Evening Star Newspaper, October 1, 1896, Page 1

i= THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Penasylvania Avenue, Cor. ith 8t, by Te Bre Gavrruaue Proce ew York Offs 49 Petter Building. ‘The Evening Star s served to subscribers In the eity by carriers, on their own account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents © month. Copies: at the ounter 2 cents each. By mail—anywhere in the United States or Cauada—postage prepald—60 cents month. P Saturday Quintupe, Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.00. Emreret at the Post Office at Washington, D. C., ‘ond-class tali matter.) C7 All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. — Che Even Star. No 13,598: WASHINGTON, D. C., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1896-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. If you want today’s news today you can find it only in The Star. FLOOD AT STAUNTON Pent-Up Waters of the Lake Turned Loose. © THE CITIZENS SUDDENLY ENGULFED Loss of Life and Property Yet Unknown. ———+—_—_ A GREAT CALAMITY RICHMOND, Va., September 30 (Delayed by storm).—The city of Staunton, In the Shenandoah valley, was visited by a ter- rible flood today. Many lives were lost and great damage done to property. The great storm yesterday caused the lake to rise and flood the city. All the water courses in the valley became raging torrents and swept over their banks, car- ryirg destruction in their paths. The water invaded the lower portion of the city, rising so rapidly that many were unable to escape in time and were en- gulfed. Others barely escaped with their lives, leaving their property to the mercy of the water. Houses were swent from their founda- tions. In severa! cases persons were with difficulty rescued from the roofs. It is impossible at this hour to ascertain the extent of the loss of-life or the extent of property damage. The iatter will ex- ceed balf a million dollars. Heroic at- tempts are being made to rescu2 those in Ganger. Families Homeless. ‘The flocd came so suddenly and wnexpect- edly that all was confusion for some time before the extent of the calamity wes realized. Telegraph poles are down and wires hopelessly entangled. Scores of families are homeless and many are anxiously seeking to ascertain the whereabouts and safety of friends, or are making tearful search for the bodies of those who they know have perished. It is the worst catastrophe which Staun- ton has ever experienced in times of peace and the dawn of tomorrow is dreaded be- cause of the extent of the disaster which nt will unfcld. The rch for victims and the work of saving what property is not hopelessly ruined, is being prosecuted as best it can im the dark, but little can be done until Drowned. The bodies vf the drowned persons are James Smith, better known as “Horse Rad- ish Jim,” his wife, granddaughter and grandchild. One man was s2en to be swept from his feet at the Virginia Hotel corner and then seen no more. Another went down in a ivery stable trying to get his horse out, and he has not since been seen. Perhaps the worst sight of all is around the Vailey depot. Approach to it ts only by the high embankment of the C. and O., or by Coalter street. A portion of the tracks between the freight depot and the bridges of the C. and O. are washed away entirely. On another pert of it in several places there is a mass of wreckage piled to the height of fully fifteen feet. The reils are bent and distorted as if they were mere suppliant willow wands. The gis works are practically gone. In the midst of the flood, working in water up to their waists, Superintendent Wgodson and his assistants endeavored to draw the fires and let the gas escape from the tanks. An explosion followed. Mr. Woodson and a helper were slightly burned and’ one tank was destroyed. On Pump street the water rose with amazing rapidity, and a number of negroes would have been drowned had it not been for the efforts of Benjamin Eagby and H. B. Middlekauf, who rescued forty-two per- sons from their varieus houses along the creek. Farther Details. The Starnton News of yesterday has the following details: “Staunton was visited between the hours of 10 and 12 o'clock last night by the most disastrous downpour, flood and destruction to life and property that has ever occurred in Its eventful history. Fine pressed-brick, stone-trimmed buildings went down with a crash, other fine brick and stone structures were badly damaged, horses were drowned and some lives were lest, while other fer- sons are reported missing. “Lewis creek comes down from the park paraliel with Churchville avenue on she northern suburbs of the city, flowing east- ward until about the middle of the city is reached, when it flows down througn a large arched sewer under Central ave- nue southward nearly to Main street, where it deflects slightly to the right, and, still pursuing its underground course, turns to the eastward again after {t crosses John- son street, parallel with Main. Between the hours named this creek became a rag- ing torrent, and the water soon began its work of destruction. The water being in too great volume to pass in the tunnel, backed and quickly swamped the neign- berhoed, including many large ~ardens. “A handsome brick, stone-trimmed build- ing, owned by 8. M. Wilkes, and located cn Central avenue south of Main street, was totally wrecked, the occupants barely es- caping. Along the line of the creek in the southern part of the city the water rose several feet in a few seconds. Ceuse of It. “Northwest of Staunton and adjoining it is the fair ground lake, which includes nearly the entire space inside of the half- mile race track, and its natural drainage is into Lewis creek. What caused the flood was the bursting of this lake and the emptying of its waters into the already ewollen Lewis creek. It was another Johnstown flood on a smaller scale. _—-— WATCHMAN KILLED. “Old Man Jones” Killed at His Cross- ing in Baltimore. BALTIMORE, Md. October 1.