Evening Star Newspaper, January 13, 1896, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDA) AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, & 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Street, The Evening Star Newspaper Company, 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. ‘Kew York Office, 49 Potter Building, creat ‘The Evening Star is cerved to subscribers tn th: ity by casriers, on their own scenes at 10 cents per wees. cr 44 cents per month. Copies at the counter 2 cents each. By mail—anywhere in the United — or Canada—postage prepaid—w cents ber mon! Saturda: 2 Sheet Star, $1 per year, with feretgn yorta; €ntered at the Post at Washington, D. C.. es second-class mail matter.) ‘All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. ites of advertising made kncwn on application. es — Ghe Zvening Star. No. 13,373.- WASHING C., MONDAY, JANUARY 13. 1896-TWELVE PAGES RUMORS CONFLICT Developments in the European Sit- uation Must Be Awaited. CANT TELL HOW THE WIND BLOWS Bail Refused for the Rebel Leaders at Johannesburg. ———— ee CRISIS IS NOT YETOVER SS eS LONDON. January 13.—The political cri- sis has reached a stage when “further de- Yelcpments” must be awaited before the general public can form a definite idea of how the wind is blow! ‘The uncertainty prevailiny; in usually well informed quar- ters is well ‘lustrated by the fact that today, while the Standard says that it is authorized to declare that the German em- peror’s “telegrem to President Kruger was at most an expression of a feeling of momen- tary irritation, which has now passed aw leaving the relations between Ger- and England as friendly as hereto- the Times expresses the opinion that “all ihe evils and terrors which made a disturbance in the Transvaal, with or without Dr. Jameson, merely a question of time, still remain uns>2itled.”” The Westminster Gazette this afternoon, touching upon the misunderstanding be- tween Great Britain and the United States, says it sees a distinct }1eak in the clouds and hopes that a settlement satisfactory to Great Britain and the United States will be effected with Venezuela direct and inti- Mates that the Brazilian minis-er is closely identified with the latest proposed solution of this controversy. Keferring to irouble between Great Britain aad Germany, the Westminster Ga- zette remarks: The effects of the shifting of English leanings from Germany to France and Rus- sia is elready evident in the efforts making to explain Emperor Wiiliam’s telegram.” Continuing, the We:tminster Gazette edds: “If our ‘nformatioa is correct, the Marquis of Salisbury's desire to be better friends with France has already brought forth some fruit.”* The Manchester Guardian, commentinz on the British naval preparations, says that considerable ecredenc> is attached to the story that the flying savadron which is to assemble at Portsmouth early this week is more likely to go to the Dardanelles than to Delagoa bay, adding: “Emperor William's message came at just the right time to give the ministers an e: cuse for making preparations really tended to back their new policy, which will end the Armenian horrors and bring the sultan to his senses. The latest rumor points to land invasion by Russia and a joint naval demonstration at Constantino- ple by Great Britain and France. Bail Refused. A dispater to the Pall Mall Gazette from Cape Town, published today, says that th latest advi seived there from Pretori: state that bail has been refused the ring- leaders of the recent disturbances at Johannesburg and that the other persons arrested in the same connection have been liberated each ip $5,000 bai The dispatch adds that it is stated that severe m: ures will be taken against the leaders of the uprising, in spite of the fact that it was they avho were deceived and taken by surprise by Dr. Ja cursion. on, it appears has made every fort to secure leniency for the p but the extreme section of the much incensed and difficult to c new ministry for Cape Colony as a device to shield the ©x-premicr Cecil Rhodes, and Sir Hercules Robin: Mr. Rhodes, it is also said, is in very health. Advices from Johannesburg say that the “foreigners” are expecting the Boers to make a house-to-house search for arms, and it is stated that the Germans of that place Rave heen holding meetings and pass- ing resolutions telling Emperor Wi mind bis own bns's Dr. Jemeson and his Nevtenant: at Pretoria, awaiting the time when nego- tictions between Sir Hercules Robinson ant President Kruger reach a peint which will permit of his being sent to Natal under escort to Le delivered over to the British authorities for tial. The Times says that the officials of the British Seuth Africa Company deny that Dr. Jameson was deposed from the post cf administrator for their territory on the recemmendation ef their company. The Crisis Not Past. the governor of f- The is regarded Mr. on. bad are still Among the South African politicians it is felt that the crisis is by no means over, and it is held by them that the banishment and interdiction placed upon the property of the chief nen of Johannesburg cannot be tolerated. This feeling grows out of the Jckannesburg dispatch reporting that war- rants are out for the arrest of ove persons, il leading ren in the mine: principal companies of the stock exchan. and 6 the professional element. It acded that among those arrested we eral Americans and Germans, including J. S. Curtis, an American engineer. It is genertHy admitted also that the new cabinet of Cape ¢ y is weak, and it is not thought likely that it will last for any let gth of tim Considerable feeling also been