Evening Star Newspaper, March 26, 1896, Page 1

~ THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, noi lvania Avenue, Cor. ith Street, by svening Star Ni Company, 5. H KAUFFMANN, Prost Kew York Office. 49 Potter Building. . ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers tm the eity by carters, on their own account, at 10 cents ber week, or 44 cents per mouth. Coples at the ecenter 2 cents each. By mail—onywhere in the Uuited States cr Canada—postage prepaid—50 cents F month. turday Quinteple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign yostaze added, $3.00. (Entered at the Post Ottice at Washington, D. © 88 sorend-ciass mail matter.) EFAll mail subscriptions must be paid to advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. No. 13,436. WASHINGTON, D. ©. THURSDAY, -IS HE A CANDIDATE? A Friend of President Cleveland SAYS HE IS TIRED O7 OFFICIAL LIFE Party Leaders Think He Ought to Speak Out. §0. tE WOULD FOLLOW —_- HiM A leading member of the democratic side ef the Heuse, who has al‘Vhys been in ac- cord with the administration, and wao is ~ gimitted to the pr ce of the Fresident for # confidentic! chat whe he sees fit, asked by a Star reporter if he thought Mr. Cleveland would be a candidate for the + nomination. na’t the least idea that he will,” the geatlemen said; “in fact, I do not be- tieve that ue would allow ais name to be used under any cumstances. In all the Speeches I have made on the financial ques- tion recently I bave referred to Mr.Cleveland practically as a man of the past, with a y that would adorn the pages of any next day after this conversation the an called cn the President and had u chat with him on the ‘al situation. Wra S them is not known. gentler the member, and on the President's dacy had undergone any id that they had not, and he tuation could arise Mr. Cleveland to ac- net believe any Which would imduc cept a nomination. Tired cf Official Life. From other seurces the siatement is made that the P: ert is tired of official life end that hereafter he wants to spend his ‘ime mingling with his fellow citizens with the freedom of a an. He does not Want te ve cocped up in an office. which is s solitary as a dungeon. “l that since the fll feeling arose si'ver men and the adminis- ident has been bothered iy few a . The soli- ome irksome to him. Many of n who formerly enlivened things by siting the chief executive have held aloof Fim They do not even go to the House with tors. Except when of the cabinet or personal friends m the President spends the mself. Of course, on the ¢ set aside for public receptions he sees something of the people even then he knows that in most « mere cu compara hours by h it which promyts the majority to pay osit ist be a strange fe "a member ca that comes « the President when he realizes that at least half of his own 2 think so bitteriy of him that they euld not darken his home or speak to him either on private er public business. re 4 man who ought to command gool will and love of a nation, irre- f r. Instead of that he has of one party, office through , it is said that the jore keenly than can Say Something. argue that the President of the newspaper talk that he may andidate for President, and that his lence is an indi nm that he would averse to more political honor. If had no intention of being a candidate, ¥, he should have written or allowed ing to be given to the press on the rrison promptly and yet the lresident maintains a profound as the silence of a it was his desire to retire and al- ‘ne other democrat a show, he could have intimated this long ago. He had time, they say, to thoroughly study situation and to make up his mind. Prefer Him After AN. Notwithstanding the feeling the silver men have for the President, they say that are outvoted at Chicago, and have n in the party under a gold stand- they had rather follow Mr. ‘s lead than any other man. They <t of him and While he went . they say, he could not n, as they know him better than advanced jatform they could do more with Mr. He com- an any other man. ect of the mo: nd they w ign fund. He could sth and assistance, publicans strad- jon and put up a man wh 2 would be doubdiful, or ainst’ wh re would be any suspi- mn of sympathy with the cause of silver. = ea THE PRESIDENT’S ORDER. Indorsement on the Record of Dr. : Kershner’s Case. 1 order In the case of Medical ward Kershner, United States wos issued by the Navy Department . It gives all the details of his trial and ction by court-martial and his dis- 1 from the naval service. Up to this the President's indorsement on the All the other features of the proceedings in this case lave been published in The Star. The order dismissing the officer from the avy was based on the following orders of ine President: “The ‘sentence in the foregoing case of Medical Inspector Edward Kershner, United St navy, is hereby confirmed and ap- nave examined all the proceedings in this case and everything bearing upon it with (he utmost care ard would have been lad to find a justification for a mitigation of the sentence imposed. I have not been ehle, howev: to escape the conviction that Inspector Kershner, with an un- ntent and in an insubordinate spirit, Violated a Important and salutary regula- tion of the Navy Department. I am also fally convinced that to ccrceeal his fault he delibe and under oath gave evidence before a court of inquiry which, if it did vot technically constitute perjury, amounted to a plain ane intentional suggestion of falsehood and a willfull suppression $f the time case had been suppre se offe1ses of which the accused has teen found guilty involve so much that fs perileus to the high sense of honor that should characterize the personnel of our avy, and so much that Is dangerous to proper discipline In that branch of our service, that it seems to me a proper regard for public duty precludes my interference with the sentence which the court-martial tas