Evening Star Newspaper, January 15, 1896, Page 1

Y - THE EVENING STAR. —__s————_ DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY AT THE STAR Avenue, Cor, 11th Street, by Star Newspaper 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Yew York Offce, 49 Potter Building. — ee ‘The Bvening Star ts served to subscribers etty by on their own ac i ts eee eee ts tn the at 10 cent per Wook, en or Canada—postage prepald—60 cenis no The at Washington, D. C., jer.) iptions must be in advance. made Encea on application, No. 13,375. WASHINGTON, D. ©. WE DNESDAY, J ARY 15, 1896-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. E you want today’s news today you can find it only in The Star. NO MORE SYNDICATE J. Pierpont Morgan Relates How It Was Organized. HUNDRED MILLIONS OF GOLD 740 Secured Pledges for It in a Few Days. LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT NEW YORK, January 15.—The govern- ment bond syndicate has been dissolved. Members of the syndicate received in their mail this morning a circular letter from J. P. Morgan & Co. releasing them from their commitments to fvrnish their Pro rata of $100,000,000 in gold and a sec- ond $100,000,000 if desirable, taking their payment therefor in a 4 per cent govern- ment bond. Accompanying this letter was @ circular explaining why the syndicate was formed, what action was taken on its behalf and why it is now dissolved. “On the 23d of December,” Mr. Morgan says, “I was invited to Washington for a conference. During my visit there no negotiations for a loan were even suggest- ed, nor was there then, nor since, any agreement or request that I should take any steps preparatocy to making a con- tract. I came, however, to the conclusion that the President and Secretary of the ‘Treasury would use every power a: their command to restore and maintain tue gold reserve; that no steps would be taken until it was ascertained what Congress would do; that the executive department would prefer to secure $200,00%,000 of gold, and that it was certain that no relief could be obtained from Congress. Forming the Syndicate. “Upon my return, appreciating the grav- ity of the situation and in order that T might be prepared to act promptly, I took steps to ascertain to what extent it would ‘be possible to secure the co-operation ef capitalists in forming a syndicate which would agree to sell the U: States gov- ernment $200,000,000 of gold coin. The + ‘ontract prepared and signed by the par- * s ticipants did not stipulate whether the purchase wouid be by private contract or by public offer. “The only provision in addition to the important one that no gold should be with- drawn from the treasury was that the minimum amount of the contract should be $100,000,000, the maximum not over $200,- 000.000. The applications far exceeded my expectations. At the end of three or four days the total of $20,000,000 was reached, and I had full authority which would en- able me whenever, and however, the ex- ecutive might decide, to act to secure that amount of gold for the treasury reserve in exchange for United States bonds. “The participants may be divided into four classes: People in Europe who were prepared to ship gold to this side, institu- tions in the United States in possession of gotd coin who wanted bonds investment or as a basis for nati cireulaiion; third, banks in various cities who were willing to exc’ e their gold for bonds, expecting afterward to sell them in the market; fourth, tutions and get it at whatever cost, provi‘led the con- tract was put in force. Partictpations were about equally civided between the four classes. Getting the Gold. “Having completed the syndicate, I en- tered into negotiations in Europe, and in places other thar London, where the mar- ket was closed to us, and through the Deutsche Bank and Messrs. Morgan, Harjes & Company negotiations were practically corcluded for public subscriptions in Ger- ‘\ many, France and Holland, which would . . - have resulted in a large amount of bonds being placed in those countries. “On January 4, realizing that the ten- sion was growing daily and serions, I ad- eressed a letter to the President calling attention to the situation, and rep ating that the most important step was the restoration of the government cr by replenishing its stock of gold. Details of what was proposed were given, 2nd the urances offered that the utmost efforts would be made to procure for the treasury 11,500,000 ounces of gold.” Reason for Dissolution. The reason given for the dissolution of the syndicate is that the syndicate cun- tract called for a bid of “all or none,” and therefore Mr. Morgan was unwilling to make a bid under the present circum- starces, as he might seem to present {or consideration by the Secretary of the ‘Treasury the throwing out of smaller bids, mde in good faith under public call. The only emergency, in Mr. Morgan's jvdgment, which would justify such a course would be the fallure of the public to respond to the call of the government. It has been necessary to delay the dis- solving of tke syndicate up to the present time, as every financial interest required the protection afforded by the knowledge that the syndicate was in existence pre- pered to make the loan a success under any circumstances. The circular concludes: “I feel perfectly satisfied that there is no Qvestion as to the success of the loan.” Mr. Morgan to the President. The following !s the text of Mr. Morgan’s letter to President Cleveland: NEW YORK, 219 Madison avenue, January 4, 1896. To the President, Washington, D. C. Sir: It is with great hesitation that I venture to address you in relation to the present financial situation. As you are doubtless well aware, financial affairs are approaching a serious crisis, and the tension today is extreme; and, wkilst no outward evidences have devel- ored, we are Itkely at any moment to reach the point and consequences which it will then be too late to remedy. The grav- ity of the situation must be my excuse. ‘The most important step at this moment 4s the restoration of government credit by cing the gold reserve in the treasury beyond question. This once