caused among the South Africans by the dispatch from Cape Town announcing the arrest at Sea Point, a ir of Cape Town, rles Leorerd, chairman of the Trans- National Union, under extradition pro- ceedings. This is especialiy criticised exted. Cape Mall eables that Boers at Johannesburg inclu ing additional American Meina and Charles Butters. Seeking Protection for Hammond. Senators P s and Waite of California called at the State Department to urge Secretary Olney to take such steps as may he necessary to secure proper treatment for John Hays Hammond, the Amertean min- ing engineer, who is reported to ha en arrested at Johann berg, on a charge of treason in connection with the recent rising of the Uitlanders. Secretary Olmey said that he had Mr. Munyon, the United States agent .at Johannesberg to do everything ection of all Americai al, this course bi t American con and too far removed 0 be of service, vondon wi y Secretary to the foreign office in London i the ritish representatives in South to use their good offi can citizens. proper for the pro! eitizens in the Tran taken because the also cure from tions to frica, t Ameri- The action of Secretary Olney in thus asking the co-operation of the British gov- ernment in the protection of American in- terests in a foreign country, in that the diplomatic relations of the ments are not nearly so badly strained as has nm generally suppo: as a result of the President's stand against British move- ments in Venezuela. In their interview with Secretary OMmey today the Callfornia Senators were assured that the American citizens Im the Trans- Vaal cannet be tried for treason, so that two govern- -| the European powe: Hammond's life is not in danger. The most that can be done against him is to e or imprison him, and probably this will be avoided. The California Senators say that the prompt action of Secretary Olney is all that could be desired. CECIL RHODES’ STATEMENT. Urges the Setanta of the Immigrants in the Transvaal. The following statement has been sent to the New York World by Cecil J. Hhodes: CAPE TOWN, January 12, 1896. The position is that within the Transvaal there are 70,000 newcomers and an old pepulation of 14,000. With the develop- ment of the gold industry to a Tuller extent the newcomers will amount to 500,000 in five vears; eventually to half a million, probably, more. From time to time the position will be upset by the attempts of the néw popula- tion to claim common civil rights, which eventually they certainly must get. States- manship should give them some rights now, as the present state is impossible for the newcomers, who own more than half the soil of the Transvaai, and nine-tenths of the wealth of the country. ‘The new males outnumber the old five to one and are composed largely of Ameri- cans, including the principal mine man- agers. England is the only great power in South Africa. She is now threatened with Ger- man jnterference, which she is hound to resenf and resist. In this she should have America’s sympathy. Blood is‘thicker than water. Americans above all nations insist on civil rights in one's industries here at the Cape. ‘in the Transvaal all my man- agers are Americans. And yet we have the spectacle of the two great English-speak- ing nations of the worid almost on the verge of war about some barren land in South America, whereas working in perfect harmony the peace of tie world would he assured. C.J. RHODES. —+e+— A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION. Army and Hydraulic Engincers Make a Tour of the Lydecker Tunnel Maj. Marshall, Capt. Lusk and Capt. faillard of the corps of engineers, anl Messrs. Fteley and Fitzgerald, hydraulic engineers, comprising the board consider- ing the Washington water supply s spent nearly ali of today in an inspe of the Lydecker tunnel. Vhey worked slowly and carefully made a thorough examina tion, taking fash-light p defective or suspicious 7 remain in session in have completed th read: report wh use in ine of the city. and m of its condi- ographs of ail rtiohns. They will y until they ations and are er or not the tunnel ng the water supply Acceptance of the Katahdin. Secretary Herbert approved the find- ings of the naval board concerning the terms on which the ram Katahdin will be accepted. The purpose is to put her in commission in about a month. ]. THE VENEZUELAN QUESTION Prospect of a Settlerent With Great Britain Much Brightec. The United States Has Resisted. AU Propostions From Other Powers to Join Against England, The announcement of the determination of the British cabinet to publish the Vene- zuelan papers and tke editorial stateme of the London Standard that this count i 1 a magnanimous attitude to- | England while other nations wer iling themselves of the opportunity to} insult the English, has excite consider. ble interest and comment in W political circles. This expression trom the British conservative organ is r 1 as significant. The speculation is chiefly as to the meaning of the refe io “the meegnanimous attitude” of United This relates to no action of this which has been publicly an- but several things put together lead to explanation more or less in- geniovs. While this explanation is as based only on inference, it may, in fact, be based on positive information. The Key to the Situntion. The resulution offered in the Senate the other day by Mr. Morgan, extending con- gratulations to President Kruger, is the key to it. It is believed that overtures were made to this country to join with in giving moral sup- port to the Transvaal republic in declar- ing entire independence of England. This course would have secured to the United