Evening Star Newspaper, February 29, 1896, Page 1

EVENING STAR. Z suntnnns Mae ine BUNDAX, §TAR BUILDINGS, wife far Teor Oo 8. B. |, Pres’t. Row York Ofios, 20 Potter Building, ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the own account, at 10 cents $y an oa “ois per month. rnter 2 cants each. in the Salted. States ot Senate age prepa cents a Sete $1 per year, with a - (Gates at the Poet Dales at Washington, D. C., mail matter.) an secons-clage ‘AL ibecriptions must be in advance. nites at ad ortising’ male known See Sh weer ens gq Star. ““WASHINGTON, D. 0., SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1896-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES. “TWO OENTS. SPAIN NOT ISOLATED A Madrid Paper Hints at European Support. COMMENT ON THE SENATES ACTION This Afternoon’s Criticism of the London Press. A HOSTILE SPIRIT SHOWN MADRID, February 29.—The Imparcial, referring to the action of the United States Serate in regard to Cuba, says that the in- ternational situation is very grave, adding that the recognition of the Cubans as bel- ligerents by the United States Involves the danger of daily conflicts. The Imparcial also accuses the Spanish premier, Senor Canovas del Castillo, of “excess of patience before Yankee pride.” “Spain,” continues the Imparcial, “must Prepare for every eventuality. Our mart- time resources are not great, but we have mot before us a gigantic naval power. Our humility has been badly construed and our enemy, instead of being «ppexsed, thinks she could treat Spain as she could "Turkey A firm and resolute attitude would have gained us more consideration, jor we are net so weak as to render cur hostility indifferent to a trading people which have no warlike qualities. | More- ever, Spain is not isolated in Europe.” “A Middle Course Likely.” LONDON, February 29.—The ster Gazette this afternoon, comment on the Cuban resolutions adopted by ited States Senate, says: “It is difficult to think of Spain knuckling down even to the United States, especially at a when she has just defied American feeling by appointing a man with such a reput tion for severity as Gen. Weyler to the captain generaiship of Cuba. The proba- bilities of the case point to President Cleve- land adopting a middie course and issuing a friendly warning to Spain, which will serve to take the wind out of the jingves’ ails, and at the same time convince Spain hat the United States has real interests in Cuba, and cannot refuse recognition of the rebels if an amelioration of the island eS not promptly occur. If President eland is inclined to go further, he might press home rule on Spain, offering, maybe, to guarantee the promises of the Cubans.” resolution Is another gigan- nt of the Monroe doctrine, and should the House of Representativ ‘@ the Senate's resolution and Pr dent Cleveland yield to pressure, Spain wil be brought to face abject submission or war with a somewhat stronger power. Should the proud, sensitive nation prefer the latter soo than sacrifice its honor, interna- tional sympathies will be om {ts side. It would be quite profitiess, of course, to re- mators how keen was American indignation at the time of the civil war at the idea of a foreign nation rding belligerent rights to the rebels.” “Blowing Off Sténm.”” The St. James Gazette says: “The jingo lent thought proper to jal incubator in De- cember have produced a brocd which will give him and the statesmen of the United States a great 1 of trouble as it grows to maturity. k to stir aa- s nm to fever heat, but it is not so easy to reduce the temperature again. The steam developed must be blcwn off somewhere. After twist- ing the lion's tail and the talk of interven- ing in Turkey, it is now Cuba. ‘For a country which feught a stupendous War to suppress a revolt of its own citizens, the Senate's action goes very far indeed. ‘The sacred right of any state to maintain in its own unity and to suppress its own retcls without forelgn intervention was wlat the north valiantly poured out its blood and dollars for. But it seems that Enxropean governments having subjects and territories In the neighborhood of the Ame:- n continent have no rights. The Cubans no doubt have not been well governed and suffer much from an administration which is often lax and not too honest. But if the United States arrogate the right to up: every government not administered acco! ing to its ideals as understood in the rule of public affairs, Washingten and New York + Will have a great deal to do and they might hegin by reforming Venezuela. The Monroe doctrins Is of uncommon flexibility to adap- ation and it may say: ‘Hands off’ to al! arope and ‘Hands on’ for the United States where the trinsmarine possessions of a European power are concerned. This prin- ciple is applied to Cuba, which is not part of the American continent, today. Why not to Fiji, Manilla and New Zealand tomor- row?” —_—— RECLAIMS TH Corbett Says “Let's Have No More Newspaper Talk.” FLINT, Mich., February 29.—James J. Corbett iast night sent the following: To Robert Fitzsimmons: When I retired from the ring it was with the distinct understanding that if the champiership was won by a foreigner T should reclaim it. I hereby reclaim the ttle, and as you also claim it, wish to di- rect your attention to the fact that I have deposited one thousand dollars with Will J. Davis of Chicago for a match with you. Please cever it at once and by so doing show that you are not again avoiding a Sight with me as you did at Hot Springs. 