Evening Star Newspaper, March 6, 1896, Page 2

LATE NEWS BY WIRE Democrats Break From the Sup- port of Blackburn. SECRETARY CARLISLE POLLS FIFTEEN Another Fruittess Ballot for Senator in Kentucky. NEARING THE CRISIS Spec.al Dispatch to The Evening Star. FRANKFORT, Ky., March 6—There was no lack of interest when the two houses met this morning, growing cut of the result of the two caucuses held last night. The day is not auspicious, because of the cold, damp atmosphere hanging over the city; but the fashionable folks of Frankfort filled the galleries, and indicated an interest not man- ifested for several days. There were many ladies present. The republican caucus had a most happy conclusion last night, and a better feeiing existed today than at any time since the meeting of the legislature. The nomination of St. John Boyle by the caucus was fol- jewed by a regular love feast, in which tvery republican member tcok part, with the exception of Representatives Lieberth and Tindle. They, however, were not angry ut the nominee, but were sore at some Members who, they thought, had been too pfficicus in the management of party af- fairs. Both Mr. Lieberth and Mr. Tindle Were present this morning to vote for the nominee of their party. This being the day set apart for the con- Hideration of cemmittee reports the Dun- lap-Kaufman contest case was not taken up for further consideration before the hour for the joint assembly. It is new goneeded that Dunlap, the republican, will be seated, and that with his vote the re- pub! ‘an win the senatorship. Senator Blackburn's refusal at last night’s democratic caucus to withdraw from the Tace at the request of eightéen sound mon- ey democrats, followed by the bitter de- nunciation of his position by Senator bron- ston, tas caused a breach that can never be healed. Before last night all democrats were united on the question of preventing if possible an election, but now the anti- Blackburn men will assist no further in this direction. An attempt will be made to seat Dunlap before the noon hour tomcrrow, and at the joint session make the first ballot the last. Blackburn can never get the vote of his party again. Twelve of the eightcen souad money men who signed the call for Biack- burn to withdraw bol.ed him today and joined the anti-Blackburn men and voted for Carlisle. Senator Stephenson explained his vote in a long speech, and at the con-! elusion was hissed severely. Senator Hayward then took the floor, and resented the insult to Senator Stephenson, and asked that he who intended to further msult_a member or the dignity of free thought and action in Kentucky should be expelled from the floor. He wes greeted with cheers. When the name of Robbins of Graves county was called he criticised severely those who had bolted the party nominee and in the course of his remarks charged that many had made the race for members of the legislature and had been elected on the oath that they would stand by the nominee of the party. Mr. Carroll came near causing a riot by demanding Mr. Robbins’ authority for such a statement. Quiet was restored by the sergeant-at- arms and the ballot proceeded without fur- ther trouble. LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 6.—A special to st from Frankfort, Ky., says: The roli call for the ferty-first ballot show- ed ¥ three dissatisfied re- ns, Messrs. Nance, Neat and Lie- beth. v.cre paired. It did not take long for the break in the Blackburn forces to commence. Short speeches of explanation were the order, and it soon became cvident that the gold stan- dard men had made no idle statement when they scid that if Blackburn did not wita- draw they wotld leave him. There was no sélection, however. ‘The tallot resulted: Boyle, 6%; Black- burn, 48; Carlisle 15; Pettit, 2. Tne repub- lican ncminee came within two votes of an election. At the conclusion of the ballot the as- semi ly adjourned. IN THREE OHIO DISTRICTS. Congression Nominations and Dele- gates to St. Louis Chosen. CINCINNATI, Ohio, March 6—The re- publican conventiors of both the first and second congressional districts today adopted strong resolutions for McKinley for President, and reminated the following tickets: First District—For Congressman, Chas. H. Taft; for elector, Lecpold Markbreit: delegates to the St. Louis convention, Geo. B. Cox and Thomas W. Graydon; alter- nates, Louis Kruckemeyer and Wm. B. Spattuc. Secoad district—For Congressman, Jacob HL Bromwell; for elector, Bernard Bett- mann; delegates to the St. Louis conven- tion, John A. Caldwell and Andrew Hick- enloper; alternates, John Goetz, jr. and Charles B. Wing. COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 6—Archibald Lybrand of Delawate was nomina day in the eighth district for Cor He was nominated on the seven ballot. didate. Each of the six counties had a can- Luther M. Strong is the present ntative in Congress. Mr. Lybrand is years of age, was a captain in the late war, has never held office, and is a partner of Powell in the chair- 1 as the democratic in 188S was defeat- Cham- Kenton, e Hooper, . Union county, and J. C. Brand, aine, Loge county. All are nley men. oe BETTER OUTLOOK AT VAN. Government Troops Ordered to Pro- teet the Christians. NEW YORK, March 6—The Christian Herald is in receipt of the following cable- gram: "Wa Turkey, March 5.—The outlook here ig rather better and more peaceful. Orders have been given by the government for five battalions of troops to proceed to the out- lying districts to protect Christian villages from the Kurds. S The missionaries are arranging to ma- terialiy diminish the Christian Herald re- lief work in the city of Van, and are send- ing as many refugees as possible to their homes in the different villages. Money is urgently needed to help those who have exhausted their means tn the struggle for existence during the winter. Relief work T™must now also take up the distribution of seed and also cattle for ploughing. If funds were available, we could do much 90d by sending relief parties to outlying istricts. We are hopefully awaiting: the assurance of further aid from our friends in America. Our industrial bureau, which is now empioying several thousand fami- lies, should be continued for several months, as it is the only means of support for a multitude of helpless women and children. MISS GRACE KIMBALL, Missionary of the American board. ce 'ANTINOPLE, March 6.