Imposed.” - =) Thirty Years’ Service. It will be thirty years tomorrow since Mr. William E. Spencer, the journal clerk of the United States Senate, was first ap- s ointed to position in the Senate secretary's officel He was appointed March 27, 1566, upon*the recommendation of the late Sen- ztor Timothy O. Howe of Wisconsin. Mr. ,{ pencer. is now recognized as the most re- *Wegble authority on Senate -rules and on eeneral parliamentary law and usage. GEN. CASEY’S SUCCESSOR A Joint Resolution Appointing His Assist- ant, Mr, Bernard B. Green. It Fasses the Senate After a Con- siderable Debate—Both Men Eulogised. The Senate this afternoon passed a joint resolution. made necessary by the death of Gen. Casey yesterday, placing the con- struction of the new Congressional Library building under the charge and supervision of Mr. Bernard R. Green, who has for years been Gea.Casey’s chief assistant in all pullic works of this character. By this resolution Mr. Green is to complete the building with the full powers that were vested In Gen. Casey, the disbursement of moneys on account of contracts and other services to be made by the officials of the Treasury Department, under such regula- tions as the Secretary of the Treasury ™may prescribe. Mr. Green ts to receive a salary of $5,000 a year for this service. The resolution was introduced by Sena- tor Morrill almost immediately after the Senat2 convened at noon. Mr. Morrili stated that the resolution came unanimous- ly from the select committee to provide additional accommodations for the library, of which Senator Voorhees is now chaft- man. He then briefly eulogized the mem- ery of Gen. Casey, as a man whose servi to the government were valuable beyond estimate, and whose worth and integrity were unexcelled. He spoke highly of the qualities of Mr. Green, and described the necessity that e: ists for speed in providing for the sele: tion of a successor to Gen. Casey, who designated by Congress to su ise the construction of the building, whose successor must, therefore, be named in the same way. = Senator Hale added his tribute to that ut- tered by Mr. Moreill. He spoke with feel- ing of the affection and confidence felt members of the Senate for Gen. C. went on to urge that the joint reso tution be passed without delay as an ast of pre- caution, as well ef simple just n, io Mr. Whose familiarity with the work questioned. He was followed by ilas, who spoke highly of noth Gen. sey and Mr. Green. Senator Wolcott,while confessing to an ut- ter ignorance of the detuiis of the mat- ter, said that he had perfect faith in the venerable Senator from V erment, through whose personal efforts the cone ption and final cov ruction of the library building were larg ne. He declared that if Sen- ator Morrill, who knew the library project from top to bottom, considered that this action was nec ¥y. safe and just, he would be willing to vote without further question for it, and he went on to deck: that this great building when finally ished will be not only the mest beautifal and serviceable lib: y structure in the world, but will be a monument to the sa- gacity and forethought of Senator Morrill Afi some further debate and a livel colloquy between Senators Hill and Chand- ler, the former withdrew an objection he had made and the joint resolution was Passed without a division. It now goes to the House of Representatives for action, and an effort will be made to secure this speedily. Should the House act jointly with | the Senate the resolution will te presented | to the President for his signature. ! Mr. Green is generally regarded as the rightful suces to Gei Ca: in the work of supervising the construction of the Congressional Library building. In all the i ing work done here by Gen. Casey on the Washington monument, the State, War and Navy Department and the Con- sressional Library building the general al- ways availed himself to the fuil of Mr. Green‘s skill, and a more faithful assistant could not e: be found. A civil engineer of high rank, Mr. Green is eredited with being the possessor of all the qualities and qualifications that should exist in the man tpon whose shoulders great responsibilities are placed. —$___«. THE ASSESSMENT BILL. Pressure on Governor Lowndes to Veto the Measure. tch to The Evening Star. APOLIS, Md., March 26—A number cf capitalists and representatives of the moneyed interests of Baltimore appeared before the governor this morning to protest against his signing the assessment bill. Every possible influence is being brought to bear upon the executive to induce him to veto the bill, but his political advisers declare that they will see that he signs it. Senator Randall of Arne Arundel, at the request of Governor Lowndes, and by the corsent of the senate, today Introduced a bill relating to Lhe appointment of asses- sors. The bill was drifted to avoid a pos- sible defect in the sment bill, passed by the house and senate, and provides that when the two party commiitces in the sev- eral ecunties and in Baltimore fail to make recommendations for assessors, the gov- erpor shall have the right of making the appointmerts Otherwise no assessors could be appointed when no recommenda- tions were made. ‘The rules were sus- pended to allow the bill to come up on its ‘1 reading, and from thence to its final passage. The bill provides that the goveraor, in making the appointments, shall see that the bi-partisan character of the board of assessors, as designed by the fters of the assessment bill, is pre- served. Gen. Joseph B. Seth is here today, looking after the interests of the bill to extend the powers of the Washington, Chesapeake and Annapclis raiiroad. ‘The bill is now on the third reading file of the senate, but Gen. Seth s he expects to see it passed by the assembly by Saturday or Monday. A notable feature of this session is the enormous number of corporation _ bills which have been introduced from time to time. These bills