Evening Star Newspaper, May 7, 1896, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Oompaay, 5. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. New York Oiios, 49 Potter Building, = eee ee The Evening Star fs served to subscribers Im the eity by carriers, on their own account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents = mouth. Copies at the ccenter 2 cents each. By matl—enywhere in the United States or Canada—postage prepald—60 cents ber month, Saturday Quinteple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage udded, $3. (Extered at the Post Office at Washington, D.C, as second-class mail matter.) CAI mati subscriptions must be pafd tn advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. Che Fveni No. 13,472. WASHINGTON, D. C., THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1896—-SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS THE STAR BY MAIL. Persons leaving the city for any Perlod can have The Star mailed to them to any address in the United States or Canada, by ordering it at this office, in person or by letter, or postal card. Terms: 13 cents per week; 25 cents for two weeks, or 50 cents per month. Subscribers chang ing their address from one Post- office to another should give the last address as well as the new one. HANGING OF HOLMES Execution of the Murderer in Moy- amensing Prisom oe PROTESTED Hi INNOCENCE 10 THE LAST Slept Soundly During His Last Night on Earth. AS INSTANTANEOUS ———————— PHIL DELPHIA, Pa., May 7.—-Herman W. Mudgett, alias H. H. Holmes, the mur- derer of B. F. Pitezel, was hanged In Moy- amensing prison at twelve and a haif min- utes after 10 o'clock this morning. That is the time the drop fell. It was fully a half hour later before he was officially pro- nounced dead. A half minute before he was shot into eternity he made this declaration to the leman assemblage gathered about the scaf- I have very few words to I woull make no remarks at eaking I e In my execution. y that the extent of my consisted they having It of criminal died at my han operation that there t de- to the As the last fell from his pallid lips, he turned attorney. ng th e right hand of the young law- Holmes gave him a firm gra: at that terribie moment—h the other man’s lly buttoned his coat, nod- and in an instant he shot ntedly the mblage of most fifty fore hin y things is last d of y of of life uneventfully. y Father Daily of Annunciation visited afternoon his Ned for a short y Holmes oc- Daily came again iz d er he left Holmes til midnight. tion: > in C Church oke of F i 2 th whose testimony i neh to exec also pe a letter of 1 Mr. Rotan, his counse y is maintained regardin these letters wa of Ke + Who was fearful lest the the cell beyond might commit sui- But apparently nothing was further the abnorn mind of his charge. slept the sleep of an innocent babe, § o'clock in the morning it required st day of jock Father Daily came with of the same church. ed them silently, and kn: went over the com- 5 ling to the rites of urch, to which he had been the past week, In form, been sting since midd- "e once over, his break ry toast and coffee was brousht in, and he ate it with an apparent reli man in cide. At Zo Hoimes rece with them wh munien sery the Catholic conve at le f defiance he made just demanded, stretching per Weaver. They Holmes smiled and to the rear of h 1. He declared he had never felt better in his life after this the priests returned and re- mained with him until the end. Outside the Prison. as a rock. that Meantime a nervously expectant crowd had gathered without the gates of the gloomy prison, which resembles in archi- tecture a mediaeval fortress. A rope had been stretched across the entrance to the passageway ding to the convict depart- ment, and within this were assemb! the ais, jurors and new d been invited to see the tes were opened at 9 o'clock and din. licitor William Grew called the t of jurymen in the superintendent's of- fice, at the head of the corridor containing ed to these names: William 3 enjamin Pennebaker J. Ridgway, R. R. Bringhurst, Dr. Wood, Dr. W. J. Hi Dr. W. arn, p, AL ler, Dr. B. Dwight, Dr. J. C. ames: nd and Dr. John L. Of the Wright a Ridgway were seven physicians, men, including an underta riff Clement administere this oath: tlemen of the jury, you and each of you do solemnly swear that you will act jurors sumimoned by the high sheriff of the county of Philadeiphia, and that you will witness the execution of Herman W. Mudgett, alias H. H. Holmes, and certify the time and manner of such exec! cording to law, and so you do sw help you God. ‘The Procession. of this At two minutes after 10 o'clock the pro- » gallows was begun, he perintendent Perkins and As- perintendent Richardson. Fifty or more men, with uncovered heads, made up the solemn parade, and halted before the scaffold. ‘The instrument of de loomed high in the cente ridor on the first floor of th e prison. The pe ae feet above the evel of approached by a flight of s ed around the structure awful silence followed for a murmur of sound ar the other side of the seaffold. It wa: vers of the priests, who were es- ng Holmes to the gallows. A moment later they mounted the steps and came into view. The priests, arrayed in their secular vestments, stood on either side of the con- demned man, and chanted the Psalm Mis erere. Holmes, a crucifix clasped in hands, upon which his eyes were fixed, walked steadily between them. He wore a sack coat and trousers of gray materi and a white shirt. There was a thin growt of beard on his chin, and his hair was so ruffled as to display a small bald spot at the top of his forehead. There was a pause after they. had reach- ed the deadly