Evening Star Newspaper, December 31, 1895, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. een gee PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY f AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenug, Cor. 11th Street, by The Evening Star Wewspaper Company, 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. Kew York Office, 49 Potter Building, 2 ‘The Evening Star {s served to subscribers in t elty by cartiers, on their own account, at 10 cents per wee, cr 44 cents per month. Coples at the counter 2 sents cach. By mail—anywhere in the United States or Canata—postage prepald—60 cenis per month. Saturday Quintupl> Sheet Star, $1 per year, with ferelen postage added, $3.00. (antered at the Post Office at Washington, D. ©. ax second-class mail matter.) €-7-All mall subseriptions must he paid tn advance Rates of advertising made knewn on apnlication Che Lvening Star. No. 13,362. " WASHINGTON, D.C. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. If you want today’s news today you can find it only in The Star. Board of Conciliation Might Settle the Dispnte With England. NOT ARBITRATION, BUT NEXT 70 If egg ee Believed That Two Calm Minds Could Settle the Trouble. A FRENCHMAN’S VIEW OF IT os LONDON, December 31—The Westmin- ster Gazette this afternoon, in a leading article, headed “A Way Out,” says: “While the question intrinsically is not important, incidentally it is of great im- portance that Great Britain cannot retreat from the position she has taken up, and that the United States will not retreat from theirs. The only metbod of escape from | this deadlock which shall impose neither humillation nor retreat on either side, is to find something which is not arbitration, but which ts as like it as possible. Continuing, the Westminster Gazette suggests that both countries agree upon a board of conciliation, not binding them- selves, as in the case of arbitration, to ac- cept its decisions, but on the chance of the conciliators being able to suggest a com- promise acceptable to both countries. In conclusion, the Westminster Gazette remarks: “. firmly belfeve that a couple of im partial, sensible men, say the chief justices of the two countries, could easily settle the matter by this methed. ‘The afternoon newspapers all comment on Senator Sherman's support of President | Cleveland’s message to Congress on the Venezuelan question, and regard it as being a plain warning that danger of further trouble has not yet passed. ‘The stock exchange opened dull, but later the tone of the market improved and prices recovered somewhat. Spanish securities were in demand on ' rumors that Spain would recognize the Cuban republic. Two tirms involved in American railroad securities were declared defaulters today on the Liverpool stock exchange. me Truths for the English. The Pall Mall Gazette this afternoon pub- lishes an article from the pen of M. Flour- ers, formerly minister for foreign affairs, upon the Venezuelan controversy. Com- menting upon it, the Pall Mall Gazette says: ‘We wanted to hear what Frenchmen theught of Secretary Olney’s extension of the Monroe doctrine, but he scarcely touches upon that, and improves the oc- casion by giving us some home truths. He accuses us of bullying and breaking faith.” M. Flourens says: “The French do not believe in the probability of war, as both * Great Britaingand the United States are prone to weigh profit and loss. Moreover, © are accustomed to the cool prudence of gland, which will increase in proportion s the youthful impetuosity of the United States gives itself free course. France is far more ulsposed to accept the Monroe dectrine than you in England; but we re- serve anterior rights, and do not agree with President Cleveland's conception of arbitration. We French are great advo- cates of arbitration, and would gladly see it extended to all international disputes. Notably we believe that difficulties such as may arise between the American repub- lics and European states are all of a na- ture to be settled by arbitration to the great advantage of the parties interested. To this effect, we should like to see a per- manent tribunal of arbitration erected. “British diplomacy stili retains a violent piceedure which is out of place in our epoch. Unless she believes she is face to face with a stronger power than hersei/, her weapons of dis ion are ultimatums. This unbridled manner does great harm to her reputation, whether it imposes her will on the people whose weakness obliges them to submit in humiliation or whether she gives way, as she will have to do in the quarrel with Venezuela, before unseen re- sistance. Her moral authority was serious- ly Impaired,*for instance, by Lord Salls- bury’s menacing language to the sultan. A European concert in regard to the east, far east or America does not exist because no one wishes tc be associated with Eng- lwnd's diplomatic arrogance, or exposed to the dangers of her breaches of faith. a CONFERRING WITHOUT RESULT. Maryland Democratic Senators Fail- ed to Unite on a Candidate. Bpectal Dispatch to The Evening Star. BALTIMORE, Md., December 31.