Evening Star Newspaper, January 7, 1896, Page 2

[ sacra government of Johaunesbirg Mth Presineg Kruger ‘Wednesda Peveniaxt w ident r Wednesday evi -The president, after“lstening to the com- plaints,promised to redress their grievances, ‘gave the Uitlandets represeatation in the government of the Transvaal, concluded a three days’ armistice with the insurgents, and thus removed any further real cause for raising men to support Dr. Jameson. In the meanwhile the provisional govern- ment retained control of Johannesburg. ‘The Germans and Americins had, during this time, joined the National Union, repre- sented by the provisional government, and their example was followed by the Afri- kanders in general, by the Australians and by the Mercantile Associatio1. But while President Krager agreed to Srant the main demands of the committee of the provisional government of the Na- tional Union, he imposed terms upon them which aroused the indignation of the peo- ple of Johannesburg when the delegation returned and reported the result of its mis- sion. In fact, it is claimed that the cnly thing which prevented a further uprising then was the issuing of an imperial procla- mation forbidding all British subjects to in any way assist Dr. Jameson. Gen. Joubert, while guarantecing the safety of Johannesburg if the town kept quiet, intimated that he would adopt the most sever measures if any further demon- stration against the Transvaal government occurred. A meeting of the Americans of tne Rand Was held, and they telegraphed President Kruger that while they were greatly in sympathy with him they could not help him unless he granted the reforms de- manded by the Uitlanders. The Rand Germans also held a_ meeting and sect a deputation to assure President Kruger of their sympathy and loyalty, al- though they supported the demand for re- form in the administration of the Trans- yaal. They also cabled to Emperor Wil- Ham, asking him to bring pressure to bear upon Great Britain in order to prevent her from interfering actively in. the affairs of the Transvaal. indignation at Johnanesburg. 14 spite of the pacifie attitude of Presi- @ent Kruger toward the Uitlanders, the news that Dr. Jameson was fighting his way toward Johannesberg raised such a storm of indignation against the luke- warmness of the provistonal government that a second representation was sent to President Kruger, demanding that Dr. Jameson's column be allowed to enter and leave Johannesburg unmolested, and that the government of the Transvaal agree to pay a war indemnity for the expenses in- curred in the demonstration against the regime of President Kruger. Naturally, this cool request received no attention from the Transvaal government, id the work of suppressing the insurrec- lon was actively continued. When Dr. "s forces were first -Mghted in the Transvaal territory they were met by a messenger from Command- er Marco, who requested them to withdraw. Vaal, adding: “We are here in reply to the invi- tation of the principal residents of the Rand to assist them in their demand for justice and the ordinary rights of every citizen of a civilized state.” Fighting Begins. Fighting between the Boers and the in- vaders commence@ soon afterward near Krudersdorp, where the Boers occupied a strong position. The British force was commanded by Sir John Willoughby, as- sisted by Major Goold Adams of Matabele war fame. In addition to the strong position they occupied, the Boers outnumbered Jameson’s command by six to one. But, although the latter were exhausted by their long night and day march without food, having ex- pected to be met by the Uitlanders in force With all the supplies necessary, they suffer- = only a slight reverse, losing nine killed. ‘he Boers, however, tured twel ee cap’ elve pris- Jameson then moved southward, with the view of outflanking the Boers; but the lat- bari massed in great numbers near Vlakfon- ein. After moving southward, on Wednesday, Jameson's party had to fight hard all night, 80 that when they reached Vlakfontein, which is about six miles from Johannes- burg. “Phursday morning they were utterly exhausted; their supply of cartridges was abort gone and nearly all of them were on the verge of starvation. In spite of this they fought stubbornly until noon against the force of about 4,900 Boers surrounding them, and then, their ammunition having given out, they surrendered. Jameson’s Loss. According to the best estimates, about 150 of Dr. Jameson's followers were killed and fifty were wounded. The prisoners captured ty the Boers numbered about 500. They were taken to Pretoria. - CECIL RHODES’ CAREER. His Rapid Rise im the South of Africa. Cecit Rhodes, who has just resigned as premier of the Cape Colony, says a writer im the New York Heraid, is one of those few men whose nathe and fame are ~>- miliar to the entire civilized world. He does not write well; he is ar ent speaker on the public platf ori devoid of conversational gift; f and he acts. He has the brain t cave vast projects and the practical genius re- quired to work them out in actual detail. His great object in South African politics has- bee® to increase’ the“influence and empire of Great Britain. To him and to bim alone is due the fact that It is now pos- sible to journey from CapeTown to the great lakes without crossing .any territory that does not own the.supremacy of Great Brit- ain. He cpnceived a Napoleonic plan and carried it into execution. after leaving Oxford, he went to South Africa in search of health he tirst tried his hand at farming. He soon laid that occupation aside, drifted off to the dia- “mond fields, learned the business of dia- mond ‘mining and became interested in a mining company Mf Rhodes determined to consolidate the mining interests, to con- trol them all. He accomplished his pur- pose. The amalgamation made Mr. Rhodes the most fameus