—There was @ fatal accident at the Russell street crossing here Tuesday afternoon. The Royal Blue train, which left here at 1:50 o'clock on the Baltimore and Ohio rail- road, struck Thomas Jones and instantly killed him. Many Washingtonians were en the train and saw the dead man. Jones Was the night watchman at the crossing. He was crossing the track and evidently Gid not see the train coming. His body was picked vp by the railroad men and taken in the railroad round house to await the arrival of the coroner. The deceased had heen in the employ of the railroad company for a number of years. He was about fifty-five years old, and was known among his associates as “old man Jones.” Among the raflroad men the deceased had many friends. ——— Both Duellists Killed. MIDDLESBORO’, Ky., October 1.—Thos. Newkirk and Henry Ashcraft fought a duel last night with Winchesters on the Long fork of Shelby creek. They were both tors of Mary Dean. Both men were CARLISLE AND BLACKBURN Not Likely That There Will Be a Joint De- bate Between Them. Mr. Carlisle’s Friends Would Be Sur- prised if He Accepts the Proposition. It will surprise some of the warmest of Mr. Carlisle’s admirers if he accepts the Eroposition to divide time with Mr. Black- turn at the engagements he is soon to fill in Kentucky. The challenge is regarded as one of those bold plays of the silver men inaugurated by Mr. Tillman in his mes- sage to Gen. Harrison, and followed by the effort of certain men in Chicago to bring about a joint debate between Mr. Bryan and Mr. McKinley. Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Carlisle are wholly unlike in their equip- ment as political leaders. The one is a popular stump orator, with a resonant voice, a picturesque vocabulary and a turn for pleasing phrases. The other is classed by his frierds as an intellectual giant, with a lucid and convincing style of statement, and as 2 real leader of thought in the country. Could Be No Joint Debate. As the friends of Mr. Carlisle look at the matter, there could be no such thing as a joint debate between these two men on the firancial question. Their appearance to- gether on the stump would, of course, at- tract enormous crowds, but in the present state of politics in Kentucky more acri- mony than anything else would likely be aroused. Already at one or two places sound money democrats have been denied a hearing, on the ground that, being bolt- ers, they were not entitled to a hearing This spirit does not as yet extend very far, but if it could be fanned into flame at all it would be by the hot cross-countering on the stump of the two men in the state who divide democrats so sharply on the current issue. Blackburn’s Position. Besides standing for free silver, Mr. Blackburn stands for what is called “regu- larity” in politics. Ardently as he supports free coinage, and recessary as be believ1 to be for the salvation of the count would yet today be standing on a gold standard platform had the Chicago conven: ten so decreed. He appratses partisan duty as Mr. Hoke Smith, Mr. George Fred Wil- liams, Mr. Gorman, Mr, Faulkner, Mr. Shee- han and other democrats of that school do. Mr. Carlisle is of the Bryan type when it comes to submitting one’s convic ions to party behests. He refuses to follow party mm a matter involving, as he considers, the credit and welfare of the country. The report that Mr. Carlisle is likely to meet with personal indignity upon hia ap- pearance in the canvass at home is not credited here. Such a proceeding might be possible in some small community w partisan feeling runs high, but in the ¢ where Mr. Carlisle is to speak not only would such a thing be‘entirely-out of the calculations, but it could be prevent: ihe Secretary's friends and followers. money democrats are numerous and influ- ential in the cities, and the assurince is that they will see to it that the leading nen in the state, coming home to defing his po- sition and justify it before his pedple, in a speech free from the personalities of a joint debate, shall have a suitable hearing. Only in His Own State. While the demand for Mr. Carlisle from other states is strong and pressing, there is sald to be no likelihood of his partici- pating in the campaign outside of his own state. Other members of the cabinet take this same view of their duty. They will in their own way exercise their rights as cit- izens at home, but away from home they might be charged with bringing the u:- fluence of their respective offices to bear on the situation. The President agrees with them in this, and what they may do within the lines they have prescribed for them- selves will be with his entire approval. SS ee POLITICS IN VIRG [A. Lawyer Jones Thinks the State May Geo for McKinley. “So far as politics in Virginia are con- cerned, it takes a prophet possessing the forecast of a John the Baptist to tell what is to be the final result in this canvass,” said Lawyer Jones to a Star reporter. “However, if it be true that the several republican factions have become earnestly and honestly united, it is entirely probable that McKinley and Hobart, in spite of any cembination which populists and democrats may make, will carry the old dominion by a majority worthy of note, aggregating from 5,000 to 15,000. “So far as the great body of the republi- can voters of the state is concerned, there can be no doubt as to their determined and fixed purpose to support their party. There is no division among them. ‘he negro vote of the state, like the negro vote in every other southern state, is republican, and it matters little what policy his party announces cr what candidates it puts in nomination, he proposes to vote solidly without question. In this respect he is not blind, but wie. My opinion in these par- ticulars was fully confirmed by a recent visit which I made to the state. My ob- servation extended over several of the more important counties. “In Henrico county, in which Richmond is located, I had a fair observation of the democratic situation; and in Mecklenburg ccunty, the banner republican county of the state, in which Mr. Thorp, the candi- date nominated by the republican party for Congress from the