Evening Star Newspaper, February 11, 1896, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAIL EXCEPT SUNDAY, INGS, n10: sy Avenua, Qor. 11th — by The Evening Star Hewspaper jompany, 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. New York Office, 49 Potter Building. <a The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the city by ea 3, on their own account. at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents Pinal mouth. Copfes at the ecenter 2 cents each. By matl—anywhere in the United States or Canada—postage prepald—50 cents ¢ month. Saturda; inttple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with fer ms nee ‘added. $3.00. ign post 00. Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D.C., second-class mail matter.) ©F All mati subscriptions must be paid tu advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. ‘ The Fvening Stave. — No. 13,398. WASHINGTON, D. O., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1896--TWELVE PAGES TWO CENTS Queen Victoria’s Reference to the Venezuelan Dispute. ——_—_e__ HOW If 1S LIKED AT THE CAPITOL —— Opening a New Session of the British Parliament. ee BCRAMBLE FOR ADMISSION LONDON, February 11.—The queen's eech, which was read p r to the opening of parliament tod&y, and in the customary Wanner, was as follows: “My lords and gentlemen: “T continue to receive from other powers pssurances of their friendly sentiments. An agreement has been concluded between my Bovernment and the government of the French republic, :aving for its principal pbject a more secure establishment of the independence of the kingdom of Siam. A topy thereof wiil be laid before you. “The commi: ers for the delimitation ef the frontier which separates my Indian empire and territory of Afghanistan from the dominions of the Emperor of Rus- sla have agreed upon a has been accepted by myself and the emperor. the government of the has expressed a wish to co minating the differences which isted for many years between 1 ment and the repu the boundary of th ony of British G I have expressed sympathy with the desire to come to an equitable arrang at I trust that United States further negotiati will lead t> a satis- factory settiemen “The Sultan of Turkey has sanctioned the principal reforms in the government of es of which, in co Emperer of Russia and the president of the French re it my duty to pr I doubly regret that the fanatical outbreak upon the part of a Section of the Turkish population has r: sulted in a serles of massacres i yvinces which have caused the deepest indignation in this country. 9: on se transactions will be la re 1 foree from terri- e British in a de- her forces. ibie mo- under the South African Compan ble collision with rough the ction, to throughout South in aid of it. The inquiry. “The pri public, ac dent of the South African re- in this matter with modera- tion and wisdom, agreed to place the pris- eners in the hands of my high sioner, and I ha trial the leaders onduct of the pre: 2nd the assu: tarily given le: to believe that he r egnizes the importance of redressing the legitimate grievances, of which complaint has been made by a majority of the per- sons now inhabiting the Transvaal.” The speech ccncludes with references to Chitral and Ashanti expeditions, and th Bays “While I rejoice to be able to announce that the objects of Ashanti expedition have been aehteved without bloodshed, I have to deplore ti from the severities of the climate of Valuable lives, in- that of m beloved son-in-lay e Henry of Battenberg, who voluz ly placed his t the disposal of myself and his ad>ptec T and my dear daughter are greatly touched ant comforted In this heavy bereavement hy the widespread sympathy shown by my subjects throughout the empire, at home and abroad.” se or portion of the ed to the house of e n prepared with ost regard for economt: but the he <imes require an in- sed expe In the third message the queen remar “My lords and gentlemen, the e: and improvement of the naval defe the empire is the most important to which your efforts Will doubtiess oc attention. Relief of the Farmers. “I regret to say that the condition of husbandry fs disastrous beyond any recent experience. Measures will be laid before you with tke object to mitigate the distress in that industry The speech then announces the approach- ing introduction of bills for the assistance ef voluntary schools, providing compensa- injuries to workmen, to amend in the v us 7 land acts, for voidance and settlement of trade di pt acilitate building light railways in the united kingdom, for checking the import of destitute aliens, to institute a board of husbandry in Ireland. Unusual Interest in the Proceedings. subject can be directed, and your most earnest There was an unusual amount of interest in the opening of parilament. Owing to the many important questions that will come before the present session, nearly all the Members of both houses placed themselves in their seats before the party chiefs. During the interval between the last ses- sion and the present both houses of parlia- ment have been thoroughly renovated and additional electric Mghting has been pro- vided. Both houses assembled at 2 o'clock. ‘There were many early arrivals anxious to secure good seats. Mr. R. Ashcroft, con- servative, representing Oldham, arrived at the house of commons at a.m had the honor of being “first on deck. By 9 o'clock a large number of seats had bee: aken. The Irish benches alone were Many supporters of the goy- ernment were obliged to stand, owing to the lack of seats. On