—The lobby of the Carrollton has been thronged teday with peliticiare of both parties, at- tracted thither by the presence of the members of the general assembly stopping on thelr way to Annapolis. No action has been taken as yet on any of the several questions at stake, and the members of both parties seem very much at sea as to what course to pursue. It was expected that informal caucuses would be held by both the republican and democratic senators this morning, but the former pre- ferred to watt until their opponents should come to an understanding in regard to or- ganizing the upper house, but the demo- crats In their mesting were unable to ef- fect a satisfactory agreement. The chief object for which the democratic caucns was called was to nominate one of the! P ruiaber for president of the senate. icy William Cabell Bruce of been regarded, since the Carroll ele as the probable choice, but a decide sition to him was shown this morning, in which, .it {s claimed, the hand ef Senator Gorman is evident, end it is impossille to predict the outcome. An informal cau Pn of the house of delegates was also held this morn- ing, when the speakership was ¢ 1. While Sydney Ki. Mudd has not sufficient Votes to insure his nomination his friends declare that he will have more than enouch this nation will Ancther form speakership is Chu erick county. It is believed after a per! will divid th other ¢ I. Wellington’ ts sr his hoom for the Untied hip. He held a recepi ci bee s morning. he mm to hold a cau Senate, one of U shore is not to un sent word t this leaves the senate a . Bru wi AS a consequence the be de for so Meets tomorrow. phatic in his de act with the ¢ Senate orgar e time when that Mr. Bruce is em- laration that he will not | ucu: Earthquake in Italy. ROME, D. mber 31.—-A strong earth- quake shock was felt Saturday at Cicciano, in Caserta, three miles north of Nola. Sev- FOUND A WAY GQUT|!™PoRTanT | treek | ea | Screet, provided, clining to c eral persons were killed and a number were injured. ; CHANGE|)S Bill to Amend the Belt Line Railway's Charter, Streets to Be Abandoned and Large Number of Other Ones Added. A bill was, by request, introduced in the Senate today by Mr. McMillan, the new chairman of the committee on the District of Columbia, to amend the charter of the Belt Railway Company. It authorizes the company to lay down a single or double track through the following named streets and avenues: Beginning at a point 100 feet east of the cast building line of 26th street on M street, thence along M street, crossing New Hampshire avenue between 22d and “Ist streets, thenes continuing eastwardly on M street to Florida avenue, thence along Florida avenue to 8th street east, thence south on Sth street by double track to C street south, thence by single west along C street ty Tth street , thence south along 7th street to M street south and continuing by single tra eostwardly on M street to Georgia avenue, thence northeastwardly along Georgia ave- nue to 9th street east, thence north on 9th street east to C street, thence west- wordly on C street to Sth street cast, con- neeting with the double track on Sth street. Also beginning at 4th and O streets north- west and running north by double track to Harewood avenue, thence along Harewood avenue to W street, thence? westwardly along W strect (when the same has b. opened by the Commi: trict of Columbia) to 7th st sinning at 11th and V street: on V street to 17th street, thence north on 17th street to Park avenue, thence north- westwardly on Lowell street to 19th stre: thence south on 19th street to K that unless the con tion of said extensions hereby author- ized shall be commenced within ninety days and completed on so much of the streets and aven mentioned above as are now opened within eighteen months after the approval of this act, and the re- maliting portion within one year after the streets herein named are opened, other- wise the authority hereby granted shall cease. And also provide: that if elec- tricity is used as a motive power in the operation of the cars of said company no overhead wires shall be constructed or used. Provided further, that the use of horses is prohibiled. treets to Be Abandoned. That said company shall be and it is here- by authorized to abandon the operation of its cars over and remove its tracks from the foilowing named streets and avenues: On 4th street and New Jersey avenue between O and P streets ncrth, on P street between New Jersey avenue and 11th street west, on O streei between 4th and 11th streets west; also on E street between Ith and 9th streets, on 9th street between E street and Louisiana avenue, on Louisiana avenue westwardly to 12th street, and on 12th street southerly to B street south; provided, that where the sail company thus abandons its tracks the company shall remove from the Streets the rails, ete, and shall cause the ace thus disturbed to be paved with ma- terial as good as the pavement contiguous thereto, In accordance with specifications prepared by the Commissioners of the Dis- trict of Columbia. It is provided that wherever the above named routes shall coincide with the duly authorized route or routes of any other railway company both companies shall use the same tracks upon such fair and equitable terms as may be agreed upon by said companies. One fare of 5 cents only shall he charged over any or ell of the lines of said company, and six tickets shall be sold for 25 conts. The company is authorized to increase its caplial stock or to issue bonds for such amount as may be necessary to pay the actual cost of constructing and equipping the several extensions provided by this measure. Tro company is also empowere® to maintain a passenger house at Mth and B streets southwest, if, In the opinion of the Commissioners, such passenger house is necessary. Report of Its Condition. An accompanying report of gross re- ceipts and expenses of the Belt Railway Company, from January 1, 1893, to Decem- ber 1, 1895, accompanies the bill. The gross receipts for the year 1893 are shown to have been $147,556.29, while the gross expenses were $176,723.89, showing a loss for 1898 of $29,167.50. During that year the operating expenses were $147,914, taxes, 4 per cent on receipt and interest on bonds and notes, $23,259, For the year ending Deve 31, S04, the gross recefpts ere 31: the gross expenses, 160.38, the loss fer ISM being $36,524. During 1894 the operating expenses were $141,000.88; texe 71.88; interest on bonds and