Evening Star Newspaper, April 10, 1896, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, 1101 Pamnyiana Aven On. 11h Bt by venue, Eveniag Star Mi Company, — 8. BH. KA 7 pres. pny ‘New York Office, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Evening Star Is served to subscribers in the city by carriers, on their own account, at 10 cents week, or 44 cents mouth. Copies at the fccnter 2 coats each. By wall—enywhere in the Vntted States or Canada—postage prepaid—50 centa per mont Saturday Quintcple Sbeet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage ‘added, $3.00. Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D. C., as second-class mail matter.) ‘7 All mail sabscriptions must be pata in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. No. 13,449. CUBA MUST WAIT|MAY 8E ABOUT CUBAINDOILAR GAS BILL Today's Cabinet Meeting Develops No Action. CORRESPONDENCE WITH © MADRID Possible Broadening of the Monroe Doctrine in Cuba’s Cause. MANY RUMORS ———— RIFE As predicted in yesterday's Star, the reg- ular semi-weekly meeting of the cabinet was held at the White House as usual to- day. The news from the President’s fam- ily at Woodley this morning was to the effect that Ruth, the eldest child, has been stricken with the measles, and that Esther, the first victim of the infection, is progres- sing favorably toward recovery. Marion, the baby, is carefully isolated from her two invalid sisters, and it is hoped to keep her free from the disease. The meeting of the cabinet was comparatively brief, and if any action of importance was taken it had not developed up to a late hour this afternoon It is understood that the Cu- ban question was referred to, but that it was not.presented in any form requiring serious consideration. From the best information obtainable that questicn has been discussed by the President with the Secretary of State only, and the impression is growing that it will be made the basis of diplomatic correspon- dence with the Spanish authorities at Madrid, conducted through the United States minister at that capital, with a view to reaching an agreement for a speedy set- tlement of the Cuban troubles. President Against Recognition. It is now accepted as final that the Presi- dent will not recognize the belligerency of the insurgents under existing conditions, and it is said that he Is satisfied that the Spanish authorities would promptly reject any overtures on the part of the United States Icoking to the renunciation of Span- ish rule over its most valuable possession. It is therefore believea that whatever course of action the administration has decided vpon in this matter is along an altogether Giferent line The President's action in offering his good offices for the mediation ef the troubles between China and Japan, and his course in the boundary dispute be- tween Great Britain and Venezuela, has Jed many officials to the belief that he ecntemplates a somewhat similar policy for the termination of the Cuban struggies. Correspondence With Madrid. In that event his correspondence would be directly with the Spanish for-ign office at Madrid, and not with the Spanish min- ister at Weshington. Consequently, if any cemmunieztion hes already been sent to Madrid on the svbject, the minister here would not necessarily know of it until the fact was cabled back to him, or unless he Was taken into the confidence of the State Department in advarce of the receipt of the communication at Madrid. As stated im yesterday’s Star, it is im- Fossible to obtain any official information as to what the policy of the administration in this matter actually is, but at the same time, however, there is reason for the be- lief that the first authentic news on the subject will come from the Spanish capital, and at no very distant date, either. The orly information members of the foreign affairs committee have concern- ing the Cuban matter points to delay of a month before any action 1s taken by the President. Rumors are persistently cir- culatec that a message is to be sent to Congress ,and thut radical steps are to be taken in behalf of the Cubans. It is quite certain that these rumors emanate from administration urces, but it is _impos- sible to tell whe:her they foreshadow ac- tion or are put ailoat for some purpose not disclosed. It looks as if the administration were trying to prepare the public for more radi- cal action than was contemplated by the resolutions of Congress. The inference of men in Congress who are interested In the matter is that Mr. Cleveland does not want to follow the lead of Congress, and will either go further in the matter, or will do nothing at all until different circumstances arise. Many of the foreign affairs experts in Congress who are favorable to the rec- ognition of the belligerenta are strongly of the opinion that the conditions now exist- ing In Cuba do not warrant the recognition of independence, and that for the President to take that step would be simply courting trouble with Spain. Enlarging the Monroe Doctrine. It appears, however, that the State De- partment is possessed of information not in the knowledge of Congress. A theory advanced by Representative Ratterson of Tennessee, one of the President’s friends in the House, during the closing debate In the House may indicate the administration attitude. It was that the Monroe doctrine might be applied to prevent the retention of territory in this hemisphere by a foreign country throigh force of arms, when the people of the territory are practically a unit in demanding Independence. This theory recognizes the theory that a people cannot be governed except by their own consent, and {s an extraordinary broad- ening of the Monroe doctrine. Mr. Patterson in speaking of the propo- sition afterward said that he was not pre- pared to say at this time that the theory should be applied to Cuba now, but he re- garded the proposition as logical and fully warranted by the American theory of gov- ernment. ‘The suggeS-ion fs made that the Presi- dent will wait until the Spanish have sus- pended military operations on account of the rainy season, and, the Cubans being then for the time in undisturbed posses- sion of that part of the island which they have occupted, he will regard this as suffi- cient evidence of independence. MIGHTY ORMONDE’S SON. He Will Face the Starter This After- noon. SAN FRANCISCO, April 10.