Evening Star Newspaper, January 12, 1897, Page 1

—— THE EVENING STAR. ee ere PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania a Cor. 11th 8, by The Evening Star Ne Company. 8. H. KAUFFMA! Ex? Prost. New York Ofice, 49 Potter Building. rhe Evening Star is served to emecinare Stee city by carriers, on their own ee ae ihe ‘anywhere in the prepaid 50 cents United States or Canada—pos: month. Mgaturday Quintaple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with ferctgn postage added, $3.00. (niece atthe Post Oiice at Washington, D. C., second-class il matter.) “CSA mall subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of mivertising taide known on application. No. 13,686. WASHINGTON, D. ©, TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1897-FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO CENT If you want today’s news today you can find it only in The Star. DONE WITH BRYAN Middle-of-the-Road Popalists Look- ing tothe Future. a NO MORE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCES —————— Bateman, the New England Leader, Says Free Silver is a “Humbug.” A GREATER MOVEMENT ———e Epecial Dispatch to The Evening Star. LEWISTON, Me., January 12—The ap- peal just issued by George F. Washburn of the people’s party national executive committee caused a sensation In political circles here and has been an animated topic of discussion. Since the national election L. C. Bateman, who was the ropulist candidate for gov- ernor of Maine, has been in communica- tion with such radical’ populists as Igna- tius Donnelly, Paul VanDervort, Gen. Bur- kett of Mississippi, Representative Hurd of Alabama, Milton Park of Texas and others. Mr. Bateman is the recognized leader of the middle-of-the-road populists in New and. The Star correspondent called at Mr. Bateman’s office this after- noon and asked him if he had seen Mr. Washburn’s circular letter. Agrees With Washburn. “Yes,” replied Mr. Bateman. “I have just carefully read the manifesto issued by Mr. Washburn to the populists of the country, and I heartily agree with it as far as it goes. If there is anything that I would criticise it is that it does not go far enough. Mr. Washburn is a true popu- list, but his position chairman of the eastern wing of the executive committee makes him conservative and cautious al- most to timidity. I agree with him as to the necessity of independent action in the future, but when he says that the demo- cratic party must be held to its present- position, or compelled to advance, he doesn’t realize the full meaning of his talk. If the democratic party should really advance, as he suggests, it would mean the death of the people's party just as surely as the present unholy connection with that party would. To talk about the democracy being a reform party is too ridiculous for serious consideration. The position that they took in the Chicago convention was inspired simply by visions of the loaves and fishes. Does any sane man really believe that the support given Mr. Bryan by such men as Gorman and the leaders of Tammany Hall was from patriotic motives. Had Mr. Bryan won, with such men in the lead, we should not have got even free coinage, much less any other reform. The democrats saw the offices were slipping from their grasp and they simply stole a portion of our plat- form in order to save themselves. Their action served to put us in a hole and re- tard the cause of actual reform. From that alliance we must now cut loose. “As Dead as Jalius Caesar.” “I voted for Mr. Bryan In the St. Louis convention and gave him such support rough the campaign as the law permit- ‘a. simply because it was the best thing at could be done under the circum- It was not because I had the confidence in the democratic party or even in Mr. Bryan. But the peo- ple had gone crazy over him and to have refused an indorsement would have dis- rupted us far more than the course that we took. I was confident that one cam- paign would do up the so-called ‘reform’ democrats and Mr. Bryan at the same ©. That confidence was not misplaced. Bryan is as dead politically as Julius r. He has been vastly overrated both as an orator and a reformer. His studied insolence toward the people's party and the utter contempt with which he treated Tom Watson, its chosen representative, has comp. disgusted the populists from one end of this country to the other. His recent utter collapse as a public lecturer only emphast: his waning popularity. In fact the American people have taken his measure, and it is now a-matter of su- preme indifference with them what views he may entertain on public questions. “I can conceive of no possible circum- stances under which he can ever again re- celve the support of the “populists, so far as the two wings of the democracy are concerned. I have no doubt that they will unite long before another general election. In this state they have already come to- gether in Portland, and that this example will be followed in every town is now a fixed fact. I believe that the triumph of the free silver crowd at Chicago was a put up job to prevent the populists from win- year. Had the gold crowd won would then have been two gold d with Senator Teller as a candi- date we would have swept the country. But these things are now ancient history. “You ask me what of the future. I will tell you. From one end of the country to the other the populists are demanding a reorganization of cur forces and that henceforth we have nothing whatever to do with the democrats. The moment we fuse with that party it forever prevents us ining any converts from the re- in the future. may adopt anything they please form; it will not influence us in the slightest degree. We are forever done with Free Coinage a Humbug. er do we want anything more of r. Bryen or his tssue. Free coinage is a bug at best. It would not add $3 extra per ca to our circulating medium. It is extremely doubtful if it ever goes into our platform again. Reforms always go farther tuan their agitators first demanded. The Frenc ob:tion commenced with a imple question of royal etiquette; it ended the decapitation of 25,000 