Evening Star Newspaper, November 13, 1896, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. °UBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by ~ Ne Cor le Kew York Office, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the elty by carriers, on their own account, at 10 cents week, 44 cents per month. ies at the eunter 2 cae each. y mail—anywhere in the United States or Canada—postage cents PGaturday le Sheet Star, $1 per year, with Slputered: atthe Post {t Washington, D. 0, The ini Star. second-class mail matter.) “CF All mafl subscriptions must be patd in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. No. 13,635. WASHINGTON, D. ©, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1896—FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. If you want today’s news today you can find it only in The Star. SPANISH WAR TALK Rumors Revived Today With Con- siderable Activity. ARMAMENT SHIPPED 10 CUBA Loss of the Island Would Work Revolution at Home. PREPARATIONS BEING ooo MADE War rumors are revived today with con- siderable activity, and it is asserted with a good deal of ferce that Spain is prepar- ing for the contingency of war with the United States. This is known by this gov- ernment, and the knowledge is responsible for the sudden revival of the agitation of the Cuban question and for the activity in preparing our fleet for service. This government is represented to be act- ing on the belief that but two things could happen vihich would preyent hostility with Spain. One of these things is the subju- gation of the Cubans within six week: The other is the interposition of Great Britain to compei Spain to grant the liber- ty of Cuba. ‘The first is not regarded as at all prob- able. The second may happen, but still the Prospect is remote. The idea of Spain going to war with the United States seems so absurd that an ex- planation of the situation in which the Spanish government is placed is necessary. Result of Giving Up Cuba. It is recognized by the United States that Spain cannot relinquish her hold on Cuba, after all the expenditure of blood and treasure which this revolution has cost, without its involving the overthrow of the present government of Spain. Of the three parties in Spain the reigning power is regarded as the weakest with the people. Neither the Spanish government nor this government doubts that Cuban independence would result immediately in a revolution and cost the power, If not the* lives, of the young king and the regents. in understands that {f Cuba is not con- quered before Congress m2sts the Cubans will be strengthened by the action of Con- gress, and that the revolution cannot then be put down at all. If they could manage to keep up the struggle that long, they re- gard it certain that after the 4th of March they would be confronted with a pew policy on the part of the United States less friendly to the Spanish interest. For this reason they are trying to force the issue to a conclusion while they have no one but Mr. Cleveland to deai with. Every effort is being put forth to end the rebellion before Congress meets. If this fails, as it is believed by this government, and feared by Spain, it will, Spain con- templates shifting the contest upon the United States, thus hoping by arousing na- ticnal pride at home to avert the cata: trophe otherwise sure to follow from de- feat in Cuba. This Government Fully Informed. This government is fully informed of this situation and can foresee what it may lead to. Another thing the administration is in- formed of, which removes some of the speculative features, is the fact that Spain has completely stripped her coast to ship all the heavy armament to Cuba, not for use against the insurgents, but for the de- fense of the island against an outside at- tack. Beyond the force necessary to guard against internal disorder Spain has stripped herself of defense, to strengthen Cuba and to prepare fo- war around that island with the United States. The reason for thus leaving the Spanish territory proper without provection is that it is understood that in the event of war between Spain and the United States Eu- ropean powcrs will interfere to the extent of insisting that military operations shall be confined to American waters and to Cuba—that is, that Spain shall not be made a seat of war. From a military point of view the first thing to be done in the event of war would be to attack Spain direct, but there are abundant diplomatic reasons why the United States shouid re- gard the expressions of united Europe in this matter. Will England Interfere? Captain General Weyler is now in the field. This government does not know how promising of success is the dash he is now making. Military authorities believe that he will fail. The only question then re- maining will be whether England will take a nand. If she does interfert, it will be in the capacity of principal creditor of Spain on Cuban securiti and with the view of compelling Spain to grant liberty of Cuba under an agreement by this coun- try to guarantee the payment of revenues by “free Cuba” in liquidation of these obli- gations. The Venezuelan agreement has naturally changed the relations between the United States and Great Britain. This agreement is regarded by diplomats as in spirit, though not in terms, as a friendly alliance between the two countries. Three months ago, if England had taken any part in the settlement of the Cuban