—Today at Ingleside, Orestes, the two-year-old son of mighty Ormonde and Kissing Crust, will sport the silk for the first time. Orestes is the property of W. O'B. Macdonough, and as the colt is the first of Ormonde’s American-born progeny to face the starter more than ordirary interest attaches to the maiden two-year-old event in which he is entered. Tke youngster is a bright bay, and as he favors his illustrious sire both in conforma- tion and disposition his owner is hopeful thet some of Ormonde's superior racing qualities have elso descerded to his son. Very little has been said by the attaches of tice “stable” relative to Orestes’ work, but it is whispered around that he has put up some good trials, among them being a four-furlong spinewith Miss Brummel, in which he held his own with the speedy mare. Orestes has-had considerable schooling with the starting gate, and while in the main he takes kindly to the device, it is said that lately he has developed a knack of “ducking” when the barrier goes up, a habit which those interested in him fear Will cause him to be slow in getting away. In today’s race he will carry 108 pounds, and he will pi be ridden by Jockey Shields. He is to be shipped east in a few weeks to keep his engagements in prom- inent two-year-old races. WASHINGTON, D. C., FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1896-TWELVE PAGES. - TWO © If you want today’s An Impression as to the Oause of Mr. Whit- ney’s Visit. A Belief That He Has Been Asked to Consult With the President. Tnere is an impression that Mr. Whit- ney’s presence in tewn {s connected with the President's consideration of the Cuban matter; that, in fact, the ex-Secretary is in Washington by Invitation, for the pur- pose of participating in a conference on that subject. His Reputation for Sagacity. This suggestion is welcomed in many quarters. Mr. Whitney enjoys a high rep- utation in political circles for sagacity and diplomacy. He is accredited with having smoothed - out a number of very deep wrinkles for his party. He is, besides, a man of courage and a good American. He is probably thorougtly familiar with this Cuban business. It engaged his attention from the very outset. The sound of the Spanish guns aimed at the Alllanca had scarcely died away when he denounced the interference with American shipping in the roundest terms. He was abroad at the time, ard spoke by cable, but very clearly and exactly to the point. Several news- papers, predisposed to sneer at everything American, tried to hold him up to ridicule for his utterance, hut they drew no word of retraction or qualification from him. The Commercial Question. It is recognized, too, that Mr. Whitney should be able to advise the President fully as to the commercial side of the question. New York Is interested in that. In the ten years’ war, indeed, she put it above every- thing else connected with the question, and, through Secretary Fish, prevented President Grant from following his own inclinations with regard to the granting of belligerent rights to the Cubans. Mr. Whitney, as a representative business man of the metropo- lis, is doubtless acquainted with all the com- mercial conside-ations involved, and can give the President such information on that head as he may need. The President's Probable Action. This explanation of Mr. Whitney's visit encourages the idea that the President is meditating some step of importance with regard to Cuba. He is not accustomed to call in outside counsel. It is a complaint in his party, indeed, that he avails himself too little of the counsel near at hand, and ready at all times to serve him. There is a compliment to Mr. Whitney in the feel- ing that if the President has sent for him on this business he has done a wise thing, ard is likely to get some sound advice. A Political Object Not Likely. Along with this report are other reports ascribing Mr. Whitney's visit to political causes. They are but little considered, however. There is no political question so pressing at this time as the Cuban ques- tion, and the President, it is suggested, is not likely to be seeking advice out of season. 2 ____ EGG ROLLING TOMORROW. If It is Fair the White House Grounds ‘Will Be Ope In case the weather is favorable, the grounds at the south of the President's -house will be thrown oper to the children tomorrow, in order that they may indulge in their usual Easter festivities, which they were compelled to forego last Monday be- cause of the inclemency of the weather. The gates will be opened at 9 o'clock in the morning and the little ones will have the entire freedom of the grounds until sunset. There will be no music, however, except what the children make with their own merry voices. The reason why the Marine Band {s not ordered out is because the authorities feel that its presence in the children’s playgrounds would serve to crowd them with adults to such an extent that the pleasures of the little ones would be seriously circumscribed, if not altogether Prevented. It is explained that tne grounds are thrown open on this occasion solely for the benefit of the children, and that adults are not expected to attend except where necessary as juvenile auxiliaries. ——— FORFEITED $200. John Oser Indirectly Punished for an Outrageous Crime. John Oser paid $200 into the District treasury today because he did not want to stand trial on two charges of indecent exposure in the Police Court. He is a butcher in the K street market, and was arrested by Policemen Judge and Ward -on charges of exposure to little children in Garfield Park. Nearly a dozen girls who attend school in the neighborhood of the park were in court to give evidence, but the defendant, as already stated, failed to appear. His conduct, the police say, excited the parents of some of the children, and one of them went in search of the man with a pistol, but did not find him in the park. ‘The arrest was made Monday night, and a demand was made for a jury trial. This demand was withdrawn, and today the meney was forfeited. ——.