the other hand several members of the committee say that the queen's declara- Uon, which it is well understood is prepar- ed by the prime minister, adds nothing to what has already been s: by Lord Saiis- bury. Read With Interest Here. t portion of Queen Victoria's speech ssing her sympathy with the efforts of the United States to secure an “equitable arrangement” for the settlement of the Venezuela boundary dispute was read with Manifest interest by the members of the foreten affairs comraittee of the House; some of whom express satisfaction at the friendly tone of the queen. The words are generally Interpreted as meaning that the government of Great Britain will use every effort to secure an equitable settlement, and by some they are considered in a measure a moderate but firm rebuke of the position taken by Lord Salis- bury, refusing to arbitrate any of the ter- ritoery west of the Schomburgk line. “It is evidently the purpose of the queen and the government of Great Britain,” said Mr. McCreary, ex-chairman of the foreign affairs committee, “to settle the dispute on equitable lines that will be acceptable to us. There is not a single word of hostility. Her sentiment is one of extreme friendliness, and that her indica: government is deter- mined to effect an amicable settlement.” > { READ WITH INTEREST | THE NEW SILVER PARTY Arranging in Some States to Bring Out an Electoral Ticket. Headquarters Established City From Which the Campaign Will Be Directed. in This Dr. J. J. Mott, chairman of the nattonal committee of the new silver party, or “American Silver Organization,” as it is officially known, is in the city, having ar- rived from his North Carolina home a few days ago. Chairmen Mott will be permanently in Washington until the close of the national campaign and will direct the fight of the independent silver forcea from here. Tem- perary offices have been procured In th2 Sun building, which is also the headquar- ters of the Bimetallic Unton. The two or- ganizations can work to the same end. J. M. Devine, who wag secretary of the Bimetallic Union, is secretary of the exec- tee of the new party. He Is a shrewd politician, and much Is. expected of his work. Arranging for an Electoral Ticket. In answer to a question from a Star re- porter, Chairman ifott said that since the ilver conference here a few weeks ago he has been at his home in North Carolina arran & his business affairs to come here to take charge of the fight of the silver peoph While ke has done little so far, it has been ascertained that the silver lead- ers heve been active and that in some States they nm now arranging to bring out an electoral ticket, in anticipa- tion that the old parties will go back oa iver, and that the new party wiil be forced to become « reality. The silver leaders say that the new party with the gle idea is taking enthusiasti- ly in every state and will reach for- bie proportions within a few months. exulting declare that from New state have recetved allegiance,* from men of promi- nence and intlience in the old parties. To are mention, they say, tne authors of these letters weoull create big sensations. From the w arl south, it is asserted, thou- ds of encouraging letters have been re ved. Finances Badly Needed. Gen. A. J. Warren, the head of the silver organization, is expected in the city today or tomerrow. He is in charge of the financial end of tre party, and finances are bedly needed just at this point. Secretary Devine fs having 200,000 copies of ths resolutions adopted by the-siiver cenference printed, and will circulate them everywhere. Between 500,000 and 1,090,000 copies will be printed witnin the next few months and wiil be sent where it is thought most good. t will do the THE 'TARIE It Will Be Taken Up Tomorrow as Unfinished Business. The Senate committee on finance today agreed to the preposition of Senator Mor- vill that the tariff bill be taken up in the enate tomorrow and be made the unfinished busine Senator Jones of Nevada was present, and there was an effort by the re- publices Senetors to ascertain from him whether, if the bill should be recommitted, he would agree to its amendment. It is un- derstood that Mr. Jones gave no indication that he would consent to any material change fn the bill, ch less a separation of the tariff and silver propositions, as sug- gested by Senator Quay’ original resolution. it was this response which determined the committee to decide to take up the bill in &ccordance with Chairman Morrill’s wish. The democratic members of the commit- tee stated that they would not oppose tak- ing up the bill, but while this fs true, it is understood that they will want opportunity to debate it at length. PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS. Ensign Straus Ordered to the Wash- ington Navy Yard. Ensign J. Straus, who has been detach- ed from duty as ordnance officer of the battle ship Indlana and ordered to the Washington navy yard, is to be appointed a professor of mathematics in the navy, h will involve the resignation of his ion as an officer of the line. Mr. S Was attached to the expert corps at the Washington navy yard when Capt. Sampsen was in éharge there, and was afterward for a couple of years on duty In the ordnance bureau of the Navy De- partment, being particularly charged w the design of turret mechanism and power loading appliances. Last November he was made erduance officer of the Indiana, but is now recall=d to Washington to as: sume charge of the draughtsmen’s corps at the gun factory. it is believed by