States the friendliness of Germany in the Venezuelan matter. It would have been to treat England as the common enemy. This suggestion, it Is believed, was broached in ray, and Mr. Olney declined to take to associate the question of the tpport of the Monroe doctrine with any ropean complication, In other words, the United States declined to take ad tage of the unfortunate pesition of ain to force bh to yield in a macter which #{ is desirable should be settled cn principle, and not merely by force of cir- cumstances. Be States. country nounced, d that Mr.Morzan knew or had on to believe that this oppo: ity common cause against England . and that it would not be avail- by the administration; therefor a ition that Congre. hould take the matter out of the hands of the administra- tion. of Venezuelan Seitlement. Proxpects sttiement of the Ven- much ‘The prospects of a eauelan question are resarded brighter than at any time before. everal startling sitvations have be: ited to the view of the United St ng the course of this controversy as The administration seems to have had choice between courses more or less prom- ising of success, which have been avoided ute indepen- any affecting in order to maintain the ab: denc> of this question of Suropean politi First, ft was given to understand that and would reeognize and help to up- old the Monroe doctrine if this government ald recognize her as a party at interest, and practically join with her In a sort of over Central and South Ameri- ‘The alternative to this was veat Britain and a threatenes n pow- ean reoub! i ty of trengthen us in a polic t Britain—an off je of the European quarrel. Then came a matier, demonstrating the at Britain, and showing an pparent readiness on the part of the pow- ers of continental Europe to combine st England as quickly as they woula with her against the United Stat This, it is suggested, has been sufficient to con. vince both governments that they are equal- ly out of favor with other powers. ‘The Stand of the United States. ‘The fact that the United States is not dis- posed to join with England’s enemies in Evrope, but is fully determined to maintain the attitude taken toward England as re- spects this continent, is expected to con- vinee even so stubborn a man as Lord Sal. isbury that concessions should be made by him. which he y THE TALMAGE AFFAIR The Washington Presbytery Will In- vestigate the Whole Matter. ——__+—__— THE SITUATION BECOMES SERIOUS — The Orator Declares He Will Not: Preach Sunday Mornings. TODAY’S PROCEEDINGS The troubles which have arisen lately in the First Presbyterian Church, especially since Rey. Dr. Talmage was called as co- pastor of the church, were brought to a bead this morning at a meetiag of the pres- bytery of the city of Washington. The meeting was held to consider the complaint that Rey. Mr. Adolos Allen was being ousted from his share of work and dignity in the church. Mr. Allen was co-pastor with Dr. Sunderland before Dr. Talmage came to Washington. ‘The meeting was held in the Sunday schoo} zoom of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, on 9th street. Neither Dr. Taimage nor Dr Sunderland was present. The meeting las ed more than three heurs and was a v lively one. Enough developed to show.that it is not always easy for three ministe co-equal in influence and dignity to live in peace and harmony. All that was actually accomplished at the meeting was the adoption of a resolution providing for a committee to confer wita the First Presbyterian Church 1 to report at» fotpre mi of the presbytery. The meeting of the pre was called to order promptly at 10 o'clock by Rey. Mr. Adolos Allen, the regular moderator of a atin: Dr. Taimage. the Lod, he but after the calling of the rol Rev. Dr. : the ing tendance of the me ard there were secre of ladies. The Case Stated. Mr. Ailen read a for meeting, which he began by to regret at the ne n for calling the presbytery together at such ja busy period of the chi matters to be corsidered, h were so important that action upon them could not i » longer de a long and careful ed. Phe paper was prepared statement, in tin detail Into the whole his- of his cornection with the First Pres n Church, beginning in , also the history of Dr. Talmag nection with the ¢ s version of the various matters which led up to the present troubles in the chursh, matters which have heretofore been gone irto at lengti in the columns of The Star. In the arrangement between them when Dr. Talmage came he was to take the evening services, while Dr. Sunderland and Mr. Allen were to alternate at the morning services. The division of work hetween the Jatter two was to remain before. Barly in December, continued Mr, Allen, he called by request at the office of the presi- Jent of the hoard of trustees, R. W. Tyler, a conversation ensued in which Mr. gave him to understand that the church would not continue to pay three salaries, that it would not let Dr. Sunderland go, and that it would not let Dr. Talmage go. Mr. Allen called his tention to the fact that the board of trustees could not break the contri between the church and its pastor even if it were backed up by a Rev. Dr. Sunderland. resolution of the congregation. By the terms of the contract hetweea them ne r of the church was engaged as a co-pa' until October, 18u Mr. Allen then read a letter from the board of trustees, addressed to himself, in which the suggestion was made that’ he tender his resignation, and the promise was given that he would receive the of $1,000 upon the acceptance of his re: nation. ‘The lette members of the board, and the first flurry of the meeting was started when