—The Turk- ish foreign minister has renewed to United States Minister Terrell, in the presence of Miss Clara Barton, president of the Ameri- can Red Cross Society, the government's promises to permit Miss Barton and her assistants to trayel in Armenia and dis- tribute relief. “~~ It is now known that although an tm- _ frade was drawn up authorizing Miss rton to distribute_relief among the Ar- menian sufferers, and was at first approved by the sultan, it was afterwards withdrawn by his majesty. In the meanwhile thou- sands of persons are suffering from cold and famine. Se Letters of Administration Granted. Early letters of administration on the es- = of his mother, Harriette J. Early. RA ae THE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, MAR aaoaoaoeeeeeeeeeaoeoeaesc=~S—a_arawa—OO eee eee DENOUNCED BY MR. NORRIS SURE OF SUCCESS Sharp Correspondence of Interest to Dis- trict Democrata. A Story Which Mr. Holmead Would Not Deny — The District Des mocracy and the A. P. A. Local democratic circles are considerably exercised over a controversy resulting from the statement that Mr. James L. Norris was supporting the candidacy of ex-Warden Burke as one of the delegates to the na- tional democratic convention at Chicago. Interest in this statement was great, be- cause it was asserted that Mr. Burke was to receive the support of the A. P. A. The attempt to make it appear that Mr. Norris was supporting Mr. Burke was not regarded by Mr. Norris with equanimity, and some acrimonious correspondence has passed between him and Mr. William Hol- mead, chairman of the District democratic committee, on the subject. The matter was brought up by a letter written to Mr. Nor- ris by Edward C. Dawson of the nineteenth legislative district, under date of February 2%. Mr. Dawson said: “Yesterday, the 26th February, 1896, while in the company of an- other gentleman. at the corner of 6th street and Louisiana avenue, I met Mr. William Holmead, who made the following state- ment, viz: ‘That Mr. Burke was <ither at Mr. Norris’ office, or that Mr. Norris was in daily communication with him, and that he (Mr. Holmead) could produc> those who knew this to be a fact.” “Please state if there be any truth in Mr. Holmead’s assertions.” To this letter Mr. Norris replied, under date of February 29: “If Mr. Holmead made such a statement it is wholly without warrant or foundation of any kind, and Mr. Holmead on the morning of the same day had from my cwn mouth a full denial of the truth of the rumor printed in The Evening Star of February 22, that I was supporting Mr. Burke for delegate to the Chicago conven- tion. It is impcssible that he should have afterward on the same day made the statement you ascribe to him, unless he had taken leave of all his senses and his honor as a man of truth. I cannot doubt the ac- curacy of your hearing what Mr. Hulmead said to you. “T have written to Mr. Hoimead calling his attention to the matter of your letter to me, and asking him to send me his answer by return of mail. 1f I hear from him I will advise you.’ Mr. Norris’ ietter to Mr. Holmead waz Written the same day as his reply to Mr. Dawson's incuiry, and in it he relates the circumstances as referred to in Mr. Dawson's letter to the effect that Mr. Hol- mead had said that Mr. Gaily communication with Mr. Norris. He inclosed to Mr. Holmead the letter of Mr. Dawson inquiring into the truth of the Tumor, and concludes: “I have, therefore, to ask you to write me } by return mail whether or not you did make on that occasion the statement ascribed to you as a matter of simple justice to myself and all concerned.” Mr. Holmead wrete to Mr. Norris in re- ply March 2, and said: “Your letter of February 20 has been re- ceived and considered. In reply I would de- sire to state that I do not propose to be drawn into any controversy with you over idle street rumors and gossip, that are of no earthly consequence to anybedy, and are not worthy of the attention of any intelligent man. This is no time for democrats to stir up dissension of a factional sort, and I, for one, will not be a party to any such at- tempt. Therevpon Mr. Norris closed the corre- spondence by sending to Mr. Holmead curt note, of which the following is a copy “Your note of 2d instant is received. As you decline to deny. the statement imputed to you I shall hereafter treat the words as having been uttered by you in the streets of the city and shall regard you as one of the authors of these very ‘street rumors’ and ‘idle gossip’ which you now so loftily affect to disdain. This correspondence will be published to expose a plot here to place me in a false position before the democracy of the District, and to exhibit you as the man who, as chairman of the central committee, is attempting to intrcduce the religious ques- tion into our local politics and thereby ele- vate yourself into some position of conse- quence at the experse of those whom you belie and thereby injure. “When you say ‘This is no time for demo- crats to stir up diszension of a factional sort, and I for one will not be a party to such attempt,’ you give a fine illustration of it when yon stand on the street corners and belie a fellow democrat. Avoous “If you think this conduct will qualify you for the support of the District demoeraey in sending you to the Chicage convention, and if they think that a man guilty of such con- duct is worthy of their favor, why, thefi, you may succeed ir your plot, but not till then.” —. — THAT FLYING SQUADRON, Five British Ships Expecfed Soon at Curacon. , LONDON, March 6.—The Times has in- formation from Curacoa, Danish West In- dies, by way of Caracas, that the authori- ties of the first named place have been advised that a British squadron of five snips will arrive theré shortly. Curacoa is about seventy-tive miles from the Venezuelan coast Se Compressed Alr for Steam. CHICAGO, March 6.