Evening Star Newspaper, April 20, 1896, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Oompany, S. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. ae ee Now York Ofion, 49 Potter Building, ‘The Evening Star !s served to subscribers in the ctty by carriers, on thelr own account, at 10 cents per hg or 44 cents E ers — RB os ccnnter cents each. iy mail—al United States or Canada—postage prepald—50 cents er month. PSSatorday Gototepte, Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foretgn postage added, $2.00. (Butered af the Font Daice at Wasblozton, D.C, econd-ch mail matter. “SSS Ail wall sunseriptions inst be pald tn advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. WASHINGTON, D. C., Why buy a half a loaf of bread at one place when the same amount of money expend- ed elsewhere will buy a whole loaf, and of far better quality? The Evening Star covers the en- tire business and residential field of Washington. WHERE IS THE MONEY Millions of B. and 0. Funds Said to Have Disappeared. SENSATIONAL DISCOVERY OF COMMITTEE Consolidation of B. andO and South- ern Roads a Foregone Conclusion. ROAD’S FINANCIAL CONDITION > What has become of $12,500,000 belonging to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Com- pany is the problem which confronts the reorgan:zation committee of that great cor- tion, and until the mystery is cleared no practical steps can be taken toward the system out of the hands of the vers and the courts. The information was given In Baltimore yesterday to a Star reporter by a banker who is on terms of closest business and social intimacy with the Baltimore mem- bers of the reorgan!zation committee that the latter were appalled by the discovery made during the last few days that be- tween ISSS8 and the time of the election of President John K. Cowen at least $30,000,- f Baltimore and Ohio securities were disposed of in a manner that did not af- ford oper returns to the treasury of the comp: up Of th creased, from >unt the floating debt was in- cause as yet unexplained, 0,000 in ISSS to about $1 10,000 at the annual report in 189%, the remaining $16,500,000 it uthorized statement below time there has been noth- arned as to what became of thereof. i that from the total sum a nt, probably $5,000,000, has been the c¢ ny without giving whatever therefor. id that so far there have been no records of these most im- sactious during the seven years administration of Mr. May 1 that either no books by about . a total of about $ m kept or t they «d where the committee has > them. his state of affairs, the decided that the be brought out, and they ed to sift the matter to the blame fall where it may. ayer Not Accused. 1 that no one who fs cogniza committee's views on the mat- ter aro believes that ex-President Ma €r profited to the extent of a dollar by what took place ag the result of the + or that he knew what really the twelve and a increase of floating debt that amount by the stated to be the opinion bers of the reorganization com- t is also alleged to be the belief nkers who are conversant with B. and ff that in the neighborhood of » into the peckets of par- » were in no way entitled to ft. Preventing Disorzanization. Despt ffect that there is een the members mmittee of reorganiza- of the Baltimore com- ated that a perfect under- two commit- reen them that the Baltimore tem is too valuable a property sd to hecome disintegrated, and aust be kept intact at all hazards. It is stated that there are a number of bondholders of the road who would be glad of the opportunity to go to court, fore- close the'r mortgages and compel the dis- solution of the system, but as fast as the coupons hecome due the p: is prompt- ly met. The nioney for some of these cou- pons nisked by J. Morgan & €o., but Brown Bro peyer Bros. and one of the large t mpanies, all ted and e with t A few we that the in New York, are also interested h takes Its turn in comi n ary funds. > there was an impre nd ion Ohio receivers could make - sort of a deal by which the Ww threugh Georg ald ¢ to the relief of the Paltimore Ohio, but much as this plan would » pleased certain large holders of Bal- nore and Ohio stock the idea has, it is 1, be- udoned. Although Mr. Mor- suth for an indefinite stay i President neer of the Souther Ratlway mp is anno das to go to Europe for a three months’ stay, who know what is taking place in cirel as was predicted in Gould, thos te Several months ago, that the ion of the Baltimore and Ghio hern Railway compantes is a fore- on, and except that physical not been provided for the s between the two lines on, the union of interests is already an accomplished of fact. both roads E ery dollar needed to meet indebtedness, the default of payment of which would resuit in attempts bei made to fore- e on the Baltimore and Ohio, is fur- nis either by the banking house of J. Pie t Morgan & Co. or those who are closely identified with that house in South- ern alwa aff: , and Mr. C. Morton Stewart, t t sugar importer of Ral- timore, to be Mr. Morgan's per- sonal representative on the Baltimore com- mittee of reorganization. Underlying Causes. A member of latter committee stated tday that “the pubtished reports since ade to the stockholders of the Bal- timore and Ohio Railroad Company do not furnish much of the information that is now requisite In order to devise a plan of " on, which can be recommend- nising lasting benefit, and as rs of bonus and stocks con- > operations of the company dur- ing the past seven years, and it is obvious that if any plan were based upon the Eresent condition of the company without obtain full and accurate knowledge of the causes which have been operating throughout those seven years, and have finally resulted in the present disaster, such