Evening Star Newspaper, March 24, 1896, Page 2

2 THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1896-EIGHTEEN PAGES. x LATE NEWS BY WIRE Spanish Troops Again Mistake Each Other for Insurgents. FIRE VOLLEYS WITH FATAL EFFECT Gomez Returns Westward From Santa Clara. CAPTURE OF AMMUNITION HAVANA, March 24.—Another terrible mistake attended with loss of life and re- sulting in many soldiers being wounded has taken place. In some manner unexplained two columns of Spanish troops opened fire upon each other at midday. According to the few details received, the columns of troops commanded by Gen. Go- doy and Col. Holguin, at the Santa Rosa plantation, near Esperansea, province of Senta Clara, mutually mistook each other for insurgents, owing, it is said, to the thickness of the sugar cane. Each detach- ment opened fire upon the other, and for the few minutes shots were exehanging re- suiting in the Killing of seventeen goldiers, among them being Lieutenant Colonel Fu- exmayor of the Navas battalion. In addi- tion, five officers and eighty-four soldiers were wounded. Two of the Jatter have since died, six others mortally wounded, and thirty-two are seriously injured. Lieutenant Colonel Fuenmayor died while leading his troops on and shouting, “Long live Spain.” Owirg to the fact that the meetimg be- tween the columns took place at midday, the explanation furnished by the Spanish commanders is considered unsatisfactory, and court-martial will follow. Maximo Gomez has returned westward from the province of Santa Clara, and was encamped yesterday at the plantation of Moralito, rear Union De Reis, province of Matanzas. | Antonio Maceo is supposed to be at San- — de Lcs Bajos, province of Pinar Del jo. Enrique Porro Matta, an insurgent leader, has surrerdered to the police of Cardenas, province of Matanzas. The authorities of Cardenas have cap- tured Rafael Torayo and Casimiro Ponco, who have been accused of conspiring against the government. ‘The explanation given for the capture of the three boats ioaded with arms and am- munition at Varadero, near Cardenas, is that Ccllazo, who is understood to have commanded the expedition, mistook the landing place and went ashore at Vara- deco, instead of at the San Anton canal. —_—— MIGHT RUN FOR CONGRESS. Possible Candidates in the Fifth and Sixth Maryland Districts. Special Dispatcn to The Evening Star. ANNAFOLIS, Md., March 24.—Aspirants for the republican congressional nomina- ton from the sixth district have been crop- ping up with considerable frequency of late, and if all retain their present effer- vescence 2 warm campaign may be antici- pated. Among those who have recently announc- ed their candidacy is @0i. Chas. F. Markell, delegate, of Frederick, and chairman of the house cér.mittee on elections. Another candidate is Mr. Benjamin A. Richmond of Cumbériand. Senator Jas. A. Sloan of Allegany, cousin of Judge David Sloan, and one of Mr. Wellington's warmest supporters, is also mentioned as a probable candidate. The situation in the district is likely to equal in interest that expected in the fifth. Mr. Wilbur F. Petherbridge of Annapolis, Present superintendent ef public buildings, ard ex-register of wills, has announced his candidacy for the congressional nomination from the fifth district. Mr. Petherbridge has long contested for his party leadership in Anne Arunae!l with Dr. Washington G. Tuck, who is also in the field. It is re- ported that his candidacy is in the inter- ests of Senator Wirt Randall. Mr. Juhn C. Rose, attorney for the Re- form League, and a resident of the thir- teenth district of Baltimore county, is also mentioned as a probable candidate for the congressional nomination. It is an open seeret that Mr. Rose has been ambitious to go to Congress for some years. Senator Washington Wilkinson of St. Mary's is also suspected of having congres- sional ambitions, and, although he is not an avowed candidate, he admits that it is pos- sible that he may enter the fleld. Wilkinson 1s anxious to be sent to the St. uis convention, and, in speaking of the state's representation there, said to The Star correspondent: “I shall strongly advo- cate the coniinuance of Mr. Gary's leader- ship of the Maryland delegation. I also favor Mr. Wellingtgn’s election as a dele- gate-at-large.” ——— nd A PHILADELPHIA SENSATION. Arrest of a Wealthy Coal Operator on Suspicion. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., March 24.—Samuel P. Langden, a wealthy coal operator, was arrested today on suspicion of having been implicated in the death of Annie McGrath, who was found lying dead on her bed in the house 2926 Girard avenue last nfght. Langden is fifty-four years old, and the girl was eighteen. Although he has a resi- dence at 3400 Powelton avenue, he and the girl had been living in the Girard ave- nue house for about a month. The only other occupant was a colored servant. The couple were known to tke neighbors under the names of McGrath, McDonald and Langden. The impression was that they were man and wife. Langden had been in the girl's room nearly all day yes- terday and took dinner alone at 5 o'clock. oi the meal he went out and did not re- urn. The body was discovered by the servant at 9 o'clock today. There were no marks of violence on it, but the physicians say she had been dead twenty-four hours. One hand was clasping a handkerchief to the breast, and a wet towel lay over the fore- head and eyes, ted to the supposed hus- arrested today. The dead woman is described as having been very pretty. Miss McGrath was the daughter of a ¥ nown business man. Largden is well known in financial cir- cles. He occupies a costly suite of offices the Drexel building, employs a large ferce of clerks, and is reputcd to be one of the wealthiest ccal operators In the state. He is also financially intereste2 in a num- ver of southern railroads. —— TEXAS REPUBLICANS. Prospect of a Fight Over ‘Temporary Chairman. AUSTIN, Tex., March 24—At noon to- day the executive committee was still in session, and pending their adjournment the republican stat2 convention had not been called to order. The executive com- mittee, it was given out, would recommend Cuney, the Allison leader, for temporary chairman, and this would precipitate a fight. The McKinley men were claiming that they had a majority of the uncontested delegations, and declaring they could vote the executive committee's report down. Political Notes. WARRENSBURG, Mo., March 24.