Evening Star Newspaper, February 10, 1896, Page 11

_—— THE EVENING STAR PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor, 11th Street, ty The Evening Star Newspaper Company s. KAUFFMANN, Prest. New York Office, 49 Potter Building pobeonrsde ths ‘The Evening Star 's served to subscribers ip the eitr by carriers, on their own account at 10 sents week, or 44c. per month. ‘oples at the counter cents each. By ma{l—anywhere in the United Beates oF postage previid--5O cents per menth. Seturday quiutupts Sbeet Star, $1.00 ver sear: =~ With foreign ete 5 (Entered at the Inet tiee ar Washington. D. ©. @s second-class mail matter) ‘All mail abscriptioas must be paid in advarce. tes of advertisins made known on applicatice. . Part2. Ch ¢ Evening ‘Siar. Pages I-14. WASHINGTON, D. ©., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1896-FOURTEEN PAGES. CITY AND CONGRESS Their Joint Relations Described by Many Brainy Men. EMNENTLY DISTINGUISHED GATEERING . The Annual Reception of the Wash- ington Board of Trade. ao AND GUESTS SPEAKERS Tt would be impossible to bring together 2 more thoroughly representative gathering of the c’ 1s of the national capital than that which assembled Saturday night in the parlors and banquet hall of the Arling- P Hotel in attendance i the annual m of the V ston board of trade. Men distinguished in every active branch of business life, senolars, scientists and na- tonal legislators; men who have left the impress of their genius en the architecture of the stupendous and magnificent struc- ture called the capital city, and men whose efforts are being ceaselessly directed to- ward the increase of the welfare and the progress of the community were there to meet the men upoa whem rests the re- sponsiility for providiig the means by which the perfection des:red in the greater Washington must a con, tion was Its char: tive distine reeer and the w: affiliation and com- hip that was so evident among the gentlemen present no matter how divergent public and private duties might be, giatifying in the extreme. This spirit, h was hen the guests bezan ‘ing, the evening wore and was ally no: ble im the of the delivered and the * of y were received. Every ad . berally interrupted th appla that freauently en- : toad to those who enjoyed it. The Gathering of the Guests. en thirty was the hour named in the ations, which were confined to the members of the board of trade and mem- * bers of Congres: nd the guests were not et hall were efully decorated with fo- and smilax and were rapidly greeted by the re- ng of John Joy chairman; F. Mattingly, Dr. 3usey, Ellis E L. Norri: L. Bise Needham, George C. Gor! Tf. Dunlop, Gerlah Wilkins, G. Hebberd, narles J. Bell, George F. Hulf, Myron M Parker, B. H. Warner, Alexan| T. Brit n and Jeb Barnard, nearly all of whom re present. after $ o'clock the assemblaze ed in the large parlor, ard after be- seated in deep lines around the apart- ment were addressed by Mr. Theodore W. . Who, as vice president, presided in < ble absence of President S. W. In his opening address Mr. Noyes spoke of purposes and effects of these annual -ptions of the board of trade in increasing nal acquaintance, friendly interest and spirit among Washingtonians them- and in bringing together for a time that unless in some terious way it was conducive to wise ation that legislators should be total ngers to the constituents whose legisla- ve needs were to be learned and supplied these in dermen and com- mon cor 1 taxpayers were most advisable for the welfare of the Di trict, and for the k ienti 4exisiater, entrusted + with the duty of asst tintes of the national by th ing to shape the des- apital and its quarter million of people. He point out that Washington was the crystallization of the rational idea. a city created by the nation for its own purposes, largely owned and controlled by the republic itself. ity of the whole nation, in which the people of every section felt an interest, jon and pride. He enumerated the men from all parts of the country had lalored enthusiastically for the al's upbuilding and said that there was atesman of today so distinguished that could not gain fresh laurels by attempt- seme similar task for the benefit of the y. There was no labor more en- ing and patriotic than that which ass ated one’s name with those of the illustri- fathers in Gevefoping and adorning ity of the Unien, thus fostering the 1 national sentiment, realizing the ational aspiration and gratifying national Mr. R. Ress Perry. introduced Mr. R. Ross Pei He fo show Mr. Perry made an able and effective He said he felt grateful for & he to them to be in the bos ort time ago, listened to the ent a ef the sentiment that the Americ eentinent was jor the American peopie. ‘The general response of the nation to Pres- ident Cleveland's Venezuelan message had shown the devoted patriotism of the Am=r- fean people, and this was further ill trated in response to the bond appeal. ‘The Monroe doctrine had beer, for 100 years, -the organic sentiment of the natiou. Washington, he said, represented the na- tional life to the whole world. It was the center of diptomacy, of art, of science and of enlightenment. Many pursuits in life were represented here in an eminent ‘le- ree. The Congressmen came here not on duties connected with their states or sec- tions, but with naticnal business to attend to, and every man who comes here must go beek a wiser and a larger man and a hun- dred fold more American. He cannot, until then, understand the national idea. Mr. , in conclusion, recited the many re- forms needed to make Washington com- ~Imensurate with its purpeses and destiny, und particularly dwelt upon the necessity for reform in the District laws. Some Excellent Advice. Mr. Gardiner G. Hubbard was the next speaker. In his introduction Mr. Noyes said that Mr. Hubberd was peculiarly well fitted to speak concerning Washington as a scientific center and winter residence, stat- img that he was president of the largest scientific society here and the public-spirited entertainer of many distinguished visitors at the capital. Mr. Hubbard dryly called attention to the five-mipute rule for speeches on such occa- sions, and said he would read what he had to say, with the understanding that he thould be stopped when the time was up. He went on to briefly describe the sysi2em of government here, and proceeded to re- cite the great advantages that would