—Compressed air as a power has displaced steam in three depart- ments of the Pullman Palace Car Company’s works, and the results have so far satisfied the officials that in all probability the new force will be in use shortly in all the great shops of the corporation. With the air sy: tem It is claimed that the speed of the ma- chine in use may be graded, something im- possible when a belt is used. ee J. B. Haggin’s Condition. NEW YORK, March 6.—Inquiries mede by a representative of the Associated Press at Mr. Haggin’s office in the Mills build- ing today elicited the fact that Mr. J. B. Haggin is very much better and is rapidly recovering. For over three months Mr Haggin has been confined to his bed at his residence with gout, and recently he had an attack of inflammation of the bowels. New Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA, Pa., muren 6.—Gov. Hastings has appointed Charles B. Mc- Michael judge of the court of com-non pleas No. 3, in this city, to succeed the late Judge Henry Reed, who died in a New York hospital recently while undergoing an operation. The new judge is the youngest son of the late Morton McMichael, once mayor of Philadelphia, and a brother of Colonel Clayton McMichael, publisher of the Philadelphia North American. ae Large Rice Dealers Assign. NEW YORK, March 6.—Dan Talmage's Sons, one of the largest houses in the rice trade, has made an assignment to J. Gillet, with preferences of $14,459. The creditors of the concern number about seventy. ‘The assignment is understood to be largely due to the low price of rice, which has been brought about by the keen competition in trade. The founder of the firm died twenty years ago. THE STAR resorts to no transparent tricks, so common nowadays, in the manipulation of figuri es to deceive advertisers. Its circulation is not 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 bona fide regular rmanent subscribers. Of the jatter class The Star has more than three times as many as any other paper in. Washington, and ten times more readers. These facts explain the value of its advertising columns as med- iums of desirable publicity. Burke was in} Chairman Holmead and His Asso- ciates Expect to Win. DEMOCRATS READY FOR THE FRAY Only Proven Jeffersonians Will Be Allowed to Vole. GOSSIP OF THE CAMPAIGN The democratic central committee will meet tonight at Costello's Hall and com- plete the arrangements for holding the con- vention March 12, at the Academy of Music. Chairman Holmead said this morn- ing that he knew of no other business to come before the meeting, except the re- ports from the few committeemen upon polling places in their districts. Mr. Hol- mead further satd that the prospects were very bright for the election of delegates to the local convention who would favor send- ing the “stralgh-out” ticket to Chicago. Mr. Boyle, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Jordan also expressed similar confidence in the result, and Mr. Robert Doyle, who represents the South Washington democracy on the cen- tral committee, said he had no doubt of the success of Messrs. Holmead, Boyle and their associates. The question of colored voters at the primaries next Tuesday does not seem to be considered worthy of discussion by the democratic leaders. Chairman Holmead said today that very few colored men had eyer voted the democratic ticket here, one or two having done so in the second district. None but Democrats Need Apply. Conversation with several of the central ccmmitteemen and other democrats of long experier.ce here, and who are actively in- terested in the present campaign, developed that a very close watch was going to be kept on the voters next Tuesday, which will make it difficult, if rot impossible, for any one whose political bias is doubted to cest a ballot. Mr. Robert Doyle voiced this sentiment when he declared that no ene would be al- lowed to vote who was not known to be a fuli-fledged democrat and a bona fide resi- dent of the assembly district in which he offers his ballot. It will be comparatively easy to carry out this intention, as the system of voting at democratic primaries here is such as to prevent any one who is objectionable casi ing a ballot, unless the meeting which pr cedes the balloting and at which the judges of election are selected is packed for such a@ purpose, a condition that would need the approval of the committeeman for the dis- trict in which it was attempted, and the collusion of all the other party workers as well. Made Fun for the Boys. Considerable amusement was felt today at the grave arnouncement that Marshal A. A. Wilson, Collector of Customs Dor- sey Clagett and Postmaster James P. Willett were candidates for the local con- vention from the fifth district, in which they all reside. There is no truth whatever in .the statement, as all the gentlemen mentioned ‘have declared on all occasions that they intended taking no active per- sonal part in the present campaign. Mr. George Killeen is the latest candidate rdeclared for Chicago, and while he has a strong following in many sections of the city, the get.eral sentiment among his party brethren is that he will not be able to sé- cure a place in the delegation, ¥ be made an alternate. attempt has been made to secure the financial views of the prominent candidat on the straight-out ticket, but none of the has been found willing to express him- self on the momentous question of silver. The Evening Star announced some time ago that the effort to inject the silver issue into the local can paign had failed, and nothing has occurred since to re: ir. a tangible shape. The candida that they will go as democrats willing to support any platform favored by the ma- jority at Chicago and any man nominated on it. although Will the Six Get Seats? From present appearances it seems as though Messrs. Holmead, Boyle, Mattingly, Morgan, Jordan and Forrest will be the delegation from the District to Chicago,, but it is a very serious question whether all of them, or any six men who may be sent with credentials, will be allowed seats. The recommendation of the rational committee that each territory and the District of Co- lumbia be allowed six delegates each in the national convention remains to be acted on, and it is now said that influences are al- ready at work to prevent its adoption so far as the District is concerned. The argu- ment is that while the territories may one day become political factors