Evening Star Newspaper, April 24, 1896, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenne, Cor. ‘11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Company, 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. New York Office, 49 Potter Building. johnnie Si hon e Evening Star is served to subscribers in the etka ao Cre aa Cael orem nceoaehs ERO conta per week, or 44 cents per mouth. Copies at the ecrater 2 conta cach. By watl—enywhere in the United States or Ctnada—postage prepaid—60 cents ont! P'Saturday Quinteple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.00. f scceast Cease alt contre y : matter, “EF AI wall subscriptions inast be pald tn advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. ALL SEEM SATISFIED Views of Different Sides on the Street Extension Decisien. MAJOR POWELL MUCH GRATIFIED Some Representatives of Land Owners Also Express Pleasure. ———— QUESTION OF APPEAL Maj. Powell, Engineer Commissioner of the District,-was evidently much pleased today over the decision of the Court of Apr reversing Judge Cox’s recent de- cision and sustaining the highway extension act of March 2, 1893. The latch strirg of the major’s private door hur.g on the outside and reached far down. Every one was welcome. Growlers ut assessments, men out of work, in ct, a royal welcome was offered every one. And the cause of ail the gladness was the decision mentioned above. Some € called the mejor’s attention during the day to the weather and the lowering clouds, and he looked around in amazement, for m the day was bright and sunshiny. spirits carried him away so far that prompily si ture toa ner Ross that the ¢ffice Le allowed to use gas to- though the District finan=: meager. en a repe what he Ceo en ter of The Star asked the theught of the decision, he said “I felt convinced all along that the law would be sustained, and I congratul: he future Washi What will we di Why, @ . of course, as we have been . I suppose now the courts will order peti on the first section to issue. » have all the maps for the second and i sections, which, together with the ecticn already recorded, will make a compiete from the Potomac river ern branch. The plans for tha section east of th: Eas n branch are in and well advarced. The Commission- ston 6 ers believe t the work of opening the Streets under the plans should not all be done hould be opened s. Some of the i for fifty years. y demand it they id be opened as soon as p d and third sections are better n the first section, , is recorded. In the hed fewer subdivisions ements to deal with. It of the ction we running from sh ngton. tion of Pi 1 Spring road park- ve to gonnect the In the second cing North Caro- re extended on straight nue is extended direct refcrm schooi on the south > Island avenue is also ex aight line direct to the Di izan avenue, by mecns of tensicn of Bunker Hill road, is al: ended on a straight line. Riggs road is ed ito an avenue and extended to strict line. s the most important feature of lon is the so-called fort driveway, § from North Capitol street south of Stevens’ Park, on the site of Fort Ste- vens, of tke late defenses of Washington, and running generally southeasterly with long, sweeping curves and straight lines to the ay, grand sectic arks of the L ext , Which in turn leads to the northern part of the future Anacostia Park. This driveway ts laid out 130 feet wide and aloug the ridges or upper part of the slopes on which Forts Totten, Slemner, Bunker Hill, Saratoga avd Thayer were located. The sites of the fe ide as res- ervations, the fert drive being tangent to a side of each reservation. The remaining fort of the part.of the Cefenses of Wash- ington was Fort Lirecoln, which is on the high ground where the buildings of the re- form schcol are now- located.” The other c xpressed them- $s cs highly pleased with the decision, eyond that did not care to discuss giving as an excuse the fact that the board had not had an opportunity ge discuss the matter. Mr. Worthington'’s View. Speaking today of the effect of the Court of Appeals decision, Mr. A. S. Worthington of special counsel for the District said that as he understood the decision there can be ho assessments of either special or gen- eral benefits. Further than that Mr. Wor- declined to say until after he the opinion, although he ex- re should be no appeal the work of condemnation be proceeted with, and judgments E favor of land owners for the ould ertere amou respective lards taken. Despit disinclination of counsel for the I to talk at the preseni, It is District will rot appeal un- nd owners do The Commis- . i od, are content to go uader the decision of the Court of and is said that they will be y their counsel that while special t3 cannot be assessed, Congress is fully empowered to assess general benefits. Counsel for Land Owners, Counsel for the land owners also express- ed themselves as averse to saying any- thing until after they have read the de- cision in full. Mr. W. G. Johnson of coun- sel for the land owners remarked that he never had any doubt in the matter re- specting the assessment of special benefits, and while he had only read the newspaper accounts of tre decision, it seemed to him that the objectionable features of the act e been eliminated, with the exception of the cloud on the property caused by the filing of the maps and the uncertainty at- tending the time in which payments for the lands will he made. Mr. Nathaniel Wilson, also of counsel for 1 not say what would He said he had not read the epinion, and he declined to express him- self until after he had carefully read it. Mr. Thomas Had> Not Read It. Mr. S. T. Thomas, the attorney for the District, said he had not read the opinion, and only knew of its tenor from what he hed seen In the newspapers. Consequently he did not care to express an opinion on the subject. pects No Appeal. Mr. W. L. Cole, who represented a num- ber of the owners of property in Dennison and Leighton’s subdivision, affected by the highway act, stated that he believed the decision of the Court of