassett have been changed. Ser- vices will be held at 2,30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church, 4% street northwest, and Dr. Sunderland and the chaplain of the Senate will officiate. In the Senate today Mr. Gorman intro- duced a resolution asking that a committee be appointed to attend the funeral. The Vice President appointed on this committee Senators Gorman, chairman; Sherman, Haw- ley, Peffer, Mitchell of Oregon and Roach, Denth of Col. Parker's Mother. Col. Myron M. Parker received word this morning of the death of his mother in the old home in Vermont. Col. Parker leaves for Vermont this afternoon. Mrs. Parker was eighty-three years old. She suffered a stroke of paralysis a few days ago, and her recovery seemed likely, because of her vigorous physique. She was conscious until a few hours before her ccath. Col. Parker's many friends sincerely sympathize with him in his affliction. THE PANICKY SITUATION The President Informed of the Slump in the New York Market, Probable Special Message to Con- gre on the Subject and a Bond Issue — The Gold Reserve.. The news that there had been a big slump in stocks on both the New York and London exchanges and that the gold withdrawals for export today would ap- proximate $4,000,000 and possibly more, created something of a sensation among Treasury officials. At about noon Assist- ant Secretary Curtis had a conversation with New York parties over the long dis- tance telephone, and at its conclusion hur- riedly left the department for the White House, where the cabinet was in session. He was shown into the President's room, where he was joined immediately by Sec- retary Carlisle. The substance of Mr. Cur- tis’ information was laid before the Presi- dent and the cabinet. What measures, if any, will be taken at once by the govern- ment to allay the panicky situation is problematical, but ther: yw seems to be no reasonable doubt that in case of the continued large withdrawals of gold, even | for another week, the President will send a message to Congress urging the gravity of the situation as a reason for immediate and favorable action on the recommenda- tion already mad@ that the Secretary of the Treasury be authorized to issue low- rate bonds to preserve the integrity of the gold reserve. In the absence of prompt legislation in this direction, it is not doubt- ed that another bond issue under the same authority as the preceding ones will be | announced. The present situation is not regarded as materially different from that which has prececed other issues, nor are the conditions regarded as any more fa- vorable for a speedy termination of the cutflow of gold. Already the reserve has reached a point in downward course considerably below 371,000,000. ——-2+—___ SOME STRIKERS GIVE WAY. Conductors Who Return to Their Cars in Philadelphia. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., December 20.— The trolley strike situation is practically unchanged today and everything is quiet. A few more cars are running,but very few. The officials of the Union Traction Com- pany say that the ultimatum posted in the various depots last night, notifying the motormen and conductors that their places would be held open only this morning, and if they failed to return to work new men would be hired, had the effect of causing a number of strikers to desert the ranks. Most of the uniformed men working today are conductors. Nearly all of the motor- men are green hands. All the cars on the streets still have two policemen on each platform, and very few passengers inside. The entire police force, augmented by hundreds of extra men, is on duty in the neighborhood of the post office, where serious disturbances occurred yes- terday. Market street is lined with police- men, who have instructions to keep the crowds moving at all hazards. The court- yard of the city hall is filled with a re- serve fcrce of policemen, about 150 of whcm are provided with horses. The weather continues fine. . Attorney General Harmon has instructed the United States marshal at Philadelphia to take whatever steps icay be necessary to insure the free and uninterrupted pas- sage of the United States mails over such railways in Philadelphia as are equipped with postal cars. This action is the result of a conference yesterday afternoon over the long-distance telephone between the Attorrey General at this end and Gen. Neilson of the Post Office Department and the marshal of Philadelphia at the other end. The Attorney General made it clear that the United States would take no part one way or the other in the troubles re- sulting from the railroad strike, excevt in so far as it might be necessary to prevent any interference with the mails. The marshal was instructed to see that the postal cars went over the city lines according to their regular schedule, and to this end he was authorized to employ addi- tional deputies, and to take whatever other measures were necessary. He was strictly enjoined to do nothing to exeite the strikers. As this might result from the use of an extra number of postal cars, it was agreed that the regular schedule of trips should not be exceeded under existing conditions, unless made absolutely neces- sary by the needs of the postal service. It is understood that the Attorney General personally sympathizes with the strikers, and that he has privately cautioned thc marshal against doing anything that might have a contrary appearance. ———.