Evening Star Newspaper, December 24, 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 Oompany, S. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. = = i New York Office, 49 Potter Building, ao The Evening Star is served to sabseribers tn the cliy by enetlers, ob thelr owa ace at 10 conte per Wee, cr 44 cents per i ‘opies at the cennter 2 rents each. By aimil—anywhere fn the United States or Canada—postage prepaid—o0 ven.s Star. $1 per sear, with $3.00. Nive at Washinston, D. c.. sail watt 1 andvert ne must he pald in adeance Knewn on application THE TARIFF BILL ———— The Sugar Schedule Excepted From the Horizontal Increase, WOOL GROWERS WANT A HEARING — Opposition Being Developed to the Plan in the Senate. —s WILL GO THROU —~ SE Hi THEHO The sugar Schedule, from a special proviso, Is ted the application of the horizontal | e of 15 per cent in the tariff schedules provided for in the ways and means bill. It was decided In the co: mittee that there should be no chan whatever in duties on su The r the bill is as It has been previoust: nounced, except that it has heen de that the iron and steel schedule shall have the benefit of the horizoatal rate. It was sald in the committee that this schedule did not need this a matter of prote but this bill, z for revenue only, it made no difference about that. Ther have been many appeals for hearings be- fore the committee, but all have been re- fused. Wool Growers Protest. The Wool Grower: ition, of which Jur e William Law president, are issatistied with wh posed to do for wool. Jue appealed to the committee teday to permit him to make an argument on the ease, urging that what Was proposed weuld not afford any relief to the wool growers He was informed that there ¥ no purpos ‘ord p te in this bill; that the purpose was to supply r in such a manner as w a direct repudiation of the an position © committee doe prepose to allow re than or for the tion of h of the ‘ills they rt, and €y are inclined to in passage of both on Thirsday. cencliston hoth bills will bey t throveh th e promptly. attention {s now betn, to the Senate. Opposition in the Senate. To the surprise of the House mana censiderable opposition has been - among S ors to the tariff plan. - rows, Hale and other Senators, who believe nd money and protection, gruve objectfons to the horizontal fe: of the mezsure. ft is held that the Morrison horizont Will having been so ge mule y republicans, it would b to adopt the principle no is pointed out t that p ‘atio of rates in the present law for the most part. Every argument available is being used to overcome this objection, but it is still un- tain whether the bill can get in the snate the support of those very men hose opposition was not thought of as a pessthility, ‘This adds to the perplexity of the situation. Agricultural Products. is a strong movement, that may successful, to have the ural products raised | the contemplated rate of 25 ver cent an the Wilson bill rates to f the McKin ng this 2 on the same s with wool and The announcer of the com- lan has ¢ d the movement fo jan caucus on the bill, walch w 1 by western members, to be nearly e plan will give the silve leans an opportunity to place th ¢s on r 1 by voting against the bond bill, and together with the pr a ad- Yane riff rates on lumber, Iural gric’ k, practically satisfies ires. orning the full committee held a formal m ef a resclution to have th nual me ways and means ting and adopt- - President's an- din mére routine man- Yer. This afternoon, however, the republl- can members > another conference on the tariff hill I ratle Course f Action. The House de ats, particularly those who have favored legislatlon for the in- creased coinage of r, have held informal cor nees today to determine their course when the republican revenue and 1 bilis are presented in the H Ice, All of the democrats, practically, will oppc the bill for tariff ad but ft d that some of th@® gold demo - for-the bond bill, the republican mnting upon € xh votes from position of west- eolning the s! r 1 by the iast Cong oed by sident, but to this bill modified will re for rejemption of green- prit nge in the forage bill will be aission of that part i lered available enlorage e use of sil- The framers of the bill hold that ths feature is not neces * Decause there is mo immediate defies. with the present amount of silver in the treasury. The other feature of the plan swill provide for the redemption of greenba in silver when- ever the sme in the treasury below $169,000,06 his may be ered in amendment to the seignior: 11, more votes can b mustered for the er than for the latter Proposition. The democrats who favor the Plan intend, of course, mi Selves on record as consi: 1 policy. re to place them- nt in their finan- PUMPING OUT Work Progressing tpt. Gall Gen. Craighill, chief of engincers, @ Star reporter today that Capt. Gaillard, who is superfnterding the work of pump- ing out the Lydecker tu wnel, has reported that he 1s getting along finely with the work. The leaks in the tunnel at Rock ereek, which had seriously tmpeded the work at first, have been s opped, and, as @ consequ of the water in the tunnel about three feet by terday’s pumpin Gen. Craighill is much pleased over the favoralils turn of things, and said that if e present rate of progress was main- tained the tunnel would be cleared of water and ready for inspection in a few apt. Gaillard 1s prosecuting his vigorously, and 4s soon as he reports tunnel ready for inspection the board of expert engineers will reassemble in this city. It is their purpose to inspeet the tunnel {ts entire length of five miles, in order to determine its practicability as a conduit of water from the Georgetown dis- tributing to the new reservoir just east of Howard University. t is expected that the board will be ready