2 will gladly meet you before any reputable club in this country or any other that can guarantee a fistic meeting between us for as mreh money as you can raise or for a purse alone, immediately or in any reason- able time, but in any event, you must de- posit a sufficient monetary guarantec to in- Sure your appegrance In the ring at the time agreed cn, I, doing likewise. Now let us have a meeting and no mor? crimina- tions of newspaper talk. You are the one mar in the world that I especially desire to fight, and I will meet you at any place you name to arrange a match. If you realiy believe that you are my fistic equal, prove it by your fists and not by hombastic newspaper talk. JAMES J. CORBETT, Champton of the World. ——-___ To Imerense the Navy. The House committee on naval affairs yesterday held its first full meeting to con- sider the naval appropriation bill. While the question of the number of the new gun- . boats to be built was not decided several very important items were agreed upon. It was resolved to provide for an increase of 1,000 in the force of enlisted men to meet the demands of the new ships to be placed in commission. Other important items agreed ppon were: For the pay of the navy, $8,100, incidental expenses, $260,- 000, of which $20,000 is defictency; contin- gent expeuses, $7,000; reserve guns for auxiliary cruigers, $250,000; arming and equipping naval cruisers, $50,000; extending the sea Mi at the torpedo station at New- rt, $15, repairs at the naval war col- $2,000; bounties on val outfits, 750. “Today the commit will dis- bar =e of new gunboats and tor- lo TITLE. TO BE SENATOR Ex-Speaker Orisp’s Letter Declining 9 Renomination to the House, Regret Felt by His Associates That He Will Not Be a Representative im the 55th Congress. Ex-Speaker Crisp has written the follow- ing letter to his constituents, declining a renomination for the House of Representa- tives, and declaring himself a candidate for the Senate: ‘To the democrats of the third congress- ional district: For many years, without announcement of candidacy on my part, you have honored me Ly selecting me as your Representative in Congress. Silence now would imply that I wished, or hoped, for a continuance of that relation. Inasmuch as I have. deter- mined not again to be a candidate for a Ex-Speaker Charles F. Crisp. seat in the House of Representatives, I feel bound promptly to acquaint you of the fact, in order that I may not’be considered among those from whom a Representative to the Fifty-fifth Congress may be chosen. I cherish a desire to represent Georgia in the Senate of the United States. In March, 18:4, when Governor Northen, withunt sug- gest'on or solicitation, appointed me to that reat office, it seemed my -hope had heen realized. I was anxious to accept the place thus generously tendered. At the«time of the appointment Congress was in session, and I had@ been horored by election to the office of Speaker. A very large majority of the democratic members of the House unit- ed in an appeal that “‘in the interest of the ceuntry and the party” I should decline the | office of Senator. From my standpoint, no other course was open to me. Now no such ccndition exists, and I write this that you may recall my ‘situation then, and that I may be free to become a candidate for the position of United States Senator for the term beginning March 4, 1897. It only remains for me to add that your long-continued confidence, your cordial, constant support, and your unvarying con- sideration and kindness have placed me un- der obligations which I can never hope to repay, and for which I beg you to welieve I am now and ever shall be most profoundly grateful. Traly and sincerely yours, - (Signed) CHAS. F. CRISP. There will probably be an active contest over the senatorship. The general impres- sion appears to be that Crisp will be elected, but, whether he fs or not. he will retire from the House at the close of the present term. The announcement of his determination to retire from the House excited great interest and called forth many expressions of regret from his associates. It was -ertain that as long as he remained in the House he would be the recognized leader of his party, and if the democrats should chance to get a ma- jority in the next House, there is no doubt expressed that he would be again elected Speaker without opposition. His retirement will leave the field open for some new leader of the democrats in the next House. Representative Sayers of Texas said this morning that she greatly regretted Mr. Crisp’s decision to quit the House. “I have no doubt,” he sald, “that Crisp will be elect- ed to the Senate, but, all the same, I am very sorry that he 18 going to leave the House. We need him in the House.” ——E HUGE BLOCKS OF GRANITE On Their Way to Wakefleta for thé Monument tou Washington. The hvge blocks of granite forming the pedestal atd column of the. monument which Is to be erected at Wakefield, West- moreland county, Va., to mark’ the birth- piace ef George Washington, are now well on the way to their destination. They ar- rived here several days ago on flat cars from Buffalo, where they had been.eut in- to shape by Mr. Crawford, the contractor, and were placed on barges at ‘the navy yard for transportation down the Potomac. ‘The ice in the river caused a delay in their progress. This was only temporaty, how- ever, and the barges started from the yard Thursday and have now undoubtedly reached Wakefield. Pry, Considerable difficulty is anticipated in landing tke heavy cargo, of the extreme shallowness of the river at Wake- field and the lack of wharfage facilities. Consequently the barges will bo driven as near the shore as possible at high tide and anchored. A temporary wharf will then be built of large stcnes, over wiffch the mon- ument blocks will be rolled to the shore. Further difficulties in transportation wili then be encountered, inasmuch as the site selected for the monument is fully a mile and a half from the nearest point of dis- embarkaticn, and connected with it by the merest excrse for a road, altogether un- suited for heavy traftte. The contractor has made every prepara- tion for the undertaking and is confident of his ability to accomplish it suecessfutly without accident or material delay. Col. Wilson, corps of engineers, who is charged with the duty of erecting this monument, will send one of his assistants to Wake- field early next week to see that the terms of the cortract with Mr. Crawford are faithfully observed. It is expected