Mr. Ai- len stated that unless they were called for he would not read the names of the signers of the paper. “What are we here for?” asked Rey. Dr. Ramsdell, “if it is not to find out all the facts in this matter. I think we have a perfect right to all the name Elder Knight of the First Church pro- tested against this, saying that inasmuch as the board had authorized their committee to forward the letter, it would be indulging in personalities to single out these three names from the balance of the board. It was finally decided that as the matter was in the f of Mr. Allen, he should he allowed to us own discretion as to whether or not namcs be read. Mr. Allen said that he did not tink any good purpose could be sub- served by making the names known, and he must, therefore, decline to do so, The Letter to Dr. Talmage. Continuing, Mr. Allen referred to. the let- ter which had been cent to Dr. Talmage stating that it was the desire of the cong? gation that he should take charge.of the morning as well as the evening services on Sunday. The request was indorsed by Dr. Sunderland, and was presenied to Mr. Allen for his indorsement before it was sent to Dr. Talmage. The letter was signed by a num: ber of the elders and members of the board in their individual capacity. He refused to sign the paper, which he heli to be in direct violation of the action of the sess‘on of the his the church about a week before the paper was prepared. This brought the history of the trouble down to the present time, and, in conclusion, Mr. Allen stated he thought the differences were sufficiently serious to de- mand the attention of the presbytery. The mederator asked Mr, Allen whether or not anything had occurred since that Rev. Adolos Aller letter was sent. Dr. Luecock said that he nderstood that Dr. Talmage had made a statement from the pulpit which seemed to settle the whole difficulty. In answer to this Mr. Allen said that he was not at church last evening, as his wife was sick at the time, so that all he knew of the statement was what he had seen in the newspapers this morning. ‘ The moderator then stated that there was a representative of the First Presbyterian Church ‘present, and that as Mr. ‘Allen's statement was necessarily an ex parte statement, it would be but proper to hear from the’ other side. Mr. Octavius Knight, one of the elders of.the chareh, then arose and paid a high compliment to the fairness and straight- forwardness of the statement which Mr. Allen had made. He then went on to make a fervent speech, in which he expressed his deep regret that the affair had ever been given so much publicity. The whole discussion he regarded as of order, Mr. Knight's point being t there was nothing before the’ meeti here nothing to discuss or settl said he, for the reason that the whole trou- ie had already been settled prior to the calling of this meeting of presbytery. The complainant, in other words, had no com- plaint to present, and the only thing of real serioustess ‘that had occurred was “the crue! wound which was inflicted upon this flock of Christ by the elamor of pub- icity which had been starfed by Mr. Al- lin Takes Poxtttve Ground. ‘he moderator at this point suggested that it might be as well if Mr. Allen would state detinitely just what action he wished the presbytery to take. Both Dr. Hamlin and Dr. Radcliffe raised the point that nothing of the sert was incumbent upon the author of the call. In a brief spe Dr. Hamlin said that while Mr. Allen's statement was an ex parte one, it still pre- uted something very tangible to the pre tery and weil worthy of its considera- | tion. “His speech gave the idea that Dr. Hamlin did m think very highly of the board of truste r ‘turing down” a minister in the very face of the presbytery whivh had installed him, and in violation of the cong: fied and turn. Was to bé formally noti- th a eopy of Mr. Al- t the meéting it ommis~ he ers Lo pr Knight wh AS thi argued th another meeting no action for the nd nothing to be her lively tri M r discussio: hich Tr, Hamlin, Allen and Mr. ht took part. During the dehate Mr. was telling just ex- actly w When thi of the board were vices, * asked Dr. Allen to p ugh in the me 1g red not to like it when th went round. He char ed it a unseemly and not at all ing with the dignity of such a me It looked, he said, as though the thought a_ point had been scored against him. Really, there was nothing to debate or rrant all this botuer. The whole matter sifted dowa into this: Mr. Allen had started the ball by his objections when br. Talmage was asked to preach at both the Sun services. Mr. Allen objected to being shut out of both services, but now Dr. Talmage had come out with a fiat statement that he would net under any cir- cumstances preach at both, In his opinion that settled the whole difficulty and Mr. Allen was left without a grievance. Dr. Talmage’s Announcement. He then read the announcement whic’ Dr. Talmage made at tho gervice last even- ing, which had been carefully prepared in advance, *s being sent to the pre: ‘This statement was as follo’ “An outrageous wrong has been done me by many of the newspapers of this country concerning my pastorate in this church, 1 call upon all newspapers who believe in fairness to state the following facts: “I have been preaching here in the even- ing by my own choice. As very many more people come to our church in the evening than can get inside the building, many of them standing in the street an hour and a half before the time of service, there was a petition, signcd by all the board of elders and all the board of trustees, and sanctioned by Dr. Sunderland, handed