accomplished, confidence, both at home and abroad, in the stability of our currency will be restored. After my recent visit to Washington I became convinced that any legislative ac- ticn to improve the methods at the disposal of the executive was unlikely; in fact, im- Fessible. I therefore took steps to ascer- tain whether it would be possible to obtain the co-operation of pariies at home and abroad to an extent that would enable me to negotiate a contract h the govern- ment for a sale of 11,500,000 ounces of gold, approximating 200,000,000 .of . dollars, en about the basis of the contract of Feb- Tiory 8, 1895. In the effort I have been successful, and now I am able to make a contract for the full amount. I do not hesitate to affi in fact, to urge that such a contract uld in every way be for the hest interests of the gov- nt and the people, would be fol- lowed by less de ngement of the money market, of trade, in 1, of all intterests,in- eluding foreign ex es, all of which un- til recently were in such an increasingly prosperous condit and I urge your se- rigus conside1 h a contract. At tie same time I the effect of the legislation which has been proposed, and the discussions ther n in both houses of Congress, all of ch might lead you to hesitate to mak: private contract, and, consequently, in view of the gravity of the situation, I feel bound to say that iter a’ conference, in which I can mora fully lay the matter Lefore you, and with- out expressing any confidence in such a mode of procedure in face of previous fail- ures of similar attempts, but recognizing as I do that the responsibility of decision lies with you, I will pledge to you every in- fluence and effort in my power to assist the government in its endeavor to make suc- cessful a negotiation by public advertise- ment, which shall result in the sale to the treasury of 11,500,000 ounces of United States gold coin ($200,000,C00), and further, I will, so far-as T possibly can, take such steps as will enable the syndicate which I represent to join in making the negotia~ tion successful to its full amount. Awaiting the indications of your pleas- ure, I remain, Reaspectfully J. PIFRPOS —— IMPROVEMENT OF THE POTOMAC. yours, 'T MORGAN. Maj. Davis’ Report of Operations Dur- ing the Month of December. Maj. Davis has made a report to the chief of engineers in regard to the operations for the improvement of the Potomac river during the monti of December. He says that the weather during the month was so unfavorable that it necessitated frequent | temporary suspensions of the work on the sea wall of the tidal reservoir. The force was employed whenever it was practicable, however, and seventy-five iinear feet of wall were comoleted to the full height, and 600 feet to about the level of high tide. The surplus riprap stone used for tem- pcrary protection of the embankment was removed as the wall construction pro- gressed, and was deposited on the Virginia channel training dike. ‘he gates of the reservoir outlet, Maj. Davis says, are found to be subject to in- juries from the swell of steamers in the Washington chanrel, the waves being propagated for a distance of about three- fcurths of a mile with such force that the frames gradually become split or broken. One of the gates was repaired duri the month. Work on the sea wall will be con- tir.ved so long as the weather permits. The work of removing the wreck of the steamer Lady of the Lake from the Wash- ington channel, nearly opposite the foot of N street, is reported to be progressing slowly, on account of the cold weather and the ice in the river. More blasting has been required than was anticipated by the contractors. They have already used 2,300 pounds of dynamite in the work of break- ing up the wreck, and nave found it a most difficult job. Lhe wreck will probably be removed from the path of navigetion tris month. The engine and about half the hull yet remain to be removed. Maj. Davis says that the work of repairix piers of the Aqueduct bridge remains sus- pended, pending further appropriations by Congress. THE HARR ISON BOOM How it Differs From the Booms of Other Candidates. His Friends Believe He Will Be Brought Out After a Deadlock iu the Convertion. A close analysis of the statement just made by ex-Senator Palmer of Michigan throws little light on the subject of Gen- eral Harrison's real relations to this year’s presidential race. As much as he is quoted as saying has becn by *others in the same position to speak. The ques- tion is left about as it was before. But firms not having gold, but which would | the fact that Gencral Harrison fs not an active candidate for his pariy’s norina- tion and will not become an active candi- date does not affect in ihe slightest the expectation of his friends that he is destined to be the nominee of the republican national convention. The difference between the Harrison boom and the other booms appears in the way in which the booms are being man- aged. Booms of Other Candidates. Mr. Reed’s candidacy is confessed on every hand. His own state will instruct enthusiastically for him, and many other states will follow suit. His friends north, south, east and west are openly at vork in his interests. It will be possible in a few months to estimate with some ac- curacy his first-choigg strength. This same thing is“true of Governor Mc- Kinley, whose state has already virtuaily instructed for him. He is directing his own campaign, and his lieutenants are in the field in every section of the country. Iowa formaily presenis Senator Allison as her cholce, and cails on the whole of the northwest to come to the support of the man who, as she claims, stands so dis- tinetly for that section. ‘The New York republicans seem so eager to declare for Gov. Morton they are in a quarrel as to the time when the deciara- tion would best serve his interests. Some want it made almost ut once, and give as their reason the advantage likely to accrue to the cause at a distance from home in- dorsement of an earnest character. Others re not even waiting on the home indorse- ment, but, knowing that it will be made, are aiready setting out on missionary work in neighboring