accrue if the Washingtonians would meet Con- xressmen more frequently and acquaint them intelligently with the needs of the . No city in the world had a better sys- tem of government. It was true that some of the citizens wanted to have a representa- tive or delegate in Congress, but in the Dis- trict committee were men who could repre- sent Washington much better than any delegate. The committee should give fuil and favorable attention to the District Commissioners. They were appointed by ident, and were, consequently, men standing and strong qualifications. | The appropriations they ask for should be granted. The criticism that the expenses of tRe District were too great was unfounded. The property holders here paid their taxes and bore their share of the expense with- out objection, and the Unitefl States should do the same thing. In concluding his re- marks, Mr. Hubbard created much laugh- ter, when, enumerating the things the citi- | zens were grateful to Congress for giving them, by saying: “it has given us our water works, with | the largest tunnel leading to an empty res- ervoir, and the muddiest water to be had anywhge.” - Gov. Shepherd Warmly Greeted. In introducing Gov. Alexander R. Shep- herd, Mr. Noyes said.there was a long period when the United States government neglected its obligations to the national capital and failed to appreciate its duties toward it. He desired to call on one who was foremost in the movement that resulted in the present just treatment and prosperity of the capital. toward it. The time was to come, how- ever, when men would come to the front he desired to call on one who was foremost in the movement that resulted in the pres- eut conditions, and whose genius had made the existence of the new and great capital possible. When Gov. Shepherd arose he was greet ed with enthusiastic applause, and it was some moments before he could proceed. He said he knew of nowhere that talk was more out of nlace than in Washington, be- cause we have more of it here than any- where else on earth. He was delighted to meet the board of trade and the Congress- men together, because it was by such com- munion that they could become better ac- quainted with each other and the necessi- ties resting upon them. : “Crosby Noyes and a lot of us old fel- lows,” he went on, “started a board of trade here thirty-four years ago, and it was from its efforts that the change in the form of government was brought about, On the present Washington made pos- sible. The Duty of the Board of Trade. “The question with the board of trade he continued, “how can you heip the District? How can you secure wise and just and liberal legislation co-extensive with the necessities and adequate to further and promote the progress and prosperity of the capital city? There is no better way than by coming in contact with the men in Con- gress who have these important matters in charge, and occasions such as this can’t be too frequently repeated. Without their help you can accomplish nothing. “Back in ‘71, '72 and ’73, in those heart- trying times when it was necessary for us to accomplish our ends, we were often cora- pélled to go as close to the outside of the jaws as possible. And we did it, all the seme. We have no cause for regret, and neither has any one else. At present there is no necessity for such a course. ‘Washingtonians should be proud of their When I was in Europe last year I Was delighted to find that nearly every European with whom I came in contact had something pleasant to say of Washing- ton. No other city was spoken of,and w they derided nearly everything else Amer- ican, they declared Washington was a very e city. The Division of the District. “The other day Mrs. Shepherd in looking over some old things found a couple of and I looked over them to nat kind of a man the people me then. In doing so I came fs thought across a letter written by Dr. Thomas V son in 1876. In this he showed that the strict of Columbia origmally consisted of ”) acres, of which the owners donated acres to the United States for public building sites, parks and reservations; of the remainder the United States was given one-half, from which it sotd 10,136 lots. From this it will be seen that the national Sovernment got three-fourths of the land. To say that the nation is placed under no obligation by that transaction would be as absurd as the Irishman’s description of a frog. He said it was a wonderful creature because when it walked, it jumped; when it sat down, it stood up, and it was all beily, except its head. and that was all mouth. Having secured three-fourths why shouldn't thé United States be willing to take care of the remaining one-fourth? Chairman Ba ‘s Address. Mr. Noyes made some references to Con- gress and its treatment of the District wher he introduced Chairman Babcock of the House District committee. He said the District business was given two afternoons a month by Congress, if it had nothing else to do, in which legislation in default of a quorum, was accomplished under the jury sistem, by unanimous consent. The exper ences of members of the District committee were trying ones, however, and though their efforts were frequently wasted the citizens were grateful to the: Chairman Babcock was cordially greet and said he had listened with a great deal of interest to the words of Gov. Shepherd. He had never seen the governor before, but he knew what he had done for Washington had made his name a household word in every one of the forty-five states of the shington is not your city,” continued sock with strong emphasis. “It to us, to the members of Congress, to the Senators and the whole of the Amer- ican people. We are all proud of it, and we all desire to see it increase in gratdeur, beauty and magnificence. “When Congress and the good people here understand one another, there wili be no trouble about the District receiving iegisia- tive treatment commensurate with its im- portance,” he continued. “The great difli- culty now is that there is too much ini: understanding among the people. The sen- timent of Congress is all right. Congress wants to make Washington the most beau- tiful and the grandest city in the worl All the expected improvements will come and all the municipal questions will be solved when there are closer relations e: tablished between the members of Congress and the citizens of Washington. In con- clusion, Mr. Babcock said