plan would not only be rash and incom- plete, but likely itself io misfortune in the future. “The b: shown pany, in ® facts that from 1888 to 1895, as y¥ the anneal reports of the com- the rolling equipment not included the car equipment trusts decreased in 3, the engines decreased in from 5$4 to 502, and the cars of ali S were in the aggregate 4,008 less in ber in 185 than they bad been In 1888, ile during the same period the cust of read only inereased to tho extent of about $380,600, of themseives sufficiently im- portant and significant. “But when they are considered in connec- tion with the further facts—some of which do not tind a place in the published reports that between September 0, 1888, and March 1, 1806, the floating debt has increas- ed from about $4,500,000 to about $16,000,000, <1 the common stock has been increased the sale of 50,000 shares, producing jut $5,000,000; that $8,500,600’ of terminal nds were negotiated in 1804; that 14,100 shares of the Western Union’ stock were sold for about $1,190,000; that a large #mount ef tae stock of the Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern system was sold, pro- ducing, it is said, more than $2,000,000; that value the surplus earnings of the company, as its reports indicate, have amounted to about 000,000; that the consolidated mortgage 5 per cent bonds outstanding increased in amount $7,761,000; that the sinking funds decreased by about $1,000,000; that as against all this during the same period the paid off $9,310,000 of its bonds, 10,000 of Its car trust obligations, and that since 1585 $3,000,000 of equipment bends were issued, of which $1,600,000 have been paid—they furnish overwhelming evidence that a complete investigation is necessary. The figures plainly show that during the period named the B. and O. Company obtained about $30,000,000 of fresh copier without adequate or satisfactory results.” ee Personal Mention. Gen. Theodore S. Peck adjutant general of Vermont, is in the city, a guest of ex- Commisstoner M. M. Parker. Gen. Peck enlisted In the late war when a mere boy and was ore of Vermont's mest gallant and corspicuous soldiers. Gen. Peck will visit the Virginia battlefields before re- turning to Vermont. Chief Engineer C. R. Roelker of the Raleigh is at 2004 F street. Lieut. W. H. Beenley of the Montgomery is at 1606 Q stieet. Ex-Senator Edmunds, who will epend a portion of the week in Washington during the sessions of the arbitration conference, is now a resident of Philadelphia. Tne Ill- ness of his daughter, who is under the care of Dr. Pepper, led to this choice, as the ex-Senator is devoted to her. He has rented a house at 1505 Locust street. Secretary Lamcnt has teken his aged mother to his home in McGrawville, N. Y., for the summer months. He will return to this city Ina few days. Mearwhile Gen. Doe is acting secretary of war. Capt. Peter Leary, jr., fourth artillery, is on a visit to this city. Dr. Rooker, the secretary to Cardinal Satolli, has gone to Albany to attend the funeral of his mother, who died in thit city last Saturday. +--+ THE CHICAGO CONVENTION It Will Bs an Extremely Interesting Meet- ing for the Democrats. The Discussion of the Desirability of Changing the Two-Thirds Requirement. _Information is constantly cropping out goirg to show that the Chicago convention is to be the most interesting political meet- ing in the whole recent history of the dem- eratic party. There has been such a razzle- dazzle under Mr. Cleveland's leadership— so many new points have come up, and so many cld points have disappeared—that the old leadership is puzzling sorely over a somewhat famous inquiry. It is earnestly desirous of knowing just where the party - And in order that the question may be thoroughly solved, old principles and old precedents are booked for a pretty frank and vigorous discussion. The Two-Thirds Rule. There is a good deal of talk just now about the rule requiring a two-thirds vote in the convention for the nomination of the presidential candidate. Why should not a majority vote suffice? The platform may be adopted by a majority vote. Is not the platform as important as the candidate? Does it not bind both the party and the canJlidate? To many men this difference made between the platform and the candi- date seems illogical. They are opposed to any difference at all, holding that, in the democratic party particularly, a majority vote fairly obtained should always prevail. The party's shibboleth is the majority rules. How It Originated. Inquiry Into the matter shows that the adoption of this two-thirds rule had its reot in a personal controversy which sprang up in the democratic convention of when Franklin Pierce was nominated. The proposition came from the south, it served in that convention the purpose for which it was brought forward, and ft has ever since prevailed. But, as is now in- sisted, should not a rule which represents in its origin only the personal contro- ersies of over forty years ago be abro- gated for one more in harmony with these new times and conditions? What good purpose, it is asked, is served by putting in this manner the candidate above the platform? Only one vote over one-half of the convention is demanded to guarantee the very principles upon which the party Stands; but the candidate must show two- thirds of the convention as his sponsors. It is admitted, of course, that the man who can command two-thirds of a convention is, In one sense, and as respecting the cgn- vention itself, stronger than the man who is able to command only a bare majority. But why demand this? Is not, as respects the campaign before the people, the candi- date with a majority of the convention at his back good enough for the platform adopted by no greater show of