—The republican convention of the sixth district today nominated R. E. Lewis of Henry county for Congress. Before selecting na- tional delegates the convention took a re- cess. ST. LOUIS, Mo., March 24.—The time for helding the repubiican state convention at St. Joseph, Mo., for the selectior cf dele- gates-at-large to the national convention at St. Louis, has been changed from May 27 to May 12 by the state central conmuitee. —_ Compromise Bill Passed. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 24—The com- promise assessment bill as reported by the conférence committee passed the senate this afternoon by 24 to-1, Senator Wilkin- son of St. Mary's casting the sole dissent- ing vote. Senator | THE KENTUCKY SENATORSHIP Causes Which May Result in an Extra Lagislative Scssion: Outside Leaders May Be -C: ied to As- sist the Deplornable Demo- cratic Condition. ‘The impression prevails in some quarters that the election of a successor to Mr. Blackburn in the Senate has been referred irrevocably to the next Kentucky legisla- ture, which will-not be chosen until No- vember, 1897. It turns out upon investiga- tion that this is an error. While such a disposition of the matier is regarded as likely, it is not ceftain. If Gov. Bradley should call the present legislature together in extra session, and designate the election of a United States Senator as among the ; questions to be disposed of, Mr. Blackburn would have to return to his mutton at Frankfort and reopen headquarters. Pressure for an Extra Session. Gov. Pradley has declared against an extra session, but not all of his lieutenants are agreed as to the wisdom of his de- cision, and there is a report that those who differ with him about the matter may try and induce him te change his mind and cali one. The affairs of the state are rep- resented as being in a very unbusinesslike condition. Phere is no money in the treas- ury, and a hand-to-mouth system of issu- ing warrants — which afterward are “shaved” by the money lenders—is a neces- sity. Then some imrertant and very press- ing measures were shut out by the long deadlock, and those who are interested in them think two years altogether too long to wait for action on them. So that, first and last, a good deal of pressure may be brought to bear on the governor if this impatience takes the field. The Louisville District. There is a chance, too, it is said, for a change in the vote of that Louisville sena- torial district left unrepresented by the death of Mr. Weirsinger, a sound-money democrat, who held out to kis last breath against the re-election of Mr. Blackburn. The district is full of business men, all anxious for the election of a sound-money man to the United States Senate, and many of them, it is believed, would be glad to assist in electing a republican to fill Mr. Weissinger's place, if by so doing tiey could make certain of the defeat of Mr. Black- burn. There are other vacancies to be filled, growing out of resignations handed in since the legislature adjourned, but these are in republican districts, and it is expected that republicans will be elected to fill them. The Weissinger district is the test. If a democrat is elected there, the senatorial dilemma will not be changed. If a republican should be elected there, it would be possible, by a united vote of the party in the legislature, to name ,Mr. Elackburn’s successor. Deplorable Democratic Situation. The situation of the democracy in the state is so deplorabie outside party leaders may be called in to help adjust matters. Suggestions to this end are already heard. One of these is that the silver men forego their intention of fighting the presidential instructions to be askgd for in Mr. Car- lisle’s behalf at the state convention, and that next year, in return for this, Mr. Blackburn have a clear field for the Sen- ate. This, however, is not favorably con- sidered in Kentucky circles. It is thought to reduce the question to a basis of pure personalities, whereby the issue is lost sight of entirely. Besides, the Blackburn peo- ple might fird themselves carrying the big end of the stick. They would be called upon to fulfill their part of the engagement in a short time, and could easily do it, whereas next year, or as late as January, 1898, when the new legislature will meet, the Carlisle people might refuse to rally to their duty. And then both sides seem to realize that the result of the national cam- paign may change the whole aspect of af- fairs everywhere, and necessarily force all local campaigns to be waged next year on lines not now very fully outlined. Sufli- cient unto the year is the issue thereof. — MORTON CADETS WILL GO. To Take Part im the Savannah Com- petitive Drill. The interstate competitive drill situation, locally, underwent a marked change today when the commanding general of the Dis- trict of Columbia National Guard took favorable action on the application of Capt. Edgar A. Shilling for his company to par- ticipate in the Savannah competition, May 11 to 16, inclusive. This course was some- what unexpected, as it has been understood for several weeks past, from good authority, that the policy of Gen. Ordway was to per- mit hereafter no companies of the brigade to leave the District for the purpose men- tioned. The Morton Cadets began drill in preparation for the contest last evening, and will continue to maneuver nightly until the start is made for Savannah. Almost simultaneously with the arrival of the news from headquarters came Lieut. W. G. Cann from Savannah as represenia- tive of the projectors of the drill. Lieut. Cann is one of the most prominent military rien of the Georgia city and is well known to many District guardsmen as the brother of Capt. Cann of the Georgia rifle team at Sea Girt last September. Lieut. Cann to- day visited the commanders of the local companies who are likely to participate in the drill and made clear many points that have heretofore been more or less ambigu- ous. As a result of the coming of Lieut. Cann, it may be announced, practically as a cer- tainty, that the amount of the first prizs in the interstate drill will be raised from $2,000 to $2,500, and that the Galveston semi-cen- tennial championship cup, which carries with