fourth congressional district, resides, I had a good opportunity to observe, and I found the republican prospects most promising. “On the whole, while it {s entirely prob- able that the democratic party will elect largely their representatives to the next Congress from the state, and may be its presidential electors, there is more than reasonable hope for republican success and victory.” ———————— FAVORABLE TO BRYAN. What Representative McCreary Says of the Kentucky Outlook. Representative McCreary of Kentucky was one of the most ardent advocates of the gold standard previous to the meeting of the Chicago convention. He was at the same time considered one of the closest friends of Secretary Carlisle and President Cleveland, end it was believed that he would refuse to suport the nominees of the Chicago convention. He has. however, come out squarely for the Chicago ticket, and is now stumping the state of Kentucky for that ticket. In a letter to W. J. Hough- taling of this city Mr. McCreary says of the situation in Kentucky: “I believe Kentucky will go for Bryan and Sewall. The republicans and bolto- crats are very active, and this siate is a battle ground. We have a hard fight, but the outlook now is favorable to Bryan. ———_-e—_______ The Deficit Last Month. The comparative statement of the re- ceipts and expenditures of the government for the month of September shows the total receipts to have been $24,584,244 and the expenditures $26,579,585, leaving a de- ficit for the month cf $1,005,291. The de- ficit for the three months of the present fiscal year is $25,194,129, as compared with- a deficit of $9,384,658 for the corresponding months last year. The receipts during the last month show loss as compared with Septemter of last year of nearly $3,300,000 from cvstoms and about $580,000 from in- ternal revenue. AGAINST BRYAN The A. P. A. to Formally Array It- self on That Line. HIS CONGRESSIONAL RECORD GIVEN How He Voted on the Question of Sectarian Appropriations. PRESIDENT ECHOLS TALKS From officials of the Supreme Council of the American Protective Association, the headquarters of which are located in this city, a Star reporter learns that, while the order has not officially attacked W. J. Bryan, the democratic nominee for Presi- dent, there is a probability that it will do so shortly, after it concludes some investi- gations now being made. To all intents and purposes the order is now arrayed against Bryan, and it comes about in a way explained in an interview with Su- preme President Echols, who was seen by a Star reporter this morning. The democratic managers here have charged that the republicans have been cir- culating the speeches of Representative Linton, made in the House June 7, 1894, on the question of sectarian appropriations. This charge has been denied by Chairman Babcock. At the same time it has been known that these speeches of Mr. Linton were being circulated by somebody to the extent of millions of copies. Work of the A. P. A. The people responsible for sending out the speeches are the head officers of the A. P. A., in this city, and they frankly ad- mit what they are doing. President Echols this morning said to a Star reporter that millions of copies of the speeches have been ‘sent out by the force under him and Supreme Secretary Palmer, and that mil- lions more will be sent out. It is thought that six million copies have already gone out. They are sent under the frank of Representative Linton, just like the cam- paign documents go out from headquarters here, and a large force is employed in the work. Stacks of mail bags and documents lay around headquarters. There is no attempt to deny that the A. P. A. is taking a hand in congressional fights throughout the country, and that it is giving the records of members of Con- gress on the question of sectarian appro- priations for the purpose of letting its members know how the public officials stcod on the questions which make up the principles of the A. P. A. While this record of representatives is going out, Mr. Bryan's record is included. His name is given along with the others, but is made conspicuous by being placed in black type. President Echols explains this by saying that hundreds of imquiries have been re- ceived from A. P. A. members and from lodges, asking for Bryan's record while in Congress. What the Document Includes. The facts of the distribution of the Lin- ton speeches ere as follows: The speech is included in a document made up of ex- tracts of the proceedings of the Hou: and Senate at the time the matter of sec- tarian appropriations was being consider- ed. The principal extract is the speech of Mr. Linton. Following this is the aye an nay vote on the question at issue. Tne rec- oca snows that 158 members voted in favor of appropriations, among the number be- ing “Mr. Bryan. Fifty-eight members, in- cluding Mr. Linton, voted against. The names, as stated, all appear, but that of Mr. Bryan is conspicuously printed in black type. Included in the same document are the proceedings of the House, in which Mr. Bryan is alleged to have yoted against teaching English in the public schools of New Mexico, which Senator Fauikner has explained. This question was started on the coast by Senator Wilson, who made the charge aginst Mr. Bryan. The su- preme A.P.A. officers here say that as soon as Mr. Wilson began to make the charges in the west inquir.es began to roil in for Mr. Bryan's record, and it was found necessary to incorporate his vote on this question, as well as on the other. The foregoing gives an idea of what the A.P.A. is doing and what it expects to do. The supreme officers say that millions of their voters will vote for no man who has stood against their principles. The send- ing out of the documents does not mean that the order has declared directly against Mr. Bryan, but means, it is explained, that it wants to show his record. What is to come hereafter, however, will, it is said, place the order officially against Bryan. President Echols showed The Star repre- sentative many letters from ail quarters asking