and the most popular man in South Africa. He wet into politics, and im 1890, on the fall of the Spriggs ministry, hhe became prime minis‘er, an office which he has held since. Having realized a vast fortune he ad- dressed himself to developing the political and commercial possibilities of South Af- rica. He organized the British South Afri- can Company and obtained for it a charter from the crown. ‘The company’s territory is 1,200 miles long and 500 miles broad, and stocked with mimerals from end to end. There is gold; there are immense stores of coal and iron, side by side; there are rich deposits of cop- per; the agricultural and pastoral capabili- ties of the country are sufficient to feed all Europe; there are 1,400 miles of telegraph lines built and working; there are already two railways, and they pay four per cent; there are magistrates’ courts through the whole of the territory; there are five or six civilized towns; there are 40,000 mining claims registered along 2,000 miles of min- eralized quartz. The cost of the admin- istration of the country already very near- ly pays for itself.. The expenditure is about $350,000 annually, and the revenue $250,000. Mr. Rhodes is of athletic frame and of gigantic stature; ruddy-faced, strong-hand- ed, deliberate in action, almost sauntering in step, with rather full, but dreamy, in- trospective gray eyes, and the jaw and ehin of a bulldog. There is no one more direct and resolute of speech. “I don’t want a single redcoat,” he said when the trouble with Lobengula began. “We'll lick the Matabele off the earth without bother- ing the British taxpayer.” Commenting on the vilification of him with which a portion of the British press is teeming, he said. “That's the sort of stuff that led to Bunker Hil. I am loyal. The Cape's loyal. But continued injustice and misrepresentation will at last allenate the most loyal.” Lovers of coincidence will observe some curious parallels between the careers of Mr. Rhodes and his successor, Sir John Gordon Sprigg. The former is the son of a@ clergyman, the latter is the son of a Baptist minister. Both went to the Cape in fll health and both renewed their strength im its salubrious air. But Sir John is much the older of the two. Mr. Rhodes is about forty-two, while the new premier is nearly sixty-six. ————— Fraud Orders. The Post Office Department has issued fraud orders against the Princess Toilet Company and its manager, Mrs. H. C. Rupe of South Bend, Ind., and against the Nordenberg Art Company of New York city and its officials, Lee Allgaier, man- ager: P. Nordenberg, leading artist, and Mark Kon THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, JANUARY: 7, 1896—TWELVE PAGES. LATE NEWS BY WIRE Mayor Strong States His Position as to the Enforcement of Law. 10 BE EXECUTED UNTIL REPEALED Would Like to Have the Vote on Sunday Saloons. >—_— IS OPPOSED TO SPYING Qe NEW YORK, January 7—Mayor Strong sent his annual message to the board of aldermen today. After a review of the eity’s finances the mayor refers to the po- Hee department and the excise question as follows: “One of the most difficult problems that faced the commissioners of police was the enforcement of the excise laws, and that for the reasons that the people as a rule were unfamiliar with their exact provisions and had grown accustomed to a kind of en- forcement which led them to believe that the laws were different from what their wording showed them to be, or that the abuses of such laws had grown into such a custom that the enforcement thereof was judged not by what it shold be, but by what it had been. “However we may differ upon the pro- priety of the laws upon the statute books, however we may differ upon the nature of excise legislation, however much our views may vary upcn the privileges to be granted on one or another day of the week, the primal principle must be otserved that the laws enacted must be enforced until they ‘are repealed. J “In ro other way can a police force be preperly organized, disciplined and main- tained, and in ro other manner can law and order be established and maintained in a crowded community or otherwise. “Perso: ally I do not believe that the en- forcement of our excise laws will ever fail to breed more or less discontent until the question of the Sunday opening of the saloons Is established by a vote of the peo- ple themselves, and I would gladly see the question submitted for decision at the polis, at a time other than that of gen- eral elections, as to whether or not the people desire the opening of the saloons on Surday, ard, if they do so desire it, what period of that day shall be allowed for that purpose. “I do not believe that the most healthful enforcement of the law can be had, how- ever great may appear the necessity there- for, by the employment of a system of espionage that creates suspicion either as to its fairness or the manner in which it is exercised.” —_———_ NARROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH. Fire im a Five-Story Building in Chicago. CHICAGO, January 7.—Fire start2d late last night in the basement of the building at Nos. 272, 274 and 276 Madison street, and burned through five floors to the roof, caus- ing damage of $100,000. ‘The Confectioners and Bakers’ Company occupit the exception of the ground floor rooms, which were occupied by James Schoeawel- ter and J. R. Kohn as a cigar store and mm respectively. Schoenwelter and his wife had a narrow escape from death by suffocation. Two policemen who discovered the fire broke down the door, and together they pushed their way throizh the smoke- filled rooms to where the man and his wife were asleep. After rescuing them they turned in an alarm. ——.