to report {ts conclusions as to the Best method of increasing the local water supply almost immediately after its in- Spection of tne tunnel. The avafiability of that tunnel is an important factor in the solution of the wate? question, and this can only be established by a persoval examl- Ration of its condition. Che Hveni g Star. No. 13,356. WASHINGTON, D.C, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. — MR. CLARKE'S PETITION His Protest Acainst His Removal as Ex- Chief am’‘ner- He Claims That the President Had No Authority to Create a Vacancy and Appoint His Successor. Mr. Allison presented in the Senate today a petition of Rufus L. B. Clarke, aecompa- nied by a brief on the power of removal of officers appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, together with a protest of Mr. Clarke against his removal as examiner-in-chief in the vatent office, and to the appointment of John H. Brick- enstein as his successor. Mr. Clarke states that he was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as examiner-in- chief April 21, 1869, and served until Feb- ruary 19, 1895, when he was requested by the commissioner of patents to resign, the request being coupled with the assurance that it was by the request of th. cretary of the Interior, and with the approval of the President. Mr. Clarke asks that his statement be cansidered by the tommittee on nts before acting on any nomination referred to them to fill a supposed vacaney caused by his removal. ‘0 show that no good grounds existed for his removal, Mr. Clarke says that when ame known that his resignation had called for nearly all the attorneys he been doing business before the office in W: ington, Boston, New York, Chic and other s forwarded to the Pr lent and Secretary of the Interior ts of his ability and remonstra: his removal. aving decli Mr. Clar removed on Februd :, and he ela that this proceeding, during a ree ogress, Was without ‘sanction of 1 by President Cleveland Mr. Cl ppropriate that this order should have n gned, ‘Caesar, thout the appendage of ‘Emperor. ” Thi iucism was brought out by the fac the order for Mr. Clarke’s re- mo s signed merely “Grover Cleve- Jand,” with no affixed title to show his offic Mr. Clarke says: he Senate adjourned March 4, and early on March 5 Mr. Cleveland, before starting on his fishing excursion, appointed the same Mr. Brickenstein to fill the supposed vacan- y caused by my supposed removal during the session of the Senate, The removal, If | valid, had not taken effect according’ to its express terms. It will be noticed that this appointment of a successor was sought | to be made through the supposed only regu- lar course, and with the advice and con- sent of the Serate.’ 1 held the position on the board of appeals until the Ist of April, 1805, when Mr. Brickenstein took-my place, und I immediately filed a protest with the Secretaries of the Interior and of the Treas- ury. Mr. Clarke further claims that while the Constitution gives the President authority “to fill all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate by granting com- missions which shall expire at the end of the ne: sion,” it does not give him power to make vacancies, as he 1s given power to fi ancies that may “happen” during TALKING ABOUT FI nt Conferences Ti Vhose High in Authority. Chairman Dingley of the ways and means committee had a conference lasting an hour and a half with Secretary Carlisle at the Treasury Department this morning in re- gard to legislation for the relief of the finan- cial situation. Mr. Dingley desired to as- certain the etary’s views on the varlous measures proposed before submitting them to the action of the committee. After a full and free exchange of views, the Secretary of the Treasury went to the White House and had a half hour's conference with the President before the assembling of the cabl- net. That their conference was of an unusual- ly important character ts evidenced by the fact that it was resumed immediately upon the adjournment of the cabinet. At the request of the President, Secretary La- mont, who is taking a deep interest in the financial tion just at present, remained in cos with the President and his financial minister. It is very evident that something 1s up, but its character has not yet beea devel- oped. Although it is not likely that a bond issue will be made until Congress has had an opportunity to act on the President's recommendations, there is reason to believe than an important financial move is imml- nent. It is reported that about $6,000,000 In gold will be withdrawn for export between new and Sunday next, in which event the gold reserve will be less than $65,000,000. —————_-e-—____. "Ss CABINET MEETING, TODA It Was na Brief One — Turkeys for White House Employes. The cabinet meeting today lasted only a short time, and Secretary Olney, who was detained at the State Department to re- celve the House foreign affairs committee, was present only during the last half hour. But then he and Secretary Lamont had spent some time with the President earlier in the day, and presumably transacted business requiring the President's atten- tion advance. About noon messages in were sent to the various departments from the cabinet oflicers at the White House directing that such of the employes as could be spared, be excused for the after- noon, In conformity with the good old cus- tom ‘on Christmas eve, and the employes were quick to take advantage of this act of consideration. here was a presage of Christmas in the air at the White House in the number of josely wrapped parcels of all sizes that be- 1 to come early in the day, by mail and express aid messengers, addressed to the President and every membér of the house- hold, not forgetting the babies, The Presi- dent himself remembered all of the