as states and have voices in the choosing and election of canlidates for the presidency, and should be treated with friendliness with a view to future gratitude, the District possesses no such chance and should be recognized mer. in a complimentary way. It is claimed, therefore, that two delegates would suffice for this purpose as well as six. Such a course by the convention would greatly simplify the choice of a national committeeman from the District, and this is said to be the reason why the attempt is going to be made to confine the District representation to its former limits. - An Interesting Rumor. Rumors were prevalent today that an at- tempt would be made to swing the local convention for another ticket than the “straightovt,” as it is called, when the op- portune moment arrived. No one could be found to father actual knowledge of the plan, but there were plenty who indefinite- ly said they had heard of it. One gentle- man stated that it was felt in democratic quarters all over the District that the “straightout” ticket was weak in many re- spects, ard did not contain the names of such really representative democrats of the District who could secure respectful hear- ing at Chicago and have some weight in the deliberations over party affairs. It was his understanding that after the primaries were over and the deiegates to the local convention announced there was to be a strong effort made upon them individually to eliminate their former pledges and prom- ises from consideration on party grounds solely, ard to rally to the support of a tick- et made up of local democrats of more ex- perience and a larger acquaintance with national affairs and the men who manage them. 5 ——+—— A DETECTIVE’S PERIL. Exciting Adventure on the Street With a Suspicious Character. Last night Detectives Rhodes, Helan and Lacy had an exciting experience in South Washington, when they made an effort to arrest Robert Simms, a young colored man, and Detective Rhodes came near losing his life. Simms is a stranger in the city, and last evening the detectives met him near 8d and D streets, where they were looking for a thief. His suspicious conduct attract- ed their attention, and when Officer Rhodes made an effort to arrest him, he drew a pistol and fired one shot at the officer. The jotter succeeded in dodging the bul- let, and Simms, with the smoking revolver in his hand, made an effort to escape. De- tective Lacy sent two bullets after him, but he did not stop until he reached a saloon, and then Lacy, pointing his pistol at hii said: “Drop your gun, or I'll kill you.” Simms then preferred arrest to death, and 80 he dropped his weapon and surrendered. When searched, a gold watch and chain and a sum of money in small coin were taken from him. Assault and concealed weapons were the charges preferred against him, and when called upon to plead to them this morning, he demanded jury trials. es Staked All on Alaska. PORT TOWNSEND, Wash., March 6.—The steamer City of Topeka left here last night for Alaska, having on board 350 passengers, 110 dogs and a full cargo of freight. Many of the passengers, having paid their fare, are going to the Yukon country without a dollar in their pockets. The steamer Willapa left here yesterday for Alaska with a cargo of humanity, dogs and freight, OH 6, 1896-TWELVE PAGES. THE COMMISSIONERS RETICENT. They Decline to Talk About the Pole Controversy. The Commissioners were not disposed to- day to discuss the action of President Thomas of the S. Hlectric Lighting Company, and declined to be interviewed by @ reporter of TNP Star upon the subject. Commissioner Ross}}s) ig for the board, said: “The Commtssionpra prefer to say-noth- ig,an important mat- is ing at this time. ter.”” Commissioner Po' id: “The Commis- sioners have take ction in this mat- ter, despite President ‘Thomas’ threat. Mat- ters of that sort adwags work out right.” Up to 3:15 o’clockthigjafternoon the pole was still in place. Pofiteman Oriani was on guard at the corner to sce that the elec- tric light people dig: nothing further in the way of transferring: thecyires. sae SS BANKARD REASSESSMENT BILL. Passed Second Reading in the Mary- land House. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 6.—The Bank- ard reassessment bill has passed its sec ond reading in the house by a large ma- jority, and has been ordered to be engross- ed. It embraces in its provisions taxation of bonds, mortgages, the listing feature and other features similar to those con- taired in the Hayes bill, which created such opposition two years ago. It is ex- pected to pass the house of delegates. Lines to Washington Consolidated. Mr. Putzell today introduced in the house of delegates a bill to consolidate, under one charter, all the electric railway companies which have secured privileges to construct Ines between Baltimore and Washington. ke companies enumerated in the bill are: The Maryland and Colfmbia, the Edmond- son Avenue, Catonsville and Ellicott City Railway Company, the Maryland and Wasaington Railway Company, and the Baltimore and Washington Turnpike and Tramway Company. The name of the consolidated corporation will be the Columbia and Maryland Rail- way Company, and the bill grants the con- solidated body all the privileges and im- munitics conferred by the charters of the Separate companies. The consolidation is said to have been de- elded upon 2s the best thing for all con- cerned, and that its consummation will hasten the construction of the proposed nes between Baltimore, Washington and other points. Kesolutions expressing the respect und esteem of the Maryland senate for the late Senator Bond of Calvert county and offer- ing the sympathy of the body to his family were adopted today. ‘The resolutions were offered by Senator Carrico of Charles, who also read a memorial. The bill introduced by Senator Bowie to 1d the privileges and powers of the ington, Annapolis and Chesapeake Railroad Company passed the senate to- day. The original bill had been amended SO as to strike out a clause exempting the company from taxation TO RELEASE THE MALLORY. She Had Only Arms and Ammunition on Board of Her. Acting Secretary Wike has directed the release of the schooner Stephen J. Mallory at Tampa, Fla., under