strength? Discussing a Change. It has not been decided as yet to try and change this rule at Chicago. Some very preminent democrats are in favor of a change, and the matter is now <inder dis- cussion. The procedure if decided upon will probably take the form of a resolu- tion, which would be in order at the very outset. The convention will be called upon to adopt rules for its guidance when permanently organized, and it will be com- petent when these rules are proposed to move to omit or to strike out the rule r quiring a two-thirds vote for the nomina- tion of the candidate. That would test the sense of the convention on the subject. Reasons for a New Rule. Those who ailvocate this change insist that it is the only way by which to secure a candidate in full agreement with the platform. They declare that the extra strength required of the candidate under the rule as it now exists simply means deals and dickers in the interest of a modi- fication of the platform im case the cundi- date so nominated shall succeed at the polls. Their motto is, a platform with but one meaning, a candidate who honestly represents it, and beth put forward by the same vote in conventio —— THAT WOODEN ROOF. Mr. Milliken Sarprixed That Such a Thing Should Be Undertaken. Chairman Milliken of the House commit- tee on public buildings and grounds has re- turned to the city and has read the resolu- tion of the Senate relating to the wooden roof on a supposedly fireproof post office building. “I can’t understand why in the world it is proposed to erect an expensive fireproof building and put a fire trap on top of it,” said Chairman Milliken to a Suir reporter this afternoon. “Who ts doing it and what is the excuse for it? it seems preposterous and Iam at a loss to comprehend why such a thing should be undertaken.” The committee will hold a meeting next Friday, and Chairman Milliken wlil lay the resolution before it for consideration, eo ‘naval Movementx. The flagship Newark sailed from St. Lu- cla this morning for Hampton Roads. The Yorktown has sailed from Swatow for Weo- sung. The Columbie arrived at Hampton Roads this morning from New York. The Detroit arrived at Chinpiang today. The Indiana ig at New York. The flagship Philadelphia has gone from Santa Barbara. to San Pedro. FOR RAPID TRANSIT Eckington Citizens Want Some As- surance From the Railroad. HEARING AS TO IS EXTENSIONS Propositions Submitted to the House District Committee. OTHER LOCAL MATTERS A subcommittee of the House District committee gave a hearing today on the Eckington and Belt line railway bill. Col. H. T. Douglass appeared on behalf of the bill. He said the various bills heretofore offered” providing fcr the extension of the Eckington and Belt lines havel been con- solidated into Senate bill No. 2801. The provisious of this Lill have been published heretofore in The Star. Col. Douglass ex- plained the proposed extensions to the com- mittee, tracing the route cn a map. He said his company antagonizes no cther company, and has withdrawn the routes heretofore proposed that might con- flict. As to rapid transit, the company will adopt such rapid transit plans as the Com- missioners may indorse. Compressed Air Motors, The company has selected the compressed air system, which he feels sure will be per- fectly satisfactory. He had just returned from a visit to the factory, where he had ridden upon the cars propelled by compress- ed air. He deemed the system to be su- perior to the underground trolley. “Do you contemplate putting the system into operation on your existing lines?” asked Mr. Richardson. Col. Douglass said he had asked the mak- ers how soun they could furnish ten cars for the existing line from 4tn and T to the Center market, and the reply was that they could be furnished within thirty days. “Then do you expect to put on rapid transit on the existirg lines in thirty days?" asked Mr. Richardson. , — hope to do it,” answered Col. Doug- lass. Continuing, he said the extension of the route as proposed by the pending bill is in connection with the electric road to Baltimore, which is being rapidly pushed to completion. The rate of fare will be a low one and will include free transfers to city lines ut both ends. Mr. Natheniel Wilson, in belalf of the Metropelitan Railroad Company, asked for an amerdment requiring the new ruad to lay tracks of its own on Water street southwest and not use the Metropolitan tracks. Col. Douglass said there would be no ob- jection to this amendment. It would not increase the number of tracks on Water street, as the Belt line already has tracks on that street. Mr. Henderson’s Objection. Mr. Wm. G. Henderson, president of the North Capitol and Eckington Citizens’ As- scciation, addressed the committee. A por- ticn cf the territory within the jurisdiction of his association is affected by the bill. He said the Eckington company has failed to run cars over tracks that have been laid for two years, and this fact has injuriously affected property In that section of the city. Even with the present facilities of the company, there is much delay and dis- satisfaction. That section of the city was built up when ‘there was trolley service cver the road, but since the horse cars were put on property has depreciated. He asked the committee to impose r quirements upon the company to supply rapid transit facilities for the public. E opposed the contemplated extension of the road along Michigan avenue extended and Bunker Hill road, because it will give the company a straighter line to Brookland, and may cause the abandonment of the ex. isting line through Eckington and West Eckington. Col. Douglass said there was no ground for the assumption that the existing line would be abandoned, To Abandon Eckington, Mr. Henderson