it the title of champion military com- pany of the United States, will be placed in competition. At the request of Lieut. Cann, Capt. Shilling will this evening forward to the commanding officer of the Thurston Rifles of Omaha, Neb., the present holders of the cup, a formal challenge to compete fer the same at Savannah. It is the opinion of many that the increase in the amount of prize money will insure the participation of the National Rifles, the National Fencibles, and possibly the Cor- coran Cadet Corps from this city. Domer stated today that it is a poss! but not a probability, that the Fencibles would attend. However, Lieut. Cann will meet the officers of the company this even- ing, and when it is explained that $500 has heen added to the first prize, in addition to ‘te probable presence of the Galvéston cup, fuel will be added to the latent flame, in favor of going to Savar#fah, now in evidence in the company. Lieut. Manson, representing the National Rifles, has promised to agitate the matter among the members of his company, and will, if possible, induce Capt. Oyster to call a special meeting at once for the purpose of considering the proposition. The officers of of Corcoran Cadet Corps will also take up the matter at a regular meeting Friday evening next, and report on the same at a meeting of the company Monday ADVERTISERS in The Star are not blackmailed or bullied in any way into becoming its customers. That method of se- curing patronage is left to others, who sometimes combine with it the tender of more or less worth- less scrip, and like extraneous “inducements, to trump up a show of business success. Those who use the columns of The Star do so of their own free will and accord, as a complete and remunerative transaction, in itself, and because they are sat- isfied that every dollar thus spent will yield a quick, sure and rich return. What is wanted by people in legitimate business is the largest extent and best qual- ity of publicity obtainable for their announcements, .and at low and uniform rates, and that is what they get when they ad- vertise -in the favorité Wash- ington family newspaper, The Evening Star. ANACOSTIA RAILWAY|STILL ON CUBA Senator McMillan Makes a Tour of That Section. THE CAPITAL COMPANY'S CHARTER No More One-Horse Cars Within the City Limits. RAPID TRANSIT PROVIDED Sa te Senator McMillan today made a favorable report to the Senate from the District com- mittee on Senate bill 888, amending the charter of the Capital Railway Company. When this bill was before the District com- mittee last Friday as a practical substitute for the bill requiring the Anacostia Railway Company to equip its lines with rapid trans- it motive power within two years, which had been vetoed by the District Commis- sioners, it was accepted with the under- standing that it should be amended so as to protect the country roads outside of Ana- costia which it was proposed to. occupy with electric lines. In order td ascertain the necessity in this line, Senator McMillan yesterday, accompanied by Mr. Moore, the clerk of the committee, went over the pro- posed routes, under the guidance of Mr. A. E. Randle, the chief projector of the line. He found that the roads were in such con- dition that nothing was needed-in the way of direct legislation to prevent their undue obstruction by the tracks of the company, and it was ascertained that the District Commissioners have now ample authority to protect these highways from overcrowding and from the dangerous proximity of the tracks to the driveway. In most places the roads are broad enough to accommodate the lines with perfect safety, and in such places where the roads are narrow the Commissioners will be able to compel the company to adopt ample measures of pre- caution. General Survey of the Territory. Incidentally, Senator McMillan made a general survey of the territory covered at present by the Anacostia railway as well as that which the proposed line will feed. He was surprised at the amount of building and settlement in the suburbs around Anacostia and realized the neces- sity that now exists for a more modern street railway equipment in that section of the District. Mr. Randle drove the party out the Good Hope Hill road, which is to be occupied by a branch line to be con- structed by this company in order to sup- ply the eastern half of the Anacostia ter- ritory with rapid transit facilities. This brought tke Senator and clerk of the com- mittee to East Washington Heights, sur- mcunted by Overlook Inn, which it is pro- posed to connect with the city by an elec- trict line passing the Eastern branch by way of the Pennsylvania avenue bridge. The bill for this purpose was introduced in December and has since been pending before the District committee. There has been an indisposidion on the part of the committee to grant to the company the de- sired privilege of crossing by this bridge in view of the narrowness and lightness of the structure, which was never designed for the support of rapidly moving cars and only for horse vehicles. In conversa- tion with Colonel A. M. Bliss, who heads the proposed company, Senator McMillan yesterday pointed out this difficulty, and said that the committee would probabiy agree to the passage of the bill provided the company would cross the river on“tts own structure alongside the present bridge. After some demur this proposition was ac- cepted, and’it is probable that in the near future this bill, Senate bill 949, will be favorably reported with the proviso that the river be crossed by means of a trestle, built independently cf the bridge, at the expense of the company. This will enable the company to run its cars across the river at high speed, which would be im- possible if it was to occupy the bridge itself, and it is not felt that the trestle will interfere with the navigation of the Anacostia river. In the event of an ap- propriation being made for the reclama- tion of the flats above the navy yard this structure would probably have to be aban- dened, but would be replaced in all likeli- hood by a commodious bridge. Connections and Free Transfers. Should the bil be reported, it will proba- bly carry with it provisions that will re- quire the company to tap the lines of both the Capital Traction Company and the Metropolitan railway, the former at