notes, $25,603.62. ‘For eleven months ending November 80, the gross receipts were $102,076.00; the Rross expenses, $149,808; loss for eleven ing November 30, 1895, Leing During that period the oper mses were $115, G2, LAX and interest on bonds and Accompanying the bill asking for an e: tension of the company’s lines is a numel ously signed petition of owners and res’ dents along the rouie of the proposed tension. —— GEO. W. PHILLIPS DEA A Venerable Citizen, for Many Years in Official Life, Passes Awny. Mr. George W. Phillips died this morning at his residence, No. 2 Cooke place, West Washington. Mr. Ppillips was prob- ably one of the most widely-known citize of the District. He had heen identified with its business interests when the town was small, and later was connected with its off- cial life during the ‘nost stirring and mo- mentous periods of its history. At the time of his death Mr. Philips was nearly eighty five years of age, and for over two-thirds of a century he had been a re: ington. He was a native of Prince Geo county, Md., and came here when a bo! Upon reaching maturity he entered the goods business, and for engaged successfully chant, with an estal and Pennsylv are now Haltimore and Richmond. During the administration of Presid e Mr. Phil inted United $3 deputy mz dent Buchanan, dent Lincoln, both term but resigned w e marshal of the ntinue in the position yifered him. us appointed mi ips the deputy 1 He remained in office un: n dur Pre rm, and was contin Douglas ne rison Aministra rount of his age. a retired life with his wi rly Miss Susan Kneller of and his son, Mr. Samuel L. Phillip jent of the Metropolitan Railro: at No. 2 Cooke the Washington and Mt. Ve Company. FREE LIBRARY BILL It Has Been Introduced in Both Senate and House, SPEEDY ACTION ON IT EXPECTED Se Interest in Its Passage Felt on All Sides. MR. BABCOCK’S VIEWS es ‘The bill for a free public library in Wash- ington, prepared by the library committee of the board of trade, and introduced in the Senate yesterday by Senator McMillan, chairman of the Senate District committee, was today introduced in the House by Rep- resentative Babcock,chairman of the House District committee. If the House had be: in session yesterday it would have been in- treduced simultaneously in the two houses. Mr. Babcock, as a member of the District committee of the last House, which unani- mously reported favorably upon the library bill, has taken a warm interest in the proj- ect and will push it vigorously. For the purpose of securing speedy or- genizing legislation the Dill has been stripped of every proposition which might impede its progress. The controversy over its location in a government building is ided, and the consolidation in it of the ‘Maneous books from the departmental ries is not now urged. In view of these facts speedy and favorable action is ex- pected both from the committees and from Congress. When the beard of trade last year adopt- ed tho recommendations of ‘the library committee it unanimeusly authorized and instructed that committee to frame and urge upon Congress for enactment lygisla- tion upon the Hines ef its report. Not only is the board of trade enlisted in the library campaign, but the labor organizations are co-operating through their legislative cpm- mittees, the Commissioners favor the pro- ject, and the school trustees, the East hington Association and other citizens’ organizations have indorsed it. . The Subscription Fund. In order that the new library may from the outset be well stocked with the abso- lute essential of books, and in order that a display of substantial interest in the pro- ject by citizens may serve as an argument and inducement to speedy action by Con- ress, subscriptions have been obtained of money to buy books, conditioned upon the creation of a municipai library by Congress. The total subscrptions on the list today aggregate over $0,000. Part of this is in a memorial fund, of which the annual inter- est is to be us d the remainder is ix cash contributio be available on the creation ot the Lil Several individuals and corporations hav i that they will turn cver books to the public lbracy as soon as It is established, ‘The subscription form is conditioned as follows: “We hereby agree to pay the amount set opposite our respective nam to be expended in the purchase of Loo! and equipments for a public library in the District of Columbia. Provided, however, and said subscriptions are upon that ex- press condition, that the same shall not be- come due and payable unless during the Fifty-fcurth Congress of the United Siates there shail be legislative provision fur the establishment and maintenance of such public library as a part of the municipal educational system and to be supported upon the same basis as the public schools.” It is known that there will be numerous accessions tu the public library as soon as it is created, and it is thought that it would help to expedite the legistation establish- ing the library if indication of a purpose to contribute money or books to it was now made known. The public Ubrary o suggestion that those who have it in mind to give money or buoks, in any amount, however small, to the public library when created will aid now in the library move- ment by communicating that fact to John B. Wight, secretary of the board of trade, mmittee make the or T. W. Noyes, chairman of library com- mittee, Evening Star office, or to any other membe/? of the library committee, which J. T. DuBois, A. T. M. M. Parker, Dan- ton Flint and is composed as follow Britton, B. H. Warne jel Murray, J. B. Larn F. B. McGuire. What Chairman Babcock The bill introduced today was refe orce to the House District committee, and prompt action {s anticipated. Mr. Babcock said to a Star reporter today that he would refer the bill at