are now in various stages of progress, and as a consequence a number of corporation attorneys are about the state house trying to expedite the passage of the measures in which they are inter- ested. ————— CAPITAL AND LABOR. A Bill for a Non-Partisan Commission Recommended. Senator Perkins, from the committee on education and labor today presented a favor- able report on the bill authorizing the ap- pointment of a non-partisan commission on lator, agriculture and capital. The com- mittee amended the so as to provide that the commission shall consist of five members in the interest of labor, to be designated one from each of five labor or- ganizations; five In the interest of agri- culture, three of whom shall be designated by the farmers’ alliance, and two by the national grange, and of five in the interest of capital, to be selected from among man ufacturers, and those representing other business pursuits. In returning the bill Sen- ator Perkins made a long report, urging its passage. He says: “The problems present- ed in the various fields of labor and in the different departments of business have be- come ard are becoming more complicated through the progress which marks this industrial age. The relations of laborers to each other on the one hand ard to capi- tal on the other are now s0 varied and dif- fer so greatly in widely separated® sections of our country that it has become neces- sary to establish some central bureau or commission which shall be able to view comprehensively the entire field and ascer- tain the true relation to each other of the facts presented. In no other way can the many interests of half a continent be. brought into harmony; in ne other way can that feeling of good will of. to- ward each other be aroused which is es- sential to the happiness, prosperity and progress of the nation.” NEW MOTIVE POWER Bill to Give the Anacostia Railway an Opportunity. TT PROVIDES FOR RAPID TRANSIT Permission to Lease or Purchase Connecting Lines. — -+——_—_ OTNER DISTRICT MATTERS The people of Anacostia, so long suffer- ing from the lack of mcdern street railway facilities, are now in a fair way to be over- supplied with rapid transit. Senator Mc- Millan today, by request of President Gris- wold 0} the present Anacostia Railway Company, introduced a bill which requires that cc mpuny to Introduce rapid transit metha on its Ines within five years at the most. This bill has an interesting re- lation to the entire street railway system of the city, as well as to the strictly local conditions across the river Briefly, the Measure proposed by President Griswold grants to his company the right to equip his main city line with “a mo‘lern system e power,” without special desig- nation or restriction, within two years, but project should fail, the underground electric system shall be substituted on this line within three years additional. Thus fod of five years is granted, two for nis with motors and other rapid thods, and three years for the installation of the underground electric system should all other plans fail. But by far the most important feature of the bill is the sixth section, which gives the Anacostia company the right to buy cr lease any connecting line, thereby in- cluding the Capital Traction, the Metro- politan railway, the Belt Line and Eck- ingten companies, leaving but one, the Co- lumbia, exempt from this possibility. The bill is here given in full: Full Text of the BIN. “The Anacostia and Potomac River Rail- road Company ia here authorized, em- powered aad required to substitute for the propulsion of its cars by horse power upon its trunk or main line, beginning at or near the Washington end or abutment cf the Navy Yard bridge, in, upon or along llth street east to G street south; alonz treet to 4th street east; along dtn street to E street south; along E street to Canal street West; along Canal street to B strect south; along B street to 3d street w along 3d street to Missouri avenu Missouri avenue to Gth street wes Gth street to B street north; along B stre to th street west; along 9th street to street north; along G street to 11th street west; along 11th street to E street north; along E street to Sth street west, and re- turning by the same route to the point mentioned at the vy Yard bridge, a modern system of motive power for such propulsion upon and along said route, with- in a period of two years from the approval of this act. “Failing to do which insucha manner as will meet the public needs within the time specifiel, the said cempany is authori empowered and required to substitute underground electric system for the pulsion of its cars along the route ticred, within a period of not later three years from the approval of tr and for the purpose cf the substitution herein mentioned, the said company is au- thorized to construct, build and maintain all necessary and useful conduits, subway! fixtures, appurtenances and appliances the complete and successful operation « maintenance of its road and cars. Provid- ed, that wherever the construction along the route herein mentioned coincides, con- nects or unites with the route of any 9ih duly incorporated stre railway eompan: in the District of Columbia tracks shall be used that whenever, in the cons ction of underground systein of electrical mn, the method cr manner of such tem is applicable to or compatible with that of any other coinciding or connecting rout contact may be made wiih and all prop fixtures and appliances constructed for th conducting of elecirical current or tran: mission of power to and with other company’s system upon terms and compen- sation to be mutually agreed upon by the companies in interest. And in case of fai ure to reach stich mutual agreement the matters in dispute shail be determined by the Supreme Court of the District of Co- lumbia upon petition filed by either party. May Be Extensions. an pro- men- Provided, furth: an propul- | | “Section 2. The said