faithful employes of the house and bestowed upon them fine fat turkeys for their Christmas dinners, and as the members of the cab- inet left the White House, each carried a big apple, the gift of Secretary Morton. Senator Lodge was the only caller of note at the White House during the fore- noon aside from the cabinet. Although the cabinet meeting proper ad- journed shortly after noon, Secretaries Carlisle and Lamont remained behind for a further conference over the financial situaticn. ——— Personal Mention. Mr, Stephen C. Mason, assistant statis- tictan of the Interstate commerce commls- sion, has resigned to accept a responsible position with one of the extensive iron in- dustries of Pittsburg, Pa. School Superintendent Powell left last evening for Springfield, II, where he will attend a meeting of the State Teachers’ Association, During the meeting Mr. Pow- ell fs to deliver an address on manual training. . Mr. Oden B, Shaw of Pittsburg, Pa., is spending the holidays at the home of hig mother, Mrs. J. W. Shaw, No. 431 P street northwest. The Marquis Malaspina, the new first secretary of the Italian embassy, has ar- rived in the city. Maj. J. G. Turnbull, first artillery, is in the city'on leave. He is at 2017 F street. Capt. Charles Willcox, medical depart- ment, on duty at West Point, is here for the holidays. Lieut. H. D. Todd, jr., third artillery, is visiting friends at 151) 20th street. Gen. Miles returned to the city today from Philadelphia, where he was enter- tained at dinner last evening. CHRISTMAS CHEER It Will Be Enjoyed by the President and the People Alike. HOLIDAY TIMES IN CABINET HOMES How the Day Will Be Enjoyed by Other Prominent People. PLEASANT PERSONALS ———— Wars and rumors of wars will not be per- mitted to interfere with the merrymaking in the households of the President and the members of his cabinet tomorrow. The President and Mrs. Cleveland will observe the day quietly, as usual. They have pro- vided a large Christmas tree and lots of other things for the entertainment of Ruth, Esther and Marion. Scores of pres- ents for each member of the family were delivered at the mansion today by the ex- pressmen and other messengers. Tomor- row will be strictly children's day at the White House, and a good time is promised for everybody. The Vice President and Mrs. Stevenson and their daughters will be the guests of Mrs. M. T. Scott, Mrs. Stevenson's sister, at her residence on 16th street at dinner tomorrow. Mr. Lewis Stevenson is trav- eling in Japan, and his wife's health will not permit her to engage in the festivities of the season. risimus With the Cabinet. ‘The Secretary of State and Mrs. Olney will dine at home with their daughter, Mrs. Mi- not, and her son. They will probably have a few guests. Secretary end Mrs. Cariisle will have a complete family circle tomorrow, due to the arrival of their son, Mr. William Carlisle, with his wife and three children, who are here for the holidays. Mr. and Mrs. Logan Carlisle will be present, aS usual. Secretary and Mrs. Lamont have returned from New York, and have arranged to give their three children the happiest kind of a Christmas at their home on H street. Dur- ing the holidays the children will give a party to their many juvenile frien ds. Secretary Herbert will have his entire family with him tomorrow, Miss Herbert returned from Europe and Master Herbert being home from celle; The family circle is complete by the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Micou, the ecretary’s daughter. They will have an old-fashioned southern Christmas celebra- tion. Sickness at Secretary Smith's. The holiday season has been darkened for Secretary and Mrs. Smith by the serious illness cf their little daughter, Lucy. The Secretary's father and mother and his brother, Mr. Burton Smith, are expected to spend the holidays with them. The Postmaster General and Mrs. Wilson will have all their children with them at Christmas dinner except one who is abroad. Miss Wilson and her younger sister are home from college and have several school friends as guests. Attorney General and Mrs. Harmon will have with them their married daughter, Mrs. Edward Wright of Philadelphia, to- gether with her husband and little baby, the latter being the only child in the house- hold. Mrs. Wright will remain here all winter. Secretary and Mrs. Morton and Miss Mor- ton will remain quietly at home tomorrow with a few intimate friends as guests at dinner. Anxiots New Yenr for Mr. Blackburn. Senator Blackburn will eat his Christmas turkey in Kentucky, where he will remain until after the holidays. On the first Tues- Gay of January the Kentucky legislature will elect Mr. Blackburn’s successor in the United States Senate, and he has aot yet given up the fignt to succeed himself. Senator Aldrich has gone to his home in Rhode Islard, where he will enjoy the pieasures of a Christmas dinner. Jndges and Other Court Officials. The members of the Court of Appeals and of the District Supreme Court, with a single exception, Judge MeComas, will spend Christmas day at home. Judge Me- Comas will spend the day at the home ef his fother-In-law, Mr. Humrickhouse, at Williamsport, Md. . With rare exceptions, all the other city hall officials stated that they had deter- mined to spend the great holiday with their families, and those who have small chil- Gren proudly declared that the Christmas tree would be the feature of the day. In- deed, some whose children are no longer small or young admitied that the tree would not be missing. Pleasure Will Follow. Judges Miller and Kimball of the Police Court will spend tomorrow morning in court. Judge Miller will spend the remainder of the day at home with his wife and babies, who returned this morning from a month's visit to Atlanta. The judge made all the neces- sary Christmas