Appeals would satisfy all of his clients. “We objected to the clause of the act which provided for the assessment of bene- fits, and which the Court of Appeals has Geclared invalid,” said Mr. Cole. “There was no desire to oppose or delay the extension of the streets on our part. There has been already a large amount of work done in the Street extension lne, and it would be the best thing, now that the objectionable bene- fit assessment clause is invalidated, to con- —> Che Zvening Star. i ' No. 13,461, tinue the extensions on the plans already laid down. Such a course would sooner re- lieve the property holders whose titles are now clouded by the uncertainties of the street extension project. “I do not think there will be any appeal from the decision on either side or by any of the parties,” said Mr. Cole, In con- clusion. “The constitutionality of the act, so far as extending the streets is con- cerned, has been declared, and that should certainly suit the Commissioners, while the objectionable assessment clause, which would have meant, in many instances, vir- tual confiscation of property had it been enforced, has been blotted out, and that suits, I believe, most of the property hold- ers interested. It would be a good deal the best thing for all concerned, I think, to let matters stand on the basis they oc- cupy at present, as negrly all parties to ene controversy now appear to be satis- fied. rn Examination for Scientific Assistant. The United States civil service commis- sion will hold an examination in this city and other large cities, commencing at 9 a.m. on May 15, to fill two vacancies in the position of scientific assistant in the fish commission, the salary of one position be- ing $720 per annum and of the other $1,200 Fer annum. THAT WOODEN ROOF The Supervising Architect Explains to a House Committee. It is Fireproof, but Not Incombustible —He Points Out the Difference Between the Terms. The supervising architect of the Treasury Department, Mr. Aiken, was called before the House committee on public buildings and grounds today to tell why he is put- ting a wooden roof on a supposedly fire- proof government building in this city—the new post office. The subject of the inqui- sition was thé Senate resolution directing him to remove all combustible material and to construct the roof after the most mod- ern fireproof fashion, as the law directs. Mr. Aiken admitted to the committee that the roof was not being built of non- combustible material and that if he had the building to construct over again he would discard the present material and use non-combustible material. His excuse was, however, that the roof will be “fireproof” in the term accepted by architects, al- though not non-combustible. He said the term “fireproof” applies to a structure where a fire once started vould be confined to a small space. Such would be the case with the post office building. The roof has a wooden sheathing, covered outside with slate and inside with wire laths, filled with plaster. If a fire should start it would he confined to a smali spac In the term “iireproof,” as accepted b the building regulations of great citi there is nothing to exclude the use of wood for roofs and partitions, except around stairway: forms to the tions. He was frank to admit that the best con- struction for a roof, to be incombustible, i of iron girders covered with terra cott tile. Such a roof, however, would be much heavier tran the present one, would add $5,000 to the cost of the building, delay its construction six months and cost the gev ernment $7,000 additional in rents for the occupation of other quarters during that time. think this roof will answer all the re- quirements ef the building laws,” said Mr. Atken. ag “Never mind that,” put in a member of the committee; “will it answer the require- ments of the United States?” “Yea.” “Suppose you were going to build the pest office over?” “IT would not do it that way.” “Why?” “Because It 1s not Incombustible.” “Do you consider the roof fireproof?” “I think so; that is, it is fireproof, but not incombustible. “Is It even ‘fireproof’ under the most strirgent laws?” It is, up to the required height limit.” “Do you think the roof comports with the character of the rest of the building?” do.” if you had the supreme authority to do so, would you change it?” ‘ot now. ‘Then why do you say if you had it to do cver you would make it tncombustible?” “I would arrange the building with that view in end. We are putting up a post office in Pueblo with an incombustible roof, but the whole structure is arranged for that purpose.” Mr. Aiken said the roof ts being built in accerdance with the plans adopted at the commencement of the structure. At the close of Mr. Aiken's examination the committee postponed action on the resolution until the next meeting. Chairman Milliken stated afterward to a Star reporter that his own idea of the matter is to allow the present construction to proceed, as he thinks the roof is suffi- ciently fireproof. This roof, he said, con- New York building regula- e. DELGARDO'S INJURIES, DR. An Official Statement Asked From the Spanish Government. The Spanish government has been asked for an official statement of the case of Dr. Jose Manuel Delgardo, an American citizen who is alleged to have sustained losses and indignities at the hands of the Spanish au- thorities on his plantation in the province of Mainoa, Cuba, early in March last. The State Department has received a full report of the case from Consul General W: jliams, from which it appears that when the con- sul general protested against the treat- ment of Delgardo the captain general of Cuba promptly stopped the proceedings which were in progress on the Dolores plantation, and had Dr. Delgardo, who had been cut and shut, removed to.a safe place, where he was given the best medical at- tention. Dr. Delgardo fortunately recov- ered from his wounds, but Is still in Cuba lcoking out for his plantation. It is considered likely that the Spanish government will disavow this ovtrege and will