the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and 8th street southeast, and the latter at or near Lincoln Park. It will also be required that 1eciprocal transfers will be given free be- tween the East Washington Heights rail- Way and each of these companies,thus ena- bling a passenger to ride from any point. on either of the city lines to the District line cn the cast for a single fare. The road on the west side of the river, that is to say, within the city limits, will be an under- ground electric system, while the overhead trolley will be used on the other side of | the river, and possibly on the trestle. The Anacostin Railway Problem. Thus the Anacostia railway problem ap- pears to be in a fair way of settlement, so far as the chairman of the Senate commit- tee is concerned, and it is to be remarked that the committee has practically con- stituted him its subcommittee on this sub- ject. The two proposed lines will, it is thought, amply supply the Anacostia terri- tory with the best methods ef rapid tran- sit. The future of the existing line in Ana- cestia is, of course, a matter of concern to those interested directly in it, but Senator McMillan feels that it has had its chance, and that it must now either voluntarily improve its line and modernize its service, or submiit to severe competition with a rapid transit line giving free transfers with one of the most extensive of the city sys- tems. No One-Horse Cars in the City. President Griswold of the Anacostia road has been at the Capitol several times of late, and yesterday morning had a long talk with Senator McMillan, but he received little or no encouragement in presenting his plea for further consideration. This morning Sen- ator McMillan reported to the Senate, pur- suant to the instructions of the committee of last Friday, a bill amending the act 6f July 29, 1892, prohibiting the use of one- horse cars within the city limits after Janu- ary 1, 1893. The bill which he presented this morning repeals the proviso of this act which is to the effect that the act “shall not apply to any company operating street railways outside the limits of the city of Washirgton, or through unimproved and sparsely settled sections of the same, unti} such time as the Commissioners of the Dis: trict of Columbia shall deem necessary for the pubiic needs.” This bill, which was im- mediately considered by unanimous con- sent, and passed without any opposition, will, when it becomes a law, absolutely ter- minate the right of the Anacostia road to run one-horse cars within the limits of the city, under the penalty of a fine of $25 a day for each car run with a single horse. -——_—_——_+- e+______ IMPOSING ON THE CITY. Sick and Indigent Sent Here to Be Cared For. : A men named William Hanéwright call- ed on Sanitary Officer Frank yesterday afternoon with a letter from Capt. Cutler, superiniendent of the Municipal Lodging House, and asked that he be sent to a hospital for treatment. Under ordinary circumstances his application would have been refused, for the reason that he is a non-resident, but his condition was pitiful and his pleadings could not be resisted. In the letter Capt. Cutler said that the case’ was only one of- many in which non-resi- dents are dumped here for the District to support. Handwright, who suffered a stroke of paralysis some time ago, is a Native cf Charleston, W. Va., forty-six years old, and is a widower. He was given a railroad ticket and sent here to be cared for in one of the hospitals at the expense of the District. Under ordinary circum- stances he would have been put on a train and sent home, but he begged so hard to be sent to a hospital because he could not get good treatment that he was sent to Freedman’s Hospital, with the understand- ing that if he dces not get better within @ reesonable time he will be sent. home. é (Continued from First Page.) the reading of the journal today was the Puesage of the bill which was debated yes- terday to abolish the death penalty in cer- tain cases in which it is prescribed in the federal statutes, and allowing the jury to return a verdict qualified “without capital punishment,” in cases of rape and murder. On a rising vote the bill was passed, 90-35, but Mr. Crowther (Mo.) demanded the yeas and nays, which were ordered. The bill was passed, 170-60. A Further Cuban Conferenee; Mr. Hitt, chairman of the forejgn affairs cemmittee, called up the message of the Senate announcing the Sendte’s disagree- n.ent to the conference report on tlie Cuban resolution. On hig motion the House in- sisted on its substitute for the Senate reso- lutions and dzréed to the further confer- ence asked for by the Senate. The House ccnferzes were not immediately announced. Mr. Bouteile, chairman of the naval com- mall tee; reported the naval appropriation ill. 3 The Speaker aypoimted the following ccn- ferees on the Cuban resolutions: Mr, Hitt, Mr. Adams (Pa.),"and Mr. McCreary (Ky). Against Spurious Liquors. There being no other busmess before the House, committees were called. Mr. Evans (Ky.) calledsup from the committee on ways and méané*a vill to amend section 3449 of the internal revenue laws so as to make the sale of spirituous liquors, except under the brahd Which they were known to the trade,designatirg the kind and quality, punishable by a fine of $500 and imprison- ment for six months and the forfeiture of the: liquors. Mr. Evans explained that the bill was urged by the internal revenue commis- sioner. The public, he said, was being swindled by spurious liquors and wines. Mr. Cummings (N. Y.) made a humerous speech, in which he urged the passage of the bill, not only as a protection to the revenue, but as conclusive to the safety of human life. He instanced a case where he had purchased “for a sick friend” a pe- culiarly good quality of brandy, which the physicians, on sampling, said would kill at forty rods. It.consisted, he said, of a compound of wood, alcohol, whisky and strychnine. Cheating the revenue was bad enough, Mr. Cummings said, but destroy- ing life for the benefit of whisky distillers was not to be tolerated. Objected to the Word “Knowingly.” Mr. Connolly (1ll:) was in sympathy wth the purpose of the bill, but objected to the word “knowingly” as qualifying the sellers of these spurious liquors. That word would, he contended, furnish the loophole by which offenders