Washington now had the best government of any city in the Unioa, with clean streets and good street car ilities, and hoped that meetings such as that in progress would be fre- quently repeated, because Congressmen would appreciate them. Gen. Grosvenor's Happy Hits. When Chairman Babcock had finishe}, Mr. Noyes said Congress was regarded as the city council of the national capital, the House being the common council and the Senate the board of aldermen. He then called upon “Representative ard Common Councilman Grosvenor.” The Ohio Congressman was in his usual good humor. He declared that he had no doubt that ihe people of the United States would cheer- fully indorse the most liberal appropria- tions by Congress looking to the beautify- ing and perfecting of Washington. Som times members of Congress opposed the government's sharing the expense of the District's sypport, but they do not number one in t ity-five, and they soon hack down from that position when they have sufficiently rubbed up against the civiliza- tion that surrounds them. “Washington should be the model city of the world,” he asserted. “There should be along its streets the best street railroad system obtainable; it should have the best and cleanest and brightest gas at a fair price, and the best water works in the world. It is a terrible blow to a visitor to come here, and after having admired the beauty of the capital, drink Potomac water. | There is another thing, too, that ought to be.changed. Remarkable District Laws. “Every lawyer is amazed at the originali- ty of the law in the District. Upon one oc- casion I was counsel for a man before a court-martial. One of the main witnesses for our side was a man who was a little mixed in his views of religious philosophy. He didn’t know whether there was a future system of reward or punishment or not, and was dubious about the existence of Deity. Do you know that the prosecution dug up an infernal old relic of Maryland barberism which declared that the testi- and force a change in such relations, and tony of a man who did not believe im a personal Deity and a future state could not he received by a judicial tribunal! And that Jaw is in foree here now. Mr, Perry spoke of the lawyers and the Bar Association. Why doesn’t the Bar Association come to Congress with a simple and inexpensive ea of laws and see if it can’t be adopt- ea?" Mr. Grosvenor then made a playful fling at the desire for suffrage with which some few people who live here are itching. He said he saw some of the voting here re- cently himself. He stopped at one of the polling places and saw a single file of men, who had not registered, as such a thing was unnecessary, go in through the front door, cast their ballots, pass out at the rear door, and return and do the same thing over again, He was asked to vote, but declined, and the individual who ad- dressed him, alluding to the “eniless chain” of votes which was passing, re- marked that he didn’t see ‘why them fel- lers are voting all the time.” By this sys- tem, Mr. Grosvenor said that where prob- ably 16,000 people cast’ their ballots over 25,000 votes resulted, and he wanted to know how many votes would be cast in the District at that ratio if there was voting here twice a year, as there was in Ohio. Concluding, Mr. Grosvenor sald he knew that Congress was liberal-minded toward the District. “I am sure you will get every reform you need and demand,” he said, “and I am sure, too, that when the District appro- priation bill now under consideration is passed, it will contain provisions not only for one, but for all your charities for which assistance is asked.” Mr. Dingley on” Congressional Senti- ment. After the liberal applause subsided Mr. Noyes assured Mr. Grosvenor that the citizens here were fully alive to the neces- sities for a code, and that cne was now in course of preparation by one of our ablest judges (Judge Cox), and he hoped when it was presented to Congress that Mr. Grosvenor would give his best efforts toward having it adopted and be in the van mong its most vigorous champions. He then called upon Chairman Nelsog Dingley of the House committee on ways and means to report as a member of the District common council. Mr. Dingley said Congress was ready at all times to respond liberally to any de- mand on behalf of the District, and would always act favorably upon the recom- mendations of the District committee. There was no Congressman, he believed, who did not feel the greatest pride in Wash- ington. It was not a local city. It was not # place where Congressmen came mere- ly to spend two or three months, but it stocd as the representative city of the nation. When friends or visitors from abroad came to Washington he always took pride in showing them one of the first cites in the world. There is not in the world a capital city that possesses more beauty or gives greater promise of the progress and glory of the nation than Washington. 5 In such felicitous strain did Mr. Dingley entertain his hearers, and he was followed by Senator Thurston of Nebraska, who was introduced as “Senator and alderman.” Senator Thurston's Entertaining Spees Senator Thurston said that ke was pres- ent as a constituent and didn't know why he was called on, not being a member of the District committee. “Iam glad, however, that the traditions and practices of the Senate do not apply to this society,” he said dryly, “for h: it been so my audience would have already dispersed.” This shot at the treatment the Senate accords a new member of the body was muck enjoyed. Continuing, he declared that no matter how large an appropriation might be asked for the District of Colum- bia he would vote for it and explain it to his people afterward, He came from a state that was very much like new Wash- irgton. It had virtually sprung into being, and the work has been accomplished by a few willing men with strong arms and active hands. They showed their eminent good sense, said the Senator, with a de- lghtful intonation, by sending him to the Senate, and he would honor them by voting for anything and everything necessary to bvild up this city and make it worthy of its proud and exalted position. The west was not provincial. It was for the coun- try and for everything that would make it greater and grander, increase its pros- perity and sustain its honor. Nebraska and New York had each given a star to gleam from the azure field of the