trap, and then Holmes step- = forward and pronounced his valedictory. t took him exactly two minutes to pro- mounce what nearly every man there re- garded as the last of a series of Hes. Father Daily is the only man who knows whether or not the man went into eternity with a He on his lips, for to him Holmes, either last night or today, made a final state- ment. But that is buried In the secrets of the church. His Farewell. After shaking hands with his lawyer, who then left the scaffold, Holmes turned and bade farewell to Superintendents Perkins amd Richardson, and the priests, who were the other occupants of the gallows. Then he and the two clergymen knelt in silent prayer. They arose at 10:12 o'clock. In arother half minute the end had come, Holmes’ hands were manacled behind him, the noose and the black cap were adjusted, and the intense stillness was broken by a sharp crack, that echoed along the cor- ridor like the report of a pistol. The body shot down and hung without a tremor. As the echoes died away the voices of the priests softly arose. They were chanting the prayers for those in the agonies of death, Five minutes later six physicians ex- amined the body. They were Drs. John S. Miller, J. D. Da Coasta, William BE. Ashton, Ernest La Place and Drs Sharp and Butcher, the latter two prison physicians. They made their examination, but gave no official opinion. Dr. Butcher privately stated, however, that a broken neck had undoubtedly caused death. The heart beat feebly for fully fifteen minutes after the fall, but to all intents and purposes the man was dead when he first shot down. ,The body was allo ved to hang until 10: o'clock. Then it was cut down and placed in @ coffin. Last of Holmes. At 12:80 o'clock the big iron doors in the rear of the prison swung open, and an un- dertaker’s wagon rolled out. In it was a plain black casket, containing the body. ‘The wagon drove rap!dly to Mount Moriah cemetery, where it was placed in a vault. Here it will probably remain for two or ys, when it will be quietly interred in another grave yard. Whether or not it will be finally buried in consecrated ground s_upon Holmes’ last words with hop t immediately after the execution a letter carrier walked up to the gates of the prison and delivered a newspaper ad- dressed to H. H. Holmes. As the unde 8 oNed out of the court yard it was pursued for some distance by a crowd of gamins, who pounded gleefully upon the siles of the vehicle, until driven away by the police. The Philadelphia papers varied in their reports of the act time of the hanging, anywhere from 10:06 to 10:20, The first hertic report came from the Associated SS representative, who was the first person to leave the prison after the execu- tion. There will be no autopsy on the body of Holme among his last words being a etics injunction to Attorney Rotan to that effect. —_—_—__ MGR. GALIMBERTI DEAD. Was Prominent in European Dtplo- atie Nerotiations. ROME, May 7—Mgr. Louis Galimberti, the well-known prelate and diplomat, for- merly papal ambassador to Austria-Hun- gary, died at 1:20 this afternoon. He was born in 1838, acted as arbitrator between Germany and Spain in the dispute regarding the right of ownerthip to the Caroline Islands, and took an important art in the negotiations between Prussia and the holy s which resulted in the abrogation of the notorious May laws. The death of Mer. Galimberti has great- ly affected the pope, to whom he was warmly devoted. a HUNTINGTON'S HARBOR SCHEME. An Evidence of the Power of a Wealthy Man Over Congress. W. C. Patterson, president of the chamber of commerce of Los Angeles, Cal. a hody composed of 90 of the representative buai- ness men of southern Caiifornia, said today to a Star reporter, referring to the bitter fight in the Senate with reference to a har- bor near Los Angeles, Cal.: “C. P. Hunting- ton has succeeded in procuring from the committee on rivers and harbors in *he House and the committee on commerce in the Senate, recommendations for an appro- priation for a harbor at Santa Monica, al- though the people in the vicinity, the Con- gressman from that district, both Senators from California, and ht of the most dis- tinguished United States engineers have recommended and preferred San Pedro. This is a remarkable instance of the power of one wealthy and unscrupulous man over the American Congress. “The people of California and of the whole hould carefully scan the vote when ure Is put upon its passage. For the sake of the good name of our people, tb is sincerely hoped that a smaller number fwill be found to wear Huntington's yoke than he is disposed to claim. There has in the history of the country been no more out- rageous effort than this to subvert the will of the people, to override justice, and to plunder the United States treasury for the benefit of a private corporation. The people of the Pacific slope, irrespective of party, are thoroughly roused over this attempt to destroy their commercial interests, and to hand them over, bound hand and foot, to the tender mercies of a grasping monopoly. The indignation is acute and widespread. Our peopie feel that they are about to be xreatly wronged, and there is no uncertain sound about the earnestness and meaning of their protest. $$ CHAIRMAN CARTER’S CALL. Republican National Committee to Meet in St. Louis June 10. Chairman Carter of the republican na- tional committee today tssued the following call: “Washington, D. C., May 6, 1896.