company is further authorized, empowered and required to substitute upon its other lines or branches in the city of Washington, from time to time, as the public needs may require. a Uke method and in the manner hereinbefore Gescribed, for the propulsion of its upon safd lines or branches in the ci Washington. “Section 3. Upon or after the completion upon its trunk or main line the substitu. ten abcve mentioned, the said company is her authorized to simijarly construct, equip, operate and mamtain an extension of its route from its tracxs at ‘ne intel of 1th street east with G street south, along said Lith street to Roundary stre er Florida avenue, wheneve the grades of said 11th street shall have been per- manently established an the street im- proved. “Section 4. ‘The said company is fur- ther authorized to construct, equlp, oper- ate and thaintain an e ion of its route from its present terminus at iwth and © streets southeast, xlon~ the line of E street extended to th. jet line in Mary- land, and t2 con ta its rouce and terminus along the Good Uop2 road at the District line. “Section 5. Upon the adoption of any ap- proved modern system of transit, the said company shall immediately proceed to con- struct, equip and operate that portion of its route from the Washington end of the Navy Yard bridge along Nichols avenue, past the Government Hospital for the Insane, to Congress Heights, and to a point near to or opposite the Gicsboro’ publfe school bu!ta- ing; also from its tracks on Monroe street, at the corner of Harrison street, along said Harrison street and the Good Hope road to a point near to or opposite Overlook Inn. May Lease or Purchase Other Lines. “Section 6. The said company is here- by further authorized and empowcred, upon terms that may be mutually agreed upon, to purchase or lease, operate, con- tro! and maintain any street car line in the District of Columbia. with which it ccrnects, crosses over or unites, and to place all tracks, curves, switches and the connections necessary for the objects scught, and for the purposes mentioned in this section the said company is authorized to change its name and to increase its capi- tal stock to such an amount as may be necessary, not to exceed the heretobefore tctal actual ccst of construction and equip- ment and the reinstatement of motive power on such line or lines, provided that in such purchase or lease of any line or lines whose motive power is that of horses the terms of purchase shall be conditional upon the substitution of a motive power for the propulsion of the cars thereon as provided in this act. Also: provided, that in the exercise of the authority. granted by this act the company herein mentioned shall possess the general -powers and be Subject to the limitations and restrictions of all acts heretofore granted relative there- to. “Section 17. Congress may at any time amend, alter or repeal this act.” The bill contains no provision for the construction of a bridge across the East- but one set of | 1 ern branch for the use of the branch out E street extended. It dots not Hmit the metive power to be experimented with dur- ing the first two years sO as to exclude the overhead trolley from the-city. But the general law expressly prohibits this erd the chances are greatly against the intrusion of the trolley in this manner. THe bill was introduced at the urgent request of Mr. Griswold, who has recently been a daily visitor at the office of the Senate District committee. It was re- ferred to the District committee and will be considered as soon as the Commission- ers have had a chance to make a report uren it. Columbia Subway Company. Mr. Rusk, by request, has introduced in the House a bill to incorporate the Co- lumbia Subway Company. The bill pro- vides that T. Bartor. Jones, G. C. Schuer- mann and John Henry Keen of Baitimore and A. W. Fletcher, H. C. Lybrand, H. J. Finley and Charles Eisenstein of Wash- ington, District of Columbia, be created a body corpcrate, under the name of the Columbia Subway Company of Washing- ten, District of Columbia, with authority to own, control and lay down in the public avenues, roads and alleys a sub- way and conduit for the use of all incor- pcrated companies, such a8 electric light companies, telephone companies, telegraph companies and all other companies that are required to use wires in connection with their business, and including the right to maxe all necessary connections witn all public and privaie premises. The franchise granted under this act shail carry with it the right to use said subway and conduit and to sublet the same at a fair and reasonable rate, and ary corporation shall have the right to rent at any time any unoccupied duct or ducts in said subway for the necessary use of said corporation at such fair and reasonable rent 2s riay be agreed upon. In the event said parties shall fail to agree upon equita- He terms, either party may apply to the Com mers of the District of Colum- bia, who shall immediately provide for proper notice to and hearing of all in in- terest and shall have to determine the terms and conditions upon which said un- occupied duct or ducts may he used. There shall be rescrved in all subw: and conduits constructed under the au- therity of this act the free use at all times of such number of ducts as may be n ry to contain all the public wires of the District of Columbia: Provided, that the use of any of the ducts by the Com- shall be in lieu of all taxes inst said Columbia Subway ny by the Commissioners of the District. ————_+2+______ THE HANCOCK = STATUE Its Different Parts Now Lying on the Ground About the Pedestal, Crowds of People Watching Prepara- tions Being Made for Their Assembling. The bronze statue of Gen. F arrived from the found: last Mond: was taken {% cock, which Providence m thy freight car in which it made the trip and carried in to its site mide fourte 7.20 pounds. At pr Market s| The statue wagon