Evening Star Newspaper, March 25, 1896, Page 2

LATE NEWS BY WIRE Langdon Gave Up His Attempt te THEORY AS 70 THE WGRATH TRAGEDY Important Statement by the Col- ored Servant. ——— SHE HEARD A SCREAM —_++--—- PHILADELPHIA, March 25.—There is little doubt today that Annie McGrath, the girl who was found dead at 2026 Girard evenue on Monday night, was killed as the yesult of a plan for the death of both, with Samuel P. Langdon, the wealthy coal opera- tcr, whose mistress she was. The evidence points to the theory that Langdon took her life and then attempted to commit suicide, ‘but forsook this purpose and fled. He is still a prisoner in the cell room of the city hall, where he will probably be kept until the chemical analysis of the girl's stomach is completed. Tha wet towel Which lay over the girl's face when the body was found fs in the possession of the detective department, but its condition is kept a profound secret. The most incrim- ating fact, however, is that the girl's ips and almost the entire interior of the jnouth were burned and discolored, as if by i poison, while Langdon’s tongue, from tip to palate, is a series of ulcers and mucous patches, which, according to his pwn statement, were not there before Mon- day. This condition is almost exactly sim- ilar to that existing in the girl's mouth, except that iz the latter it“is more aggra- vated. When arrested yeste plained of being ill, and shortly afterward vomited copiously. He told Police Surgeon that his tongue and throat were i from excessive smoking, but that t before been troubled by such an jay Langdon com- surgeon found the throat in good on, and says that smoking does not ether or chloroform. ve been produced by @ mineral acid in a sinall quantity. It was clearly recent. The authorities refuse to say whether or not the towel shows any spots, but they admit there was no cdor of drugs in the reom. This may be explained by the fact that both ether and chloroform evaporate rapidly, and under the lapse of some Hours wo ld leave no odor. One of the first re- sults of ether, sald the doctor, ts stimula- ton. A person just put under its influence night become excited and scream loudly. It is almost certain that the common- reaith holds this theory of the case. Detective Frank Geyer, who unreveled the Holmes murders, is on the case, and ed for bis opinion, said: “People ‘ream unless placed in a_ perilous Only one theory can be held. The dead, and the man is alive and locked up. The statements made by Bertha Stewart, the colored servant employed by the cou- ple, clearly show important facts. She Was the last person, with the exception of Lzngdon, who saw the girl alive. This Was about 3:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon. “Mrs. Langdon,” as she was knowr, came down stairs and told the servant to prepare dinner. She then returned to the bed room where her supposed husband had been with her. There was no further sign from the upper part of the house until about 4:30 o'clock, when she aeard a pi ing scream. She hurried upsialrs and knocked at the door. Langdon opened the door slightly and told her that her misiress was suffering from a bilious at- tack, to which she was subject. Through the aperture the servant saw her mistress lying on the bed, with the towel on her face. She was motionless and may have been dead at that time. Langdon had evi- dently been lying on the floor. At 3 o'clock he came down alone to din- ner and told the girl not to disturb her mistress, who was not well. He gave her ¥3 of the house and left, saying he Was going to New York. That night the be was discovered. relatives deny that she was t to bilious attacks. morning the Stewart girl re- ceived a postal card from Langdon. It ha’ been mailed after he left the house the night before and instructed her, if her mistress was no better by Tues to notify her father, Henry MeGrath, 2019 ratz street. tha Stewart made the further state- * today that off Monday morning she up to awake Langdon, but could trouse him. She heard him breathing stertorously—almost snoring. She made another attempt later in the day, with a similar result. Special Murder Investigator Barlow of strict attorne: office. was closeted With the detectives for a time today. The father of the dead girl told Coroner Ash- bridge today that his daughter had de- ceived him. Her excuse for absences of three and four days at a time were that she had been visiting friends, and this was accepted without question. > time has been set for the Inquest. The ss body has been removed to her father’s nd will be quietly buried in a day not Detective Geyer positively contradicts the Statement that Langdon is divorced from — TEXAS REPUBLICANS. The Assembling of the Convention Postponed Until Afternoon. AUSTIN, Texas, March 25.—it was an- nou from the pit(form In the hall today that the republican state convention would not be called te order until 1 p.m., and the crowd dit rhe Reed-Allison men seemed to be practically masters of the sit- uation. TOPEKA, Kan., March Jr. chairman of the repul tral committee, s: al committee s Leland, state cen- ‘all the state some time in : the purpose of ng a call for the state convention. in res to a sug- om that the eo * might decide to l_after the Sth of August, when togeth: hold their convention, fe said sblicans of Kansas need no point- n the populists as to who should he ated on their stat to win with ts, and we ar: enough We 2 are a aurran this ye rin a to put upa to see what LIABILITIES TWO MILLIONS. Assizument of L. & H. Bloom of Gal- veston, Tex. CHICAGO, March special from Galveston, Tex., says: Leon & H. Bloom, the largest wholesale dry goods house in the state, has made an assignment, nam- ing Badou, banker, assignee. The former is the largest mercantile concern in Texas. It ts announced that the liabilities amount to $2,000,000; assets, $2,500,000. ‘The assign- Ment is general, there being no preferred creditors. A ——. __ THE LEBAUDY BLACKMAILING. Resuit of the Trial That Hi: Progress in Paris. PARIS, March 25.—Ulrie De Civry, form- erly editor of the Echo de L'Armee, and Count Lionel Werther de Cesti, two of the men who have been on trial for some time past on the charge of blackmailing the late Max Lebaudy, the young millionaire con- ecript. who died in the military hospital, ‘ere sentenced today to thirteen months’ imprisonment and to fines of 500 francs each. The other defendants, who included firmand Rosenthal, otherwise known as "Jacques St. Cere,” formerly of the Figaro, = at one time correspondent in this city lor a New York newspaper, were acquitted. ——__ Hiiness of Remenyi. _ DAVENPORT, Iowa, March 25.