— The members of the republican national committee are requested to meet at the Southern Hotel in the city of St. Louls cn Wednesday, the 10th day of June, at 12 o'clock noon, for the purpose of preparing the temporary roll of membership and des- ignating temporary officers for the conven- tion and for the transaction of such other business as may require the action of the committee. It appearing probable that an unusual number of contested cases will be presented to the committee for considera- tion in connection with the preparation of the temporary roll, it is deemed advisable to call special attention to the following clause Ip the call for the convention: ‘All notices of contests must be filed with the secretary of the national committee, in writing, accompanied by printed statements of the grounds ef contest, which shall be made pubic. PrSierence in order of hear- ing and determining contests will be given by the committee in accordance with dates of filing such notices and statements with the secretary.’ “All persons desiring to present matters for the consideration of tne committee under the foregoing clause are requested to be prepared to present their cases on the assembling of the committee on the date above designated. Prior to June 1 communications should be addressed to the seeretary, in care of the Arlington Hotel, Washington, D. C., and thereafter in care of the Southern Ho- el, St. Louis, Mo. (Signed) J. H. Manley, secretary; Thomas H. Carter, chairman.” The Shah and Czar. LONDON, May 7.—A St. Petersburg dis- patch to the Times says:. “The czar and the new shah have exchanged the most cordial telegrams of sympathy, the shah's declaring that it is his first duty to fester and develop the friendly felations ¥hich bound his beloved parent to the Russian imperial family. é, ———————— Consul Recognized. The President has recognized~Joseph J. Corbett as consul of Costa Rica at Boston. HUNTINGTON'S BILL Action of the California Republican Convention Commented On. THE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TALK Sentiment of the People is Against the Measure. UNITED IN OPPOSITION —_— The adoption of resolutions by the Cali- fornia republican state convention con- demning the Pacific railroad funding bill is gratifying to the California congressional delegation, except, perhaps, Mr. Johnson. They regard this action of the state con- vention as a suitable answer to the state- ment of Mr. Huntington that the delega- tion In Congress did not represent public sentiment in their state when they opposed the plan of the Pacific railroad peopie. Senator Perkins of California said that he thought the declaration of the republ!- can state convention against the funding bill was a fair expression of the sentiment of the people of California on that subject. “If there is any one question on which the people of my state are united, it is on this. In the last campalgn both the demo- crats and the republicans declared in op- position to the funding Dill, and tt may fairly be said that this opposition is w mous. The Californians are not ant rcad people. 1 am not an anti-rallroad We simply want what {s fair and , and believe that the interests of the public and the raiiroads should te the same. The opposition to this Pacific rail- read funding proposition arises from the belief that it 1s not fair; that It -vas made to cost a great deal more than it should have through subcontracts and various other plans of which the promoters were the beneficiaries. The California people, too, are anxious that the question Should be gotten out of the way in some manner, and kept out of politics, where it is a constant irritant. This convention which Is now declared against the funding bill is undoubtedly a representative convention, and its action very directly contradicts Mr. Huntington's statement that there was no real public sentiment in California against the funding bill. There has been an unusual amount of interest in the election of delegates to this convention. There was a strong Allison sentiment and a strong Reed sentiment, and as it shows now a stronger McKinley sentiment in the state. The selection of delegates was therefore made with a great deal of care, and after a contest on all sides, and the success of the MeKinley peo- ple ii response to a public sentiment in favor of protection for American industries. ‘The fact that this sentiment did prevail in spite of the popularity of both Mr. Recd and Mr, Allison Indicates that the great mass of people of the state, who just now are more -d in protection than any- thing e e represented at the con- vention. This makes it evident that the convention was re ve and its dee- laration on ad question must be accepted as a declaration of the sentiment of the p No action was taken as to the Santa Menica appropriation to the river and harbor bill, but other mem- bers of the California delegation and my- elf have received telegrams showing the support of the position taken by the Cali- fornia delegation by the people of California without regard to party. Significance of the Action. Representative Hilkorn of Californta said that the resolutions of the republican state convention were an outburst of public sen- timent. The adopticn of the resolutions under the circurrstances is simply the ex- pression of an uncontrollable public senti- ment in cpposition to the funding bill. The action of the convention in this matter Is particularly significant when the cireum- stances are taken into consideration. In the first place, the convention was not ex- pected to declare any state policy, but there for the sole purpcse of electing deie- gates to the naticral convention. The rail- road pecple, as has been their custom throughout the history of Pacifle railroads, undertook to control the convention, so as to prevent the adoption of resolutions ad- verse to the funding bill, and also to pre- vent instruction