__ THE OLEOMARGARINE CASES. District Attorney Birney Not Discon- certed by the Matthews Verdict. District Attorney Birney expressed him- self to a Star reporter this afternoon as being not at all disconcerted at the ver- dict of not guilty returned yesterday in the first of the cleomargarine cases, that of William L. Matthewa, brought to trial According to Mr. Birney, the case against Matthews was one of the weakest, if not the weakest, on the list, and after hearing the testimony ard the strong swearing of the defendant, said Mr. Birney, he was somewhat surprised at the rather long time eccupied by the jury in reaching an agree- ment. : ‘The men against whom indictments were returned a few days ago for violating the oleomargarine law, on charges presented by the internal revenue bureau, are, to- gether with Wilkins & Co. to be ar- raigned tomorrow. A number of ‘the cases will be set for trial Tuesday next and Mr. Birney states that he is confident of secur- ing a conviction of the majority of ail the men under indictment. There is no likell- hood whatsoever of any of the charges being nolle prossed in view of the verdict in the Matthews case. —_-- The Biack Plague. Passed Assistant Surgeon Arnold of the i; 4 fi i i i i u HM | J The Question Not Settled Today, as Was Expected. AGAINS? LOCAL CIVIL = SERVICE Effort to Secure the Completion of the Tunnel. OTHER LOCAL MEASURES Contrary to expectation the District com- mittee of the Senate this morning falled to come to a definite conclusion on the dollar It was the understanding between the advocates and the opponents of the bill in committee when the subject was last under discussion that the matter should be taken up for final disposition on this date, and in accordance with that agreement there was a fuller attendante at the meeting this morning than af any time previous this session. With the ex- ception of Senator Hansbrough, who is ab- sent in North Dakota, every member of the committee was present. was a little late in arriving, and the bill was not taken up until he reached the com- mittee room. Serator Smith of New Jer- sey, who was unalterably opposed to the measure, arrived a few moments later, and to the surprise of those awaiting the re- sult outside of the doors, he left inside of fifteen minutes. Want to Hear From Mr. Winship. After the meeting was over it was an- Tounced that certain members of the com- mittee had expressed the desire to hear further from Mr. Winship, president of the Georgetown Gas Light Company, on the gubject of the price of gas across Rock creek, a matter that has not been fully dis- cussed in committee. The House bill, which is now in the hands of the Senate com- mittee, it will be remembered, fixes the price of gas in W.shington at $1 per thou- sand, and in Georgetown at $1.25, the dif- ference being due to the allegation of the Georgetown company consumption on that side of the creek will not permit of the reduction of price to $1. Mr. Winship has already appeared before the committee, but not at this session in his capacity as the ostensible head of the Georgetown company. the last general hearing cn the question on behalf of the Washington company as an expert in the price of coal, he being a coal merchant and the purveyor of coal to the Washington Gaslight Company. morning's meeting {t occurred to certain members of the committee that Mr. Win- ship had not been heard specifically on the question of the cost to his company of manufacturing gas, and an informal mo- tion was made to postpone final action on the bill until he could be heard. request was seconded by one or two other Senators, and in deference to their wishes @ postponement was agreed to, with the understanding that Mr. Winship should be heard before the full committee in open session next Thursday afteruoon, end that the bill should be considered by the com- mittee at Its regular session, Friday, April Senator Proctor He was called at Local Civil Service Reform. This unexpected clearing of the decks left the committee free to take up a numher of matters of more or less importance that have been pending for some time. The most ccnsequential of these was the bill S. 1992, which was introduced in Feb- ruary by Mr. Lodge, under the title: “To regulate appointments and promotions in the municipal government of the District of Columbia and in the offices of the re- corder of deeds and the register of wills for said District of Columbia.” familiarly known as the local civil service reform bill, and gives the District Com- missioners power to place all of the mu- nicipal cffices under the civil service law and provides them with machinery for so doing. The Commissioners, it is to be un- derstood in this connection, have hereto- fore endeavored to secure from the Presti- dent an order exterding the civil service law to cover the District government, but, under the advice of the Attorney General, he has ruled that it is not in hia power to do so. Acting upon this the Commis- sioners some months ago instituted a civil service system of their own, and the bill introduced by Mr. Lodge was intended to formalize this action and to make the in- novation permanent. Adverse Action. The District committee, however, took an adverse view of the situation, and without coming directly to a vcte on the questicn decided