—__- PRESSURE PUT ON CAMPOS. Cubans Must Be Defeated to Enable Spain to Float a Loan. KEY WEST, Fla., December 20.—Advices from Havana state that Campos will make desperate efforts immediately to break the power of the Insurgents. He has deter- mined to force the fighting, because of urgent orders from Madrid. The cabinet has informed Campos that unless decisive victories are won over the insurgents im- mediately it will be impossible for Spain to procure money to maintain her army on the island. The minister of finance has said that the Spanish treasury is empty, and the insurgents have made such a showing that it is impcssible to float a new loan in any European capital. In view of this Campos is plainly told that unless the rebellion is broken shortly Spain may as well withdraw from the island. Campos has, therefore, resolved upon heroic measures. It is said he has instructed the Spanish officers to give no quarter to the Cubans in arms, and to treat non-combat- ants as mercilessly as in the last revolu- tion. Much excitement prevails in Havana over a report that a great battle will occur near Matanzas within twenty-four hours. It was stated that 4,000 Spaniards, under General Pando, were facing 5,000 Cubans, under Maceo, and news of a collision is momen- tarily expected. ——— THE STATE AS LIQUOR SELLER. South Carolina Expects $300,000 Next Year. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. COLUMBIA, 8S. C., December 20.—South Carolina is finding ber trade in rum profita- ble. The report of the state liquor commis- sioner for the quarter ending October 31 shows that the total profit made to that date is’ $210,000. The total assets are now $284,000, and the liabiiities about $74,000. The dispensary has paid back the $50,000 loaned by the state to commence business on, and covered $50,000 more into the state treasury to pay the expenses of tne constitutional contention just adjourned. The cost of maiz taining the constabulary for the quar- ter was $11,500, and the profits from confis- cated liquors were $4,000. The sales for Au- gust were $44,000; for September, $0,300, and for October, $111,800. The :ncrease still con- tinues, and the addition of a night force at the wholesale dispensary has scarcely been able to supply the demand for state rum for tne past two months. It is expected that the profits will be more than $300,000 next year. As the new consti- tuticn going into effect on December 31 pro- vides that all of the profits hitherto going to the state ar2 to be placed to the credit of the cominen school fund, the friends of the dispensary expect this to cause a much in- creased patronage by the people of the state. to Make DISCUSSING THE BILL Senators Talk on the Venezuelan Commission Act. SOME AMENDMENTS PROPOSED Mr. Lodge Warns the Wall Street Speculators. BRIEF HOUSE SESSION One of the most eloquent and significant Prayers in the history of congressional procedure was delivered by the blind chap- lain of the Senate, Rev. Dr. Milburn, at the opening of the Senate proceedings to- day. With the Venezuelan resolution pending and the debate about to be renew- ed, the direct references to the horrors of war and the invocation against the shed- ding of blood between the two great En- glish-speaking people were followed with breathless attention by the crowded gal- leries and with noticeable attention and respect by the Senators. At the close of the prayer, on motion of Mr. Mitchell (Ore.), the Senate directed that the invoca- tion be spread at length on the Record— an unusual mark of respect. The Chaplain’s Prayer. “Forbid,” invoked the chaplain in im- pressive tones, “that the two foremost nations of the world, which bear the name of Christians, with one language, one faith, one baptism, one Lord, shall be embroiled in war with all its horrors and barbarisms, Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be saved from imbruing our hands in each otver’s blood. Let the spirit of justice and magnanimity prevail among the rulers of both nations and among the people, the kindred people, of the two fands so that all differences and difficulties may be amicably and satisfaetorily settled, and the Lord’s name may be glorified by the establishment of concord, amity and brotherly kindness. May this become an august and memora- ble Christmas in the history of the En- glish-speaking world and of the whole earth. Let health, prosperity, brotherly kindness and charity pervade all our land and our motherland. And may God be glorified and the reign of Jesus Christ, our Savior, be established, we humbly