once to the proper sub- ccmiittee, and that the matter would be brought before the whole committee and acted on at a very early d “Tt is an important matter,” he said, “and the bill should be put through the House as promptly as possible. Whatever there was that might provoke controversy in the bill of the last Congress has becn removed from this bill. “There is, in my judgment, no possible grounds for objection to it left. No cue can for a minute doubt the absolute need of such a public library in Washington. It is extraordinary that there ig nothing of the sort here. This bill makes the proposed public library practically a part of the eaucational establishment of the District, as it should be. It is a soo] Dill, for a geod purpose, and I think it will be speed- Ny adopted by Congr —_—_—_+-«-— AGAINST ANSENCEs. Secretary Cartin Cireular in Re- gard to Treasury Employes. Secretary Carlisle today issued a cirevlar to the heads of bureaus and chiefs of di- visions of the Treasury Department in re- gard to absence from duty during office heurs, in which he says: “It is made by law the duty of every head of an executive de- partment to require of ail clerks, and other employes, under his control, of whatever grade or class, not less than seven hours of excepting only Sundays and “Yo remove the misapprehension which seems to prevail on this subject, and pr vent the arnoyance and inattention to du which at times result, it is ordered that here- after no clerk or other employe of tas de- rtment be reiieved from duty save in indi- vidual cases, for causes specitied by law, dur- ing any part of the working hours of any day, excepting Sundays ind legal holidays. “This order prevents the practice of reduc- ing the hours of labor on days preceding holi- days. It shali be the duty of heads of bu- reaus, the chief clerk of the department and the chiefs of divisions in the Secretary’s of- fice to ¢ ae 5 A simi liey will prevail _in all the other ex departmen This action cabinet consideration of the 1 was put into effect today for the the re ubject a first time. ee Oe The Warship Amphitrite, uip Amphitrite, now at the Nor- yard, has been detached from | the Auantle squadron and ordered to take station off the Florida coast, to re- lieve the cruiser Cincinnati of the task of guarding against infractions of the neu- traliiy laws. The Cincinrati hasbeen en- gaged in watching filibusters for several montha, and will come north to be docked nd cleaned and painted, after which she will be attached to Admiral Bunee's squad- ron. Another Notary Public President Cleveland today appointed Mr. Herman R. Howenstein a notary public for | the District of Columbia. TO FIGHT CATERPILLARS Warfare on the Pests Planned by the Authorities. Matters of Interest to Local Tax- payers From the District Build- ing—The Day’s Orders... A vigorous campaign will be waged early in the spring against the caterpillar cocoons by the parking commission, and several novel schemes are being discussed with a view of ridding the city next summer of the crawling pests. Maj. Powell is particularly anxious to have the work begun early and prosecuted to a successful termination. One of the most novel ideas discussed was to establish a sort of caterpillar bureau and offer prizes to the boys and girls of the city for the largest number of cocoons collected In a g.ven time. This is not a new idea, the same hav.ng been tried in several other cities and found productive of much good. The parking commission, however, recently feported upon th’s idea and gave it a black eye, so to speak. It did not believe the good that would be accompLshed would be commensurate with the loss suffered by the department in the destruct.on of the wire protectors. The boys would surely climb upon them and tear them from the trees, exposing the latter to the ravages of the horses, that are so fond of tree bark in the winter. The idea of the parking commis- s.on was to employ a number of boys and have them do the work. It is what they term the cheap labor system. But the Com- foners are not ceria.n that the best re- sults are attainable this way and have thus far refused to g.ve the‘r official approval to heme of the parking commission. _ cording to a report before the Commis- sloiers of the working of the system in one of the lorge cities, one little boy, the suc- ‘ul winner of the first prze, collected ‘) cocoons. He found them for the most part in the tree boxes and under the cop- <ngs of porches, Maj. Powell is heartily in favor of the scheme and will urge a plan to get rd of the rpillars by destroying their cocoons. ; Today's Orders. The Commissioners today ordered: That water main assessments be canceled as fol- lows on account of the decision in the Burg- dorf case: Against lot 12, square 637; against lots 23, 24 and 25, block 4, Howard Univer- sity subdivision; against the south 92 feet and the 30 feet next the north’66 feet of lot 267, square 130, Georgetown; against lot 8, block 43, University Park; umpaid install- ments against lot 11, square 791. Fire hydrants will be erected at the fol- lowing named points: At the northeast cor- ner of 4th and Trumbull streets northwest, on the west side of 7th street,between Flor- ida avenue and Pomeroy street northwest; at the northwest corner of 27th and N streets northwest; at the northwest corner of 27th and M streets northwest. Labor on Publie Werk. Referring to the draft of a bill submitted to the Commissioners by Mr. E. M. Blake of the United States department of labor, which has for its purpose the regulation nent of labor on public and works by the “District, the Commissioners today say im reply that-the legislation proposed by the first section of the bill is superfluous, as the Commis- sioners already have the supervision the bill seeks to confer. The