preparations before the re- turn of his family, and the children will have one of the handsomest trees in the city. Judge Kimball will follow his usual cus- tem of having a family reunion, and all the members of the family, with the exception of a daughter, who is In Nebraska, will be present at the Christmas gathering. Prosecuting Attorney Pugh will spend the day at home entertaining his daughter, Gladys, who, for the first time, will enjoy the festive season. Senator Pugh and ex- Congressman Sowden, the child’s grand- parents, have showered presents on their little granddaughter, and Pa Pugh expects to spend the happiest Christmas of his life torr orrow because of the happiness that will be brought to his first child. Other Well-Known People. Major Moore, chief of police, will greet his nine lieutenants at headquarters in the morning and will spend the afternoon at home. Chief Clerk Sylvester of the police de- partment will attend to his duties in the morning at headquarters, and in the after- noon he will entertain’ several taembers of Congress and their friends at dinner. Mr. John R. Young, clerk of the District Supreme Court, left town this morning for Brooklyn, where he will spend Christmas with friends. Christmas Among Congressmen. Notwithstanding the fact that Congress has declined to take a holiday recess, many members of the Houre will spend Chiist- mas day at thelr own homes. There was an exodus of men before action was taken on the recess resolution, a recess being re- garded as sure, and many have gone home anyhow. The majority of the absentee re- publicans are expected to return to Wash- ington by Thursday noon, information hay- ing been telegraphed them by members of their respective delegations that thelr pres- ence is desired when the revenue bill comes up Thursday. Among the members of the House who have gone away for Christmas are Watson, Ohio; White, Illinois; Wilson, New York; Wilson, Ohio; Arnold, Rhode Island; Moody, Massachusetts; Wagner, Pennsylvania; Walker, Virginia; Van Voorhis, Ohio; Ty- ler, Virginia; Tucker, Virginia; Skinner, North Carolina; Smith, Michigan; Spalding, Michigan; Spencer, Mississippl; Stephenson, Michigan; Strong, Ohio; Rusk, Maryland; Power, Vermont; Perkins, Iowa; Miller, West Virginia; Money, Mississippl; Morse, Massachusetts; Moses, Georgia; Otjen, Wis-, consin; McEwan, New York; Mahon, Penn- svivania; Loudenslager, New Jersey; Kerr, Ohio; Kyle, Mississipp!; Lawson, Georgia; Lefever, New York; Leisenring, Pennsyl- vania; Howe, New York} Hulick, Ohio; Har- rison, Alabama; Harris, Obio; Hall, Mis- scurl; Hainer, Nebraska; Hager, Iowa; Grout, Vermont; Grosvenor, Ohio; Griswold, Pennsylvania; Dayton, West Virginia; Erd- man, Pennsylvania; Fenton, Ohio; Foot, New York; Foss, Ilinofs; Cooke, Mlinois; Cobb, Alabama; Bromwell, Qhi Bull, Rhode [sland; Burton, Ohio; Chickering, New York; Barney, Wisconsin; Avery, Mich- igan, and Acheson, Pennsylvania. THE VENEZUELACOMMISSION The President Has Selected the Men to Serve. But Their Names Not to Be Announced Until He is Satisfied They Will Serve. The President has selected the members of the Venezuela boundary commiss‘on, but will not announce their appointment until he ts satisfied they will all serve. The com- mission will be limited to three members and will be composed of the best material that can be secured. Cons‘derable specula- tion is being indulged in as to the per- sonality of the membors, but authentic in- formation on the subject 8 exceedingly scarce. Among the names included in the Kst from which the Pres'dent is said to have made his selection are Chief Justice Fuller, Associate Justices Harlan, Brewer and Brown, ex-Secretary J. W. Foster, Mr. Coudert of New York, ex-Secretary Fair- child, ex-Secretary Whitney, Mr. Don M. Dickinson, ex-Senator Edmunds, ex. ter Phelps, ex cnister White, Mr. J. M. Carter of New York, Gen. Schofield, Gen. Casey, Senator Lindsay of Kentucky, ex- Minister Lincoln, Prof. A. B. Andrews and ex-Minister Winchester of Kentucky. The probabilities are that the commission will consist of two democrats and one republi- can, and that it will be announced before the close of the present week. ———_--e COMMANDER LUDLOW’S CASE. The Recommendation for His Promo- tion Finally Approved. The President has at last acted upon the cases of Commander Nicoll Ludlow and Passed Assistant Engineer John R. Ed- wards, which have been before him for sev: eral months. These two officers were ex- amined for promotion, and in eath case the report of the examining board was favor- able. The President today approved the re- port in each case, and both officers’ were advanced one grade in the service. The case of Commander Ludlow has excited great interest in the navy, Imasmuch as failure to act upon it had effectually blocked all promotions ‘below the grade of captain. This officer has been twice examined for promotion and passed each time, and the two reports were approved by the Secretary of the Navy. The President disapproved the repcrt of the first board, and a second examination was had by a new board, based on the President's objections. The’ result was the same as before, aid ;hé President finally consented to Ludlow’s promotion. It is said the President's reason for with- holding his approval to the report of the first examining board was thgt Ludlow had stultificd himself in the case of Lieutenant Commander Sperry, having made two de- dedly conflicting reports as to his effl- ciency while serving under him as execu- tive of the Quinnebaug. Capt. Ludlow ex- plained this inconsistency, it is said, by say- ing he was not mentally responsible at the time he reported against his brother officer, in consequence of a severe earache. The President concluded to accept this explana- tion as the easiest way of settling a case that