for all the information obtainable about Mr. Bryan. They indicated in their tone hostility to the nominee. Mr. Echols has recently been traveling through the eastern states. He says he finds the order as strong as ever, and “‘tinds that in this contest the principles of the order will guide many of the members in their votes.” President Echols Talks. President Echols this morning gave an interview to The Star representative on the position of the order in the campaign and about the features of Bryan’s name being printed in black. President Echols sal ‘I have had many inquiries as to the policy the American Protective Associa- tion is pursuing in the present campaign, and, as I desire that no misunderstanding shall exist as to the mctive prompting the actions of the members of the order, and especially those of the supreme officers operating from the national headquarters in Washington, I am glad to give you a statement outlining the policy of the order. “In the first place, I wish it distinctly understood that the order does not seek to control the political convictions of its mem- bers, but rather to work in all parties for the advancement of the principles of the order, the principles that no true American who believes in his country, whether he be @ mentber of the A. P. A. or not, can deny are vital to its continuance as the freest and most enlightened nation of the earth. ‘The principles briefly stated are as follows: No appropriation of public moneys for sectarian institutions; restriction of pauper immigration; extension of the time for naturalization; an education qualification for every voter; one general non-sectarian free-school system; government inspection of all institutions where persons are under restraint, and government employment of American citizens only. “In a recent address to the members of the order I made use of the following lan- guage: ‘We have next to consider the char- acter and principles of the men chosen as the leaders of these parties. “I advise, therefore, to look well into the records they have made for themselves, then to decide for ourselves how far they can be relied upon to advance the princi- ples of our order. Both candidates have been heretofore in the public councils of the nation. What are their records? Look well to them, ‘for by their fruits ye shall know them’ and their future conduct can safely be judged by their past record. All that I can commend to you at the present is to actively. engage in primary election work, not only to secure the nomination of proper candidates for local offices, but more particularly to see that none but friends of our principles are nominated and elected to the national and state legislative bodies. ‘We must endeavor by every and all honor- able means to control the next Congress, in order to thus secure the adoption of meas- ures calculated to enforce the principles enunciated in our platform and to oppose other measures antagonistic thereto. I am confident that, by proper efforts, con- trol of the next Congress of the United States can be secured. and important meas- ures be passed forever settling the status of American citizenship and proper control of Americay. institutions. Mr. Bryan’s Record Given. “This clearly outlines the position the order is taking in the present campaign, and it becomes my duty not to endeavor to advance the interests $f any seeking Political office, but simply to disseminate throughout the Union the past records of those desiring such offices. I am daily re- ceiving a host ot inquiries from all over the country, and not from members of the American Protective Association alone, asking for it.fo: mation ag to the way mem- bers of Congress voted on such questions, founded or our principles, as have been dis- cussed in Congress. “This information I am endeavoring to supply by distributing to all inquirers copies of the Congressional Record, covering the debates and vctes on these questions. “In printing this record special attention has been called to the vote of W. J. Bryan when in Congress in 1894, by placing his name in heavy type. This has been done for the reason that a large percentage of the inquiries made are for his record on these questions, and therefore it was thought better to print his name in such a manner that it could be readily recognized. A careful inspection of the record I am distributing will show chat no attention whatever has heen pald to the political affiliations of the speakers. Men of all parties have gone on record for and against our platform, and irrespective of the party to which they may chance to belong, they will be judged solely by this record. “I have made this statément somewhat lengthy, tut desire to place before the peo- ple of this country who believe in maintain- ing the liberty guaranteed us by the Con- stitution inviolate, means whereby they may readily ascertain those who are for and those who are against sound American doctrine, as enunciated in our platform.” THOUGHT SHE WAS POOR A Mysterious Attempt to Oommit Sui- cide, The Pretty Young American Who Sought Refuge at Vienna Was Col. McElroy’s Daughter-in-Law. LONDON, October 1.—A, Vienna dispatch to the Dally News says: “A pretty young American named Mrs. Constance Elroy called upon Mr. Max Judd, United States consul here, on Monday, representing that her husband had not sent her money and that she was penniless. Mrs. Judd, the wife of the consul, gave her a bed room. On Tuesday morning the young woman was found unconscious, It is supposed from an attempt to commit suicide with mor- phia. She is not expected to recover.” The person named in the above dispatch, the substance of which agpeared in yes- terday’s Siar, has been identified as Mrs. McElroy, wife of K.P. lroy of the Agricultural Departmént, and daughter-in- law of Col, Jchn McElroy, editor of the National Tribune aad well-known in Grand Army circ es, oF nw “We are utterly at a loss to understand why my son's wife should have attempted suicide,” said Col. McElroy this afternoon. “She has been abroad since last May, and is accompanied by Mrs. Fuerman, wife of Prof. Fuerman of the Columbian University. She went abroad to perfect herself in some studies, and at last ac- counts was all right.’ She has been sup- plied with money regularly and had a re- serve fund. The only possible reason that we can assign for her alleged attempted suicide is that she may have become dis- couraged by having lost her money and got separated from Mrs, Fuerman. We cabled Consul Judd today money to send her home, and suppose that she will re- turn immediately. ee TER UP THE RIVER. HIGH W. A Flood in the Potomac in the Neigh- borhood of Harper's Ferry. Private telegraphic advices from Cum- berland ard Harper's Ferry are to the ef- fect that the waters in the vicinity of Cherry Run and Sandy Hook are rising rapidly in consequence of recent heavy rain fall, and that a freshet in the Poto- mac river is threatened. Although there may be no danger to shipping in this city, it might be a wise precaution for all per- sons interested to render. their property along the river front as secure as possible. More definite information as to the con- dition at Harper's Ferry is expected this evening. It was reported here today that water from the Potomac was running in the streets of Harper's Ferry this morn- ing ard that the river was almost up to the level of the Baltimore and Ohio tracks at Washington junction and above. ey TELEGRAPHIC BLOCKADE RAISED. Communication Established With the Outside World Today, ‘The teiegraph blockade was raised to- day, thanks to the hard and incessant work of large gangs of repair laborers, and the capital city is once more in telegraphic and telephonic communication with the out- side world. Mr. 8. M. Bryan of the tele- Phone company said today that he stood by the prediction made to a Star reporter yesterday that the long distance telephone would have direct connection with Baltl- more before either of the telegraph com- panies. Manager Marean of the Western Union Telegraph Company said that the situa- tion was very much improved today. “We have ten wires working north,” said he, “and are able to handle without delay all business for Baltimore and all points east and west. : “The damaged wires between here and Baltimore are being rapidly recovered and reset, and we will have thirty of them in working order by nightfall. We have no southern connections as yet, .but we have large repair gangs out, and expect to get some points south by tonight.” Mr. Allen of the Postal Telegraph Com- pany also spoke of the improved state cf affairs telegraphically. ‘We are doing bus- iness with Baltimore and Philadelphia with no delay,” said he, “‘and there is practical- ly no delay in service with New York and eastern points.” There is, however, heavy delay with re- spect to Chicego, Buffalo, Detroit and west- ern points. We are working a slow south- ern circuit by. way of New York and Chi- cago. Rapid repairs are in progress on the lines everywhere, and we expect to have them all in good working order. tonight or tomorrow. morning, with the exception of the southern circuit, the restoration of which will probably take a longer time” —— West Point Cadets Appointed. Appointments of cadets at the Military Academy have been made as follows: Rich- ard H. Jcrdan, Haymarket, Vai; Wm. P, Buck, Sugar Hill, N. Y¥.; Benjamin R. An- drews, Seneca Falls, N. Y. (alternate). —_—_-o._____ A Presidential Appointment. The President has appointed Francis F. Claussen of Louisijna as assayer at the United States mint gf New Orleans, Presidential Postmaxters, The President has appointed the follow- ing postmasters: California—Berkeley, Ole C. Virzent. Iowa—Boone, John Hornstein. Michigas—Williamston, Robert M. Porter. Texas# Georgetown, John L, Brooks, FOUND A DEAD BODY|ACCuRACY CLAIMED James Fitzgerald Was Killed in the Abert Building Wreck. CHARGES OF POOR CONSTRUCTION Estimated Losses From the Fury of the Wind. LIVES LOST IN ee COUNTY About 8:30 o'clock this morning, as the office-going crowds were beginning to move up and down Pennsylvania avenue, the workmen who are engaged in removing the debris from the crushed-in building at No. 1215, raised a shout that quickly attracted a large gathering. One of them, in pulling aside a timber on the first floor, had un- covered a man’s foot and ankle. The entire force was quickly at work pulling away the mass that covered the rest of the body, and in a few moments it was eatirely exposed. The corpse was lying on the left side, with the skull mashed until it was almost flat- tened, the trunk disfigured and one foot twisted almost directly around. The body was quickly recognized by Mr. Howard Driver as that of Mr. James Fitzgerald, a machinist employed at ihe ravy yard, who had been missing since the night of the storm. The dead man had been in Beatty's Place that evening about 10 o'clock, but had Geparted, and {t was not known’ that he had returned. It is thought that the in- creasing severity of the storm had driven him to seek shelter, and that he had just entered the saloon when the building col- lapsed, as his body was found a few feet from the entrance. Death was evidently instantaneous. ‘The police ambulance of the first pre- cinct was summoned and the body removed lo the morgue at the sixth precinct station, on New yersey avenue, and the coron was notified. man’s clothing discovered an gold watch, deeply dented, and had stopped at 1 a key, a comb, a cigar mashed flat and some letters, ‘in- cluding one from his sister, Mrs. M. - ¥. Jamison of Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Fitzgerald was a native of Boston, and his friends here will take charge of his body after the inquest, and probably send it to Massachu- setts for interment. He was a handsome man of genial dis- position and had made many friends since his residence here. He was slightly above medium height, with an athletic physique and wore a luxuriant brown mustache. He was about forty years old. At 2:30 o'clock this afternoon the coroner had not determined the time of holding the inquest, and nothing had been heard from him by the authorities