could escape conviction. Mr. Evans proposed to withdraw the word, but Mr. Crisp (Ga.) objected, declar- ing that he would never vote for a law which made a man Hable ’to penalties for a crime which he did not “knowingly” com- mit. This law would affect every dealer in the land, and the onus of proof ought, he thought, to be on the government. Mr. Evans replied that no internal reve- nue law contained the word “‘knowingly.” No dealer in spurious lMquors. could do so without knowing exactly what he was doing. The werd “knowingly” was stricken from the bill—-25 to 55—and the bill was passed. The Senate joiat resolution for the dis- position of certain property now in the hands of the receiver of the Chureh of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was adopted. A bill was passefl omending the act creat- ing the Circuit Court of Appeals so as to give an appeal on court orders appointing recefvers. DISTRICT GOVERNM NT. The Objectionable Pole. Notwithstanding the decision of Judge Kimball concerning the pole erected by the United States Electric Lighting Company at the corner of 15th street and Pennsyl- vania avenue, the authorities will not take any decisive steps toward its removal. On the contrary, there is every reason to be- Ueve the pole will be allowed to stand, and the wires of both the electric and telegraph companies will remain undisturbed. Al- ready steps have been taken by the West- ern Union Telegraph Company to légilize the pole by applying for a permit to erect it. This appiication was carefully consid- ered this morning by the Commissioners in executive session, and there is every rea- son to believe the application will be granted. Superintendent Marean of the telegraph company appeared in person be- fore the board to urge the application. He explained his testimony before the Police Ccurt, in which he said that his company could do without the pole. Notwithstand- ing this, however, the company at the pres- ent time had a number of its wires strung thereon. He said while his company might ke able to get along without the pole, it did not care to abandon it, and very much desired it legalized by the issuance of an- other permit. Adverse Action. The Commissioners have recommended ‘adverse action upon House bill 7263, “To extend Connecticut avenue,” and House bill 7328, “To extend 17th street north to Park Street.’ They say they deem the -enact- ment of all such measures inimical to the public interests by establishing precedents involving a departure from the wise and comprehensive purpose of the highway act. Asking Information. The Commissioners today received a let- ter from Van Overloop of Slotterdyke, near Amsterdam, Netherlands, requesting infor- mation concerning the whereabouts of his daughter Cornelia, who has not written to her relatives for a long time, and who re- sides in the United States. The Commis- sioners inclosed the letter to the resident minister, and said that they regret that they have no facilities for answering the same. Annlostan Island. In a letter to Commissioner Ross, reply- Ing to an interrogatory concerning Ana- lostan Island and its use as a site for a contagious disease hospital, Dr. S. C. Bu- sey, president of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, said: “I have no knowledge of the healthful- ness of Analostan Island, but I believe, as a matter of public policy, the government should obtain possession’ of that island, and kold :t for such purposes for which it may be suitable. It has seemed to me that the location of the hospital for con- tagious diseases on the island would solve the problems of prejudice which have de- layed its establishment.” A copy of this letter was sent to the Sen- ate tcday. Police Trial Board. The following cases against members of the metropolitan police force were dis- posed of today: Private John Hart, fined $15 for conduct unbecoming an officer, and warned that a Tepetition of the offense will cause more serious consequences. Charges of gross neglect of duty against Privates P. E. Gordon and O. J. Wiggans dismissed. Private M. F. McGuire, tried for neglect of duty, cautioned. Private J. H. Gibson, fined $10 for neglect of duty. Private E. H. Elers, fined $20 for neglect of duty, and Private B. P. Batson, fined $10 for neglect of duty. Favorable Recommendation. Favorable recommendation has been made by the Commissioners upon House bill 5790, which has for its object the granting of a permit to the Pintsch Gas Company to lay a pipe line within the city to supply the railroads with this gas. The Commission- ers stipulated that 4 per cent of the gross earnings of the.company be deducted for the use of the streets. >< —__- Grade Crossing Regulations. Mr. S. T. Thomas, the attorney for the District, today filed. motion for the setting down of the casesof the Baltimore and Ohio and the Baltimore and Potomac railroad companies against the District for hearing. ‘These are the cases in which the railroad companies prayithat the District may be enjoined from enforcing the police regula- tions made sometime ago relative to street railroad crossings. The motion will be called up begore Judge Cox tomorrow, and it is expectad that the cases will be then set down fon an-early hearing. hoa WANT THE BALLOT A Plea Made‘fer Suffrage in the District, DR. REYBURN THE FIRST SPEAKER Mr. £.-M. Blake’s Speech in Be- half of Labor Associations. QUESTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE: Serators Gallinger and Faulkner gave a hearing this afternoon, as a subcommittee of the District committee of the Senate, to the advocates of the bill row pending pro- vidirg for the holding of a special election in the District to determine the will of the people of the District as to whether or not they desire the right of suffrage and local self-government. Among thore who ap- peared before the committee were Dr. Rob- ert Reyburn, president of the District Suf- frage Petition Association; Mr. W. H. G. Simmons, master workman of District As- sembly 66, Knights of Labor; Mr. E. M. Blake, chairman of the committee on legis- lation, District Federaticn of Labor; Mr. George O. Cook of the Federation of Labor, Dr. C. B. Purvis, Mr. F. L. Siddons, the au- thor of the bill, and Rev. Walter Brooks. Senator Gallinger stated at the beginning of the hearing that his time and that of