discipline the officers responsible for it. Mr. Deigardo's attorneys in this city are preparing a claim against the Spanish goverumert for a money indemnity. When this claim is submitted to the State Department it will have two claims from ore family to press against Spain. Mr. Del- gard», the father, had his estates embar- geed by the Spanish in 1839, and the claims commission which assembled a few years later awarded him damages to the extent of $117,000, The matter has been close to settlement several times, but payment has never been made. —-e——_____ Tomorrow's Benning Entries. _ First race, high weight handicap, five furlongs—Kennel, 140; Kinglet, 138; Hurl- ingham, & The Sage, 133; Will Elliott, ; Silk, 131; Wilful Hilda, 130, Second race, two-year-olds, selling, four and one-half furlongs—Ed. Taylor, 110; Russler, 100; Aunt Sally, Lizzie B. Second, My Vic, %. : Third race, Army and Navy handicap, mile—Captain T., 110; Tinge, 109; Hawar- den, 108; Hanwell, 99; Premier, Intermis- sion, 96. Fourth race as announced did not fill. New race, selling, for three and up at six furlongs, will close fifteen minutes after last race today. Fifth race, selling, steeplechase, two and one-half miles—Kilkenny, 161; May Blos- som, 146. . WASHINGTON, D. O., FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1896-FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO OENTS. ANALOSTAN ISLAND Proposition for the Government to Buy It for $75,000. SENATORS CHANGE THEIR OPINICNS Other Watters Acted On by the Senate Committee. BILLS OF LOCAL INTEREST The District committee of the Senate got down to work this morning with a vigor that may have had its inspiration in the relief that is felt by every member of the committee over the disposition of the perennial dollar gas question. The appro- priation bill being now under consideration before the subcommittee on appropriations, this Is the harvest time for amendments to that measure, and most of today’s session of the District committee was occupied by a consideration of such matters. To Bay Analostan Island. The most important action in this line was the adoption by the committee of an amendment to the appropriation bill au- thorizing the purchare of Analostan Island by the government and the District in case it can be secured for $75,000 or less. When this matter wes up before the committee before on arguments made by Senator Stewart the proposition was to buy the is- nd for the purpose of erecting there a contagious hospital, or a similar institution for the cure of disease. This idea did not meet with favor, and the drift of opinion at that time was that the scheme was not feasible. Since then, however, certain members of the committee have been look- ing Into the case, with the result that there been a change of sentiment; this morn- the consequence. In their letters to the committee in answer to this propesition to buy the island the District ters reported that th d of the property w , but that if the gevernment Nd buy under condemnation procecdings the property would probably ccest three times that amount. The committee decided to fix $7: (00 as the limit of cost, and it is believed the bargain will be struck with the repre- sentativer of the ow! whereby the title will be transferred to the government in leration of that sum. “kere are about fifty-four acres of so! ground on the island, and about thirt four acres of swamp land immediately ad- Joining, making a total acreage of eight of lend that, with cert ts, could be made available for purpose. The plans for the proposed sorial bridge include the construction of a pier on a portion of this island, and this fs one of the reasons that actuated the committee in reaching its Cecision to- day. It was felt that if the Lridge Is to be built the right to build the pier on the islard would have to be secured, and it would probably be an economy for the gcvernment to control not cnly beth ap- proaches to the bridge, but the land on which the piers rest as well. It so hap- pens that the land on both sides of the river immediately opposite . Is with the exception of the northern end, is the property of the government. on the west the Arlington estate, and on the east the Potomac flats and the old naval observatory grounds. Ove motive that operated to bring about the decision .of the committee was t fecling that it would be far better for the government to secure this beautiful tract of lend, even with its present ma- lerial surroundings, than to permit it to fall into the hands cf private persons, who might place there any sort of an offensive establishment. The possibility of the cree- ticn of a scap factory on Analostan Island has more than once hee present to the minds of ccrtain members of the commit- tee, and it is well understood that the Pennsylvania Raflroad Company has for some time had an eye on this property with a view to securing it for the purpose of’ establishing there extensive freight yards, ¢te. The amendment will be soon reported to the Senate and referred at once to the committee on appropriations. Other Amendments Acted On. The committze this morning also acted on several other amendments to the appro- priation bill. One of these was that pro- posed by Senator Stewart, appropriating $2,500 to grade the banks on Ist street west extended, with the proviso that this work shall take {ts turn. Mr. Peffer's amendment placing the wages of all police van drivers at at‘ieast $0 a month was also favorably acted upon, notwithstanding the adverse recommendation of the Dis- trict Commissioners. Senator Hansbrough was authorized to report a committee amendment to the appropriation bill, au- thorizing the paving of Princeton strect between 13th and 14th, at a cost not to exceed $6,000. Senator McMillan’s amend- ment to the bill providing for the appoint- ment of a gelect commission to inquire into the curriculum of the colored public schools with especial reference to the pos- sibility of extending the course of manual training was amended by substituting the board of school trustees