said there was nothing else to assume but that such would be the case. A citizen present remarked that it looked like the company had built up Eck- ington with its line and now proposed to run it through another section to build it up. Mr. Henderson said the bill, as at present prepared, does not make it compulsory upon the company to run its cars by a rapld transit system. He wanted a compul- sory clause put in the bill to make the company to run modern cars on all of its tracks, Propositions Submitted. Mr. Henderson submitted the following propositions to be incorporated In the bill: ‘That the motive power decided on for any particular line shall be used on all parts of such line. That a certain specified time be fixed within which the company shall de- cide on, equip and operate its line with the motive power to be employed. That a pen- alty of $100 per day be fixed for every day during which the line shall remain un- equipped and unoperated with the motive power decided on beyond the time fixed fer equipping and operating the line. That there shall be a provision for the forfeiture of the charter of such railway company on its failure to equip and operate its line with the motive power decided on within a certain time to be named in the act. That If any of said cumpanies has at present within the city of Washington any part of its lines not actually operated by running cars over the game, such part of its lines shall, within thirty days after the approval of the act, be put in operation by running cars thereon, otherwise the fran- chise for such parts of the line shall be forfeited. He also submitted a statement laying particular stress upon the objection to the possible abandonment of the line of the same compary running south on 4th street from the Catholic University, and thence through Eckington and along New York avenue as far west as North Capitol street. ——____—-«.______ Lieut. Harding’s New Duty. First Lieut. Chester Harding, corps of engineers, this morning reported to Gen. Craighiil, chief of engineers, in obedience to orders summoning him to Washington. He was assigned to duty in connection with the construction of fortifications in antic! pation of the action of Congress. The ap- propriation bill for fortifications for the next fiscal year is the largest in the history of the country, arfd the execution of its pro- visions will make a great increase in the work of the officers of the enginees corps. Lieut. Herding will assist in the preparation of the necessary drawings for the fortifi- cations, and will have his hands full for some time to come. He was formerly sta- tioned at St. Louis, on duty under the Mis- stssippi and Missouri river commissions. —————_+«--______ Gen. Brooke in the City. Brigadier General Brooke, commanding the department of the Platte, with head- quarters. at Omaha, arrived in this city to- day on leave of absence. He is accompanied by Second Lieut. A. G. C. Quay, fifth cay- alry. of his staff, who is at his father’s resi- derce, 1612 K street. az PREACHERS MUST-NOT DRINK Bishop Gaines Will Not Give Bibulous Ministers Appointmente An Announcement That Caused a Sensation Today in the A. M. E. Conference—Closing Sessions. Bishop Gaines produced a sensation at this morning's session of the Baltimore ecnference of the A. M. E. Church, when, after devotional exercises, he told the ministers that all who’ used whisky or were guilty of any immoral acts would not receive any appointments, so that if they were left out they would know the cause. He further said that his church kad assumed high grounds, belicving the ministry te be the highest calling in the world, and thought that it should not Le disgraced by unworthy men. The bishop also stated that he desired the members to give their attention to the business of the conference, as it was bis desire to close conferen¢e tonight by making the appointments for the ensuing year. State of the Church. The report of the committee on the state of ths church shcwed that Bishop Gaines had rendered good servicé during the past four years and had done much for the elevation of the race and the promotion of the church work in this part of the coun- try. The report commended very highly the bishop's work for the educational in- stitutions of the cor ncction, und especially the schcol at Kittrell, N. C., which is fos- tered by the connection, ‘The committee stated that while during the past four y-urs there has been a great financial depression, yet the ieceipts for the educational work and gencral work of the church were larger than ever before. This was due, it was said, to the united efferts of pastors and people under the leadersaip of their bishop. In order to show the success that has attended Bishop Gaines’ efforts the re- port stated that “when ke took charge of the second district in 1N%Z there were 7,768 members, S04 probationers, 8,202 Sunday school pupils, 723 teachers and officers.” Now the church has a membersnip of 10,- 775, besides 1,033 probationers. The Financial Statement. “The Baltimore conference, comprising Maryland and the District of Columbia, continued the report, “own church prop erty valued at $455,525. The amount of in- debtedness of the church is $89,439.61. The dcNar money for the general running ex- berses of the church in this district has been increased from $8,200.61 to $3,781.06." This amount was collected at this confer- ence and paid over to the financial secre- tary, and to the widows of deceased min- isters and superannuated preachers. Bishop Tanner, before leaving the con- ference this morning for Newark, N.J., delivered a short address, congratulating the bishop and conference og their work, and spoke of his connection with the Afri- can Methodist Episcopal