states. Here, then, is something definite as to the Reed, the McKinley, th: Allison and the Morton bocms. When the national conven- tion meets the first-chcice strength of all four of the active candidates will be ascer- tainable. But where will be the Harrison boom? In what way is it to materialize, and, repeating the performance of Aaron's rod, swallow the ocher booms? Belief of Harrison's Friends. The belief of the friends ef Gen. Harrison is that no one of the four active candidates will have strength enough to secure the nomination on the first ballot, and that in the resultant efforts at combinations a deadlock will occur. Reed and McKinley will destroy each otner. Allison and Mor- ton will be unable to make terms, the men of the northwest objecting to the New Yorker because of his banking and large corporation connectiors, ard ihe eastern men declining to accept the Iowa Senator because of his silver ervironment. Who, then, will best answer the ends of a com- promise man? : Gen. Harrison’s name may not even have been before the convention. This state, al- though anxious to see him nominated, may not instruct for him, and no other state is expected or is being regarded to do so. But at the stage of the game described the de- mand for a strong candidate is expected to bring forward his name, and develop the very great respect in which he is held by the people of all sections. State favorites will disappear. Bosses will be powerless. The one man strong alike in one section as in another, and who will have antagonized nobody in the convention, will prevail. This is the Harrison boom, as described here in Washington. ++ A Pension for Mrs. Crandall. The committee on pensions of the Senate has reported favorably a bill to grant a pension of $20 a month to Mollie Crandall, widow of Clark P. Crandall, deceased, and late captain of company C, first regiment, Oregon volunteer infantry.’ Capt. Crandall was for some years one of the doorkeepers of the Senate. ++ © + __-____ Presidentin1 Nominations. The President has sent the following nominations to the Senate: Navy—Chief Engineer George W. Mel- ville, United States navy, to be engineer- in-chief and chief of the bureau ‘of steam engineering, with rank of commodore. War—Second Lieutenant R. L. Howze, sixth cavalry, to be first Heutenant. Postmasters—Charles K. Brandon, Litch- fleld, Dl.; Wilbert W. Lewis, Hudson, Ohio. ELECTION CONTESTS DISTRICT IN C They Will Probably Give the House Trouble. SILVER PEELING THE CAUSE Most of the Contestants Favor the White Metal. THIRTY-THREE CASES There is a phase of the political situation in the House which doesn't seem to have attracted much attention so far, except among the republican leaders, but it is coming to the front with a rush and may have a strong bearing in the coming na- tional fight. The republican leaders are worried about it, and they have yet found no way out of what looks like a serious predicament. It is nothing more nor less than a ques- tion of what to do with the contests now before the House. It is a hard matter to give to the public the source of informa- tion so delicate in its nature, but two Con- gressmen, one a populist and the other a free silver republican, are the authority for the statement that the republicans have never been in such a peculiar position in the history of the House in regard to con- tested elections. “They are between the devil and the deep blue sea,” is what one of these-men said to a Star reporter, discussing this unique phase of a qu which is now agitating a whole country. Thirty-Three Contests. “I will tell you this much,” said one of the members, “‘and then you cart work the matter out to suit yourself. There are thirty-three contests before the House. Probably twenty-five of the contestants are free silver men. Of course this num- ber incluces populists, as well as republi- cans. To seat these twenty-five men, say twenty of them republicans, would add a dangerous element to the republican side. It might come within a few votes of mak- ing the House a free silver body. If it didn’t do that it would increase the kick- ing faction of the republican party to a dangerous point. To not seat the men means to raise a furore in the south, where most of them are from, and spoil all the republican hopes of breaking the soiid south. “Take Alabama, for instance. There are feur contests from that state. Two of the contestants are republic nd two popu- liets. All of them are free silver men. Now, you know Alabama is said to be the rotten- est state for political frauds in the Union. It is natural to suppose that if any of the ccntestants before the House have stroag cases these men will. What will be the effect in Alabama, and in the country, if these men are not seated? There are also four contests from North Caroiina, two re- publicans and two populists. The contest- ants are all free silver men. I might go through the whole list and give you the number of contests from each state, with the names and hist of the men; but it will only serve to show you that what i say is correct. Trying to Suppress Free Silver Senti- ment. “I will not charge positively that the re- publicans are not going to decide these cases according to justice and right, but I wiil guarantee that there won't be half as much partisan feeling in the decisions as before. When the republicans had control of the last House a contested democrat's seat wasn’t worth much to him; but they stand a better chance now than ever before. Wateh what I say and see if many a dem- cerat doesn’t keep his 3 and many a free silver republican who is contesting go back to his state with bitter feelings against his party. I look for some sharp fights on the floor of the House and some serious charges when the reports of the election committees are made. . “The committee on rules has already fixed things so that the committee on coin- age cannot report a bill to the House with- out the consent of the former committee. Every movement which has yet been made has had a hidden motive in It, aimed at the free silver men, and it will be found that no effort will be spared at this session to keep