had given him considerable trouble. a ae = COAST DEFENSES. Miles Finds How Weak They Are in the South, It is now learned that {he main purpose of Gen. Miles’ visit to the cities of our South Atlantic coast was to ascertain by personal inspection the actual condition of the coast defenses in that section, and to call the at- tentlon of the southern people to the ex- posed position they would occupy in the event of hostilities. He was particularly im- presscd with the antiquated condition of the defenses at Fort Monroe, which are relied upon not only to guard the national capital and Baltimore and Norfolk and Richmond from attack by water, but even more to form an impregnable base of naval operations and a safe refuge for our warships in the event that they are forced to retire before an overwhelming hostile naval force. Althou; the War Department has very little money available, it will probably take immediate steps to improve the defenses there, relying upon suffic ent appropriations from the pres- ent Congress to restore the works to the standing they had at the breaking out of the civil war, ramely, one of the strongest systems of defense in the world. A Young Globe Trotter. Richard Vincent of New York, fourteen years of age, the youngest globe trotter on record, who asserts that he has been given Interviews by mast of the great rulers of the world, called at the White House today to add President Cleveland to his list. The President was too busy to see him, however, and he was obliged to content himself with talking to a few of the cabinet officers, SS asi Called on Secretary Olney. The House committee on foreign affairs, headed by Chajrman Hitt, called upon Sec- retary Olney at the State Department to- day to pay their respects, as is usual at the beginning of a new Congress. The Secre- tary received the-committee im the diplo- matic room. % Clerks Were Given] Presents. One of the very pleasant fintidents which sometimes mark departmental Jife occurred in the War Department thts afternoon, when each clerk and employe of the in- spector general's office was made the re- cipient of a handsome and ‘useful gift through the generosity of Gen. Joseph C. Breckinridge, the inspector general of the army. The clerks aft d assembled in the general's room, and pleasant greet- igs were exchanged with their chief. —— ee _ Increased Customs Duties. The State Department is informed that the Santo Domingo gcevernment has im- posed an additional charge on all .mports and exports. of 2 per cent, which is to be. calculated on the total amount of each bquidation. The principal-articles of ex- pert to the United Staes are coffee and sugar. 5 SS Gen. Notice to Subgcribers. Subscribers are eatmestly requested , to report any t ity In the de- livery of The Star also any fail- + ure on the part of carvler to ring the door tell.» -: = A proper service gan only be main- _ tained through the courtesy of sub- ecribers in reporting shortcomings. NO THOUGHT OF WAR oe Possibility of Conflict Regarded in London as Being Over. —————— POLITICS OF THE SITUATION How the English Press View the Dispute With America. ——— SAN FRANCISCO'S DEFENSE LONDON, December 24—The afternoon newspapers today continue their comments upon the Venezuelan question, and the hope is expressed that the Christmas hoii- days will contribute to bringing about a calmer mood on both sides of the Atlantic. All possib'lity of war between Great Bri- tain and the United States, however, Is re- garded as being over, and the affair is now viewed chiefly from the standpoint of Amer- ican domestic polities and from its bearing upon the financial situation. Mr. Thomas A. Edison, the American in- ventor, is being pleasantly chaffed as the result of the publication here of an alleged interview with him, in which he is quoted as describing a number of startling inven- tions which he 1s said to be ready to bring forward in the event of wer. The St. Jemes Gazette, commenting upon the statement attribute] to Mr. John F. Redmond, the Irish leader, regarding the attitude of Ireland in the ease of war styles him a traitor, and says it believ him also to be a libeler when he says that Ireland would go solidly American. The St. James Gazette asks what would happen to the American politician just now who would that in the event of war Ireland would ht for England. The Defense of San Francisco. SAN FRANCISCO, December, Francisco can provide thirty-five v for the defense ef its harbor in the event of war with England, provided time is given in which to put them in condilion for battle. The Pacific eamship Compa: can alone put forth a very respectable fleet, and Spreckles can turn out enough tugs to cripple all commercial ships which would to pass the harbor inside the rallore Ishi There are four big com panies cperating steamers out of San Fran- cisco, che majority of which fly the Ameri- can flag. ( The Pacific Mail Company operates a line steamers between San Francisco and ama, another between Panama and Mexican and Centrai American points, and another between this city and China. Every share of the stock of this company is owa- ed by the Pacific Mail Company, and in cese cf war they would be tran: ed to the American flag without loss of time. The headquarters of the Pacific Mail Ccmpany are in New York, and the jeople at this end are chary of expressing an opinion on the available ships whica could be turned over to Uncle Sam. There is no reason, though, why they should not all be at the service of the Navy Department in exchange for coin. The fleet of the through, will ave: company, taken all a speed of twelve knots an hour. James Spiers, president and the general manager of the Leineering and shipbuilding works, firm could in two months be pre the building of six modern steel-clad war vessels at one time. At