—Remer- yi, the great violinist, is very ill in this gy. His wife, who is in New York city, been telegraphed for. ——— It is Denied in London. LONDON, March 25.—It is officially de- here that Great Britain has intimated tt she would favor the active interven- Won of the United States in Cuba. Been in HE IS NOT. A CANDIDATE What Indiana Representatives Say ef the Stories About General Harriaon. The People of His State Take Him at His Word and Are Kew. for McKinley. The fresh revival of the stories that the name of ex-Pr2sident Harrison will be pre- sented to the republican national conven- tion for the presidential nomination at some time or other during the proceed- ings has given rise to renewed talk that the declination of the ex-President was not a sincere one. Many newspaper corres- pendents have expressed the opinion that the declination was not a declination at all, and that Gen. Harrison will yet be a candi- Gate for the nomination. It is hinted that should no nomination be made by the convention on the third or fourth ballot the name of Indiana's favor- ite son will be sprung with a hurrah, and his nomination accomplished with a rush. The newspaper stories have gone to the extent of saying that members of the House have received letters cautioning them not to be too quick to indorse the candidacy of others, but to hold themselves in readiness to lend their aid to the scheme outlined. It has been further stated that similar letters were sent to leading poli- licians in Nebraska, Kansas and else- where. All along the McKinley people have in- sisted that the talk was started for no other purpose than to confuse the situation, and to draw attention and support from the McKinley boom. They insist that the fact that McKinley has carried Indiana is ample proof that there is nothing in the stories. ‘The support of the Ohio man in Indiana has been warm and cordial and without any reservation, they claim. : Concerning this matter, an Indiana Con- gressman said to a Star reporter: “There ure certain men who would bke to take a pocket delegation from our state to St. Louis. They thcught by raising the story of Gen. Harrison's candidacy, the people would be pleased, and would not justruct the delegation what todo. That would give them an opportunity to throw a part of the vote to some other inan.” What Indianians Say. To ascertain the truth of the stories about Gen. Harrison, a Star reporter talked with nearly all the Representatives of Indiana. The question was asked them if, within their krowledge, there was any movement on foot to spring the name of Gen. Harri- son at any time at the convention. Representative He There is ab- solutely nothing in the steries, so far as I know. I am constanily receiving letters from the state, and there has not been the slightest intimation of anything cf the kind.” Kiepresentativé Hanly said: “The people of Indiana have always taken Gen. Harri- gon at his word. They believe implicitly in what he says, because they know he is not @ demagogue or a trickster. Knowing that he was not to be a candidaze, $5 per cent of the people of the state have decided that MeKinley is the man they want, and they are supporting him. “Of course, we would all like very much to see Gen. Harrison President again, but we are not planning to have him nomi- nated, a3 we are loyal to the man of our choice. Of course, should there be a icng- drawn-out fight in the convention, and it looked like there was no chance cf nomi- nating any one, Gen. Harrison's name might be suggested. That, however, is a mere possibility, and is not now looked for- ward to. When the time comes, our dele- gation will act as men and republicans. Representat.ve Haten said: “We have taken Gen. Harrison et nis word, und are for McKinley.” When the matter was mentioned to Gen. Grosvenor, he said, with emphasis is simply nothing In it. Gen. Harrison's name will not be presented to the conven- tion.”” ———— RESOLUTION FOR ADJOURNMENT. Senator Platt Proposes That Congress Quit May 2. When asked for his reasons for introduc- tion of his resolution for the adjournment of Congress on May 2, Senator Platt re- plied that he had put in the resolution be- cause he believed that Congress could com- plete all the business that {it will be able to do by that time. “It is perfectly clear,” he said, “that there will be no important legislation dur- ing the session except that embraced in the appropriation bills, and there is no reason why those bills should not be disposed of in the six weeks allowed by the resolution. Practically there are only five appropria- tion bills still to be considered in the House. ‘They will not require more than a month's time, if that much, in the House, and the Senate ought to be able to finish up what will be left for it to do two weeks after the House is through. “The Senate committee on appropriations is practically ready to report the post office and Indian appropriation bills,which are the only bills now before it, and is well up with the House in this work. This being the case we should begin to look to adjourn- ment. I see no reason for remaining here merely for the purpose of Introducing and talking upon agitating resolutions, and am: persuaded that the country would, under the circumstances, be better satistied to have us at home than to have us here. ‘The Senator added that a large majority of the Senators ‘favored early adjournment, and that most of those with whom he had talked, thought it could be accomplished by the middle of May. ee STREET RAILROAD CONTEST. Capital Traction Gets an Order Re- straining the Metropolitan. The Capital Traction Company and the Metropolitan Railroad Company again came into conflict today, the result being that the first-named company secured an order from Judge Cox this afternoon re- straining the Metropolitan company from tearing up and removing the tracks of tha former on Florida avenue from 18th street to the east building line of Connecticut avenue. The Capital Traction Company claim that the Metropolitan Company is tearing their tracks up today in order to extend their ewn line, to their great injury, the com- plainants say. - ‘The petition was presented to Judge Cox, who granted a temporary restraining order, returnable Monday next. ——.