that element down.” Monometallism in the South. The gentleman was asked if he really thought there was as much of a monometal- sm sentiment among the republicans of the scuth as his remarks seemed to indicate. “Why, bless your soul s,"" he said. “I den’t know that the colored part of the re- publican party is taking much stock in the financial question. This is because they haven't been educated up to the question. The white republicans, however, are strong free silver people. This is especially the case in North Carolina, Tennessee and Ala- bama, in which states there are more white republicans than anywhere else in the south. The white republicans in those states are largely farmers who live in the moun- tainous sections, In North Carolina, as is well known, the populists and republicans are in complete accord on the financial question. “Listen to this prediction,” said the man, as he turned und to stroll down the House lobby. here is going to be some spert in this body before the session is over. Party lines are going to the devil, and there will be enough take place here to completely change the face of the political situation it now stands.” ——_—__-e- Naval Movements. | The warship Amphitrite, having arrived at Key West for duty in connection with the enforcement of the neutrality laws, the cruiser Cincinnati, which has been engaged on that duty for several months pasi, has sailed from Key West for Norfolk, where she will be put into d to be cleaned, pated and repaired, after which she will join the North Atlantic fleet, now as- sembled in Hampton Roads, and accom- pany it on the long-dJefe! 1 cruise of evo- lation. S» far as can be learned the future movements of that fleet have not been finally determined, but it is known that it will not go to the Mediterranean, as has been reported. The cruise to the Gulf of Paria. of the coast of Venezuela, for squad- ron exercises seems to have been indefinite- ly postponad. It is expected, however, that the vessels will not lie idle in their present berths very much longer. — Free Importations Into Cuba. The United States minister at Madrid, in a letter to the Secretary of State, says: “In view of current rewspaper reports that the Spanish government has author- ized the importation into the Island of Cuba, duty free, of ‘such materials as are used in the construction of railways,’ in- quiries were made by this legation as to the ccrreezness of the reports. The chief of the customs department of the ministry substantiates the statements of the news- papers, and adds that the order has al- ready been published in the Official Gazeta de la Habana.” —___-e-_____ Work for the Dawes Commission. Secretary Smith has directed the Dawes Indian commission to report for duty in Washington in connection with business he- fore the Senate and House Indian commit- tees. Delegates from the Indian territory tribes are in Washington, and the com- mission will be called on for recommenda- tions as to the gcvernment of the tribes and the allotment of lands in severulty. RESS t Meeting of the House Committee and the Business Public Hearings ‘Upon Important Mensures—The Commiusloers’ Let- ter on the Free Libvary Bill. en Tho House District committee held a Meeting today to discuss ways and means. for furthering: the business before the committee at the present sion of Con- gress. It was decided that it would be ad- visable to give hearingg Before the full committee on the bond bill; the street raft-.| way bills and the gas bills: Hearings be- fore subcommittees upon other matters will be given from time to time as circum- stances may require. . The Bond Bin. The bond bill will be taken up next Tues- day morning at 10 o'clock at a meeting of the full committee, at which the oppo- nents of the bill and the District Commis- stoners will be heard upon’ the merits of the measure. The time will be equally divided between the advocates and the op- ponents of the bill, and a fair hearing will be given. As the accommodations of the committee room are limited, It is expected that orly persons having afguments to present will avail themselves cf the privi- leges extended by the committee. At the meeting today several bills that have been reported by the Commissioners were re- ferred to thetr'appropriate subcommittees. The bill to Mmeorporate medical colleges was sent to the subcommittee on incorpora- tions, and the members of the medical fraternity of this city will be given an op- portunity to’ present their views, The bill providing penalties for violations of char- ter by corporations was ferred to ihe subcommittee on judiciary, A similar course was taken with the bill to punish false swearing before the fire department trial beard. + Fs The Library Bfll, The library bill was repetted favorably by the Commissioners, and Chairman Bab- cock stated that a hearing will be given upon this bill to énable the board of trade and others interested in, it to-explain_ its provisions and the necessity for its pas- sag 7 “Does this bill*ask for rogni}for the pro- posed iibrary in'the new \ post office building?” inquired Mr. Richardson. “No; that is not in the beh Mr. Babcock, “and it does motScarry any appropriation, either. This measure con- templates that the library shalt become a part of the machinery of the educational system of the District, an@ that subse- quently provision shall be made, for it on this basis in the regular way.” ‘The library bill was referred,to a sub- committee consisting of Mi. Wellington, Mr. Hgilick, Mr. Shannon, Mi. Abbott and - Cobb of Missouri. The Commissioners? Letter. The Commissioners’ letter, recemmending favorable action’ upon this bill ds as fel- lows: i “While the national capital eontains a number of. libraries of an offtejland semi- official charay it is discreditably defi- cient in library facilities fot the general public. The value of ppblite libraries » fr stimulating and improving the. tntellectua’ life of a ‘community is upivers@iy recog- nized. Their influence in, developing and | fostering the qualities of good citizenship is correspondimgly pronounced... The :tt- brary of Congress and the departmental H- braries, which contain nearly 300,000 vol- umes, are accessible to comparatively few, even for the purpose of procuring reading matter, and practically without any read- ing reom facilities during the hours when schcol children gnd the mass of people en- gaged in private and public employments could resort to them. The great need of the District in this respect isa free lend- ing library with a reading room, open night for the benefit of the general. publ “The needs of the community in this re spect, and the remedy for the condition so exposed, are elaborately set‘forth in the report of the committee on public Nbrary by the Washington board of trade, stb- mitted and unanimously adopted by that. bedy, a copy of which the Commissioners. take the liberty ‘to inclose, and commend to the careful reading of youp.committee.” 