that it will take at least five or six weeks to get the stones in place. No arrangements have yet been made for the dedication of the monument. The matter is under con- side-ation by the proper authorities, how- ever, and the program will be announced. in due season. o——____ Chief Clerk Appointed. Secretary Lamoat has appointed Lewis J. Call chief clerk of the office of judge advo- cate general of the army, to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Mr. J. N. Morrison as major and judge advocate of the army. Mr. Call is a native of Ohio, but his appointment is credited to “Kansas. From 188t to 1883 he was an employe of the signal corps of the army. In March he was appointed a clerk in the office of the judge advocate general, as a result of civil service examination, and he has remained there ever since,- finally reaching the $1,600 class. His promotion as chief ~clerk ‘gives him an increase of $400 a year in his salary. —_+o+____- Chiefs at the Navy Yard. Little Wound, Kicking Bear, George Fire- thunder and Capt. Thunderbear, the Sioux delegation here from Pine Ridge, were vis- itors at the Capitol today, where they were the observed of all observers. They met the members of the Indien committe, and looked about the Capitol until they were tired. After lunch they went te the navy yard to see the big gune there. Little ‘Wound irae cat eee im the mom be sent to Pine Ridge to call thibe on ration day. y on THE CASE. OF CUBA Some of the Effects of Granting Belligerent Rights. ADMINISTRATION CIRCLES PUZZLED The President's Probable Course a Matter for Speculation. —_+___ SENATOR LINDSAY’S CALL Senator Lindsay of Kentucky, who has been credited with representing in the up- per house the views of the administration on the Cuban question, called at the State Department today and had an interview with, Secretary Olney, presumably with ref- erence to the further-proceedings in Con- gress upon the Cuban resolutions. It is quite apparent to visitors at the White ‘House and State and other departments that the officers of the administration are seriously concerned at the prospects of ac- tfon by Congress that may lead to an open issue between the two branches of the government. The hope is expressed, how- ever, that the matter will blow over with- out serious friction if undue haste in the proceedings can be avoided. The acknowledged reluctance of the ad- ministration even to recognize the bellig- erency of the insurgents, much less to go to the length of recognizing their inde- pendence, is said to be based upon the best information it has been able to obtain from the seat of trouble. The State Department claims it has not cepted withvut careful examination, and corroboration wherever possible, statements coming from either the Spanish government or from the Cuban sym- pathizers in this country as to the actual state of affairs in the unhappy island. It is admitted on all sides that it has been exceedingly difficult to arrive at the exact facts, and while it is realized that the mat- ter collected is necessarily imperfect, still it is founded upon the best and most im- partidl statements that the Department “of State fs able to control, namely, the reports of the United States consular officers in Cuba. Tendency of the Reports. It is known that the general tendency of these reports is to the effect that the insur- gent cause is not nearly so strong as has been supposed in Congress, and some offi- cials assert that, as conditions now exist, the admtnistration would not be warranted in extending recognition to what it can only regard as a guerrilla movement. The offi- cers of the administration are generally Vea with the cpinion, besed on the facts r @led by the consplar reports, that {f left to their own devices the insurgents cannot prevail against the Spanish forces in Cuba, and consequently that Congress has bet taisied as to the situation. It is said that the President will probably take steps to lay before the influential members of the administration party In Congress the facts upon which he hases his opinion that the time is not yet ripe for the recognition of the Cuban insurgents. Administration people are curious to know exactly what form congressional action will take. A concurrent resolution will not re- quire the action of the executive, and, it {5 said, will he no more binding upon him than would similar action on the part of one of the state legislative bodies. The resolution as it passed the Senate merely expressed the sentiments of that body with regard to the situation in Cuba, but was in nowise mandatery in its terms. It is held, tlere- fore, that it does not increase the Presi- dent’s responsibilities in the matter, inas- much as the execution of its suggestions are left practically to his discretion, just as at present. A Joint or Concurrent Resolution. The adoption of a joint resolution requir- ing the action of the executive, either in approval or disapproval, would, however, put a decidedly different and more serious aspect on the question. While it is stated in official circles that the President would deprecate the necessity for action on his part, one way or the other, just at this time, he would undoubtedly afprove a bill recognizing the belligerency, or even the independence of Cuba, more in deference to the almost universal demand for such action rather than because he really be- Heved it the best thing to be done under existing conditions. The feeling that a veto message would only serve to postpone the recognition of the insurgents would also probably induce executive approval. A veto message would serve no purpose be- yond giving the President's counsel against hasty or inconsiderate action in a matter involving the national welfare. The Feeling in Congress. The sentiment In the House is as over- whelmingly in favor of vigorous action as in the Senate, but what opposition there is, though weak in numbers, is possessed of more Influence and power to make itself felt than was the opposition in