—__. Slave Owners and Ex-Slave: Articles incorporating the United States ex-slave owners’ registration bureau were filed today. The incorporators are A. F. Pickert of Atlanta, Ga.; I. B. Harper, L. M. Marfield and Charles P. Rosignol. The object of the orgenization is to secure and keep a record of the names of the original slave owners and their heirs-at-law, and the names of all ex-slaves and their heirs- at-law. The capital stock of the organiza- tion is estimated at $0,000. THE STAR does not falsify its circulation by foisting two copies of the paper upon one person, whether it is wanted or not, and then calling that per- son two subscribers, in order to make a showing -with which to deceive advertisers. That shal- low trick is left to others, who need and are willing to resort to swindling devices to get busi- ness. The plain straight-for- ward truth is good enough for THE STAR. Its statements published every week show the absolute bona-fide circulation of each edition printed, and noth- ing else. That is something that no other paper in Washington has yet shown, or seems to be willing to show. CAUSED BY JEALOUSY Walter Poregory Killed Himself at Alex- andtin Lest Night He Wirst shet at His Sweetheart Lett a Letter to His Friends. Alexandria was, last night, thrown into a high state of excitement about 8:30 o’clock by an attempted murder, followed by a suicide. At that hour the people re- siding near the corner of Duke and Lee streets were startled by hearing two pistol shots in rapid succession, and another in about a half minute. Officer Ferguson, who lives close by, was upon the scene in @ few seconds, and found Walter Peregory @ead upon the sidewalk with a bullet hole in his brain. Peregory had first attempted to take the life of his sweetheart, Annie Haney, aged sixteen years, but only suc- ceeded in shooting her through the ear. Miss Haney was seen shortly after the shooting, and was greatly excited. She, however, made the following statement to The Star man: “I have known Walter Pere- gory for two or three years, and we hay constantly been together. He was of a mest jealous disposition. I bad an engage- ment with him last night at 7:30 o'clock, but he was late in keeping it, and I start- ed out for a walk, accompanied by the lit- tle daughter of Mr. Benjamin Posey. We locked in the windows at the different things, in order merely to pass away the time, and as we were on our way home and just as we-reached the corner of Duke and Lee streets Walter approached, and in a rough voice wanted to know where I had been and why I had broken my engage- ment with him. Before I could make any reply I saw him draw a pistol, but I did not think that he would vse it, so I attempted to make an excuse, but he raised the pistol and fired at me tw and I ran and fell. I do not know wnat hap- pened after that.” 3 Shot Himself. Peregory must have thought that he had succeeded In killing her, for he immediate- ly put the pistol to his right temple and Pulled the trigger, and he fell to the ground and died without a groan. Miss Haney was assisted to the hovse of Mr. Posey, where she had been staying, assisting Mrs. Posey, who is sick, and Dr. T. Marshall Jones summoned, and he found upon examination that she had only been slightly wounded in the ear. Officer Ferguson hastily noti- fied Coroner Wm. R. Purvis, who [m- mediately responded to the call, and he had Peregory’s body removed to Demain's un- dertaking establishment. A letter addres: ed to his friends was found in an insiie Pocket of his coat, which showed very plainly that he had intended to kill Miss Haney. He also stated in the letter that he intended to kill Benj. Posey, whom he was Jgalous of. The letter stated that the deed was to have been done Monday night but the opportunity never presented itsel Peregory was just twenty-two years of age, and was well known, having worked for some time at Brill’s Opera House res- taurant, In this city. About 8 o'clock he called at the Posey residence to fulfill his engagement, but Miss Haney had gone out. Officer Sherwood, who was patrolling that beat at the t'me, saw him when he came down the street and walked to the cor- rer of Duke, and there stood in the shadow of a house. The officer, thinking that something was wrong, passed by the cor- ner to see who it was, and had hardly gone a half square before he heard the pis- tol shots. Mr. Benj. Posey was seen by The Star man, and said: “I cannot see why Peregory should have been jealous of me. I never had anything to do with the girl. She has been staying at my house for some time, helping my wife, who Is sick.” An Inquest. An inquest was held this morning at De- maine’s undertaking establishment on King street at 11 o'clock. Only four witnesses testified, and their testimony was about the same as given above. The jury, after being out a few seconds, returned the fol- lowing verdi “We, the jury, find that Walter Peregory came to his death by a pistol shot wound in his head inflicted by his own hand while in_a jealous rage.” The following letter was found coat pocket, which explains itself: “To my friends:—I tell everybody that I went with Annie a long while until I learned to love her, and she told me she loved me better than any person on this earth. She told me at one time that if she ever saw me with another girl she would poiscn herself, and now she is mad with ine for nothing in the world and has dropped me altogether, and she has caused me to stop going with my best friends, and has caused me to make enemies with people I would not have done if it had not been for her. Now she has got to suffer for it, and if Ben Posey is around at the time he will have to suffer for stopping me Monday night. I intended to kill her that night and Ben Posey stopped me. But I intend to carry out my foolish idea. I am in trouble. My love has turned her back on me and I told her that if I could not have the pleas- ure of her company no other man living should, and I think everybody will think I am as good as my word; if I am not, it is not my fault. When I am dead and gone don’t say that I was crazy for I know what I am doing and I am going to do it. Good; good bye to every body from a broken hearted friend. “P.S —I know that I will be cursed many times after fam dead and gone, but I will do my work and do it good. Somelody will credit me, I know, for killing her, tor I have found out that she has been false to in his me. I am growing weak and can't write any mere. Heartbroken is the cause of the trouble. Good-bye, everybody. “P.S.