to take unfavorable action upon the bill. There was a good deal of discussion, but the general trend of cpinion in the committee was that the civil service law as now administered should not be extended further and the only one to openly cham- pioa the bill was Senator Proctor, whose experience as Secretary of War, it is under- od, has cor.vinced him of the servic ability of the civil service law in the admin- istration of a great public department. Although the committee took adverse ac- tion and the bill was ordered to be re- ported to the Senate with a recommenda- tion that it be indefinitely postponed, Mr. Proctor was given the right to make a minority report favoring the passage of the bill, in which he will probably be joined by several other members of the committee. Adverse action was ordered upon the bill, Senate 1040, amending the act of June 2, 1890, for the relief of holders of District of Columbia special assessment certificates, upon which the Commissioners made an adverse report on the 3lst of March. Favorable Reports Ordered. Senate bill 1315 to redeem outstanding certificates, issued by the board of public works of the District of Columbia, was or- dered to a favorable report, after being amended in accordance with the Commis- recommendation. Tho bill amending the act creating the beard of children’s guardians, Senate 2426, was ordered to be reported favorably, and later in the day a favorable report was presented by Senator Gallinger, hnd the bill was passed. It is intended to relieve Dr. Gallaudet, president of the Deaf Mute College, of his present duties of certifica- tion in all cases of feeble-minded children. This formality has been found -to be un- necessary. The bill introduced by Senator Hoar to regulate certain prosecutions in the Dis- trict. was ordered to a favorable report in the hands of Senator Faulkner. intended to classify cases that Hable to fall under improper jurisdictions. It has been found that purely. municipal prosecutions reached ‘St: courts, and the bill is intended to cure that error. Senate bill 2521, to provide for the drain- age of lots in the District, which was drawn by the Commissioners, was placed in the hands of Senator Proctor, with in-. structions to report favorably. " House vil) 227, requiring bills of sale, con- sales, mortgages or chattel deeds the District to be reco1 laced in the the United the senction of the Commissioners, was or- dered to a favorable report when the sub- committee, consisting of Senators Martin, Gallinger and Proctor, are satisfied as to its terms. While the meeting was in pro- gress a delegation ofifarmers now doing business at the oni accompanied by Mr. John A. Baker of this city, the committee room, under the impression that a hearing was to granted on this bill. The delegation - was composed of Messrs. R. B. Farquhar, F.” Snowden Hill, Robert H. MMler, James B. Ager, John C. Bentley, Frank M. ‘Hallowell, James B. Hallowell, President Sylyester of the Mary- land Agricultural Colley, Esa M. Stabler, William M. Canby and J. Enos Ray. Sen- ator Martin came from the committee and informed “nis. callers-that the committee had been authorized to make a favorable report on the bill, and that a hearing would be unnecessary unlesg it were found that there was a division of sentiment in the subcommittee. + To Complete a ‘Tannel. Several amendments/to ‘the appropriation bill of importance re next considered. ‘Two bills now on the Senate calendar were taken up and ordere@ to be reported as amendments to the appropriation bill, which was passed by the Hduse yesterday after- noon. The most important of these was the joint resolution providipg for the com- pletion of the aqueduct tunnel. Some weeks ago Senator McMillan introduced a bill, fol- lowed soon afterward by a joint resolution, intended to carry out the recommendations of the chief of engineers and the Secretary of War, to the effect that the aqueduct tun- nel so long abandoned shoutd be completed, In accordance with the original plans. The joint resolution expressed more clear- ly than the bill the peculiar financial re- lations between the District and the gen- eral government, and placed the expendi- tures in carrying cut this project on the old basis of 50 per cent. The bill has been pending before the Schate on the calendar for some weeks, with no prospect for an opportunity for its favorable considera- tion, and almost immediately after the bill was reported the chairman of the commit- tee determined to endeavor to secure the adoption of the measure as an amendment to the appropriation bill, which would prac- tically insure its passage and its enactment into law. There is ampte precedent for this in this particular connection, inas- Tuch as the appropriations for the tunnel project were always made by way of the annual budgets, ond tne authorization to make the survey which has just resulted in a recommendation to compiete the tun- nel was contained in the last appropria- tion bill. Consequertly it was decided to move the joint resolution for the com- pletion of the tunnel. as an amendment to the pending appropriation bill. A Wall Around the Jail. Similar action was taken on the bill (Sen- ate, 1780) providing a wall around the Dis- trict jail, which passed the Senate on the 20th of February last. A favorable report -was ordered on the amendment introduced on the 1st of April by Mr. Elkins, relating te the payment of street and alley cleaners-in the District. This amendment increaseg'the pay of these employes, but the commsittee decided to amend it so as to correspend with the es- timates submitted by the Commissioners for this service in the-annual book of esti- mates. ? Mr. Elkins’ amendment providing for the paving of Florida avextue was also accepted and ordered to be repotte@Zavorably. Eckington and Belt Lime Extensions. Senator McMillan today introduced an amended Eckington and Belt railway