to delegates fer any par- ticular candidates. They dic everytaing possible for the accomplishment of this, and were in a better position to succeed in their object then they can ever hope to be again. In the appointment of committees and In th organization wherever their in- fluerce could be exercised they used It to insure their control of the convention. Yet when It came to a test they were simply cverwhelimed by the popular sentiment. It was the first time in the history of the railroad that they had not been able to so far control the republican convention as to prevent any declaration adverse to their own plans. The Huntington people have always aimed to have the delegates to the national convention uninstructed so that they could use them In the national con- vention in stich waz’ as seemed most likely to serve the interests of the railroad. On this occasion, however, they failed both in their attempt to prevent the instruction to the delegates and to prevent the adoption of the anti-funding bill resolution. The Sentiment of the People. Representative McLaughlin of California said: “The rerolution adopted by the Call- fornia republican convention against the funding bill !s, T have no doubt, expressive of the sentiments of the republicans of the state. Denunciation of the bill, however, is not rare in my state. The last legisla- ture denounced it. Various boards of trade throughout the state have denounced it, and the democratic executive committee has denounced it. The sentiment of the people of California, irrespective of party, 1s overwhelmingly against the funding bili and the republicans of the state are partic- ularly strong against it.” Huntington's Statement Refuted. Representative McGuire said: “The reso- lution fs undoubtedly expressive of the sentiments of the people of California. We haven't gone as far here as the resolu- tions in advocating the government owner- ship of the road, because we have found that there is-a fecling against it. The resolutions go far to refuting Mr. Hunt- ington’s statement that there are only a few people in the state opposing tho bill. The democratic state convention, which meets on the 15th of June, will take the same action, and will condemn the bill in strong terms. The democratic state cen- tral committee several weeks ago con- demned it and sent me resolutions to put before the House.” Senator White's Irony. Senator White, democrat, said ironical: “It 1s a good confirmation of Mr. Hunting- ton’s estimate of public sentiment.” Sentiment From the First. Representative Barham of California sald: “The resolutions are merely a re- announcement of the sentiment of,the peo- ple of California as it has been from the first, and as it was expressed by the unan- imous resolution of the legislature.” Reiteration of Republican’ Position. Mr. Lous said that the resolutions were simply a reiteration of the position of the republicans of California on this question. DISTRICT DELEGATES Those of the Democratio Persuasion Said to Be Divided. All Want Seats at Chicago—Indica- tions That but Two Will Be Ad- mitted, Hence the Troubles, The democratic delegation to the national gathering at Chicago, which was selected to represent the District after a lively cam- paign, at the convention held in the Acad- emy of Music, 1s torn asunder by confilct- ing sentiments, and where once all was ap- parently peaceful and lamblike, there are row great rifts of dissension, that grow wider and more pronounced as the attempts to close them up increase in vigor. When the ticket, as finally selected, with the ex- ception of Mr. George Killeen, was being originally arranged by the majority of the members of the central democratic commit- tee of the District, the gentlemen selected for the honor of going to Chicago were as amiable toward each other as it was possible for men to be. They met every day at the office of a well-known democrat of local renown and national activity, and under the guidance of experienced politicians laid plans to carry them on to success, They sought advice and eagerly followed it and clung together so closely that they soon became known as the “combine,” and apparently reveled in the appellation, Numerous anti- convention promises were made with earn- est avowals of steadfz faithfulness, and each man of the “combine would have been willing to point to his protestations and declure in the language of the po that a rock would fly from its firm base soon as he. The convention was held, and flve mem- bers of the combine were elected, Mr. Ed- win Forrest being defeated b the delegates from Mr. John Boyle's district, who were admittedly pledged to support w was t, but this not considered as dangerous to the program mapped out by the other flve, who Were Messrs. Holmead, Boyle, Mattingly, Morgan and Jordan, A Change Becomen Apparent. Shortly after the convention, however, it became evident that there was a tenden on the part of some of the delegates to kick over the traces. Even the political views of the delegates appeared to be at variance, and as to the promises made dur- ing the campaign, they appeared to have entirely ped the memary of those who made them. Lccal democrats who became familiar with the conditions, and who knew that a divided delegation would have very little chance of being admitted to the na- tional convention, atteinpted to bring the ates to a proper realization of things, but without avi Their attempts being futile, they concluded to keep hands off, and aw ut they regarded and sul re- s able outeome—the admis- jon of but two delegates at Chicago. This probability has also steuck the dele- gation itself. The members of It are aware that the chances are