Evening Star Newspaper, October 20, 1896, Page 10

10 THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1896-SIXTEEN PAGES. Golden berg’s, 926-928 7th—706 K Sts. i We are doing the upholstery busi- ness better than has ever been done before. i Perhaps the brightest, roomiest and handsomest upholstery: parlors in which to do it. We couldn't do it did we not buy and sell as we do. A glance will show you all the newest domestic draperies. i SILKALINES — for draperies, curtains, scarfs, screens, in floral and set designs—perhaps thirty-two pat- terns—yard wide—6j}c. yard. You know that the prevailing price is 12}c. You'd mistake these for fine China silks. a CRETONNES in bright printings on dark and on light grounds—fully a yard wide—and only ge. instead of I2}c. TAPESTRY—for furniture cov- erings and hangings—in as pretty patterns as you ever saw, and a wide range of colorings. 54 inches wide and silk finished. 59c. a yard instead of 75¢c. just for Wednesday. CURTAIN SWISS in any num- ber of figured effects—for 83c. yard instead of 12}c. Are there hangings to provide? One of the loom marvels of the day is that chenille and tapestry curtains of such excellence can be had at such trifling pric Chenille Portieres, in all colors, with wide dado and deep fringe top and bot- tom, generous width and length, for $3.49-seme which you'll pay $4.50 for At most stores. Silk Tapestry Curtains— handsome. No tone of same rich effect. een, brown, old rose top ond bot- tom, for which is usually as ‘2d floor ed $4. elevator. Here are two lots of dress stuffs which you ought to come at once for, because their prices make them bargains. 50-inch All-wool Black Imperlal Serge 2 A quality which would in at 30e. All-wool Black and White tings—such as are ly—for 38e. yard. Shepherd ¢ sold for Ste. ‘Wh street annex. For years we've been looking for better child’s fast black hosiery to sell at 12$c. We have always sold a little better value than others, yet we werent contented. And now we have it! Went direct to the mili— saw the maker and left an order which dazed him. It is made of a two-thread yarn in- stead of one. That gives it double the durability, not counting the ap- pearance. It has high spliced heels and double knees, and we'll guar- antee that it will wear as well as any 25c. stocking brought over the ocean. 124c. always—not for a day not for an hour—any time you're in. And once you buy them we shall always have your trade. 7th street store. Some very good cloak makers are very poor merchants. They scare too eas Here are a lot of capes and coats which were being made to sell for much more, but maker got frightened at the market and we got them under price. 30 Black and Astrakbhan Cloth Capes— plain ones, with velvet collars— e trimmed with jet—and some vith imitation marten tails all around. All have deep storm collars, and were made to sell at $6.50 and more. Here tomor- row at $4.50 each. 29 'Ewo-tone > Jackets—satin w Corl Silk Boucle lined throughout; ‘olor combinations. = $6.98 each, ad of $10—what ibey were intended to sell for. 2d floor- elevator. Judge our lining prices by any one of these lining items. Only the best —never a poor one. for Se. Rustle mabrie. ~ for “Eelipse™ Fiber Interlining— price. 12M. for Heavy, ‘Twilled Yard-wide Ye Percaline, wn—usual price, 10e. ikinet Skirt Lintng, St wide—usual price, 12% Black Imitation Her- b—30 inches wide. Extra Heavy All-linen Extra Heavy . brown amd gray. All-wool More of you should know of linen values which we distribute. glance here will show it. 2.000 yards ef Full Bleached Pure Linen ¢ ard—usual price, Se. the A 1» fast color, 1S-inch Sanit Isard pleces ‘¥ Cotton Bird's-eye, in piece. Goldenberg’s, 926-928 7th—706 K Sts. **t* Of course, merchants who light their stores by gas cannot hope to compete with up-te-date ¢stablish- ment» brilliantly fMuminated with electric lights. Keep abreast of the times, or you'll go to the wall. See us about electric lighting and power. U.S. Electric Lighting Co., 213 14th st. n.w. ‘Pho 7. ¢20-: 218 14th st, nw “Phone 71 ocgo-zoa \ ee oe 11x14 Photo Freel With each order for a dozen of our elezant $2.98 Cabinet Thotes we give, free, a beautl- fully finished 11x14 Photo suitable for fraim- Inez. Excellent choice of det *e frames. hii 's Photos, 2 cen mien Gottwals’ Pete Peters 973 Pa. Ave. oe20-10d EYES EXAMINED FREE. DE- fective sight may be the calse of your headaches. We will ijant jp Biaeses Co At your eyes from 5. up. A. KAHN, Optician———________95 F a.w. ‘ee29-1m,8 | MAY NOT GET IT Possibility That the Southern -May Lose the Seaboard. LOUISVILLE AND HASHVILLE WANT It Another Big Rate War Not Im- probable. DETAILS OF THE AFFAIR It is currently reported here among hold- ers of Southern railway securities that while the friends of the Southern, Messrs. Ryan, Thomas and Gill, have secured the absolute control of the Seaboard Company's stock, events may occur within the next few days, possibly within the next few hours, which may change the whole situa- tion and convert the Seaboard from a friend of the Southern into a bitter enemy and cause the outbreak of another raie war. Mr. Ryan has keen in Baltimore since last Friday night, and has held numerous conferences with President R. Curzon Hoff- man, during which, it is understood, all the details concerning the transfer of the Sea- board stock were completed. Louisville and Nashville a Buyer. Last night he suddenly returned to New York to attend to some important business, which prevented his longer remaining in Baltimore, and he said that the business ccnsisted of the consideration of a propo- sition from the representatives of the Loutsville and Nashville road to transfer the Seaboard stock to the Louisville and Neshville company at a very handsome ad- vance on the price which they paid for it. The Southern Alarmed. Whether or not there is any basis for this rumor it 1s a fact that the report has created much alarm among the friends of the Southern, who are opposed to a renewal of hostilities between the two railway com- panies, which were