for such a select commission and by changing the reference to the public schools, which, in the original umendment, were described by the old divisional numbers that are now obsolete. senator McMillan’s amendment authoriz- ing the expenditure of the unexpended bal- ance now remaining of the appropriation to remove Hancock Circle for the purpose of beautifying the reservation at the intersec- tion of 16th and U streets was rejected by the committee, and an adverse report was ordered, notwithstanding Mr. McMillan’s earnest arguments in its behalf. Brightwood Railway Extension. The committee took favorable action on the bill to amend the charter of the Brightwood Railway Company. The bill as finally approved by the committee is con- | siderably amended from its original form. It provides for an extension as follows: From the corner of 6th and -Umitilla streets northerly to Vermillion, thence west to 8th street and northerly on &th and its extension to the District line: It ts pro- vided that on the completion of this ex- tension the compaiy shall remove the pres- ent tracks on Umitilla street east of 6th and on 5th and Umitilia streets and to restore those streets to a good condition. Another amendment provides that in case condemnation proceedings are necessary for the securing of the righ, of way through any private lands the company shall dedicate to the District the right to use such right of way as a public highway. The company is required to file with the Commissioners within ten days after the passage of the act a s dule of the time and manner in which it proposes to run its cars. Notice of all proposed changes shall also be filed with the Commissioners .at least three days before they are to take effect. The Commissioners are to approve such schedules without delay in case they meet the reasonable demands of the tray- eling public. The company is required be- tween the hours of 5 in the mornfhg and midnight to run cars through from Florida avenue to the ncrthern end of Brightwood avenue and vice versa at least every fif- teen minutes, under a penalty of $50 a day. Within one month after the passage of the act it is required the Brightwood and Metropolitan railway companies 2nd the Capital Traction Company shail make ar- rangements for a system of transfers by which four tickets si.all be,sold for 25 cents, any one of which shall entitle the holder to a continuous ride over the Brightwood and Metropolitan lines or over the Bright- wood and Capital Traction Company lines. A penalty of $50 a day is provided to pun- ish failure or neglect to comply with this provision. The committee authorized Senator Faulk- ner to make a favorable report on Senate bill 2083, authorizing the sale of the title of the United States in lot 5, square 1113, in this city, to Frank D. Orme on the pay- ment of $1,000. An adverse report was ordered on Senate bill 2807 to remit penalties and interest cn arrears of taxes in the District, which was introduced by Mr. Call. This action was in accordance with the recommendation of the District Commissioners. ‘The Vivisection Bill, Dr. Stiles of the bureau of animal in- dustry, Agricultural Department, called this morning at the room of the Senate District committee with a letter addressed to Senator Gallinger, who 1s in charge of the bill to regulate vivisection in the Dis- trict, which was signed by Dr, Salmon, di- rector of the bureau of animal industry; Surgeon General Tryon of the navy, Sur- geon General Sternberg of the army, and Surgeon General Wyman of the marine hospital service, who joined in asking Sen- ator Gallinger to request the National Academy of Sciences, now in session in this city, to give an expression of opin- jon as to the usefulness of vivisection. The constitution of the academy provides that the tedy shall at all times be prepared to answer inquiries propounded by any branch of the government upon any scien- tific subject, and wie medical men whose names are mentioned have concluded that expert testimony of the best sort can now be had from this organization, which is opportunely within reach. Senator Gallinger was consulted about the matter and it was decided that the most effective manner of communicating with the academy for speedy results would be to send the communication on to the academy with an indorsement by the Sen- ator as the subcommittee in charge of the bill. To Reconsider, In the Senate today Mr, Chandler moved a reconsideration of the vote had yesterday in the Senate whereby the ‘ill to extend the party wall regulations to the entire District was passed. There was no discus- sion, and the motion was simply entered, operating, howe’ to check all progress on the bill and to prevent it from being sent to the House of Representatives. The District Commisioners this morning reported favorably to the Senate District ‘oposed amendment to tion bill authorizing ement of the Broad Branch road to the Chevy Chase circle. Reassessment of Taxes. Amendments will shortly be reported to the Senate from the District committee to the bill regulating the reassessment of w: ter main taxes in the District, in accord- ance with the suggestions recently made by Commissioner Powell to Senator McMillan at th latter's instance. The = effect of these amendmenis is to exempt agricultural land from the operations of the water main assessments. It is thought that these amendments will have the effect of removing the opposition of many property holders outside of the set- Ued portions of the District, who have hitherto been antagonistic to all street ex- tension prapositions on the ground that it would be unjust to them to tax thelr farm lands for city improvements far in advance of subdivision and building. To Enter the District. Senator McMillan today introduced a bill to authorize the Baltimore and Washing- ton Transit Company of Maryland to enter the District. It fixes the route as follows: From the present charter terminus at Ta- koma Park, Md., aiong Carroll avenue west to Maple avenue, south to Blair road, northerly to Umatilla