flag, and when they did so the stars were no longer stars of the states, but stars of the great- est nation of the earth, shining for the people. Necessary Municipal Improvements. “Represen ive and Common Counell- man” Wash’ ton of Tennessee was next intrcduced. He said he felt that he was very much a Washingtonian, as his e&per- nee here had been of many years. Washington was not a city of locality, and knew no 1: or previous condition of servitude. ple of his district warm- ly favored everything that would help to nake the clty the greatest capital in the world. He could remember it when Penn- sylvania avenue was an ungittered swamp and when it was almost as much as a Con- essman’s Ife was worth to go in a ge after dark from the Capitol to Wil- ‘d’s Hotel. It should have every mod- ‘ta facility and municipal improvement, adequate and clear water, rapid transit on every street car system, and the board of trade would have much to do to bring these things about. “Preper strect extension is neede®” he continued, “and you mrst knock at the door of your common ccuncil until it is provided for and relief is granted. A bet ter sewerage system is imperative and be provided. Years ago I voted in ngress to save Rock creck from becoi ing a source of pestilence and disease by cetablishing a ‘beautiful park upon its banks, and I have been proud of it eyer be compelled to since, and will be prouder still in the fu- ture when I show my friends the results “f that wise action. Your sewage must be carried far beyond your city limits. De- mand this of your common council. You tave twelve miles from your boundaries one of the greatest vater .powers in the world, which shou.d be util'zed. The dam at Great Falls should be raised to a proper heigat, your tunnel should be rebuilt and clined. In all these undertakings I prom- se you will have my hearty support.” Congressman Cobb's Good Advice. Congressman and Common Councilman James B. Cobb was uext called upon and meade a telling address. It was remark- able, he said, how many Congressmen had engagements elsewhere on District day in the House. A few met ers of the com- mittes were usually on hand with a few other members of the House, who believed in obstructive methods and embraced the chanee to exercise them against the de- fenseless District. A change was needed in the treatment of the District in a leg- tslative way, and when there were so many Congressmen present it was a good time to menticn it. What was needed was not only mere time for the consideration of District legislation, but more faithfulness of attendance on the part of men of suffi- cient intelligence to comprehend the im- portance of the necessities contronting the capital of the nation. Alluding to Mr. Grosvenor's temarks about the necessity of a code, Mr. Cobb created much amusewent by declaring that two or three or half a dozen District codes have Jain dormant in the files of the House and was surprised that such distinguished men as Gen. Gros- venor knew nothing about them. “A code would Le presented,” he said, “and we would try to have :t passed, wut there was no one to assist. The new cod> will meet, I fear, the same fate. You had better get Grosvenor here and now to pledge himself to assist in having the com- ing code adopted,but I warn you that you'd better put him under bond.” Congress and Citizens Should Frater- nize. This sally caused much laughter, and Mr. Cobb continued, saying that no other city except Washington would have exist- ed under the circunstances surrounding it for so long, and it was.a maryel how it did exist. It was a shame and disgrace upon the Americar: nation. that such a condition of the laws was permitted In the capital. He begged his hearers tg contthue their at- tempts to get closer intercourse with Con- gressmen. “Give us another banquet,” he ejacu- lated, “and let us bring our bills along with us and get the conscriptsand pledges of these congressional gentlemen in their behalf, We here tonight may: bring into play a set of eauses that will have a won- Ggiiully salutary offect upon the future re- ‘tions between the capital and Congress. ‘The time hag come,” he continued earn- estly, “when you should break through the boundaries that confine your growth.” He admitted when he first eame to Con- gress he was not a friend of the city, and didn’t know what it needed, but-he had seen and learned and rubbed up against the civil!- zation Gen. Grosyenor had 2lluded to, and his views had broadened and: were quite different from what they were elght years ago. Congressmen, he said, could not be too Wkeral in their efforts to upbuild the city and assist its growth and grandeur, and it should be thelr duty to see that Wash- ingior should increase in magnificence as thescountry moved up-vard and onward. Addressing his colleagues in Congress, he told them to.remember a District day was cormng, and he eloquently appealed to them to be present and exert themselves in pe- half of the District interests. “There is work to be done,” he concluded with ringing inflection, “and there is work for every man to do.”’ A Strong Voice From New York. Congressman and Common Councilman Sereno Payne of New York was the last speaker. He objected to Gen. Grosvenor’s criticism of Washington voters in a humor- ous vein, saying that where a man only has a chance to vote once in every four years he ought to be allowed to vote at 1) four times. He declared that, instead of being an argument against suffrage, it was one in favor of it, as it showed the capacity of the voters to carry elections, even if they were a few votes short. in relation to the necessity of having a satisfactory code of laws in the District, he recommended .that the civil code of New York, which had been adopted by Ohio and other states, would fill the bill here. He begged the District people to come up to Congress and state their desires without factional controversy or misunderstanding; to unite on what they wanted, and demand it, and Congress would quickiy do the rest. It was after 10 o'clock when Congress Payne concluded, and Mr. Noyes felicitated the board upon the interesting eveni He said that according to Diedrich Knick bocker, the Dutch rule was to eat bef fighting, but the board of trade had tran. posed this order and had done its fighting for the welfare of the District first. He then invited the guests to adjourn to the banquet hall, where an attractive