fighting so bitterly for ™many weeks up to a short time ago; and if the Louisville and Nashville road’ should secure control of the Seaboard Air Line, to- gether with the other properties recently acquired by Messrs. Ryan and Thomas, it would create competition to the Southern with which that exercised by the Seaboard is not a circumstance. The Louisville and Nashville and the Southern are already tighting each other, although there has been no rate war, and it is sald that the two companies are on the verge of open fighting for the posses- sion of the Central railroad of Georgia, which is operated under a joint lease by the two roads, but from which the Louis- ville and Nashville is trying to oust the Southern. Something in the Air. Gen. John Gill, the Baltimore member of the Ryan-Gill syndicate, was seen by a Star reporter at his office in the Mercantile Trust and Deposit Company's building in Baltimore this afternoon, and Gen. Gill was asked whether it was true that the syndicate had secured the actual control cf the Seaboard Air Line, and also whether there was any basis for the rumor that the Louisville and Nashville was trying to buy the road from the syndicate. Information Coming. Gen. Gill replied: “I did not see Mr. Ryan during his stay in Baltimore, and he had to go back to New York last night to attend to some matters which could not be longer delayed. I do not know whether the money to se- cure the Seaboard has been paid or not, but I think that if The Star will not pab- lish anything about the Seaboard for two or three days I can then give it some very interesting information, and by that time Messrs. Ryan and Thomas will be ready to fully outline their plans tor the future management of the Seaboard. President Heffman when interviewed by a Star reporter said he knew nothing 63 to what the future would bring forth, but that the stockholders could turn vut their president at any time. Annaal Meeting of the Souther Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. RICHMOND, Va., October 20.—The third annual meeting of the Southern railway was held here today. All of the common and preferred stock was represented. The report of the president for the year was submitted and the acts of the company approved by the stockholders. The oll board of directors were re-elected for an- other year. —————— A VIOLENT DEATH. James Brown in Some Way Got His Head Broke. A death that may have been a murder occurred shortly after 8 o'clock last even- ing. The dead man is James Brown, color- ed, who was thirty-five years of age. He lived with his wife and her family in a small frame house at the corner of 15th and K streets southeast. A young white man named Harry Sommers, twenty-three years of age, who is a farmer or truck gardener, and who lives near Twining City, was ar- rested at an early hour this morning by Policeman Smoot and locked up at the fifth precinct station on suspicion of hav- ing caused the death of Brown. An autopsy is to be made on the body this afternoon, and Coroner Hammett will hold an inquest at noon tomorrow at the sixth precinct police station, New Jersey avenue between D and E streets. Som- mers will be held in custody to await the verdict of the coroncr’s jury. The facts in the case 2re decidedly ob- seure and hard to get. The attention of the police was first directed to the affair last evening when Dr. Emmons, who at- terded the dead man, visited the fifth pre- cinct station and explained that Brown’s injuries appeared as tueugh inflicted by some blunt instrument. . It was learned that Brown reached his home about midnight Saturday, suffering from a lacerated wound of the head and an injury of the right side. He was in a dazed condition, and all the information that could be extracted from him was that he had a fall. Dr. Emmons visited the man at 1 o'clock Sunday afternoon, and from that time until his death he was unconscious. Death was due, so says the physician, to hemorrhage of blood vessels of the brain, which induced paralysis. Brown made no intimation that he had been assaulted. On the statement of the physician the injuries appeared as though inflicted-by a blunt instrument, the police considered: the case worthy of investigation, but were, at sea in regard to clues. However, on learning that Brown was dead, Frank Col- lins and Fred Hall, two colored men, pro-. ceeded to the station and informed the po- lice that in their presence Harry Sommers had stated that he had struck a man Sat- urday night. On this informaticn, Sommers was arrested, a3 stated. The statement of Sommers is to the effect that as he was about to enter his wagon Saturday night in front of Coxen’s saloon on 8th street between and I streets southeast, he was accosted by Brown, with whom he was acquainted. Brown, he says, was intoxicated, and persisted in throwing bis arms about Sommers, who finally found it necessary to push him aside. Brown, according to Sommers, then sank to a sit- ting posture on the sidewalk and Sommers drove to his home at Twining City without giving further thought to the matter. The man under arrest is firm in his decla- ration that he did not strike Brown, but merely pushed him aside, that being neces- sary, he says, to get away from the man. In reaching Brown's house it is nec: to pass along a narrow path, on one side of which is a steep embankment. It is quite possfble for a person, especially while in an intoxicated condition, ‘ing that way in the middle of the night, to lose his footing. A fall down the. embankment. would, in nine cases out of ten, result in serious injury. A Star reporter who visited Brown’: house this afterroon found that the rela- tives of the dead man are ignorant of the manner in which he received the-fatal in- juries. It is not at all Itkely that further light will be thrown upon the affair until the coroner's inquest is held. FOR FALSE PRETENSES Frederick Smith Held for the Grand Jury ~" by Judge Miiler, Charged With Having Secured Money by Forging the Names of Dis- tinguished People. Commodore George Melville, chief en- gineer