Church, which, he said, was over thirty-six years. There is much speculation among the members of the prence as to where they will be stationed during the next con- ference year, and every one eems to think that many will be doomed to grievous dis- appointment. FORD'S THEAT! DISASTER, The Joint Commission Began the Ex- amination of Damage Clatms Today, The joint commission on tie Ford's Thea- ter disaster met this morning after a re- cess af several wecks, and started in cu the adjudication of the individual claims for damages, which now aggregate one hunr- dred and eleven in number. There were present Senators Harris and Faulkner, Representatives Updegraff, Daniels and Piggott, and ex-Kepresentative Brookshire, who fs still a member of the cormmissi: When the commirsion niet last, the claims were referred to a subcommitiee, consist- ing of Senator Faulkner and Representa- tive Updegraff, but they have been unable to agree upon any results, and, cunsequent- ly, the commission decided to take up each case in turn and settle it. At today’s ses- sion two claims were so disposed of, but no public announcement of the names of these claimants or the amounts awarded to them was made. At 12 o'clock noon the commission ad- journed tc meet at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning, when the work of adjudication of cases will coniinue, probably at a more rapid rate day, as the commission becomes more familiar with the detalis of the claims and with the various standards applied to determine the extent of disability in_each ci se. The maximum amount to be granted in any case has already been fixed at $5,000, and it is probable that there will be com- paratively few claimants awarded this amount, perhaps not more than four or five, while the remainder will range down- ward with every variety of amount to about $100, which will probably be the minimum for all cases except those actual- ly thrown out as rot entitled to any dam- ages whatever. It is the expectation of the commission that sufficient progr: will be made with the exemination to permit the presentation of a bili at this session, and perhaps its passage. It will be remembered that the death claims were paid by appropriations carried on the sundry civil bill, and were just put through at the very end of the last session, and it may be that something of the same kind will be done this year. ———————-o+____. BAPTISTS ARE ANXIOUS. Exerting Themselves in Missionary Diaz. Representative Black of Georgia today called at the State Department and talked with the officials concerning Mr. Diaz, the Baptist missionary who is under arrest in Havana for complicity in the insurrection. After the interview Mr. Black said that there was no doubt that Diaz had taken out naturalization papers during his residence in the United States and is a citizen of the United States. The State Départme he said, will see to it that Diaz is Fiven a fair trial and is accorded his righis as an Amer- ican citizen. Many “requests ate coming to members from the southern states from Baptist churches which contrilmte to the support of the missionary work carried on by Diaz that the Congressmen will use their influence to secure the missionary’s release. There is, however, nothing to be done by members of Congress except to request the Department of State to use its power in D.az’s behalf. Representative Money of Mississippi has @ correspondent in the province of Santa Clara who keeps him informed upon the progress of the revolution. According to this gentleman the official Spantsh reports of engagements are grossly inaccurate. One of the regulations enforced by the Spaniards in the towns where they have control compels every householder to keep a light burning in front of his house all night as proof that no seditious gathering is being held. The absence of the light is taken to be a token of disloyalty. The light in front of one house was biywn out by the wind, whereupon a troop of Spanish cavalry fired into the dweiling and killed a young woman, An official report was made that the woman had b2en accidentally shot during an engagement between Span- ish soldiers and insurgents. Behalf of ee A Warrant for His Surrender. ‘The Secretary of State today Issued a war- rant for the surrender to the British authori- ties of David Breen, now in custody in New ork, on a charge of embezzlement, com- mitted in Dublin, Ireland, SECTARIAN SCHOOLS The Matter Brought Up in Consider- ing the Indian Bill. PAYMENT 10 LAWYERS CRITICISED The General Deficiency Bill Con- sidered in the House. THE DAWSON ——— CLAIM The sultry weather is having its effect on the attendance in the Senafe. With the thermometer in the chamber standing at 80 degrees, less than twenty Senators were on the floor when President Pro Tem. Frye called the upper house to order today. During the morning hour the joint resolu- tion for the appointment of Gen. Franklin, Representative Steele, Gen. Beal and Gen. Henderson as members of the board of managers of the National Soldiers’ Home was adopted without debate. Mr. Cannon (Utah) introduced a bill for the construction near Washington of a ground map of the United States on a scale of one inch to the mile. Mr. Mitchell (Oreg.) gave notice that on Wednesday next he would ask to take up the bill to pension survivors of the Indian wars. Mr. Alison (Ia.) followed with a report of the sundry civil appropriation bill, and said he would seek to take it up at the earliest possible day. Indian Appropriation Bill. ‘This disposed of routine business, and it was expected Mr. Hill would go on with his speech on the bond resolution. Mr. Petti- grew asked, however, for unanimous con- sent to proceed with the Indian appropria- on bill. Mr. Peffer, author of the bond