certain conditions. ‘The Attorney General has given an opinion that if the Mallory only had arms and am- munition aboard and no men in excess of her crew, and no other evidence that she was engaged in a filibustering expedition, she should not have been seized and should GEN. MERRITT HERE|4FFAIRS OF THE DISTRICT Speculation Rife Over the Purpose of His Visit. REPORT THAT HE WILL GO 10 CUBA He Declares Himself Unaware of Such an Intention. —— ee OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt, commanding the Department of the Missouri, with head- quarters at Chicago, arrived in Washington last night, accompanied by his aid, Lieut. L. H. Strother, first infautry. He is here by appointment to talk with Secretary La- mont respecting the business of his depart- ment, and especially about the location of certain posts in the northwest, and if, as reported, his visit has any reference to the state of affairs in Cuba, the general says he does not know it. Gen. Merritt visited the War Department this merning, but the Secretary of War was ip attendance at the cabinet meeting at the time. He paid social calls on Gen. Miles, Assistant Secretary Doe, and other friends in the department, and arranged for @ meeting with Secretary Lamont later in the day. A Star reporter met him while he "was at the War Department, but could not induce him to say anything as to the purpose of Kis visit to this city, except that he was here to discuss the business of his depart- ment with the Secretary of War. He was told of the report that he was to be sent to Cuba to investigate the situation for the benefit of the President, and said that if such was the case, it was news to him. He showed by his manner rather than by his words that he did not take the matter ser- ious'y There are numerous precedents for such a course, the most notable being the dis- patch of an army officer to Poland during its struggle for freedom, and the dispatch of another officer to Cuba during Grant’s administration to investigate and report on the state of affairs. President Cleveland's Position. Officials. who would be apt to know. ex- bress the belief that it is not contemplated to send Gen. Merritt or anybody else to Cuba on a special mission. The President already has good means of obtaining full and reliable information in regard to the progress of events on the island, and may not see any good purpose to be served by nding a special commissioner to the seat of trouble. There may be reasons, how- ever, why he should desire the judgment of 4 military expert on the situation, and if he concludes to send one, it is not unlikely that Gen. Merritt will be selected for the mission. He is a cool, conservative officer, and has had unlimited experience in mili- lary operations. Conference on Lake Defensen. Another story is that General Merritt Was summoned here to confer with the Senate committee on coast defenses in re- gard to the condition and needs of the fortifications on the lakes and along the Canadian frontier in the military @ not be detained any longer than was neces- part- sary to establish these polnts. In the ab-|M™ent of the Missouri, ‘This report has sence of detailed information on these; 2" air of probability, inasmuch as that points, he suggests that the question of the |Commiltce is considering the question of \ further detention of ‘the Mallory be left to the judgment of the United States district | Attorney at Tampa, who has been investi- | gating the case. The customs ported to the the vessel cai but no men except the Attorney ctor at Tampa has + Department that and ammunition, crew. According to state of Tr did not justify her under th and it is expected that she will be rele at cnce. The shipment of arms and 2 munition to: Cuba en ansiwhere cise is not regarded as a violation of the ncutral:ty laws, inasmuch 2 h_ shipment--unae- companied by an a force of men not _considere Attorney G ‘an armed ex} ’ within the m of the statute. ‘The action in the case of the Mallory is the same as was taken in the cases of the Itata and the Berniuda and is based on the same legal princip ex is ‘‘shé“President and His Advisers, ‘The Cuban situation was considered at today’s meeting of the cubinet, but with what result is not known beyond the issu- ance of the President's statement denying responsibility for the revent statement ‘pur-’ porting to give the attitude of the admin- istration against the advisability -of recog- nizing the belligerency of the insurgents. Secretary Morton was the only alscntee. The meciing lasied from 11 o'clock until nearly 3 o'clock. Secretaries Lamont, Her- bert, Smith and Wilson remained in con- ference with the President a long time after the departure of their colleagues. ‘The State Department has not yet been informed oflicially of the reported stone- throwing at the American consulate in Valencia, Spain, yesterday, and because Mr. Taylor has not seen fit to make a re- port immediately it is believed that the af- fair was not of a serious nature. ies a DISTRICT IN CONGRESS. Must Go on Record. The House District committee today re- ported favorably the Dill requiring bills of sale, conditicnal sales, mortgages or deeds of trust of chattels in the District of Co- lumbia to be recorded. : Asylum for Inebriates. A favorable report was made in the bill directing the Commissioners to maintain within the District a hospital for inebriates for the treatment and cure of persons stf- fering from the habituai excessive use of alcoholic liquors, opium and cocaine, which said hospital shall be a public institution of the District of Columbia and under the control of said Commissione Lecture at the High School. The hall of the Central High School was again crowded with the teachers of all of the public schools at 2:30 o'clock this after- noon to listen to Dr. S. S. Adams complete his lecture on “Premonitory Symptoms of Contagious Diseases,” which he started three weeks ago today, but did not have time to complete. This lecture was deliver- ed by request of the superintendent of schools, Mr. W.