question, it would have been as the friend of Spain. Now she would appear as the friend of this government, and, in the spirit of the Venezuelan settlement, she would feel justified in asking the United States to extend 2 protection over liberated Cuba to the extent of compeliing the fulfillment of obligations or taking responsibility for their fulfillment. ° Naval Preparntio: The preparations being made by this country to meet those being made by Spain in Cuba are not as hurried nor in such a spirit of excitement as some of the news- paper accounts indicate. For more than a year the navy has been preparing for any emergency that might arise, and what is being done now is merely the continuance of these preparations. The navy is already so well prepared that there is 10 need of the excited haste that ts described. A plan of defense and attack was worked out at the Naval War College some time ago, and the solution of the problems sub- mitted has been referred by the Secretary of the Navy to a board, of which Admiral Bunce is a member, for revision and adop- tion. Inspection of Southern Seaports. Gen. Craighill, chief of engineers, U. 8. ermy, has just returned from a tour of in- spection of the southern seaports. His trip related entirely, it is said, to the pos- sible plans of the fortifications of those ports. The North Atlantic squadron will he held at Hampton Roads, where their winter cruising waters are. If there fs need for these vessels to go into active service they will be prepared. If not. they will proceed with their winter evolutions. DISTRICT SUPREME BENCH. Seeretary Herbert Said to Be Sinted to Succeed Justice Cox. It is expected that Secretary Herbert will be appointed by Mr. Cleveland to a place on the supreme bench of the District cf Columbia. Justice Cox has reached the period of his service when he may retire, aud it is understood that he will soon re- SENSATIONAL RUMOR DENIED | AN EXTRA SESSION The Only Inquiry Made About the Trens- portation of Troops South. No Warning to Spain as to the Treat- ment of American Citizens in Cuba. Corcerning the report coming from the west to the effect that the War Depart- ment has been making inquiries of trunk line railroads running to the gulf coast and along the southern seaboard as to their fecilities for moving troops and war sup- Plies, it is stated at the War Department that the only inquiry made within the past year on this subject was one intended to ascertain the cost of executing the order meade about six weeks ago by the Secre- tary of War looking to the annual ex- change of stations of troops. A regiment of } troops imCalifornia and further north on the Pecific coast was ordered to exchange sta- tion with troops that had been serving in the east and in Florida. The quartermas- ter’s department took steps to ascertain in advarce the cost of the proposed move- iment in order to make sure that it woul-l be within the available appropriation for movements of troops. Of course, this had no warlike purpose whatever, for the same rumber of troons that were added to the Department of the East were carried west to take their station in the Department of California and Columbia. A Flat Denial. A flat denial is also given by the best authority to another sensational story to the effect that the State Department has warned Spain against further outrageous treatment of American commercial agen- cies doing business with Cuba. It is said that owing to radical organic differences in the systems of customs collection pur- sued by Spain and by tne United Staies and the absence from the Spanish system of what are known as post invoices in this country, American shipping has been more or iess embarrassed by detentions and actions growing out of failures to ob- serve technical requirements of the Cuban customs system. But tnis has been the case for years past, and it Js said that nothing has happened recently to cause any strain of the relations between the two gcvernments on this score. From the White House comes the un- official statement that there is to be no re- versal of the administraTron policy, and that unless the situation is decidedly changed in Cuba the President will adhere strictly to his original intention of with- holding recognition of Cuban belligerency until there are stronger evidences of the ability of the insurgents to maintain some form of government. There is now no rea- sonable ground to believe that Mr. Cleve- land contemplates any change in his atti- tude between now and March 4, unless Weyler is utterly routed in his present campaign and the insurgents are enibled to seize and hold some town sufficienily long to set up a government. That part of the annual message to Congress relating to Cuba will not be prepared until the last week of the month, as it is the President's intention to await the latest developments before setting forth to the country the pest and present policy of his administra- tion toward the island. The Spanish Minister's Dispatch. Mr. Dupuy De Lome, the Spanish minis- ter, today, in response to an inquiry as to reports of notes passing between the Unit- ed States minister at Madrid, Mr. Taylor, and the authorities there, showed the fol- lowing cablegram from the minister of for- eign affairs: “MADRID, November 12, 1896. “Spanish Minister, Washington, D. C.: “The cablegrams from New York and Washington, pubiished in London, referring to supposed notes of Mr. Taylor