United States navy, was made the ; victim of an attempt to extort money last evening, but, suspecting something wrc ag, he reported the matter to the police and within an hour Frederick Smith, ® middle- aged white man, was behind the bars at the first precinct station, charged with va- grancy. When the case was called in the Police Court today an array of witnesses lined up against Smith. The first to take the stand was Chief Engineer Melville. He explained that about 7 o'clock last evening a boy called at his residence, 1720 H street, and delivered a sealed communication. It read as follows: “WASHINGTON, D. C., October 19, 106: “My Dear Friend: I have just got to the city with Mrs. Kirkland, and I am in a predicament. Some scamp got away with my purse or else I lost it on the train. I desire to avoid publicity in the matter, and I cannot realize on any moneys before Wed- nesday. I do not care in going to the club, which would let the cat out of the bag. Please send me by the bearer ten ($10) dol- lars. Will have the pleasure to call with Mrs. Kirkland on Wednesday and pay our respects and refund above loan. I am yours, W. A. KIRKLAND, “Admiral, U. 8. Navy.” Chief Engineer Melville at once concluded that the letter was a forgery, although he said the signature was a fair imitation of that of Admiral Kirkland, with whom he is in the habit of communicating. The wit- ness happened to know that Admiral Kirk: land is at present at the Mare Island navy yard, Cal., so he asked the boy who sent the letter. “A man on Pennsylvania avenue, who teld me to bring the answer to Willard’s Hotel.” Chief Engineer Melville accompanied the boy to Willard’s Hotel and there turned him over to Policemen Carlson and Mellen. At the siation the boy, who gave his name as “Queeny” Lewis; repeated his story, and @ search was made for Smith, who was found on Pennsylvania avenue near 10th street. Detective Sutton's Testimony. Detective Sutton testified that when taken into custody Smith was in an intoxicated ecndition. On his person were several let- ters, which he attempted to destroy. One, asking for the loan of $10, was addressed to Mrs. Alida G. Almy, widow of Admiral Almy, and was signed “‘T. G. Phelps, ad- miral.” “Queeny”’ Lewis, the messenger boy, identified Smith as the man wno requested him to deliver the letter to Chief Engineer Melville. Severai other boys took the stand and stated that they were present when Smith handed the letter to Lewis. William Edwards, a cigar dealer, of 1006 Pennsylvania avenue, testified that Smith last evening entered his place of bi borrowed pen and ink and wrote a le The Defendant's Denial. The defendant took the stand and de- Jared aimself innocent of the charge. He has a wife and three childreg, he said, and lives on K street. He 1s a book agent by occupation. Smith admitted that he gave the letter to Lewis, but claimed that the epistle, with three others, was given to him to deliver by a man ‘named Mc- Laughlin. As the letters were sealed, he was not familiar with their contents, al- though he knew they contained a request for money. Smith said that he had once before delivered letters for Mclaughlin, and had been paid fifty cents for so doing. As he was intoxicated last evening, and in no condition to present himself at the rei dence of Chief Engineer Melviile, he asked Lewis to deliver the letter. He could not give any information as to the whereabouts of McLaughlin. He has been in the habit, he says, of meeting McLaughlin on Penn- sylvania avenue. More Letters. At this point Dr. Hammond's secretary reached the court room, in company with Inspector Hollinberger, bearing several let- ters thought to have been written by Smith, and by means of which money had been secured. The letters were submitted to Prosecuting Attorney Pugh, who directed that an additional information charging Smith with false pretenses be secured. The trial of the vagrancy charge was then con- tinued until later in the day, while the papers in the false pretenses case were being prepared. Charge of False Pretenses. Smith was arraigi ed or a charge ot false pretenses this afternoon before Judge Mil- ler. Dr. Willlam A. Hammond appeared as a complaining witness, and he testitied that Smith recently secured $10 from him by means of a letter similar to that sent last Shi Ergineer Melville. The eae Gentited, and Judge Miller directed that he be held in $2,000 bonds to await the action of the grand jury. —_ TWO GLOBE TROTTERS Who Are Earning Their Expenses by Newspaper Writing. Among the arr'vais in Washington to- day arc Philly Hanna and F K. Gary of Sydney, Australia. In April, 1805, Paul Jones spent an evening at the Strangers’ Club, Wooloornooloo, Sydney, Australia. Paul Junes was the New York club man, who left the metropolis without a cent, on a bet that he would bring back $5,000 in a certain period after traveling around the world. Paul was wined and dined by the Strengers’ Club, the leading Bohemian or- ganization of Sydney, and after his de- pariure a general discussion ensued as to the possibilities of Australians accomplish- ing what he had undertaken. ‘The club membership includes 1,100 gen- tlemen of many nations. Should a Yankee outdo the Australians? There was a gen- eral debate and balloting. Mr. Gary and Mr. Hanna were selected from the 1,100 and over to uphold the honor of their coun- try, and carry the fame of the club into wreign lands. It was agreed that the two men shall b2 presented with £1,0u0 ster- ling if successful in their trip, that they were io visit the capitals of thirty-seven nations and were to leave their homes with but a half fenny, and return within two years. They gave their words of honor they: would accept nothing that they did not earn through their journalistic efforts, and they were enjoined to keep in com- munication with the club and the papers of Sydney. They left Sydney one fair morning in April and sailed for the land of ‘the Japanese, and have visited . various countries in Asia, and Europe, and South -4merioa, and janded in this country at Say