__ DISTRICT .IN CONGRESS. Mr. Babcock has introduced in the House the bill authorizing the reassessment of water main taxes in the District. A separate bill offered by Mr. Babcock authorizes a similar proceeding in the case of reassessrents for improvements and gereral taxes. Mr. McMillan today also introduced these bills in the Senate. Against Carrying Deadly Weapons. Mr. Babcock today introduced in the House, and Mr. McMillan in the Senate, the bill approved by the Commissioners,amend- ing the law relating to selling and carry- ing deadly weapons in the District, pro- viding especially against selling © such weapons to minors. To Confirm a Title. Mr. Meredith has introduced a pill in the House providing that all the right, title and interest of the United States of Amer- ica, in square known as square north of square numbered 1053, in the city of Wash- irgton, be granted to and confirmed in Al- len C.' Clark. To Relieve A. J. Whitaker. Mr. Cullom introduced in the Senate to- day a bill for the relief of Andrew J. Whit- A Supply led the entire building, with aker, late special disbursing agent of the Navy Department. The measure allows the claimant $785 for services rendered to the United States from December 5, 1890, to May 11, 1891. Storage in the District. Mr. McMillan also introduced a bill to regulate the business of storage in the District of Columbia, and provides for the sale of prcperty in storage to satisfy liens. A Dol Bill. Mr. Pickler of South Dakota has intro- duced in the House the dollar gas bill which passed the House in the last Con- gress and was pocketel in the Senate. ‘The bill as presented today does not in- clude any amendment of the measure which passed the House. Free Street Car Transfers. Mr. Baker of New Hampshire has in- troduced a bill in the House requiring all street car companies in the District of Co- lumbia, upon the demand of a passenger, to give a free transfer at any point where the line intersects another line. It also makes compulsory the issue of transfers at 15th and G streets «nd 15th and New York avenue northwest to the iines inter- secting there. ——__o+—___ MORE GOLD WITHDRAWN. The Reserve Today is Down to $58,500,000. Word has reached the Treasury Depart- ment of the withdrawal of $2,400,000 in gold from the New York subtreasury to- day for export, thus reducing the gold re- serve to about $58,500,000. The new bonds will be printed from the plates used in the issue of February 1, 1895, and ccnsequently no time iwll be lost in their preparation. They will differ from the o Idbends only in having a year’s less coupors. A supply of distinctive paper for their printing has been ordered. In order to bring them to a 3 per cert basis they will probably command a premium of about $119. —_____-e-________ DISTRICT ASSEMBLY 66 SUED. Made Joint Defendant With the Ana- costin Herdic Line. ‘Emma C. Robey, trading as the Anacos- tia Grocery and Feed Company, and James B. Shannor, today, through Attorney R. W. Bishop, filed a bill in equity against Jos. B. Fenton, Geo. W. Cook, the Anacostia Her- dic line, and District Assembly No. 66, Knights of Laber, praying for an injunc- tion, the appointment of a receiver for the herdic line, and for an accounting by the defendants. The complainants claim to be creditors of the Herdic line, which yesterday made 2n assignment by its manager, Fenton, to Cook, for the benefit of its creditors. They assert that the assignment was irregular, and pray that the assignee be restrained from dong anything as ass'gnee except by order of the ‘court. The labor organization is made a defendant because the complain- ants believe it and the Herdic line to be ore concern. ee Sir Julian Goldsmid Dead. LONDON, January 7.—Sir Julian Gold- smid, the well-known Hebrew philanthro- pist, who had been ill for some time past, is dead. He was born in 1838. STILL MORE TESTIMONY IN CON Mew York Witnesses in the Sugar Trust Oase. Arguments by Counsel Concernin; Certain Lines ef Evidence— Under the Constitution. The array cf legal talent engaged in the case of Mr. Elverton R. Chapman, the al- leged contsmactous sugar trust witness, were promptly on hand when the case was again taken up this morning before Judge Cole in Criminal Court No. 1. Ex-Senator Edmunds was the first to arrive and he im- mediately engaged himself in the study of a law volume. Judge Dittenhcefer was oc- cupied several moments ir arranging a row of authorities, after which he conversed earnestly with Judge Jere Wilson, while Attorneys Nathaniel Wilson and Shella- barger sat close by. District Attorney Bir- ney chatted pleasantly with his assist- ante Messrs. Taggart and Jeffords, and the trio appeared confident of success. A larger attendance than yesterday was the rule today, the spectaters including many prominent members of the local bar. Interest in the trial had evidently in- creased, owing probably to the fact that the defense has demonstrated that it in- tends to fight every point to the extreme de- Rree. ‘When the court adjourned yesterday after- noon Stenographer Prentiss of the Senate investigating committee was on the stand, and the question of the right of the defense to require him to read in full all the testi- mony of Mr. Chapman before the committee was in dispute. This morning Judge Wil- son moved the court that the defense, by crcess-examination of Mr. Prentiss, be per- mitted to prove that Mr. Chapman declined to answer the questions of the committee on the ground that he desired to consult coun- sel, and after doing so announced that he had been advised. that under the Constitu- tion he was not required to answer. The testimony referred to was read by Judge yee and Mr. Birney objected to the mo- lon. His Constraction. Judge Wilson read section 102 of the Re- vised Statutes, as follows: ‘Every person who, having been summoned as a witness by the authority of either house of Con- gress to give testimony or produce papérs upon any matter under inquiry before either house, cr any committee of either house of