at the morgue. THE ABERT BUILDING. An examination of the dead open face the back case of which was the hands of which Qhe Charges Regarding Defective Construction Denied by Officials. The Commissioners have ordered an in- vestigation of the Abert building, 12H Pennsylvania avenue, which was severely damaged during the storm, and which wrecked two other buildings and resulted in the loss of a human life. It has been charged that the owner of the building violated ‘he building regulations, and it is for the purpose of fixing the blame that the investigation has been ordered. ‘The specific charge is that the west wall of the building fell because it was not properly anchored, according to the re- quirements of the building regulations. The Commissioners today recelved the following letter upon the subject: “To the Honorable Commissioners, D. C.: “Gentlemen: Your attention is directed to the cause of the fall of the west wall of the Abert building on Pennsylvania avenue between 12th and 13th streets on the even- ing of the 20th of September... If you will examine for yourselves you can plainly see that the building regulations were grossly violated, and I may say criminally violated, in not having the proper anchors as provided for such structures by your regulations, and the east wall now stand- ing is equally as faulty for the same rea- son and should be promptly condemned as dangerous to life and limb to the parties living on the east. “The building regulations say, section 4, paragraph 5, ‘side end and party walls shall be anzhored at each tier of beams at intervals of ten feet with good, strong wrought iron anchors, half an inch thick, one inch wide, well secured to side walls and fastened to the side of beams by not less than two wrought Iron nails, a quarter of an inch in diameter, ete., ete. “Now, had this been done as required, and where the fron girders rested on the walls had there been anchors bolted to these at the ends, the wall would have been there now. I write this as a warning, which every good citizen should do, who has the welfare of the community and the safety of the citizens at heart. “There is too much of this loose building going on in this city, and it is becoming dangerous to travel ‘in the streets. If I were building inspector there are lots of buildings in this city which would be con- demned at once. Hoping this letter will receive attention, as I am sure it ought, I am with great respect, “Your obedient servant, “JOHN H. HOWLETT, Builder.” Mr. Brady’s Statement. A reporter of The Star interviewed Build- ing Inspector Brady upon this matter this afternoon. He said: “There is absolutely no truth in the charge. The building regulations have been complied with in every particular in the construction of that building. The beams were anchored in accordance with the regu- lations, and the construction is first class in every particular. To meet the charge more spectfically, I need only call your attention to one feature of the construc- tion, that feature which appertains more directly to the charges. There are a num- ber of iron beams in the building running transversely the width of the structure. ‘They are supported by three beams—one in the center and one at each end. Further, at the ends of these transverse beams a U-shaped anchor is introcuced, which en- gages the walls on each side. These an- chors are of thr<e-quarter-inch iron rods and fully substantial. This is what the building department always requires in the construction of a building, and which, as I have already said, was complied with in the Abert building. “This morning I made a careful inspection of the building end plumbed the walls. I found everything properly constructed, and the wall below the caved portion perfectly plumb. The evidence of tne anchors hav- ing been in place is shown by the remain- ing portions still in the beams. The ex- pesed front and the closed rear of the building at the time of the storm is, in my opinion, responsible for the collapse of the west wall. You see, the wind struck the building diagonally, and its great force was brought directly against the west wall. I wish to reiterate that the construction of the building was in every way first-class, and further, that the building regulations were observed to the letter.” A Merchant's Views. A Pennsylvania avenue merchant, writing to The Star, takes a different view of the construction of the building. He says: “Who should be responsible for the loss (Continued on Third Page.) What Chairman Babcock Says of the Repub- lican Figures, couraging Reports Received at Headquarters From the Different States. “There is one characteristic of the litera- ture sent out by this committee,” said Chairman Babcock of the republican con- gressional committee today, “and that ir the accuracy of the figures and statements of fact. Before anything was sent out we had every figure verified. There is no bun- combe in any statement, and they will all stand the closest scrutiny. “We gave the people the facts that they wanted. We gave them early in the cam- paign, and were the first in the field with facts about the money question. Take, for instance, our document, ‘The History of Money.’ I had two experts at work for weeks last spring verifying every figure from the official records of the govern- ment.” Encouraging Reports. Encouraging reports from the various states continue to come to republican head- quarters. John W. Lewis writes Chairman Babcock from Leichfield, Ky.: “From pres- ent indications this state will go for Mc- Kinley from 15,000 to 25,000. The repub- licans are thcroughly aroused, and are making a close organization and a viger- ous and effective campaign ull over the state. If we cannot carry it, it will be our fault.” Mr. John A. Snider, prosecuting attorney of Girardeau county, Mo., who is actively engaged in the campaign in that district, writes: “I have just returned from a stump- ing tour in the west end of the covering a period of twenty-three days. The outlook for success is brightening daily. There are three candidates in the jield for Congress, and the vote for the populist will be nearly all drawn from the democratic party.” Mr. E. D Crumpacker, a prominent attor- ney of Valparaiso, Ind., who ts the republi- can nominee for Congress, writes that the conditions in this congressional district are very favorable, and he will doubtless be elected by a majority of from 2,000 to 3,000, and that in spite of the fact that his op- poneat is the fusion candidate of all the free silver parties. Mr. Marcus R. Sulzer, a young republi- can who is making the race for Congre: against ex-Congressman Holman in the Madison (Ind.) district, says: “The silver republicans are returning to us (not many to return), and sound money democrats are becoming more aggressive in our be- half The indications now point to better results than were attained two years ago.” Joseph Albus, chairman of the republican congressicnal committee of the fourth dis- trict of Missouri, who is managing the campaign of George C. Crowther, sends very encouraging reports from the St. Joseph district, and speaks of the marked success which Mr. Crowther had in two joint debates with his popocratic opponent in one of the farming districts, Mr. Crow- ther making many votes by his good work. Bracing Up in Kansas. Chairman Frank Harlow of the big seventh district of Kansas, speaking ot the campaign which Congressman Long is making, says: “Mr. Long is now en- gaged in a series of six joint debates, three of which bave already been held at Hutch- inson, Newton and Wellington, all of which have resulted in a signal victory for Mr. Long, and have wonderfully braced up our party at the points mentioned.” Congressman John E. McCall of Tennes- see says: “I find the republicans wherever I have been enthusiastically for sound money and protection, and manifesting much interest in the campaign. If there are any free silver republicans, they are not in my district. The more the people study the Bryan free silver heresy the less confidence they have in the wonderful promises held out by him and his followers. I feel confident of my re-election.” J. K. Crawford, justice of the peace at Barry, Ill, writes: “Things are in good shape in this part of our state. We will hold our own, although in the hotbed of populism.” Rice H. Bell, a prominent attorney of Keokuk, Iowa, writes: “‘There is no ques- tion about the result in Iowa or in our con- gressional district.” Figures From Wisconsin. S. Sloggy, a well-known merchant of On- tario, Wis., writes: “That you may not be misled by the extravagant claims of the popocrats in our locality, I will say their claims are all unfounded. and we shall roll up in November the largest republican ma- jority in old Vernon that was ever given before. Old-time democrats by the dozens are outspoken for McKinley and sound money. I feel justified in saying that the outlook never was more favorable for an overwhelming republican majority. My figures on the state are 75,000. Everything is coming our way.” Ross L. Hammond of the Fremont, Neb., Tribune, and republican candidate for Ccn- gress in the third district, writes: “I be- lieve that the tide has set in our direction, and I would not be surprised if there vas a land slide before election day.” Congressman L. Danford, who is the re- publican nominee for Congress this year, writes from St. Clairsville, Ohio: “I have been speaking in my district almost daily s.rce August 1. Have been over five coun- ties, and while the district was doubtful at the beginning of the campaign, I am satis- fied that if the election should come off now the majority for McKinley would not fall below 15,000, and if we make progress ‘n the next five weeks as in the last five, the ma- jority will be double that period. Our trou- ble has been not with the wage earners and business people, but with the farmers. They have been for years in their alliance meet- in and farmers’ institutes talking to each other about hard times and unfair iegisla- tion, and political demagogues have eucour- sged this delusion.” Se Personal Mention. Mr. H. C. Snyder, stenographer to the Secretary of the Navy, who has been se- riously ill for several weeks, is slowly convalescing. He was able to resume his official duties at the Navy Department this mcrning. Major Wm. H. Bixby, corps of engineers, is in the city on business with the light house board. Lieuts, S. D. Freeman, 10th Cavalry, and D. B. Devore, 23d Infantry, are at the Sol- diers’ Home on leave of absence. Captain A. D. King, U.S.A., retired, who has been spending some time with his brother, Mr. Tom E. King of the internal revenue bureau, has returned to his home in Ohio. Captain King made many new friends during his stay here and renewed many old service friendships. Lieutenant Commander B. H. Bucking- ham, naval aid to Assistant Secretary Mc- Adoo, has returned from an official visit tu the Newport War College. Mr. Ashmead Russell, with his family, has returned to his residence in this city, No. 1703 De Sales street, very much im- proved in health. Major Charles F. Eagan, subsistence de- partment, is in the city on leave of absence. Capt. G. D. Fitch, corps of engineers, is in the city on his way to his station, Mem- phis. Lieut. H. C. Clark, 23d Infantry, is in the city on leave. Lieut. F. J. Haesler of the Amphitrite is in the city undergoing examination for promotion. Pension Commissioner Murphy returned last night from a two weeks’ trip dewn east, where he enjoyed himself catching fish and shooting ducks. His trip was very beneficial to his health, and he looks as ruddy as a farmer. SWEPT THE COUNTRY Terrible Havoc of the Midnight Gale. ——— ee: ITS PATH FROM FLORIDA T0NEW YORK Meager Reports Show Great Loss of Life. TODAY’S SAD DETAILS es MEMPHIS, Tenn., October 1.