Capt. | Sampson, the chief of ordnance, that by assigning permanently an expert like Mr. Straus to the superintendence of the draughting division better results ean be attained in the prosecution of the tmport- ant work of that corps than by making frequent changes in the oifice of super- intendent as would follow the detail of line officers for that duty. THE PUBLIC PRINTER. He Shows the Necessity of a New Printing Office. Public Printer Benedict appeered before the House committee on public buildings end grounds today to urge early action in the direction of providirg an adequate printing office for the government. He spoke of the imperative necessity for another building. He explained the dis- advantages under which the force is work- ing at present owing to a lack of room and poor light. Mr. Benedict referred to the expressed fears as to the safety of the building, and said the government is now paying $25,000 a year for rented quarters. When questicned as’ to a site he sald he would leave that for the committee to handle. What he wanted was a printing office, and wanted it as soon as possible. ‘The committee appeared impressed by Mr. Benedict's presentation of the case and listened attentively to his arguments. Se Personal Mention. Iicut. C. H. Gardner, M. D., of the United States marine hospital service Is in the city for examination for promotion. He is stop- nng with his aunt, Mrs. Findlay Harris, 1710 16th street. 4 Senator Mills of Texas, who was a mem- ber of the Senate committee to accompany the remains of Representative Crain to ‘Texas, was unable to go on account of the illness of Mrs. Mills. Chauncey F. Black of Pennsylvania the Ebbitt. Commodore Edward E. Potter of the navy is a guest of the Ebbitt. Among Ebbitt House arrivals today’ are Henry C. Demming, Harrisburg, Pa.; Isaao Pe Scran- at Capt. W. K. Tisdale of the army Is at th Ebbitt. i hte a waee Oh Wetoone, Minn., ts at the Ebbit Mr. Robert Lowe of this city is i Mr. Sol Smith Russell’s company. eee EX-CONSUL WALLER Correspondence in His Case Trans- mitted to Congress. SECRETARY OLNEYS FULL REPORT Investigation Leaves No Doubt as to His Guilt. ARRANGEMENTS FOR RELEASE The President today transmitted to Con- gress the correspondence in the case of John L. Waller, ex-United States consul at Tamatave, Madagascar, now in prison in France, under sentence imposed by. a French military court for alleged improper communication with the Malagassy forces. The correspondence is accompanied by a report from the Secretary of State, giving a long and elaborate history of the case in all its aspects, including his action in con- rection with the settlement of the estate of W: F. Crockett, a United States citizen, who died in Madagascar in June, 1892. A consular court, presided over by United States Consul Wetter, decided that Waller had neglected and mismanaged the estate. Consul Wetter asked the department for permission to prosecute Waller criminally, but the department declined to interfere, except to remind ‘the consul to take the proper measures if the criminal law had been violated. Before he took any further step3 in the matter, Waller was arrested by the French, in_ March, 1895, and all his papers seized. Secretary Olney rehearses the proceed- ings of his trial by a military tribunal, de- scribed as “Marine first permanent council of war.” He was convicted of correspond- ing with the enemies of France, and sen- tenced to twenty years’ imprisonment. Convinced of His Guilt. The correspondence with the French goy- ernment fs reviewed, and Ambassador Eus- tis summarized his investigation of the case in the following words: “It is proper to state that before examin- ing the eviderce I had been inclined to be- lieve from the information I could gather that Waller was perhaps convicted on in- sufficient evidence; that on account of the prejudice against him he might not have had a fair trial. After examining the original letters of Waller I have no doubt whatever of his guilt. It was not a case of inadvertent cr imprudent writing, but was a deliberate attempt to give information to the enemy to the prejudice of the military situation of France. The evidence fully sustains the charge. The whole teror of the correspand- ence discloses his guilty intention, and no court could have hesitated to condemn him.” Secretary Olney says that considerable corroboration of the conclusions thus ar- rived at by Mr.-Eustis is found in the col- lateral information which has come to the Possession of the department, including the statement of Mrs. Waller and her son, Paul Bray. Extracts are given from letters and min- utes, which, the Secretary says, ‘2 not only in line with the results reached by Mr. Eustis. but raise the serious question whether Waller was not intriguing not merely against the French, but against the safety and lives of American citizens. “On all the evidence,” says Secretary Olney, ‘‘and in view particularly of his own lettere, Waller was unquestionably gu'lty of an offense against the French gover ment of a serious character, and fully justi- fying severe punishment.” Notwithstanding the appearance of omis- sions and irregularities in the record and proceedings of the tribunal, the Secretary says, it cannot be said that substantial in- justice has resulted therefrom, since upon the facts and the evidence of Waller's own letters, the result must have been the same if every tribunal requirement had been observed. The Offer for Relense. Secretary Olney concludes his report as follows: “In these circumstances, after urgent