collation was enjoyed, and the reception was rene It was midnight nearly whe: separated, and every one expressed gratifi- cation at having participated in such an altogether successful occasion. Amorg those present who have not tofore mentiored were Vice 3 bes on, a Coekr Senator enator Call, Senator Hrown, Rep- s Apsley, Baker, Berry, Boatr Coffin, Curt Dolliver, a ris, Gamble, Gr ger, Hart Henry, Hiilborn, Howe, Huff, Huling, Mc- Rae, Stewart, Bell, Bishop, Bromwell, Prewster, Brosiu: ton, Colson, Crowther, HEiliott, Evans, Fowler, Gillet, Harrison, Hermann, Hiil, Howell, Hulick, Hull, Strong, | Fen- ton, Hyde, Johnson, Latimer, Leonard, Loud, ~ MeClea: MeDea Meyer, Milnes, Mondell, Murph orthway, Pugh Richardson, James D., Russell, Smith, Sper ry, Stokes, Tucker, Wadsworth, Williams Lefever, Living- Mercer, Miller, Mur Rees, Ro Sy ( v y Deane Spalding, Steele, ¥ Wheeler, degraft,, Culloch, Harmer and White, i. A Willard, H. W. Reed, W. EF. Matting- ly, W. S. Roose, O. G. Staples, S. H. mann, W. R. Sp Frank Hume, is. P. Morgan, jr., eaton Perry, Victor Becker, James G. Jester, J. N. Huyck, EL le, J. B. Cralle, jorge A. lah Millard, Lewis Clephane, S. Shedd, Charles Rau- tley, K. G. Ruthertord, Lambert, H. K. Willard, H- A. Griswold, W. C. Dod John M Frank H. Thon R. A. Golden, O. White, Colin Studds, Allen C. Clark A. Demonet, I a 2 Haudy, W. A. M. Bryan, Dr. Murray, F. J. A Knox, R. Ww Tallmadge n, dward Grav Wo. ‘Raph Ys. Iphonzo You Ww. Hoge, ¥, Claas Denekas, F ning, S. Alvord, Robt. Portner, C. Church, John Joy W. W. Burdett, W. son, Wm. A. Meloy, . Barber, Mr. » Holbrook, W. Andrew Pyle, George H. , W. F. Robert J. H. Ral: 2 H. L. § . Thompson, Jo’ Custis, J. J. Mr. ward, Towles, Sprise Mr. Detw Lanahan, Levi J. W. Schaefer, Henry L. © Stoutenburgh, John Leetch, J berlin, R. A. Phillips, Archi John H. Gheen, Julian C. Somerville, Chapin Grow J__T. Dr, L. B. Swormstedt, Arthur Cowsili, E. 5 Parker, Dr. J. Wes! Bovee, Dr, A, P. ‘ion, Chas. G. Dull Chr. Heurich, Weston Flint, J. C. Yost, J. Whit Herron, Geo. C. Mayna W. H. Veerhoff, Thomas H. Hall, Chri: n Xander, J. H. Small, Austin P. Brown, James Lansburgh, G. W. F, Swartzell, Ralph W. Lee, R. Goldschmid, Wm. J. Miller, N. G. Ordway, A. M. Green, F. M. Detweiler, S. W. Curriden, G. B. Towles, Loring Chappel, Dr, L. W. Ritchie. J. B. Duneklee, Geo.” G, Boteier, Samuel J. Meeks, Heman D. V Ibridge, Charles How ard, W. H. Dempsey, W. C. Morrison, Thomas W. Smith, F. L. Siddons, Burr L. Tracy, Henry F. Biunt,. James F. Oyster, Dr. Wm. R. King, J. M. Clapp, W - Lown, J. T. Campbell, W. H. Walker 1. S. Lipscomb, Oscar W. White, A. Davis, Capt. Harrison Barbour, J. Fre Kelty and Charles G. Sloan. ——.__ Shoplifter Sentenced. | William Bruce, a well-known colored crook, was sentenced this morning by Jndge Cox to three years in the Albany peniten- tlary upon pleading guilty to a charge of robbing the Boston Variety Store last Christ- mas eve. ; Detective Lacey that day noticed Bruce in the store, and, knowing the mian’s reputa- tion, placed him under arrest, but not until the fellow was searched by the detective’s partner, Helan, did it become known that the store had been robbed.’ he search, however, disclosed the fact that he had helped himself to articles not only in Mr. Smith's store, but also to a tray of rings in the store of Messrs. Lanshurgh & I This morning, after a jury had been sworn in the case, Bruce withdrew his plea of not guilty and pleaded guilty. Assistant Dis- trict Attorney Jeffords informed the court that Bruce was a noted shoplifter, and that when caught by Detective Lacey had just finished a term in the Petersburg, Va., jail. Judge Cox thereupon sentenced Bruce to three years in the Albany penitentiary at hard labor, the maximum penalty. eg ea Cause of Missions. The cause of missions was well presented last night by Miss Laura W. Rice of Bal more, Md., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Rev. S, Domer, D. D., pastar, aad also in the afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Church of the Reformation, Rev. W. E. Parson, D. D. Miss Rice is the secretary of the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the Maryland synod, tg which the,sreater num- ber of the churches hefe in Wpshingtsh be- long. After extending the gréctings of the society, Miss Rice spoke for ipward-of an hour on ‘the work, both at home andin for- eign fields, Eade Gieed i = - = G. HOW THE FIGHT GOES An American's Impressions of the Conflict in Cuba, SPANISH REPCRTS ARE ONE-SIDED: People Heartily in Sympathy With the Insurgents. ANNEXATION QUESTION OF Special Correspondence of The Evening Star. NEW YORK, February 9, 1596, People having occasion to visit the Man- hattan Life building, at 66 Broadway, ire- quently during the past ten days have been attracted by the large number of strangers in search of the headquarters of the Cuban junta in this city. Most of these strangers were of swartny skin, butshad the appear- ance of being well educated and prosperous men of business or professional attain- ments. Among the number was one who would have commanded attention in a crowd of men anywhere. ‘Tall in stature, with a keen eye and sharp ear for everything about him, and apparently, intensely inter- ested in whatever business Had called him to this city, he was evér the center of an inquiring group of Cubans and Cuban sym- pathizers whenever he presented himseit. It was learned that he was not registered at any hotel, but was stopping in a private rooming house in the upper part of the cizy on the west side, and was never to be found in his room after nightfall. The Star's correspondent presented _ himseif. Thursday afternoon, and was cordially re- ceived and entertained with an interesting review of the Cuban situmtion. Mr. Jones (as the gentleman be known for the Purposes of this article) is a well-known American business man, a graduate of a leading institution of learning, who has been in business in Havana for several years, All his property interests have been transferred to the Island of Cuba, and it is not sugprising that he takes an ‘unusual interest fh the itnpending struggle for liv- erty. ‘After repeated assurances that nothing should be published which would In any way implicate him in any trouble with the Spanish authorities, Mr. “Jones” consented to talk for publication, Oficial Dispatches One-Sided. “The people of Cuba,” said he, thought- fully, “are