Congress, willfully makes default, or who, having appeared, refuses to an- swer any question pertinent to the ques- tion under inquiry, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, nor less than $100, and imprisonment in a common jail for not less than one month, nor more than twelve months.” Judge Wilson went on to argue that the werds “willfully” and “pertinent” mean scmething in the statute, and that section 102 does not have the scope attributed to it by the district attorney. The Senate committee, he declared, sought to make an unreasonable search into the private affairs of Mr. Chapman, which was an in- vesion of constitutional rights. Quoting Justice Field of the United States Supreme Court, Judge Wilson said that there is nothing more sacred than the security of a citizen, not only as regards his personal liberty, but also his private affairs. A number of authorities were quoted, and the attorney declared Congress has not the power to carry out, under section 102 of the statutes, what, under that section, it is attempted to carry out. In the indictment all the facts must be set forth, continued Judge Wilson, to bring the case within the statute. There have been cases in which the indictments were worded exactly as are the statutes, but they have been held by the Supreme Court to be insufficient. Not only must it be asserted in the indictment that the offense with which Mr. Chapman is charged was will fully done, according to Judge Wilson, but it must be shown that such was the case. . Constitution Greater. We have a case here, said Judge Wilson, an act of Congress on the one side and the Constitution of the United States on the ether. On one hand the Constitution guar- antees to citizens the right to be protected against unreasonable and improper inquiry into his private affairs. On the other hand is ap act of Congress proviJing that if a man is summoned before a committee of Congress and refuses to answer a question he must go to jail. Mr. Chapman finds himself in this position—I am granted pro- tection by the Constitution while Ff am laid open to assault by an act of Congress. Mr. Chapman then seeks the advice of learned counsel and is advised that he is not required to disclose his private affairs and he so respectfully informs the comm!t- tee. That certainly was not a willful viola- tion of law. The lawmakers did not, in- tend to punish or disgrace a man who would do an act under the belief that it was lawful to do it. At this point the usual noon recess was taken. In addition to Mr. Chapman, Broker McCartney, Secretary Searles of the Sugar Trust, and Correspondent Shriver, all al- leged contumacious witnesses, were in court teday. New York Witnesses. After recess, Judge Wilson suspended his argument in order that several witnesses might be examined. This was done for the convenience of the witnesses. Mr. George W. Ely, the secretary of the New York stock exchange, was placed on the stand by the district attorney. He stated that he has held the position for thirteen years past, and added that the stock of the American Sugar Refining €om- pany has been handled in the exchange. No record, testified the witness, is kept of the proceedings, and he went on to explain that quotation ticker service is supplied to various offices from the floor of the ex- change. “That ticker service is not always accur- ate, is it?” asked Judge Dittenhofer. “That matter does not come under my cons‘deration,” was the reply. Francis E. Fitch of Passaic, N. J., was next called. He testitied that he is the pub- lisher of the New York stock exchange list, intended to be a report of the quotations of the sales on the floor of the exchange. The sales are secured by a ticker service. On cross-examination, Mr. Fitch stated that he has nothing to do with the printing proper of the list, and has no personal knowledge of the receipt of the quotations or of their accuracy, he being the secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Ex- change Printing Compaay. Mr. Birney offered a number of copies ef the exchange lists, as identified by Mr. Fitch, in evidence, but the defense prompt- ly objected on the ground that the witness knew nothing accurately regarding the lists and therefore his testimony was hear- say, and the lists not competent. Mr. Birney maintained that the list could be admitted, in accordance with two opin- ions of the Supreme Court. “One,” he said, “1s found in third Wallace, 114, cham- pagne—”. “Cases_of champagne,” Senator Edmunds. “Will it show the relation of champagne end sugar?” inquired Judge Cole, and a general laugh followed. One of the jurors stating that he was anxious to attend the funeral of a member of his family, the jury was then excnsed until tomorrow morning at 1) o'clock, after which Mr. Birney continued to read the cpinion of the Supreme Court in support of his position regarding the admissibility of the exchange liets in evidence. Iu the midst of his argument Judge Wil- son, on. the plea of a severe headache, asked an adjourrment until tomorrow maernie, and such was accordingly or- ered. remarked ex- ————— Cardinal Satolli’s Reception. Cardinal Satolli will hold a reception in McMahon Hall, at the Catholic University of America, this afternoon, and one of the most distinguished gatherings that ever as- sembled on a similar occasion at the na- tional capital is expected to be present. The hour for the reception to begin is 4 o’clock. Shortly before that time the faculties of various schools of the Catholic University will assemble in Divinity Hall, clad in their respective uniforms. Here they will be joined by Cardinal Sa- tolli, and in procession will escort him to the assembly hail of McMahon Hall, where the guests will be received. ——_—_. Government Receipts. Nationa! bank notes received for redemp- tion today, $489,102. Government receipts— Frem internal