street, west in such manner as to form a junction with the Brightwood railway, the entire distance being about half a mile. The work is to commence within six months and to be completed in one year from the passage of the act. The company is to deposit $1,000 with the collector of t inside of sixty days as a guaranty that it will commence and complete the line within the time spe fied. The ordinary provisions regulating the Incorporation of a local street railway are embodied in the bill. A Petroleum Pipe Line. Mr. Meikeljohn has introduced a bill in the House authorizing the District Commis- sioners to grant to Rene C. Baugham per- mission to lay pipes for the transmission of petroleum and its products in the foliow- ing-named street in said city of Washing- ton, to wit: From north block numbered 697, along the unpaved portion of Half strect southeast, a distance of 3,000 feet in a southerly direction to the Eastern branch of the Potomac River; the pipe line shall be laid under the direction of the Commission- ers of the District of Columbia. Naming the Streets. Mr. Babcock has introduced a bill In the House by request, directing the Commis- sioners to secure uniformity in the names of streets, and roads by changing the dupli- cate names. The Columbia Heights Citizens’ Associa- tion has forwarded to the chairman of the committee on the District of Columbia a letter Inclosing a schedule of repetitions in the names of roads, streets, alleys and courts in the District of Columbia. zee ——— DY RT RELEASED. Secetary Olney Gets a Cable Message Announcing the Fact. Secretary Olney has received a cable mes- sage from Consul General Williams at Havana saying that Walter Dygert, the American citizen who was arrested several weeks ago on suspicion of aiding the in- surgents, was released yesterday by order of Capt. Gen. Weyler. The message was received at the State Department while the cabinet was in session, and was sent at orce to the Secretary at the White House. The news was very gratifying to the Pres- ident and advisers, and was made public without the usual delay. The satisfactory termination of this case, which threatened to develop into an acute ue between Spain and the United States, Is believed to have been the result of a con- ference between Secretary Olney and the minister at the State Department yesterday. . Te prompt release of Blshop Diaz and bis Lrother, followed so soon after by the re- lease of Dygert, is accepted by certain diplomats here as a clear evidence of the great desire of the Spanish government to Propitiate the United States into a con- tinued state of neutrality, in order to avoid possible action looking to interference in behalf of the insurgents, even to the ex- tent of recognizing their belligerency. —__+ e+ ____ Personal Mention. The wedding day for Miss Stevenson, daughter of the Vice President, and the Rev. Mr. Hartin of Danville, Ky., is set for May 28, at § o'clock, at the New York Avenue Presbyterlan Church, and will be followed by a small reception at the Nor- mandie. Capt. Lemly, judge advocate gerferal of the navy, has gone to Boston to inspect the naval prison, - Lieut. W. B. Benson of the Dolphin, at Norfolk, 1s in the city on leave. Major D. G. Caldwell of the medical de- partment, is undergoing ‘ebamination for retirement. eign iene, is Lieut. W. A.’ Mercer, at the Ebbitt. = 3 (i = whbd was for many years stationed here, andain charge of ex- Maj. Richard E: Hoxie, tensions of thé water wor®s, is in Washing- ton for a few days. Maj. Hoxie is now sta- tioned at Pittsburg. a Capt. P. H. Cooper, superintendent of the Naval Academy, is in the city on business connected with that institution. A DOUBLE MURDER Dastardly Crime at La Plata, Charles County. TWO WOMEN THE VICTIMS Joseph Cocking Stunned and Left for Dead. GREAT EXCITEMENT ——__+---— Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. LA PLATA, Charles County, Md., April 24.—The people of this county were thrown into a state of excitement this morning by the findjng of the dead bodies of two la- dies and the horribly mangled body of a man, who had been left for dead. Fortu- nately, however, life was rot extinct, and the man may recover sufficiently to be able to give information regarding the murderers and robbers. He is Mr. Joseph Cocking, a storekeeper at Hill Top, while his wife and Miss Daisy Miller were the murdered ones. Excitement is running so high that if the culprits are caught they will un- doubtedly meet death at the end of rope and wiil be convicted by a court over which Judge Lynch will preside. Several searching parties have been organizei, and the whole country between here and the Potomac rivi as well as in the direction of Washington, is being thoroughly search- ed. Not only is the search being made in the woods, but houses of suspected per- sons will be overhauled and blood-stained clothing may.play an important part in the investigation. So far as could be as- certained ne one bas seem any suspicious persons about the county, and this morning it is thought that the investigation will be difficult one, although che citizens are hoping for the best. Hill Top is several miles from here, being between Port Tobacco and the river. Not more than half a dozen houses are in the village, which is on the top of a high hill, from which fact it bears the name “Hill Top.’ The only store there is kept by the man who was so brutaily treated and left a widower last night. It was between 6 and 7 o'clock this morning when the crime was discovered by a colored neighbor, who went to the store to make a purchase. AS soon as he reached the place he discovered that there was something wrong. Investi- gation soon revealed the fact that burglars had been there, for the store showed ev!