present the firm has facilities only for two vessels at one time. Under stress of circumstances, and provided that the armor pilates conld be furnisned prompily from the east, they could build six armored ves- sels in a yea Mexiean Press Support Clev a. CITY OF MEXICO, December 24—The press continues to give hearty support to President Cleveland. One journal calls him the champion of all the American people, and says the Monroe doctrine now has be- come a broad principle affirming the right of all Americans to their own territory, and the menace of absorption has disap- peared forever. : El Globo says: “England has earned the profound antipathy of all American coun- tries by {ts rapacity and its utter lack of scnanimity and its sordid instincts. Cleveland's stern and vigorous words have filled the American people with joy. it is an unexpected revenge upon England and a merited humiliation for her, and she now tastes the contempt she has visited on all other nations. “The principle of America for its own in- habitants, watered by the blood of a hun- dred thousand Mexicans in the war against France, has now grown to a full ripeness and is avowed for all mankind in Clev land's great message.” The press generally here assumes same tone. Ready to Enlist. CHICAGO, December 24.—An_ indepen- dent military organization, called the Gaekel Rifles, has been formed, all the members pledging themselves to service in the event of war. The company enrolled sixty-cne men the first night. Its mem- bership is limited to the seventh ward of the city. CHARLESTON, W. Va., December 24.— The G. A. R. post and two Confederate Veteran camps met last night, and adopted resolutions upholding President Cleveland in his Monroe doctrine. ‘The veterans also resolved to offer their united strength to defend the country in case of war with England. RICHMOND, Va., December 24.—Gen. Dabney Maury, one of the oldest confeder- ate commanders now living, has just writ- ten a letter to Gov. O'Ferrall of this state, offering his services in the event of war between the United States and England. Citizen Train's Message. NEW YORK, December 24.—Citizen George Francis Train today sent the fol- lowing message to President Clevelan MADISON SQUARE, Day before Christmas. the Citizen. Prestient U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: I have elected you twice by ‘“‘psychism.” I will do it again If you will issue no bonds and throw the responsibility of crisis on Congress. (Signed) GEORGE FRANCIS TRAIN. Se STRIKERS AGAIN AT WORK. Philadelphia Streets Have Resumed Their Usual Appenrance. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., December 24.—In accordance with the terms of the agree- ment entered into last night the striking motormen ‘and conduetcrs ali returned to work this Thorning, and the city has re- sumed its normal condition. Everybody eens relieved that the scenes of turmoil an@ exciterient are at an end. Only a few of the men imported from other cities are at work. It is understood that sthey are returning ta their homes in great num- bers. Some cf the motormen have their cars decorated with flags in honor of the resumption of work. : The directors of the Arch Strect Railway, Company, which operates the oniy mide- pendent line in the city, met today and passed resolutions commending the em- ployes for their fidelity to the company during the strike on the other lines, and appropriating $2,500 as a Christmas ‘pres- ent for them. The money will be divided among 300 men. If you want today 's news tcday you can find it only in The Star. THE RAILROADS’ AGREEMENT —— ° The Interstate Commerce Commission is Waiting to Read the Contrast. Unable Now to Determine If It Will Conflict With the Pres- ent Laws. Chairman Morrison of the interstate com- merce commission today sent to the Senate in response to a resolution {ntroduced by Senator Peffer a report on the joint traffic agreement recently entered into by the principal railroad companies op2rating be- tween the Atlantic seaboard and the west- ern states. Mr. Morrison says ‘hat inasmuch as the agreement is yet incompleté, the commis- sion cannot determine whether the contract which may be finally perfected will be in conflict with the provisions of the inter- state law. In respect to the power of the commis- sion to investigate on its own motion, Chairman Morrison says it 1s competent, under the recent decisions of the courts, to proceed by injunction in case of any ob- struction to interslate commerce caused by such a combination as is contemplated in this case. As to the feasibility of enforcing the penal provisions of the interstate commerce Jaw, Mr. Morrison called attention to the fact that it is necessary to proceed through the courts to do this, and he adds that it has so far in such cases been found ex- ceedingly difficult to secure the necessary testimony. Under the present rulings of the court any inquiry may be arrested by the refusal of witnesses to testify on the plea of self-in- crimination. He refers to the case of Theo. F. Brown, now pending in the United States Supreme Court, in which the question involved is that of the power of the courts to compel railr_ad officials to answer questions con- cerning rates and rebates of their roads when they make this plea, and says the d+ cision of this case will determine whe’ it is practicable to secure conviction un- der a prosecution for unlawful contracts binations. that the commission has satisfied -y_careful investigation that no In- of charges or lessening of facilities has occurred as the result of this contract, and adds: “In view of the fact that any ion by injunction or otherwise which might be used to prevent the completion of act or combination not yet made an be had to prevent its being carried into effect in the event of its being