resolution, was not present, and Mr. Wolcott, (Col.) inquired if the Kansas Senator was cogni. zant that the Indian bill was thus to be taken up. Mr. Pettigrew answered in the affirma- tive, whereupon the consent was given, and consideration of the Indian bill proceeded. Sectarian Schools. The pendirg question related to sectar- jan schcols. Mr. Carier (Mont.) had offer- ed an amendment striking out the provis- icn that no appropriation shall be mate te sectarian schools. Mr. Peifer offered a further amendment directing the Secretary of the Interior to provide temporary schools for any Indian children cut off frem school facilities by the ‘closing of the si tarian schools. This ameldment was adopted. Mr. Cockrell’s Amendments. Mr. Cockrell (Mo.) then offered a subs’ tute provides for contracts with existing schools for 1807 to the extent of 50 per cent of the contracts of 1805. It adds the following: “And it is hereby declared to be the setiled policy of the government fo riake no appropriations whatever for the education of indian children in any sez tarian school, just as soon as it is possible for provision to be made for their educa- tion otherwise, and the Secretary of the Interior is hereby directed to make such provision at the earliest practicable day, net later than July 1, 1S95.”” The further consideration of the sectar- ian school amendments was then deferred, owing to the absence of Mr. Carter. Paym s to Lawyers. ‘There was sharp criticism of the amend- ment appropriating various amounts to thirteen lawyers in connection with the set- tlement with tne Western Cheroke In- dians. Mr. Chandler pointed out the pe- culiar features of the proposed paymenis. Mr. Grown (Utah) aeclared that it was not only a “fraudulent scheme, but also a palpable steal—clean and unvarn‘shed.” Mr. Palmer (Ill) also asked for an expla- nation of what he thought to be “a palpa- Mle fraud on its face. Mr. Gray (Del.) expressed a wish to learn the m lsbbyist’s_ services. Mr. Platt (Corn.) said the lawyers re- ferred to as a lobbyist, Mr. Peabody, had never lobbied a day, but had performed legitimate legal services, In the course of a lengthy discussion Mr. Pettigrew, in charge of the bill, explain- ed that the Cherokees had set aside cent of their claim of government for th rvices of J. M. Bry- an and others. The Indians had received all their share and this was to divide: the 35 per cent. per 80,000 against the THE HOUSE. For the first time this session Speaker Reed was late in arriving at the Capitol. At several minutes past noon Clerk of the House McDowell called the House to crder, and announced that in the absence of the Speaker a speaker pro tempore would be elected. Mr. Hull of Iowa was unanimously elected, and took the chair. He had bcen seated but a few moments when Mr. Reed appeared, and amid much laughter and applause said, “The House will be im order. Although this was suspension day un- der the rules, Mr. Cannon, chairman of the committee on appropriations, insisted on proceeding with the general deficiency bill, and on his motion the House went into committee of the whole for its con- sideration. This was the last of the regu- lay appropriation bills. The Dawson Claim, When the items relating to indemnities to be paid to Frederick O. Dawson, wife and daughter, for loss of property and in- juries inflicted in Nebraska, were reached Mr. Mercer (Neb.) called attention to the great vigor With which Great Britain had pressed this case, $40,000 having been ciaimed from the state of Nebraska. He commended the viguance of the British government in the protection ot her sub- jects, and said it was in strange contrast with the uction of our own government, but he thought that the testimony showed that the Dawsons were as much to biame as the McCarteys in this parucular case. it was a brawl on the highway. Mr. Hitt, chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said that the test:mony showed that the woman had been outrageously mis- treated. As a result of the injuries, the daughter was today suffering from chronic psy. Hopkins (Ll) -thought inasmuch as the Dawsons were in Nebraska with a view of making it their permanent home, al- though they had not been naturalized, they should not be permitted to in- voke the protection of the British govern- ment afier becoming involved in a brawl. A Matter of International Honor. Mr. Cannon said that the claim was rec- ommended by the State Department. It was a matter of International honor. We had exacted heavy indemnities from China. Mr. Livingston (Ga.) called attention to the fact that we were now preparing to make a claim aga‘ist Spain for the im- prisonment of Bishop Diaz in Cuba. Mr. Hitt said we had not asked whether the Dawsons had intended to ebandon their British citizenship because we would not permit any government to make such an inquiry cf our subjects abroad. We had brovght a Chinese city under the guns of a United States war vessel and had threat- ened to bombard the town unless $20,000 was paid for injurigs. sustained by an | tute for the entire proposition. The substi- | | | | American citizen who had been for eight- cen years a resident of China. “How much have we obtained for the outrages committed in China last summer?” asked Mr. Mercer. “Nothing as yet,” replied Mr. Hitt. “It will take us thirty years to get 30 cents,” said Mr. Mercer. Mr. Hainer (Neb.), who said he had thor- oughly Investigated the circumstances, thought the indemnity should be paid. The item was passed without amendment. For an International Conference. Mr. Willis (Del.) offered an amendment authorizing and directing the President to Invite the commercial nations of the world to meet in international conference for the urpose of fixing an international