growing beautifully less every day of the national convention adopting the recommendations of the na- tional democratic committee for an in- creased representation from the territories and the District of Columbia, and as each delegate wants to have a seat and a voice at Chicago It Is easy to realize how the six gentlemen in question feel. Other Complications. There is no rule by which two of them can be chosen for convention honors in ease only that number Js admitied, and there is no official record now in ex! showing which ones would have prece: if the convention decided upon admitting the two who received the highest number of votes. Many attempts have been made to get the delegation to prepare for a posetble emer- gency of this sort and settle on two dele- gates to represent the District in case the convention declines to admit any more, but there are too many ambitions In the way, at least no progress was made toward set- tling thelr differences at a secret’ meeting which the delegates held last night at the Metropolitan Hotel. The delegates them- selves decline to talk for publication about the consultation, but it is said that an ani- mated discussion was carried on and that the delegates separated as far apart as ever on all the questions which have hith- erto been prolific of somewhat strained re- lations. Delegates Classed as Doubtfal. It is sald in well-informed democratic cir- cles that the fact that both the silver and gold democrats in making up thelr respec- tive estimates of strength In the Chicago convention have steadily allotted two votes to the District of Columbia and placed them both in the doubtful column, makes it cer- tain that no more than two delegates will be admitted, no matter which faction con- trols the organization. Altogether, there- fore, the present and future prospects are apparently enough to make the six gen- tlemen selected as delegates lose a lot of sleep, and make, or try to make, any num- ber of shrewd combinations in order to promote their individual chances. SSS SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATS. Free Silver Delegates to the State Convention—Tillman Indorsed. Democratic county conventions were held in every county in South Carolina on Mon- day to elect delegates to the state con- vention, which meets on the 18th of this month. The free silver men carried every county but three, and in one 6f these the delegation was divided. The bolting idea predominated in all but a few of the coun- ties. While no open instructions in favor of a bolt were given the county delegates, resolutions azainst bolting were tabled wherever introduced. Senator Tillman's course was approved in nearly all of the conventions. Tiilman and his friends will have complete control of the state conven- tion, Senator Irby, who is against bolt- ing, was cleeted a delegate from his coun- ty by a close majority, and with the assist- ance of what are Knowg in the state as “couscrvatives,” the faction of the party which has always opposed Tillman. Sena- tor Irby’s county adopted resolutions in favor of free silver and against a bolt at Chicago. Senator Tillman’s home ccunty elected him a delegate to the state conven- tion without cpposition. The prospect of a contesting delegation from the state is now increased. As here- tofore stated in The Star, the gold men of the state and the silver men who want to remain in the party regardless of the action of the party at Chicago will.make an ef- fort in the state convention to have a reso- lution adopted against bolting. If they do not succeed they declare that they will reorganize the party, hoid another’ state convention and elect ‘delegates to Chicago pledged to abide the result of the national convention. The regular state convention will not adopt resolutions favering bolting, but will elect delegates who will follow Tillman when he leaves the convention. Tillman was indorsed as a‘presidential candidate throughout the staté& : : The Great Cheshire Handicap. LONDON, May 7.—This was the third and last day of the Chester meeting. Seven horses started in the Great Cheshire handi- cap stakes of 15 sovereigns each, for three- year-olds and upwi ang Sir R. Jardine’s Fealer won; Lord Hindlip’ Powick, second; H. McCalmont's Irish Car, third. ° IN CONGRESS TODAY Mr. Peffer’s Bond Resolution Still Further Discussed, SENATCR PALMER IN OPPOSITION Mr. Pickler Attempts to Obstruct the House Business. ee is BEATEN BY VOTES —- + —— In the Senate today Mr. Gallinger (N. H.) presented a resolution calling on the Sec- retary of Agriculture to report immediately the reason for the deley in distributing seeds. It was agreed to without com- ment or division. The resolution for a bond investigation was then taken up, Mr. Hill, who retained the floor, yicicing temporarily to Mr. Pal- mer (iil.) in a speech opposing the reso- lution. Mr. Palmer's Opposition, “I oppose this resolution, ad Mr. Pal- mer, “because I regard it as an Wegitimate uns of precuring material to affect and me the public mind.” ‘The Senator went on to say that he did not suppose any Senator, except, possibly, the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Pet- Ww), questioned the Integrity ef the cretary of the Treasury. "The Becre tary’s judgment perhaps might be dis- the correctness of his acts might uestioned, but there was no ques of integrity involved, Mr. Palm viewed the platform utterances of the ties. Citing the old adage world do move,” Mr. Palme ntry had moved since 1892, and it was evident that U plans made at Minneapolis and would not satisfy the people elections. In mentioning Mr turn to the White House in 18 Palmer said the President aid “that able honest