and the Spanish. government are entirely false. There is not the slightest foundation for such rumors, which are undoubtedly of fili- bustering origin. TETUAN.” TOWELS FOR THE MARINES. A Transaction Which Has Caused a Navy Yard Scandal. The quartermaster’s department of the Marine Corps in this city has recently been the subject of an investigation to deter- mine the responsibility for certain alleged irregularities in the making of contracts fer supplies for the marine barracks in this city. One result of the investigation was an official request for the resignation of Mr. Henry J. Wylie, chief clerk of the de- pariment. It is said that this action arises cut of the contract for the washing of tewels. According to the best information obtainable the present contract calls for the payment-of this work at the rate of $10 per hundred towels, whereas under the pre- vious contract the service was performed at the rate of $1 per hundred. The pre- vious contract was with Dexter & Co. of this city. The existing contract is with a firm said to be from New York, who has sublet the work to Dexter & Co. at the rate formerly recetved by that firm, viz., $1 per hundred, or $9 per hundred less than the contract price. It is stated that in order to accomplish this arrangement, Dex- ter & Co. had been indwv -<d not to enter the original competiti-a t«- ine work. What part Chic: Vierk Wylie played in this alleged transaction cannot be learned, but it was sufficient to cause Secretary Herbert to ask for his resignation. Mr. Wylie thinks he has been unjustly treated in the matter, and his attorney was at the Navy Department today endeavoring to Persuede the Secretary to reconsider his action. He denies any participation in the transaction, except in an entirely innocent wey, and says he hus no knowledge of the alleged collusion on the part of the con- tractors to take advantage of the govern- ment. A strcng effort will be made by Mr. Wylie’s friends to have the Secretary in- vestigate the matter, as they claim such an investigation will establish Mr. Wylie’s innocer.ce. The officials of the Navy Department re- fuge to give any information on the subject, referring all applicants to Maj. Lowry, quertermaste: at tne marine barracks, aS the proper source of information concern- ing the business of his department. ——-e+_____ OF LOCAL INTEREST. Gen. Sawtelle Recommends a Me- morial Bridge to Arlington. Quartermaster General Sawtelle, in his annual report, makes the following perti- nent remarks in regard to matters of great local interest: “The matter of constructing a bridge over the Potomac river, between the naval ckservatory grounds and the Arlington reservation, with a view of furnishing a short and direct route to the Arfington cemetery and park, and afford rapid com- munication between this city and the mili- tary post of Fort Myer, Va., is a very im- pertant one. It has been strongly urged by my predecessor, and I earnestly recon. mend that a bill similar to Senate bill 176, Fifty-fourth Congress, first session (intro. duced by Mr. Frye of Maine), and amended and passed by the Senate February 12, 1896, may be enacted into law at the com. ing session of Congress. 3 ef “The improvement of the public roads from the Aqueduct bridge, near George- town, to the Arlington National cemetery and park has also been strongly urged in previous reports, and it is hoped that this important matter may receive the favora- ble action of Congress at its next session. ‘The estimates made by the enftneers of the War Department for the construction of good macadamized roads of a substan- tial and durable character fix the cost of this improvement at $50,000.” Dispeusation of Official Patronage lay Be Postponed. THE PASSAGE OF A TARIFF BILL How This Result Could Be Expe- dited in Congress. WHAT MAY BE DONE —_+—___. An intimation has gone forth to the effect that in the event of the calling of an extra session of Congress soon after March 4 the President-elect may postpone all matters relating to official patronage until Congress should pass a tariff bill. An exception would be made, of course, in the case of cabinet officials. If this intimation comes from Major Mc- Kinley it will be a sad blow to a great many office seekers, who are already set- ting their pins for a raid upon the appoint- ing powers as soon as opportunity may pre- sent. It is supposed that the object to be attained in pursuing such a course on the part of the President-elect, would be a double one. He would relieve himself and his cabinet of annoying pressure, pending the construction of the new tariff law, and the withholding of the patronage would act as a spur upon the efforts of the legis- lators, hastening their deliberations and ad- vancing the date of the relief of the anxi- ety in commercial circles over the new rates. Of course the importunities of the office seekers would be directed to the Senators and Representatives, who could not get rid of them until the tariff bill was out of the way. Object of Such a Program. In justice it should be said that the al- leged program does not convey the im- putation that Major McKinley proposes to use the patronage prerogative as a club over Congress. Such is far from being the case The idea Is that the tariff re- vision {3 more Smportant to the country at large than any matters of appointment, and that it should receive the sole atten- tion of the executive and legislative