Evening Star Newspaper, March 18, 1896, Page 1

>. a s THE EVENING STAR. ~ aS eee PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, nol bene ig — Cor. 11th ronscle The Fg Ss TRIE oo Rew York Office, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Evening Star {s served to subscribers in the city by carriers, on thelr own account, at 10 cents Per week, or 44 cents per mouth. Copies at the ecenter 2 cents each. By mail—snywhere in the United States or Canada—postage prepald—60 cents r mont P Saturday Semi ie Meet Star, $1 per year, with added, $3. fereign postage 00. (Entered at the Post Oitice at Washington, D. C., as second-class mail matter.) &F All mail subscriptions must be paid tn advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. The Evening Star. No. 13,429. EUROPE AND SOUDAN Germany Acquiesces in England’s Forward Movement. THE MARPLO? RUSSIA PLAYING Future of the Dreibund Subject of Speculation. FEVERISH ANXIETY PARIS, March 18.—The government and people of France are beginning to realize that the recent conferences at Berlin be- tween the Austrian minister for foreign affairs, Count Goluchowski; the Italian ambassador at Berlin, Count Lanza di Bus- ca, and the German imperial chancellor, Prince Hohenlohe, under the auspices of Emperor William of Germany, and with Great Britain a party to the understand- ings arrived at, had more significance than ‘was generally admitted by the press or public at the time. The rearrangement of the dreibund with Great Britain as an active instead of a silent partner in the arrangement was evidently only the first step in the direction of attempting to make alterations In the map of Africa, with the consent or support of the drei- bund, this being looked upon as being the price agreed upon with Great Brit the latter’s support of Italy and ini ly_of the dreibund. But behind the scenery so carefully ar- ranged at Berlin there is, it is believed by the government and press here, a great deal going on regarding which explana- tions must be prompily furnished by Great Britain or serious trouble may follow. In fact, if the Toulon correspondent of the Figaro this morning is to be believed, mat- ters have already reached such a danger- ous stage that orders are expected there at any moment for the French Levant squad- Fon to proceed to Egyptian waters. A Popular Warning. ‘The newspapers here, generally speaking, approve of the attitude of M. Berthelot, the minister for ‘oreign affairs, in person: ally communicating to the British ambas. sador, the Marquis of Dufferin, as an. nounced at the-.cabinet council yesterday, the dangers which might arise from the ad- Vance ot British-Egyptian troops up the Nile. The newspapers this morning advise M. Berthelot to persist in the stand he has tak even if he did not follow precedent mitting his objections through the in Lo i YS: age upon Europe, and ch of faith. The Marquis is mere deeply committed wished through the action of Bar- ner (the Britis lomatic agent in ypt), who by sending a small force up Nile instead of sending the 20,000 men ary to capture Dongola hopes for a reverse which will involve the sending of reinforcements of British troops to the front and the consequent prolonging of the occupation of Egypt by the British troops. Germany's Acquiescence. On top of the last question mentioned a dispatch from Berlin was received this morning, that the North German Gazette announces that Great Britain has asked the powers sharing in the control of the Egyp- tian debt administration to allow her to use a portion of the reserve fund to pay for the expedition to Dongola, which is at present estimated to amount to only £2,- ow). and that Germany, having ascer- tained that her acceptance of the proposal would accord with the views of the other governments forming the dreibund, par- ticularly the Italian cabinet, has instruct- ed the German commissioner of public debt at Cairo accordingly. This, of course, places Great Britain fere the world as being again suppu: by Germany. Russian Intrigue. There is, however, another feature in the game being pleyed between the powers at the present moment. Advices received here from Rome today sey that French and Russian agents are actively there in efforts to detach Italy from the Greibund. It is asserted that these agenis have spent a great deal of money in order to assist in bringing about the overthrow of Signor Crispi, the late premier, who was known to be a staunch adherent of the dreibund, and incidentally, to help the ac- cession to power of the Marquis di Ru- dini, who is reported to be lukewarm to- ward the dreibund. These agents are now said to be doing everything possible to in- fivence the new Italian cabinet to effect a change in its foreign policy which would detach Italy from her alli If Italy detaches herself from the dret- bund she must do so before May 6 of the present year, on which day notice must be given by any power desiring to withdraw intriguing | from the dreibund, otherwise the “bond of the three powers’ continues for another six years. The Balka Question. ‘A special dispatch fromr Rome says that it is reported there that Emperor William desires a modification of the dreibund which would enable Germany to come to ar understanding with Russia in regard to the Balkans. But as the Balkan question was one of the most important factors in bringing about the formation of the ¢rei- bund. the Rome dispatch fs not much con- sidered here. Germany would most likely find herself supported by Austria and Italy and sympathized with by Great Britain in any action she might think herself com- pelled te take in the settlement of the Balkan question. A dispatch from Massowah this morning gays that Gen. Baldissera, the Italian com- mander-in-chief, has ordered ail non-com- batants to leave Kassala by the next cara- ven, as the Italian military commander ere has expressed the opinion that their ithdrawal will enable the garrison to hold out until the Atbara river rises in July. Special Cairo dispatches today say that serious disturbances are taking place daily at Byrouth. It is added that 15,000 armed Christians have paraded the streets warn- ing the Moslems to be ready to protect themselves against agression. eee ERRAND OF MYSTERY. Assiztant Secretary Ham! Closeted With David A. Well: NORWICH, Conn., March 18.—Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Charles 8S. Ham- iin arrived in Norwich last evening from Washington, and went at once to the resi- dence of David A. Wells, where he spent the night, remaining In consultation with him until a late hour, and also being closeted with him this forenoon. Neither Mr. Wells nor Secretary Hamlin will consent to an interview, but it is con- jectured that a matter of importance was discussed. Against Insurance Taxes. ST. LOUIS, March 18.—The Northwest- ern Masonic Aid Association in its own behalf and also of the Mutual Life of Phil- adelphia, the Security Life of New York, the Mutual Reserve Fund Life of New York, and many other similar concerns, has asked the circuit court for an order restraining State Superintendent of Insur- apply to them, as they do business on not the assessment plan. A LEGAL QUESTION|ST ASAPH’S OPENED|KENTUCKY ‘REPUBLICANS|QN MISSIONARY WORK Will Commander Brice Resign His Posi- tion in the Navy? Conflict of Opinion as to Whether He Can Lawfully Draw Two Salaries From the Government. An interesting legal question has arisen in connection with the nomination of Com- mander J, J. Brice of the navy as commis- sicner of fish and fisheries. It is as to whether Commander Brice will have to re- linquish his position on the retired Hst ef the navy in order to accept the other much tore lucrative office. As a retired officer he receives about $2,700 a year. The salary of the office to which he has been nom- inated is $5,000 a year, and moreover it is Practicaily a life position. According to some naval authorities, he cannot legally draw the salaries of the two offices, while others hold that there is noth- ing in the law to prevent it. On one side it is contended that no man can hold two positions under the federal government the combined salaries of which exceed $2,500 a year. On the other hand, it is said that there ure numerous precedents against this contention, the most prominent instances being the case of Gen. Sickles, who drew pay as United States minister to Spain while he was also drawing pay as an offi- cer on the retired list, and the case of G2n. Rosecrans, a retired Officer of the army, who held the office of register of the treas- ury for many years. In each of these cases the retired pay alone was nearly double the alleged legal limit of $2,500. It is conceded that there is no legal ob- jection to officers on the retired list of the navy holding civil office under the govern- ment when the combined compensation does not exceed the sum of $2,500 per an- rum. There are two cases of this kind in the Navy Department at the present time. Lieut. Gibson, a retired officer of the ma- corps, and Ensign Rea of the navy, re- tired, are performing the duties and draw- ing the pay of clerks in the department. These cases, however, offer no parallel to the ease of Commander Brice for the rea- son that they -are both within the limit of c¢ mpensation. If Commander Brice shall be confirmed without requiring him to relinquish his rights and privileges as a retired naval offi- cer, he will receive the snug silary of $7,- wo a year for life. It is said that Com- mander Brice may resign from the navy in order to accept the other better-paying civil office, but it is not considered likely that he will do this unless it is found to be necessary. — EXTEND THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW. An Order Expected That Will In- clude a Vast Numver of Positions. The President is seriously considering a recommendation of the civil service com- mission extending the operations of the civil service law so as to include ali of- fices in the civil department of the govern- ment, appointments which do not require corfirmation by the Senate. The matter has been under consideration for some time by the President and the heads of the various departments, and it is said that it has been practically concluded to take the action indicated. It is said that the plan is already in shape to justify the belief that the President will announce his action within the next few weeks. Ac- cording to reliable authority everything, except a few minor details, has already Been arranged for the execution of tie plan. It has been an open secret for many months that chiefs and assistant chiefs of divisions in all the departments were to be placed in the classified service, and an order to that effect has been delayed only by a desire to have the order more com- prehensive in its scope so as to provide for a general extension of the civil service regulations to all offices not purely presi- dential. Such action would place within the operation of the civil service law a vast number of offices in the customs serv- ice, the internal revenue service, the sub- treasuries, the United States mints, the Indian service, all