representations by this government, an offer was made by the French government to release Waller from further imprison- ment and pardon his offense upon the con- dition that the affair be thereby terminated as between the two governments, and that the United States should make no claim in behalf of the prisoner based upon his ar- rest, conviction or imprisonment. The ac- ceptance of this offer seemed to be so fa- yorable to Wailer, and in view of all the facts so considerate toward our govern- ment, that under the direction of the Pres- ident our ambassador to France has been instructed to give notice of Such acceptance on our part and to exchange the notes necessary to carry out the arrangement. “Waller has not consented to this ad- justment and still insists that he should re- ceive compensation from the French goy- ernment. The Cruelty on Shipboard. The fact has not been overlooked that Waller is reported to have at one time declared that on the voyage to Marsvilles from Tamatave he was subjected to gross personal indignity and abuse. In view, however, of the intrinsic improbability of the charge, of its never having been re- peated even by Waller himself, of there be- ing no allusion to it in the narratives of his wife and stepson, of the alleged mal- treatment forming no part of Waller's for- mal specification of his injuries and claims for damages as communicated to Mr. Ez tis, and of the proven unreliability and malice of Waller’s assertions in other con- nections, it is impossible not to regard Wal- ler’s ccmplaint of cruelty practiced upon him on shipboard as either wholly un- founded or at the hest grossly exaggerated. It is further diseredited by the fact that the treatment of Waller since his arrival in France has been exceptionally consid- erate and humane. Reaching Marseilles in delicate health, he was at once provided with competent medical advice and atten- tion, and soon after, upon the suggestion of the physician in charge, was removed to a different locality better adapted to his physical condition, and where he has since greatly improved. Nevertheless, that no possible injustice might be done to him, Walier’s complaint of ill treatment on his journey to France was specially called to the attention of the French government. * That government at once disavowed the cruelties charged, and insisted that they cculd never have been inflicted, but under- took, at the request of this government, to investigate and to punish ary persons found guilty of them. lt, at the same tim 5 declared, however, that even if the com- plaint should prove to be well founded, it could not entertain any claim of damages for Waller preferred by the United States, because the French tribunals were open to him and he cuuld pureue his remedies there either against the government or private individuals in the same manner and with the same effect as cculd any French citi- zen under the like circumstances. This po- sition of the French government—that claims of allens cognizable by the courts of a foreign country cannot be made the subject of diplomatic intervention uniess there has been a palpable failure of justice afi all local judicial remedies have been exhausted—is one upon which this govern- ment has often insisted and of which it has often availed itself. ~ = Ay Its soplcaility to the case of Waller. was c by. the opinion of the. emi- nent Frerch lawyer already ref as a Freachman- t alien our at Paris, under 1: tions from this department, could easily ar- range to furnish such ‘security should Waller desire to resort to the French courts, there seemed to be nothing in Wal- ler’3 charges of ill-treatment while on his way to France which ought to stand in the way of an acceptance of the offer of the French government. forhis immediate release. Instructions to Mr. Eustis. Accordingly, upon the request of Waller, ovr ambassador at Parjs will be instructed te arrange: for furnishing security for the MIGHT HAVE BEEN costs cf any suit before the French tribu- nals which Waller may be advised the fects of his case warrant. Mz. Eustis has already been instructed to supply him with the meens of trensporiation to the United States should he desire to come here. It Tay be added as part of the history of the case ihat, the family of Waller being left in destitute circumstances, the depart- ment instructed its representatives to pro- vide for their present necessities und to furnish them the means of getting to the United States. That relief was according- ly extended to them, the charges to which tris governmert has thus far been put amounting to $1,317.14. MINISTER WILLIS The Story of Indignity Offered Hawaii Not Improbable. Could See No One but Mr. Cleveland and, Like Mr. Bayard, Did Not Consider the People. While there {s a hope here that the latest report from Honolulu connecting Minister Willis with an indignity offered to the Ha- waiian government iaay prove upon fuller irformation to be exaggerated, the story as given is by no means improbable in the light of the minister's past behavior. He is no friend of the Dole government. He went to Honolulu to inaugurate a policy for its destruction, and he probably today regrets the failure of that scheme. It is an open secret that for some time past he has been at his post practically by the suf- ferance of the Hawaiian authorities. The minister of any other power would in like circumstances have jong since recelved his passports. But the friendship felt by the Hawaiian people for the people of the United States, and the knowledge that that