ratio for coinage of gold and silver. It also directed the appointment of three members of the House, three of the Senate and three to be appointed by the Presiden? to repre- sent the United States. Mr. Willis said his purpose in offering the amendment was to bring the subject before the House. On ac- count of the pecuiiar attitude of the re- publican party on this subject, he said, he thought thir was as little as could be done. Mr. Cannon promptly interposed a point of order to em off debate. He said that sub- stantially such legislation already existed, but it had not been executed. Mr. Willis called atteation to the difference between the existing and proposed legislation. The present law authorized the President to ac- cept the Invitation of a foreign govern- ment for a monetary conference; his amend- ment would force this government to take the initiative. The point of order was sus- tained. Collections of Customs. A prolonged discussion of appropriations and expenditures -was precipitated by Mr. Hopkins, who asserted that it cost $734,000 more to collect $169,000,000 from customs last year than it did to collect $192,000,000 from customs in the last year of the Har- rison administration. A deficiency of $50,- 0%) for the collection of cusioms was ré- ported in the pendiag bill. EARLY ELECTIONS Seven States Will Cast Their Votes Pre- vious to November. The Officials to Be Balloted for and the Issues That Will Form the Campaign. Elections will be held in seven states of the Union prier to the general election of November. In five of the statcs the elec- ticns will be for state, municipal and county officials only, but in the two other states will Include also the election of members of the mational House of Kep- resentatives. Vermont will hold a general election Sep- tember 1 for the election of governor, state officials, legislature and county officials and the members of the national House of Represertatives. Maine will held an elec- on September 14, and will choose a gov- a legislature and county officers, the legislatur2 selecting the higher state officers. At this election the members of the national House of Represer-tatives will also be chosen, 3 Arkansas and Alzbama. Arkansas will hold an election September 7, at which will be chosen all state, county and municipal officers, from constable to vernor, with chief justice of the supreme 5 ociate J ce and legislature. > contest is between the demo- crats and republicans, but the democrats ere confident of carrying the state. In Alabama, August has been set ide for the election of governor, other state officials, the legislature, and some of the county officers. The contest will be principally between the populists and the democrats, unless the populists and the republicans should make a combination. The gemocratic state convention will be held tomorrow. Florida and Georgia. In Florida an election will be held Octo- ber 6 to choose a governor, other state of- ficials, a majority of the county officials, all of the lower house of the legislature and half of the state senate. The campaign has not fairly opened, and the contest for the neminaiions has not begun. It is said there is little doubt that the democrats will carry the state, and the democratic state conven- uUon has been called for June 16. Georgia will hold an election Octeber 7, at which will be chosen everything except the federal officials. It is said that the governor and the other state officers will doubtless be renominated. The democ are confident of carrying the state, hold their state convention June 25 Louisiana will hold an election tomorrow for governor and state officers, a legislature and district, parish and local officers. The legislature chosen will elect a Senator to succeed Mr. Blanchar EX-CONSUL WALLER. He Called at the State Department To- day With His Stepson. Ex-U.S.Censul Waller visited the State De- partment today, in company with Mr. Paul Bray, his s' nm. He had a short inter- view with Assistant Secretary Adee and also with Chief Chilton of the consular bureau In vegard to his accounts, and will endeavor to see Secretary Olney later in the week. Meanwhile he has gone to Bal- timore to deliver the first of a course of lectures on Madagascar, which will involve a tour of the states. —— Acts Approved. The President has approved the joint resolution calling for estimates for the im- provement of the Missouri river opposite Sioux City, Mo.; the joint resolution for a survey of Salmon Bay, Puget Sound; jhe act for the relief of certain settlers on abandoned portions of the Fort Assinni- boine military reservation, in Montana; the act for the relief of Clifton R. Anderson of Danville, . and the acts granting pen- siens to Gen. John M. Thayer, A. H. Mc- Laws, Elizabeth M. English, Mary A. Hall, Mrs. Catherine R. Jardine, Mollie Crandall, Joseph W. Fisher and Mary E. Hull. The act granting the Atchison and Ne- braska Railroad Company, and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company right of way through the Sac and Fox and Iowa Indian reservations in the states of Kansas and Nebraska, has become a law without the President’s signature. pre eee, National Acndemy of Scicnces. The annual meeting of the National Academy of Sciences will begin tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. These meetings will be held in the hail of the National Museum at 1:30 p. m. daily until Saturday, and will be open to the public. A large number of pers have been presented to be read. everal relate to the new X rays discovered by Professor Roentgen. “Biographical memoirs have been prepared of Admiral Charles H. Davis and Prof. James EF. Oliver. —_—$——$+o.