the Senate. ‘There is a great deul of uncertainty as to the force of a concurrent resolution, while there 1s no question at all about the joint resolution form. ‘The latter unquestiona- bly requires the signature of the President and has the force of law, and if the Presi- dent should exercise the veto power Con- gress could pass it over his veto aad it, weuld then become mandatory upon the executive. The joint form is preferred by some because it may be passed over a veto. There does not seem to be any adequate authority on the question of the concur- rent “resolution. The Constitution seems very explicit on one side of the question, while custom is almost uniformly on the other. The custom has been to regard such resolutions as merely an expression of opinion by Congress, not requiring action by the President and not having the force of law. But the Constitution says that “every order, resolution or vote to which the concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (ex- cept on the question of adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the same shall take ef- fect, shall be approved by him, or, being disapproved by him, shall be passed by a two-third vote,” etc. This proposition is as broad as possible, but it has been ignor-. ed in its application to concurrent resolu- tions and orders. A concurrent resolution bas been regarded as merely a declaration intended to quicken the action of the Pres- ident. The Senate judiciary committee, to whom was referred the Hill resolution calling for an investigation and report on this subject, has referred the matter to Senater Hill, as a subcommittee, and he 1s row making an investigation. , \Would Sigu a Joint Resolution. Men who have talked with the President on the subject, say that if the question were presented to him in the form of a joint res- olution, he would undoubtedly sign it, but that if 1t comes in the form of a concur- rent resolution, he will not regard it as mandatory, and will exercise his own’ d's- cretion both as to point of time and char- acter of action. The doubt of the force of the concurrent resolution arises from the silence of the Constitution in respect to such measures cn the question of the ten days’ Hmit, which applies to bills nelther vetced nor signed. The best informed men in Congress are reluctant to express an optmiow‘on the subject publicly. ex As the effect of the action depends upon q@@estion, there is a great deal of doubt as.to whether the resolutions when adopted #thount to anything. ‘The Armenian passed some time ago, have far ignored by the President, as far as Congress knows, and there is no as- be treated in like manner.” ie sentiment is so strong in Congress that %t is naturally assumed that the President will regard it, but this is based merely on assumption and the inferences of men who have talked with him, Effect of Belligerent Rights. Assuming that the President acts at once upon the resolutions so far as to grant bel- lgerent rights to the’Cubans, the best au- thorities in Congress on international law say that the only advantage the Cubans will derive from it is that they may then have ships of war (If they can get them) without being regarded and treated as Pirates;.and they may issue bonds and bor- Tow money, as any nation mray, if they can find any one willing to take the risk of ac- cepting such contimgent security as ‘they are able to offer. This right to sh'p arms and men to Cuba will not be affected by their recognition as helligerents, but, on the cther hand, our vessels will at once become subject to search. If the Pres:dent goés to the full-extent of the suggestion of the resolution, and, be- sides granting . belligerent rights, takes steps to procure the independence of Cuba, it becomes then a much graver matter. That, it is believed, would amount practi- cally to our giving assistance to Cuba, and would probably lead to hostilities between this country and Spain, unless that coun- try, feeling its weakness, should yield to some sort of negotiations: by which she would part with Cuba for a consideration. For the President to adopt the full recom- mendation ot the resolutions would, it is believed, result inevitably in the liberty of Cuba. But if the resolutions retain their Present concurrent form, the President will not be compelled to act on them if he does not want to, or he may delay action for some time and then take the steps sug- gested. Some Expressions of Opinion. ‘The question is so delicate and doubtful that most every Representative and Sen- ator questioned on the subject declines to be quoted. A Representative Money of Mississippi, a member of the foreign affairs committee, and authority on international law, said today: “The adoption of the resolutions by.Con- gress will benefit the insurgents to this ex- tent: As an indication of the sentiment of the government of the United States and the temper of the people they may abso- lutely prevent Spain from borrowing the money necessary to prosecute the war. The insurgents themselves may be able to float a loan on the strength of the moral effect of the resolutions and equip a nav “The adoption of the resolutions will cer- tainly give great encouragement to the in- surgents, and stimulate them to further efforts, “As to the binding power of the cone1 rent resolutions upon the executive, th 4s none, In fact. They do not bind hin to do anything. It was for the purpose of Placing some duty upon the President that I wanted to make them fotpt resolutions.” ES ee CUBA IN THE HOUSE The Resolution May Not Be Brouzht Up Before Next Wednesday. ance that the Cuban a may not Not Likely That the Senate Resolu- tions Will Be Substituted=Not Much Difference Between Them. There is a strong possibility that the Cuban resolutions may uot be brought before the House until Tuesday, and per- haps not before Wednesday. Members in charge of the _legistative appropriation bill, which has the floor at present, predict that one or two days of next week will be required to