Francisco. oe = —e. rs’ Imprisonment. Five ¥ Judge Cole sentenced, Augustus Johnson, colored, to five years’ imprisonment in the Albany penitentiary at hard labor for breakir g into the store of John T. Brown the 10th of last’ August and robping it of a quantity of tobacco. Johnson is now serv- ing four months in jail on a conviction of petit larceny. —___. Oldest Continuo Company. The 125th anniversary of the First Com- pany, Governor's Foot Guards, the oldest continuous military organization in. the country, occurred yesterday at Hartford, Conn., and it was obéerved in a befitting manner. In the afternoon a parade was held, which was reviewed by Governor Coffin and staff, after which services were held at Center Church. Last evening an elaborate anniversary .banquet was held at Foot Guard Hall. The Foot Guards en- Joy the unique distinction of being the only military organization in the country preserving intact the uniform of the period preceding the revolutionary war, and from 1780, when it did escort duty to General ‘Washington, down through its history till it was chosen as the guard-of honor for President Cleveland at the Atlanta ex- poition. It was honored often for sne- cial escort and guasd.duty. oe ee EE ee ee eee fc essa baa ac et Nagas Bd eens SN eS er ce Os Sen hoe Bg A SENSATIONAL STORY fy Gen. Weyler’s Alleged Threat to an Dramatic Narrative! Sent From Ha- vana is Contradicéed by the Of- clalx—No Unplengant Incident. is i A special dispatch ffpm Key West, Fla., dated October 19, say#p If the Spanish autho¥if\es had taken Senor | Angel Fernandez off the’ Ward Line steam- er Vigilancia while theg;yessel was in Ha- vana harbor last FYttay, United States warships would have immediately been or- dered to Havana to efforce a demand for reparaton, and war between ths country and Spain would have undoubtedly resulted. For three hours last Friday the United States and Spain were on the brink of war, and the threatening situation was only re- lieved when the Spanish authorities igno- miniously backed down and allowed the Vigilancia to proceed to sea, with Fernan- dez still on board. A letter received here from a correspond- ent in Havana, who is close to Consul Gen- eral Lee, gives a dramatic account of the episode. According to’the letter, when the Vigilancia put into Havana the Spanish au- thorities demanded the surrender of Senor Angel Fernandez, a Mexican. on board the vessel. The Spaniards alleged that Fernan- dez was not a Mexican, but a subject of Spain, and owing service in the Spanish army. Capt. John McIntosh of the Vigilan- cla refused to surrender Fernandez. Then the Spanish authorities told McIn- tosh that it the Vigilancia attempted to go to sea with Fernandez on board, she would be sunk by the guns of Moro Castle. Consul General’ Lee's Ad Captain McIntosh immediately laid the matter before Consul General Lee, who complimented the captain on his bravery, and told him to take the Vigilancia to sea when he pleased. Consul Lee was greatly enraged at the threat to sink the Vigilancia, and Is reported to have said to Captain Me- Intosh: “If the guns of Moro Castle sink your ship, American warships will be bom- barding Havana in a few days.” McIntosh returned tg the Vigilancia, and Consul Le e informed Weyler that the vessel was going to sea, and that if any attempt was made to take off Fernandez, or if the vessel was fired upon, Spain must take the consequences, Weyler immediately sum- moned a cabinet council, and while this council was considering Lee’s letter the Vigilancia began to weigh anchor. The Spanish officials on board protested, but aces McIntosh said in vigorous United States: “My ship has been cleared, my consul has told me to go to sea; I am going, and I dare you to try to prevent me. Get off my ship.” And with that the gritty Yankee roughly shoved the Spaniards into thelr waiting boat, and the Vigilancia, flying the stars and stripes, stood for the mouth of the harbor, which is commanded by the guns of Moro Castle. Defled Spanish Guns. All was excitement In Havana and the quays and house tops were lined with hun- dreds of persons, who expected to see the Vigilancia fired on. Cgnsul Lee himself watched the Vigilancia through a glass. Meanwhile signals were, being exchanged between Weyler’s palace and Moro Castle, and in the latter place there were signs of &reat activity. Slowly the Vigilancia en- tered the mouth of thé harbor, and then it was noticed that thé guns of Moro were trained on the ship. igilancia repeat- edly signaled Moro Castle, “I am going to FS but no answer ¢am¢ trom the fort un- tl the vessel was in‘blué water, and then the Spaniards ran up the signal which means “Good-bye.”” It Is said Weyler is fufious over the di parture of the vessel and Consul Lee's course. It is. stated’ Weyler ordered. the commandant of Moro'to sink the Vigilancia, but at the last moment he yielded to the entreaties of his cabinet and countermanded the order. The episode-caused more excite- ment in Havana than any since the begin- ning of the war. * = 1 ‘The OMe! It is stated by officials that the reports coming from Key West as to an exciting ecrtroversy at Havara between Gen. Fitz- hugh Lee, United States consul general, and Gen. Weyler, over the attempted. ap- prehension of » Mexican named Fernandez on board of the American ship Vigtiancia, Bive a significance and importance to the- event not warranted by the facts. Official dispatches have passed between Washing- ton snd Havena fully explaining the case, Lut these have been of an entirely pacific character, shc-wing no rupture between the captain general and General Lee, and, on the whole, treating the matter as an inci- dent which had been adjusted satisfactorily and without any breach of friendly reia- tions. The facts, as stated by officials who have handled the dispatches, are substan- tially these: Gen. Weyler ordered the arrest of Fer- randez as % suspect, not knowing at the time of the issuance of the order that he was on board an American ship. Later General Lee notified the Spanish authorities