friendship was cordially _ reciprocated, caused the vagaries an4 other manifesta- tions of Mr. Willis to be condoned. ut Mr. Clevelnnd. Mr. Willis at Honoluly, if this latest epl- sode has not been misrepresented, is shap- ing his course by the Bayard pattern set in London. That is to say, he ignores the people of the United States, whose servant he is, and acts upon his individual views and those he thinks will meet with the personal approval of the President. Invited to participate in a celebration of what may be termed the Hawaiian ‘th of July, he de- elines, upon the ground thot the means employed in the establighme:t of the Ha- ‘aiian republic were fiubiicly reprobate’ hy Mr. Cleveland. Mr. 9WaHis, looking in, this direction, is unabladte see anylgody but Mr. Cleveland. The people, s0 far as he is concerned, are completely lost in the Prest- dent’s ample shadow. Hé knows, and knows i that the President was at last forced by the people to acknowledge t Dole government, but, as Senator Gray would say, he “barks back on the old track” and refuses to obey the horn of freedom and progress. The Same Case With Bayard. This was tHe nature of Mr. Bayard’s of- fense in England. He tock no thought of the people of the United States at all. The fact that protection had been the policy of this government from the beginning, and that his own party, after @ successful bun- eombe campaign for free trade, had passed a protection tariff bill itself, was wholly ignored when he came to speak. He oniy considered that his own views and those of Mr. Cleveland were op! to protection, and he fired away. He did not deem him- self answerable to the p€ople of the United States, He was not, in his opinion, their repre- sentative, but the representative of the official who had selected him for his post. Being certain of Mr. Cleveland and of him- self, therefore, he took no further thought as to the propriety of his course. He is a pious man, and not to be suspected of em- ploying Mr. Vanderbilt's expression about the people, but his action might be ex- plained in that famous phrase without in- jury to the meaning it conveyed to the people. A Possibility to Come. There are such great possibilities in this line of procedure for. the assertion of con- tempi for public sentiment by foreign min- isters and ambassadors, the House, it is thought, in the coming debate on the Bay ard matter, could, with profit, go thor- oughly into the subject. Another oppor- tunity—it may not be- seized—will shortly occur in this Cuban business. Congress despairing of co-operation with the Presi- dent, will shortly declare for the Cubans. When that is done, will Minister Taylor at Madrid feel justified in saying to the Span- ish authorities that the deliverance is of no moment? Mr. Bayard or Mr. Willis in his place would probably say: “Don’t mind that. It 1s only an expression of Congress —a body gathered from the turbulent peo- ple. It is of no impertance. ‘The President does not approve it. The President is the state—the United States. Keep your eye on him. So long as he is with you all is safe.” —__~e.____ Petsent Laws. Adequate. In response to a regolution of inquiry the Secretary of the ‘Treasury has sent to the House a communication from Gen. Dumont, supervising inspector general of steam vessels, saying+that in his opinion the present laws for the safety of pas- sengers at sea are egtircly adequaic and are being strictly énforced. ‘ To Loan aMonitor. The Secretary of the Nevy has directed that the monitor Comanche be loaned to the state of California’ for the use of the naval reserve of that state. = a = THE STAR “resorts to no transparent tricks, so common nowadays, in the. manipulation of figures to deceive advertisers. Its circulation is mot made to ‘appear larger than it is by either addition or multiplication. It prints a single, regular edition, each day, averaging consider- ably over 31,000 copies, and these do not go to junk shops or paper mills, either. They are all disposed of to newsstands, newsboys, and ona fide regular permanent seb Raper Of the latter class ,Fhe Star has more than three‘times;as many as any other. paper. if... Washington, * and. ten times ‘more readers. These facts ‘explain-the value of _ its advértising columns’ as med- a5 ¢ Frenchman. except that a ps iums of desirable publicity.. WIND AND FLAMES|CONGRESSMaAN M'MILLIN A Fire at the River Front That Con- sumed Many Buildings. — MORE SWEEPING Firemen's Good Work Kept the Fire From Spreading. LOSSES: AND INSURANCE A fire which swept over a greater area than any fire for a number of years past broke out this morning among the wharves and buildings along the river front in the neighborhood of the Long bridge. Before it was finally extinguished all the buildings facing on the river for a distance of a cou- ple of hundred yards were completely de- stroyed. It was a busy morning for the fire de- partment, for while the conflagration on the wharves was at its height two other fires broke out in rather distant sections of the city. The result was that the entire department was called upon, and did yeo- man's service in fighting the flames. ‘The fire along the wharves was the most disastrous. It broke out a few minutes be- fore 9 o'clock. The “alarm was turned in from box 416, at the corner of 12th and Water streets. The first sign of trouble was discovered by Engineer Dietz, who is employed at Johnson's wood and coal yard at the foot of 12th street. His post of duty looks out toward the west. and his vista Playing on the Ice House. included the