finish that bill, and until it is out of the Wey Chairman Mitt of the foreign affairs committec cannot move the | consideration of the Cuban question. It fs thought that a motion may he madé in the House to substitute the Senate reso- lutions for those reported from the House committee, but Chairman Hitt does not believe such a motion weuld carry. If the House adopts the resolution of its own committee, of which Mr, Hitt 1s the au-| thor, a conference betweon the two houses to settle the difterences will be nec in the two resolutions do not differ me ally in’effect. Bcth of them say that i revolutionists should be accord-d beHlige rights, und while the last paregra the Senate resolution, presented by ter Cameron, requests the Pre offer the friendly offices of this govern- ment to Spain to bring about the inde- pendence of Cuba, the House resolution says: “It.is the sense of Congress that the goverrment of the United States shonld use its good offices and friendly influenc»" to establish a gcvernment by the people of Cuba. In addition, however, the, House resolu- tion declares that the government of the United Stutes shovld be prepared to tect the legitimate interests of Americans by intervention if necessary. Sone of th> demccratic leaders of the House thinit.that the resolution should be made a joint instead of a concurrent one, that it may receive the signature of the President. This position was taken by Mr. McCreary (Ky.) and Mr. Money (Miss.)4 in the deliberations of the committee on the resolutions, and there may be an at- tempt to carry it into effect in the House. They hold that there is a doubt of the validity of a concurrent yesolution, which, aceording to custom, is not signed by ihe President, and a large contingent of the Hovse believes that recognition is an act for the executive alone, which Congress cunnot carry into effect. ee ee ‘Treasury Department Changes. The following changes have beet: made in the classified service of thé Treasury De- partment: it Office of auditor for the War Department —Theo. Willis, South Dakota, from $1,109 to $1,600; Miss J. P. Rohrback, Pennsylvania, from $1,000 to $1,200. Office of auditor for Navy Department— Migs Dora Skeele. New York, from $1,000 to $1,200; Mrs. R. G. D. Haveng Connecticut, from $000 to $1,000; R. S. Jackson, Illinois, from $800 to $000. Office of auditor for Post Office Depart- ment—C, A. Hays, Missouri, from $1,200 io $1,400; R. C. Williams, Pewnsyiwania, from $2,200 to $1,400; J. H. Allen, ‘Tenttessee, from $1,200 to $1,400; W. T. Faultintr, Mississippi, from $1,000. to $1,200; W. Hj S#holz, Wis- consin, from $1,000 to $1/2604 J. W. Jones, Alabama, from $1,000 to $290; J. 1. Har- per, South Carolina, from $! 080 to $1,200; E. A. Jacobs, Massachusetts, from $40 to $1,000; J. L. Knopp, Lousiana, from $90 to $1,000; W. M. Bailey, Texés,’ from $90) to $1,000; Miss S. E. Hamménd, Ohio, from $840 to $000; Lewis Thony District of Columbia, from $340 to Miss FL A. Weeks, Nevada, from $8i.to $900; L. L. | Dye, Mississippi, from $846 to $900; J. E. Pafhter, Iowa, from 3840 to $900; T. C. Greene, Arkansas, from §740 to $840; J. W. Wisner, Illinois, from $728 to $810; C. E. Matthews, Oklahoma, from $720 to $810; Miss 1. C. Hunter, South Garslina, from $720 to $840; Miss ‘A. J.. Graves, Indiana, from $720 to $840. : f Office of treasurer of the United States— John R. Brown, District of Columbia, from $900 to $1,000; Miss E. 8. Lowe, District of Columbia, from $700 to $900; Mrs, Mary Moore, Pennsylvania, from $660 ta $700, Office of controlier of treasury—Dorsey Suber, South Carolina, from §f20 to $840. Bureau of engraving and printing—M. C. Connelly, Hlinois, from $1,469 to $1,500. oe Demonstration in the House. There; was am enthyslastic demonstration in the: House’ yesterday gfternoon® when Secretary Cox.of theSenate, shortly ‘before nasnae ty 1 pee ant ed Sot a 2 x bf the Cuban Tesoluti ‘tut the matter a a come up in any other form during SAVED BY THE NET Many Jumped to Escape From a Burning House. EARLY MORNING FIRE AT BOLUTH Three Members of a Farmer's Family Asphyxiated. DISASTER AT FALL RIVER DULUTH, Minn., February 29.—Fire broke .cut at 2 o'clock this morning in the O'Brien-Knowlton block on Michigan street. The building, which was four stories high, was owned by wholesale prcduce concerns. The urper stories were occupied by fam- ilies, and a large number of people lived there. Within a few moments after the fire was discovered the building was en- veloped in flames. The occupants, scantily attired, escaped as best they could, saving rothing. The large net with which the fire de- partment is provided saved many lives, a dozen to fifteen jumping from the second and third-story windows and being caught safely in it. Paul J. Baldwin, a carpet- layer, was badly burned, and was taken down a ladder In a pitiable condition. His wife endeavored to escape by the stairway, but she perished in the flames. ‘Three other women and one child are missing, but is not certain that they are dead. ‘The work of searching the ruins begun at once, and is sul going on. The loss is about $50,000, fully cov- ered by insu . Overcome by Coal Gas. CHICAGO, February 29.—Three of a family of eight dead and the others dying is the terrible result of the escap¢ of coal gas in the residence of Fred. Stuenckel, a farmer living a few miles southwest of Chicago Heights, Will county. Fred. Stuenckel, aged forty-five, the father, and Rosamond, aged thirteen, and Della, aged four, his daughters, are dead; Kate Stuenckel, aged forty-three, the mother, and Hulda, Arthur, Reneta and William, aged ten, eight, one and nineteen, respect- ively, children, are dying. nekel family has been promi- nect in Crete for nearly forty years, and the news of thelr misfortune caused great excliement among the farmers in this vi- eicity. About 3 o'clock this morning Mrs. Stuenckel was awakened by one of the children down stairs crying. The father, with Della and Arthur, slept in a large bed room down stairs. On the floor above the other memlers of the family slept. In the lower room was a large coal stove, which had been filled for the night. Mrs. Stuenck: s she went dowa stairs, called to Rosa and said she feared the c! ill. She found husband lying upon the bed, writhing i: agony ard moaning. Arthur was on the floor behind the stove unconscious, Deila was on the bed with her father, crying. 