that the Vigilancia was an American ship, which, under our treaty rights, had an im- munity from search and seizure for sus- pects in transitu to other ports. General Weyler promptly acceded to the position taken by General Lee, and the affair ended. No protests or claims were submitted to Washington by either side. It is said posi- tively that the reports that General Weyler even contemplated firing on the Vigilancia or trained the guns of Morro Castle on the ship ere incorrect. ———_+0+-_. THE COURTS, Report. Court of Appeals—Present, the chief jus- tice, Mr. Justice Morris and Mr. Justic Shepard. Patent appeal No. 39, Dewey agt. Colby dismissed on motion of L. A. Bailey, for appellant. pany appeal No. 40, Dewey agt. Colby; 0. No. Cropley agt. Eyster et al.; ar- gument continued by W. L. Cole for Eyater and concluded by J. H. Ralston, for appel- jant. No. 583, Washington Gas Light Company agt. Lansden; argument commenced by W. D. Davidge, for appellant. Equity Court No. 1—Judge Cox. Thomas agt. Wagner; rule on trustee re- tvrnable October 23, granted. O'Neil agt. Kiefer; sale finally ratified and reference to auditor ordered. Offutt agt. Jones; delivery of papers to trustee authorized. Winlock agt. Goldsborough; Cyrus Adler appointed trustee. Curren agt. Curren; appearante of absent defendant ordered.’ Fillmore -‘agt. Grant; trustee's report of sale filed, cause referred to auditor and sale ratified nisi. Amer. ‘Bonding and Trust. Company agt. Watton; Lynn O. DeLashmutt and Andrew Wilson appointed receivers. Irwin agt. Ridenour; payment te lwtervenors ordered. Equity Court No. ‘24Judge Hagner. Columbia Chemical.Gampany agt. Ham- mond Sanitarium Gompnany: motion to dis- miss overruled. Mejer agt. Piepenbring; demurrer overruled, with eave to answer. Circuit Court Noy i—Judge Bradley. pnainers agt. Washi pgtgh and Georgetown road Company; ‘ce: le t ercuit Court No. 2. ‘Alsop tag. Frank et alt: on trial. Lemos agt. Cppitall City Benoit So- ciety; verdict for plaingff. for $100. First National Bank of Goyverneur agt, Bigelow; order for’ commissidn’ to issue. United States Glass Company Whitford; mo- tion to suppress depositi granted. Criminal Court No. '4—Judge Cole. Fulton R. Gordon gt. Sohanna K. ‘Fisch- er; judgment on véfdick United: States agt. Presley Thorntéh dnd George Waller, housebreaking; on trfl. JUnited States agt. Lewis Allen, housebr¢sging; verdict, guilty, with recommendation to mercy; sentence, Albany, one year and dhe day. —___ Thefis Reported. H. E. Williams of 206 8 street, complains to the police that his Wolf American bicy- cle was stolen last night from in front of his house. F. Sims reports to the rolice the theft of @ gold medal. H. 1. Davis, 477 M street, has asked the police to assist him in finding his blue ever- ccat, which was stolen from his house sev- eral ago. Burglars visited the residence of P. Dodge, 2717 P street, s0me time Sunday, and stole a gold watch with chain and lock- et attached, a pair_of silver link sleeve but- tens, and two sets of studs. The Law and the Platform of the Democracy. A PROPOSED RETROGRESSION Extensions Made Since the Act Went Into Force. POLITICS AND PATRONAGE ‘To the Editor of The Evening Star: No reform has progressed more steadily than that which has had for its object the substitution of merit for personal and pzr- tisan preference as the determining factor in appointments and advancements in the minor places of the federal civil service. Introduced by a democrat in a Senate in which both of the great parties were equal- ly represented, the “Act to regulate and improve the civil service of the United States,” known as the “Pendleton law, was passed, after considerable discussion, by a vote of 38 to 5. In the House of Representatives, which at that time con- tained 152 republicans and democrats, the affirmative vote was 155 and included, among others, such prominent democrats as Samuel 8. Cox, John G. Carlisle, N. C. Blanchard, A, 8, Hewitt, William R. Mcr- rison and Roswell P. Flower, while among the republicans were J. C. Burrows, Frank Hiscock, Willian McKinley and Reed. The new law was approved by President Arthur on January 16, 1883, and the merit sysiem was immediately applied to 13,24 positions. On March 4, 188% their number had heen increased to 15, on March 4, 1889, to 27,330; on March 4, 1893, to 42,098, and at the present time the number ix rot much less than 30,000, Mere statistics do not, however, adequately pre- sent the development of business methods in relation to the appolutment, retention, advancement and dismissal of employes in the civil There has been a healthy growth of ic and official sentiment that tends mforce the right of the tax- paying public to demand an organization of the public service based upon efficiency, and there is a general recognition of the fact that this can be done only through the application of rigid tests of compe- tency as a prerequisite of appointment and the absolute exclusion of all vonsiderations except integrity, industry and ability as determining facturs in the treatment ac- corded employes subsequent to their ap- pointment. The platforms adopted by the republican and democratic parties their national ecnventions of 1476 and 184) demanded the inauguration of such a reform in the civil service, and those of every subsequent coi vention have given it unqualified indors ment and approval, untess that of the r cent democratic convention at Chicago must be excepted. ‘The declaration relating to the civil service adopted at that conven- tion reads as follows: “We are opposed to life tenure in the public service, except as provided in the Constitution. We favor appointments based upon merit, fixed terms of office, and such an administration of the civil service laws as will afford equal opportunities to all citizens of ascertained fitness.” Opposition to Life Tenure. Opposition to Ife tenure, by which is un- doubtedly meant tenure during good be- havior, is unquestionably the most import- ant feature of this pronunciamento. This opposition is to be given practical