—A special to the Commercial-Appeal from Jackson- ville, Fla., says: It is @ conservative esti- mate to say that fifty people have lost their lives from yesterday’s hurricane, and the number may :un much higher. News fom that portion of the state where the storm first struck is very slow in coming, for wires are down and railroads are im- passable. Wrecking parties which went out yesterday morning have not returned end it will be late before the full exten of the damage is known. The hurricane struck Florida at Cedar Keys, and reports show that it passed in path of destruction over twenty towns and villages, and that be- tween thirty and forty persons have cer- tainly been killed. Cedar Keys is about 100 miles southwest of Jacksonville. The hur- ricane, which had been churning the waters of the gulf, first struck this place, a vile lage of 1,40 inhabitants. The only report which hes come concerning Cedar Keys is that the town has been swept away and many lives have been lost. This report comes from Gainesville, which is fifty niles away. Nobody has been able to get any- thing direct from Cedar Keys. Moving northeasterly, the storm struck Willistown, a small town, where eleven houses were blown down, one person was killed and several so badly hurt that it is expected they will die. Near here is a large turpen- line farm, where state convicts are em- ployed. Twenty of these were huddled to- gether in a cabin. A heavy tree was blown across the cabin and six of the convicts were crushed to death. arful Havoc. In Alachua county storm did fright- ful work. In Gainesville the Methodist Church and about twenty residences and business houses were destroyed, and while a number of people were hurt, no fatall- lies are reported. At Lacross, fifteen build- ings were destroyed. Rev. W. A. Barr, Mrs. F. F. Mcintosh and her babe were reported killed. Near there four laborers, who were in @ cabin at a turpentine farm, were crushed by falling trees. Newberry, in West Alachua, is totally wrecked. G. J. Eastin, Mrs. Nancy Moss, Frank Olm- stead and David Jones were killed. At High Springs Melissa Harden, Jane Morris and Sallie Nobles, colored, are re- ported to have been killed. At this place a number of people took refuge in a box car, which was in the path of the cyclone. it_was blown along the track and then off it a distance of fifty feet and every person it. it was badly injur Steve Mason and George Johnson have since died. At Grady, a small place, twelve houses were blown down, a woman was killed and a baby at her breast was uninjured, al- though it had been carried some distance by the force of the wind. At Lake Butler, Bradford county, Mrs. C. H. Harkey, Mrs. J. M. Fitch and her infant were fatally hurt. Many buildings were blown down. At this place the wind blew to pieces two cars loaded with bricks, and a negro, Harry Sullivan, who was some yards away, was killed by being struck by one of the flying bricks. On Judge Richards’ turpentine farm four convicts were killed by falling trees. Four Towns Wrecked. In Baker county four towns were almost totally destroyed. They were McKlenny, Sanderson, Glen St. Mary and Olusice. No one was killed outright in these towns, but many were injured, among whom was Mrs. C. 8. Richardson, James McAlphin and North Webster, all of whom will die. At Live Oak the destruction is complete, but no loss of life is reported. Neur Wel- berne the house of Amos White was de- stroyed and two of his children killed. At Lake City eight business houses and thir- teen houses were destroyed. Mrs. Sarah Fletcher and two boys were killed and Dora Jennings, Samuel Hudson and Jonas Mabrey were fatally injured. fix persons are reported killed at Fort White, in Co- lumbiana county, but no names are given. The hurricane passed over Duval county, striking the edges of Jacksonville, but do- ing very little damage. There was no loss of life. Just ncrth of here, however, in Nassau county, ccnsiderable destruction is reported. Five children were killed in the wreck of a school house. Miss Stewart, the teacher, had her arm broken. Lila Bails, a twelve-year-old girl, was killed at her home, her mother being fatally injured. Harry Johnson was also killed. Many Killed. At Hillyards another school house was wrecked and four children were killed. At Kings Ferry Andy Johnson, Moses Las- siter, Simon Henderson, May Jones and a child were killed. Mrs. Fischer was nurs- ing a sick child, and the infant died as the house fell. The mother was hurt, but will recover. Three sailors were killed on schooners that were loading lumber at Kings Ferry. Across the line into Georgia the devastation was continued. At Folkston, which is near the Okefenokee swamp, the school house was wrecked and four chil- dren killed. Several casualities are report- ed in Camden county, Ga. The storm then continued on its way to Brunswick and Ba- vannah. There is no way to estimate the property losses in Florida. The losses may scem heavier than when closely examined, but the opinion of the insurance men here is the Florida losses will foot up $2,000,000. AROUND SAVANNAH. The Two Hours of the Gale Filled the City With Wreckage. SAVANNAH, Ga., October 1.—The city’s experience with the West Indian hurricane wes dramatic and tragic. For an hour the people of Savanrah lived and died. Never in the history of the city was such wide- spread excitement known. Even during the hour of the storm's most terrific sweep hundreds of people, many of them wives and mothers, braved the falling trees and timbers and the gigantic force of the wind, and rushed into the street in frantic effort to find kindred and loved ones. It was a stampede and panic. At 9:30 o'clock in the morning the sky was dark and the breezes chilly; there was no sign of an approaching hurricane. It came suddenly. At 10 o'clock the wind be- gan to blow at a great force, and the rain pcured down in torrents. At 11 o'clock the storm was in all its fury, and in two hours the city was a mess of wreckage and ruin, The principal thoroughfares of the city were barricaded in a fow minutes after the wind began to blow. Many delivery wa- gons, carriages and hacks were caught in the streets, and could go neither backward or forward. They were compelled to stand during the destructive sweep. Their horses were killed and a number of wagons jashed. One driver was caught beneath @ falling telegraph pole and killed. The re-