revenus, $255,844; customs, $296,708; miscellanecus, $5,110. GRESS TODAY Mr, Chandle Introduces a: Bill for _. Postaf Savings Notes, VENEUOELAN Senator Veut the Stierman Resolution. AN ANTL-TRUST RESOLUTION -_—— The clouds lowered on the Senate horizon today and the signs pointed to a very stormy session. Mr Vest was down for a speech, and there was a prospect of a very lively skirmish over the bond question and the report of the finance committee. Sena- tor Lindsay (Ky.) was present for the first time since the reconvening of Congress and took the oath prescribed by the Constitu- tien. Numerous petitions bearing on the Armenian outrages, the question of the rec- ognition of the Cuban belligerents and the Venezuelan boundary line dispute were presented. Among the latter was one from the Society of Friends of Indiana, praying for arbitration. The Substitute for the Bond Bill. Mr. Jones (Ark.) reported from the finance committee the substitute for the House bond bill, providing for the free coinage of silver, the coinage of the seign- forage, etc. He gave notice that he would tomorrow call up the bill and ask the Senate to consider it. Mr. Morrill (Vt.), chairman of the finance committee, notified the Senate that the substitute presented by Mr. Jones had been agreed to by a majority of the committee. “But it was opposed,” said he, “by every republican member of the committee.” The bill went on the calendar. On motion of Mr. Davis (Minn.) the House joint joint resolution concerning the improvement of the public building at Mankato, Minn., was agreed to. On Mr. Kyle’s motion a bill was passed amending the existing law, so that the evidence of timber claimants can*be taken before the clerk of any court of record, in- stead of requiring them, as now, to go be- fore the officers of the land office. Contracts for the Library Building. Mr. Voorhees (ind.) asked unanimous consent for the consideration of a zesolu- tion authcrizing Gen. Casey to make con- tracts for the completion of the new Li- brary of Congress. He stated that if this resolution were passed the building would be completed within the time fixed by the act and within the limit of the appropria- tion, and about $80,000 would be covered beck into the treasury. “An unprecedent- ed thing in the erection of public build- iugs,” ejaculated Mr. Hale (Me.). The reso- lution _was passed. Mr. Voorhces offered a resolution, which was referred, for the purchase of a portrait of the late Atlen G. Thurman now hanging in the judiciary committee room, painted by J. H. De Witt. : Futute Bond Issues. Mr. Elkins Y4Va) offered a resolutipa, which was referred to the finance commit- tee, providing that hereafter aay contem- Plated issue of United States bonds shall first be advertised for at least twenty days, and that such ‘bonds shall be sold to the highest bidder. The House resolution for’ the appoint- ment ot Mr. Wm. L. Wilson as one of the regents of the Smithsonian Institution was adopted. iS For Postal Savings Notes. Mr. Chandler presented a bill providing for a popular loan by the issue of postal savings notes. Speaking of the bill, Mr. Chandler called attention to a cable mes- sage in the New York World today from Rothschild & Sons expressing doubt as. to whether any -European capitalists would take Arericen bonds for investment urtil the Venezuela boundary line dispute was arranged... “That means,” said Mr. Chan- dier, comme:ting on the cemmunication, “that the United States should agree to Lord Salisbury’s proposition; that we will allow Great Britain to take all she needs of Ver-ezuela’s territory, and arbitrate the question of vy hether she shall take the rest of the territory in dispute.” He said that being the situation, it was time to see whether the American people could not furnish the resources necessary to main- tain our credit. « An Appeal to the People. That could, he thought, be accomplished by @ suitable appeal to the people. He dcubted whether the treasury circular invit- ing subscriptions from the people would prove effective, owing to the difficulties and uncertainties with which bids would be hedged about. What was wanted was a Popular loan, by which the money of the rich and poor alike would pour into the treasury. He explained his bill, and: pre- dicted that the postal savings certificates is- sued under the bill would cecome as popu- lar for investment as the compound inter- est notes issued during the rabellion. “What is the distinction between those Proposed postal savings certificates and or- dinary bonds?’’ asked Mr. Allen (Neb.). “These,” said-Mr. Chandler, ‘would offer the utmost simplification of the govern- ment’s promise to pay, and would show on their face what,they are worth from year to year. Of course, they are interest-bear- ing obligations, but I am satisfied that there is- gold enough’ ia the country, and that it could be brought out in small sums, if such opportunity as this bill proposes were offered.” In reply to further questions by Mr. Allen he said that he did not regard the popular loan in the form offered by the Secretary of the Treasury as a wise method of testing the willingness of the people to invest their earnings in bonds. Like the author of every bill, he added, smiling, he regarded his bill 8s offering a perfect panacea for the situa- tion. He asked that the bill go to the com- mittee on post offices and post roads, but Gave notice that he should move it as an smendment to the financial bill reported by the finance committee. It was referred, as Tequested. To Investigate Frauds in Alabama. Mr. Allen offered a resolution for the ap- pointment of a committee of five Senators to investigate the question of whether there was now and had been for the past two and one-half years a republican form of govern- ment in the state of Alabama, whether fraud, force or intimidation had entered