effect b providing for terms of office of fixed dura- ticn, The other declarations, favoring ap- pointments based upon merit and according eqval opportunity to enter the civil service to all citizens of ascertained fitness, would have been an indication of progress had they been contained in any political plat- form adopted prior to 1872, but at the pres- ent time, when a law accomplishing these results has teen in force for thirteen years, they should be accompanied by a specific indorsement of that law, or a declaration | indicating the way in which it should bc modified. The absence of any such qualifi- cation makes it appear that these princi- ples were introduced to round out the plank, and that they were intentionally subordhated to the more fundamental principle—opposition to life or merit tenure. This being the case, it becomes important for those who desire the continuance of the merit system and its progressive extension and improvement upon the lines already marked out, carefully to consider how far the principle of tenure during -good be- havior is a fundamental part of that sy: tem, and how far the substitution of fixed terms of office would affect the practical results of reformed methods. There are three things which the merit system has accomplished for the better- ment of the civil service. It has removed positions of minor importance from. the sphere of partisan conflict, and, in conse- quence, has notably purified __ political methods by making it impossible to use those positions as rewards for partisan activity. The effect of establishing the principle of rotation in office upon this re- sult of reform would be indirect but ‘in- sidious and pernicious. The spectacle of a large number of changes in minor offices, whether coincident with a change in ad- ministration or otherwise, would not fail to inspire with hope those who desire to make party service, instead of fitness, the single test for appointment, and it would be strange indeed if their zealous efforts did not find a vulnerable spot where some un- scrupulous appointing officer would yield to their entreaties. The progress of re- form has not been unmarked by instances of this kind, and the difficulty of detecting occasional violations of the letter and spirit of reform would be enhanced tenfold owing to the multitude of changes. It has been universally observed that crime multiplies upon opportunity for effectual concealment, and, as the friends of honest business methods become doubtful of their ability to prevent improper appointments, the ad- vocates and prospective beneficiaries of the spoils system would become steadily more audacious, until, in the end, all tests of capacity would be openly disregarded. A second result of the merit system has been to open the door to employment in the public service to all citizens regard- less of party effiliations or personal or Political services in behalf of persons hold- ing influential positions. Equality of op- pertunity, denied prior to 1883 by the prac- tical limitation of the right to hold office to the friends of the contro}ling faction in the party in power, was accorded every citizen so far as entrance to the civil serv- ice is concerned by the reform law of that year. Under its operation no individual, however destitute of political connections, is excluded, provided he possesses the in- telligence, industry and pluck necessury to qualify himself to become a desirable pub- lic servant: & Patronage and Election. The same cause which makes possible the use of patrohage in order to control elec- tions and debauch politics will inevitably exclude all ‘persons not *adherents of the Successful faction ‘as effectually as ‘prior |" to 1883. There will again be a favored class from Which all public servants must be selected, and this class will, as formerly, be the one least likely to furnish intelli- gent, industrious, faithful and honest em- Ployes. Moreover, the opportunity to enter the public service is of little value to those who must be considered from the practical standpoint of efficiency, best equipped therefor, unless it includes the possibility of growth and development therein which will enable those entering the lowest grades to aspire, not unreasonably, to the positions of higher honor, responsibility and emolu- ment. Anything which tends to increase the scope -of political influence in securing appointments will extend the same influ- ence to questions of advancement, reduc- tion and dismissal. The expiration of terms wouid also in mary cases result in the separation of employes from the service just at the time when experience had quall- fied them for higher duties and would it impossible for any cne to hope for nad quate rewards within the civil service for ability and diligence displayed in serving the public. 7 Protably the most apparent achievement of the merit system, at least to th have observed at close range the methods of work in the executive departments at Washington both prior and subsequent to the adopticn of the reform, is the increased efficiency of thé official machinery. This has come not only from the marked im- provement in the qualifications of new em- ployes, but also from the relief afforded the higher officials from the necessity they T’S HARD TO KEEP THE CORK IN Our customers’ feelings. They are so enthusiastic about the new overcoats that we are making to order at $15.