branches of the government until accom- plished. One effect, of course, of such a pro- gram would be the retaining in office of a great many officials in this city who might have reason to expect early dismis- sal under the new administration. If this alleged plan of the republicans is adhered to it wil! accrue to the advantage of the present occupants of offices likely to be filled by republicans when the new administration comes into effect. In this connection, it is said at the Past Oifice Department that applications are al- ready coming in for appointments to post- masterships. Letters are being received ev- ery day from the faithful ail over the country who want to place themselves in line eariy for postmasterships. IGNITED BY SPARKS. Destruction of the @ld Central High School at Chicago. CHICAGO, November 13—Sparks from the ruins of the manual training school, which burned last night, set fire today to the old central high school building on West Monroe street. The old central was used by the board of education, and had $30,000 worth of school supplies stored in it. These were completely destroyed. The frames rapidly spread throughout the buildirg and in a short time it was in ruins. Seven barrels of oil stored in the base- ment exploded and sent debris flying in every direction, but no one was injured. Several surrounding buildings were tem- porarily in imminent danger on account of the prevailing high wind. The loss to the building is $20,000. No insurance was car- ried. The loss on the manual training school was $75,000, fully insured. Se eS BRYAN’S DENVER TRIP. Program for Hix Entertainment Com- pleted. DENVER, Col., November 13.—The pro- gram for the entertainment of William J. Bryan November 24 was completed today. Mr. Bryan is expected to arrive at Denver at 10 o'clock a.m., and will be met at the depot by a reception committee. The party will take breakfast at the home of Mr. Charles S Thomas, whose guest Mr. Bryan will be during his stay here. After break- fast Mr. Bryan will receive the ladies at the Brown Palace Hotel until 1 o'clock. From 2 to ? p.m. he will be driven about the city in an open carriage. This is ex- pected to be the occasion of a popular demonstration. At 8 o'clock Mr. Bryan will deliver his lecture at the Central Presby- terian Church, and at 9:30 he will be the guest of horor at the chamber of com- merce banquet at the Brown Palace Hotel. a aa Shot by Trainmen. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. SEVERN, Md., November 13.—Last even- ing a colored man, who gave his name as Frank Wilson of Augusta, Ga., was shot in the leg and badly beaten here by freight- men of a through train on the Baltimore and Potomac railroad. He and two others were beating their way south, and when the train was brought to a stop, because of a hot journal, they were ordered off. Wilson claims that they all complied, and when the trainmen approached, his com- panions ran off, and after they had beaten him about the head, one of them shot him, leaving him bleeding beside the track. He was attended by Dr. J. Chester McPherson of the village, who extracted the ball, und found that the wounds were not serious, and subsequently a north-oound train car- ried him to Baltimore. Wilson Claimed that he had been at work in New York, and having lost his job was making his way home. pi See Judgment for the Government. TOPEKA, Kan., November 13.—The United States circuit court has rendered judgment in the sum of $9,500 in favor of the federal government against the bonds- men of the late Frank Maher, who com- mitted suicide last spring when it became known that he was a defaulter as postmas- ter at Kansas City, Kan. —— The Terror Goes to Sea. NEW YORK, November 13.—The United States monitor Terror this morning put out to sea to make an official trial of the pneu- matic appliance of her guns and carriages. ee Tilness of a Diplomat. MADRID, November 13.—Gen. Riva Pala- clo, the Mexican minister to Spain, 1s seri- oxsly UL : ‘ Kenttickians in the Cuban Army. FRANKFORT, Ky., November 13.—In- formation has been received here at last corroborating the rumors that Henry and Dalton Arnold, formerly of this city, who were supposed for two years past to have been drowned in Biscayne vay, 2 ioriua, 0 in the Cuban army. The news comes through Robert Wickliff of New Orleans. They are serving under Gen. Garcia. poate BIMETALLISM|MR BRYAN'S PLAN ! What Will Be Done With That Plank in the j Republican Platform. Authority for a Commission to Be Asked—What Would Probably Be Approved by the Administration. Now that the only hope-for legislation in ‘the direction of the free coinage of silver during the coming four years rests with the republican party, s‘lverites are asking the meaning of that plank in the St. Louis platferm which declares in favor of “in- ternational bimetallism” and pledges the republican party to do all within its power to bring it about. Authority for ® Comminsion. It 1s generally believed that one of the first official acts of Maj. McKinley when he becomes President of the United States will be to ask Congress to give him authority to appoint a commission for the purpose of corsidering the question of international bimetallism and of working to bring about an agreement between the leading com- mercial nations uf the world looking to a more general use of both gold and silver in_their monetary systems. Extreme silver men are skeptical about