civil employes of navy yards not laborers or skilled mechanics, and innumerable other employes in detach- €d offices. It is admitted at the White House that the President is considering the general question of extending the operations of the civil service law wherever it can be done with propriety and benefit to the service, but that any statement that he had decided upon any course of action in the matter is premature, if not altogether unauthorized. Not a Presidential Candidate—Will Be No Bolting at Chicago. Strolling through the Capitol yesterday was ex-Gov. Campbell of Ohio, who is stili talked of for the democratic presidential nomination. “Governor,” said The Star reporter, “your friends are talking of putting your name before the Chicago convention for the democratic presidential nomination.” The governor's black eyes twinkled as he said: “I am not a candidate under any circumstances. Any gcod man will suit me. I am attending strictly to private business now.” The reporte: then referred to the talk of tolting the convertion if its action does not suit one faction or the other. “I will say here and now,” said the noted Ohioan with emphasis, “that I expect to abide the result of the convention and support the nominee, and every other demo- crat ought to say so. The first thing that ought to be understood is that neither the extreme silver nor gold men will bolt the party, and there will be plain sailing. The party is capable of looking after the in- terests of the peeple of the country, and when the aggregate wisdom cf the conven- tion decides on a certain ‘course and on certain men, all ought to acquiesce. We musn’t have all this talk about bolting this or bolting that. The democrats must go there and try to make a platform. After tney do so every democrat ought to stand on it.” —_—_—-e-—______ THE CUBAN RESOLUTIONS. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Will Stand by the Substitate. The Senate commitiee on foreign rela- ticns decided today to stand by the agree- ment reached by the Senate conference and to support the House Cuban resolutions as @ substitute for the Senate resolutions on the same subject. The committee was not a unit on the proposition, but it was car- ried by a safe majority. The discussion in the committee indicated that most of the members preferred the Senate form of reso- lution, but there was placed against this argument that of expediency, and this line of reasoning won the day. Among the ob- Jections made to the House declaration were those based upon the grammatical construction, and the reference to this country’s commercial interest in the settle- ment of the Cuban question. These blem- ishes were generally admitted, but it was contended on the other hand that the House was wedded to its expression, and that it might be even more difficult to get that body to accept the Senate resolutions than it is proving to be to get the Senate ef the House. It was also contended that the principal objection in the Senate was not so much to the resolution as to any expression whatever. Senator ‘Sherman, as chairman of committee, was question as well to and to get a vo! date. The Season’s Business Began Again Today. A ROUND-ABIOT SCHEME OF BETS |All Gambling Done by Way of Wheeling, W. Va. A NEW FORM. OF TICKET _————— A Star reporter called on Assistant Com- monwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria County Leonard Marbury this morning for information in regard to prohibiting the opening of the foreign book at the St. Asaph race track today, which is held by the authorities to be a violation of the Maupin bill passed by the Virginia legis- lature at its recent session, and which was thought to be of such wide scope as to prohibit gambling in all forms throughout the entire state. Mr. Marbury stated that no warrants had been sworn out and no arrangement had been made for making any arrrests today, but that he himself would be on the ground at the opening of the book, so as to get an insight into the way .the matter was going to be conducted. it is his intention to have some responsi- ble party place a bet, in order that rellable evidence may be obtained. Then warrants will be sworn out tomorrow and the oper- ators “‘pulled” for violating the law. Form of the Ticket. The following is the exact form of the ticket which is given to the bettor in ex- change for his money: “VIRGINIA JOCKEY CLUB. “Please forward for me to Wheeling, W. Va., the sum of $—, to be placed on Horse , at the best odds obtainable. Charge for Commission Ten Cents. “It is understood and agreed that the Virginia Jockey Club acts in the premises as a Common Carrier, for the purpose of transferring the money above mentioned to the place designated. “NOTICE.—Amount of order returned less Commission, when a failure to e ecute is due to accidental or other unavoid- able delays in transmission.” No Arrests Today. At 2 o'clock the telegraph operator called out the names of the jockeys who were to ride at New Orleans and St. Louis. Tae regular loungers could be seen, with pencil in hand, writing the names on their pro- gram. There were about 150 present, and the majority of them were ex-employes of the track. A former official of the track sald, in con- versation with a Star reporter, that the Maupin bill was unconstitutional, inas- much as it read that no person or corpora- tien could forward a bet to a race track, but did not say anything about forwarding a bet to a private party. Sheriff Palmer and his deputies were on the grounds, but no arrests were made. Edward Burke, leading counsel for the track officials, was present. Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Marbury was also on the scene. No arrests will be made today. From the Other End. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. PITTSBURG, Pa., March 18.—It leaked out here this morning that an arrange- ment had been made between the pro- prietors of St. Asaph race track, Washing- ton, and the owners of the different pool rooms in Wheeling, W. Va., by which the track is to be opened and bets made on the races at Wheeling. This would evade the law very nicely, would enable the track to go on without interruption. The deal was finally consummated this morning, Nate Fail of Wheeling being the man to arrange the details. It is not known when the full account of the scheme will be made public nor when it is intended to start the track. > WISCONSIN REPUBLICANS. They Meet in Harmony and With Enthusiasm, MILWAUKEE, March 18.—The republican state convention was called to order by Chairman Jones of the state central com- mittee at 12:30 this afterncon. The Acad- emy of Music was packed to the door by delegates and spectators, making the most enthusiastic political gathering ever held in this city. Secretary Ewing anrounced that there was no contest between any of the dele- gates and the reading of the list of dele- gates was dispensed with. John G. Esch of Lacrosse, a popular young republican, was chosen chairman of the convention amid applause. In accepting the honor, Chairman Esch said protection and its offspring, reciprocity, were not dead issues, but would be living issues until they had been settled, and it remained the high duty of the party which proclaimed and defended them both to see that they were settled right. The republi- can party’s financial history in the past was sufficient guaranty of its ability to meet the requirements of the present. In behalf of all classes in Wisconsin, and the nation; in behalf of present and future prosperity, the convention should ask the delegates to St. Louls to nominate “an honest money candidate on an honest money platform.” President Esch, continuing, alluded to Al- lison, Morton, Reed and McKinley, and said any of them would command the full sup- port of the party. ————— THE MASSACHUSETTS. She Has Gone Seaward for a Trial Spin. NEW CASTLE, Del., March 18.—The United States battle ship Massachusetts, which left Cramps’ ship yard yesterday for her builders’ trial off Cape May, anchored off this place during the night. At*10:35 o'clock this morning the big ship weighed anchor and steamed down the Delaware, bound for the sea. She will probably be given a spin on the ocean this afternoon, anchor in the Delaware bay to- night and make her trial trip over th Cremp course tomorrow. = —_—_——.>__—_ FIVE FIRES AT ONCE. Incendiaries Touch Off the Town of Peoria. PEORIA, Ill, March 18.—The fire bell was clanging almost incessantly between midnight and 2 o'clock this morning. Five alarms were turifed in. The first ‘fire was: in the Hutchinson cooperage works, the largest plant of its kind in the city. The engines had scarcely returned to their when two alarms called them to the Manhattan distillery, where an im- mense hay stack was in flames. They had t got the better of this fire when a few Hiecxe away from them, They Will Strive to Elect Weissenger’s Buocessor, Then They Hope to Elect Boyle Sena- tor at the Special Session That Must Be Held. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. LOUISVILLE, March 18.—Although the Kentucky legislature adjourned yesterday sine die without coming to any result in the senatorial race, the fight is still on, and Kentucky may yet be represented before Senator Blackburn’s time expires. The re- publicans held another caucus in Frank- fort last night, and issued an address to the people of Kentucky, setting forth their side of the disgraceful termination of the legis- lative session. This address is to be fol- lcwed up with the strongest organization the party ever had in the state, and a stubborn fight will be made for everything in sight. A special election has already been called to elect a successor to Senator Weissenger in the Louisville district, and if the repub- licans win, which is very likely, they will then have a majority in joint assembly, af- ter throwing overboard Poor. The fail- vre of the democratic senate to pass the revenue bills will force the governor to call an extra sessicn, and it fs the purpose of the republicans then to elect’ Mr. Boyle. Senator Blackburn looks for success in 1897, but he may be. tripped up before that time. STATUE OF HANCOCK. It is Expected That It Will Reach Here Next Week. Unless all signs fail, the equestrian sta- tue of Gen. Hancock will surmount the pedestal awaiting it in the reservation at the northwest corner of Pennsylvania ave- nue and 7th street before the end of next week. The statue was cast in bronze by the Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, R. I, in accordance with the -Gesign and models cf Mr. Henry J. Ellicott, sculptor cf this city, and is now in course of transportation to this city. It is expect- ed to reach here by the end of this week or the beginning of rext week. The ship- ment was made by water as the cheapest and safest method of transportation. The precise date of ‘arrival is not stated. Mr. Ellicott has informed Col. Wilson, who represents the govermment in the matter, of the shipment. There will be no formali- ties on its arrival here. ‘The statue was east fa pleces. On their arrival here they will be taken from the wharf to Hancock Park by the