Senator Faulkner was limited, and he urged those who would speak to be as brief as possible. Dr. Reyburn’s Address. Dr. Reyburn first addressed the commit- tee. He described the present form of gov- ernment of the District as a strange an- achronism, reminding him of the state of man in mediaeval history. The people of the District, he asserted, are dissatisfied with: the present form of government, while the laboring people, he went on, are to a man opposed to it. He then read a memorial signed by him- self and Messrs, Simons, Blake, Cook and Siddons in their representative capacities. The memorial set forth that the present form of local government was in the begin- ning cnly intended to be temporary, and that it was at best arbitrary and tyran- nical; that a large majority of the people of the District are unjustly ruled by only three men, who have absolute power over them; that the multifarious duties of the members of Congress prevent them from being able to give the attention to the affairs of the District that they require, and that such matters as relate strictly to local conditions could be properly relegated to an assembly composed of citizens of the District; that the three-headed and despotic charactcr of the present form of govern- ment is entirely unique in the history of the country and is a blot and a disgrace to the nation. Questioned by Senator Faulkner, When Dr. Reyburn had concluded his reading Senator Faulkner put him through a sharp cross-examination. He asked him if he had ever considered the effect of mak- ing this proposed change of installing this popular government upon the annual ap- propriations. “You don’t suppose,” he said, “that Con- gress would make such appropriations as they do at present, paying 50 per cent of the total expenses of the District, if there were a popular government formed here?” Dr. Reyburn’s reply referred to the cap- itals of foreign countries, such as Berlin and Paris, and said that they are in part supported by the central government. “Don’t you know,” asked Senator Faulk- ner, “how difficult it is now for us to carry through the District appropriations on the 50 per cent basis?” Dr. Reyburn responded by alluding to the fact that the government owns one-half of the pronerty in the District as a reason why the fifty per cent clause should be main- tained. Mr. Faulkner waived this aside as immaterial, for he said that he heartily agreed with the theory that the govern- ment should bear half the burden of gov- erning and maintaining the District. He asked Dr. Reyburn if in his opinion this city is governed better or worse than the average American city. Dr. Reyburn re- plied that, in his estimation, this is the worst governed city in the country. Senator Faulkner wanted to know what power the three Commissioners have that is not expressly given them by act of Con- gress. Dr. Reyburn replied that they had no direct powers of that nature, but they had discretionary powers, and they have the right to manufacture law in the form of police regulations. Senator Gallinger suggested that the Commissioners exercised a direct influence on the making of laws by framing bills and making the first report on all local measures. “Yes,” answered Senater Faulkner, “but we take the final responsibility for all leg- islation.” , We want to relieve you of that respon- sibility,” said Mr Simmons. “I should be glad, for one,” said Mr. Gal- linger, “to be relieved of that regponsi- bility.”” Mr. Blake's Statement. Mr. E. M. Blake next took the floor and read a prepared statement, in which he set forth that the District government as at present constituted was not founded on the tonsent of the pecple. The present sys- tem, he said, is hostile to American ideas, and is an innovation that threatens the whole people of the country. He said that the organizations of working men, who are in hearty accord at all times with the prin- ciples of the Constitution, greatly desire a change, and that the local workingmen have much to complain of against the Dis- trict government. He said that the Commissioners have never originated a single measure in favor of the working classes. Labor measures submitted to the Commissioners have, he asserted, been treated with indifference, and he quoted a special instance where the Commissioners had urned a bill to Con- gress with an unfav pil2 report, but with- out deigning to submit any reasons for their decision. - “What was that bill?” asked Mr. Gal- linger. “It was the bill designed to relieve the people of the District of the cost and in- iquities of the contract system,” answered Mr. Blake. He went on to argue that the District is entitled to statehood, and he compared the population of the District in 1890 with that of several of the states, showing that there are more people here than in a number of the communities that now have the right of self-government. “Then you think,” said Mr. Faulkner, “that there should not be an exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government over its own capital?” “I think there should be some measure of supervision by the government over the capital, but 1 believe the present system is contrary to the principles that actuated the framers of the Constitution.” One Principle in the Constitution, “But,” answerei Mr. Faulkner, “it was cre of the principles of the founders of our country, as embodied in the Constitution, that the government should have exclu- sive jurisdiction over an area ten miles square to be used as the national capital.” ‘There was some discussion as to whether the advocates of suffrage in the District wculd be willing to pay all of the taxes if a popular form of government were in- stituted. Mr. Blake declared his entire willingness to assume the entire burden of govern- ment, but others on the committee felt that the government should pay the taxes on its lands, which would thus reduce the charge on the individual taxpayers. Mr. Faulkner said that his recollection was that the District was bankrupt when the government interposed the present sys- tem. The hearing was in progre’s when The Star's report closed. a - Judgment Reversed. In reversing the judgment of the court below in the ‘case of James B. Colegrove, Benjamin Fryback and T. E. Hollaway against the United States, the Court of Ap- peals decided today that, under the