- dences of their work. This colored man called for assistance, and neighbors, who responded first, went to the celiar, and there they found the grocer half dressed and unconscious. He was suffering from frightful wounds about his head, and had been securely bound with rope by the burglars, who had no doubt left him for dead. In rooms on the upper floor the dead bodies of Mrs. Cocking and Miss Miller were found. They had been murdered with some blunt instrument, probably a piece of iron, although it is possible that an ax or hatchet was used. What else the criminals hud done is not known at this time, but the investigation may show later on that other viclence was committed. Intense Excitement. As soon as the information reached here indignation tan high, and the officers of the law as well as the citizens lost no time in hurrying the investigation. State's Attorney Posey, as soon as he learned of the crime, prepared a message to be sent to Washington, asking the assistance of the police ther This message was sent by a special messenger to Indian Head to be transmitted by telephone to the navy yard. Mr. Cocking is a man not yet forty years old, and his wife was several years his junior. He had a good-sized country store and a comfortable hi So far as his neighbors know he never had trouble with any one, and the murders, it is thought, were committed only when the burglars thought they were detected. Under treatment the half-dead man soon recovered consciousness and was able to give a disconnected story of the affair. aie was aroused during the night, proba- biy at 2 a.m., by hearing a noise in the store, and without waiting to put on all his clothes he went to the store to make an investigation. Directly in the rear of the store 1s the dining room, and he had to pass through this in order to reach the store. Just as he made a ste> from this rocm to the store he received a stunning blow on the head and was knocked down. He remembers very little more about what happened. But he was then tied, and perhaps dealt other blows, and was thrown in the cellar. Being rendered helpless and weak he was unable to make an outcry, and there he remained until he lost con- sciousness. While he was there In this helpless condition the brutes, for it is cer- tain that there were at least two of them, went upstairs and finished their dastardly work, Terrible Work. Just what happened upstairs is not known, but it is supposed that the women became alarmed at the noise of Mr. Cocking’s fall- ing, or at his absence, and started to make an investigation. In so doing they probably went out in the hall, and wien met by the assassins were forced back to their rooms as the only possible means of escape. Had the, windows been open they could prob- ably have screamed loud enough to have aroused the nearest neighbors, who live only a few hundred feet distant. But the windows were closed, and the women could do nothing more than make a feeble re- sistance. Persons from Hill Top this afternoon have brought no additional information. It is not generally known whether the crime was committed by white or colored persons, although the injured man may possibly have informed the officers if he knows. Chances for Capture. This afternoon groups of men and women are to be seen along the road and in the village discussing the horrible tragedy, and many themes are advanced. The first the- ory suggested was thet the cricne had been committed by tramps on their way uorth toward Baltimore or Washington, while others are inclined to the belief that per- sens well acquainted with the store and its surroundings are the guilty ones. There are others who imagine that the crime may have been committed by men from the river. Oystermen who have worked on the river during the winter months are out of employment, and it is not an unusual thing to see them tramping home. If the bur- glary and double murder werecommitted by men of this class they may be in hiding in the woods. Ward’s run and Mill swamp are not far from the scene of the murder, ard should the murderers be in hiding there it may be difficult to apprehend them, although it is early in the season and the foliage is not yet so thick. This would give the members of the sheriff's pcsse some show. If the criminals are not <@ptured before night the roads, woods and railroad will be well watched until mora- ing. Word of the dastardly crime has been sent to the officers of the adjoining coun- ties, and it is not unlikely that several arrests will be made before night. Miss Daisy Miller, who was murdered, was about thirty-two or thirty-five years old. She is the daughter of Dr. Miller, who 13 well known throughout the county. Local Police Informed. Inspector Hgllinberge= this afternoon re- ceived from the navy yard the message of State's Attorney Posey, sent from Indian Head by telephone. The message reads: “Mrs. Joseph Cocking and Miss Daisy Mil- ler were murdered last night, and Mr. Jo- seph Cocking was injured and his store can robbed, at Hill Top, Charles county, ‘Look out for and arrest suspicious per- sons.” As soon as the message was received the police of the different precincts were noti- fied, especially thcse in the fourth and fifth precincts. The former precinct covers the river front, for should the murderers make to the river and come here they would land at one of the wharves. On the other hand, if they take to the woods and tramp here they will probably come through Anacostia, which is part of the fifth precinct. Possible Clue. The police think it possible that the erlme was committed by burglars who op- erated on the Daniels road Tuesday night at the residence of Mrs. Annie King. This house is near the District line, between Anacostia and Prince Gecrge’s county, Md., on the way between here and Charles coun- ty. At this house they stole a shotgun, pis- tol and a lerge quantity of clothing: It is likely that these burglars belong further down the country, and were drivipg and that they probably committed other depredations between here and Charles county. CAUSED “A SCARE Supposed Insane Man at the Capitol Today. He Walks Around a Narrow Coping— Visitors in the Rotunda Horrified. There was a thrilling incident at the Capitol this morning, and those who wit- nessed it will not forget it for many y About 9 o'clock two men pa through the rotunda of the Capitol