second section they say is objectionable as contrary to publle interests, and in some respects im- practicable. he Commissioners are of opinion that under some circunistances it migat be advantageous to employ labor by the day in the prosecution of the work now done under contract, and that au- thority should be given them %o use their discretion !n that respect in the construc- tion of buildings and other public works authorized by appropriation hy Congress. With reference to the third section, it is the practice of the District, the Commis- sioners say, to pay the maximum rate of wages, and’ there is therefore no necessity for legislation on the subject. Fraudulent Divorces. As noted in The Star of the ith Inst. the Commissioners have reported unfavor- ably upon the bill to prevent fraudulent divorces in the District. TRAINS AT CROSSINGS. Engincer on the B. and 0. Fined by the Police Court. Isaiah Stevens, the Baltimore and Ohio engineer who was in the Police Court yes- terday and convicted of a charge of run- ning his train over the 4th street crossing when the crossing was not, protected by a watchman with a lighted lantern in his hand, appeared in the Police Court today for sentence. Judge Kimball imposed a fine of $10 or thirty days on the farm and com- mitted him to the custody of the marshal. This was done in order to give counsel an opportunity to take the cage to the higher ccurt on a writ of habeas corpus in order to test the law. Personal Mension. Controller Ashbel P. Fitch of New York is at the Arlington. Ex-Congressman Tim Campbell of New York is at Chamberlin’s, Senator and Mrs. Gibson will spend the New Year at the Shoreham, where Mrs. Gibson arrived this morning. Cc. H. Niehaus, the sculptor, Shoreham from New York. Mr. and Mrs. Lamar C. Quintero of New Orleans arrived at the Ebbitt taday. Mr. Quintero is prominent in Crescent city af- fairs and enjoys a wide acquaintance het +C. de la Cara, one of the Cuban Itberty party leaders in New York, is at the Ral- eigh. Capt. M. Hooton, twenty-second infantry, is at the Hotel Arno. Lieut. J. LL Chamberlin, first artillery, is visiting friends at GW New Hampshire avenue. : : Lieut. Chas. Dodge, twenty-fourth in- fantry, is in the city on leave of absence. eat. J. A. HL. Nickel fs in the city, en to the New York navy yard. i J. Brewer returned to the city this morning from San Antonio, Tex., where he has been to locate his family for the winter. _ mproved condition of Mr. William H. n of the Postuaster General, who makes it possible Wilson to assist in the reception at e House tomorrow, but as her son remely nervous she will not hold al afternoon reception at her own is at the tor Mrs. the Whi is sull e: the v how: ee The Battle Ship Texas, ‘The naval inspection board has spent sev- eral days on the battle ship Texas, careful- ly Investigating the vessel herself, the ma- chinery, ete. They recommend quite anges and improvements. s will be sent to a navy yard, and all the deficiencies pointed out will be shen this is done she will be Notice to Subseribers, Subscribers are earnestly requested to report any frregulatity 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 cen only be main- tained through the courtesy of sub- scribers in reporting shortcomings. PLACING THE LOAN Germany Likely to Get Some of the Bonds. WILL NOT BE POPULAR IN LONDON Filing Applications in New York for Ailotments. NO NEW DEVELOPMENTS BERLIN, December 31.—The Wolff news agency, which has the closest relations with the German government, issued the follow- ing notice today: “The details of the new United States loan are not yet definitely determined upon. The conditions, however, are expected to differ but slightly from those under which the lest issue was effected. The loan will amount to about $100,000,000, of which a portion will probably be taken by Germany, all the American banks and trust companies taking part in the operation.” LONDON, December 31.—The American Kankers of this city have received private advices from Berlin which confirm the an- pouncement made by the Wolff news agency of that city regarding the new United States lean The manager of Brown, Shipley & Co., being questioned on the subject, said that rothing was yet determined as to where ine new issue of bonds would be placed. He added: ‘Of course they will be taken by the Amer- ican banks and trust companies, and their Londen correspondents will no doubt absorb a portion of them. The rate will probably be 105 in New York and 108 in London. “We were advised this morning that there will be no trouble in placing them in Ger- many.”” Mr. Burns of Thomas Morgan & Co. said to a representative of the Associated Press: “None of the new issue of bonds will be floated In London, owing to the strained re- lations between the United States and Great Britain. The situation looks graver than ever this morning, from a commercial point of view. This is partly on account of Sen- ator Sherman's position. The affair has made a wonderful difference in the business between London and New York, and will re- sult In the withdrawal of most of the Amer- fean securities from England. We are sen‘- ing home daily large qvantities of these se- curities which were thrust upon the market. ‘Seme of the new bonds will probably be placed in Germany, but that is not yet de- cided. In my opinion, our American com- patriots have gone mad. pplications fer Bonda. NEW YORK, December 31.