* This is an extraordinarily low price to pay for an overcoat. These gar- ments are fully equal to the high-priced tailors’ product, for which he charges from $35 to $40. The swell effects in the woolens must be seen to be appreciated. The selection of pat- terns is immense. Our made-to-order coats will stand com- parison with any overcoat, we don’t care where it came from. The growth of our business conclusively shows that our efforts toward high-grade clothing at low prices is being appreciated in Washington. Mertz and Mertz, New “Era” Tailors, 906 F Street. eee hhh hhh hehehehe CPeeee eae ae Saas were formerly undgr of spending a large portion of their time in hearing appeals for office and weighing the confiicting claims of rival applicants; the possibility of organ- izing the clerical force with regard solely to its efficiency, and the increased incentive to industry and fidelity under a system in which advancement 1s made the reward of meritorious service. The institution of fixed terms of office would impose upon appoint- ing officers a considerable burden in the scrutiny of applications for employment, even aside from its probable introduction of partisan influence as a controlling con- sideration in securing appointments. Thus the service would speedily deteriorate at the very point when deterioration would Prove most serious and costly. Under the spoils system the interference of persons of political influence in the internal affairs of the executive departments was most common. Desigrations for particular du- ties, opportunities for traveling at public expense, extraordinary leaves of absence and similar favors were sought by Sena- tors and Representatives on behalf of their favorites, and weak-kneed officials not in- frequently believed themselves under the necessity of yielding in spite of the fact that the quality of the service was serious- ly impaired by their complaisance. The smallest details were not consid-red too insignificant to occupy the time of ihe people’s representatives, and tc writer is personaliy cognizant of an instance in which congressional interference extended to the location of the desk of a subordinate in a government office at Washingcon. Only those who have engaged in the effort to secure satisfactory results, in spite of such hindrances and annoyances, can real- ize the extent of their injury to the public service and of their cost to the taxpaying public. The return of these practices with the adoption of any system which allows the consideration of political services in making appointments is inevitable. Effect on Employes. The incentive to diligence in the perform- ance of duties is in direct correspondence with the degree of confidence on the part of employes that their future in the serv- ice is dependent upon the quality of their services and the sufficiency of the rewards the industrious and capable may reason- ably anticipate If the new appointee is informed that he must leave the service at the expiration of a definite period, the hope of permanent employment, a strong incentive to industrious application to duty, is wholly removed. It is true that the alternative, fear of immediate dismis- sal, may be used as a whip, but this pro- duces a class of unwilling, disaffected em- ployes, and is a most unsatisfactory, as well as an unkind and brutal, subszizuse. Even were it possible under a system lased upon temporary tenure to enforce rigid competitive requirements as to fitness, the quality of the employes received would iapidly deteriorate. There is a rapidly growing belief thai the development of the merit system will soon make an honorable profession of the civil service as similiar methods have already Gone in the most enlightened countries of Europe. There are many positions, the pe- cuniary cmoluments of which are small, yet which from the opportunity they ovfer for original investigation under the very best conditions are exceedingly attractive to young men of scientific attainments and aspirations. Not only is this true, but sub- crdinates in these offices are receiving the very kind of training which will best fit them for holding the higher places, and ihe hope that they may do so in the fullness of time is a strong-inducement to earnest work and unceasing «pplication to duty. Young men of education and ability would refuse to enter a service which they woul 1 be forced to leave at a definite time after spending in it their most vigorous and fruitful years Competitor. for positions in the civil service would be limited to those who were conscious of their incapacity to succeed anywhere, who had already faiied in private business, or who felt the need of a temporary shelter while awaiting a favor- able oppertunity to begin a career in some cther line. It is perfectly obvious tha: the most efficient and satisfactory employes cannot be drawn from any or all of these ciasses, and that a system which thus lim- its the desire to enter public service must be extravagant and costly. Besides, this efficiency in any kind of work is in a very large degree cumulative. No matter how capable a clerk may be when originally appointed, it is rare in- deed that continuous progressive improve- ment is not noted. It is the very summit of folly to dismiss good employes of ea- perience and substitute those who, no mat- ter how able, must be instructed before they can perform their duties, and such a system would not be tolerated in any pri- vate or corporate business. ‘This examination of the essentials of civil service reform affords convincing evidence that the continuance of minor officials in office during good behavior is a funda- mental factor in the scheme of reform and has had an important share in effecting the beneficent results already accomplished. The friends of morality in politics, those who desire general equality of opportunity, and all who can be injured by an inefficient, corrupt and costly civil service, must re- gard any proposition to intréduce fixed terms of office as a serious menace to a most necessary and beneficent reform that fairly established. nbs fe: H. T. NEWCOMB. —_—-—— Divorce Trial. The divorce case of Kate R. Fahey against Daniel C. Fahey was submitted to Judge Cox today, Mrs. Fahey’s case being argued by Aitorneys Fulton and Edwards, the defendant being represented by Attor- ney Leo Simmons. Mrs. Fahey charges -her husband cruelty, an accusation he denies. with Stole Tools. Presley Thornton and George Waller, col- ored boys, were convicted in Criminal Court No. 1 today of robbing the tool house of Frank L. Hanvey last August. They were recommended to the mercy of the court, and Judge Cole eentenced them to ten days’ impriscnment in jail. “Those