norih end of the Long bi an@ all th» buiidings east of the big stru ture use as a storehouse by Willis’ Home Ice Company. The ice house is, or rather was, a big frame structure, with a board lining filled with sawdust, and filled to the reof with big cakes of ice. Alongside this buildirg and facing on the river front were eeveral smailer buildings belonging to the {ce company, used as blacksmith shop, workshop and stables. Where the Fire Started. The fire started in one of these, and, so far as could be learned in the excitement of the morning, was first discovered by Mr. Dietz, who, fortunately, was standing with- in a few fect of the alarm box. Without stopping to investigate or make inquiries be pulled the box,binging engines numbers 4 and 2 and truck ©. A few minutes after- ward further alarms were turned in, which brought engines 3, 1, 8 and 7 and trick A. The engines that were first on the spot found that the fire was way beyond their abilities, and it took the combined efforts of the better part of the entire department to subdue the flames inside of two hours. ‘i fire, which started in one of the sm buildings, probably the eKsmith’s shop, spread wit incredible quickness to the ice house adjoining. This tall buil open to the full force of the wind, very few. minutes was one mass of flames. A Gale Blowing. River men say that not for many a day has such a gale been blowing as there was this morning. It came almost straight from the west, not in gusts, but in a steacy blew, which forced the flames along paral- lel with the earth with the force of a blow- pipe. Starting, as it did, at the west end of the leng line of wharves, ice houses and wood end coal ‘ds, which line the river trent, and with a wind forcing it direc down stream, there was little reason, appa ently why the fire should not take in every- thing down tothe arsenal. It is doubtful if the fire department ever did a better piece of work than they did this morning, in con- fining the flames to a comparatively limit- ed area. This will be better understood when it is stated that the fire was stopped directly at Johnson's wood and coal yard, at one side of which was an enormous pile of pine wood cut in four-foot lengths, fully AMard Fight. twenty fcet high and extending from the edge of the river up to Water street. Strange as it may seem, this pile of wood acted as a barricade, like a fortress against an invading foe. Not that the fire did not make inroads upon it, but the firemen con- centrated their efforts upon this great pile as upon a crucial point. They kept it thor- oughly drenched, and whenever a tiny blaze was seen to start in any part of it several tremendous streams were at once turned on, and the flames at no time got eny ccnsiderable headway. Just beyond this, and separated from it only by a high Pile of coal, is. the big frame building oc- cupied by Johnson Brothers as an office and sawmill. This would have furnished excellent fuel to the fire, but not once was it in es. Tremendous Force of the Wind. The force of the wind was something tremendous. It was impossible for any one up town to realize how hard it was blow- ing down the river. The smoke and burn- ing embers did not rise up at all, but were carried along close to the ground, with the result that Water street was clouded so densely that it was difficult to see one's vay, nor could one even tell what build- ings actually were on fire until he came within close range. Within a few minutes of the time the first alarm was turned in it was evident that nothing could save the big ice house, and the firemen, for the most “Continued on Second Page.) Why He Declined to Run for Governor of ‘Tenpessee. He Thinks the Democrats Will Win— Probable Nominces of Both Parties for the Place. Congressman Benton MeMillin, who had thought of making the race, recently de- cided after a thorough examination of the situation net to offer for the democratic nomination for governor of Tennessee this year. His decision gave rise to a report that he had found the outlook for demo- cratic success in the state at large discour- aging, and that consequently he would con- fine his aspirations to ancther term in Con- gre: He Is now serving his ninth consec- ulive term as a member of the House, and being very popular at nome may with every right promise himself re-election. Mr. McMillin’s Reason In conversation with a representative of The Star today today Mr. Me Millin said: My only reason for deciding not to enter the race for governor was of a financial nature. I found I would be unable to stand the expenses of such a campaign. I am sure I could have secured the nomination, and I should never for a moment have en- tertain a doubt as to success the polls. The democracy w y the state this year—put that dowa as certain. There are fferences to be compcsed there us else- where, on the curr and other ques- tons, but that will be done in good time, end the vote of the state given both to the democ: t d to the demo- cratl, E ie silver ifssue? Well, silver has al ys been strong with our people, and it still is. The gold centi- ment in our ranks will not control the party nor spiit it. ‘Tennessee ts for silver and straight democracy.” Probable Republican Nomince. “Whom are the republicans likely to nom- for sovernor “Popular expectation seems to have fixed y Evan In my judg:nent, it would be to cur tage to have‘him rut up again. He he was when has is by no means as strong a: t Mr. Turney, and he distinetly failed to realize on his so- Mmartyrdam. Hlections have been the last state