-B.' Powell, so that the teachers may lea¥h WoW to detect the ap- proach of contagiéus‘liseases. All of the schools were ordéfed tfosed an hour early this afternoon so that, the teachers would have time to atteAd thélecture, which they were requested Accordingly, . most of the teachers were Syesent, as were also the school superifftendénts and High School principals. a Post Office Apr? ‘Spriation Bill. The House thig,afternoon took up the consideration of the post office appropria- tion bill. ea =e —___ New Use, for fhe Bicycle. From Hardware. “a Charles Close of;Danbury, Conn., has dis- covered a new use forthe bicycle. He is a musician and hag, the ability not only to play, but make ajmost any sort of musical instrument. A short; time ago he made an instrument that plays ten popular airs bet- ter than any hand organ heard here. Still the Danbury Yankee was not satisfied. He found that before he had wound or ground out half the tunes of his wonderful music box he had to stop to rest his aching arm. To overcome that unpleasant feature he constructed a bicycle with a driving wheel in the place of the usual rear wheel. The machine was made,stationary by placing it in a ffamework and elevating the fiy- wheel from the fidor. A fly-wheel on the organ, connecting with the bicycle by a broad belt, did the rest. A day or two ago Mr. Close and his wife’ celebrated the fit- teenth anniversary of their marriage, and on that occasion Mr: Close entertained his guests by thounting the seat of a bicycle and playing the whole repertoire of music in his unique machine.- The guests got away alive. strengthening the defenses of the country and has recently consulted Gene Miles, General Flagler, chief of ordnan General Craighill, chief of engineers, and other officers having special knowledge on ithe subject. Methods of Mobilization. It is also possible that Gen. Merritt has come here to consult with the officials of the War Department as to the best plan of mobilizing troops in the event of war. In view of our strained relations with Spain and Great Britain there is nothing Special unreasonable in the statement that t ving serious con- by_the President and is ad- Gen. Merritt is well known to the dent and siands high in his esteem as an officer and as a ma He is the third ranking ofticer of the army. That there fs some significance in Gen. Me ritt's sudden journey from Chicago to Weshingion is shown by the fact that it Was made in consequence of telegraphic or- ders from the Secretary of War. What Seeretary Lamont Says. Secretary Lamont told a Star reporter | streng? this afternoon that he hoped that no at- tempt would be made to make a sensation out of Gen. Merritt’s visit. “He is here,” said the Secretary, “simply on department “busin and nothing else whatever.” NAVY DEPARTMENT ELEVATOR. The Superintendent of the Building Makes n Statement. Chief Engineer Baird, superintendent of the State, War and Navy Departments building, objects to the recently published statements reflecting upon the safety of the elevators in that building. He denies positively the specific statement thet the elevator in the southeast wing of the Navy Depariment “dropped” from the third floor to the basement on the 3d instant, and that it again “fell” the next day, with nearly serious results to men working on the ele- vator. He said that the car had not in either instance exceeded its reguiation speed of safety, or had been entirely be- yond control. In a report to the Secretary of the in regard to the a perintendent Baird “I beg to report th: in the east wing will L today (Wednesday), 0 of the end of one of the hoisting cables about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. As soon as it as discovered the elevator was stopped and repairs begun. While my men were at work on the car, about 5:30 p.m. ‘Tuesday, another of the cable ends of the hoisting ropes slipped, thus throwing the weizht of the car on the counter-balance weight ard the retarder, which lowered the car safely, but rapidiy, to the sub-basement, a d lance of about thirty feet. No one was, nor could be, injured by the descent. The automatic safety appliances worked ad- mirably, and the safety of the elevator is fully assured.” Navy tants to the elevator, ay: one of the elevators topped for repai ing to the slipping NEW YORK POLICE REFORM. a Wastingen DetectWe Notes a De- cided Improvement im That City. The arrest in New York of Charles Mortis, alias Mason, alias “Boston Charlie,” was the result of the clever work of local detectives, and Detective Weedon, who has been in New York for two days, returned last night, but did not bring the prisoner with him. The officer swore out a warrant for the prisoner and took him before United States Commissioner Shields, who held him until Tuesday, when it is expected the requisition will be there for him. Speaking of his trip to a Star reporter the detective said he was very much pleas- ed with the change of affairs in police circles there. Detectives Evanhoe and Daily, who arrested “Boston Charlie,” he says, are hustlers, and the police there are much more accommodating and anxious to ap- prehend thieves than they were before the reform move made the change. While he was there, he said, eighteen men were brought in charged with being common thieves, and sent to the island for six months, ge Even Chance to Live. NEW YORK, March 6.—W. G. Watson, superintendent of the Hudson river division of the Lake Shore railroad, who was shot last night by Edward Clifford, is resting nicely in the hospital at Weehawken. The doctors say that Watson's ghances of re- covery are about even, and they expect that the crisis will come on Sunday. aoe Fourth-Class Postmasters. Thirty-nine fourth-class postmasters twere appointed today. Of these thirty-two were to fill vacancies caused by resignations, four by deaths and three by removals. The Controversy Over the ase of (on- vention Hall. Gen. Ordway Questio: ma Inspector's Autherity—The Analostan Island Site. There is every reason to believe that the lease between the District and Northerr Liberty Company for the use of Conven- tion Hall as a drili room for the National Guard will be terminated in a few days. It will be recalled that the attention of the Commissioners was called to the fact scme time ago that the lease above men- tioned was being constantly violated, and that the National Guard was being de- Prived of its drill room. An