undershirts I bought here last month,” he began. “[ remember it,” said the clerk. “It was @ great bargain. Do you find them warm esough?” “They were warm enough when I first put them on, but I didn’t think to inquire about them this morning.” “Inquire about them!” “Yes. Ever since they were washed the baby has been wearing them. Now, if you have anything that isn’t quite so much of a bargain and isa little more likely to remain my size, I'd like to see it.” PROBABLE PROFESSIONAL. Charged With Many small Thefts, In the arrest last evening of Josephine Burch, a white woman of thirty-eicht years of age, the police believe that they have a sneak thief who has been operat- ing here quite extensively of late. Several complaints have been received recently st police headquarters that a white woman has been robbing houses in Most instances of clothing. Detectives Boyd, Helan and Horne were directed to investigate the charges, and from informa- tion received by them they became satis- fied that the robberies had been done by a woman. They also became convinced that Mrs. Burch was the guilty party. There- fore, she was arrested. She pretended to be intoxicated at the time, and also de- nied knowing anything whatever of the charges. This morning, however, so the detectives say, she gave them informa- tion which enabled them to recover from & second-hand clothing store on 41-2 street southwest several articles of clothing, which bad been teken, it is claimed, from wie gis E. Fowler and Mrs. A. M. For- ester, living at 215 and 219 “ regpectively 219 41-2 street, he accused woman, it is said. would call at houses on the pretense of seiling pencils or would give that explanation when dis- covered in a house. Once having been ado mitted to a house she would, the Police charge, improve the opportunity of taking whatev articles, generally small Pieces of clothing, she could carry off concealed about her. The police say she and her husband were arrested on a simi about three aul pur years ago, her husband bei cenvicted, it is said. The woman is locked up for trial in the Police Court tomorrow, ——.___ An Obliging Schoolmaster. From the Chicago News. In countries which curious travelers eve: show from the natiy: Scemen relates an to this effec: 1 suppose, he says, it must be in - brance of my own educational training and for the sake of comparing my own lot asa boy with that of others, that I always find myeclt inquiring with a savage satisfaction what punishment rious countries on the ne‘erdewenge® V8 On addressing one day my favorite ques- tions to a schoolmaster at Cairo, he told panel gave the young Egyptians the bas- “I have often read of this have never seen it applied. — aa shall see it now,” and he collared one of the big boy: - flicted the usual oriental cee e: The boy hallooed tremendously,and I nat- urally inquired for what - ache r what offense he was Oh, RO offense,” —< gave him the bastinado merely” beca you sald you had never seen it app ed Of course. I at once interceded, gave the boy two shilings for his pains and the schoolmaster six pence for his. ——_~-o-__ Divers’ Dangers. From the New York Journal. The greatest danger to those who dive into the sea for valuables that have been sunk is that of falling asleep, On a hot day the contrast between the heat above and the delicious coolness be- low water is apt to make a diver sleepy, One of these men recently stated that he once slept half an hour at the bottom of a wreck where he was laying a pipe. Supposing that had happened in a chan- el where the tide runs so swiftly that a ver can work only during the one hour of slack water, the deadly rush of tide would have snapped the life line and hose. Then in working wrecks there is danzer of getting jammed in between freight, or getting the hose or line entangled. When the hose snaps at a great depth the tre- mendéus pressure killg the diver. He is frightfully distorted by it. —_—<ee—____ His Sight Restored. From the Chicago News. Blind people's first experiences of sizht ere curious. An old man in Pembroke, Ont., who was born blind received his sight by the removal of a cataract. When the band- age was first removed the patient started violently and cried out as if with fear and for awhile was quite nervous from the ef- fects of tne shock. For the first time in his life he looked upon the earth. The tirst thing he noticed was a flock of wild spar- rows. In relating his experience he said that he thought they were teacups, al though a few moments afterward he read- ily distinguished a watch which was shown to him. It 1s supposed that this recogni- tion is owing to the fact that he heard it ticking. The blaze from a lamp excited the most lively sarprise-in his mind. He had no idea what it was and when it was brought near wanted to pick it up. When the night approached upon the day when he first used his eyes he was in a fright,fearing that he was losing the sight which he had so wonderfully found after sixty years of darkness. are visited much by Tything becomes a es’ point of view. Dr. observation of his own I said, “but he rejoined; was the reply. 7o Her Scruples. From the Cleveland Leade Mrs. Hatfield—“I can’t stand dishonesty, and I think this speculating is just as dis- honest as gambling. By the way, I see that Mrs. Hendrix has another beautiful ring. I wonder how her husband can af- ford to buy her so many diamonds?” Mr. Hatfield—“He runs a bucket shop. Mrs. Hatfield (after a long silenc: “John, I wonder if you couldn't get intc that business?” A Kindly Hint. From Nuggets. Little man at the theater, vainly trying to catch a glimpse over the shoulder of a big man in front of him, at length touches him on the shoulder. » Big man (turning round)—“Can’t you see anything?” Little man (pathetically)—“Can’t see a streak of the stage.” Big man (sarcastically)—“Why, then, I'll tell you what to do. Keep your eye on me and laugh when I do.” SRE. ~ as asa ‘The London Standard’s Berlin correspon- dent says that Dr. Hagar of Zurich has discovered an unpublished concert overture by Wagner.