of the best noblest heads of France. The anti- agitation began with the simple @ for nen-extension into the terri- ended with the complete destruction of the whole system ‘The silver question was only the enter- ing wedge of the great monetary reform de- manded by the people's party. now We shall demand the utter destruction of the le metal redemption system. A scien- * paper currency based upon the entire wealth of the country and redeemable only in taxes and debts will be our war cry in th fiture. Government ownership of rail- telegraphs and telephones will be inseribed upon our banners. W, and quarter shall grant none. Weak- kneed ple hunters c go to the demo- eratic party, where they belong. Leaders Denounced. ‘This battle has just commenced. We shall tight it to the bitter end and we shall win, yen such men as George Fred. Wil- hams sees the coming storm and he hedges. He hardly mentions free silver, but vir- tually indorses all populists’ demands. His place is in our party, and there he must has gone down to rise no more. E = mission of the people's party has just commenced, and it will attain a glori- ous fruition. The men who had Butler, will arise to lead the hosts of reform, and im that bright galaxy no name will shine with greater luster th pun greater luster than that of glorious [a OF THE WAR | Bill to Give Them Preference in the Civil Service Passes the House. The Report Made by the Committee on Reform in the Civil Service. The House today considered and passed the bill reported from the committee on re- form in the civil service to amend the law relating to preferences in the civil service. The bill as it was amended today provides that section 1754 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, which reads as follows: “Persons honorably discharged from the military or naval service by reason of dis- ability resulting from wounds or sickness incurred in the line of duty shall be pre- ferred for appointments to civil offices, provided they are found to possess the business capacity necessary for the proper discharge of the duties of such offices,” be amended so as to read as follows: Sec. 1754. Preferences in appointments to the civil service of the United States shall be given to the persons and in the order herein desiguated, namely: First, to per- sons honorably discharged from the_mili- tary cr naval service of the United States by reason of disability resulting from wounds or sickness incurred in the line of duty; second, to persons honorably dis- charged from the naval and military ser- vice of the United States in the war of the rebellion and the widows of such honora- bly discharged persons: Provided, That as to both classes they are found to possess the business capacity necessary for the proper discharge of the duties of such offices.’ The Committee's Report. Mr. Brosius, in explairing the pill, said it did rot affect the status of those sol- diers of the civil war who are already given preference in employment under the gov- ernment, but that the bill extends that Frivilege. The report on the pill says: “Under existing law the class to which preference is give in appointments is ex- tremeiy limited, so much so that in the year 1894 there were but fourteen of that class placed upon the eligible list for the entire classified service of the United States and only ten secured appointments. In the year 1898 fifteen were placed on the eligible list and thirteen received appoint- ments. From June 30, 1894, to January 1, 1*96, only four were appointed in the de- partmental service. “After the lapse of thirty years from the clese of the late war, and in view of the widely prevailing sense of gratitude and generosity toward the surviving defenders of the Union, it is believed that the ex- tension of.the preference, not to interfere with the surviving remnant who now enjoy the preference, but as a second preferred class, to all honcrably discharged soldiers and sailors of the late war would be an act of justice which the people of the United States, in grateful recognition of the services and sacrifices of those who served in the army and navy in the war for the Union, will highly commend. The Number is Limited. “It is believed that the average age of the surviving Union soldiers is about sixty years, while the average age of those pass- irg examinations is about twenty-seven years. It is therefore apparent that the number of this class who will pass the merit test under our civil service rules will be very limited. “The extension of a preference to the widows of soldiers and sailors who were honorably discharged frem the service of the United States would be a recognition of a meritorfous class to whom the patriotic women of America are quite willing to con- cede the slight advantage which will inure to them through the proposed preference. “In the nature of the case only a com- paratively small number of this class will be able to enter the civil service. From June 30, 1894, to January 1, 1896, but one woman was appointed from the clerk and ccpyist list in the departmental service, so that to give precedence to those who suc- cessfully pass the exafnination is only put- ting the law in harmony with the generous sentiment and common feeling of the coun- try, without the slightest danger of any impairment of the public service.” ———-o+__+__ MR. FENWICK’S WILL. He Realized That Denth Might Come Suddenty. The will of the late Robert W. Fenwick, dated October 17, 1895, was filed today. It will be remembered that Mr. Fenwick died suddenly on a street car, and the pre- amble to his will contains these significant words: “Mindful of the fact that life is uncertain and may be terminated by the all wise Providence without warning,” ete. The widow of the testator, Annie E. Fenwick, is named as executrix, and the estate is left to her for life, with few exceptions, she being given full authority to dispose of any or all of the real es- tate as she may deem best. At her decease the residve is to be equally divided among the ckildren and their heirs-at-law. Mrs. Fenwick is given $1,200 out of an insurance policy, $1, of