—Bankers in this city who are in close touch with the administration express the opinion that the announcement regarding the government bond issue will be made not later than Thursday. The details of the contract with the syndicate will closely ccnform to those of the previous issue. The loan is expected to be for $10,000,000, with an option on ad- ditional $10,000,000, "The arrangements in the present instance do not provide for any guarantée by the syndicate, as in the last issue: Formal applications for allotments of*the loan are being received today by Messrs. J. P. Morgan & Co., who announce Bes no applications will be received efter vem. NO NEW DEVOLOPMENTS. No Announce: t Yet of Proposals for jond Insue. Up to a late hour this afternoon there were no new developments in the matter of a new bond issue, and the opinion now pre- vails that the closing of the deal may be postponed for several days yet. The cessa- tion of withdrawals of gold for export and the fact that one or more orders for gold shipments from abroad have been made are important factors in the question of an early issue. On the other hand, the almost daily announcement from the subtreasury York that considerable quantities g withdrawn in redemption of legal tenders would seem to justify prompt ac- tion on the part of the President. These redemptions are undoubtedly asked for the purpose of accumulating a supply of gold with which to purchase bonds when they shall have been placed on the market by the syndicate, as they now aggregate con- siderably more than $5,000,000 since the forthcoming issue became a settled fact, Their discontinuance has become a matter of the first importance. This can be ac- complished, however, only through the oper- ations of the synd.cate, and it is argued, therefore, that the interests of the govern- ment lie in a prompt announcement of the issue. What will be the result of these con- flicting interests is not now apparent. The Monthly Statement. The forthcoming monthly treasury state- ment will show an excess of receipts over expenditures for the month of Decem- ber of about $600,000, which is a gain over November of about $1,800,000. The heavy payments on account of interest, pension and Union Pac‘fic bond redemp- tions during January are expected to result in a large deficit for that month. The de- ficit for the present fiscal year ending June Is expected to be approximately These figures, however, are based upon the assumption that the receipts from customs will materially increase dur- ang the next three months, as is usually the case. The receipts from internal revenue sdurces, it is thought, have now about reached the normal, and hence no material change for the better is expected except through the customs. +o. +_____ FIFTY WERE KILLED. Yerrible Explosion of Fire Damp in Prussian Silesia. BRESLAU, December 31.—An_ explosion of fire damp occurred in a colliery at Walt cenburg, Prussian Silesia, forty-three miles southwest of this city, today. Fifty persons are known to have been 1 or injured, and seventeen others are ing. enty-one bodies have already been re- ccvered, and twelve of the injured miners have been brought to the surface of the mine. ‘The work of recovering the bodies of the others is progressing, and everything pessible is being done for the injured. — TERESTS OF HARMONY. IN Past Commanders of the G. 4. R. to Unite the Women's Societie: MONTICELLO, IL, December 31—Com- -chief Walker has issued a gen- in which he appoints Past Com- man¢ n-chief S. S, Burdett, Wm. War- ner, A. G. Wissart, J. G. B.’ Adams‘ and ‘Thomas G. Lawler as a committee to act in union with a similar committee from the various G. A. R. women’s societics to effect a union of all these societies into one body, that their energies may be concerted and strengthened and all cause for divisions among them rem d. —— RIVER PACKET SUNK. The James Blaine Struck a Snug the Monongahela. MASONTOWN, Pa., December 31.—The steamer James G. Blaine was sunk at Hat- field's Landing near Masontown, about 11 o'clock today in ten feet of water. She struck a snag in leaving the landing. All the passengers were rescued. The Blaine was a packet plying between Pittsburg and Morgantown, W. V., on the Monongahela iriver. She was valued at about $15,000. MR. SHERMAN’S RESOLUTION Tt Caused a Surprise When It Was Intro- duced in the Senate. In Effect It Provides for the Retire- ment of Greenbacks—Finance Com- mittee to Meet Thursday. e Senator Sherman caused a surprise in the Senate today by offering a resolution for future consideration, which, In effect, pro- vides for the retirement of the greenbacks. It recited something of the history of the fluctuations of the gold reserve during the past two years, attributing the fluctuation to the shortness of the revenue, and, after stating that the use of this reserve in manner was of doubtful, legality, resolved that the reserv: should be restored to at least a hundred million of gold, and that the greenbacks redeemed out of this fund should not be again reiesued except in ex- change fer gold. : This amounts practically to the retire- ment of greenbacks as fast as redeemed, and it is a surprise as coming from Mr. Sherman, because it has been understood that he did not favor the retirement of the greenbacks. The Finance Committee. The committee on finance expect to be able to report on the tariff and bond bills on Friday, but ii is doubtful whether they will be able to do so. The intention, on meeting this morning, was to adopt in the Senate the Cockrell resolution for an ad- journment until Tuesday, and to get it over to the House in time for action there. This action on the part of the Senate would have been followed at once by an offer of bonds. It would have been accepted by the administration as an abandonment of action by the Senate. The sound money Senators, and especially Mr, Morrill, chair- man of the finance committee, oppose any course by the Senate that could be so con- strued, and in deference to Mr. Morrill the Senate will meet on Friday to receive such report as the committee on finance may be ready to make. Mr. Morrill, in moving that when the Senate adjourn it be to meet