5 Other Bills Referred. The bill to regulate the practice of vet- erinary surgery was referred to the sub- committee on incorporations;;for the ap- pointment of'a public administrator, to the, subcommittee on judiciary; fox the relief James Linsky, to the judiciary; for the Inc corporation, of a post-graduate school of) medicine, to incorporations; fer the regu-, lation of the practice of medicine, to the judiciary. i Passed by the Senate. Since Congress assembled the Senate has‘ passed three measures, one to regulate thé manner of taking appeals in prosecut- ed under the "highway act, /agother to in- corporate the Post Gradurte School of Medicine in’ the District of Catumbia, and a third to extend the time for making an assessment of real estate in the District. Referred to Committees. In addition to references of bills to sub= committees by Mr. MeMillan, chairman of the committee on the District ef Columbia of the Senate, already announced in The Star, bills have been referted .to commit- tees as follows: ! For the relief of Mrs. F. W. Wallace, Mr: Harris, To provide for continuing the sys- tem of trunk sewers in the District of Co- lumbia, for Completing the system of sew- age disposal-and protection against floods, and for other-purposes, Messrs, Proctor, Martin and Gallinger. To amend an act entitled “An “act to provide a permanent system of highways in that part of the District of’, Columbia -lying - outside vf cities,"" approved March 2, 1893, Messrs. MeMillan and Faulkner. pile and publish the laws velat: to street ilway franchises in the. District of Co- Mr. Harris. To regulate the prac: tice of medicine and surgery, to license physicians and surgeons, ‘ to punish persons violating the provisions thereof in the District of Columbia, Messre. Gallinger and Racon. For the relief of the estate of William B. Todd, deceased, Mr. Baker. Relating to acknowledgments of instru- ments affecting real estate within the Dis- trict of Columbia, Messrs, Faulkner ‘and Baker. To prevent fraudulent divorces-in the District of Columbia, Messrs. Faulkner and Martin. To permit the Standard Tele- oy phone Company of Washington and Balti- more city to install, maintaim'amd operate a telephone and telegraph plant and .ex- .change in the District of Columbig, Messrs, Proctor, Smith and Bacon, to whom it is proposed to refer all telephone pills. For the relief of Everett Wroe, Mr. Baker. For the relief of James Linskey from the operation of the act restridting the owner- ship of real estate in the tefritories and the District of Columbia to American citizens, Mr. Hansbrough. To amenfi an act entitled “An act to incorporate the Capital Railway Company,” approved asa 2, 1895, Messrs, MeMillan, Harris and Maftin. To amend sections 721, 722 and 723 of the Revised Statutes of the United States relating to the District of Columbia, in relation to marriages, Messrs. Faulkher and Pritch- ard. To provide for the incorporation and regulation of medfeal colleges in the Dis- trict of Col humbigs Megsrg. Gallinger and Bacon. To remit: the Benkitips on un taxes in the rict of) Columbia, Mr. ‘Hansbrough: To-Jpermft the, Homé- Tele- phone Company of W: , District of Columbia,.to install, and operate a telephone .and tele; plant and ex- lumbia, Messrs, change in the District Proctor, Smith and Baton, ‘fo-license bil- lard tables, and for other e r. Wetmore. To regulate ‘the’ practice of patcey medicine, Messts. Gallinger and Baker. t BEFORE THE BATTLE + Cities Ready for the Final Conven- tion Contest, COMMITTEEMEN FAVOR CHICAGO New York Feels Stil! More Confi- dent of Success. * PROGRAM OF THE MEETING A majority of the national democratic committee, either in the person of mem- bers or their proxies, is now in Washins- ton ready for the meeting, which will con- vene tomorrow morning, and they string in and out of the rooms on the second floor of the Arlington, which are presided over by Chairman Harrity and Secretary Sheerin, exchanging views on the party corditions in their respective sections and Swapping suggestions as to how the party lines may best be strengthened for the coming campaign. As they come into the hotel or go out they are buttonholed by alert and energetic representatives of the various cities which are contesting for the honor and profit of holding the next demo- cratic national convention, and pleated with by each with eloquence that would melt a maiden’s heart if it were directed toward such an object. The result of all this lobbying upstairs and down will be reached probably before 10 o'clock tomorrow night, as it is the de- sire of the national committee to get through the business before it and get away as soon as possible. Business of the Committee. Chairman Harrity will call the full com- mittee together in the banqueting hall of the Arlington tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock, and an executive session wil fol- low. The first business will be the organi- zation of the committee, and then the spe- cial committee, consisting of Chairman Har- rity of Pennsylvania, Senator Gorman of Maryland, E. C. Wall of Wisconsin, Bradley B. Smalley of Vermont and Congressman Ben. Cable of Ilinois, appointed to consider the resolution introduced at the democratic national convention in 1892 by Gen. Patrick Collins of Massachusetts, will make its report. The resolution