—If she had not treated me the way she did I would not have killed her. T said { would do it. Am I right or wrong?” His tuneral will take place from the Bap- tist. Church tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock. ——— FOR A NEW TRIAL. Another Step in the Famous Electric Pole Cane. Lawyers Jere Wilson and J. K. Redington, counsel for the United States Electric Light Company in the pole case recently heard in the Police Court, filed a formal motion for a new trial in Judge Kimball's court late this afternoon. A copy of the motion, served on Prosecuting Attorney Mullowny, is as follows: “Now come the said defendants, Philip F. Bashford and Daniel Scanlon, and jointly and severally move the court for a new trial of said information 2nd for grounds thereof, show: 5 ‘4, The court errei in holding that the original pole at the corner of 15th street and Pennsylvania avenue was not, for the purposes of this trial and in law, the pole of the United States Electric Lighting Com- pany. “2. The court erred in holding that the second pole erected at the above mentioned point was, in law, a new pole of the United States Electric Lighting Company. “3. The court erred in holding that the attempted maintenance by the United States Electric Lighting Company of said original pole by replacing the same with a new pole, without a permit and after a per- mit had been refused, was unauthorized and unwarranted by law. “4. The court erred in holding, upon the established facts, that any permit to replace the old pole with a new one was required by Ta A : “5. The court erred in holding that there was any evidence whatever showing or tending to show that the accused, or either of them, erected or assisted In erecting the pole in question. - “G. The court erred in holding, upon the facts of the case, that the accused were liable upon the informaticn filed.” SS Mechanics’ Lien. To enforce a mechanic's lien of $1,257 on sublot 30, Sands’ subdivision of the Wid- ow’s Mite, Maurice F. Telty today filed a bill In equity against Lawrence Sands and others, The complainant is represented b; Attorney Wm. F. Mattingly. if Sale d@ Partition. Through Attorney Albert Sillers, John Daly today filed a bill in equity against George. Daly and others for the sale and partition of premises 408 P street t of lot 22, square 511), of the estate of the late Margaret Daly, DISTRICT:.AFFAIRS Commissioner’. Plan for a Higher Liquor Lictase Fee. - THEY PROPOSE MAKE A COMPROMISE s The Bill Regulatigg Weights and Measures tn the: District. OTHER LOGAL NOTES The Commissioners will recommend short- ly an increase in the fees charged for the sale of liquor. In a bill which Is now be- ing prepared, the license fee for a retail liquor license will be fixed at $600, while for & wholesale license $100 will be charged. This bill Is a cgmpromise for the one recently proposed by the excise board. It, however, placed the retail license fee at $300 and the wholesale fee at $400. They were convinced that such an increase would greatly kenefit: the city, and wipe cut a number of small saloons which were unnecessary, and confine the business to a reputable set of men. After looking into the subject carefully, however, the Com- missioners decided that the time had not come for such a large increase, and agreed upon the compromise, as stated above. Even this reduction from the figures of the excise board is not satisfactory to the liquor men, who declare they will fight such legislatign. They claim an increase of the license tax will create a number of speak-easies and bring the business into disrepute. Telephone War. Representatives of the Columbia Tele- phone Company appeared before the Com- missioners this afternoon to reply to cer- tain allegations made by the Home tele- phone representatives concerning them. ‘he Commissioners stated it was unne sary to hear them further. They had al- ready agreed to make an adverse report upon the amended bill of the Home Tele- phone Company. Excise Bourd. The excise board today acted upon the following applications for liquor I:censes: Retail approved—James Shea, 332 Penn- sylvania avenue northwest; Jno. A. Rup- pert, 709 O street northwest; Jas. D. O'Con- nor, 1217 £ street northwest; Wm. H. Brown, 216 %th street northwest; Edward V. Rice, 145 B street southeast; Laurence Hickey, 329 Pennsylvania avenue north- west; Wm. Ryan, 221 3d street southwest. Gravity Rond Pla The advocates of House bill 5166, which has for its object the granting of a charter to the Mount Pleasant and Zoo Gravity railroad, had a hearing before the Com- missioners this morning. The projectors of the bill were represented by Maj. A. D. Anderson, who argued that the road was a public necessity. Between 30,00) and 40,000 paople visited the Zoo every Sunday, and it was a third of a mile from Rock creek to the buildings. He showed a map of New York, and pointed out the number of railroads that went to Central Park. If the road were chartered, a handsome cafe would be built near the buildings, which would be a great public conventence. Such establishments were provided in all the large parks of the count A surface road to the Zoo was impossible, in view of the topography of the country. Mr. James W. Somerville of the Mount Pleasant Citizens’ Association said he wz in favor of the road, because he belie it was a good thing for that section. hills of the Zoo were dificult to climb, an: it was necessary that some means of transportation be provided. The railroad committee of his association had approved the bill. A map of the country was shown and the gravity scheme explained to the Commis- sloners. There was to be a fall of twenty feet at each end, and the cars were to be run by gravity. A gboi feature of the road was the fact that ‘thige would be no grade crossings. : Regulating Weights and Measures. The Ccmmissioners have amended the bill regulating weights and measures in the District of Columbia by adding a penalty clause. Today they sent the bill to Con- gress, together with a letter from the seal- er of weights and measures, concerning the nee ty of the legislation sought, for the following, reason "1. Because ‘If all measures purporting to hold the. same quantity were of equal shape, deceptions as to size woud be easi detected, and they could be tested by rule and measure, instead of the inconvenient sary, by pouring grain from to anothe! 