loads, fgr ft came in and welgha, altogether, are lying on the ground about Ughtly swathed in canvas A number of riggers have been occupied a with the work of putting up the derrick by which the statue will be lfted up to the pedestal. The work has attracted large crowds cf curious people, who stand about and watch the workme with the greatest in as if an eques- trian statue had never before been seen in TI stitue was cast at the foundry of the rham Company in Providence, Ro 1, and re has sent on a couple of its pervise the work of putting © contract with the company Ned until the statue is on and ready fer far, the fu its pedestal cou the ceremony work has been + but en it t> putting e3 together, all te done behind canvas. wali that the pritslic nee to see it ur ot formally dedi- cated. The work of crecting the statue is under the charge of Mi. Winfield S. Alle baugh of Providence, who has been con- nected with the casting foundry for a num- mer of y He suid “this afternoon that it w probabiy be in place by a week from ‘oday. The parts will all be put together on the ground, tke different parts fitting together as neatly as a hand in a glove and then being secured by means of taper rivets. A day yould probably suffice to put the general on iis horse and the legs and boay of the a together, but then all the joints must be smoo-hed off and tne rivets clipped off and ail signs of them erased. To do this sort of work requires considerable skill, and the company has sent on one of best meh so that it shall be done in the best manner possible. When man and horse are just as they should be the whole af- fair will be hoisted to the top of the pedes- tal and the three feet on which the ha stands will be properly fastened to the granite top. The statue w sent from Providence enlptor, Mr. Henry: nd the result was that yesterday S though there might be a hiteh in ceedings. The statue tached for a debt of $60. which it was alleged, the sculptor had contracted. zim, a book agent agreed Lo inser Bs trait and biographical sn. ef Mr. Eni- cott in an art work that he was canvassing for. The sculptor yielded to his wiles, but when he saw the book he msisted that it Was nol such as he had contraeted for, and refused to pay the bill. The result was that the wily agent levied upon the statue, and for awhile it was in the possession of a constable. If it had been consigned to the agent of the com- pany it would have been ail right, but as it was Mr. Allebaugh was unable to get pcssession of the statue until the question at issue was settled. This was arranged during the evening in some way that has not been made public, and this morning the statue left its private car and was es- corted to the little reservation where, in all human probability, it wil remain for generations to come. FOR CUBA'S CAUSE. a Conference Results in Agreement on the Senate Resolutions. After a session with the Senate confer- ence committee on the Cuban question to- day of less than half an hour’s duration, the House conferees agreed to accept the Senate resolutions. The conference today was merely formal in character, as this conclusion was practically reached at yes- terday’s meeting. This action will have the effect of taking the question entirely out of the Senate and of transferring all fur- ther disenssion on the Cuban question to the House. ‘The Senate resolutions are as follows: “Resolved (by the Senate, the House con- curring therein), That in the opinion of Congress a condition of public war exists between the governmeng of Spain and the government proclaimed and fer some time maintained by force of arms by the people of Cuba, and that the United States of America should maintain a gtrict neutral- ity between the contending powers, a cording to each:all the rights of belliger- ents in the ports and territory of the United States. : “Reselved, further, That the friendly of- fices of the United States should be offered by the President to the Spanish govern- ment for the recognition of the indepen- dence of Cuba.” : IN SENATEAND HOUSE |™W° FINANCIAL PLANKS/ TEXAS REPUBLICANS Proceedings in Both Branches of the National Legislature. BOUT BETWEEN HILL AND CHANDLER Naval Appropriation Bill Further Considered in the House. AN INCREASE ASKED es Az a result of the sudden death yes- terday of Gen. Casey, engineer in charge of the construction of the Congressional Library, Mr. Morrill (Vt.) today presented to the Senate a joint resolution appointing Bernard R. Green, a civil engineer, to suc- ceed in charge of the library construction, at $5,000 annually. Mr. Morrill explained that Mr Green was the immediate assist- ant of Gen. Casey in building the Wash- ington monument, the war, state and navy building and the library. Mr. Hale took occasion to speak of the high qualities of the late Gen. Casey, desig- nating him as one of the best of all offi- cers in the public service. A long discussion ensued, Mr. Hill ebcjct- ing on the ground that it was proposed to legislute a ‘man into office. He asked why Gen. Casey’s successor as chief engineer of the army, Gen. Craigiill, did not succeed in this work. It was rather unseemiy, Mr. Hill added, that there should be this haste before the burial of the distinguished general. He would not, how- ever, press his objection. Senators Wolcott, Proctor, Allison, Call, Cockrell, Gorman and Chandler pald_ high tributes to Gen Casey aad upproved the resolution, although Mr. Gorman thought it might establish a bad precedent. A Chandler and Hill Tilt. There was a sharp and amusing le col- loquy betwen Mr. Hill and Mr. Chandier when the latter concluded his remarks. Mr. Hill referred jocularly to a promise Mr. Chandier had made yesterday that he would leave the city today, and Mr. Hill suggested that the New Hampshire Senator had broken his contract. Mr. Chandler smilingly responded that while ke had contracted to go away he had not fixed the exact time. “And I call the attention of the Senato’ proceeded Mr. Chandler, “to the fact that he made a contract with his constituents by which he agreed to become a United States Senator from New York, and not- withstanding that fect he remained as gov- ernor of New York for a year and come to Washington to represent his con- stitvents.” ‘There was suppressed laughter at this P win not say,” proceeded he, “that we wish the New York Senator had remained away, for he has afforded us much amuse- ment. Mr. Hill sarcastically thanked his col- league for the implied ccmpliment. He had most expected to hear the Senator say he serry he (Hill) came here. Mr. Chan- dier’s statement was, said Mr, Hill, as Joose as this proposition. 