man, J. G. Mr. Palmer aske bring about a [4 Mr. 1 called to his that pure and cent or W-cent dollar. Mr. Butler’ (N ©.) said he would answer the qu ton by reading from a_ speech by Senator, Hill, known as the “Elmira peech.” He was proc at much length Mr. Hill the metals, when Mr. Palmer reft yleld long saying: “I asked a plain, dis- tinct question, to wnith I have received a great amoun Yield further. Ax to Presidential Candidates, At enother point Mr. Palmer referred to the cowardice of candidates for the pres- idency and for Congress in not being specific on their financial views, and in this connection the Senator had an article read from the desk, arraigning Goy. Me- Kinley for his “Janus-faced” attitude on finance. “And yet,” added Mr. Palmer, “all indi- cations point to the fact that the subject of that criticism will be the republican can- didate for the presidency. A Senator across the aisle whispered to Mr. Palmer the substance of the bulletins from the Indianapolis ccnyention, whereup- on Mr. Palmer added: “In fact, 1 under- stand that the opposition to him has broken down.” and I decline to of wind, Mr. Vest’s Charge. During the debate Mr. Vest declared that the office holders and postmasters in Mich- igan controlled the late democratic conven- tion and formed a gold plank In the plat- form. He satd that there was not the least doubt that the democratic party of that state was for free silver. The action of the offigeholders, he de- elered, was a disgrace to the American peo- ple. THE HOUSE, Mr. Pickler (8. D.), chairman of the com- mitte on invalid pensions, who was de- feated last night when the House refused to stand by him and continue the legisla- tive day for the purpose of clearing the calendar of private pension bills, created some consternation when the House met this morning by raising the point of no quorum as soon as the chaplain completed his invocation. Speaker Reel counted the House, but could find only ninety-five members pres- ent. Members stood about in groups and asked each other what it was all about, but Mr. Fickler sat stolidly in his seat deaf to the appeals of members who approached him. No move was made for about twenty minutes. In the meantime many mem- bers had entered the hall. At 12:20 p.m. Crisp (Ga.) asked if there was not a quorum present. ‘The chair thinks there ts," replied the Speaker, “and the clerk will read the jour- nal. Mr. Pickler again made the point of no quorum. “The chair overruies the point of order,” said the Speaker sharply, and the clerk proceeded. Mr. Pickler, with a copy of the Record, was evidently preparing for war while the Journal was’ being read. As soon as it Was finished he demanded that the names of the members present when the quorum failed in committee of the whole last night be read. Mr. Pickler objected to the ap- proval of the journal, and Mr. Dingley, the floor leader, moved ‘its approval. Again Mr. Pickier attempted to interpose the pont of no quorum, but this time the Speaker found a quorum, and the journal was approved—174-0. Some Routine Business. Thus balked, Mr. Pickler retired to his seat and some routine morning business was transacted. _The Speaker appointed Messrs. Boutelle (Me), Robinson (Pa.) and Cummings (N. ¥.) conferees on the naval appropriation bith. Mr. Stone (Pa.) secured unanimous con- sent for a bill to amend the act creating the circuit court of appeals while Mr. Pickler attention was temporarily di- verted. He rushed down the aisle and attempted to interpose objection. “Too late,” drawled the Speaker, good- naturedly. | “The chair twice put ‘the re- quest while the attention of the gentleman was providentially diverted.” (Laughter.) THE COMPETITOR'S CREW. Py No List Has Yet Been Obtained by the State Department. Up to this iime, notwithstanding efforts have been made to do so, it has not been pessible to secure a list of the persons who formed the crew of the schooner Com- petitor and were captured Ly the Spanish stezm launch last week, and taken into Havana for trial. All that is officially re- ported here is that but one of the party is an American citizen. This statement has caused some conjecture, owing to the re- ports coming from friends of persons sup- posed to have connection with the expedi- tion that at least three Americans em- barked on jhe iil-fated schooner from the United States. The only theory upon which the appar- ent contradiction can be reconciled is that all but one of the Americans escaped to shore when the Spanish luunch came along- side the Competitor. It is krown that all of the party were not captured, ard also that a considerable portion of the arms that were in process of being landed at [the time of the capture of the schooner fell into the hands of the insurgents, so that there is good ground for the belief that some of the crew and passengers also made their escape and joined the rebels. Notwithstanding reports coming from Ha- vana via Madrid, it is not believed here that the Spanish authorities will act hast- ily or with undue severity in the cases of the captives of the Competitor expedition. The Spaniards have repeatedly asserted in answer to charges of violation of the rules of civilized warfare that they had only sanctioned the execution of incendi- aries, guerrillas and spies, and as these prisoners are not in this category, and are at most only prisoners of war, it is not perceived here how the Spaniards can con- sistently impose the death penalty in their cases. The Spanish minister was among Secretary Olney's visitors today. The State Department was authentically informed today that, while some of the per- sons captured on board the Competitor were killed during the fight that