2. Because it is now a common thing for a sharp dealer to have a long measure of small caliber, which allows the putting of one large potato on the bottom in ihe middle and building others upon it, and thus deceiving the purchaser; and, again, in all fruits and vegetables sold by meas- ure, a much smaller quantity will round up a small and then a larger one. 3. Because it is only just and fair that all deaiers should be on an equal footing, and that this fairness would be promoted by all using measures of ‘the same shape as well as the same size. ‘continuing, the letter says: "I beg leave to recommend that the wholesale weight of a bushel of potatoes be made sixty pounds, but the retail weight be made fifty-six pounds. This difference is fully equalized by the amount of dirt shoy- eled up when putting potatoes in sacks for wholesale delivery and the care taken when preparing them for saie by retail. Also, because by wholesale one down weight 1s given, but by retail eight or sixteen down weights are given. Also, because fifty-six pounds divides up into eighths and = teenths with less fractions than sixty pounds does; and because there are now in use in the District several hundred “po- tato scales’ that only weigh fourteen pounds, seven pounds and three and one- half pound “1 also recommend some legislation that will more certainly regulate the sale of berries in boxes or baskets. Imitation quart boxes are in common use purporting to holé a quart, but really holding one-third less than a quart. These are used by many persons, who excuse themselves by claim- ing they sell by the box and never guaran- teed the boxes held a quart.” A Refusa The Commissioners have refused to re- open the case of ex-Policeman Michael F. Colbert. who was fined for profanity some time ago in the Police Court and afterward dismissed from the force. . Adverse Action. Adverse action is recommended by the Commissioners upon House bill 6788, to ap- propriate $51,686, to be paid the Prospect Hill cemetery fog lands condemned. The Commissioners say the amount is excessive and the manner of payment is in violation of the organic act, Permit Geanted. A permit was grantéi by the Commis- sioners late yesterday afternoon to the Maryland and Washington Raflway Com- pany to lay its tracks on a temporary grade connecting the permanent grade at the Baltimore and Obio cressing with the pres- ent grade of the Eckington and Soldiers’ Home railroad, provided it first places on record a dedication of Rhode Island avenue between 4th street northeast and the Met- ropolitan branch of the Baltimore and Ohio. Do Not Approve. Adverse action was recommended by the Commissioners upon House bill 67416, to regulate the employment of labor on public buildings and grounds belonging to the Dis- trict. The first section of the bill, they say, is unnecessary, for the reason that the in- spector of buildings supervises the ition. of all buildings belonging to the District. The second section, they say, wolild change the organic act and increase the cost o; buildings at the next fiscal year at least per cent, : Against the Company. The Commissioners have reported ad- versely House bill 6060, to incorporate the National Capital Gaslight, Heat and Power Company. The Commissioners say they consider it unwise to authorize the tearing up of the street pavements for the purpose oF laying a second set of gas mains, in view of the congressional control of exist- ing companies with reference te quality and price, TRIBUTES OF RESPECT Friends and. Attootites of Major Webster © Weatity te His Worth. is ——__—_ A Mecting 6f Many Supporters of _ Civ Bervize Reform Heid This Aféernoon. At 2 o’clock this’ afternoon the civil serv- ice commissioners, the employes connected with the commission and many friends of clvil service reform. met in the main room of the civil service building to pay their respects to the memory of the late Major W. H. Webster, chief examiner under the commission. There were present from outside the civil service bureau. Representative Brosius, chairman of the House committee on civil service; W. J. Rhees of the Smithsonian Institution, George William Hill, A. C. True, F, L. Campbell, ana B. T. Galloway of the Agricultural Department, Dr. H. M. Smith of the fish commission, Dr. Francis J. Woodman of the pension office, W. T. Wallace, Charles C. Darwin of the geolog- ical survey, R. B. Hastie and Albert Baker of the government printing office, N. A. Strait, Louis Reinburg_ and D. 1. Murphy of the pension office, F. E. Storm of the office of commissioner of railroads, Lieut. Geo. W. Baird and Lieut. Gustav Kaem- merling of the Navy Department, W. B. Howell, private secretary to Assistant Ses- retary Curtis; A. G. Bliss of the office of commissioner of internal revenue, Thos. G. Steward of the patent office, and Major Von Haake. Adjoining the hall in the office so long occupied by Maj. Webster could be seen his desk and chair beautifully decorated with the national flag, palms, violets, lilies of the valley and roses. Commissioner Procter arrived from New York a few minutes before the time for the meeting to open, having only late yesterday learned of the death of his associate in the commission, Mr. Procter, chatrman of the commisston, presided. Remarks were made by Commis- sioners Procter, Rice and Harlow, by Rep- resentative Br , ex-Commissioner Chas. Lyman, John T. Doyle, secretary of the commission; Mr. E. D, Baliey, Maj. Web- ster’s assistant examiner, and by Messrs. F. E. Kiggins, Geo. B. Hoyt and M. F. Halloran. Commissioner Rice, in his remarks, said of Maj. Webster: “He was a faithful church- man, a brave soldier; strong in all his be- liefs; firm in his friendships; painstaking in his work, seeking always to be just in his judgments. He was trusted and was worthy of trust in every relation of lifé * “Personally,” said Commissioner Harlow, “the ties that bound me to him were mani- fold. He was my brother, my comrade, my companion, and a fellow worker and ad- viser in the cause of civil service efficiency. This friend of ours who has gone before us was a manly, brainy, conservative man and a safe adviser. This commission has lost by his death its