provides that the next democratic convention shall hold its sessions with closed doors. The subcommit- tee held a meeting last night and unani- mously agreed to make an adverse report on the resolution. The committee will adopt this report and then proceed to fix the date for holding the convention. It is the gen- eral opinion of committeemen that the 80th day of June will Be selected. After settling this questicn the committee will fix the time to be granted to the represen- tatives of the various cities which want the convention, and the action of the republi- can committee in.giving each city thirty minutes will probably be followed. ‘he matin ee HS campaign book will be considered, and then adjour . covenant an adjournment will be ae committee will reassemble in open ion at 3 o'clock, to which news: er m€n and the representatives of the ‘tities competing for the convention will be ad- ifltted by ticket. The speeches will occupy about three hours, and, it is expected, bal- loting' will begin at 6 o'clock. Unless there is apparently no chance for the selection of = Ri edariogs elty to be made without many ballots, the session will continue piace ts decided on. ane New Yorkers Very Active. New York's hosts held a mecting this -morning in John D. Crimmins’ room at the Arlington, and reports were received of the work already done and plays formulated for the rest of the campaign. St. Louis and New York seem en rapport in the prelim- inary skirmish. The New Yorkers enter- tained the Missourians yesterday evening, and this morning the latter sent the Gothamites a handsome vase of flowers. Hence there are rumors in the air that when the tight gets too hot for any one city to win out that New York and St. Louis will toss a penny to see which gets the full sup- | port of the friends of both. John D, Crimmins, F. B. Thurber, James W. O'Brien, Simeon Ford, proprietor of the Grand Union Hotel, and John F, Dillon adaed their influence to that of the New Yerkers already here last night, and none of them saw a sheet or a pillow until 4 o'clock this morning. James H. Bresiin of the Gilsey House, Kobert Dunlop, the hat- ter, and other ardent Gothamites were also on hand, and when the ear of a committee- man. was discovered it was poured full from drum to lobe with eloquent disserta- tions on the merits of Manhattan Istand for convention purposes. Cimcinnati’s Big -Four. Cincinnati appeared on the scene this morning with a delegation small, but in- fluential. M. E. Ingulls, president of the } Chesapeake and Ohio road, was in the van, and with him were Thos. B. Paxton, John D. Fallett and A. D. Peck. Others are to follow. Cincinnati has its headquarters on the second flour of the Arlington, and they are visited by many commutteemen and other big guns in the democratic party ar- mament. if the claims of all the representatives of the various cities are correct the com- mtee will have to distend itself consider- ubly, as far as commercial strength is con- cerned. New York today claims twenty- two votes pledged; St. Louis announces the pcssession of niteen; Cincinnati does not hesitate to place the same figures on its die-in-the-last-ditch list, and the local men. who are Keeping up the Chicago end of the skirmsh smue signincanuy and say at least twenty national committeemen will vote for the windy city on the first ballot. Committeemen Talk Chicago. A prominent member of the committee, who has been high in its councils tor many years, expressed regret that Chicago had not some representatives on the ground who would give some assurances about the way Chicago could entertain the conven- tion in case it was sent there. “There are oniy two piaces in Chicago Wheye the convention could be held,” he remarked, “the Collseum and Tattersalis. The Coliseum 183 unnnsned, but it ts said 1t will be compieted by April 1. We would lke to have some assurance of this and on other points. “I hardly think St. Louis would be an appropriate seiection,” he continued. “1 have no doubt that the convention will be catled to meet cn the svth of June, and it’s pretty hot in St. Louis at that time. Then, again, it wouldn’t be exactly the thing, in my opinion, to go there, as we would be regarded something in the nature of a tail to the republican kite. .My experience makes'me regara the Music Hall in Cin- cinnati as the most admirably adapted place for a convention, but Cincinnati’s hotel accommodations are hardly equal to the demands of a convention, and the same hoids good of St. Louis. New York would meet all the requirements, except convenience of location. I think if Chi- cago gave assurances that the convention Would not be run with a bludgeon it would meet the approval of most of the commit- tee.” “Will there be any restrictions placed upon admi:#ions to the convention?” “I think not, Anybody who knows the ten commandments and holds a ticket, 1 imagine, will be welcome.” More of the Same Sort. Another committeeinan, who wouldn't have his identity known for a peck of two- | Cincinnat: can’t take care of bit pleces, talked somewhat similarly about the convention, “You see,” he said in a tone of earnest conviction and deep confidence, “we dem- ocrats haven’t a shadow of a chance this year. We are so deep in the mulligatawney that we can’t even reach up the edge of the iureen. So all we've got to look for is comfort. We all remember how St. Louis soaked us in times gone by, and we feel us. New York is a gay and attractive place, but the Wall street ogre tnay scare some of our timid southern brethren cut of their party boots. So only Chicago is left, and if we could be convinced that Chicago would act decent and not let its stock yard instinct —I allude to the hog disposition—interfere with th> success of the convention, we Would go there without question.” When these statements were whispered to New Yorkers and St. Louisians they de- clared tkat the assertions were merely those of individual committeemen, while the Cincinnati ‘contingent pulled documents to show that the queen city could accom- modate two conventions as big as the dem- ocratic gathering will be, and still have room for more crowds. Tonight