m Inviting me to preach Sabbath mornings as well Sabbath evenings. I much prefer to preac cnly in the evenings, and am certainly not to blame because I have been petitioned to preach In the mornings. I now wish it dis- tinctly understood that I will not In any circumstances take the morping service: A Committee to Investigate. in that sy ‘just when was Mr This qi ing and Mr. Rey. Dr. Chester made a brief address in vor of peace and harmony, He presenzed a substitute for Dr. Hamlin’s resolution, viding for 2 ittee, whose duty it should be to v irst Church, to in- quire inte the matt pt fone and to re- port back to the presbytery. Mr. Knight admitted, that the amend- iment was an improve:nenfon the original motion, but he continued with his arz nt to the effect thit there Was nothing he arbitrated or adjudicated. A long statement of Dr, Sunderland's views on the mnatter was read by Mr, Knight. After some Turthe: scussion Dr. Ches- ter's motion was adopted, a8 Was another providing that the committee shouid con- sist of four pastors and three elders, and that they should report at-a meeting to be called hy them as soo1 as they were ready br. Luccock appointed on the comm r. Bittinger, Dr. Hamlin, Dr. Radcliffe, . Little and Mess-s. Parker, Lyman and Linton. The meeting then adjourned. Notice to Subseribers. Subscribers arg earnestly requested to report any irregularity in the de- livery of The Star and-also any fail- ure on the part of the-carrier to ring the door tell. A proper serviée.can only be main- tained through the courtesy of sub- scribers in reporting sKortcomings. the orders of the s m, Which had di- rected the board to desist from its orts to’ In niin moved that | when ur it be to meet We next ek. In the i m FIRST DISTRICT DAY Legislation on Local Measures in the House of Representatives. AMENDED HIGHWAY ACT PASSED Also the Bill Extending the Time for Assessments. OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST This was the first District day of the present C2azress In the House, and imme- diately after the reading of the journal Chairman Babcock took the floor to pre- sent District business for the cousideration of the House. The Highway Act. He called up the bill, which has passed the Senate, amending the highway act. Mr. Hulick of Ohio, who reported the bill,- ex- plained the necessity for the passage of che bill to be the fining of a court of appeal for cases arising under the operations of che highway act _ Mr. Mc in (Tenn.) expressed the fear that the provision of the amendment au- thorizing appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States would fill that tribunal with petty law suits arising out of the ighway act, but Mr. Hulick removed his apprehensions up)1 this score. Mr. W. A. Stone (Pa.) asked if this bill was not similar to one reported from the judiciary committ2e in the last Congress. Mr. Hulick was not advised specifically upon this point, but thought it was a new Mill and not identical with the one refer- red to by Mr. Stone Mr. Hepburn of Iowa raised the suggestion that it would be better to repeal the entire Highway act than to amend it, and Mr. Hulick responded that such a proposition was not under discussion. Mr. Brumm of Pennsylvania insisted that instead of giving the court jurisdiction over the award of damages after they are made t would be wiser to extend jurisdiction ov the method of making the award, so th: it could be controlled. He hinted at the pos- sibility of excessive awards under the pres- ent methed and ventured the assertion that there is a chance for more rascality over real estate matters here than in any other city in the country. The Bill as. Passed. The bill was then passed. Tie measure as it goes to the President for signature provides that the Court in Special Term may certify to the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia for decision there, in the first instance, any question of law that shall arise during ary proceedings in said Court m Special Term under this act. It is provided that from any judgment or order of said Court of Appeals involy- ing any question as to the constitution- ality of this act or of any part thereof, any agerieved may, within thirty da dgment or order shall be appeal to the Supreme wWourt of the “| States. Extend Time for Assessments. | Mr. Babeock then called up the House resolution to extend the time for making an ssment of real estate in the District. Richardson of Tennessee explained that the time now fixed by law for making the assessment is not sufficient to complete the wor The bill was passed without debate, and is in full as follows That the time fixed for the return of as- sessment by section 7 of the act of August 14, 1894, providing for an assessment of real estate in the District of Columbia be, and the same is hereby, extended to the first Monday in April, 18, as to the real estate in the present limits of the city of Wash- ington, and that the time for returning the as: nent of real estate in that portion of said District outside the present limits of the city of Washington be, and the same is Lereby, extended to the first Monday in Sep- tember, 1896. Sec. 2. That the time fixed by section 9 of said act for the meeting of the board of equaiization and review be, and the same is hereby, postponed until the first day of Sep- tember, 183, so far as it refers to that por- tion of the District of Columbia outside the present limits of the city of Washington, and the said equalization and review shall be finally completed on or before the first Monday in November, 1896, Sec. 3. That section 4 of the act entitled “An act for the support