representatives of the Gorkam Company and assembled on the pedestal. As is usual in such gases, the statue will be covered, and it will remain for the au- thorities to say when’ it shall be unveiled. Under the contract with Mr. Ellicott, he has unt!l April 23 to get the statue in posi- tion. No arrangements have yet been imade for the formal unveiling of the sta- tue, and, consequently, it ts not yet known when that ceremony will take plac re THE HON FEFICERS. A Writ of Error = ey Justice Shiras of the Supreme Court. Associate Justice ‘Shifas of the United States Supreme Court today [saued a writ of error to the district court for the east- ern district of Pennsylvania in the case of Capt. Wiborg and Mates Petersen and Johansen of the steamer Horsa, arrested, tried and convicted in that court of a vio- lution of the neutrality laws between this country and Spain. The writ will have the effect of bringing the decision into the Su- Preme Court for review. Pending the de- cision of this court Justice Shiras’ order provides for admitting the Horsa’s officers to bail. The application for the writ was made by Charles L. Brown of Philadelphia, at- torney for the officers. a NEBRASKA REPUBLICS Senator Thurston on the Settlement of the Differences an to Instructions. Referring to the report that the republi- cans of Nebraska had wired to him sub- mitting to ex-Senator Manderson a plan of settlement of the differences existing be- tween them as to the instructions to be given the Nebraska delegates to the next republican national convention, Senator Thurston said today that he had received nothing of this nature except a suggestion from Mr. Manderson's friends for a modifi- cation of the terms he bad outlined in a previous dispatch, which has been published. He had, he said, assented to this moditica- tion. He added that he would be entirely willing that the Nebraska delegates should be instructed to present the name of Mr. Manderson to the St. Louis convention, pro- vided it should be apparent that this could be done without endargering the chances of Maj. McKinley. ee GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. ApplHieation of the Civil Service Law to Be Investigated. Senator Lodge today introduced a resolu- ticn that may result in an interesting man- rer. Jt empowers the committee on civil service and retrenchment to investigate and report upon the administration. of the civil service law in the government printing of- fice as affecting the “separation from serv- ice of the thirty-five employes referred to in the printed correspondence furnished the Se eS Senate resolution of January He explained that he presented the reso- lution with the unanimous approval of the committee on civil service, and, acting for the chairman, Mr. Pritchard, who was ab- sent, he asked unanimous consent that the matter be given immediate consideration. Mr. Hill, however, objepted, and the rcso- fution went over untik tomorrow. As there are two other resotetions ahead of this one, it is not certain tit the case will come up in the Senate at: tomorrow’s session. But it will not be drapped, and before the final adjournment comes it is hizhly prob- able that there will be 4 full investigation of the whole matter of, the application of the civil service law to the government printing office. i : ooo Representative:Humter Back. Representative Hunter of Kentucky, who recently came. within bne vote of being elected to succeed Semator Blackburn, was on the floor of the Senate today for the first time since the great fight that has just resulted in a draw. in the blue grass state began. He bore.a smiling counte- nance and did not bear any visible evidence of his disappointment, ‘amd shook hands gracefully with several Senators. He had @ long chat with Mr. Garter, chairman of the national republican committee, and ex- plained to him the inside history of the struggle. : —_——_-e+—___ ‘Today’s Presidential Nominations. The President today sent the following nominations to the Senate: Py oe collector of . of Ne ’. Merrill, Orange, Senator Vest Makes Another At- tack on the Administration. THE PRESIDENT SEVERELY CRITICISED The Bayard Censure Resolutions Up In the House. SPEECHES FOR AND AGAINST There had been some prespect that the Cuban debate in the Senate might be brought to a close today, but owing to the indisposition of Mr. Mills (Tex.), who had the floor on this subject, a.change of pro- gram was contemplated when the session opened by which Mr. Thurston (Neb.) would proceed on the Du Pont case. An animated controversy arose over the resolution of Mr. Cannon (Utah) directing Secretary Smith ‘to execute the law for the public opening of the Uncompahgre Indian reservation, Utah. Mr. Cannon said 2,000,000 acres were inyolved, and he wish- ed this mandatory resolution to overcome the delays of the Secretary of the Interior. Mr. Gordon (Ga.) responded that att conference with Secretary Smith he had Icarned that vast mineral wealth, par- ticularly asphalt, existed on these lands. The Secretary was desirous of protecting the government against rapacious persons and corporations seeking to control these valuable deposits. The Secretary felt that the government ought to receive some bene- fit, either by royalty or otherwise, so that the public might receive the benefits in- stead of giving them to one great corpora- ticn. Mr, Chandler asked why Mr. Gordon or the Secretary did not ask to repeal the law instead of ignoring the law? There was some disposition to cut off the debate so as to go on with Cuba or the Du Pont case, and Mr. Gordon _peremptorily objected-to going on with the Utah subject. Mr. Wolcott protested, however, that Cuba and the Du Pont case cught ‘not to crowd out all other subjects. The new state of Utah ought to have a few min- utes on a matter concerning her interests. The Senate thereupon adopted Mr. Can- non’s motion to proceed with the consider- ation of his resolution. He followed with a sharp criticism of the Secretary of the Interlor for failing to exe- cute the law. The Secretary’s course was such as to ultimately put the lands in the hands of a monopoly instead of opening them to the whole public. Mr. Wolcott added that the lands belong- ed to the public, and should not be kept from the prospectors, who were encouraged by the government, and who would open up these vast tracts and make them valuable. Mr. Vest’s Criticism. Mr. Vest foliowed in criticism of the Secretary's course. ‘here was a time,” said Mr.Vest, “when a cabinet officer who violated a law would be brought before the bar of this Senate.” Mr. Vest gave his personal knowledge, con- carning this. ct. This reservation con- tained the greatest asphalt Geposits in ex- iste ice—sufficient to supply this country for centuries. Heretofore it was a costly and rare article, taken mainly from a small island. ‘A company was formed at St. Louis and large investments made toward bringing these deposits to cities for roofing and pav- ing purposes. A bill was passed directing the opcning of the lands, but the Secretary of the Interior nullified it. It was nullified on the excuse that Congress did not know what it was about. The Secretary's course was in behalf of rich investors, who were the only ones who could bid on a public auction for the lands. Mr. Vest said he had protested personally to Secretary Smith and had told him the entire western interest would oppose his plan, and that no western man would pro- pose it to Congress. Thereupon S«cretary Smith answered that he would get a friend from Georgia to introduce it. At this point Mr. Vest was aroused to another of those remarkable bursts which electrify the Senate. The President Attacked. “There is a disposition on the part of the present administration,” said he, “to treat the western people as though they were in a condition of pupilage; as though they needed correction and guardianship and guidance.” Our President had given a recent evi- dence of this feeling toward the west, procecded Mr. Vest. It was during the President’s attendance at a missionary meeting in New York. “I am sorry to say it,” said Mr. Vest, “but there seems to be a disposition on the part of the present administration to treat the western people as if they were in a condition of pupilage, that they did not know their own rights and their own in- terests, and they must be informed ex cathedra from the east in regard to what is best fer them and what should be done for them. Even the President of the United States lately, on a missionary occa- sion (laughter), spoke of the west as a land of immorality and crime. He stood with the ghastly light of hell holes of the rum sellers of New York blazing upon him, and, cantingly, said home missions must be uscd to civilize and Christianize the men who have left their homes in the civilized east and gone out amongst the mountains and valleys of that wild and woolly west. (Laughter.) Our President stood with Dr. Talmage on one side and the Rev. Sheldon Jackson on the other, and gave us a new version of that blessed old missionary hymn which we have heard so often in our childhood: From Montara’s sinful mountain; From Utah's wicked plains; They call us to deliver Our land from Error’s chains. There was long and loud laughter as Mr. Vest repeated the lines in tones of in- tense sarcasm. “We are told,” continued the Senator, “by high ecclesiastical authority that his excellency hes lately laid dowi: his honors the democratic party that the mugwumps and incense burners have got all those honors and intend to keep them. I have great respect for the Christian religion and missions at home ané abroad, but, Mr. President, it is a slander upon the men who, with rifle in one hand and an ax in the other, have gone out and blazed the pathway of civilization in those western wilds. ; The Western Men Defended. “I am a western man, and went to Mis- sourl when it was frontier in sight of the Indian and the buffalo. I have lived with those people nearly fifty years, and I say to our President now that if he will in- terrupt hunting ducks in Nerth Carolina and silver democrats in Kentucky long enough to come out west we will show him a God-fearing, self-respecting, law-abiding people; we will show him churches, in which there is real and unaffected piety. Our church spires may not reach so near to heaven as those of the east, and our church organs may not have the melifilous tones o fthose in the east, but our people are worthy the respect of any administra- tion, “But I do not rise for the purpose of criticising this of Congress to carry them out has gone to an extent that de- (Continued on Second Page) WASHINGTON, D. ©, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1896—-TWELVE PAGES. at the feet of Jesus. I am glad to know it. It has been the general impression : TWO CENTS. MAJOR POWELL TESTIFIES Hearing Oontinued in the Electric Light Pole Oase. The Commissi. mer Tells About the Law and Wire Conduits—Taking of Testimony Was Finished. The hearing in the case involving the charges against President Thomas and others of the United States Electric Light Company growing out of the action of the company in