____. Medal of Honor Awarded. The President has awarded a medal of honor to De Witt Clinton Lewis of Morton, Pa., late captain of company F, ninety-sev- enth Pennsylvania volunteers, for most dis- tinguished gallantry in action at the battle of Secessionville, 8. C., June 16, 1862. This officer, while retiring with his men before a beavy fire of canister at short range, re- turned in face of the enemy’s fire and res- cned an exhausied private of his company, who, but for his timely assistance, would have lost his life by drowning in the mud of the morass where he had fallen. POLITICAL OFFENSES What It is Believed the Diaz Broth- ers are Charged With. CONDITION OF THINGS IN LACRET’S BAND Americans Said to Have Left Dis- gusted. AREZ,THE AUTONOMIST,FREED HAVANA, April 20.—The Rey. Albert Diaz, the American Baptist missionary, and his brother Alfred, who were arrested last week, are still held “incommunicado” and, therefore,nothing definite can be ascertained regarding the charges against them further tran it is gencrally understood that they are of a political nature. During recent engagements between the Spanish troops, under General Fort, in this province, and the insurgents, the latter ad- mit having lost 82 killed and having 157 wounded. Reports received here from La Cret’'s band of insurgents show a very demoralized con- dition of things. It is said that La Cret is frequently intoxicated, and that of twenty ef an expedition from United States, which recently joined him, five have been killed and the rest are disgusted. They say they have b de- celved; that this Is no war; there is no fighting, and that they are living in Swamps, without clothin, i to eat bad food; t the ag red into with them have not be are without ks to victory. Persistent rumors are circulate Antonio Maceo is desirous of surrend but no unprejudiced observer place: belief in the vey At Jaguy 1 a t of the provi Santa Clara, the in- surgents have burned the machinery houses of the Rosario plantation, and they have cestroyed by fire the railroad station at Gvanabano, A dispatch from Matar that the ent leader Arez has been arr “dl d imp oned on a political charge; but aft in con- r of the ‘inery how Narcisco, ot Melina, this pi by fire, and the San ovine vane plantat rmen ard their colonies ve becn de- with 2200 tons of cane. how positively asserted that Perico fel Gudo, the well-known insurgent jeader, wes recently killed in en cngagement in the province of Pinar del Rio. ee FIFTE! LIVES Lost, A British Bark Senk by the Stenmer i Marsden. GLASGOW, Apr! The steamer Mars- den coll:ded with the British bark Firth of Solway, Capt. Kendrick, yesterday near ‘hiship, Causirg the letter to sink. Thirteen men and the captain's wife ana child were drowned. The F 1,199 tons register, about 36 fcet beam and wi feet deep, She owned by J. Spencer & Co. = ea THE BURDEN RORBERY, Warrants for the Extradition of Dun- lop and urner Granted. LONDON, April 20.—Warrants for the extradition to the United States of Wm. Dunlop aud Wm. Turrer, the two men ar- sted hire on the charge of being in po: session of stolen jewelry, recognized as having bcen the property of Mr. I. Town- send Burcer. of New York, were granted today. SUSPICION, Ed. Wright May Know Something About Wesley Mali's Murder, Ed. Wright, alas William Robinson, a young colored man, was arrested Saturday night in an eating house in “ioston” by Policemen Harrison and Maher on sus- picion of being the murderer of Wesley Hall, the crippled shoemaker, who was 50 brutally butchered. The arrest was made principally upon the story of Cassie Thomas, a colored resident, who has been intimate with Robinson, who has been Jiv- ing in a shanty in Virginia near the first quarry. One night last weck, when both were drunk, she wanted him to come over to town with her. He walked as far as the Virginia end of the bridge, but refused to go any further, remarking that the cops were after him for the murder of that erip- pled shoemaker, whom he thought bad some money. This remark was mixed with profanity. Cassie toid Policemen Harrison and Maher of this, und they ha n waiting for the negro, but § the first time he came to town. He tells a number of contradictory stories and wiil be held tor an investigation in his case. —_— NO MARKS OF VIOLE An Autopsy Held on the Body Late Young Mazrochi. What was left of the body of the late Bumbiglia Mazzochi was thoroughly ex- amined this afiernoon by Deputy Coroner Glazebrock. T task was an exceedingly difficult one, for the reason that the body wes decomposed beyond recognition. Al- though the had been statements of threats of murder in the case before the disappearance of the Italian,,the autopsy showed conclusively that there had been no violence committed. There was no evi dence of a stab wound, nor were any bor fractured. The jury o'clock heard. sc of the the case was sw this afternoon, and the mn at evidence KILLED BY TH HEAT. Nelson Payne Dies Short! ing Prostrated. The somewhat remarkable death from sunstroke on the was made by Washington toda) after 2 o'clock Nelson Payne, a colored man about thirty-five years old, living on M street southwest between Ist half streets, was prostrated by the the fish wharf, foot of Lith police sent him to the Emergency Hospital. Upon reaching the institution, an was being carried inside, Payne died. a Declared for Ballington Booth, CHICAGO, April 20.—A special to After Be- record of a th of April Shorily 90 per cent of the members of th tion Army in this city have declared f Ballington Bocth, and oniy await his arriv- al or that of one of his officials to make known their position. 2 Germans Expect Trouble. ZANZIBAR, April 20.—Steamers full German troops are passing da’ th way to Tanga, German Eest Africa. It is supposed that trouble is expected with the insurgent chief Moarukaziz.