of the government of the District of Columbia for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1878, and for other pur- poses,” approved March 3, 1877, be, and the same is hereby, amended so as to make the whole tax levied under the*assessment of that portion of the District of Columbia outside the present limits of the city of Washington herein provided for, due and payable on the first day of May, 1897, in- stead of one-half on the first day of Novem- ber, 1803, and one-half on the first day of May, 18%, as by existing law: Provided, ‘That these amendments shall not extend be- yond the fiscal year ending June 30, 189 With the passage of this bill, there being no other business, Mr. Babcock yicided the floor for the consideration of the pension appropriation bill, and District day came to an end. As to Asphalt Streets. Mr. Huling (W. Va.) has introduced a bill in the House by request amending the high- Way act so as to provide that no street within the District which has been opened under the direction of the Commissior or which is in conformity with any sub- division made prior to August 27, 1888, and recorded, and which is now paved with as phalt or other street pavement, shall be altered, affected or interfered with by any plan adopted, or anything done under or by virtue of the act of March 2, 1893 (the highway act), unless speciaily authorized by act of Congr Extend the Time of Assessment. The Senate today passed Mr. Harris’ joint resolution Introduced on December 3, and reported favorably by Mr. MeMillan from the committee on the District of Co- lumbia, to extend the time for making an assessment of real estate in the District of Columbia. Its passage by the House also makes it now necessary only to have the President's To Tax Itinerant Musicians, In the Senate today Mr. McMillan intro- duced upon request of the District Comm ; to regulate itinerant musi- cians in the District of Columbia, and to give the district attorney power to adminis- ter oaths, ete. Both bills have been intro- duced in the House by Mr. Babcock. Senate Bills and Memorials, In the Senate today Mr. McMillan, chair- man of the committee on the District of Co- jumbia, introduced a number of important bills and a memorial from citizens of the District. The memorial lately introduced in the House by citizéns and tax payers of Columbia Heights protesting against the establishment of an isolated hospital for contagious diseases In the block bounded by Bismarck and Princeton streets, 7th street and Sherman avenue, and published in full in The Star, was Introduced in the Senate by Mr. McMillan. Taxes and Tax Sales. Mr. McMillan also introduced a bill sim lar to the one introduced in the last Cor. gress by Mr. Heard in the House, in rela- tion to taxes and tax sales in the District of Columbia. This is the bill recently pre- pared by the Commissioners intended to correct defects in the existing law. Une of Public Parks. A bill was also introduced by Mr. Me- Millan to regulate the use of the public parks and improved reservations under charge of the chief of engineers of the army within the District of Columbia. The bill was drawn up with the sanction of Secretary Lamont, who says that It is In conformity to the general terms of the act to regulate the use of the Capitol grounds. A bill to incorporate the Columbia Tele- phcne Company was introduced by Mr. Mc- Millan, by request. It names John D. Langhorne, Benjamin Butterworth, John A. Baker, Tallmadge A. Lambert, T. Cushing Daniel, J. E. Keelyn, W. G. Waggaman and Thomas Armat of the District of Co- lumbia as fr corporators. The said corpora- tion, under the bill, is given power to con- struct trenches, excavations, etc, and to charge not more than $3 for its regular service in any business establishment, and not mere than $30 for any residence. Encroachment on the Aqueduct. The Secretary of War has transmitted to Congress the report of Col. Elliot, h relation to the encroachment of private buildings along the line of the Washington aqueduct on government property, and rec- ommending the sale of the property to the parties occupying it. The report has here- tofore been published in The Star. Retirement of Government Employes. Mr. Crowley of Texas has introduced a bill In the House, by request, authorizing the retirement of employes of the execu- tive departments of the gevernment, and providing for a retention of 2 per centum of their monthly salaries for the purpose of creating a special deposit fund to be used In paying annuities. To Pension Commodore Widow. A bill to pension Jane Stewart Whiting, widow of Commodore William Danforth Whiting of the United States navy, was today introduced in the Senate by Mr. Me- Millan. To Amend the Marringe Laws. Another bill to amend the marriage laws in the District of Columbia was introduced by Mr. MeMillan today. It prescribes forms of licenses and provides a penalty of from $100 to $500 in cases of ministers who mar- Ty a couple without a license. A fine of $100 is provided in case of failure io report the performance of a marriage. A Sabbath Law. Mr. Sherman presented a petition of the Dayton (Ohio) Ministerial Association in the Senate today to enact a Sabbath law for the national capital equal to the best of the state laws; also to enforce compul- sory education and suppress child labor in the national capital. Raising the Age of Consent. Mr. Hoar introduced in the Senate a bill raising the age of consent to eightern years. NAVAL Danforth’s ENLISTED FORCE Secretary Herbert's Letter as to Their Birth and Citizenship. Steady Imcrease in the Number of American-Born and Improve- ment as to