erecting a pole at the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and 15th street was resumed in the Police Court this morn- ing for the purpose of receiving some evi- dence in rebuttal. The defendants were in court with their counsel when the case w2s called. Attorney Thomas for the District and his assistants, Duvall and Pugh, were also there. Commissioner Powell was in court in re- sponse to a summons sent out by the de- fense, as well as for the purpose of giv- ing evidence concerning the testimory yes- terday of the defendant, Capt. Thomas. J. EB. C. Shipman of the District engineer department and J. J. Purcell, an employe of the electric light company, were called. The former was asked concerning the con- dition of the 15th street duct, but, as he had no personal knowledge of its condition he_ was excused. The witness Purcell gave evidence con- cerning the condition of the duct, and he said that another wire could not have been put in it. Commissioner Powell was then put on the stand and examined at length by coun- sel. His attention was called to the steno- graphic repcrt of Capt. Thomas’ evidence given yesterday, and he was questioned about the various statements contained therein. Witness examined the pole after he had heard of Mr. Marean’s letter to Capt. Thomas about the condition of the pol Witness walked around the pole and e: amined it, but slid not see that there was any break in it. There was not a crack or split in it so far as he could see, but the pole was somewhat decayed. Not satistied with his examination he hal 2n inspe=tor make an examination, who reportel that he had not found evidence of the alleged weakness of the pole. About Capt. Thomas’ Evidence. Witness then told of the conversations between Capt. Thomas and himself, whtch were mentioned in the course of Capt. Thomas’ testimony yesterday. During one conversation witness said he thought that the law did rot contemplate that over- head wires should be permanent. He thought there was sufficient room in the conduit for the wires. The Commissioner did not remember scme of the things stated by Capt. Thomas. He said that on one occasion mentioned Capt. Thomas said he could not get a permit to put in a conduit, but did not ask for a permit. Capt. Thomas did all the talking. He made no statement that did not agree with Mr. Thomas, the attorney, on the law, but he did say that Attorney Thomas’ decision did not cover the case before them. This morning Commissioner Powell said he was informed that Inspector Allen had reported the pole unsafe. This report was made in December, but witness had not heard of it until this morning. Questioned by Mr. Wilson witness said that the pole was somewhat decayed. “I think it is not particularly unsafe,” he said, “and I don’t think it is safe.” Commissioner Powell, in answer to a question, stated that he construed the law of 1891 as prohibiting the Commissioners ing permits to lay underground “But you interpret the law to provide that where the Commissioners deem it ad- visable to lay a conduit they might do £0?"" asked Mr. Wilson. “For house connections, yes,” replicd Commissioner Powell. “The law provides fer :uch an exception.” » Permits Granted. Commissioner Powell explained that the construction of the law cited above was de- termined on about two years ago, and since that time no permits for the laying of new conduits had been granted, he thought. “Why,” asked Mr. Wiison, “wasn’t there a permit issued last night for a new con- Guit on the east side of th street between Pennsylvania avenue and F sireet? “Not that I know of,” was the reply. “If such was the case it was provally tur the renewal of an oid conduit.” “How about East Capitol street?” “There probably was a per that street,” admitted Commissioner Po ell, “but it was a special case in connection with the building of the new roadi:e the Metropolitan Railroad Compan: “Now, 7s a matter of fact,” asked Mr. Wilson, “during the past two years have not permits been issued for the laying of from twelve to fifteen miles of conduits?” “I don’t deny it,” replied Commissivaer Powell, “but if the permits were issued, they were iilegal.” “Did you not issue the permits yourself?” “I cannot say, but if I did, that fact would not legalize trem.” “Can you state what application for a permit to build.a conduit was the first to be denied since the limitation of the act covering the matter?” “The one for the conduit on the south = fe aes alae %th and 15th reets northwest, I think,” replied Com- missioner Powell. = aera The Testimony Closed. Mr. J. B. C. Shipman, an inspector of street lighting, told of the laying of wires by the Electric Lighting Company on sth street, H street and Vermont avenue. Judge Kimball called to the stand John M. Jeffries, an employe of the Electric Lighting Company, and asked concern- ing the stays placed to nold the old pole at 15th street and Pennsylvania avenue, and the reply was to the effect that a wire was fastened to guy the pole for a few days,” until a new pole could be erected. Capt. Fiebeger testified that he had no knowledge of an examination of the pole in question prior to March 1 last. Capt. Thomas, the president of the com- pany, stated that over fourteen miles of conduit have been built, all under permits issued by the Commissioners, and no appli- cation was ever refused prior to that for the conduit on F street. This closed the testi- mony. — An adjournment was then taken until Fri- day morning at 11 o'clock, when arguments are to be made. TOOLS OF TRADE. A Horse, a Tiger and a Dog Admitted Free of