election in Chattanooza, M Evans’ home, Knoxville end Memphis, a: the democrats carried all three of those cities. In Chattanooga the rejublican can- didate for mayor was the 7 onal friend and choice of Mr. Evans, whe turned ou and wade an energetic c for him, but, notwitastanding, a r 5 ity of fouryeen hundred recor at the previous election was wip a democratic majority of heari: dred registered in its ste would be in easy mark for vs in's and. I repeat, I hope they'll nominate again.” The Democratic € nd Mr. McMillin asked to be excused from expressing an cpinion about the probable Gcmocratic candicate. It was learned from another source, however, that the demo- craiie nomination is thought to Lie ie- tween ex-Gov. Bob Taylor and James A. Harris, the present controller of the state. Since leaving the governor's chair Mr. Tay- lor as a public entertainer on the platforn has fiddicd and joked himseif into quite a snug ccndition Jinanciaily, and is anxious row io re-enter politics. He is still very popular in te state, and if he is nom nated will, it is said, run like the ¢ tional “‘skeered” rabbit. Mé. Harris ts a very promising young man, barely turned thirty, and comes from Knoxville. He is ambitiovs, and has what is called en organization. This he created while a candidate for controiler, and has, it is reported, materfaliy strength since his election to that office. How it ie remains to be teen. Business vs. Sentiment. Here, then, is business polities arrayei against sentimental politics. Mr. Harris is relying on his organization, the members of which are scattered over the state ind all holding geod places obtained by him. Mr. Taylor is relying on his eloquence and benhommie, and the rallying power of a pleasant remembrance of the humors and good stories of pest campaigns. The contest between these two men is just be- ginning. - BY BLOWN DOV THE WIND. One of the Oldext and Largest Elms About the White House. During the high wind which prevailed about 10 o'clock this mcrning one of the primeval elms in the grounds in front of the President's house snapped at its roots and fell to the ground with a great crash. It was one of the stateliest of the group of fine, large trees in the White House grounds and is older than the mansion itself. It stood guard near the west gateway on yivania avenue, and fell directly across the driveway, closing that entrance to the grounds completely until its trunk end branches had been chopped up and car- ried away. Several persons were passing at the time and narrowly aped being struck by the outstretching limbe of the old tree. Its great age was attested by the fact that its roots were badly decayed. Its de- crepit condition made it an easy victim to tHe stiff blasts that swept through the grounds this morning. coL. Unwilling to Apply for Retirement According to Mr. Lnmont’s Suggestion Col. R. E. A. Crofton, fifteenth infantry, commanding the military post of Fort Sheridan, near Chicago, has signified his unwillingness to act upon the suggestion, said to have been made to him unofficialiy by Secretary Lamont, that it would be weil for him to apply for retirement. According to one story, Col. Crofton has peremptorily refused to comply with the wishes of the military authorities in this respect. Col. Crofton can be retired now under the thirty years’ service clause, but only upon his own application, approved by the President. As he refuses to make such application he cannot be removed from the active service, except upon the verdict of a court-martial for violation of the articles of war. Inasmuch as there is an evident desire to avoid the scandal that would necessarily attach to such proceedings, it is generally believed that Col. Crofton will be allowed to remain undisturbed until December next, when having reached the age of sixty-two years, the President will have authority to place him on the retired list regardless of his own wishes in the matter. It is possi- ble that Col. Crofton may be transferred to some other post to await retirement, but it is not regarded as probable, and the best information on the subject is that no ection will be taken in this case before December, end it is not certain the President will exercise his retiring privileges even then. —~—___+e+. Government Receipt: National bank notes received today for redemption, $557,406. Government receipts— From internal revenue, $273,250; customs, $251,341; miscellaneous, $10,900. ———— —-2-____ Naval Movements. The Navy Department is informed of the arrival of the cruiser Boston at Honolulu on the 30th ultimo, en route for the Chinese station. The cruiser Columbia has arrived at the New York navy yard, Ld If you want today’s news today you can find it only in The Star. DISTRICT DAY Many Measures of Local Interest Pass the House. oe NO LIQUOR 10 BE SOLD IN POOL ROOMS Amendment to the Water Main Assessment Bill. OTHER BILLS ACTED ON -- The District of Columbia was given a day in the House today for the consideration of bills relating to local affairs, with a feir attendance of members of the House #t the beginning of the sesxion. National University Bill Passed. ‘The first measure called up was the bill to incorporate the National University. In this the incorporatcrs of the university are 1imed as Messrs. Arthur MacArthur, Rich- , Charles C. Cole, William B. Eugene Carus, H. O. Claughton, Wilson, Matthew G. Emery, John arles Lyman, John T. Winter, ard H. Barker and William C. Whitte- more, Mr. Richardson of Tennessee explained that the object of the bill is to grant a 1 