the possibility of such.a commission ac- complishing anything of consequence; but bimetallists within the republican party be- Neve that only by such methods will the white metal receive recognition from the great nations of the world. It is hardly expected that there will be “free coinage at 16 to 1” bimetallism in such an agre ment, and the great question discussed by silver men is what such a commission, if appointed, would Be instructed to approve. What Would Be Approved. A prominent republican who has arrived in this city after having been much ..: the company of Chairman Hanna during the past campaign, in speaking to a Star re- porter today about the’ possibility of an international agreement on the subject of bimetallism, said he was ratisfied the inter- national bimetallism that would be ap- proved by the administration would be an agreement among commercial nations for the coinage of a certam-quantity of silver by each, with a mutual pledge between them to keep this silver on a par with the value of gold. Such an agreement would result in the absorption by the currency systems of the world of all the silver now being mined, and would not, it is believed, materially advance the price of the whire metal so that its bullion value would not be so enhanced as to greatly stimulate its production, Not Satisfying to Radjcal Silver Men. This arrancement would be far from satisfying adical free silver men, but it is believed by many republicans that if it cyuld be brought abeut in such a way as to provide for a safe increase of the coin currency of the wcrld tt would be agree- able to the great mass of conservative silver men of the repnbii¢an party. The chief argument of silver men against such an arrangement would be that it would not tend to lower the purchaging power of gold, and in that sehse would fot give the relief for which one faction of the silver men have contended. INTERNATIONAL BIMETALLISM. Senator Carter Expects Mr. McKinley Will Work to Secure It. Senctor Carter of Montana is in the city and will remain here until Congress meeis. When asked by a Star reporter today whether he expects the incoming admints- tration and the republican party to proceed earnestly tg secure international bimetal- lism, Mr. Carter replied: “I expect Major McKinley to earnestly work for international bimetallism. The republican platform declares in favor of that course. Why shouldn't we expect it to carry out its pledge in good faith?” “What character of bimetallism do you pect will be urged by the adminisira- tion?” Mr. Carter was asked. “Oh, I would prefer net to go into a de- tailed discussion of that now.” “Do you think the republican Senators who bolted the St. Louis convention will support a tariff measure without demand- ing concessions for silyer?”’ “I don’t see why they should not support a tariff bill. They are still protectionists,” he replied. ——-o+-______ COMMISSIONER MILLER RESIGNS. e: It is Expected That’ Ex-Representa- tive Forman Wil Succeed Him. Mr. Joseph S. Miller, commissioner of in- ternal revenue, has resigned that office, in order to accept the vice presidency of the American Bonding and Trust Company of Baltimore, under an arrangement made seveval months ago. It is generally under- stood that ex-Representative Forman of Illinois will succeed My. Miller at the head of the internal revenue’ service. He is in the city in response to a summons, und his appointment will probably be announced in a few days. 3 ——__+ e+ +___ SEABOARD DEAL, Closing of the Option Postponed Until Next Month. The closing of the option for the purchase of the Seaboard and Air, Line railroads by Thomas F. Ryan of New York and his as- sociates has been postponed until December 1, It {is said that there has not been at any time any question of Mr. Ryan's ability to raise the money, but that. the necessity for postponement is on account of the action in the matter of President Hoffmann and Gen- eral Manager St. John, who, it is said, have both ybeen slated for displacement, and they ate claimed to be trying to hold on as. long as‘possible. It is regatded, however, as absolutely certain that the deal will go through before the closé of the present month and that when the history of the transaction comes to be ‘written, if it is ever made public, it will be found that the Louisville and Nashville and the Southern railway companies have agreed upon a joint ownership o the Seaboard, although the new corporation will be headed and os- tensibly managed by Mr: Ryan and those selected by him. Republican Headquarters Still Open. The republican congtessional committee is still maintaining headquarters gt the Hotel Normandie, 15th and I streets. Vice Chairman Apsley is in the city, and Sec- retary Mercer and Colonel Schrader are on duty at committee headquarters. —. Ordered to Indian Head. Ensign H. H. Christy of the navy has reported at the Navy Department under orders for duty at the naval proving grounds at Indian Head{ The Corvette MOCACY. The corvette Moocdcy left Tien Tsin for Tongkon, at the sfourn of the river Piho. Fraudulent Voting. OKLAHOMA, Okle., November 13.