Duty, Many curious questions arise in the ad- ministration of the customs laws. Recently a man named Arthur Kablbeen arrived at New York, accompanied by a horse, a tiger and a dog. The collector of customs as- sessed duty on these animals under the tariff provision for “live animals.” Mr. Kahlbeen appealed from this decision. He claimed that the animals were entitled to entry free of duty under the provision of the free list for “tools of trade,” &c. He represented that the animals were trained and had been used by him in his occupation as a circus performer in Europe for several years. The case was taken before the United States circuft court for the southern district of New York, and a decision was rendered in favor of the importer. The Attorney General advised against taking an appeal in this case, and the decision of the court will therefore stand as the practice it in such cases. the Treasury Department \ ferestier trained animals for circus pur- will be admitted free of duty as “tools of trade.” If you want. today’s news today you can find it only in The Star, MILLIKEN’S CASF His Trial for Entering Judge Phillips’ House at Night. THE PRESENTATION BY COUNSEL The Story of the Incident Told by the Phillips Family, THE CASE STILL ON The long delayed case of the United States against Benjamin H. Milliken, charged with housebreaking in the night with the intent to commit a felony, came up for trial this morning in Criminal Court No. 2, be- fore Judge Cole. - The Milliken case is one that has given rise to all sorts of surmise and conjecture during the past eight months. On the night of Juiy 4 last he was discovered in the house of Judge Samuel F. Phillips, where, according to the charge, he had gone with unlawful intent toward Judge Phillips’ daughter. Judge Phillips’ law partner, Mr. Fredk. D. McKenney, was summoned to the house shortly after Milliken was discovered, and assisted in turning the latter over to the police. Milliken’s defense at the time was that he was under the influence of liquor and was not responsible for his actions. The history of the case since then is familiar to the public. Milliken has been for a number of years past a well-known man around the cit He is about thirty-five years of age, slig' ly bald and with a long reddish mustac He has occupied positions under the gov emment, and was not unknown in Wash- irgton society. When he arose this morn- ing to plead not guilty to the indictment, he was immaculately dressed, in a jong cutaway coat of dark blue cloth with trousers to match. His florid complexion tcok or an even deeper hue as he rose and Milliken, the Defendant. faced the judge. He showed but slight evi- derces of nervousness, and entered his pica in a clear, firm tone of voice. The government was represented by Mr. A. A. Birney. Milliken’s counsel Jvdge John Goode of Virginia and Mr. E, Anthony of New York. Only a few minutes were occupied securing a jury, the first twelve men the regular panel being satisfactory both sides. Mr. Birney’s Opening Address. The opening address to the jury was made by Mr. Birney. He said that the government would attempt to show that Milliken, who had been acquainted with * Miss Fhillips for some time preceding, did on the night in question forelbly enter the Phillips house with the intent to commit rape. Milliken, he said, called aj the house that night at an early hour and asked for Miss Gertrude. She excused herself to him and later ‘he two Phillips girls,Gertrude and Elinor, retired to their rooms. The former occupied the front room of the house and the latter the rear room. Shortly after midnight Judge Phillips, who was asleep on the second floor of the house, was roused by the cries of his daughters. Hur- rying upstairs he at first thought that their fears were groundless, but later he found that there was a man in the closet between the two rooms. 2 He escaped over the trar scm into the rear room, and later was found by Mr. Phillips and Mr. McKenney on the roof of a shed in the rear of the house. He was as mvch disguished as a quick change of clothing might accomplish; his coat was turned inside out and his shoes Were tied together and strung over his shoulder. Mr. Birney claimed that more than enough would be proved to warrant the jury in bringing in a verdict against the defendant. Judge Goode for the Defenae. In opening for the deferse Judge Goode said that ke wanted it distinctly understood that he did not intend, nor did his client in- tend, to reflect in the slightest upon the character of Miss Gertrude Phillips. He would not have undertaken the defense had it been otherwise. On the contrary, Judge” Goode said, the vindication of Mr. Milliken would be the complete vindication of Miss Phillips. The defendant had known Miss Phillips for a couple of years, and his ac- quaintance with the young ledy had gradu- ally grown into affection, and he intended, — Judge Goode for the Defense. when his circumstances warranted, to offer her honorable marriage. In his address Judge Goode made it evident that intoxica- tion would be the foundation for the de- fense. ‘Tt, was the Fourth of July, said Judge Goode, and, either because it was the natal day of his beloved land, or because he had a little tiff with his lady love, he indulged too freely in spirituous drinks. Between noon and 3 o'clock he drank six whisky hes. oe Six Whisky Panchen. “And, gentlemen of the jury,” said Judge Goode, persuasively, in his mellifiuous southern voice, “you know what that means; six whisky punches.”, And there was a far- away echo of regret in the judge's tones,