into the elections of members of the legisla- ture in so far as these elections bore on the elections of United States Senators. The resolution empowered the committee to send for persons and papers. It was referred. The Rothsgpild Cablegrams. Mr. Lodge reopened the discussion of Mr. Chandler‘s bill by- calling attention to sec- tion 5335 of, the: Revised Statutes, prohib- iting any citizen,,of the United States on penalty of .fine and imprisonment from holding any communication, verbal or writ- ten, with any offtter or agent of a foreign government{:the'purpose of which was to influence action i a pending international dispute, or to .nterfere with “a measure of the United States.” He cited the cable communications sent by the Rothschilds, cne of whom was &@ member of the house of commons, to the editor of the New York World. The obvious trend of these communicatiens was to interfere with “a measure of, the government.” Mr. Pulitzer's Liability. He also called attention to a recent com- munication of the Prince of Wales on the boundary line dispute. All of these com- munications were for the purpose, he claimed, “of forcing us from our position” and making us more than ever dependent on a syndicate of bankers. He wanted to know if Editor Pulitzer’s action did not come witain the pale of the statute he had cited. Mr. Chandler was inclined to agree that it did. “The statute only applies to citizens of the United States,” interrupted Mr. Stew- art (Nev.), “Is Joseph Pulitzer a citizen?” “He was born in Hungary,” replied Mr. Chandler, “but I understand he has been naturalize “He is certainly a citizen of the United States,” interjected Mr. Lodge. Mr. Chandler was proceeding to say that in his opinion if Mr. Pulitzer set foot again on United States territory, “as he occa- sionally does, that the President and the Atterney General should see to it that he was punished,” when Mr. Gray (Del), ask- ed for a re-reading of the statute. It hap- om that Mr. Hill just at that time was self reading the statute. “It is now being read by the defender of the administration,” sald Mr.Chandler, sar- castically. “Whatever else I may be,” said Mr. Hill, looking up, “I am not the defender of Jo- seph Pulitzer.” Mr. Gray in Opposition. After the statute had been again read, Mr. Gray took the floor and bitterly de- nounced the suggestion of Mr. Lodge. He declared that he had heard it ad- vanced with surprise and approved with amazement. ‘/Now, in the evening of the nineteenth century you cannot bark back on the track of the,dead centuries and at- tempt to stifle expression or effort to ob- tain expression,” said he, “in this country or abroad. In this country and in all civil- ized countries a just, public opinion is the final arbiter of all questions. It is not necessary for one to say, if this sugges- tion is seriously made, that it is impossible in this day and hour to attempt any in- quisitorial interpretation of a statute for the purpose of stififng an expression of public opinion."” 8 Mr. Vest’s Reply to Mr. Sherman. At 2 o'clock Mr. Vest (Mo.) took the fioor to discuss the resolution introduced by Mr. Sherman. He said thai the last Congress Fassed a bill which carried ample revenue for the government and a smail surplus besides. He said that the Supreme Court decision had stripped the measure of $50,- .000 of revenue by a decision which was @ surprise to nearly every intelligent law- yer on the floor. While discussing the de- eision of the court he would observe the comity between co-ordinate branches of the government, but.he would say that the decision was cne of the most remarkable that had ever been delivered, and was so considered by a majority of the people of the country, including able lawyers every- where. THE HOUSE. The first business in the House today was the adoption of a joint resolution authoriz- ing Lieut. Sidney S. Jordan, fifth U. 8. ar- ullery, and Capt. E. C. Carter, assistant surgeon, U. 8. army, to accept medals from the British government. Mr. Alen Sworn in. The committee on the judiciary, by Mr. Broderick (Kan.), reported upon the seat- ing of Member-elect Clarence E. Alen from Utak that while the members of the com- mittee differed upon the interpretation of his certificate, there was ne doubt con.ern- ing his eligibility to the seat. Therefore, Mr. Broderick moved that he be swern in. There was no objection, and, escorted by Mr. Broderick, Mr. Allen stepped forward and assented to the usual oath adminis- tered by the Speaker. Mr. Loud (Cal.) reported from the com- mittee on post offices a resolution calling upon the Postmaster General for informa- tion concerning the number of clerks em- ployed since June 30, 1805, to do work formerly done by canceling machines and the number of clerks in the first twenty post offices whose salaries have been re- duced, the number increased and the num- ber of new men employed since June 30, 1894, with the reasons therefor and the re- sults in the matter of efficiency. Am Anti-Trust Resolution. A resolution from the committee on ju- diciary calling upon the Attorney General for information as to what steps, if any, he has taken to enforce the laws of the United States against trusts, combinations and conspiracies, and what further legislation if any, is needed in his opinion to protect the people against the same, was reported by Mr. Henderson (Iowa). He explained that this was a substitute for a resolution introduced by Mr. Hubbard (Mo.) asking the Attorney General why he had not en- forced the anti-trust law, which assumed a state of affairs concerning which the com- mittee had no evidence, so it had ~nani- mously agreed upon the substitute. The resolution was adopted. A Sealing Inquiry. Mr. Dingley, chairman of the ways and means committee, reported a resolution call- ing upon the Secretary of the Treasury for information as to the