right arm.” Representative Brosius and exCommis- sicner Lyman spoke of their association with Major Webster in official duties, and testified to his thoroughness, judicial fair- ness and conservative good sense. Mr. Dcyle called attention to the fact that Major Webster had been connected with the commission practically from the start in 1883 as a member of its advisory board. His death, he said, was the first that had made a gap in the civil service bureau. The following resolutions were adopted: Whereas, Major William H. Webster, the chief examiner of the United States ‘civil service ccmmission, has been suddenly re- mcved from us by death, therefore, Resolved, That we, the employes of the commission, who have been associated with Major Webster in office duties, hereby ex- press our deep sense of personal lors. We recognized in him a public official of ab- solute integrity, of a kind and generous nature, and one whe was just and fair in his administration, especially in dealing with his subordinates. We have had abundant reasen to admire his upright Christian character, and we sincerely mourn his death. To his sorrowing wife and daughter we offer assurances of our deepest sympathy in their great bereave- ment. — EAST AND WEST. Mr. Chung of the Chinese Legation Takes a Masonic Degree. Mr. Chung, interpreter to the Chinese le- gation, and Mr. William Martin of this city received the third degree of Masonry in Federal Lodge No. 1 last night at Ma- sonic Temple. The lodge room was crowd- ed with distinguished men and with visit- ors from far and near; and, at fitting op- portunities, speeches were made by Mr. B. H. Warner, Rey. Dr. Ennis, Representa- tives Linton, Cobb and Harrison and Sena- tor Shoup, the grand master of the state of Idaho. The utmost cordiality prevailed, and the orators were generously applauded. Mr. Frank I. Anderson of Alexandria was then requested to respond in behalf of our sister city, and for about ten minutes held tne attention of the audience. Mr. War- ner spoke in behalf of Washington. gees STREET ENTE) ON. he Appeal of the District Argued Today by Counsel. ‘The hearing of the appeal of Mr. Zlver- ton R. Chapman, recently convicted of re- fusing to answe~ certain questions asked him by the Senate sugar trust investigating commiitee, was concluded in the Court of Appeals this afternoon, Mr. Jere M. Wilson of counsel for Mr. Chapman concluding the arguments. The court, of course, reserve ils decision, but a decision is expected some time next month. Upon the conclusicn of the Chapman case the court at once took up the appeal of the District from the decision of Judge Cox in the matter of the constitutionality of the highway act. Judge Cox declared the act to be unconstitutional, whereupon the District noted an appeal. Today Mr. Samuel Maddox argued the case on behalf of the District, Mr. W. L. Cole replying on behalf of ‘he land owners. The case will be concluded tomorrow. The questions at issue have already been reported in The Star, being those discussed before Judge Cox. ——__ Change in the School Board, The :dieirict 39 amissioners have accept- ed the resignation of Mr. J. J. Darlington as a > ember cf the hoard of school trus- tees, and appointed Mr. Job Barnard to fill the vacancy. Mr. Darlington had served as school trustee for ten years. He resigned because he was unable, he sald, to-give to the public schools the atten- tion their interests require. In accepting the resignation the Commissioners wrote: “In accepting your resignation, they take occasion to state that, within the period of your public service, of nearly ten years, in that most honorable and _ responsible work, the District public school system has grown and developed to a remarkable de- gree, and has been strengthened in the con- fidence of the people and of Congress. No slight part of this result has been due to ycur efforts, rendered oftentimes at a sac- rifice of your personal and private inter- ests, “Your advocacy of a complete civil serv- ice system in the schools; your selection and retention of school teachers upon a basis of merit, and your efforts to discour- age appointments suggested by reiation- ship or favoritism, have won for you the 'Fespect and confidence of this entire com- munity. We assure you that you will car- ry with you in your retirement from this ‘| position the good will and the highest re- spect of all who are connected with the District government.” —— The Frost Child. Robert M. Frost, who alleges that he is the father of the child, today filed a peti- tion for a writ of habeas corgus for the possession of Goldie Marie Frost. The ther of the little girl is Margaret A. Col- ins, who was recently acquitted of the charge of bigamy, it being alleged that she ied Frost while the wife of one Mc- The wo denied having been married to either of them, and also swore during the trial that Frost is not the father of the child, not stating, however, who is. Fiost declares that he is the father of the child, and having secured a legal separa- tion from the woman recently, claims that he is entitled to the custody and control of the little one. He claims that she is now held by the Hope and sielp. Mission, who claim the custody of her through an al- leged contract with the mother, i THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, MAROH 25, 1896-TWELVE PAGES. THE LAWS OF THE DISTRICT Gee, Grosvenor Calls Attention te Some of Their Poculiaritics. He 'Thidks @ Me@el Code of Proced- tare ft Ome of the Desirable “Whings t Have Here. General Grosvenor of Ohio, in discussing the capital punishment bill last Monday in the House, made some remarks upon Dis- trict affairs. “But, Mr. Chairman,” said Gen. Gros- venor, “while on my feet I wish to com- mend the judiciary committee, which upon all these questions is the great com- mittee of the House, the able committee of the House, to an investigation of a sin- gle condition to which I wish to paint their attention. The gentleman refers me to the fact that this is a murder statute, dating back to 1700. The committee will find many other conditions in the District of Colum- bla that date back, apparently, to a period during the dark ages, and yet they stand here as provisions of the statutes. not of the District of Columbia, but the statutes which operate upon the people of the Dis- trict of Columbia. I had occasion to refer te it in a few remarks some