investigation into the case disclosed such to be the facts, and the auditor determined when the next voucher for the use of the hall was pre- sented to look further into the matter. The voucher for the use of the hall for the month of February came in due season, and Auditor Petty promptly held it up. He has been quietly investigating the matter for several days, and is convinced that the terms of the lease have been vio- lated. He will recommend that the lease be immediately terminated and a new one made more advantageous to the District. Yesterday an inspector visited the hall for the purpcse of acquainting himself as to tke situation and Gen. Ordway promptly wrote a letter to the Commissioners asking by what_right the inspecter violated his orders. The reply of the office, it is undcr- stood, was to the-effect that the hall, be- ing rented by the District, was subject to the control of the Commissioners, and they had ample power to investigate whenever they saw proper. The Contagious Disease Hospital. In their report to Congress upon the res- olution of inguiry as to the availability of Analostan Island as a site for the con- tagious disease hospital, the Commissioners will doubtless report that the situation is all that could be desired, but the amount of money necessary to better the condi- tions, such as reclaiming the marshes, as recommended in the report of the commit- tee, is not warranted by the state of the District’s treasury. Even with such a re- port, the friends of the hospital and the Daisy Chain, which already has a fund of $10,000 ready to turn over for the hospital, believe the necessary legislation can be secured to get an appropriation sufficient to put the island and its surroundings in good condition. The United States, it is claimed, is interested in this matter, for ft is as- serted the malaria which rises from the marshes has given Fort Myer the unen- viable reputation of being one of the un- healthiest military posts in the country. It is just here that the advocates cf the hospital hope to secure a point. Already a number of prominent ladies have inier- ested themselves in the matter, and a number of Senators and Congressmen have declared themselves in faver of the prop- sition. — CAPITOL TOPICS. Fortification Estimates, L The Speaker laid before the House today @ communication from the Secretary of War. submitting additional estimates of appropriations for armament of fortifica- tions, $477,030, and for Watervilet arsenal West Troy, N. Y., $3,500. For a Public Bailding. A subcommittee of the House committee on public buildings today decide@ unani- mously to report favorably a bill introduced by Mr. Leisenring of Pennsylvania for a public building at Wilkesbarre, Pa. The bill was amended by reducing the amount appropriated to $157,000. 5 A Favorable Report. The House committee on the judiciary to- day voted to report favorably the Senate bill to withdraw from the Supreme Court jurisdiction of all criminal cases but those nvolving capital punishment, and to con- fer it on the circuit courts ef appeals. National Homes for Volunteers. The Speaker laid before the House today the annuai report of the inspector gereral of an inspection of the several branches of the national home for disabled volunieor soldiers. The financial affairs are found to be in satisfactory condition, a considerable surplus remaining at the end of the year. ‘The average number of members c: during the past year was 16,4 , the report says, nearly equals e combined h of our infantry and ariillery. ‘The number of persons cared for has increased at the average rate of 792 per rear, and the institutions are, in consequence, great- ly_ overcrowded. Many of the inmates at the time of in- Spection were. sleeping on floors, in attics and basements, and places not originally intended for sleeping purposes. A system of outdoor relief is recommended, the cost of such reef to not exceed the amount expended upon actual inmazes of the in- stitutions. Disbursements to Agricultural Col- leges, The Sec tary of the Interior today tran: mitted to Co; ‘SS a report of the di: bursements made under the act to apply | portion ef ihe proceeds of the public {lands to the endowment and support of colleges for the benefit of agriculture and j the mechanic arts. The states and terri | tories are now entitled to receive the sev- enth instaliment of §2 The toia disbursed for this purpose last 31,008.000, Guns and Gun Carriages, The subcommittee en fortifications of the House appropriz eemmittee devoted two hours today to a conference with Col. Bliss, who appeared as the representative of Secretary Lamont. Much of the d Sion hinged upon the question of prov: for all the appurtenances of guns are built. Col. Blis: the department kas not yet been able secure satisfactory carriages for the inch guns, suitable carriages for 8 and 10- inch guns having been found only recenti The best carriages for 12-inch guns n obtainable work only within an are of degrees, The department might use the h gun lifts, but these are very cost Col. Bliss predicted that practical’ car- riages which will work within a greater are will be construcied within a year or two. In the meantime, he recommended the government should proceed with the build- ing of guns and provide carriages after- ward, particularly as carriages can be made in a much shorter time than guns. This was the policy followed in getting up the eight and twelve-inch guns. o< Grain and Cotton Markets. Furnished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., 1421 F street, members New York stock exchange, correspondents ‘Messrs. Ladenburg, Thal- mann & Co. ‘w York. BALTIMORE, March receipts, 10,986 barrel sales, 150 ‘barrels. FINANCE AND TRADE London Advices Reflected Fractiona) Concessions, EFFECT OF WASHINGTON ADVICES B. and O. Establishes a New Record at 13. eens, GENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, March 6.