amounts received frcm the lessees of the Alaskan seal islands each year from May, 1890, and from 1888 to 1890, and the number of skins taken each year; also the cost of policing the Bering sea and North Pacific each year since 1890, and the amounts paid for the support of natives of The resolution was adopted, as was also a resolution to pay Anna Waterman,-the widow of John T. Waterman of Georgia, who was clerk to Speaker Crisp in the last Congress, a sum equal to six months’ salary. A report made by Mr. Aldrich (Ill), chair- man of the committee on accounts, recom- mending the appointment and release of sundry minor officials of the House, evoked warm discussion, in which Mr. Johnson of Indiana and Mr. Walker of Massachusetts, both republicans, attacked the alleged com- bination which had controlled the appoint- ments of House officers. ‘The recommendations of the committee on accounts were approved, and at 1:25 the House adjourned until tomorrow. 2 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. A question has arisen involving the valid- ity of the new assessment, ag returned yes- terday by the board of assistant assessors. As pointed out in The Star of yesterday, the board is required by law to make a return of all taxable property within the District of Columbia on the first Monday in January, 1896, together “with a list of the amount, description and value of ‘he real property subject to be listed for tax: tion In the District of Columbia” As stated in The Star, the lst returned to the District assessor yesterday was Incom- plete in several respects. No retirn what- ever was made of the property in. the coun- ty, and the list of city property was far from being complete, as it lacked the as- sessment on at-least forty squares. It has been stated that the return made by the board of assessors yesterday was suffi- cient to satisfy the law. Then the ques- tion arises: If a return as contemplated by law was made at the time designated it should be, why are the Commissioners seeking to have Congress extend the time for making the sssessment in the county? It has been urged that such a proposition ts untenable, for if a return Las been made why extend ithe time for making the same? This condition of affairs was brought to the attention of the Commtisstoners today, and it is believed an ame: ent will be recommended to one of the pending bills, with the object of validating the assessment already made. . It will be of interest to property owners generally to note that there has been a con- siderable reduction ‘n real estate assexs- ments all over the city. In some isolated cases, values have been materially raised, but that was the result of undervaluation previously. Then it may be said that the values of huuses have been considerably reduced, although here again there are in- stances, especially :m the eastern section of the city, where houses have been raised in value, because previous assessors had not valued ther high enough. ‘The books are now open to the public, and | the board of equalization is ready to receive appeals. ‘ Cause of Closing. The investigation at the District building concerning the statement that because there was no wood on hand, the Johnson public school at Mt. Pleasant was forced to close yesterday, and that the janitor could not make any fire disclosed the fact that on De- cember 31 the trustees made a requisition for twenty-four tons of coal and two cords of wood, one cord of which was to be sawed and split. The order was sent to the con- tractor to send tneze thiags out. Three dif- ferent contractors furnished the fuel. ‘The coal was delivered Friday, but it was not until yesterday that the wood was deliver- ed. The excuse for the delay is that the contractor was waitiag for the inspector of fuel to examine the wood before sending the same out. ———— Struck by a B. and 0. Train. James D. Coheen, a blacksmith, who lives at 441 ist street northeast, was struck by a Baltimore and Ohio train near Trin- idad this afternoon and ‘badly injured about the leg and back. He was brought te the depot on a train, and removed to his heme in the police ambulance. It is thought he will recover. Ss FINANCE AND TRADE Farther Decline of American Stocks in London. 2 ALL PARTS OF THE LIST DEPRESSED A Reaction Fotlowed and Values Were Improved. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS ep Special Dispatch to The Evening Si NEW YORK, January 7.—The further depression of American railway shares in London as refiested by early cables this | morning encouraged a resumption of the lcca) attack agaimet values. In the first few minutes of trading substantial de- clines were recorded tn all parts of the list. The movement was short-lived, how- ever, as the stronger interests in the street having organized over night, came prompt- ly to the rescue ancl forced a general cov- ering movement. London, for the first time in several days; bought moderately, 10,090 shares of St. Paul-alone being credited to foreign purchases. Purchasers are naturally very timid dur- img &@ period of financial un > and pessimists are permitted to dominate, for a time, the course of values. It frequently happens, and the present instance is not an exception, that the freedom of action allowed by the confusion of such a situa- tion senate a an unwarranted exaggera- tion 0! e ts and defeats the of the leaders. cast The low prices which prevailed during the panic, resulting from the war scare at- tracted a new set of buyers, and the saares then absorbed are now in strong hands. The actual liquidation which has been recorded during the last two weeks is not of such proportions as to justify such a viglent decline as was in Progress yester- day. In buying back stocks, therefore, fractions were in instances disre- garded, the purchase of a few hundred shares adding a full point to the previous