ensued be- tween the Spanish steam launch and the Schooner, and while many more are sup- posed to have escaped, only one of the pe Sons captured is an American citizen, who thus far has refused to give his name. The latter may be Hamilton, who has been described as a newspaper correspon: ent, but there is no certainty on that point. The State Department will intercede in be- half of the American citizen tg see that he has a fair trial. ee A DEFICIENCY FURLOUGH. Twenty-Five Printers in the Interior Department Summarily Laid Om. The employes of the Interior Department branch printing office and bindery, twenty- five in number, were informed yesterd that until further notice their services would have to be dispersed with. This ac- tlon on the part of Public Printer Benedict was necessitated by the fact that the ap- propriation tor printing and binding for the Department of the Irterior, unwisely reduced fer the current y had been con- sumed, and a deficiency, asked for in am- ple time end passed by the House, heen inextricably lodged in the Senate. In the meantime, and than se = office, Ia en othe in their work bh book: and printi of needed incomes. ts that Congress rtment will not long be nting effice. Yet he not willing to take chanccs on this view of the possibilities, and the men will not be put at work until the money ts in sight with which to pay them. a CHICAGO'S FAILURE. Money Pledged for the Democratic Convention Not Fortheoming. The statement that the Chicago people had failed to comply with their promises made to the democratic national commit- tee in consideration of the selection of Chicago as the place for holding the demo- cratic national convention is confirmed. The democratic committee in charge of th matter meets in New York tomorrow. to the latest advices Chicago had fai to make geod any of tt chairman of the demoe: mittee has telegraphed to them that 8 committee will require a guarantee cf the fulfillment of the promises made before the end of the meeting in New York, and that in defauit of such guarantce the conveniion 1 be taken from Chicago. It is in sisted by the representatives of the Chi- cago people that the guarantee will be forthcoming, and some sort of an explan- ation cf oversight is made for the failure up to this time to carry out their pledg’ FORD'S THE nR DE The Joint Commission Has New Prac- tically Completed Its Labors. ‘The joint commissicn on the Ford Theater disaster practically completed its labors today. The last of the cases now pending fer adjudication was disposed of and mat- ters were so arranged that work can now be begun upon the preparation of a bill, or Ferhaps an amendment to some appropria- tion bill, providing for the payment of these claims, No effort has yet been made to chtain a total of the amounts awarded, but it is likely that the aggregate will reach at least $120,000. —____-e-___ SMALLPOX AND YELLOW FEVER. TER. Both These Dixeases Are Epidemle in Enstern Cuba. According to United States Consul Hyatt at Santiago de Cuba “smallpox is epidemic in many parts of eastern Cuba, and be- tween the lack of sanitary discipline and moving troops, bids fair to continue until detween the disease and vaccination the culture field is exhausted.” The inspector of the marine hospital ser- vice at the same port reports: “Yellow fever is still raging among the new recruits, from Spain, and the govern- ment has at last seen the wisdom of build- ing separate barracks, where the sick from this fever are now confined.” —+ + GRANT'S STATUE GEN. Letters From Mrs, Grant and Gen. Dodge on the Subject. Gen. G. M. Dodge, president of the Gen- eral Sherman statue committee of the Army of the Tennessee, has written a letter to persons here interested in the erection of a siatue to Gen. Grant, in which he calls at- tention to the bills in relation to it now pending before Congress. He states that he has noticed that Senator Squire's bill only takes care of the pedestal and grounds and indicates that he regards the bill intro- duced by Representative Hepburn as being more satisfactory. Senator Squire, who is ardent in his de- sire to have his resolution providing for a statue to Gen. Grant adopted, has received a letter from Mrs. Grant. In her missive Mrs. Grant expresses to Senator Squire her acknowledgment of and her thanks for his resolution in behalf of a monument to Gen Grant, “I have long lcoked and hoped fo en expression of some kind frora the gov ernment,’ Mrs. Grant, in concluding, “and think your thought, if carried out, would be a grand fulfillment of that hope. I thank you, Senator.” Gen. Dodge will be in Wi Arlington for a few days May 18. hington at the stay, beginning YEARS. AFTER OVER THIRTY Hensley’s Claim Government Finally All Mr. There is a svegestion of Ma ts famous story of the beef contract in the signature by the President today of a uf for the relief of A. T, Hensley of Texs In 1863, back in war times, this claimant was fortunate enough, as he supposed, to get an order te supply some pine flooring and rough timter to the army. Since that time he has been endeavoring to collect his bill, working steadily through all of the in- tervering years up to this time to get h claith through both branches of Congres: simultaneously and then to secure execu- tive approval. This session he knew it was to finally pass, and he came to Washing ton, spent nine weeks here at considerate expense, and has today succeeded in hav- ing the bill approved by the President. There are some other formalities to zo through with yet before Mr. Hensley geis his money, and when ail is dene he will receive the sum of $432. ———————— The Government Recelpis, National bank notes received today for redemption, $244,470. Government receipts— From internal revenue, 13; customs, $427,946; miscellaneous, $107,655. a TWO SUSPECTS HELD A Man Believed to Be Elsie Kreglo’s Murderer Caught in Baltimore, AN ARREST AT HARPER'S FERRY Searching the Woods and Roads in Montgomery County. INVESTIGATION LOCAL Special Dispatch to The Bvening Star. BALTIMORE, Md., May 7.