strongly in favor of the insur- gents in the present struggle. Published statements to the contrary, emanzeting re not to be relied , nor dispatches regard- ing the results of battles and skirmishes between the sh soldiery and the fol- 1s Gomez and Maceo be by They are all colored to suit the o: easion. Had the insurgents been as badly routed and as often defeated as was re- ported by Gov. Gen. Campos, that bra’ and brilliant soldier (admittedly the gr est general in the Spanish armies) would hot have been recalled by the Spanish go ernment. The truth is, the people are mo: heartily in favor of obtaining their liberty at whatever. cost. In many places the in- surgent art S$ are received with ops arms, and feasted like kings. In othe! they are resisted, it is true, and are forced to compel a surrender. “But the statements that the patriot armies sack, plunder and burn village: ravishing women and Ill-treating old peo- ple and children are muliciously false. In eases where the insurgents are resisted and surrender is compulsory, the people are permitted to take their valuables and keepsakes out of their hous and the then compelled to fire their own build- ings as a punishment for their show of resistance The insurgents only help them- arms and afmuni- needed, but money s Many of the large sugar plantations contain as much as 10¢ 000 acres of land. These are usually o: cd by Spaniards, who are very bitter opposition to the patriots. From found in the fact that the city’s water sup- ply comes from szveral miles outside the town, the water being conveyed through a brick conduit. This is constantly guarded by several thousand soldiers; but if the in- surgents should get possession of it in any way, surrender of the city would be abso- lutely necessary for the preservation of life. Many of the Spaniards in Havana are only | interested in the result of the conflict from the standpoint of ,dollars and cents, and would be as well pleasedgto see the island under a government of its own as under Spanish rule. But they are afraid to show their hands there while the city is in the hands of the Spanish armies.” “Tt has been charged here that the Cubans were destroying the tobacco crops, as well as the sugar cane. Is that a fact?” ‘ mphatically not a fact. There are too mary Cubans and loyal sympatizers en- gaged in the tobacco industry in Tampa and Key West, Florida, Philadelphia and New York for the patriots to do anything that would seriously endanger their interests in Cuba. To destroy the tobacco crop would be to injure their friends, and cut off a leading source of supplies with which to carry on the war for Independence, and this the pa- tricts are not likely to do.” Asked what he knew about the Hawkins expedition which stranded the other day off the New Jersey coast, and about the al- leged war ships now being fitted out for the revolutionary party in Cuba, Mr. Jones was very reticent, and clearly did not wish to disess those subjects. Asked to say something of the personal- ity of the leaders of the insurgent forces in Cuba, Mr. Jones said he was not per- scnally acquainted with Maximo Gomez, but that he knew Antonio Maceo very wcll. Both wefe said to be excelient s Giers, ard the latter to be “the best-loved man who ever led an army. He is as brave as a lion defending its young,” said he. enthusiastically, “and his followers will fellow him anywhere he tay chose to lead.” *Recognition of the Insurgents: Asked for an expression of opinion con- cerning the latest phase of the plan for recognition of the insurgents as belliger- ents by this government at Washington, Mr. Jenes replied that he was surprised that such action had not been taken long ago, #5 soon as Congress assembled. It was the one thing needed, he said, to bring about a hasty solution of the diffi- cult “Could the Cubans sustain a government of their own if granted the privilege to form cne?” was asked “I do not think they could,” was the de- liberate reply. “But they would form one and try to maintain it. This they would probably be able to do for a time; but ultimately the United States will surely be asked to establish a protectorate there with annexation and a territorial form of government as the final outcome.” Annexation. z “Would annexation be desirable to the people of the United States?” “Why not? Those who contend that we have no use for any further intermixture of negro and Spanish blood with that of the American seem to overlook one im- portant fact, viz: Cuba has an area of over 5,000 square miles, capable of sup- perting at least 12,000,000 of people, and today has an aggregate popul: n of only about 1,500,000. With the stars and stripes floating over the capitol at Havana it would not be one year before the islands would be repopulated with Americans, and the coast lines would not be able to car the people and capital seeking homes and investment in that Island. It is the garden spot of this continent. The soil is the richest imaginable, and is from twelve to twenty feet in depth. ‘The climate is grand, the temperature ranging from about 65 degrees in the coldest season to 88 de- grees in the warmest days of tne year. The resources of the island are almost unlimited. Everything grows there, and there are twelve months in every year in whieh to grew it, 2s compared with about four or five months of a season in mo parts of the United States. The forests are rich in mahogany, ebony and teak wood, all rich timber, and much sougnt after. There is but little sickness, although the cities are not yet paved, sewered and otherwise improved as they should be, and as they would be in a short time after the continued Jones, warming up to his subjec of Havana is but si ride from our shores. Can the United States afford to leave those fslands, with their fine har- bors, in the hands of a foreign power? I think not. Cuba is much more desirable as an acquisition than Hawaii or any other group of islands in either ocean.” After paying a quiet visit to 66 Broadway again, Mr, Jones left the city and is said Mr. “the city ese men the insurgents demand money in portion to the size of the plantation; failing to get it, the cane is fired. If it handed over without trouble the cane is not molested. I am aware that such action d by seme in the United Hut it must be ple there haye States 1 that the peo- hands of her country far ter than th yhich caused the reyo- sution