weeks ago at the board of trade banquet in ¢! clty. “I found myself here on one occasion trying a case before a court-martial, and a witness was called on the stand who was asked a preliminary question on the part of counsel opposed to the suspected testi- mony of the witness. The counsel said he wanted to ask him a question or two and asked him if he believed in God. Well, the fellow gave some sort of equivocating an- swer; I do not now remember exactly what it was. He was then asked if he believed in a future state of rewards and punishments, and I found him to entertain a considerable doubt about his answer to the question; but to my utter amazement they produced a statute, which I learned to my entire satis- faction was then and is now in force in the District of Columbia, a statute that forbade him to testify, and he was ruled off the witness stand. Now, there is a question I should like very much to have the judiciary committee consider in connection with the government of the District of Columbia, and as soon as the committee on, the judiciary has the time to formulate and introduce an act in reference to criminal proceedings in the District of Columbia, I hope that it will take into consideration this entire question. “And while we are build'ng magnificent monuments and works of art to commem- orate the heroism and patriotism of our people, while we are building splendid buildings to demonstrate the growth in architecture of our country, while we are trying to construct libraries to be the honor and wonder of the world, not only, I trust,.the Congressional Library, but some day a public library that the people of the United States will have some interest in di- rectly in the form of taxation—while we are doing all this, and setting an example to all the world, as well as to our own peo- ple; while we are offering to ail the world a splendid city, full of educational institu- tions and educational advantages, and all of that, I think the time has come when we should have a model code of procedure to settle the rights of man in this District, and move away from the ancient land- marks which have been forgotten in the states, and go forward to the construction of a model code, a model system of couris, a model system of the vindication of the rights of persons and property in this ter- ritory, which wealone can legislate for.” +e +_____ MR. REED AS A CANDIDATE. Mr. Manley’ Analy: of the Present Situation. Mr. Joseph Manley, national committee- man from Maine, has written a letter to Gov. Gleaves of Maine, giving his views of the contest, thus far, for the republican presidential nomination. He sa: Includ- irg elections held today (March 24) there have been 375 delegates elected to the na- tional republican convention. There are thirty-six contesied cases, which are not given to any candidate, because it is un- fair to assume how these cases will be de- cided, elther by the national committee or the convention. Of the 375 Jelegates elect- ed, 154 are for McKinley, provided you concede to him the twenty-six from Indi- ana and the eighteen from Minnesota. Sixty-four delegates have been elected for Goy. Morton; nineteen delegates have been elected for Senaior Quay; ten delegates have been elected for Senator Cullom; for- ty-four delegates have been elected for Sen- ator Allison, and forty-eight delegates have been elected for Mr. Reed. Mr. Reed from row until the convention will steadily increase. MARYLAND DEMOCRATS INDIGNANT. Action of the House Regarding the Anne Arundel County Election. Special Dispatch to The Eveving Star. ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 25.—Bhe action of the republican majority in the house in ordering a second election in Anne Arundel county for clerk of the circuit court and two judges of the orphans’ court has aroused the democrats, who believe that their candidates had been fairly elected. and are consequently indignant at the order. A democratic mass meeting to ratify the nominations will be held next Tuesday and will be addressed by the follow! . dent W. Cabell Bruce, Chairman Hattersly W. Talbott of the democratic state central committee, Senator Crothers of Cecil and Senator Herring of Carroll. The election will be held on April 21. The candidates at the last election were: For clerk of the circuit court, Dr. George Wells, democrat, and Dr. Washington G. Tuck, republican; for judges, Messrs. Duvall and Cheston, democrats, and Mame and Arnold, republicans, all of whom are ex- pected to be renominated. A new election for judges of the orphans’ court in Calvert county has also been or- dered for April 21. The deadlock over the election of police commissioners for Baltimore to succeed Messrs. John C. Legg and John Gill, jr., the present democratic incumbents, was broken today and Daniel C. Heddinger and W. W. Johnson, the republican caucus nominees, were elected in joint convention. The house committee on elections having decided not to unseat the democratic dele- gates from Worcester, the democratic ma- jority in the senate agreed to sanction the election of police commissioners. Messrs. Legg and Gill received the com- plinentary vote of the democrats. For the short term Mr. Heddinger received 77 votes against 28 for Mr. Legg, and for the long term Mr. Johnson 77 as against 28 for Mr. Gill. SS ACQUITTED OF HERESY, Result of the Trial of Rev. W. Brown. MADISON, Conn., y W. H. Brown has been acquitted of the charge of heresy by the Consociation of Congregational Churches cf the district of New Haven, before which he was put on trial yesterday. os Grain and Cotton Markets. Furnished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., 1421 F street, member New York stock exchange, correspondents Messrs. Ladenburg, Thai- mann & Co., New York. GRAD 4 OS 624 Se oy * up 20) Fidel 2% ioe ioe toy toe Meo’ “tia “hy “ERP? 8 uf iy ith ¥ 0. 