ex- tension bill, embodying the latest proposi- tions of those companies. “There have been several plans of thig sort advanced lateiy, one .by the Commissioners, one by the chairman of the *Heuse committee. and another to the Senate trict committee by the companies thémscives, and now this proposition 1s und¢rstood to represent the final form of suggestion in this line. It authorizes the Eekington company to make extensions by laying single or dou- ble tracks as follows: From the corner of ith and D streets northeast, southerly on ith to M southeast; thence east to Georgia avenue; thence northeagt to Sth street east. Alga from the corner of North Capitol street and Michigan avenue, easterly on Michigan avenue to Bunker Hill road; thence to the corner of 4th street north- east extended to connect with the present line. The Belt Company is authorized to ex- tend as follows: From the corner of 4th and O streets northwest, northerly on 4th to Florida avenue, thence across Florida avenue and northerly to Harewood street, to Elm street, to Linden street, to Pomeroy street, and thence to the east building line of 7th street extended. Also from the corner of lith street and Florida avenue easterly on Florida avenue and Grant ave- nue to Sherman avenue north, Wallach street, west to Kenesaw avenue, and thence to the park highway that is to bound the eastern side of the Zoological Park. Also from the present terminus on Water street southerly on Water street (o P street, and thence easterly to Delaware avenue. The Belt company is to remove and aban- don tracks as follows: On 4th street and New Jersey_avenue, between O and P streets; on P street, between New Jersey avenue and lith street; on O street be- tween 4th and lith streets; on E street, be- tween 11th and 9th; on 9th, between E street and Louisiana avenue; on Louisiana ,gave- nue west to 12th street, and on 12th street south to B street south. A penalty is pro- vided that if the work Is not done within a reasonable period by the company itself the Commissioners have the right to re- move the tracks and restore the streets to their original condition, In case of both companies work on the extensions granted is to be commenced and completed, and so much of the streets, roads, etc., mentioned as are now opened within two years from the passage of the act, and on all other streets within one year after the streets, roads, etc., have been opened. i If electricity is uséd on any of these ex- tensions the overhead wires shall not be. permitted within the limits of the city, and the use of horses for motive power is pro- hibited. Both companies are authorized to increase their stock and to fssue bonds to such an extent as may be necessary to pay the actual cost of making the extensions. A passenger house is to be built at the corner of 1ith and B streets southwest if the Commissioners shouid deem it to be necessary, and the commissioner of public buildings and grounds is to be associated with the Commissioners in passing upon the plans for such a-building. ‘Want a Nuisanee: Removed. Senator McMillan today:presented to the Senate a petition signed by Justice Brown of the United States Supreme Court, Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. 8: A.,:end many other residents in the region: around 10th,15th and U streets, and New Hampshire and Florida avenues, asking that .the»nuisance created by the dumping of bricks,:stones and other material on the square Sounded by 16th, 15th, U streets and Fiprida avenue, which causes a very unsightly and untidy appear- ance, be removed. yifurther ask that the circle at the corfler-of 16th and U streets, formerly known a¥ Hancock Circle, be retained as such, A General Subway Hearing. The House District: committee will give a hearing next Twesday morning at 10 o’clock on the generaksibway bill, at which the Commissioners will be present to give their views on the prepesed legislation. ——— e+ __ Against Cheatham. Elections committee No. 1 has, by a unanimous vote, decided the contested elec- tion case of H. P. Cheatham agt. Fred. A. Woodard from the second North Caro- Una, district in favor of Mr. Woodard, the aitting ber. “Mr. 5 pointed on the 15th instant to” formulate regula- tions for the isaue of toilet supplies to mili- tary prisoners and recruits. A HORRIBLE CRIME A Michigan Man Butchers His En- tire Family. MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT PENTWATER Attempt at Murder Followed by Wholesale Slaughter. NO MOTIVE FOR THE CRIMES MUSKEGON, Mich., April 10.—Word was received here at midnight from Pentwater of a bold attempt by some one unknown on the life of William B. O. Sands, president of the Sands & Maxwell Lumber Company. Mr, Sands had peen at the office of the company, engaged in work, and left for his home shortly after 9 o'clock. When within a few rods of his home a man jumped from behind a corner of a street and commenced firing at him with a gun. Mr. Sands ran across the street to his home, the would- be assassin following, and kept up the fire. Five shots were fired in all, three finding resting places in his right arm and one in the leg. Suspicion pointed to S. P. Minchall, a Iceal insurance agent and attorney, as the perpetrator of the deed, and it was decided to place him under arrest. The officers found his residence locked, and broke in the door. A horrible sight was presented. Mrs. Minchell was lying on the floor of the sitting room, with a bullet hole in her tem- ple. Near her was the dead body of her daughter Ruby, about sixteen years of age. In a corner of the same room-lay Minchall, with an empty revolver clutched in his hand. He, too, was dead. In an adjoining bed room were found the bodies of George, aged four, and his infant brother. They were in bed together, and death had evi- dently come upon them while they slept. The motive for Minchall’s crimes is still a mystery, but it is thought the inquest that is now progressing will clear the mat- ter up. Minchall came here three years ago from Chicago. ——.