Citizens. Secretary Herbert has addressed a letter to Representative Curtis of New Yo: in response to his letter in regard to the ua- tivity and citizenship of the enlisted force of the navy in 18%, 18% and 185. The Secretary submits tables showing the per- centage of enlisted men in 1 as follows: Citizens of the United States, 69; natural- ized citizens, 20; declared intention to be- come citizens, intentions not declared to become citizens, 19; residents. of the United States, 91; non-residents of the United States, 9; American born, 48; for- eign born, 52. : Increase of American-Born, ‘The proportion of American-born citizens has shown a steady increase since 1%, when the percentage of such was 41, as against a percentage of 59 of foreign born. Among the apprentices the percentage cf American born is 81, as against a pereent- age of 19 foreign born. The records of the navy do not afford information regarding citizenship prior to June 30, 1890. “The act making appropriations for the naval service for the fiscal year ending June 30, 18%," the Secretary says, “pro- vides for the naturalization of enlisted men, and which, however, might be enlarged in a manner hereinafter suggested. “It is believed that it would not be ad- visable at this time to limit admission to the navy to citizens of the United States, but it fs respectfully suggested that he law should require that no alien who has served one term of enlistment should be al- lowed to re-enlist unless he has in the in- terim, or at the time of his second enlist- ment, made a declaration of his intentions to become a citizen of the United States. This declaration the commanding officer might be empowered to receive and to transmit to the United States district court of the district where the man was enlisted, and, of course, advising the department of bis actions in the premises. Improvement as to Citize “There has been a very great Improve- met in the service in the matter of the percentage of those who are citizens us against those who are not. In the enlist- ment of apprentices this feature is mest marked, as they are almost entireiy Ammeri- can citizens by birth. ‘So far as the marine corps is coacern- ed, there is no objection to making it requi- site that those applying for enlistment shall either be citizens or have declared their intention of becoming such. It is, of course, apparent that it is much easier to secure men for the marine corps who are citizens than to get seamen. “The department is in hearty sympathy with all movemerts which tend to have the ships manned entirely with American citt- zens, and is gratified at the progr é ready made to that end.” ees NEW RUSSIAN MINISTER. He Has Arrived in This City, bat Not Formally Reported. ‘M. de Kotzebue, who succeeds Prince € tecuzene as envoy extraordinary and min- ister from Russia to this capital, who reached New York Saturday on La Cham- pagne, arrived here last evening, but ii not yet reported his arrival to the State Department. It is expected that arrange- ments for his presentation to the W’resident will be made in a few days. M. de Kotzebue was accompanied by two secretaries and three servants. He is about fifty-cight years old, of medium statuce and has a gray beard. He is a ceusin of Prince Cantacuzene, his predecessor, who wished to return to Europe to superintend the education of his daughter. M. de Kotzebue was the Russian rat Stuttgart, and the two men will change about. M. de Kotzebue was once a midshipman on the frigate Polkan, and at an Egyptian port met the girl who became his wi She was the daughter of a Russian consyl, and persuzied him to give up the navy for the diplomatic eervice. He was counselior and first secretary to the Muscovite em- bessy at Paris for a long time. His grand- father, M. de Kotzebue, was a nevigator, wko voyaged around the world, being one of the first Russians to enter Japan. The minister owns extensive estates in the Baltic provinces, and is fond of so- ciety. His wife will follow him later to this ecuntry. ° ALL WANT IT BADLY Advance Guards Arriving to Fight for the Democratic Convention. DELEGATIONS FROM § a A Big Fight Imminent Before the National Committee. CLAIMS OF CONTESTANTS The scenes that preceded the meeting of the national republican committee in December are being repeated on scarcely a less picturesque scale at the Arlington Hotel, and before Thursday, when the na- tional committee of the democratic party convenes in annual meeting, there will doubtless be as much excitement and as vigorous lobbying. The advance guards of the eager and determined hosts which will gather here to fight on behalf of various cities for the honor of holding the demo- cratic national convention of 1806 are al- ready on the ground, looking over the fiela and selecting the most advantageous Posi- tions whence to prosecute their campaign. Ex-Governor D. R. Francis of Missouri, W. H. Thompson, 8. A. Thompson, J. Prather and C. C. Moffitt arrived ‘at the Arlington this morning and began a vigor- ous skirmish in behalf of St. Louis. They do not regard the fact that the republican convention is to be held there as any handi- cap whatever, and claim that the reasons which led the republicans to choose St. | Louis as a convention city are doubly > erful in behalf of its selection by the -_ ocrats. They claim that the central loca- tion of the city and the cheap facilities of river travel by which the southern and western delegates can economically reach the-convention are s.rong points in its fa- vor, and point to the influence such a great gathering of democrats would have in over- coming the present republican tendencies of