the fight will wax warmer and sleep will doubtless be a stranger to many of those who are participating in it until the great contest is finally settled. * Committeemen Who Have Reported. The committeemen who. have so far re- ported to Secretary Sheerin at the Arling- ton are, with their city addresses: Charles 8. Thomas, Colorado, the Shoreham; Sam- uel Pasco, Florida, the Metropolitan; Ben. T. Cable, Uinols, the Raleigh; J. J. Rich- ardson, Iowa, the Ebbitt; Charles W. Blair, Kansas, the Arlington; John G. Prather, Missouri, the Arlington; Arthur Sewall, Maine, the Arlington; James Jeffries, Louis- jana, the Riggs House; Senator Gorman, Maryland, 1432 K street; Daniel J. Cam- pau, Michigan, the Arlington; Tobias Cas- tor, Nebraska, JIS M street northwest; A. W. Sullcway, New Hampshire, Riggs House; Senator Brice, Ohto, 1611 H street northwest; Henry E. Grady, proxy for E. D. McKee, Oregon, Riggs House; J. Tay- lor Eilysen, vice Basil B. Gordon, resign- ed, Virginia; Hugh C. Wallace, Washing- ton, guest of Chief Justice Fuller; John Sheridan, West Virginia, the Shoreham; EF C. Wall, Wisconsin, the Shoreham; Chas. M. Sharon, Arizona, the Ebbitt; L. W. Nieman, proxy for A. L, Delaney, Alaska, the Shoreham; Lesl'e T. Niblack, proxy for T. M. Rickardcon, Oklatoma, the Arling- ton; Gov. Caleb M. West, proxy for Sam- uel A. Merritt, Risgs House; Robt. L. Owen, Indian Territory, the Arlington; pone Cummins, Tenressee, the Arling- on. 3 ‘A FIGHT FOR SILVER How It Will Be Brought Before the Demo- cratic Committes. A Reapportionment of Representa- tion in the National Conven- = tion to Be Proposed. ‘ The exclusive anrovncement in The Star a few days ago of a fight to be made before the national committee for a change in the representation of the states f the national convention created considerable talk. It was learned on undoubted authority today that the biggest fight before the na- tional committee when it meets tomorrow will be on this question. The fight will be as Important as that over the selection of the city in which the convention is to be held. 5 To Give Sitwer Men Control. The proposition to be made before the committee tomorrow will be to reapportion the representation in the national conven- ! tion according to the representation in Congress—in other words, that for every democratic member of the House and every democratic Senator there wiil be allowed two representatives in the national conven- tion. For every republican member and Senator there is to be one representative in the convention. The otject of this is plain. It is to prevent the eastern democrats from controlling the national convention as here- tofore and to throw the control of it to the supposed “rock-ribbed” states of the south and west. It would also give the silver men the control ef the national convention. The proposition will probably be made to the committee by Clarke Howell, the mem- ber of the committee frcm Georgia, or by Senator Morgan of Alabama, who will rep- resent the member from his state by proxy. ‘There is no doubt that the question will be sprung, unless there is a change in the plans before tomorrow morning. Those who favor the plan, among them the two gentlemen named, will back the proposition by all the oratory at their command. ‘A prominent member of the House, who is caid to have been working for the plan for months in a quiet way, declared to a Star reporter that the propositien weuld have strong backing mm the committee. Tired of Eastern Domination. ‘The same member, and another equaliy prominent in his party, said that southern and western democrats are growing terri- bly tired of eastern domination of the con- vention, and believe the plan outlined to be the enly solution cf the matter. They vehemently de@lared that there was noth- ing fair in allowing a state like Pennsyl- vania, which never went democratic in iis history, to have more votes in the conven- tion than three or four smalicr states, which invariably go democratic. - If the national commitice refuses to take action on the proposition the fight will be carried before the national convention. If the reapportionment of representation can- rot be secured for this year an effort will be made to have it put in force for future cenvertions. Eastern men declare that they will fight the proposition to the Jast ditch, sot only because it is unfair, but because it will tend to further disrupt the democratic party. They say that it is unbrotherly and undemocratic, and they are surprised that any such feeling could originate in the rty. All the southern silver men in the House and Senate favor the proposed proposition, and it was intended at first that a delega- tion of them should appear before the na- tional committee and present the matter. The plan now, as stated, is fof a member of the committee to present the matt=r. + —_____ Personal Mention. Gen. J. U. Walker of Indianapolis, com- mander-in-chief of the G. A. R., accom- panied by Irvin Robbins of his staff, is at the Ebbitt. Gen. Walker will have a con- ference tonight with the members of the committee on pensions in relation to pen- ston lezislation. B. M. Estes and F. P. Poston, two prom- inent citizens of Memphis, Tenn., are at the Ebbitt. M. de Lepinan, the artist of the New York Morning Journal, who is here catch- ing ecenes of the convention fight, is at the Ebbitt. Dr. Hamilton Bell of New York is at the Raleigh. Commodore 8. H. Gillis, retired, is on a visit to this city. Commander W. H. Browneon of the navy is in the city. Maj. Eric Bergland, corps of engineers; Capt. Edgar 8. Dudley, quartermaster’s de- partment; Capt. A. H. Russell, ordnance department, and Maj. A. Kramer, sixth cavalry, are registered at the War Depart- ment. Assistant Secretary Curtis is confined to hts room today with a slight cold, but ex- pects to be able to resume his official duties at the Treasury Department tomorrow. Gen. Craighill, chief of engineers, has gone to New York for a few days on of- ficial business. ANOTHER WAR CLOUD It Appears in the Southern Part of, South America, = CHILEANS SEIZING MOUNTAIN PASSES: pen Correctness of the Repo:t is Ques-, : tioned. DISPUTE OVER A BOUNDARY ef een re ET LIMA, Peru, January 15, via Galveston.