—__ COMING FROM JAPAN. Field Marshal Yamagata in Chicago an His Way to Russia. “CHICAGO, April 10.—Marquis Yamagata, field marshal of Japan, with his suite of six noblemen and the attendants, arrived in Chicago on the “Overland Limited” of the Northwestern road today. The party was driven to the Auditorium annex, where ten rooms had been set apart for the marquis and his friends. The party will leave for New York tomorrow on his way to Russia to attend the coronaiion of the czar. eS INFORMATION REFUSED. Great Britain Silent Regarding the Expedition Up the Nile. LONDON, April 10.—The under secretary of state for foreign affairs, Mr. George N. Curzon, replying to questions in the house of comnfons today, declined, on public grounds, to give any information as to the intentions of Ftaly in regard to Kassala, and also refused to make public any details concerning the movements of Egyptian forces up the Niie. ee FORT ROBINSON'S CANTEEN. The War Department Will Take the Case to the Courts. CHADRON, Neb., April 10.—Several army officers, including Maj. Crowder, judge ad- vecate general; Maj. Islley, Lieuts. Ladd and Powell and Braddon, are in the city cn business connected with the recent closing of the post-canteen at Fort Robin- son. They have been in consultation with Sheriff Bartlett. The government does not intend to accept the withdrawal of the complaint made by Crawford par- ties regarding the alleged illicit liquor traffic carried on at Fort Robinson as final, but wish to make a test case of the matter, and with that object in view the parties under arrest were today released from their bond, and a new case has been filed, allowing the federal court to settle the state and governmental righis. ‘The fact that the officers mentioned did not repister by their titles or even as at- taches of the United States army, together with the silence of all paries concerned, seems to indicate that the Crawford-Fort Robinsen trouble is not at an end. — ees KHODE ISLAND REPUBLICANS, Convention Assembles to Elect Dele- gates to St. Louis. PROVIDENCE, R. L, April 10.—The re- publican state convention was held here to- day for the election of delegates-at-large to the national convention at St. Louis. Adin B. Capron of Smithfield, who presided, said among other things, in agsuming the chair: “We want gold, we want sound money and protection, and we want to nominate for President a man who will be an ex- Fonent of these principles, and there is no man whom I can more heartily name than New England's greatest statesman, Thomas Brackett Reed.” MAYOR WURSTER DISAPPROVES. The Greater New York Bill Returned to the Governor. NEW YORK, Apr‘l 10.—Mayor Wurster of Brooklyn has returned the great- er New York bill to the governor with hin disapproval. He says that he does not see anything in the condition of Brook- lyn to warrant the necessity for such a bill; that the bill is incomplete, inasmuch as it does not provide for a consolidated government of three cities (New York, Brooklyn and Long Island City), and be- cause it does net provide for a referendum, A majority of the legislature may pags the bill over the mayor's veto. . ——— IN CASE OF WAR. The Spnnish Government Providin, for Const Defense. 2 MADRID. April 10.—The government is planning for the defense of the coast in the event of war. ee Mayor Strong’s Message. ALBANY, N. Y., April 10.—The message of Mayor Strong of New York on the greater Ncw York bill was handed to the clerk of the senate at five minutes before 2 o'clock. It is in a sealed envelope address- ed to the senate, and the clerk says it will not be opened until the session of Monday night. The messenger who brought it de- clines to reveal its contents. Bishop Ryan's Death. BUFFALO, N. Y., April 10.—Bishop Ryan died at 6:18 this morning. == ‘To Restore Widows’ Pensions. Senator Allen has introduced a bill pro- viding for the restoration of the names of widows of soldicra to the pension roils efter the death of the second husbands who by reason of a second marriage have been dropped from the pension rolls. His Peculiar Choice of Conferees on the Free Library Bill. Members of the District Committee Resent His Selection of Conferees Outside That Committee. The course of Speaker Reed in going out- side of the committee having charge of the bill in appointing the conferees for the House on the free library bill, and in ap- pointing the outsider first in order or chair- man of the conference committee, in order to get a majority oppcsed te the measure, is regarded as extraordinary, and has excited considerable feeling on the part of the friends of the measure. It is within hi: right, it is said, under parliamentary law to appoint conferees who are not on the committee, but it is an unusual procedure, never resorted té except under extraor- dinary circumstances. It is pronounced a direct affront to :he committee, the assumption being that it is done because the committee cannot- be sted to represent the sentiments of the House in conference. it frequently happens that the House 4if- fers with a committee having charge of @ measure, and conferees, acting under in- structions from the House, often insist upon @ point which they would personally pre- fer to yield’ The usual course ts to select for the conferees two leading mea of tne majority of the committee having charge of the bill and one of the minority. In this case no member of the minority of the committee is named, but the leader of the opposition to the bill, a member not on the committee of the District of Columbia, is selected. It looks to some Representa- tives like a purpose to destroy all idea of a full and fair conference between the two houses, and to prejudice at the start any prospect of an agreement. The ex- cuse is that a majority of the House ts op- posed to what a