Wise and timely legislation at Washing- ton would inspire confidence in future ‘re- sults, and would ‘effectually destroy the monopoly of the room traders in the mat- ter of determining current values. The situation is by no means satisfac- tory, but reason should prevail neverthe- less and caution be substituted for panic. It is in. periods of financial distress that bargains are made, but such opportunities sre frequently ignored in the wild rush to — rather than to resist the deprecia- n. The market was adversely influenced dur- ing the afternoon by reports of riots in London, supplemented by rumors of an at- tack on the German embassy. The decline, —— ‘was due entirely to professional selling. The engagement of upwards of $3,000,000 gold for export was announced during the day, the movement being largely the result of postponed shipments. Money ruled steady at 5 and 6 per cent, and is reported in somewhat better supply. The result of the action of the “Senate caucus cn the tariff bill is eagerly waited for, it being generally understood that the House bill must be passed substantially un- changed if any relief is to be had. Sugar is Particularly sensitive to the varying phases of this measure, but the strength: of the stock this morning argues well for the final teome. ou . The result ef the day’s trading was in the main favorable to both sentiment and values. The belief in the syndicate’s pros- pects of securing the new government Joan, thereby increasing the gold reserve as no individual enterprise can possibly do, was largely responsible for the more normal culative undertcne. a FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. The following are the the high- est and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as re- ported by Corson & Macartney, members sad York stock excl ts change. lessrs. Moore & Schley, No. 80 Broadway. oe a 5 16q 16K we yu =e 4 Ht} Big 7K 8 oJ Sexy 6 ex Sy Gy Oy 19535 195. 195% 2% OR OBS B. eB a i B = & & pate 1335 ried SS ae” oon x nail = es & " ct s i = —__.—__ Washington Stock Exchange. ? Sales—r cali—12 o'clock m.—West End Na- tional Bank, 4 at 107. National Safe Depesit and Trust, 10 et os : Government U. 8. registe-ed, 1 bid, 110% asked. U.S. 4, coupons 110 tid, ae asked. U.S 4, 1925, 114 bid. U. 3. 5s, 1904, 11234 bid, 114 asked. District of Columbia Bonds.—20-rear fund Be, Suzear ds, gold, 17 1, currency, i12 bid. wrency, 113 bid. 3.658, 3%, registered, 2-10s, lixvllaneous Boads.—Metrogolitan Railroad coav. Gn, 110 bid, 114 asked. Metrupolitan Railroad 105 bid, elt Railroad Se, 80 bid, 86 sacked Ea B Light a Bank Stocks.—Bank of Washington, 290 asked. Bunk of the Kepublic, 240 bid. ateteopet (tan, 280 bid, 300 asked. Central, 270 bid. Farmers and Mechanics’, 180 Did, Second, 130 Citizens’, 130 Wi Masonic Washington National id, 5 ital Traction Company, 75 bid, 80 asked. Met itan, 90 bid, 100 asked. Columbia, 40 bid. Belt, 30 asked. Ecktazton. 30 town aid Tennallytown, 30 asked. Gas and Electric Light Stocks.—Washington Gas, 45% bid. 47 asked. Georgetown Gas, 46 bid, 55 asked. U. S. Electric Light, 116 bid, 122 asked. Insurance Stocks.—Firemen’s, 38 bid. Franklin, 37 Did. Metropolitan, 68 bid. Corcoran, 5@ Wid Potomac, 60 la, 5 asked. ington, bid. rman; ican, bid. National Union, 13 asked. Colombia, 11 bid. Bh asked. People’s, "5 bi ™% ‘Con.mercial par Silage ge geting 49 asked) American raphophone, 3% bid, 3% asked. Pneumatic Gun Carriage. .20 bid. Mixcellaneous S:ocks.—Ws em Market, 12% u 120 bie, atked. Mergen- Lanston Monotype, 645 asked. Great asked. “Lincoln Hall, 70 bid, 90 thaler Linotype, 210° bid. br, a Baltimore Markets. BALTIMORE, January 7.—Flour dall—western Hich. Tow. Clone. oe get . a 18-4 817 9.12 8.17 957 945 9.50 3 540 5.40 72 5.0 2 48 48 4 477 4.70 453 Hi Law. Close. em fe Tet tar Tt 8.11 S01 «68.02 THE LIBRARY BUILDING Providing for Its Oompletion in Twelve Months’ Time. Joint Resolution Adopted Teday by the Senate—No Interruption of Work. A joint resolution was passed by the Sen ate today which assures the completion of the new Congressional Library within one year. Mr. Voorhees introduced the following resolution: “Whereas in order to complete the build- ing for the library of Congress within the time fixed fer that event, it is now neces- sary that certain work yet to be done should be placed under contract without delay; therefore, “Be it resolved, That Gen. Thomas Lin- coln Casey, the officer in charge of the the second floor of the building was yet to be done, and other work which he could could only emtarrass the work. Mr. Péffer’s amendment was voted down, and the joint resolution was agreed to. new ice palace and skating rink in Con- veation Hall about half-past 11 o'clock this morning, and is now lying in a critical con- the conveyance of chemicals with which Perkins was employed odd around the hall, and is considered a orkman. wat 3 o'clock this afternoon the young fel- low had ing from soreness of the Rock of Appeals decided today that, in adcition to damages for pain and suffering, damages cannot be given for an impairment of the nervous system. The plaintiff was hurt in a collision be- tween cars of the two companies at 14th and U streets, April 16, 1893, and the jury awatded her $2,000 damages. The court below, in instructing the jury, said: “In addition to damages for the pain pal plaintiff's nervous sys- tem, which they might believe from the evi- dence she had incurred as a direct result SO ae Officers Delinquent tn Their Accounts. Acting Secretary Wike of the Treasury Department, in compliance with law, has tranemitted to the House a communication from the sccounting officers of the depart- ment giving [sts of officers who are now Gelinquent in rendermg their acounts or in the payment of balances due from them. ord, Mbrarian of F. J. Kieckhoefer, disbursing clerk in the partment of State. -