here in i and are now m: t desperate effort to gain th. ‘he insur take from Span only, and from them only when they i the enemy. To show you that the hing stork relate an incident which came under my personal observation. A negro following the insurgent armies assaulted a woman, nd fled to the woods. He was pursued by the patriots, taken, tried and hanged in four hours. The Cubens have as much re t for the virtue of womanhood as hay the people of the United States. Little Resistance to Insurgents. “As to the burning of cane,” continued Mr. Jones, “it is én easy matter to start a fire at this season of the year. A match thrown in among the dry stalks will start a fire which will sweep a thousand acres in a few hours’ time. In their march from Santiago province to Pinar del Rio the insurgents have met with but littie real opposition, and ‘tis here thet much of the cane has been destroyed. The small Spanish forts, or “troch: as they are called there, which have been built at distances of a half mile apart across the island at several points, of- fered very little resistance to the onward march of the patriot: “The Spenish soldiers now in Cuba are for the most part very young men, not used io actual warfare, and many of them are in real sympathy with the insurgents. In se’ eral instances where engagements were an- ticipated the Spanierds surrendered with- cut firing a shot, and turned over their arms and ammunition to the patriots, while sev- eral hundred, possibly thousands ere this, have joined the forces of Gomez and Maceo. Gen. Weyler will find bis troops in poor condition on his arrival. They have re-, ceived no pay for over three months, and the provision made for their creature com- forts is of the poorest. It is not unusual for a Spanish soldier to sell his rifie for money enough to buy a-meal of victuals. “Besides, the spring months will bring what is known there as the ‘wet’ season—a season when it rains more or less for three or four months. The Spaniards are not ac- climated to this, and it will mean much sickness and distress to them in consequence of the lack of proper shelter during in- clement weather; and they would, to a man, be rejoiced at the cessation of hostilities and orders to come home again.” Feeling in Havana. “What was the feeling in Havana when you. left there?” “Residents of Havana are naturally very uneasy just now, owing to the near ap- proach of Gov. Gen. Weyler, and the pub- lished statements regarding that officer's intentions after his arrival. Most of the Americans have left the city. I doubt if there are 2 score left there now. If Weyler ‘hall stert in to carry out his alleged threats of execution of all Cuban sympathizers in Havana it will be the means of bringing the revolution to an end in a hurry, as the peo- ple would rise en masee and wipe that officer and his boy army.off the face of the earth in a short order. I believe him to be too keen a man to. adopt such a course of vio- lence ard bloodshed. “Another cause of the uneasiness there is to be on his way to Havana. A.M. DEWEY. —— = _ A Walk for Congressmen. ‘To the Editor of The Evening Star: You have been layt in your editor- ials some walks for Congressmen, but our section has not seen any such “walks” laid out between B street and Maryland avenue 1th and i S east, but ean find any ion of the city in a worse condition as to its str and alleys we don’t know where it lie. pecific let me ¢ First, lake B street from 9th street sth or 1ith northeast, which about 188i as “graded and regulated” and since then been entirely neglected. lis present ition is beyond my somewhat limited of description, so will merely state is a sea of liquid mud and filth without even crossings ever which one can ss dry shod. The gutters are even choked and filthy; the cross streets are In like condition, and the alleys for the most part mud holes, filled with various sorts of refuse. We have tried for years to have B street paved, especially as the Maury public school is located thereon, and the four to six hundred pupils are obliged to wade through the filth and bring it into our houses and carry it into tne school, where it is converted into dust to be breathed and injure the throat and lungs. Inquiry at the school will confirm this. The Comi- missioners will uot even recommend B street for improvement, though it is well built up and the houses largely owned by the occupants. If I have heard it once I ave heard It hundreds of times, that “if only had a Congressman on B street or some real estate speculator or one of the Commissioners owned a lot how quick all this would be changed.” This may be all wrong, but I am merely stating what is heard every day. Then, again, it is assert- ed, and with apparent good reason, that it is far easier for a syndicate to ‘have a street graded and regulated through a wholly uncccupied section than for a num- ber of residents 2nd individual property holders to have their street naved as in the case cf B street northeast. We notice that this or that street ex- tended is down on the list for improve- ments when the same street in the city proper cannot get a dollar. We do not believe that the most rigid economist in Congress would have object- ed to an appropriation for the improve- ment of B street and the cross streets from 10th to 13th if the Commissioners could have been gotten to place them all on the st. . GEO. H. EVANS. a Funeral of Wni. H. English. The funeral of William H. English was held in Indianapolis yesterday, and was one of the largest ever held in that city. The body lay in state at the capitol, and was viewed by 10,000 people. The funeral ex- ercises were simple and brief. Outside 5,000 persons were gathered, the interior being crowded. The funeral procession was near- ly one mile in length, being headed by the Masons, who also conducted the services at the grave. The body was laid to rest in the family vault. ————__+e-______ Only Four American Vessels. According to a report. received at the State Department 3,484 vessels passed through the Suez canal last year. Of this number four only were American, and they were either warspips or yachts. LOSING NO SLEEP Local Derocrats Are Actively at Work for the Primaries, CAMPAIGN FOR CHICAGO CONVENTION Features of the Canvass That is “Already Progressing. QUESTIONS T0 BE SETTLED The local democrats are displaying more and mcre interest in the approaching selec- Uon of