majority of the commit- tee favors, and that the House has voted to retain the House amendment. But this is invariably the case when the House insists on an amendment, which was not report- ed to it by its own committee and xsks for a conference, and it is not asually thought to supply a reason for putting such an affront on the committee reporting the measure as to go outside of their num- ber for conferees. It {s regarded as pe- culiarly remarkable in this instance, for the reason that a majority of the republi- cans of the House voting on the proposi- tion to strike out the amendment voted with the committee on the District of Co- lumbia, 101 being with them and 69 in op- position = GARBAGE CANS. Housekeepers Must Observe the Health Regulations or Suffer. The first of the cases of violating the health regulations relating to garbage cans were called in the Police Court this morn- ing. Under the law householders are re- quired to have water-tight receptacles, with covers, holding not less than three nor more than ten gallons. Copies of these regulations were delivered to every house in the city a year ago, and many houses are still without the required cans. Juége Kimball announces that he ‘ntends to impose fines in cases where the law is violated. Theodore S. Duvall was the first defend- ant, and he entered a plea of guilty. He safd-that when served with a copy of the regulations last year he ordered a can, but the dealer did not have them at that time, and then he neglected to get one. Mgr this neglect he paid a fine of $3. In the next case William Morton was defendant. He had a can last winter, but when the garbage man took it out to the cart to get the frozen garbage wut of it, Mr. Morton says, the driver carelessly al- lowed the cart to destroy the can. He did not know of this until yesterday, when the warrant was served, and then his wife told him of the occurrence. The court suspended sentence in the case. Thomas H. Kearney had an old wash boiler in which he kept his garbage. The warrant orly charged a failure to have a water-tight receptacle, and the charge was therefore dismissed. Louis Simpkins was defendant in the fourth case tried. He lives in Georgetown and rents rooms in the hvuse where the information charged there was ro lawful garbage receptacle. In addition te this he takes his meals out and has no garbage at the house. He was acquitted. ee FORTIFICATIONS BILL, The Measure ax Reported Makes Up “y2a1HeK 2@Bq 203 The House committee on appropriations today reported the bill for fortifications and other works of defense, for their arma- mert and for heavy crdnance for trial and service for the fiscal year beginning next July. The bill recommends specifie appro- priations amounting to $5,812,000, and, in addition, authority is given to the Secre- tary of War to make contracts for the further expenditure of $5,542,000 by the en- gineer and ordnance departments, making a total authorized expenditure of $11,- 384,000. ‘The War Department estimates, on which the bill is besed, amounted to $5,045,000, so that It is a considerable increase over those estimates. The report accompany’ the bill, made by Mr. Hainer of Nebraska, says: “During the Forty-ninth Ccngress no ap- propriations were made on account of fortl- fications, their maintenance or armament, and for the twelve fiscal years from 1873 to 1886, inclusive, the appropriation on this account averaged cnly $540,750 per annum, and only $463,500 per annum for the four- tcen years including 1887 and 1Sss, for which two fiscal years no specific appro- priaticns were made. ‘Tre principal appropriations in the present bill are as follows: Gun and mortar batte: ies, $5,260,000; sites for fortifications,$250,01 preservation and repair of fortifica $50,000; seawalls and embankments, $1 torpedoes for harbor deferse, $100,009, rma- rent of fortifications, $5,502,673; proving ground, Sandy Hook, N. J., $38,000; Water- town arsenal, Massachusetts, $43,500; ord- nance and fortification board, $100,000. SS eS See PRINTING THE POSTAGE STAMPS. Senator Hawley Will Seek to Restore the Old Contract System, Senator Hawley today zave notice of an amendment, which he proposes offering to the sundry civil ‘appropriation bill, discon- tinuing the manufacture of postage stamps by the bureau of engraving and printing and restoring the old system of letting the contract for their printing by competi- tive bids. Personal Mention. Capt. Paul Shillock,. assistant surgeon, has been granted leave of absence for four months. Appointment Clerk Peters of the Navy Department is confined to his residence with a cold Gen. Doe, assistant Secretary of War, has returned from a brief visit to Mil- wauke2, Wis. Naval Constructor J. F. Hanscom was in the city teday on his way from Port Royal to Philadelphia. —<—$—$—__o____ Senator Morgan Slightly Better. Senator Morgan, who ts lying very sick] at his bcme on 4% street, is sqid to be rather better today than he was yester- day. He .had a comfortable night, and is sleeping quietly and comparatively free from pain this afternoon. SPEAKER REED CRITICISED STOP THE woop ROOF The Senate Promptly Passes a Res- olution Calling a Halt. CITY POST OFFICE MUST BE FIREPROOF Work is Likely to Be Suspendea at Once. ASBESTOS PROPOSED The worm has turned. The absurd anom- aly of a wooden rcof on a “fire-proof” building has at last arrested the indignant attention of Congress, and if the example of the Serate is followed by the House there will be material change in the plans of the post office building before long. The wooden sheathing for the basis of the tile roof on the new building has for some time been a matter of public comment. Inquiry has been quietly made by certain Senators who toxe en interest in such matters and the result. Bad Work Must Stop. Today in the mcrring hour the Senate passed a joint resclution directing the Sec- retsry of the Treasury to tear out all