Missourians who are really not republi cans at heart, but only disgruntled dem: crats. Gther influential St. Louis citizens are expected before Thursday. New York in Dead Enrnest. The advance committee from New York city will reach Washington tonight. They are John A. Mason, phairman of the demo- cratic state executive committee; A. B. De Freece, R. M. Walters, Theodore M. Roche, president of the Young Men’s Democratic Club, and L. F. Patrick, who arrived thir morning. New York has secured the large reception room on the first floor of ihe Ar- lington, which the Pittsburg delegation to the national republican committee mecting occupied, and today it is being handsome! and profusely decorated. with Old G predominant in the arrangement. John Trainor is in charge, and says he is go:ng to overcome the hoodoo placed on the room by the Pittsburg people by opening it on the night of the 13th of the month, After the arrival of the advance guard, other New Yorkers to follow are the Tammany com- mittee of fifty, the citizens’ committee, the comm.ttee from the democratic club of which ex-Governor Flower~is president, and a committee from the Young Men’s Demo- cratic Club, making in all about 200 active boomers here in behalf of Gotham when th committee meets, who will assure the con mitteemen that for this time at least New York is not bluffing, but actually and ear- nestly wants the democratic convention. Chicago Has Claims. Benjamin L. Rosenthal, a bright and en- ergetic young man of Chicago, is at the Arlington as the avant courier of the forces from Chicago. He is indefatigable, and confident of the windy city being selected. He is making arrangements for the arrival of a strong contingent, which will come loaded with oratory, logic and other potent ammunition. This is the committee on the national democratic convention, and con sists of Adams A. Goodrich, chairman; 1. Z. Leiter, Joseph Donnersberger, Erskine M. Phelps, Wm. S. Cantrell, Benjamin J. Rosenthal, Walter S. Bogle, Albert S. Gaze and Martin J. Russell. Chicago claims to have enough money already in sighi to pay all the expenses cf the convention. The committee will leay: Chicago this afternoon in a special car, and reach the Arlington tomorrow night. Director Generel George R. Davis of the world’s fair ts already here, and is going to put in some strong licks for Chicago, and a Washington committee with the same purpose in view consists of Vice Pres- ident Stevenson, Secretary Morton, Pension Commissioner Lochren, Interstate Com- merce Commissioner Wm. R. Morrison, Scott Wike, Assistant Postmaster Generai Jones, Controiler Eckels, Senator Palmer, Senator Cullom, the Chicago Congressmen, and Finis Ewing Downey, the only demo- cratic Congressman from Illinois; Senator Vilas and the press representatives of Chi- cago papers. Cincinnati is also going to shy a castor into the ring on Thursday and make @ struggle for the convention plum, but so far no delegation has arrived, and still- hunt tactics are being followed. The Campaign Cry. Democrats are evircing more than usual inteest in the approaching meeting of their national committee, and their specu- lation is not confined, either, to the probable action of the body in choosing a city in which to hold the convention: The chief interest felt in the coming meeting Is over what will be developed as a policy _upon which to ecnduct the ca paign. It is said to be well understood by the committeemen that the tariff would be dangerous as an issue, while the finan- cial recerd of, the present administration on the silver question will make the intro- duction of any financial idea hardly less harmful. The commiticemen are sald to feel that a campaign waged with an en- thusiastic cry of “America for the Ameri- cans” weuld be about the right thing, with Cleveland’s Venezuelan message as the toc- sin to gather the cohorts and spellbinders of a patriotic character to keep them stir- red up. It is said that the only thing which prevents th's plan of campaign from bc ing decided on cmce without any further delay is the fear that the republican House and semi-republican Senate may at any moment pass a resolution recognizing the rights of the Cuban revolutionists as bei- ligerents. Such a move, they admit, would take pretty much all the Monroe doctrine wind out of the democratic sails, because it would be a practical and tangible va- riety of advanced foreign policy, which would stir up enthusiasm in every cross ‘oads village and brirg out the bass drums and brass horns in every city. In case Congress still persists in with- holding recognition from the Cubans, how- jever, the democrats believe they will find additional strength on the stump by charg- ing the republicans with heving prevented | the extension of justice to a nation strug- gling for libert —_—_———-2+—___\_ MAJ. ARMES’ CASE. | Probable Action of the Wi Depart- i ment When He in Rearrested. There will probably be no further de- | | velopments in the case of Major Armes) before the 25th instant, which is the date | tpon which the Court of Appeals is ex- pected to certify its decision remanding . | Major Armes to the military authorities, to | the court below, Judge Bradley presiding, by which his releasejwas ordered. Although Major Armes is to be tried by court-mar- Ual for his conduct toward Gen. Schofield, it is understood that he will not again be placed in confinement pending the settle- ment of that trial. When he reports to Col. Closson, the officer in command of the Washingtcn barracks, he will probably be informed that he has been granted purole to appear when wanted to answer the charges preferred against him.