5 The Resolution Adopted. Mr. Hill then withdrew his objection to the pending resolution for the appo'ntment of Col. Green, and it was adopted. A joint resolution was adopted allowing ex-President Harrison to accept decora- tions from Brazil and Spain. The bill ap- appropriating $00,000 for a public building at Washirgton, Pa., was passed. The joint resolution was passed provid- ing for the appointment of a commission, under the directicn of the Secretary of War, for the preliminary Ure: with plans, specifications and approximaie estl- mates of the cost thereof, for the 2enstruc- tion of a ship canal ef approved width and depth from the lower shere of Lake Mich- ‘gan to the Wabash river, and for the fur- ther investigation of the practicability of the construction of such waterway. The legislative appropriation bill was then taken u THE HOUSE. At the opening of the session of the House today Mr. Heatwole (Minn.) intro- duced the following resolution, which wa3 referred: “Whereas, in view of our presert inade- quate banking and currency system, it is cesirable that Congress have the ald of such recommendations as a non-partisan commission of experts might be abie to of- fer; “Resolved, That the President is hereby authorized to appoint nine citizens cmiz in trade, political economy and banking to act with the controller of the currency as such commission, and that such commis- sion report its conclusions to Congress.” Several minor bills were passe vide for reimbursement for the tion of a sewer on the permanent tion at Hot Springs, Ark.; to grant the Gulf, Colorado and Sante Fe Railroad Com- pany the right to acquire terminal facilities at Davis, I. T. The Naval Appropriation Bill. Shortly before 1 o'clock the House went into committee of the whole and resumed consideration of the naval appyropriation bit It was decided to allow three hours for general debate on the paragraph relating to the increase of the navy. Mr. Hanley Gnda.), a member of the naval committee, who favored a larger increase of the navy than the majority of the committee, argued in favor of an amendment, which he gave notice he would offer, to increase the num- ber of battle ships from four to six. Al- though his people lived a thousand miles from tide water, they were patriotic enough and proud enough to desire to see their country with a navy befitting her po- sition as the greatest ccuntry cn the globe. He thought it was time for the United States to enter upon a <listinctively na- tional policy. He referred to the aggres- sions of Great Britain and our other for- e:gn complications as an argument for a strong navy. The Record of Both Parties. The record of both parties on the subject of the new navy, he said, was not one to be proud of. The democrats were enthusias- tically in favor of a great navy when ont of power, and afraid to appropriate money when clothed with responsibility. The re- publicans pursued a similar vourse. No party could afford to block the destiny of the United States, and now that the reput- licans were clothed with power, they should not hesitate to carry out the promises made when they were in the opposition. Mr. Hulick (Ohio) said he indorsed all Mr. Hanley had said, but he argued that in view of the condition of the treasury it was unwise to authorize more than four battle ships in this bill. As to the build- ing of dry docks, the Secretary of the Navy thought it was better to expend the money to be appropriated for ships than dry docks and build. the latter at some subsequent time. “Is there a single government dock cap- able of acccmmodating our largest ships?” asked Mr. Adams (Pa.). apprehend not,” replied Mr. Hulick. °. Army Orders. The leave of absence granted First Lieut. Charles P. Elliott, fourth cavalry, has been extended one month. The following transfers in the fifth artil- lery are ordered: Second Lieut. Louis R. Burgess, from battery A to battery H; Sec- ond Lieut. John W. Joyes, from battery H to battery A, Not 80 Much Difference Between Those of Ohio and New York. Nelther Declares Agni t Free Coin- age—The Probable Line of Fight at St. Louis. It is the opinion in conservative republi- can circles that there is not the difference tween the financial plank of the Ohio plat- form and that of the New York platform which a hasty comparison of the two de- liverances would indicate. Both make refer- ence to an international agreement as to free coinage. The New Yorkers no more than the buckeyes, declare against free coinage. The Ohio platform is the more friendly in tone to silver, and in that, the McKinley men believe, is the better of the two, and the more representative of the party's past promises and performances. It is likewise, they believe, the more likely to appeal-to popular sentiment at St. Louis. They would not today, they declare, change a word of their platform. If the Morton people are as well satisfied with their plat- form, very well. It fits a New York banker, they ‘concede, in the form of its expression better than it would any other aspirant for the St. Louis nomination. The Line of Fight. But whatever the difference between the two deliverances may be, great or small, it probably marks, it is thought, the line upon which one phase of the fight at