finally entered into; and, in addition thereto, the representing the corporations be- liable for a misdemeanor, the com- ssion kas believed, and still believes, that it must perform its duty by postpon- ing any request to the United States dis- trict attorney to constitute and prosecute proceelings in court, as contemplated, until sf%id railroad companies should act- ually form a joint traffic association and enter Into an agreement which shall be unlawful.” and © - L PROMOTIO v What the Active Officers Say on the Prospect of War. The navy system of promotions is re- sponsible for some rather cold-blooded views held by naval officers. This was re- cently demonstrated to a Star reporter by the remarks of an-officer of the grade of commander anent the Venezuelan affair, He called attention to the newspaper inter- views with several retired admirals over the prospe: of war with Great Britain. d the opinion that they were to re-enter the service. Accord- gto his view, it would be a great calam- if any retired admiral were placed in command of a squadron. Being asked why, ned that the death of offi- red list didn't benefit the consequently there was no > in jeopardizing their lives. He want- aly adm on the active Hst put in command of the squadrons, because, as he put it, “uf th in battle it tions among their junior: summation that would be death of officers on the other words, this officer actuaily welcomed war as a means of expediting promotions. cers on the rej service, and ey should happen to be Killed would open a way for promo- ‘a happy con- In ‘rder to obtain increased rank and pay he was perfectly willing to make any per- sonal sacrifices on the altar of patriotism. THE WICHITA RESERVATION. Smith Responds to ‘Dele- Secretary lynn’s Resolution. gute ‘The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of the Interior, trans- mitting a reply to Delegate Flynn's resolu- tion asking the reason for the delay in the allotting of lands on the Wichita reserva- tion to the Indians and the opening of sur- plus Iand to settlement. The Secretary shows that the lands occupied by the Wich- ita Indians are part of what is known as the “leased district’ ceded by the Choctaws and Chickasaws to the United States. There is, the Secretary shows, a difference of opinion as to whether the Choctaws and Chickasaws conveyed to the United States an absolute title to the lands, or whether they ceded them only for the purpose of al- lowing them to be used for locating thereon endiy Indians, he matter is Claims for adjud! says he has del President the appointment agents on now before the Court of ation, and the S ary d suggesting the of to allotting account of the disadvantages which might accrue from having the allot- ments inade and the surplus lands thrown open to settlement before the claim of the Choctaws and Chickasaws is adjusted. The litigation before the Court of Claim the Secretary continues, certainly involves the ttle of the lands to be allotted as well as the lands to be opened. As to His Connections. The resolution also inquired whether any of the Secretary's connections or relations by blood or marriage are acting as attor- neys for the Indians, or any party or par- ties interested-in delaying the opening of the same to settlement. In reply to this part of the inquiry the Secretary says: “Andrew A. Lipscomb of Washington is the husband of the second cousin of my wife. He is one of the counsel for the Wichitas in the litigation growing out of the claim by the Choctaws and Chicka- saws for the revisionat interest in the land occupied by the Wichitas. I attach a copy of the contract made by the Wichi- tas with their attorneys. It will be seen that the compensation of the counsel for the Wichitas is to be a percentage of the money derived from the sale of the surplus lands. in case it is decided that the Choc- taws and Chickasaws have no revis! interest in those lands. “I am not avare of any interest which the counsel for the Wichitas can have in Geiaying the allotment and sale of the srr- plus lan¥s. Neither has ever suggested an interest or a desire on their part or their clients’ part for delay. No connection or relaticn by bleed cr marriage of mine 1s acting as attorney for any party or partles interested in delaying the opening of these lands to settlement. No party or parties have presented to the Intrior Dpartment any objection to the full and immediate execution of the act of March 2, 1805, North Atlantic Squadron. No orders to sail have yet gone to the North Atlantic squadron, now lying in Hampton Roads, and the officers and crews will be permitted at least to eat their Christmas dinners on shore with their friends, or in American waters aboard their ships. The question of whether the fleet shall go to the Caribbean sea under existing international conditions will be left open a few days longer. A CHRISTMAS GIFT Bill Allowing Ex-Confederates in the Army Passes the Senate. ———— A LIVELY DEBATE ON IT FIRST —_+___— Senator Hill Finally Wins His Point in the Matter. BRIEF HOUSE SESSION The Senate floor and galleries showed rather meager attendance today, as inter- est was centered nly in the maturing legislation at the other end of the Capitol. Rev. Dr. Milburn, the blind chaplain, in an elequent prayer on the Christmas season, made passing allusion to current public events by Invoking peace and good will among the nations of the earth. On motion of Mr. Allison (lowa) the Sen- ate agreed that when adjournment be taken it be until Friday. To Isyue Springileld Rifles. In presenting a bill authorizing the Secre- tary of War to issue Springfield rifles to State military organizations in exchange for old guns, Mr. Hawley (C ) said: “I order that this shall not be construed so as to add to the war scare. I Say that It is merely Many of