3 No one seemed to think of the coal gas, and the door was kept shut for fear of cooling off the room. The davghter calied to the other children to come dewn sta‘ The baby, Reneta, had been crying and was brought slong. A few minutes after the family had gathered in the father’s room each member begsn acting in a peculiar manner. The baby wert to sleep. Wiliiam feil to the floor end crawied outside into the Kitchen. The mother became so dizzy she kad to leave the room. Rosamond remain- ed with her father, and in a short time the gas fumes cvercame her and she fell to the floor. The girl was found there dead sev- eral hours later. Not one niember of the family seemed to notice the hot stove and the gas. The chil- dren r: bout half daz always closing the door behind them. The mother and old- est son fell prostrate upon the kitchen floor. William recovered sufficiently to crawl out j into the yard. There he was seen by his Uncle Henry from an adjoining hous sicians . Phy- were immediately sent for and ing possibie was done for the sur- viving members of the fam! Disaster During a Polo Game. FALL RIVER, Mass., February 29—An accident which came very near a catas- trophe occurred at the Casino last nignt during the polo game between the Fall Rivers and New Bedfords. The attendance was very large, the galleries being crowded to the utmost. As the game was nearing its close two players quarreled and they began to fight. The crowd in the gallery pressed forward, when the railing. gave way, and fully eighty spectators were precipitated upon the floor beneath. Fully forty were injured, but only one, James Linelly, a spinner, was fatally injured. ‘The most seriously wounded are: James L. Linelly, fatally; James Lynes, fractured skull; Nelson Maynard, right leg fractured and spine hurt; Mark ‘Hogarth, right side hurt, internally injured; William Fleet, nose fractured, other wounds; Thomas Welch, scatp wounds; John May, right thigh broken; Alfred Martin, scalp wounds; Alfred Lynes, broken arm: Cornelius Sulli- van, both arms broken; Joseph Lewis, ribs broken; John Cody, right arm broken. —qqa>_— i GOING TO NEW YORK. The President to Preside at the Home Mission Board 3 President Cleveland has accepted the in-+ vitaUion of the home mission board of the Presbyterian Church to preside at the meet- ing to be held at Carnegie Hall, New York cot Tuesday evening next, when a su- preme effort is to be made to clear off an indebtedness of $232,000. The President will make a short address. Rev. Dr. Talmage and Mr. Brook2r T. Washington, the col- ored oratcr, are also expected to speak. Mrs. Cleveland will probably accompany the Presitent. A private box has been re- served for her use at the meeting. The President and Mre. Cleveland will start early Tuesday morning, and wil probably return to Washington the next day. Army Orders. Additional Second Lieut. A. S. Fleming has been ass‘gned to a vacancy of se2ond lieutenant, fourth artillery, battery H, and he is ordered to duty at the Washington barracks. Licut. Wm. R. Dashiell, twenty-fourth in- fantry, has been granted one month's leave of absence. Capt. S. I. Stuart, ordnance department, has been ordered to Wayne Station, N. J., to inspect saluting powder, and Capt. Ira MacNutt, ordnance department, has been ordered to inspect armor-piercing projec- tiles at Reading, Pa. By direction of the Secretary of War the following assignments have been made of officers recently promoted: First Lieut. John T. Martin, to the fifth artillery, bat- tery M; Capt. Charies Dodge, to the twen- ty-fourth infantry, company C; Capt. Will- iam A. Mann, to the seventeenth infantry, company K; Cspt. Millard F. Waltz, to the twelfth infantry, company .C;-First Licat. William R. Dashiell, to the twenty-fourth infantry, company K; First Lieut. Elt A. Helmick, to the tenth infantry, company. F; First Lieut. Charies G. French, to the fif- teenth infantry, company K; First Lieut. Robert W. Rose, t the seventzenth infant- Ty, company H; First Lieut. William C. eae to the twelfth infantry, company Many Vessela Wrecked—Villages Car- ried Away—An Experience That Queensiand Will Remember. VICTORIA, B. C., February 29.—The last week of January of this year will long be remembered by residents of the Australian colonies by reason of the fact that it wit- nessed the most terrible gales and floods ever known on the Quensland coast. A large number of vessels were wrecked and entire villages destroyed, the damage ashore alone being estimated at half a mil- lion pounds sterling. The loss of property at sea was not so great as that ashore, but the loss of life by incidental marine dis- asters was even greater. Townsville, a small city on the northeast coast of Queensland, seemed to be the center of the storm, not a tow or a vessel in the harbor escaping. Ross Island, a short distance away, was also flooded, and many lives were lost in attempting to reach the mainland with small boats. The damage wrought by the hurricane at Townsville harbor alone is assessed at ,000, this including damage to water front property upon Ross Island. Many houses were swept away from their foundations and the. wind upset a rescue boat. Mrs. Hunt and her infant, Mrs, Guntman, Gertrude Row, the elder Miss Row and a boy named Willie Wallace were drowned. A housemaid in Judge Chubb's employ while wading toward a punt was washed ff her feet by the current and drowned. Sandy Walker was drowned while trying to cross Victoria bridge, where there was six feet of water on the rails. Many steamers were overdue at different pointz along the coast, and it was feared that they had been, wrecked. The list of shipping disasters Known, comolled on the cessation of the storm, is as follows: Alex- ander, Steamer, iron, 610 tons, lost; Adelaide, small wooden steamer of 30 tons, sunk at Townsville; Ellen, lighter, on the rocks; Star, of. Hope,.steamen, 98 tons, sunk at Townsville; Florence Elliott, lighter, sunk; Nehe, lighter, sunk; Heatherbelle, steamer, stranded inside the breakwater on the rocks; Nautilus, government steamer. 