act of Congress of May 4, 1882, where a mail con- tractor fails to pay his subcontractor on one route, the Post Office Department is authorized and justified in withholding pay- ments due him on another route, and pay- ing~the subcontractor therefrom. So, too, where @ contractor fails to carry out his contract on one-route. FOR RUNNING POLICY Oonviction of a ool in the Police Court. The Principals, However, Are Still Free to Continue Their Opera- tions—The Case Today. A number of violators of the policy law have been arrested during the past month, and several cells in the District jail are Row filled with colored men who made an effort to earn a few dollars at this gam- bling game. Most of them were tried by Judge Miller; some plead guilty, while two demanded jury trials. The last person ar- rested for an alleged violation of the pol- icy law was a colored man named Peter Spriggs. Maj. Moore was instrumental in causing his arrest, which was made by Policemen Betts and Buckley. This case came up in Judge Miller’s court this after- noon, a jury trial having been demanded, and Lawyer Johnson, for the defendant, made a contest of every point involved. in the room were a number of colored men who are known to be inter- ested in the policy business, and they seemed as much interested in the outcome of the case as was the defendant. . ‘Wren the jury was sworn, Prosecutin Attorney Mullowny asked whether or any of the jurors were acquainted with tlit defendant or knew of any reason why they should not serve. As there were no resporses, the jury was accepted and the witnesses were sworn. Policeman Buckley testified that he rested the defendant near the corner of and G streets several days ago, and in S pany with Officer Betts he took him to the station. “And what did you find on him?” asked counsel. “hese papers,” responded witness (pro- ducing a small bundle of papers), “and $51.13 in money.” Witness explained the nature of the pa- pers, and read from one of the papers: “Please send me a book and blank paper. I am out.” This not. was signed “No. 9,” and was in an et-velope addressed to “John Kelly, Ar- lington stables.” When he arrested the defendant the latter said: “‘You’ve got me good this time. What are you going to do with me?” : Witness toid him he was going to lock him up. ‘ On cross-exemination witness said he had very little knowledge of the policy busi- ress, never having played it. Policeman Betts had played policy, and he ap} on the stend as an expert in addition to telling of the arrest and of the finding of the mcney and papers on him. The papers taken from him, said witness, are policy plays. Witness explained what is meant by a row, sheet and book, and told of the marks “morning” and “‘even- ing,” which mean the morning and evening drawings. This closed the proof, and the jury re- turned a verdict of guilty. Judge Miller, in imposing sentence, told the prisoner that it had been a long time since there had been an old-fashioned pol- icy book in court, but this is one of them. Spriggs sald that a man named James Rodgers had employed him to carry pack- ages to the man Kelly at the Arlington stables. He usually mct Rodgers at Penn- | sylvania avenue and 6th or 7th street. He | always met Kelly at the door of the stables. i “That’s Clark’s stable between 17th and | 1$th streets on G,” the officer said. “Same old piace,” remarked the court. ‘The police said that they hed made no effort to find the man Kelly because they thought it was not necessary. Judge Miller wanted to know why some effort had not been made to apprehend Rodgers and Kelly, and Mr. Mullowny said he thought the detectives had m. an effort to find them as well as the ers of the game. A sentence of nin days in jaii was imposed, and the court directed that the papers in the case he held for use in event of the apprehension of the others. : Se DIVISION RAIDS. Possibilities Regarding Steps in Gilmore Case. It is more than likely that n> effort will be mad: obtain a new trial in the case of “Will Gilmore, convicted of keeping a disreputable house in the “Division,” but that the case will be submitted to Judge Miller for sentence. No formal applicatior for a new trial has been filed, and should this not be done tomorrow, Prosecuting Attorney Mullowny will ask that sentence be imposed. In this event the whole re- sponsibility is to be thrown upon the court. ‘The government will make no recommen- dation whatever, so it is stated, and Judge Miller will have nothing before him to show whether or not the raid was made as the beginning of a move to break up the Places of vice in the “Division.” It was stated this afternoon that Lawyer Johnson, counsel for the Gilmore woman, is anxious to submit the case to the court for the imposition of a fine or suspension of sentence, with the understanding that his client is to leave the “Division” and quit the business. It is a case of anything te keep out of jail. But Judge Miller will make no promises in the matter, so that until sentence is actually imposed counsel will not know of the court's intention. It is possible that the judge will call upon the authorities in. court before he passes sentence for some information as to the reason for the raid and what is their in- tention in the matter of raiding these places. Should no motion for a new trial be filed tomorrow, the case may come up for sen- tence Thursday or Friday. FINANCE AND TRADE ulative List. LONDON PRICES FRACTIONALLY LOWER ————— The Street Awaiting Advices From Washington. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Hveming Star. NEW YORK, March 24.