delegates to the Chicego convention, and the canvasses being conducted by the various cand‘dates are becoming more vig- crous and annimated. During the past few days a strong effort has been made to force Mr. Henry E. Davis into the contest, but his declaration announced in The Star some weeks ago that he would not take pert in the fight still holds good, and will continue to do so. The gossip connecting Mr. Frank P. Madigan’s name with the campaign is also unfounded, as he will not even take part in the deliberations of the central committee, of which he is a incmber, but will be represented by a proxy. Mr. M. I. Weller will adopt the Same course end will tender his proxy to Mr. Frank P. Morgan. The central committee will hold a mect- ing shortly and determine upon the date of holding the primaries for the selection of delegates from the assembly districts to the nominating convention. It will also provide for placing safeguards of some character about the polis. This protection may take the shape of having a registra- tion of democratic voters previous to the election, but it is probable that it will be secured by the selection of three judges in each voting precinct who will be men of wide acquaintance in their particular districts, and who" will be empowered to reject the ballot of every one who they may have reason to believe is not a demo- j crat or who lives in another assembly dis- trict. It is pretty well decided that the judges will be chosen with the understand- ing that they shall only certify the votes received by bona-fide dyed-in-the-wool democrats, no matter whoethe candidatcs may be or how many votes they may get. Reaxons for This Policy. This procedure has been suggested be- cause of the vigorous interest the A. P. A. is taking in the pending democratic c paign. The manner in which the assoc! tion is strengthening its ranks and increas- ing its membership is attracting much tention. All over the District, and particulart, South Washineten, the canvass for mem of the organization is being vigoronsly prosecuted, and it is an open secret that this activity is largely due to a desire of the so- clety to command the future political des- tinies of the District of Columbia, not only in a democratic, but in a republican way as well. The democratic leaders, however, as- sume an air of indifference as to the A. P. A. ‘They dismiss the subject by declaring that the A. P. A. principles are directly opposed to those of the democratic party, and that a member of the association could not be ntly a democrat. Consequeati; they declare that no credentials to the lo: convention would be issued to such a pe son by the primary judges, even if he celved an overwhelming majority of the votes cast in the assembly district. Contingencies to Be Met. Considerable speculation is being ind in upon the question of District representa- tion in the Chicago convention, The pre ent rules recoznize the District as Leing entitled to two delegates, while the national committee recently passed a resolution recommending that the number be in- creased. This action does not, as many imagine, decide the mater. If there F oniest apparent in the conven- tion over the currengy question, the Snan- cial tendencies of the delegates chosen in the national capital will be very carefully any el looked int, and if they are not satisfacte to the majority of the dentials, th nmittes on cre- Which will, of course, repre majority of the-convention, the addi 1 four delegates will not be given In order, therefore, to provide st all contingancies and any sort of a contest before th co ntion, the mem- bers of the central committee are cons: how the r of 1 lence among dclegates who will be chosen ma tablished. “The consensus of op Ss to be that it will be proper to two candidates receiving the high nber of votes In the nominating c¢ vention end equip th with credentials dy allowed, and to give the four receiving the next highest Votes credentials to be used in case the mvention decides to admit six Holmead and Boyle. With this end in view the committee will probably adopt the system described and thus leave no room for dissatisfaction and bitterness. The candidates who are now regarded as most formidable are Chairman Wm. Holmead of the central committes and Mr. John Boyle, who is also a member of that body. ir names are being spoken of with general favor and always coupled together. Both are popular and there is no doubt about the stalwart char- acter of their democracy. Rumors have been rife latel: Walter Drew would be a candidate for del. egate, but this ts not so. Had Campbeli been clected governor of Ohio, Dr. Drew would have made a fight for convention honors, but he said today to a Star reporter that he not in the race, but would give his hearty, active and vigorous aid (to the cause of Chairman Holmead and Mr, Boyle, were one The Golden Cross. At Halcyon Commandery’s last meeting Noble Commander Abram J. Kennedy pre- sided. One application for membership was presented. The noble commander ap- pointed Thomas Humphrey, Jas. W. Loves less and Jas. S. Sharpe a committee to re- port a plan for the celebration of the fif- teenth anniversary of the commandery, which will occur on the 3d of April next. Under the good of the order, vocal soios were given by Miss Bertha Kennedy, Mrs, Alice Kennedy and James W, Lovele: Among the visitors present were 8. Maddox, jr., of Meridian Commandery, Mr: Martha J. Peabody of Capital Commandery and Miss Marguerite McCutchen, supreme vice commander. At the next meting, on the 2ist instant, the degrees will be con- ferred. that Dr. J. —— Consuls Recognized. * The President has recognized Tomas 1. Duque as honorary consul general of Ecua~ dor at Los Angeles, Cal.; Miguel Valverde as Ecuadorean consul general at New York; Rafael Seco y Fabres as Spanish vice consul at Philadelphia; Enrique Mariate- gui, as Spanish vice consul at Jacksonville, Juan Ping, as Spanish vice consul at Tampa, Fla.; and Manuel Garcia Cruz, as Spanish vice consul at Key West, Fla. —_———_e Thirty Years on the Bench. Judge Joseph Allison, presiding judge of the court of common pieas, died at Philadel- phia Saturday afternoon at his home in that city. Judge Allison had been ill since last summer, when he suffered from an attack of pleurisy. He was appointed to the common pleas bench in 1866 and has served continuously ever since. He was seventy-seven years of age. 35