— Dispatches receive here from Santiago, Chile, say that a division of ihe Chilean army has been ordered to occupy the pass- es of the Cordillers bordering on the Ar gentine Republic. It is reported that an understanding be- tween Chile and Brazil exists on this sub- Ject. . . Chile and Argentina have been for over a year discussing a boundary dispute, which, at one time, threatened io invelve Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador in a war in which the four republics last named Would be pitted against Chile. The mat- ter, however, has been repeatedly an- nounced to have been settled, and the pres- ent development was not anticipated im view of recent advices from Chile. The Report's Correctness Doubtea. The reports from Santiago, Chile, to the effect that a division of the Chilean army. had been sent to occupy the passes of the Andes bordering on the Argentine Repub- lic, created surprise in diplomatic circles here today, and the authenticity of the rumors was questioned. The boundary line dispute between Chile and Argentina is of long sanding. At one time the Chilean government was disposed to claim some of the ‘erritory east of the Andes, but the acute stage of ihe dispute was passed when, by a ireaty between Chile and Argentina, it was agreed that each country should appoint commissions te de-+ limit the boundary, aud, in the event of a final disagreement, submit the disputed points to impartial arbitration. Those commissions have been making their surveys, and, so far as was known here, no obstacles had arisen to an amicable adjustment. In fact, there had been re- peated evidences of corcial ralations be- tween the two countries, Evidence of Friendsifip. Only a short time ago th Archbishop of Chile made the trip across the Andes to Buenos Ayres in order to confer the palhum upon the new Archbishop of Argentina, and on the occasion of those ceremonies the most cordial sentiments were exchanged. Only a few days ago the former Chilean minister to Buenos Ayres was appointed minisier of foreign affairs for Chile, and this was con- sidered further evidence of friendliness toward Argentina, as her relationswith the — of the latter republie had been most, cordial. In‘connection with the reported warlike menace of Chile today, a report was -print- ed this morning <o the effect that the house of deputies at Bucnos Ayres had yesterday passed a bill appropriating $10,000,000 for the purchase of warships. Taken together the reports might imdi-, cate that a new phase of the boundary dispute had su ly arisen, which had brought on a crisis, But it is pointed out that both these reports emanated from Lima, Peru, and Secretary Dominguez of the Argentine legation does not credit them. He thinks if any such grave com-} plications as are indicated had arisen the news would have come direcily trom San- | tiago, Chile or Buenos Ayres. a RUN DOWN IN A FOG. By the Wreck of n Steamer Nineteen Were Drowned. DOVER, Eng., Jarvary 15.—The steamer | Cisgar of Barcelous has beea sunk in col- | lision with the German ship Nereus, and nineteen of her crew were drowned. The Nereus, which left Tguique on October 2 for Hamberg, has bcen towed into a place of safety. The collision occurred yesterday evening in a fog off Ramsgate. DIRECT TO THE SEA. Propcsed Railw to An! Special Dispatch to The ivening Star. ANNAPOLIS, Mi, January i5.—Gen. Jo seph B. Seth, ex-pres\lent of the Baltimore and Eastern Shore railway, and ex-speaker of the house of delegates, held a conference y From Wa: polix, ington here yesterday with certain Washington capitalists preparatory to iaking active steps to build a direct line of railway from Washington to Annapolis to connect by boat across the bay with the road already ex- tending trom Ciai»orne to Ocean City. The conference was held in the office of Judge James Revell of the circuit court. ERE Se ~ ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. John Marion Drinks but is Revived. John Marionni, or John Mach, as he ia generally called in Anacostia, waere he re- sides, is in a serious condition at the Wash- ington Hospital, from the effects of swal- lewing a large quantity of laudanum last night with, it is alleged, suicidal intent. Marionni, who is about forty years of age, was married something less than two years ago to a young and beautiful woman less than half as old. They lived together until September last, when Marionni disappeared from Anacostia, and, it is alleged, left his _— to provide for herself and their litte Landanem, rv Nothing further, it is said, was heard from the truant by his wife until about a week or so ago, when Marionni reap- peared in Anacostia. Mecanwhi) jonni secured a an office in Washington and made her home with Mrs. Gibbors, at No. scn street, Anacostia. To that home Mar- jonni went soon after getting back to the town and endeavored to persuade his wife to again live with him. She refused to do so, and he left, saymg he would iake up his residence in the city. Last night Mariunni agsin called to see his wife at Mrs. Gibbons’. The latter hest- ted about calling Mrs. Marionni, as es! had been told by her that she did not wish to see her husband, amd while Mrs. Gtb- bons was hesitating as to what to do the man puiled a large bott!c Intbcled Jaudanum from his pocket a the con- tents. He at onc floor and seemed to be dying. ; The police authorities and Drs, Harrigon : and Mudd were summoned and the latter) administered antidotes, which aroused him | from his stupetied condition. As soon as) he was able to be removed Marionni was sent to the Washington Hospital. acess i Minnenpolis Bank Suspends. MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., January 15.—The City Bank, one of the smaller state bank- wed to the ing institutions of this city, Suspended pay- | ment this morning, pending an ¢xamina- The in- tion by the state bank examiner. stitution has been known to be some time. T. J. Buxton Fred. A. Smith cashier. $300,000. The deposits at ment, December 13, 1895, were loans and discounts, $878,747; cash on and due from banks, $146,393. 8 vr To