y state Lroops are of an- By the adoption of the Jorgensen gun—which I think was ke—the War Department has on hand a large supply of good Springfield rifles, and the National Guard should hay. hem in exchange for the worthless arm: Mr. Squire (Wash.) spoke against the in- justice of employing foreign engineers on American ships receiving subsfdies from the United States government, and offered a bill to overcome the practice. A Pan-American Unio The project of a Pan-Ame n political union, embracing North, South and Central | American republics, was presented by Mr. Allen (Neb.) in the following resolution: ey iereas recent events have shown that european nations are making an aggres- attempt to obtain a greater foothold on the American continent; and 1 pattern, “Whereas such an attempt shows the ne- cessity of a closer union of the American republts . “Kesolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that the United States of America should as speedily as possible Invite all American republics to enter into a closer union, to be Known as the Pan-American Union, for the purpose of promoting general industrial and commercial welfare of the members thereof and securing sald republics from European or other foreign encroachment The resolution closes with a suggestion for a common unit of value between the republics of America. The resolution was referred to the committee o. - refert n foreign rela. The Bar Against Ex-Confederates. Mr. Hill (N. Y.) again sought to secure the passage of the bill repealing the old proscriptive laws against the enlistment of ex-confederates in the United States army or navy. “It would be a most fitting and Ren us Christmas present to the men of the south,” sa‘ Mr. Hill Mr. Sherman (Ohio) suggested that there should be committee consideration, “I will vote for this bill,” said Mr. Sher- man. “The time is past for such discrim!- nation, but the usual course of committee action’ should uken, Mr. Chandler (N.H.) urged immediate ac- tion. Thirty years had elapsed since the war. There was no reason for keeping this proscription and there was abundant rea- son for repealing it ‘The other day,” added Mr. Chandler, “we came to the support of a democratic Presl- dent on a question of national affairs, and I sincerely hope that the Senate will today, without criticism and without a voice of o; pesition, unanimously approve this repeal Mr. Gray (Del.), while favoring the legisla- tion, believed committes action would secure the most satisfactory result. Mr. Hawley's Remarks, Mr. Hawley (Conn.), responding to some criticisms by Mr. Gray as to the course of former legislation in this line, said it was not to be wondered at that there was some feeling over Appomattox and Gettysburg. This law followed the close of the war. It was not proscriptive. It was regard*d at the time as perfectly just. The Senator sald had the greatest respect personally for some of these confederate soldiers; but a country that had any respect for itself was com- pelled at the close of a great war to protect against abuses of that day, when ex- confederates frequently enlisted in the Union armies immediately after leaving the south- ern lines : The Senator, without opposing the meass ure, felt that committee action would give the step greater force if it was to pe taken. Mr. Daniel (Va.) spoke of the wish of the south to have one country and one peop When the war closed the’south laid down Its arms. It was anxious now to obliterate the fierce memories of the war. Mr. Daniel presented the memorial of the Virginia leg- islature urging this repeal and also com- mending the President's message on Ven-= ezucla. Mr. Voorhees (Ind.} expressed the hope that this “last process of healing” should be put into effect. Already the Senate had con= firmed the civil appointments of Gen. Longe street and that other great southern soldier, “second only to Lee—Joe Johnson.” Mr Voorhees said the repeal would actually age complish little, but it would be an exprese sion of good will. Willing to Forgive. Mr. Platt (Conn.) spoke of the attacka made on him by southern newspapers be= cause he suggested, the other day, that this bill go to committee. “From one end to the other of the south,” said Mr. Platt, “the press condemns me, applies to me all kinds of epithets, declares that I am lacking in patritotism and finally sends me marke copies of their condemnation. “But,” continued Mr. Platt, “this cougtry has forgiven much, it is ready to forgive more. And I am so full of forgiveness on this day before Christmas that I am ready to forgive these ex-confederates and join today with tne Senator from New Yori¢ (Hil) in supporting this repeal.” Mr. Allen, speaking as a former private in the northern ranks, urged the repeal and condemned the “bloody flag” politics of the past. The Senator caused some amusement by referring to the time when the command with which he served captured that com. manded by the Senator from Missourt (Cockrell). - Mr. Hill closed by pointing out the delays and absurdities of committee action. He created a laugh by pointing out the incon- siderateness of Mr. Platt in hot sending him some of the complimentary southern press notes. “For,” said Mr. Hill, good-naturedly, “it is so seldom nowadays that the pres@ says anything complimentary of me.” The Motion to Refer Defented. Mr. Shermen moved to refer the bill to the committee on military affairs. The motion was defeated—S to 30--as follow: Yeas—Bacon, Cockrell, Elkins, Frye Gray, Sherman, Teller, Walthall—s. Nays—Allen, Baker, Bate, Brice, Butler, Cameron, Chandier, Clark, Daniel, Davis, Harris, Hawley, Hill, Lodge, Martin, More rill, Murphy, Nelson, Peffer, Perkins, Plath Pritchard, Roach, Shoup, Squire, Stewarty Vest, Voorhces, Wetmore and White-30. This being short of a quorum, a call of