Friday, stated that he had called the com- mittee to meet Thursday to act on the bond and tariff bills. Mr. Carlisle's Plan, Mr. Carlisle has informed some of the Senators that the administration will wait on Congress as lorg as possible, and that while the Senate shows signs of earnestness in an effort to adopt relief measures there will be no independent bond tissue if it can be helped, but he has added that a very long wait would be impossible. It is stated that the offer of bonds will be in a form to invite private bids, but the conditions of the bid will be apt to operate as an exclusion. No message to Congress is expected until it is decided absolutely necessary to issue bonds without further delay, and then the message will be merely the announcement of the Issue, with an effort to put the re- sponsibility on Congress. It is the present intention of the President to hold off until after the Thursday meeting of the finance committee. An alarming word irom New York wouid, however, at any time hasten the bond issue. A NAVAL COURT OF INQUIRY. Charges of Maladministration at the New York Navy Yard the Cause. A naval court of inquiry has been ordered to meet at the New York navy yard next Monday to investigate charges of mal- administration’ in the engineering” depart- ment of the yard. For several months past Secretary Herbert has been receiving com- plaints against the officers of this depart- ment, some of them from labor organiza tions, and representatives of these bodi have personally appeared before the Secre- tary to urge an investigation. The complaints date back to the cut in wages last summer, and one specially direct- ed against Master Machinist Howett, Chief Engineer Ayres, Passed Assistant Engineer Hail and Quarterman Miller, who are vari- cusly accused of incapacity, ill-treatment of workmen, using government property for personal ends, disregard of the spirit of civil service rules, retaining inefficient and favorite workmen, etc. Generally, however, the charges are said to be vague, and not specific, and the purpose of the court of in- quiry is to sift them out and report whether or not there is suificient basis in them to warrent a court-martial or further pro- ceedings. ‘The court is composed of Commodore R. i. Phythian, superintendent of the naval observatory here; Capt. F. T. Higginson, on detached duty in Brooklyn; Chief Engineer David Smith of the bureau of steam en- gineering, and Lieut J. J. Kaapp of the Navy Department. : a THE RAM KATAHDE Her First Commander Will Be Com- mander Robert Leary. Commander Robert Leary will be the first commander of the ram Katahdin, and he will be ordered to duty as soon as that unique craft passes into the p jon of the government. Congress has passed an act authorizing its acceptance despite its failure to meet the full requ.rements of her contract in the matter of speeil, and there ‘8 no doubt of its approval by the Presi- dent, inasmuch as the legislation was rec- ommended by the Secretary of the Navy. The act is now before the President for ac- tion. When she is put in co on the Katahd.n will be temporarily attached to the North Aunt, or nome, Commander Leary, who is 1 wait- ing orders, is a member of the court-mar' couvened at the Wasnington nav the tral of several members of thy seamen gunners on charges of colored members of the ctasi azing”’ He super- v.sed the construct.on of the Katahdin at the Bath iron works and knows her perfect- her as a ly from stem to stern. He regard tine ship .n every respect and pred. she wall render a good account o as an engine of desiruction in —+e- A REFORM CLUB ‘The Plan ax Outlined in 2 Communi- cation From Minister Denby. Minister Denby, at Pekin, has informed the State Department that a reform ciub has lately been started among the Censors and Hanlin at Pekin. He s2 “The credit of the initiation of this move- raent belongs to Rev. Gilbert Retd. In his capacity of missionary to the upper class he has interested some of the literati in the scheme. Regulations for the government of the clab have been printed and distrib- uted, and ten thousand taels have been raised for expenses. Of this sum Chang Chi-tung gave one-half. “The plan inclides a daily paper, a reading room to be suppiied with papers and books bearing on sefence, politics and progre: library, lecture room, ete. “Mr. Reid has been invited to assist the club, and has consented to do so. Other for- eigners will, no doubt, interest themselves in a movement which fs enUrely nove! in China and promises good result: ort Appointed Quartermaster Sergeant. Clement C. Coleworthy, sergeant company F, twenty-third infantry, has been appoint- ed post quartermaster gergeant and 1 ed to duty at Fort Brown, Texas, relieving Post Quartermaster Sergeant John ©. Mar- shall, who has been transferred to duty at Fort McHenry, Md. IN CONGRESS TODAY Quite a Talk on Armor Plate in the Senate, MR. SHERMAN'S FINANCIAL RESOLUTION Questions Put to Mr. Mitchell as to Treasury Operations. A BRIEF HOUSE SESSION When the Senate met today Mr. Perkins (Cal.) asked unanimous consent for the consideration of a resolution which in sev- eral whereases recited the deveiopment of the beet sugar industry under the McKinley bounty and the injury it had suffered under the present tariff law and the nece: further protection for a few years, and directed the commitiee on finance to re- port an amendment to the House tariff bill laying an additional duty on raw sugar equal to the other increases of the bili. Mr. Berry (Ark.) objected. Mr. Morrill (Vt.) moved that when the Senate adjourn today it be to meet on Fri- day next. He explained that the finance committee, of which he was now chairman, desired to consider the bond and tariff bills on Thursday. His motion was agreed to. Falk About Armor Pinte. Mr. Chandler's