—News of frauduient voting and fllegal conduct of the election in the territory has caused Delegate Flynn to instigate an investiga- tion, upon which to base a contest to show his re-election to Congress. eee A Clash of Opinion in the Democratic Banks About It. THE CONTINUOUS CAMPAIGN IDEA Entirely New Literature Must Be Provided for Distribution. SOME WANT A REST There is a lttle clash of opinion in the ranks of the democracy regarding the methods that should be pursued during the coming four years by Mr. Bryan, their late candidate for the presidency. Mr. Bryan wants to keep up a vigorous campaign and as a beginning in that direction he has ar- ranged for two lectures on bimetallism and the signs of the times in Lincoln, Neb., and he is ready to continue along that line of work wherever he may be called upon to lecture. On the other hand, there are old cam- paigners who believe that the republicans should be allowed to have their inning at the legislative bat, and that when the re- sults of their rule are shown, the democrats could come forward, give a criticism of what they have done, and propose new measures if the results have not fulfilled expectations. Arguments of Bryan's Supporters. These who support Mr. Bryan in his po- sition that a continuous campaign should be waged argue that the election to take place in 1898 will be important as a fore- runner of 1W, and that the country will regard the voice of the American people then as an indication of their apprcval or disapproval of the course of the administra- tion up to that time, only looking to 1900 as a completed verdict. They say, further, that if bimetallism is founded on logical and just principles it will be advanced by discussion and a thor- cugh understanding of its meaning and et- fect, and the more it is talked about by Mr. Bryan and his followers the more the publicans will have to talk about it, If only in self-defense. There has been no policy adopted by the democratic congressional committee and the association of demo- cratic clubs yet regarding the course they are to pursue in the near future, but they will decide upon this question at an early day. If the continuous campaign is de- cided upon, they will endeavor to secure funds for the continuous spread of cam- paign Mierature, and speeches to be made in the next session of Congress will be ex- pected to supply material of this character, which can be sent out under the franking privilege. New eratare Wanted. There seems to be a unanimity of opinion among democrats that the country in or- der to be induced to continue reading on the free silver question must be supplied with new literature; that the bulk of the campaign documents sent out during the past three or four montis are not just the thing to continue fee@ing the people. They do not express any criticism of t'g»se docu- ments, but simply believe that the country demands newly prepared matter, and in view of this fact there will probably be censiderable rivalry among Senators and Representatives in thei> efforts to produce in the form of speeches on the subject of free silver matter suitable to make popular campaign documents. Fresh Arguments on Both Sides. Free silver men have been studying care- fully the objections urged by “sound money” men to free silver arguments, and an effort will be made by speakers in the next Congress to answer these objections, while the “sound money” members will! endeavor to profit by the weaknesses they have detected the arguments of the free silverites in order to provide in their speeches campaign material which will be held ready to offset any literature that democrats may put vut. Some Want a Rest. While some free silver men are discuss- ing the four years’ campaign, the demo- crats who do not agree with them assert that the country should be allowed a rest now. Most of the “four years’ campaign” sentiment comes from the west and south, among the most radical of the iree silver- ites, while those who do not agree with them generally express the eastern senti- ment of the party. Those who believe in dropping the campaign for the present be- lieve that there should be no great obstacl placed in the way of the “sound money” men and the protectionists of the republi- can party, expressing a belief that if they are given full scope for legislation they will place themselves in a more vulnerable position for the attack of the democracy in 1200 than if a constant warfare is kept upon them, and the measures they attempt to get through Congress are modified by compromise with a vigorous opposition. The First Factional Fight. These two factions in the democratic party will have their first fight for su- premacy when the democratic congres- sional committee meets in this city, which it will do early in December, when its plans for the future will be mapped out. ——___-e._______- STARTLING STRUCTURAL WEAKNESS Facts Said to Have Come Out at the Texas Court of Inquiry. The inquiry-which is proceeding at the New York navy yard behind closed doors into the circumstances under which the Texas sark at her dock recently has, it is reported here, brought to light a further startling structural weakness in the ship. It was noted here, with surprise, that the telegraphic reports of the sinking of the Texas showed that one engine room filled through the water-tight doors, closing it off from the adjoining engine room. ‘This led to investigation, snd it has been found that the bulkheads separating the ship into supposedly water-tight compartments are so light that they spring under the pressure of water and cause great leaks. Although the magazine is separated from the engine rooms by a continuous bulkhead without a door opening, it was soon filled by the water which ran around the edges and through the seams of the metal. A naval expert is authority for the statement that if the Texas’ sea valve had broken as it did out at sea, the vessel would surely have foundered, owing to the failure of the bulkheads and doors. —__—__-e-____ Going to a Banquet. Secretary Herbert and several chiefs of bureaus will attend the annual banquet of the naval architects at Delmonico’s, New York, this evening. They will make the trip In a special car over the Pennsyi- vania road, leaving here in the afternoon and returning on the midnight train. ea Settle Will Not Contest. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star, RALEIGH, N. C., November 13.—The statement has been widely circulated that Thomas Settle, republican, would contest the clection of Willlam W. Kitchen, demo- crat, to Congress from Wie fifth district. Settie says he will not contest. Kitchen’s | official majority is 403. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT Interest in the Discussion Over Probable New Ghacisias Indications of a General Sentiment Favorable to the Selection of the Best Men Obtainable. There are very prominent indications in local business circles, using that term in the very broadest and most comprehensive sense, that a general combination of in- terests will be formed for the purpose of designating and securing the appointment of successors to the present Commissioners of the District of Columbia when their terms of office expire. In all quarters, and they are many, where a reporter of The Star has prosecuted his inquiries regarding the ex- pected changes in the personnel of the local government, there has been but one opinion discovered, and one desire expressed; that the very best men obtainable shall be ap- pointed to the offices, and that these men should be selected solely with a view of their qualifications for conducting the busi- ness of the national capital on a sound and sensible business basis, without fear or faver of any one The Succession to Mr. Ross. It is not known, of course, whether or not President Cleveland will exercise his Prerogative of either reappointing or appointing a successor to Mr. John W. Ross, who is now the Pp ident of the beard of District Commission- ers, and whose three years’ term of office will shortly expire, but the probabilities are that he will, Mr. R. Ross Perry has been very prominently mentioned in this con- ection, but today Mr. Perry stated to a ar reporter that under no circumstances would he accept such an appointment. He appreciated the fact that it is a very dell- cate matter to decline a position not tender- ed, but explained that he is not. and will not under any circumstances be a can- didate for the position. The connection of his name with the matter, therefore, he says, was wholiy unauthorized by him. The sentiment in favor of the return of Capt. Rossell as Engineer Commissione: seems to grow stronger as the succession to Engineer Commissioner Powell is con- sidered. It is pointed out with what is regarded as great force that Capt. Rossell is inti- mately f. miliar with the needs of the District, end is closely vcquainted with the residents of Washington @nd would come thoroughly equipped for the position, while another engineer officer if desig- nated to succeed Maj. Powell, would be compelled to devote a very large portion of his term of office to familiarizing him- self with his duties and securing a proper understanding of his real relation with the popuiation he would be called upon, in a measure to govern. President McKinley’s Appointment. The successor to Col. Truesdell wiil be appointed by President MeKiniey, and the latter will fortunately bring to the impor- tant duty an already generous intimacy with the rational capital and its require- ments. The name of Mr. Chapin Brown is promi- nently mentioned in connection with the place. It will be remembered that on a former occasion, where there was a va- cancy in the board of Commissioners a number of citizens strongly urged Mr. Brown for the place. It is believed the same influences will be brought to bear in his behalf with President McKinley. Mr. John B. Wight is very favorably discussed as an appropriate man for the position, and his energy and wide acquaintance with the people of the District and the needs of the community are being commented upon in a complimentary way. Dr. A. P. Fardon’s name is frequently heard in connection with the Commissioners’ office, and many people are talking of ex-Commissioner Douglass. ADVANCE IN WHEAT. Another Long Rench Made for the Dollar Mark. NEW YORK, November 13.—Wheat made another long reach toward the dollar mark this morning. December in the first hour sold up to 90%, which is ahead of any price this year. Trade was very active for a time, and included a fair volume of Eu- ropean buying stimulated by strong cables. The bulge, howcver, started heavy realiz- ing, and toward noon prices eased off. Un- favorable crop news from France and the Argentine also helped the bulls. Spring wheat receipts continue very light. Total sales this morning were 5,450,000 bushels. SAN FRANCISCO, November 13.—Wheat in the local market reached the highest peint this morning touched since 181, and 5 cents higher than the highest point reach- ed three weeks zgo. It opened strong, and closed at the end of the first morning ses sion very excited. May opened at $1.60 per cental, was high as $1.68 1-2, and closed at $1.633-8. December opened $1.56 1-2 and clesed at $1.57 1-4. A large amount of deep water tonnage is chartered for Havre and Dunkirk. —_--> McKINLEY CARRIES KENTUCKY. Complete Returns Give Him a Plu- rality of 257. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. LOUISVILLE, Ky., November 13.—The state canvassing board has received cificial returns from 116 of the 119 counties in the state, and the remaining three ha’ reported, but unofficially. state will be about 445,000. ceived £18,055; Bryan, 21 former a plurality of 257. These figures will not be changed, for while the three counties are unofficial, they are correct. McKinley will get only tweive of the state’s thirtcen electors, W. B. Smith, the first elector on the Bryan ticket, running far enough ahead to secure a slight plurality, near 400 votes, over Tri: ble, the last elector on the republican tick- et. Ward, the first elector on the national democratic ticket, received 5,018 vites.. The silver men will contest before the state canvassing board. —__>—___ NO TRUTH IN THE REPORT. England Has Not Offered Services as a Peace-Maker. LONDON, November 13.—The officials of the foreign office deny that there is any truth in the story published ty a New York newspaper that the British ambassador at Washington, Sir Julian Pauncefote, has tendered the good offices of Great Britain with the view of averting trouble between the United States and Spain. The officials say that beyond newspaper rumors they have no knowledge of any difficulty be- tween the United States and Spain. —— Mr. Hitt a Candidate. GALENA, IIl., November 13.—The Galena Gazette publishes an interview with Rep- resentative Hitt, in which he authorizes the use of his name as 4 candidate for United States Senator. —$—____ . City Offet Removed. CRIPPLE CREEK, Col., November ‘The town board has removed City Marshal James Marshall and Deputy Thomas Clark for malfeasance in office. 2. The vote of zhe McKialey re- TO AID THE FARMER Purpose of the National Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. ENCOURAGING REPORTS READ TODAY a eee An Earnest Plea for the Unsuccess- ful Agriculturist. WORK IN THE sovUTH The National Grange, Patrons of Hus bandry, continued its sessions at the Na- tional Hotel this morning. The roll of states was called for introduction of new business, and various resolutions were in- troduced and referred. A telegram from D. W. Wils ry of t National Dairy Association, ing action in favor of pure food, was re The roll of states was called for reports, and the following submitted reports: O. Hy Hale of New York, W. H. Hillery cf Ore- Geo. Austin Bowen. gon, Leonard Rhone of Pennsylvania, Mr, Thompson of South Carolina, C. J. Bell of burn of Virginia, consin, 8. H. Messick Horton Michigan, Bateh Hazzard of H. E. Huxley of W of Delaware, B. S$. L. Wilson of Mississippi, N. 0. der of New Rhode Island. Assistant Secretary W. M. Miller read a report from W. S. Richardson, warden of the Tennessee State Grang: These reports brief and related to the educational, social and business work in the various states. They showed a de- cided improvement in membership aud gen- eral financial and business advancement in nearly every section. In the strong grange states the increased percentage is evidenee of the popularity and value of the order where it is best understood. The different states have a variety of plans by which Hampshire, Mr. High. they interest and bencfit their membership. All kinds of co-operative schemes secm to be growing in strength, h as life and fire insurance and other methods by which the membership are enabled t » money. A number of resolutions were introduced and referred, among them a resolution of thanks to Representative Wilbur for his efforts in behalf of the filled cheese bill, ene by Mr. Rhone in regard to the publica- tion of a series of practical agricultural bcoks by the Department of Acriculture, and one by Mr. High as to the importation of shoddy. Mrs. Irving of New York was introduced and delivered an acdre in the course of which she said: “When the locomotive was first built an old gentleman saw it and said, ‘It won't rtn.” But the engine started, then he said, ‘It won't stop; but it did stop. He was astonished, and hardly knew what to think. After a few minutes he said, ‘It did start . High. and it did stop; but it had fire in its heart.” When the grange started it was said it would accomplish nothing, and that it would fail, but its opponents have learned that it has fire in its heart, and that it cannot be side-tracked. “It is today recognized as a pow in the land. In working to build up the farmer don’t forget the poor down-at-the-heel farmer. It is all very well to invite the rich and prosperous to join, but do what you can for the fellow who has a mortgage on his farm. What It May Do. “One of this class was induced to join the grange in New York with his wife. After they learned something of the grange the old lady got after John and said: ‘John, this won’t do; you must fix that barn door—we can’t have the barn door off its hinges any longer.’ With the improved barn door other things improved, too. It will not do to forget the down-at-the-hoel farmer. Another couple were invited to a grange picnic, and they were so pleased with the good things they got that the husband said: ‘Marthy, if we join the grange do you think you can learn how those women cook? They joined the grange and are