pray Thee in His sacred name. Amen.” After the prayer the chaplain moved to the arena in the rear of the chamber, where he received the congratulations and thanks of many Senators. A resolution was agreed to, asking the Postmaster General for information as to the alleged practice of fining postal em- ployes. Mr. Mitchell (Ore.), in introducing a Dill concerning the tariff on wool, gave notice that he would move to have it incorporated in any tariff measure coming from the finance committee. Imports From Great Brita! Mr. Chandler (N. H.) secured the sus- persion of the rules and the adoption of a resolution calling on the Secreiary of the ‘Treasury for information as to the imports into the United States during the last five years from Great Britain and her de- pendencies; also as to the extent of Brit- ish tonnage entering the ports of the United States. The resolution of Mr. Peffer, directing the interstate commerce commission to inquire into the recent iraffic agreement between various railway lines, was agreed to. The resolution of Mr. Allen (Neb.), for a coinege of silver to meet the exigencies of war, came over from yesterday, and Mr. Allen addressed himself to it in a facetious vein. He read, with running comments, Mr. Chandler's bill “to increase the arma- ment of the United States. He referred also to the belligerency of the bills presented by Mr. Hale (Me.) to in- crease the navy, and Mr. Davis (Minn.), in- quiring as to British aggression in Alaska, And yet, said Mr. Allen, this was all the result of an enunciation of the Monroe doc- trine. This doctrine was put forward by the President as though it was something new—as though it had never been heard of before. In the judgment of Mr. Allen, the President recognized that, having lost the confidence of the American people, it was desirable to adopt this means to restore to some extent the respect and confidence of the people. If the threatening front pre- sented by the President, if these belligerent bills were offered in good faith, then, said the Senator, it was essential to prepare for the tremendous outlay attending such a conflict. He urged as a measure of finan- cial safety that the free coinage of gold and silver on equal terms be considered by the finance committee. Mr. Platt (Conn.) sought to sidetrack the resolution by moving a reference to the finance committee. Mr. Harris (Tenn.) added an appeal as to the “perfect harmlessness” of the resolu- tion, as it did not direct action, but merely asked the finance committee to consider the desirability of action. The Resolution Agreed To. The motion to refer was defeated, 24-36. The resolution was then agreed to without division. Mr. Platt sought to have struck out the warlike preamble. Mr. Allen consented to have this struck out. The Venerzucian Commission. This cleared the way for a renewal of the direct consideration of the Venezuelan com-} mission bill, as discussed yesterday, and as amended by the committee on foreign rela-! tions today. Mr. Morgan presented the amended bill, and asked its immediate con- sideration. The amended bill is as follows: | ‘That the sum of $100,000, or so much there- of as may be necessary, be and the same is hereby appropriated for the expenses of a commission, to consist of three members, to’ be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to in- vestigate and to report to him the facts in regard to the divisional line between the republic of Venezuela and British Guiana, Provided, that section 2 of the act approved July 31, 1894, making appropriations for the legislative, executive and judicial expenses of the government shall not apply to any commissioners appointed under this act. Mr. Morgan briefly explained the feature of the provision which was intended to overcome that feature ofethe present law which did not permit a public official to cceupy two government places with com- pensation. Favored the House Reselution. Mr. Platt urged that the House resolution be adopted without change. He depre- cated the talk of war. The American peo- ple would not seek war, nor would they, ff need be, avoid any responsibility. Rut the conditions did not warrant heated talk of hostilities. The Senator reviewed the Prest- dent’s message. There were some things in it to which all assented; some which were @pen to question. In referring to the committee amend- ments, Mr. Platt said: “Any ameidment will be construed in England as a refusa! by the Senate to up+ hold the President. There should be noth- ing done to allow this false impression to get_abroad. a “The idea scems to prevail in England,”* proceeded Mr. Platt, “that this entire mat~ ter is a part of American political cam- paigning. It is most important that the British authorities and people have their minds disabused of this errors ahs — can le were never more. Since the breaking out of the revolution than they are today.” Mr. Platt then proceeded to show that ary amendment of the bill by Congress would indicate to England that the law-