5.; ba 4.75 470 4.72 bs 45 489 4.55 “a a yellow corn, Oats No. 2 white '; No. 2 mis Sek te ty Sake et io. 3 stock, 58 85, bid. Grain ‘freights quict and | unchanged. Sugar, butter and and checes firm, unchanged, “Wibisky, uachangel FINANCE AND TRADE Fractional Advanees in ANl Parts of the List, : KEEPING AN EYE ON WASHINGTON Gossip of the Speculators in Suge:. GENERAL MAREET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star, NEW YORK, March 25,—A moderate vol- ume of foreign buying and an increase of $115,900 in St. Paul's carnings for the third ‘week this month resulted in fractional ad- vances in all parts of the active list this morning. Some covering of yesterday's sales in suger also had a beneficial in- fluence on values. The rally failed to at- tract any new business, however, and traders were soon persuaded into a selling movement, during the progress of which all the early gains were extinguished. A more accurate estimate of legislative probabilities, particularly those affecting our diplomatic relations, inspired a con- servative buying demand later in the day, and the general tone of the market im- proved somewhat. The attitude of the ad- ministration on the Cuban quesiion is gen- erally regarded being of such a char- acter as to remove all apprehension, even should a presidential message on the sub- ject be submitted later on. While yesterday's Sugar sales were in progress the street, very naturally, inter- preted the movement as being the result of @ predicted, undesirable legislative move, but the prospects of foreign intervention in the raw svgar inarket were equally import- ant factors. The question of encouraging an increased export trade through the me- dium of vounties and their equivalents is being agitated in several foreign countries, and if decided in the affirmative would surely force a sharp reduction in the price of the refined product. Tae result vf competition of this char- acter would be seriously felt by the Amer- ican company, but not for long, as the well known resources of this corporation en- able it to make the most of every trade condition no matter how adverse surface conditions may be. Some sales for inside account have been in progress around the recent high level and lower prices may be encouraged in order to increase present holdings, but ultimate results are not iike- ly to be disappointing. American Tobacco was again significantly steady, and the unconfirmed rumors of @ resumption of dividends were freely cir- culated in explanation of the stock's uc- tion. An impo-tant movement in this prop- erty is reasonably certain in the very near future. : The declaration of a 1 per cent quarterly dividend by the Postal Telegraph Com- pany, being the first disbursement to the Stockho!ders of this corporation, was one of the most important of the day's an- nouncerrents. Heretofore surplus earnings have been devoted to the extension of the company’s scrvice and to internal development. To- day’s announcement indicates confidence on the part of the management to successfully ccmpete with rival lines, maintain its pres- ent standard of proficiency and to reward stockholders to the extent of 4 per cent a year. The buying of the Granger shares was a trifle more substantial in character, com- mission houses of the better class buying conservatively on the belief that an in- creased corn tonnage is likely to be re- ported during the balance of the season. The gold plank in the state platform was construed into an optimistic argument, be- lief in the final adoption of such a plank by all the eastern states being considered likely. —_—_—_ 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. 80 Broacway. Ope. High. Los American Sugar.. American Sugar, Pfd. American Tobacco, American Cotton 0} hicago, B. & Q . Chic. & Northwestern, ‘Chicago Gas, Cie. C.M.& St. Paul, C. M. & St. Paul, Ptd Chic., K. 1 & Pacific. Del., Tack. & Delaware & Hu e Den. & K. Grande, Pf Dis. & Cattle Feeding. General Electric, Illinois Central Lake Shore. Long Island ‘Traction. Metropolitan Traction... Manhattan Elevated. Michigan Central. Missouri Paci National Lead Go..222°> National Lead Co., Pid: U. 8. Leather, Ptd. ud New Jersey Central...@ 105 New York Central ‘Ont. & Western. Pacitic Mail. Phila. & Reading: Pullman Pal. Car Go. Southern Railway, Pfd.. Phila. Traction. ‘Texas Paciti ‘Tenn. Coal & Union ay ing & ie... Wheeling & L. Erie, Pid Western Union Tel..... Balto. & Ohio. Silver. Washington Stock Exchange. Sales regular eall—12 o'clock m.—Wasuingtom Gas, 10 at 42, Govermnent Bonds. U.S. 4s, registered, 108 bid, Mg asked. U.S. ds, coupon,” 110 Wid, 111 aske v 45, 1925, 116% bid, MT asked. 1904, 113 bid, 113% asked ds. —20 District of Coluubia I Did. 30-year fund 6s, gold, 108 bid. 7s, 1901, currency, 110 bid! Water st (urrency, 112 bid, "3.658," funding, “curr Miscellaneous Bonds.—Metropolitan Ratiroad Ss, 107 bid, 109 asked. “Metropolitan Railroad conv. Ge, 120 bid, 125 asked. Erkington Railroad 6s, 96 bid, 101 asked. ( bia Ratiroad 6a, 116% bid. Washington ¢ pany 6s, series A, Mit bid. Washington Gas ¢ pany 6s, serics B, 110) bid, 115 asked. Wasl! ton Gas’ Company conv. 6s, 120 bid, 125 asked. U. Belt Railroad Gs, 86 asked: uma S. Electric iAght conv. 5s, 118 bid. “Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Gs, #9 bid, 102 asked. Atmeri- ean Security and Trust 5s, F. and A.. 100 bid, 105 asked. “American Security and Trust 3s, A. and ©., 100 bid, 105 asked. Washington Market ( Pay Ist Gs, 108 bid. Washington Market Cow- pany imp. G, 108 bid. Washington Market Com- ext. Gs, 108 bid. Masonic Hall Assoctation piOS bid.” Washington Light Infantry Ist 6s, 99 National Bank Stocks.—Bank of Washington, 280 Wid. “Bank of the Republi, 240 bid. 200 bid, 310 asked. Central, 2 and Mechanics’, 180 bid, 190’ asked. bid, 138 asked. Citizens’, 133 bid. Capital, 117 bid. West End , 97 bid, 100 asked. Lincoli asked. Odto, 85 bid. Safe Deposit and Trust Companies. tional Safe Deposit and Trust, 118 bid, 125 asked. “‘ashington pean and “Trust, 410) yg. 422 asked, American arity and Trust, 1 , 150 asked. Washing- ton Safe Deposit, 50 bid. Railroad Stocks.—Capital Traction Co., 67 bid, 71 asked. Metropolitan, 112 bid, 114 neked. Co- lumbla, 65 bid. Belt,” 30 asked. Beklugton, 15 Gas and Electric Light Stocks.—Washington G 41% bid, 424 asked. “Georgetown Gas, 43 bid, asked. Insurance Stocks.—Fihemen's, 30 bid, 40 asked. Sead 38 bid, 4 oan re politan, hd «9 0 asked. Corpora Potomac, ington, 130 bids 468 asked ington, 140 | German-American, 105 Mid.” Nations! Unions ll bid 1S asked Gy: 18M asked, Rigas, 7p Md. 8 Bi bid, 5% asked. Lincoln, ‘Commercial, 41% bid, 5% asked. Insurance Stocks.—Heal Bstate Title, 105 Md, 110 asked. Columbia Title, 3% Wid, 6% asked. District Telephone storks, wania, 88 bid. 50 asked. and Potomac, bid, 53 asked. Amer- rae ee emp tia, bias ayer Sect Ng Te ay asked. Washington ‘Market, 13 bid. Sita a 80 bid, 130 auk div, Re a