—The uncertainty surrounding the Yegislative situation Vashington and the prevailing speculative apathy resulted in further concessions in all departments this morning. London's Prices were fractionally lower and foreign houses were liberal sellers during the ini- tial trading. An advance of 1% per cent in posted rates for foreign exchange contrib- uted its quota to the general depression, although no immediate danger of specie shipments exists. Traders offered stocks down on the dis- covery that selling orders predominated and 4hat,tired holders were on the verge of Ii- quidating in order to seduce interest charges during this period of unprofitable 4nertia. Sugar attracted the bulk of the at- tention, a decline of 21-4 per cent from opening figures being credited to profit- taking by large interests. It is to be noted, however, that the low level was first es- tablished by traders on the theory that no supporting orders were in the market. The large surplus reflected in the last statement of this company lends color to the various rumors relative to an extra dividend during the year. Lower prices in the meantime would not seriously conflict with the plans of the manipulative interest, and may be encour- aged in order to create a profitable pur- chasing level. American Tobacco is given good support during periods of weakness in other parts of the market, and the con- tradiction of rumors relative to a cessa- tion of hostilities with rival concerns has no effect on the price of the stock. Cir- cumstances warrant very cautious trading in the property, however, as the public is not, and has not been, for some time fully advised of the inside policy. Chicago Gas was advanced 1 per cen! during the day on a moderate volume o} buying for the accounts of interests close- ly identified with the management. Th¢ street has been well supplied with optis mistic arguments on this property for sevs eral days, belief in the ultimate triumph oj the consolidation scheme being responsible for the improved estimate of its value. Afternoon advices from Washi nouncing the probable acceptance of the Senate resolutions on the question of Cubat Lelligerency had a berefictal influence on the entire market. The best optrion seems the most that can poseibly shed in this respect is the passage ‘ympathetic measure totatly devoid of diplomatic significance, and binding or rone, Should the matter remain in con‘ ference indefinitely, there would be no re: gret expressed on the part ef the busiaest community, cn which the period of appre: hension already experienced las beca seP jously felte~~ A ival in general business !s absolutely essential to a higher and broader marke’ and some disappointment has resulted from the backwardness of spring trade. it is hoped that evidence will soon be forthcom- ing of an increased demand for all cla:ses of commodities, and that stock values will be advanced so as to reflect tHe prosperity of the country at large. FINANCIAL AND COMMERICIAL, The following are the opening, the highest and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as reported by Corson & Macartney, members New York steck exchange. Correspondents Messrs. Moore & Schley, No, 8) Hyoacway. . Low, Last os American Sugar... American Sugar, Pia. American Tobacco. American Cotton 0’ Chie. Chicago Gas, Cis. c = & St. . Grande, Dis. & Cattle Feeding General Electric | Mlinoia Central | & Long Island Traction. Metropolitan Traction... Manhattan Elevated. ew Jersey Central few York Central. Sorthern Pacific, Northern Pacific, Pia North American. The cases of Lottie Tillford and Grace Ferguson will be called next Tuesday. ARE THEY SAFE ROBBERS? A Fatal Shooting Affray at Cumber- Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CUMBERLAND, Md., March 24.—Simon Horner of Salisbury, Pa., shot and fatally wounded Samuel McAllister of Waterlee, R. L, this morning. They entered the saloon of E. J. Cooney, in Shantytown, and be- came involved in a quarrel. The wounded man has been removed to the Western Marylard Hospital. The men say they are tramps, but have plenty of money on their person. It is thought they are members of the gang of robbers who have been cracking safes here for the past ten days. Horner is in custody. ——__ Sues for Damages. Charles W. Proctor, as administrator of the estate of Marcellus Allen, who was killed by the caving in of earth at the pro- posed union station of the Washington and Ge rgetown Railroad Company, at Pros- pect and 36th streets, the 2d of last April, today sued the company, claiming $10,000 damages. The plaintiff claims that the accident was duc to the alleged failure of the com- pany to properly and sufficiently protect Allen. Attorneys Campbell Carrington, Irving Williamson and James Coleman rep- resent the administrator. ee ee Spiders All in Line. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, March 24.—Burkett Zimmer have signed. . and ——_—>—_—_ Brought to Port on Fire. SAN FRANCISCO, March 24.—The Brit- ish bark Alexandria was towed into port last night in a burning condition. She left Newcastle, N. S. W., on December 27, 18:4, for Port Angeles. Se Grain and Cotion Markets. Furnished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., 1421 F street, members New York stock exchange, correspondents Messrs. Ladenburg, ‘Thul- mann & Co., New York. a. High. ei ern 4 62 61%-% 6: 6 oy 2 2K 2 Wie B04 BON 27 ioe 1 Ror BS SS 917 B9T 9.02 6.20 5.17) 5.17 535 : 4.77 4.90 High. 758 7.6 ie 7.62 ie Wheeling & 1. Eri Western Union 1 Balto. & Ohi Uni 10 at 116%, Lanston Monotyy Washington Gas, S. as, 140 Mid. Wa Fund. currency , 118 Metropotitan I 120% wid, 1 asked, Belt Railroad 5s, ked. “Eckington Railroad Mi via Railroad 6s, 116 bi Gas Company. ger. A, Gs, 1 ashington Gas Gompany, s ask Wi i . 118 bid.” Chesapeake Vid, 102 asked. Am m and A., 100 bid, 105 asked. A jean Security and Trost Ss, A. amd O., 100 bid, asked. Washington Market y Ast ts, Vid. “Washington Market Company imp. id. W. ton Market Company exten. 6 Hall Association Ss, 105 bid. infantry Ist 6s, 99 bid. , 240 bid. tral, 275 195" asked. Second, 133 Wid. “Columbia, 128 bi 17 Wid. West Bnd) 107 97 bid, 100 asked.” Lincoln, 180 bid Citizens’ Ceni a, Trust, 122 asked. Trust, 145" bid, 149 asked. Washington Sate posit,” 60 bid. Sy Railroad Stocks.—Gapital Traction Company. bid. Metropolitan, 112 bid, 114 asked. Cviv 36 Ud. Belt, 30 asked.“ Bekington, 15 bid, asked. Gas and Electric Light Stocks.—Washinzton 41% bid, 424 asked. United States Elect bt, *116% bid, 117 asked. Li fustirance Stocks.—Firemen’s, 80 bid. Franklin, 38 bid. Metropoltian, 70 bid, 90 asked. Corcoran, 52 did. Potomac, bid.” Arlington, 140° bid ri Union, 11 bid, é ‘Commercial, 4% ide us = bid, 83 ced. . a . Tite Insurance St .—Real Hstate Title, 105 bid, 110 asked. Columbia Title, 6% bid, 74 asked. District Title, 7 bid. ‘Telephone Stocks. wana, 38 Did, 50 asked. Ou e and Potomac, Gartiage, BE bid, 12s aed! Oa al e . oo .—Merganthaler _ Linotype ae ee fashingten Market. ee b ~ L Great Palls Ice, 120 bid, 130 asked. Lincoln Hail, 90 asked. *°Ex. div. 4 a od