260 tons, owned by the Queensland government, wrecked inside the break- Water on ‘the rocks; steamer Hopper, owned by the Queensland government also, sunk; Presto, iron bark, lost; Ada Dent, steam lighter, sunk: Laura, passenger steamer, tons, lost. The passenger steamers Aramac, 2,111 tons; Guthrie, im tons, and Helene, 1,100 tons, were all badiy damaged, the Helene being still piled on the rocks. The steamer Lavinia was wrecked, with the joss of all hands Three weeks before this great storm a hurricane visited the Hahai group, and in Lifuka and the neighborhood 260 houses were blown down. The damage to the cocoanut trees was so great that it will take the island from two to three years to recover as a crop produc- ing district. Shipping suffered severely. The Norwegian bark West Australian and the German bark Wcosung, loading at Lifuka, were both Griven ashore and aban- doned, the former having between 400 and 5) tons of copra on board. The German schooner Adele was also wrecked. ge CALIFORNIA’S MISS AUB. Miss Overman Takes the Public Fur- ther Into Her Confidence. SAN FRANCISCO, February 29—Miss Mattle Overman has taken the public fur- ther into her confidence, and with every ap- pearance of unconcern, confessed her own shame and dishonor. Thursday night she had declared that several months ago she had repented her attempt to ruin the maa in whose home she is now so welcome a guest. Now she makes the startling an- nouncement that she was a crafty, planning lar until last Saturday night, when she de- termined to tell the truth, and for the first time explained to the Rey. Dr. Brown the full meaning cf the letters she wrote to Mrs. Tunnel, reflecting on Mr. Brown's Miss Overman was too ill to continue her testimony last night, and she was excused until next Tuesday. While her absence at the evening session was a disappcintment to many, the session was not altogether without dramatic effect. At one stage of the proceedings the audience was aroused to such a pitch of indignation that it shouted “Shame” to the accused pastor for his methed of cross-examination. At an- it applauded him so vigorously and istently that the council chamber was ed and the ccurt retired to deliberate in_private. *s Capt. W. F. Cock testified that in the Heward Bible class, in what used to be th pastor's stuijy, but is now the pastor’ office, he was intreduced by Dr. Brown to Miss Overman as his nicce. Dr. Brown attacked the ness liercely cn cross-cxamination. He referred to a prior misunderstanding between himself ard Cook. The captain laughingly admit- ted it, and said: “Oh, it was before that I didn’t quite fancy you.” He also admitted that if he had had the power Brown would have had another charge several years ago. Then Dr. Brown wanted to know where Cook got the title of “captain,” and asserted that it was a borrowed plumage. The council interfered to protect the witness. “Don't you know, I have had such an cpinion of you for two years that I would not introduce a lady to you?” queried Pas- tor Brown, shaking his pencil menacingly in Capt. Cook's face. Dr. McLean reprimanded the cross-exam- irer. ‘Do you think I would presence of my wife Brown. “Oh, well, from what I know of you I think you would,” replied Capt. Cook, calmly. One of the most important bits of evi- Gence of the whole council, considered ec- elesiastically, came next. Deacon Barnard testified that twice after Mrs. Davidson received the $4”) Dr. Brown called upon her to lead the flock in prayer. Deacon Dexter will give the same testi- mony. tell a lie in the thundered Dr. —_~—__ NEW YORK RUNS AGROUND. The American Liner Goes Asiray in the Fog in the Lower Ba: NEW YORK, February @9.—The Norwe- gian steamer Yumuri arrived at quaran- tine this afternoon, having been six hours picking her way from the bar through the tog. She reports that after passing the Southwest Spit, the fog lMfted somewhat, and the American ne steamer New York, inward bound from Southampton, was sighted ashore south southwest of the tail of the west bank. She was lying well out of water, and apparently grounded near high water. The west bank, on which the American line steamer N¢éw Ycrk is ashore, is in the upper part of the lower bay, about two miles from the south shore of Staten Island. The chart shows that the west bank bottom is hard, and asthe sea is smooth it is not thought that the steamer is in danger. If necessary, passeagers could be easily trans- ferred from the steamer to tugs. SANDY HOOK, N. February 29.—Capt. Sullivan of the ordnance boat just came down the bay and reports the steamship New York ashore ‘about one quarter of a mile west southwest from the Quickstep buoy, in the west band, and that the Chap- man Wrecking Company's steamer was lay- ing a cable over her stern. Rule as to the Abolition of the Fee System. THE MATTER DISCUSSED, The Senate amendments to the army ap= propriation bill were non-concurred in by! the House today, and the bill was sent to! conference. Mr. Lacey, chairman of public lands, then called up the bill to lease certain lands in Arizona for school purposes, which was vetoed yesterday by the President, and moved that it be passed over the veto. Mr. Laccy, in support of his motion, said that ihe House was confronted with the! constitutional interference of the President on a bill that had passed both houses unanis’ mously. aus, tam Interference?” asked Mr. Miles @ia.). “A constitutional interference, I said,” replied Mr. Lacey, “and one that may be fatal. Two great bodies going in opposite directions have encountered each othe Proceeding, Mr. Lacey explained that the