resolution offered yesier- Gay directing the committee on naval af- fairs to investigate the prices paid by the government for armor plate and as to whether any officials of the government were interested In patent processes, was called up. At the suggestion of Mr. Gor- man (Md.) the words directing an inquiry into the facts as to whether che prices paid by the Unitc] States were “as low as pald by foreign goverments” were stricken out. Mr. Mulls (Texas) could not see the reason for amendirent. Mr. Gorman explained that It was well known that an armor plate company had ecmpeted with England for furnishing ar- mor plate for a Russian vessel. The prices asked were lower than received from the United States. The contract, he thought, had been made at a k There had been no concealment about it. . As to the re- mainder of the resolution Mr. Gorman said it contained an intimation that there had not been careful business conduct of the office of the Navy Department, and fur- ther that officers of the government were Mterested in armor plate patents. If the information of the Senator from New Hampshire warranted these intimations he had no objection to the resolution, but he gretted that anybody should deem it necessary to make such an inquiry. He spoke of the fact that both political parties had united in the last twelve years in the rejuvenation of our navy. Great discretion had been given to the Secretaries of, the Navy, and the results had been marVelous to the world. The hon- esty, Integrity and intelligence of the heads of the Navy Department had not been ques- tioned. He again expressed regret that just at this time, in the peculiar atmosphere which enveloped us, that it should be thought necessary to make this inquiry Mr. Hale also spoke of the achievements of the Navy Department, and expressed the hope that nothing would be found amiss. Mr. Chandler said he shared the general regret, but he was ready to assume the re- sponsibility for the resolution. Facts hed come to his knowledge, that re- quired investigation and publicity, in order that future contracts for armor in the equip- ment of vessels now building and to be built should be above suspicion and reproach. He did not propose to make a statement of the facts on which the resolution was found. ed, but said something of their character could be surmised from certain statements printed recently in a New York paper. The resolution was adopted. Mr. Sherman's Financial Resotutl Mr, Sherman then introduced the follo ing resolution, which was listened to with keen interest, in view of the Senator's ut- terances against the retirement of the greenbacks. He gave notice that on Frid: he would submit some remarks upon it. The resolution was as follo’ “Resolved, That, by injurious legislation by the Fifty-third Congress, the revenues of the government were reduced below {ts necessary expenditure, and the fund created by law for the redemption of United States notes bas been invaded to supply such de- ficiency of reserve; that such a misapplica- tion of the resumption fund is of doubtful legality and greatiy injurious to the public credit, and should be prevented by restor- ing said fund to the sum of not less than $100,000,000 in gold coin or bullion, to be paid out only in the redemption of United States notes and treasury notes, and such notes, when redeemed, to be reissued only in ex- change for gold coin or bullion, Mr. Mitchell's Speech. Mr. Mitchell (Oreg.) then took the floor and spoke in favor of his resolution, in- structing the finance committee to restore the McKinley duties on wool in any reve- tue bill reported to the Senate. While Mr. Mitchell was contending that the Secretary of the Treasury could have ed the gold raids by using his dis- nm to releem notes in coin, Mr. Hill (N. Y.) asked him if it was not true that greenbacks had been redeomed in gold by every Secretary since 1° Mr. Mitchell replied that it might be but In his opinion it was very poor y “Treasury notes have been redeemed fu gold only since 1891," interrupted Mr. Cockrell (Mo.) “Is that a fact?” asked Mi It ts," replied Mr. Cockrell, emphaticall “In 1808, in response to a telegram sent by me to Secretary ster, he replied that the first treasury note had been redeemed by him in goid in 1891." Mitchell. “Iam talking about greenbacks,” said Hill. “Have not all Se ries of the ‘edeemed these noles in gold Mr. Cockrell's Assertion. : “Greenbacks were never presented,” said Mr. Cockrell. “There was no demand for gold, and that can be shown on the record. The Senator from Ohio (Mr. Sherman) since that time proposed to redeem, retire and cancel every cne of those greenbacks with silver dollars, and his amendment to ‘ect is here on record, in which he stitute for the greenbacks 1 that e proposed to s silver notes, and, want to say that ary 2, 18%, in addition to that, ‘retary Carlisie, Jan stated before the House cum- mittee on appropriaticns that If in the be- ginning the Secretary of the Treasury had sed his discretion of paying either in silver or gold, it would have operated well, and would have been of great the Senate adjourned THE HOUSE. The last session of the House 1845 wes a purely formal sting but adjournment cording to the for meeting, a very few minutes, and an the x was taken until Fr understarding. lay, ac- he prayer cf the chaplain was most impressive, He asked that party contentions might be buried, that the nation mignt advance with the motto: “One flag, one country, one God fercver,” and coneluded, “with malice toward none, with charity for all, let cur nation stand an example to all the en on her brow. republican member from Tex rrection of the jou nal, to show that he had voted for the two revenue bills last week, but no other busi- ness" was done. At 12:15 the House adjourned. world with