notic a@ white man climbing from the railing near the roof of the rotunda to the scaffolding which has been there for several years. They noticed the man leave the scaffolding and climb to the coping which runs erourd below the scaffolding. They stood almost transfixed with horror. One of them re- covered from his fright and ran for the nearest police officers. He found Officers Joyce and Pearson. They accompanied him and found the man crawling on his hands end knees around the coping. He had gotten a fourth of the way around the ro- tunda when the officers called to him to stop. He looked down at them, apparently without fear, but stopped. They then told him to return to the scaffolding; that th wanted to talk with him. The man slowly made his way back to the scaffolding and was seized by the officers and taken before Capt. Garden. He made no efforts at re- sistance. Cap Garden recognized the man as Thos. Little, a plate printer, who has been haunting the Capitol for several months and who has committed seve: deeds. Capt. Garden questioned } asked him why he had undertaken such a dangerous performance. “A higher power than you ordered me up there,” said the man, “Lying in bed this morning, God told me to go there and finish that frieze work, and I intended to do it. If the gov- ernment would pay me a salary 1 wouldn't have to run around and do such work.” “I will have to send you where do such tricks,” said Capt. Garden, mean ing the asylum. “You can send me there if you want to,” Little answered, “but I ought not to be there as an inmaté. 1 ought to ve there as an_ officer. Capt. Gardea says that on the 20th of January one of his men arrested Little in the basement of the Capitol as a sus- picious character. Little had a small look- ing glass in his hands and said that a man down town had ordered him to hang {t up in the Capltol. Little was told to leave the building. He stayed away some time. The next time he visited the Capi- tol he took possession of several lady v itors ard was acting as a guide aroun the Capitol. A_ few days ago he took a bottle to the Capitol and put It under a seat, saying that he wanied to ieave it there for the master mechanic Capt. Garden says that Little has been an inmate of an asylum, but was released as harmiess several months :go. Little Was sent to the sixth precinct station and Will probably be committed to an asylum. Ss DISTRICT SINKING FUND. Treasurer Morgan and the Proposed Sewer Bond Issuc. United Stites Treasurer Morgan has ex- pressed his views in an (fficial letter on certain provisions of Senate bill No. 28, which is known as the sewer improv: Dill. He suggests two amendments, to make the sections relative to the issue of the proposed three per cent bonds clear and explicit. “The only difference in the two provis- " he states, “is in the manner of giv- ing notice to the holdcrs of the bonds cail- ed. No. 1 provides for giving notice ‘by public advertisement; No. 2 provides for sending a circular notice to the holders of the bonds called. The opinion seems to prevail that a formal advertisement Is of doubtful utility in matters of this char- acter, and a notice mailed to the holder of bonds to be called ts suflicient. This mode also commends itself for its simplicity, as well as on the score of economy, “The bill, aiso provides,” he adds, “for creating a sinking fund for the gradual re- demption or payment of the principal of the bonds at maturity, and provides for calling any of the bonds after twenty-five years from the first day of January, i8¥6, which weuld be in 1921. An examination of the debt statement of the District shows, that besides the 3.65 per cent bonds, there are but little over $5,000,000 of bonds of the Dis- trict outstanding. The sinking fund cre- ated for the redemption of 3.65 per cent bonds provides that these bonds shall not be purchased at more than their par value. They now conimand a premium in the mar- ket, from 9 to 10 per cent, therefore none vin be purchased for the sinking fund. Congress, however, by subzeguent legisla tion, provided that the Bums set apart for the sinking fund for these bonds could be invested in any other bonds of the Dis- trict. 2 “The sinking funds of 1896 aggre- gate nearly $400,000, and will increase from year to year to the amount of interest pay- able on the bonds retired t r, hence in a few years all of the bonds of the District, except the per cent bonds, will be retir- ed, and thereafter the sinking funds can only be invested in 3.65 per cent bonds, an if they cannot be purchased at par, autho ity will have to be sary premium in the market, or provisio: be made to purchase some other securitie with the sums accumulated in the sinking funds. z “If this bill becomes a law and a sinking fund is provided for retiring the bonds, the present sinking fund wiil be increased by the amount of said funds and it will hasten the retirement of the bonds now outstand- ing, and before the twenty-five years pro- vided in the bill expire. there will be no bonds of the District in which to invest except the 3 per cent bonds, and they could only be purchased in the market, “In view of the fact set forth above it seems advisable to reduce the period in which the bonds are made redeemable, and I have accordingly inserted ten instead of twenty-five years. “If an option of ten or fifteen years is adopted, before the expiration of that time the 3.65 per cent bonds could probably be purchased at a rate that would yield to the sinking fund at least 3 per cent per an- num, which would probably be the rate of increase estimated for the sinking fund for the contemplated loan.” The Star advertising col-, umns are business-bringers, every time. Whether you want to acquire or to dis- pose of anything, no mat- ter what, through their agency you can attract the attention of everybody in Washington likely to be in- terested in your proposi- tion. |WAS A BRAVE CHARGE Gallant but Fruitless Attack on Matabeles, A BADLY MANAGED EXPEDITION Intended for a Surprise, but Plan Failed. GREAT DELAY IN STARTING (Copyright, 1896, by the Associated Press.) CAPE TOW April 24.