St. Louis will be waged. And that line is, what are the intentions of the party with regard to an international agreement? Is the prestige of this government, if the republicans win at the polls in November, to be used to try and bring about an international agré ment? Shall an honest and earnest effort be made to that end? If so, it may not be so very difficult to get the western repub- licans to discuss the subject and abide by the decision. It has been part’of their com- plaint that the offices of this government have never been used with sufficient force or persistency to advance the interests of silver abroad. Or, will there be a continua- tion of what the silver men characterize as the supineness of this government on the subject of free coinage? Shall it be con- dered sufficient still to plead that because here is no international agreement noth- ing can be done for silver? To Tackle the Question at St. Louis, So far as expressions now go, there is every reason to believe that the St. Louis convention will be called upon to tackle this question in its entirety and treat it fically. It is-regarded as being, in the last analysis, the whole silver question from the republican point of view, The de- mand for free coinage at 16 to 1, as an act by this government independent of all oth- er governments, will come from a very small mincrity of ihe delegates at St. Louis. But the complaint that the financial system of this government is out of health ard needs attention, and the recommenda- tion that as a part of the remedy to be ap- plied a larger use of silver prevail, will ecme from many sources outside of the sil- ver states of the west. The middle states, the southern states and the great north- west will unite on that line, and so uniting, must, it is believed, make the question of an international agreement one of com- manding importance. ‘Two Definitions. “How do you define a gold platform, and a bimetallic platform?” asked a represen- tative of The Star today of an eminent re- publican likely to sit as a delegate in the St. Louis cinvention. A gold platform,” he replied, “would be cne reciting that gold is, and ought to con- tinue, the sole standard of value, and that any legislation Jculated to change this would be prejudicial to the credit of the world. A bimetallic platform would be one reciting that the proper standard is the couble standard, and that silver having teen deprived of its full function as money mvst by a union of its friends everywhere Le restored to its plac “Will either the St. Lous or the Chicago convention be likely to adopt a gold plat- form as you define it? “Most emphatically, existence on that.” —__—-o+—_______ ‘T GOLD EXPORTS. no. I'd stake my TO PREV The Treasury Department's Order to Raise the Premium. The Treasury Department has instructed the subtreasury to raise the premiam on geld bars from 1-16 to 3-16 of 1 per cent. ‘The department’s purpose in the issuance of this order is to do what can be done legitimately to prevent future exports of gold. The order has a triple purpose. First, it will tend to raise the price at which gold can be exported profitably, the price of exchange now being dangerously near the export point; second, it is regard- ed as good policy to get rid of coin instead of bars, becanse the former frequently have lost weight through abrasion, and third, it is intended to meet action the Bark of England has recently taken rais- ing the price of gold bars to 77 shillings 10 pence, and thus practically lowering the rate of exchange at which geld can be shipped from the United States to Great Britain to about 48\4 or 4883-4. Tres ury officials admit the issuance of the or der, but will not talk further concerning > — = THE NEW FISH COMMISSIONER. He Called at the White House to Thank the President. Commander John J. Brice of the navy, re- tired, called at the White House today to thank the President for the great compli- ment implied in his appointment as com- missioner of fish and fisheries. His nomi- ration to that office has heen confirmed by the Senate. It is expected that he will re- ceive his commission from the President tomorrow, in which event he will qualify for the office and enter upon the discharge of its duties at once. He has just arrived here from his home at Oakville, Cal. It has been decided that his acceptance of the civil office will not affect his status on the retired list of the navy. See Personal Mention. Mr. Edwaré S. Glavis, son of Dr. Geo. O. Glavis, sailed this morning from New York, on the steamship Normandie, for Europe, to be absent for a year or more. Senor Andrade, son of the Venezuelan minister, and secretary of the legation, is ill with the grip. Mr. Richmond Stone, son of Gen. Leroy Stone of the Agricultural Department, is seriously {ll with pneumonia at his home, on 17th street. Capt. BE, Griffith, U. S. A. (retired), is in the city on a visit. i Capt. F. V. Abbot, cerps of engineers, Is at_the Ebpitt. Pay Inspector G. A. Lyon is at 1816 F street. He is here under orders. ——___2-___ Secretary Smith’s Private Secretary. Secretary Smith has appointed as his pri- vate secretary to succeed John Cohen, who resigned in December to resume the >osi- tion as correspondent of the Atlanta Jour- nal, Mr. William McKinley Cobb. Mr. Cobb, notwithstanding his high tariff name, is a ‘ow tariff democrat. He is a native of Athenr, Ga., and a graduate of the Uni- versity of Georgia. He is a lawyer, and acquainted with official life, having served for a time as clerk in the Knoxville, Tenn., pension agency, and also in the pension Office. The Austin Convention Meets and Takes a Recess, HIRST REED GUN FIRED TOMORROW Depew Discusses Prospects of McKinley and Morton. BROOKLYN'S EXPLANATION ee AUSTIN, Tex., March 26.