--Opening prices this morning were about on a parity with last night's closing Agures and subsequent- ly became irregular under professional trad- ing. London cables again reflected frac- tional concessions and brought no note- worthy commissions for either acount. Evidence of a determination on the part of the Senate to resume the discussion of the Cuban resolutions next week had a de- pressing influence on the general market, “traders hesitating to assume new risks pending the solution of this embarrassing situation, The debate on the belligerency bill is likely to furnish the only basis for apprehension in connection with the Cuban revolution, the vote itself not being likely to cause any alarm, its result having been already accurately foreshadowed. The rumored illness of Mr. Morgan caused some selling of the general list during the afternoon, the report having gained some credence in the room at a time when evi- dences of a lack of support were most pro- nounced. The absence of absolute information as to the correctness of these rumors resulted in an early abandonment of the selling movement. Baltimore and Ohio esteblished a new low level during the early trading, sales of siock for both long and short account re- sulting in a decline of 2% per cent to 13. The frequent offerings of odd lots indicated a general incliration on the part of in- vestors to take advantage of the most practical method of avoiding a liberal as- sessment. The actual necds of the com~- pany insyre a call for a further eubscri = tion from stockholders, and prudent holders are not disposed to wait for official advices to that effect. The evening up of traders’ contracts, a process almost invariably incident to the week's closing operations, had a tendency to detract fractionally from early values. The probable effect of possible legislation at Washington is decidedly the most discourag- ing phase of the present speculative situa- tien. The adjournment of Congress at an early date would leave littie to be desired in the interest of improved values. A cau- tious, waiting market, with an occasional spurt in some well-held specialty, is the most that the immediate situation promises, Meanwhile the real owners of stocks are not likely to curtail present holdings. The predicted decline in American To- baceo materialized this morning to the ex- tent of 245 per cent from initial prices. The jenced will profit liberally by re- ing from assuming risks in the volatile shares of this property, the tobacco war, as yet, being scarcely well inaugurated. The postponement of a decision in the pending Chicago Gas mandamus proceed- ings against the secretary of state of Illi- pois until next October inspired some sell- ing of the property concerned. Room trad- ers and houses with Chicago connections were credited with the bulk of the day's trading in these share The trading of the last hour was mod- erately active, and in a majority of in- stances fractionally under ‘the opening level. The weak in the spe Tobacco aad Baltimore and Ohio, was re- sponsible for the temporary reversal in room sentiment. FINANCIAL AND COMMERICIAL, ‘The following are the opening, the highest and the lowest and the closing prices of the ew York stock market today, as reported by Corson & Macartney, members New York steck exchange. Correspondents Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. 80 Broadway. Open. High, tt hi Last. 16g American Sugar. American Sugar, Pid. American Tobacco. Canada Pacific, Chesapeake & Ohi ©. C., C. & St. L. Chicago, B. & Q -- Chic. & Northwestern, Chicago Gas, Cfa. ©. M.& St. Paul, C.M. & St. Paul, Chic., K.T & Pacific. Del., Lack. & W. Delaware & Hu Den. & R. Grande, Pid. Dis. & Cattle Feeding. General Electric. Mlinois Central Long Island ‘Traction. Metr. Manhattan Elevated Micmigan Central, Missouri Pacitiee. 10555 eee 105g ‘ork Ceutral. wis . Eng. CFs... oe 4.0. & Si. Louis... 18 rthern Macith % 444i Pia. h American. ont. & Western Yacitic Mail away, P Puiia. Traction, Wheeling & 1. Western Union ‘Tel Wisconsin Centra’ Washington Stock Exch: regular call—12 o'clock m.—Mergenthaler 8), 100 at 11 rament Bon: |. 108% Y conpon, TW bid, 110% 25, 16% bid, “173, asked. Ue id, 1 ar fond 4s, ge urrency, 110 bid. | Water st iz wid. 3.065, s, registered, neous ouds. Metropolitan “Kailroad conv. Gs, Ly nd. Belt Railroad Gs, So bid, 2 ton Railroad Gs, YS_bl asked. Columbia Bailroad @s, 115 bid, 117 asked. Washe ingten 5 bia 1a f B. 1a mpany conv. 6s, 120 Wid, ric Light conv. 5s, 120 bids ° Telephone 5s. 9) bid. 100 bid, Metropolitan Railroad Ss, American Security and AL, bid. American 100 bid. bid. Washington Marks bid. Washingion Mark ext. Gs, 110 bid Masonic Hall Association 5s, 104 bid. Washington Light Infantey 1 u ational Bank Stocks,—Rank of Washinztoa, 250% bid. Bank of the Republic, 240 bid. Metro- politan, 290 bid, 310 asked. Central, 275 Id. Parwers aud Mechanics", 1N) bid, 190 asked. Sec- ond, 133 bid, 140 asked. Citizens’, 133 bid. Co- Jumbia, 128 bid, 140 asked. Capital, 116 bid. West End, 107% bid, 110 asked. ‘Traders’, 49 gy 102 a LAneoin, #8 bid, 101 asked. Olio, bid, 100 asked. Safe Deposit and Trust Co: ral Safe ssit and Trust, 11% bid, asked. Washing- Loan ard Trust, 119 Wid, 120 asked. Americam Security and Trust, 144 bid.’ Washington Sate De- posit, 50 bid. Kailroad Siocke —Capital Traction Company, Ti erie in, MAL bid. 103 asked. elt own and eetriec Lig’ asked. G oy Gas, 43 bid, 30 bid, 40 asked. . Electtic Insurance S n’s, 78% bid: month, fax, 73iaT3%—receipts, 1,30) bushel; stock, 123,28? bushels—southern wheat’ by Steals -epot, daeeit mente” sees eady—spot, $37. et Biasiy; Mt: (34%; steamer mixe yy lay, 2te—receipts, 71,689 bus! shipments, 90, Delt ise Gri base ene, 162,00 white sAZile. Oats easier—No. 2 white western, 26ka27; es mixed do., 25% bid—receipts, 10,105 bushels; stock, ‘84,787 buphels. Rye dull and steady—No. 2, 43044 Bearby; 45246 wester a ‘94,741 . Grain freizhts = bon : cree recor ere ‘Whisky and butter unchanged. Franklin, 28 bid. itad, “70'bid: Corcoran, 52 bid.” Potomac, 66 Arlington, 142 bi id, 12% asl olumbta, 12) a R aS bids Peopletn, GR bids Lincoln 5% bid commercial, 482 bid, Sts aske ‘Title Insuranee Sioaks. eal Eatate Title, 107 bid, 114 asked. Columbia Title, 6% bid, 7 asked. District Title, 7 bid. ‘elephone Stocke.—Pcunsylvania, 88 bid, 60 asked, Chesateske ‘end’ “Potomac, li} bid.” Americas Graphophone, 4% bid, 6% Pucumatic Gua Carriage, .22 bid, 25 asked. Mi —Mergenthaler Linotype Stocks. ), 219 bi 230 asked. Mi: (oa ita 8 Sed, ame 8 asked. et