—Telegraphie communication with Buluwayo was re- opened for a time today, and then there was another break, believed, however, to be only a temporary interruption. During the time the wire was working dispatches were recelved from several sources in the besieged town. The news flashed south is, somewhat conflicting, but the main fact seems well established that the British have made a sortie in force, encountered large numbers cf Matabeles, inflicted great loss upon them, suffered in return, were at one time in danger of annihilation, and finally retreated. The story of the fight must be divided into two chapiers, cial report and the unofficial acc Assembled at Midnight. The official version of the sortie says that the Eritish force, shortly after mid- night, was quietly called to arms, and without apparen’ alarming the native part of the town a force of about 400 men, under Capts. Napier and Duncan, with one Maxim fire gun and a Hotchkiss quick-firing gun, belonging to the flagship St. Georg: red outsi barbed wire defenses, were served with a ration of rum and led up for a h at the enemy's line: words and clattering accouterments were deadened cloth, and the feet of the horses composing the advance guard were gged” (hoofs cov- ered with strong s Owing to the preci was neces- sary to take there wa: e delay in getting off, aud the firs ks of eray on the horizon could, be when the column arrived within striking distance of the enemy. The latter were quietly camped behind their stone-t d_eart works, within abont four m of Bu wayo. But contrary to expectation, the Matebeles had thrown out pickets which, though surprised by the advance guard, raised the alarm. This was no sooner done than the troop- ers In advanc rged and shot down many of the natives. This was t signal for advance cf the main ody of the troopers, and they galloped forward in fine style to the suyy their comrades. niuckily for t of Captains rand Dunc time it was ing quite light, and the Matabeles had sprung to arms all along the line. As the British advanced they ceived by a scattering rifle fire hind the earthworks, but th guard charge} right up to the spurred their horses over them i A Return Charge. 1a set-back for the troop- charged in force and drove the advanc 2 Kk, met by the main lof force, fire was opene on the Matabele up until broad daylight, when the was ordered in view of the much ammunition was being wasted Up to this time the loss on either side had not been very heavy, although the Mata- beles had by far the worst of it, especially when the Maxim and Hotchkii were brought into play to cover the retreat of the advance guard. Just before the advance on the Matabele position, the two rapid-fire guns were again set to work, and for about a quarter of an hour they were made to sweep the Matabele position in front of the British force. Fighting at Close Quarters, When the right moment seemed to arrive a charge was ordered, and there was a pro- longed period of sharp fighting at close quarters. Pistols, rifles, shotguns, as- segais, war clubs, spears and knives clashed prettily, the music of the ra cuns, sent to the rear for fear of th = cap- tured. having ceased Both sides fought bravely. It was a case of a handful of well-armed whites against a small army of badly-armed Matabeles. The former were fichting for the helpless women and children in the bel: town of Buluwayo; the latter were for what-they considered to be their their native land, for Buluwayo, r bet own, the old capital of King Lobengula. Retreat of the British. Gradually the Matabeles, pressed onward by sheer force of numbers, almost surround- ed the British, who, to avoid being encircled, retreated, fighting foot by foot, but being driven steadi ckward. One squad, for a time, was qu off, and only extricated itself by a brilliant charge through the Matabele cordon, Acts of Heroixm. Much heroism was displayed by individ- ual British trocpers and volunteers in rescuing, their wounded comrades.” One trooper Is said to have charged alone close up to the Matabele works, to ave picked up a wounded friend, dragged him upon his saddle ard r-treated, after emptying the magazine of his riflaat the enem Another trooper stood over a fallen com- rade, and with the stock of his rifle beat off the natives until both he and his friend were rescued by a charge of their com- rades. Crossing the river In retreat F. C. Selous had a narrow escape. His horse was killed in midstream and he became entangled In the stirrups. When he extricated himself he was half drowned and would have sunk bad it not been for Lieut. Windley, who swam bis horse cut into the middle of the river, in face of the fire of the enemy, rescued Selous and reached the left bank without injury. Saved by a Brilliant Charge. The sqvad of troopers, previously sald to heve been for a time quite cut off, and able te extricate itself only by a bri charge ; through the M bele cordon, was Capt. Grey's scouts. They were to a certain de- gree ambushed, and almo: hands of the enem rush they extri The Unofficial Account. The unofficial account of the sortie says there was a great deal of un lay in getting the troopers rate fully prep There was determi sides at close r ve them. on both nge, and the British, when ulmost surrounded, retreated, fighting stub- bornly, with the joss of many killed and wounded. In brief, the sortie was a failure, a defeat for the British and, whe t is worse under the circumsjances, there was an ex- penditure of much of the smal! stock of ammunition remaining at Buluwayo. The Matabeles are believed to be flushed victory. They have driv ¥ Buluwayo a strong force, about garrison of that place, and th suffered severely, the loss in prestige and ammunition to the British is much more severe. The news which has reached here from England that reinforcements of British troops are to be hurried to the Cape has given great satisfaction to the British por- tion of the population, and may have @ good effect in other quarters.