—The republi- can state convention was called to order for today’s session at 31:15 a.m. All the indications pointed to a stormy mecting. The chair announced that the committ: en credentials would not be ready to re- port until 12 o'clock, and suggested an op- adjourament until that hour. Much pesition was offered by the McKinleyi but the chair pui the vote and an ad- sournment was had until ncon. The Me Kinleyites rushed in a lot of Mekiniey pictures and kept their party well in hand by singing, &c. Mr. Depew on Gov. Morton's Prospects LOS ANGELES, Cal., March 26—A special train arrived in this city last c ing bearing Cornelius Vanderbilt, Chau: vr M. Depew, John M. Hone, jr., and org R. Fearing, all intimately related to the Vanderbilt railway interests. When asked fer hi “3 on the pol. situation, Mr. Depew said: “It is generally conceded that on the first ballot at the republican national conven- ion McKinley will receive more votes th any other candidate. This, howe him out as the one man dan; others, and, as often happeas in na conventions, numerous combinations will doubtless be made in crder to countera the influence of his candidacy upon wa ing Celegations, This is where the Work comes in, to divert attention from cne who is ahead to others whose chances first are secondar “If Mr. McKinley ination on the first the whole trouble, could secure the Not that would setde Sar at that stage, and that he wiil ¥ the end to abandon the field. Every ir tion favors the presumption that Mr. ton will profit from this feilure on first belot of Mr. McKinle rresidential candidate will come from New aul points in con e that the pr: eaces of delegations frcm doubtful cre gi eial considers pave and a plurality of “oo and Morton a plurality of 185,000. This shows the changeable nature of the vote in the empire state. It will be considered at Louis, and the republicans of New Yor have po fears regarding the result.” The First Bic Gan for Reed. BOSTON, Mass., March 26.—What is exe pected to be the first official big gun for Thomzs B. Reed as a candidate for Presi- dent of the United States will be fired ‘ith great enthusiasm at the republican state convention here tomorrow. Preparations for the affair have been practically completed. The delegates to the convention are beginning te arrive and at all the big hotels groups of prominent pol- iticians are in consultation. The utmost enthusiasm prevails, and the principal topic of conversation Reed and his chance: Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, who is chair- man of the committee on resolutions, and Representative McCall, who is to preside, have arrived, and during the day were in consultation with Chairman Lyman and the other members of the committee on resolutions. The chief interest felt among the politicians is in what the platform will say upon the financial question, although it is generally believed that it will declare unequirocally against any change in the currency. The convention will be called to order at 10 o'clock by Chairman Lyman of the state committe>. Senator Lodge's name will be presented to the convention as a c: date for delegate at large by Attorn: eral Knowlton, and, if he is well enough to attend the corventon, A. W. Bear! will perform a like service for Curtis Guild, jr. Eben S. Draper and Murray Crane will be tbe other nominees for delegates at large. Kings County Not Against Morton. ALBANY, N.Y., March 26.—Senator Brush of Kings county called on Gov. Morton to- day and sald: “I call to say that the vote of the Kings county delegation in the re- publican state convention on the Fitchie resolution, fifty-six in number, were as a protest against selecting all Gelegates-at-large from New York ci against Gr cast against you. Ali are for you as of didate. I and many of the others will work for you at St. Louis.” — —-—_ i CLAIM SUCCEss. York. At those criti SPA Reportx of Recent Encounters With Caban Insurgents, HAVANA, March 26.—The coh Troops commanded by Col. Pavi eiigaged with insurgent cavalry, num! ing about 1,000 men, under the leadership of Lacret, at the plantation of San Joquin, The Spanish cavalry charged the enemy, and the latter retreated toward the Gran Cienaga, south of Matanzas, leaving fiftcon killed on the field. Among the latter were three officers. The troops also captured a quantity of arms and ammunition and camp equipments, The columns of troops commanded by Cols. Sanchez and Echevarria have cap- tured the camps of the insurgents at Cho: ito and Santa Monica, province of I del Rio, and in so doing are said to ha obtained possession of nearly all the plies of the insurgents in that prov The stores were in charge of Iermudez, and in the engagement betweeen the iroops and the insurgents the latter left killed, and reured with many woun Jed. The troops destroyed the stores, which could not be made available for the use of the army, and as part of the plunder be- lonced to inhabitants of Pinar del Kio, who had suffered at the hands of Maceo’s raid- ers, a quaniity of stolen property will be restored to its owners, it is estimaied that the stores captured were worth $200,000, The public prosecutor, at the trial of En- rique Aleman, brother of the celebrated bandit, will ask that the death penalty ve imposed. a THE YUKON COUNTRY. It is Proposed That British Columbia Take the District. VICTORIA, B. C., March 26,—Capt. John Irving, a member for Cassair, in the north- ern pertion of British. Columbia, in the provincial legislature, will, Monday, move a resolution which will affect the miners who are going to the Yukon country and may also hasten the solution of the bound- ary question. The object of Capt. Irving’s resolution is to take th's district into British” Columbia and govern it from Victoria. Miners would have to conform to British Columbia min- ing laws and take out licenses, and the pro- vincial gc¢vernment would look more favor= ably on the proposed scheme to construct a road through Canadian territory to the mines, giving cities of British Columbia @ chance to get some of the trade which the Sound country now practically controls,