charter of Congress to this univer- It now has, and has had for many ® charter obtained under the general , under which it maintains a universit h full corps of teachers. The university asks for a general charter because it is proposed to provide by law that colleges not incorporated by special act of Congress shall not be allowed to conduct their busi- ness in the District of Columbia unless such -clleges shall be registered by the Commis. sioners of the District, and granted by them a written permit to commence or continue Lvsiress in said District. They ask for no Lew Powers or powers not granted by their The only purpose is to university to e doing business. he bill was passed without further de- bate. Washington and Maryland Ratlrond. Chairman Babcock then calied up the bill providing that the time within which the land and Washington Railway Com- ny is required to complete and put in operation its railway in the District ef Co- lvmbis, under the provisions of an act of ‘oved gust 1, 1892, as n act approved March 2, 1895, eaded for the term of one year from and that all the rights and powers conferred hy elther of them, upon mpany may be enjoyed and ex- and completely as if and put in ton prior to March Rusk of Maryland, t the company is i operat M 1 explanation, good faith rap- its road, but certain de- in connection with the dings in the District which may prevent the company from com- pleting its work of construction by the time provided in the act approved March 2, ‘fhe bill was thereupon passed. Pool and Billiard Table License BI, Chairman Babcock next called up the bill pool and billiard tables in the It has been amended hy the com- inittee over the draft furnished by the Commissioners, and fs tn full as follows: That from and after the passage of this act it shall be unlawful for any person or persous to keep any billiard table, bagatelle table, shuflleboard, jetiny lind table, pool ble, cr ary table upon which legitima.e games are played, in any saloon, room, or place of business within the District of Co- lumbia for public use or for profit or gain, ned from the assessor of the District Iumbia, - 2. That every person taking out hwense shall pay to the colector of taxes of District a Hceense fee of twelve dollars per annum for each table. Said liccnse may be granted or refused im the discretion of the assessor of said Dis- t, and all Hcenses so granted shall da of the month in which he Lability began and expire on the $1 day ef October in each year: Provided, That in all cases of refusal of said assessor to grant eald Meense, or upon written pro- test of a majority or more of the property ents of the block in which to grant such license, an taken to the Commissioners t of Columbia, whose decis- fon shall be final. Sec. 3. That every person who shall own any billiard table, bagatelle pool table, or any table or board of mentioned in the first section of for public use or profit without cense first had and obtained, shall, on conviction in the Police Court, be fined $20 or imprisoned not exceeding thres months for each offense, or both, in the discretion of the court. 4. it shall not be Jawful for the proprictors of lWilliard tables, pool tables, bagatelle taoles, jenny lind tables, or other tables of the Kind mentioned in the first section of this act, shuffleboards and bowling alleys, kept for public hire and gain in the District of Columbia allow auy person under the age of twen one years to play at any game of billiar pool, shuffleboard, or any game that may be played on such tables or boards, or play at bowls on said alleys, or permit sich person to come into or remain in their pool rooms, saloons, or bowling alleys, where spirituous, vinous, or malt liq ure sold; and all such places shall be during the cntire twenty-four hou each and every Sunday, and also during the hours that bar rooms are required to be closed. Any persor violating th: this section shall, on con by a tine of not less than five nor more than forty dollars, and shall in addition forfeit bis or her license, in the discretion of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia. Sec. 5. That all laws or parts of laws In- tent with this act be, and the same are hereby, repealed. Additions by the Committee, Mr. Curtis of Iowa explained that the present law on this subject only imposes a penalty for the keeping of billiard tables, pool tables, ete., for public use, profit, or gain. Under the decision of the courts, the present law is essentially a revenue law, a tender of the tax is a constructive pay ieent, and persons paying the tax or tende: ing the same are permitted to carry on the business without a license. The authorities are thus denied the power to prevent t conduct of such business by improper per Sons or at unsuitable places. This bill is Cesigned to impose a penalty on perso: doing said business without a license, an to provide recessary authority to exclud unworthy applicants by refusing to license them. The committee had added to the Commis- sioners’ bill the provision for an appeal from the assessor to the Commissioner: and also by an amendment providing that it shall not be unlawful for the said pro- prietors of said tables, etc., to permit per- sons under twenty-one years of age to play at said games or visit such places where <a vinous, or malt liquors are not sold. provisions of fon, be puu- Against Selling Liquor. Mr. Ray of New York advocated an amendment prohibiting absolutely the sell- ing of liquors jn pool or billiard rooms. Mr, Babcock suggested the advisability of