bill was identical with that authorizing Oklahoma to lease her educational lands for school purposes, which had been pre~ pared and passed by the last Congress at the request of the Secretary of the Interior and the commissioner of the general land office. As a result of the Oklahoma bill $88,000 had been realized in that territory’ last year, while under the former system but $46,400 had beea obtained. Was it now implied, he asked, that the governor of Arizona was not as competent to lease there lands as the Secretary of the In- terior, 1,800 miles away. Both were Mr. Cleveland’s appointees. The veto message had called attention to the opposition of “influential citizens” in Arizona. Naturally such opposition would exist. The cattle barons in Oklakoma had protested, yet the. law in that territory had worked admir-' ably. Some of these lands were now oce cupied without authority and without rental. The President, Mr. Lacey said, had undoubtedly been deceived. He had been influenced by men who had, perhaps, been influenced by others interested in obtaining the use of these lands free of charge. The Bill 2 Geod One. Mr. Underwood (Ala.), a member of the public lands committee, coincided with Mr.’ lacey that the bill was a good one, and should become a law. In answer to a question by Mr. Sayers (Tex.) Mr. Lacey said that the bill had not been suomitted to the Secretary of the In: terior. The committee, he said, had relied upon the report of the Secretary of the In- terior in the case of Oklahoma, where the conditions were practically identical. in beth cases the cattle barons were in pos- session and paid no rent. There was no reason why we should make fish of one and fowl of the other. Mr. Sayers asked that the matter go over until the opinion of the Secretary of the Interior gould be obtained. “I would be unwilling to ask the Secre- tary of the Interior, even with his colloe-! sal assurance,” replied Mr. Lacey, “to ask’ him to make a recommendation that w should override the presidential veto.” Delegate Murphy’s Assurance. Mr. Murphy, the Arizona delegate, made the positive statement that the bill had the’ approval of the Secretary of the Interior! and the commissioners of the general land’ office, end that their opinions in writing had been laid before the President while he was considering the bill. Notwithstand-, ing this statement, Mr.Turner (Ga.) thought’ it could be safely assumed that the Presi- dent had had the advice of the Secretary of the Interior,and that the latter probably had inspired the veto. One of the principal ob- Jections raised by the President was that the lands, if leased by the local authorities of the territory, could be dénuded of their timber, as by the terms of the bill it was not necessary to submit the leases for the approval of the Secretary. Mr. MeRae (Ark.), who was chairman of the public lands committee of the last House, sald he would vote to pass the bill over the veto. Mr. Murphy reiterated his statement that the bill had received the distinct written approval of the Interior Department. The protests received by the President, he said, were from persons who were being bencfit- ed by the use of the lands, rent and taxes free. ‘The vote was then taken upon the passe, ege of the , the veto of the President notwithstanding. Under the Constitution this vote was taken by yeas and nays. Passed Over the Veto. The vote resulted 200 to 38, more than two-thirds having voted in the affirmative, The Will was declared passed over the prest« dential veto. The announcement was greeted with @ scattering of applause from the republican side. : Mr. Henderson (Iowa), from the comnilt- tee on rules, then presented the special order, of which he had given notice yester=. day, making it in order to offer the bill to abolish the fee system in the case of United States attorneys and marshals, as an amendment to the legislative appropriation bill. He explained that the House was, strongly in favor of this measure, and that the adoption of the rule would give Con- gress an opportunity to work this much- needed retorm. He expressed the belief that a reduction of over $200,000 could b6. effected. The appropriations for United States marshals and deputies had Increased from $00,000 in 1890 to $1,680,000 In 1896; for United Siates attorneys from $251,000 to $410,000, and for United States commis- sioners from $185,000 to $340,000. The total appropriations for the United States courts had increased since 1885 from $3,210,00) to’ $6,461,000. Mr. Catching»’ Question. Mr. Catchings (Miss.) asked if an amend- ment would be In order to abolish the fee system in the case of the United States! clerks. Mr. Henderson replied that he did not think It would. ‘The subcommittec, which had prepared the bill, he said, did not include clerks, be-! cause clerks were not engaged in working up litigation, whereas attorneys and mer-! shals were at the fountain head. Mr. Crisp (Ga.) said that ordinarily h would not favor such ea order, but realiz- ing that If this urgent reform was to be effected it would Aave to be in the shape of zn amendment to this appropriation bill he should vote for the rule. Mr. Cooper (Fla.) protested against the Passage of such a sweeping bill in such a manner. He thought the bill was defective m many respects. Every member, ho thought, would desire an opportunity to consult with his constituents, practicing lawyers and the officers of the courts be- fore voting. The special order was adopted without division. Contested Election Report. Mr. Daniel (N. Y.), chairman of the elec- tions committee No. 2, presented the report of that committee on the contested election case of Aldrich against Robbins from the second Alab.ma district. The report fa~; vored the contestant, Mr. Aldrich, who was voted for by a fusion of republicans and populists. He gave notice that he would call up the cease in about ten days. The House then went into committee of the whcle and resumed the consideration of the legislative appropriation bill.