the combustible construction that hes been put in place on the post office and to complete the building in accordance with the law by making it fire proof thrcughout. - Shortly after the Senate convened Mr. Cockrell arose and introduced this joint resolution, and asked for its present con- sideration. There was no objection to this, and the resolution went through the or- dizary perliamentgry forms, until just be- Tore its third reaffng. when Mr. Pettigrew arose to ask what ‘iff this would make In the cost of the building. It will make ro difference, I suppose,” answered Mr. Cochrell, “because the exist- ing law requires it to be done just as the joint resolution specifies. Instead of the rine that is being put upon the roof now, the most inaflmmable material that they could select, this is simply to cause the law to be carried out.” . Wants It Burned Up. Mr. Pettigrew thereupon entered a pe- culiar but emphatic protest against the en- tire character of the post office building. He said: “It seems to me that we ought to put as much combustible material into that building as possible, and that when finished it should be set on fire. Architecturally it appears to me that It is an eyesore, and always will be to every citizen of this country. It mas the appearance of the avenue ,and I am very sorry to see any- thing done that will prevent it from being burnt up.” “The lower part of the structure,” said Mr. Cockrell, “cannot burn, as it is now, and we do not want the upper part and the valuable documents burned. This ended the discussion, and the joint resolution was read the third time and passed by the Senate The Resolution. It is as follows: “The Secretary of the Treasury hereby ts directed to construct the upper story and roof of the Washington city post office -building, in the District of Columbia, of the best modern fireproof ma- terial, In order that said building may be thoroughly fireproof in all its parts, as re- quired by the several acts authorizing the construction of the said building, and all material heretofore used in the construc- tion of the upper story and rocf of said building not of the hest modern fireproof kind and character shall be removed, and the best modern fireproof material substi- tuted tLerefor 1¢ Will Suspend Work. This being a joint resolution, action by the House and the signature of the Presi- dent are of course necessary before the measure can be of effect. It is thought"at the Capitol, however, that its passage by the Senate will operate to suspend the work in the construction of the inflam- mable roof at once. It is to be noted that the joint resolution makes no provision for reimbursing anybody for work already done under the non-fireproof plan, and in- ferentially censures the supervising archi- tect of the treasury for violating the stat- utes relating to the construction of the buildi.g in a fireprcof manner. The Superintendent Interviewed. “There will not be the slightest difficulty in making the rcef on the post office as fireproof as any in the country,” said Su- perintenc« nt Kinsey to a Star reporter this afterroon, in «peaking of the inflammable character of the ccvering that is now be- ing put on the big structure. “It has been the irtention <I slong,” he raid, “to line the wooden sheathing with asbestos, and when this is done no ‘lame can kindle upon it. You can go over the country and ex- amine all buildings of this description, and you will find that as a general rule they all have roofs of the character now being built here. “A wooden roof is the lightest roof that is possible and is warm in wincer and cool in summer If you were to put up a terra cotta roof you would have one exceedingly heavy, and the slate nailed to it would work ‘loose, no matter how carefuily it was put on. You can't get a tighter roof than what we have. The slate will never loosen, and the felting between the sheath- ing and the siate resists the summer heat, leaving the roof story cool and comfort- able, and in like ~ser will keep it warm in cold weather. Objections to an Iron Roof. “If it is desired to put on a roof com- posed of absolutely non-combustible ma- terials it could be done by putting up iron purlins end tying the slating to them with copper wire. But such a covering would make the post office a bakeoven in sum- mer. For lightness and desirability there is no roof that can equal the slate-cover- fooden roof, lined with asbestos. It Te comtintalan ani perfectly safe. It would be impossible to burn it, and for all prac- tieal purposes It is absolutely fire-proof.”* When asked if the specifications provided that the present pine roof should be so lined with the fire-resisting asbestos, Mr. Kirsey replicd that they did not, but that it was the “understanding” in the super- vising architect's office, and had been ever since the character of the roof was deter- mined upon, that such a lining should be placed on its interior. ‘The Fire Danger. As for any danger from fire from the ventilating shafts at the four corners of the building, which are square flues run- ning directly from the cellar to the roof for the purpose of drawing off the foul air from the cellar, Mr. Kinsey scouted the idea, and said that the wooden sheat! of the rcof did net come in contact at any point with these shafts, but that at the top they were protected by metal lining. He said that the roof was exposed to fire only from the ninth story, and he was positive that an asbestos lining would ren- der the present arrangement entirely safe and satisfactory. He believed it would be a great mistake to put on any other kind of a roof. = ——___- eo Medical Changes. First Lieut. George J. Newgarden, assist- ant scrgeon, has been relieved from duty at Fort Wayne, Mich., and ordered to duty at Fort Yates, N. D. Capt. Benjamin Munday, assistant surgeon, has been relieved Pe duty at Fort Niobrara, Neb., and ordered w duty at Fort Wayne, Mich.