—A young col- cred man, who gave his name as George Stevens, was arrested in the freight yards at Union station at 3:30 o'clock this morn= ing by Patrolman Bell, on suspicion that he was wanted in Washington for the mur- der of Elsie Kreglo, the young white gin whose body s found in the wools near that city several days ago. While Stevens protests his inno from Richmond, h scription of the murderer, and f this morning telegraph Washington police to send a tectives over, He ts a how o, dark, and when arrested was leaving a freight car of a train that had just arrived from Washing- nee and eays he is direct closely answers the de- Marshal for the ton. He stated he had b ride over by a kind-hearted was on his way to Dayton, Ohio. he was sick with to the City Hospi medicine, after and he was given he was taken to locked up. arderer was we: the time of the Washingt r two 1, wher which ing two rest. reach- soners, ed here this aw the man at ral jon, but for a few minw He answers al- ost precisely to the description of Irving Ford. Detective Boardman is of the opinion that the man in custody Is Ford. Last evening Capt. Hill Carter, conductor of B. and O. express train No. 162, saw a near Muirkirk who soription of the negro wanted, Whe! train reached the Re- lay House he telegraphed back to Laurel to the police authorities of that place to look out for the negro. Nothing has yet been heard from Laurel, and it is believed the negro switched off into the woods and is in hiding. The negro Stevens told Mar- Frey working on @ nes river, and having been 3 to go to Dayton, to visit He says he reached Washington night and left there yesterday af- A couple of la handkerchiefs and he wore though it . reticent, and compl stil suffering with cramps. He had a knife in his pocket, the blade of which is badly rusted. STILL ANOTHER. negro tramping along a answered ternoon. were found a white shi {had been rec A Suspect Arrested Today at Harper's Ferry. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. HARPER'S FERRY, May 7.—A man was placed under t here today charged with being the murderer of Elsie Kregio. Althovgh he does not exactly tally with the descripticn of Ford, the F 's Fer- ry police offfials are suspicious of their prisoner, for the reason that when ap- proached he attemy d to drown hims the river. WATCHING THE HOUSE. Ford Believed to Have Left Mont- gomery County. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. SILVER SPRINGS, Md., May 7. If Irv Ford in this section of the country he is well under for the detectives and about twenty. idents of the county have made a thorough search of the woods and the search is still going cn. Policeman Schuyler reached here about noon and fs assisting In the search, More than a dozen supposed trails have been found in the woods, and every ene has a theory to advance to the man’s whereabout His wife says s Winston, N. C. while his fathe thinks he has gone to where she says he lived, says he came from Vir- Richmond and ginia between ‘rederick: burg. It was learned here tod: that they have relatives near the county line cross- roa Charlotte county, Va. As the inves t tion proceeds, the former good name the fugitive enjoyed becomes completely obliterated. It now appeam that he was orce arrested on a charge of arsaulting a wom Last night he had attemp Kitchen at the The girl made ber of the family reached the ki said be was only fooling, and h arrested. Last night the Ford hous watched by a colored man, who th the wife would probably go out eari: morning to take her husband something to , and wag complaint was m that d to assauit a girl in the house of William Bonsal. n outcry - She did not go, however, but the ered man who was mistaken for Ford came near being killed about daybreak by one of the here are about twenty > POSSE. Parties are being formed, but as the woods run a long ways along the north- w branch it thought the fugitive might be al 2 to Keep out of sight in the woods for se ral days if ie has plenty food. Detective Rhodes returned to the house of M ont MeCene he had received of th movements in woods ne this morning. The latest rep he has left the woods and gone in the di- rection of Colesville. Detective cthers hx a in that . Mounted Policemen Fifield and Matth. reached here this afterncon and are sisting in the search. SEARCH AT LAUREL, ews as- Detectives Start Out on he Line of the B. and 0. Special Disyatch to The Evening Star, LAUREL, Mé. vo Washington detectives arrived here at 1 o'clock this afternoon and started for Mistletoe Spring, the last plac octive rhe spent the nt borhood, or in what direct Jearn xious to in thet m he wa zh- 1. seen heading fer. Robey of Laurel started this afte m in the direction of Faltime in hope of getting some clue to the suspected colored murderer. The regrces around this section are very much worked up. It was thought once that he spent the night at one of the b sin the colored settlement here, but this report was unfounded. N his preset y t whereabouts, t been found to LOCAL INVESTIGATION, Scientific Work and the Detectives’ Close Chase, The local investigation of the murder of Elsie Kreglo has been going on without a let-up during the hours that have passed stace the poor girl was killed near her home, north of the Zociogical Park, Mon- (Continued on Eleventh Fage)