it to he deyoted to the pay- ment of the debts of the estate. The of- fice business of the testator is to be car- ried on, and Mrs. Fenwick is given one- third of the net proceeds fur tive yea:s, when the whole business shall becume the beer property of Edward Tay.or iven- wick, a s peo eS c TOL TOPICS. A Loud Mill Hearing. The Senate committee on post offices and post roads will grant a hearing at 10 o'clock next Saturday to perrons inter- ested in the Loud bill. House Judiciary Committee. ‘The House committee on judiciary today ordered a favorable report on the bill to detach the county of Audrain from the western judicial district of Missouri and attach it to the eastern. Favorable reports wer2 also ordered on the Senate bills fix- ing the times and places for holding United States courts in Utah and to validate the appointments of deputy marshals in the Indian Territory made between March 1, 1895, and April 15, 1806. Automatic Car Coupler. The consideration by Cengress of the bill to extend the time in which the law com- pelling railroads to adopt automatic car couplers goes into effect is improbable at least this session. Railroad men had asked a hearing by the House committee on com- merce and a delegation of officials called on the committee today. Their spokesman, President Cowen of the Baltimore and Ohio, sald that they believed the inter- state commerce commission had entire jurisdiction over the matter, and they did not desire to wake any statement. The hearing was, therefore, abandoned. Chair- man Hepburn and most of the members of the committee think that one for the consideration of the commis- sion and are inclined to leave i to that ‘A half 2 dozen metabtrs of the Bannock tribes of Indians from Fort. é structure. These Indians are fer with the President and the Secret: of the Interior regarding a proposition the sale of their lands. the matter is |) THE NATION’S MONEY| Commercial Bodies Represented in Convention at Indianapolis. DISCUSSING THE CURRENCY QUESTION Ex-Governor Stanard on Retiring United States Notes. NATIONAL BANKING LAW INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., January 12.—The monetary convention which began in Tom- linson Hall this afternoon had its inception in this city November 1€ last. On that date the governing committee of the local board of trade was called together by the board’s president, J. C. Adams. At this meeting President Adams stated that it was the wish of many members of the board of trade that steps be taken with a view to holding a conference of the boards of trade of the larger cities of the central west, the object of which should be the consideration of the financial situation and a national convention of boards of trade. The purpose of this convention should be the consideration of a general currency plan and a possible recommendation to Congress looking toward national financial legislation. H. H. Hanna, at the request of a number of business men, presented the question of currency reform. Resolutions were passed inviting the boards of trade of Chicago, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Louisville, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Kansas City, Detroit, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Des Moines to be represented by three delegates each at a preliminary conference in this city, December 1, 1896. The resolutions declared that at this pre- liminary conference the advisability of calling a larger conference of delegates from the commercial organizations of the cities of the United States and the pro- priety of creating a non-partisan commis- sion, whose duty should be the formulat- ing of a plan for the improvement of a currency system, would be considered. At the conference, held December 1, fif- teen cities were represented. Mr. H. H. Hanna, as temporary chairman, addressed the meeting, as did E. O. Stanard of St. nis, who was chosen permanent chair- man. Among other speakers was ex-At- torney General W. H. H. Miller. A resolu- tion was adopted inviting all commercial bodies in cities over 8,000 inhabitants to send delegates to a national convention to be held in this city January 12. Tomlinson Hall, the scene of so many im- portant conventions during the past yeat, has been modestly decorated, though the idea of convenience has been the first pur- pose in the minds of the loca! committee. Delegates continued to arrive during the morning, and all registered at the commit- tee headquarters at the Dension Hotel. Chairman Stanard'’s Address. Ex-Gov. BH. O. Stanard of Missouri, the temporary chairman of the convention, said in the course of his remarks: “The present financial methods of the government are largely those adopted dur- ing the war when there were great emer- gencles. I believe there is a very strong and constantly increasing conviction among our people that some method should be adopted for the retirement of the United States and treasury notes, and that they should not much longer be tolerated as a circulating medium. They have been a hindrance to the prosperity of our govern- ment for many years. They are a constant menace to our treasury reserve and to the credit of the government, and when en- croachments are made upon these reserves, commerce stands in fear and trembling. There seems to be a well-defined conviction emong business men from the experiences of the past that there should be no notes in circulation which should not be retired when their office has been fulfilled. Wheth- er these notes should be retired at once or gradually I am not disposed to say; but of the necessity of their retirement I think there can be no question. I would retire them by the sale of long government bonds at a low rate of interest, if there can be no better way devised for their withdrawal from cinsulation: © “Whiie Iam mentioning some of the de- fects, as I believe, of cur monetary sys- tem, which come to my mind, I would say that I see no reason why our national banking law should not be so amended as to allow the national banks: to issue notes up to the pir value of the bonds which they hold as a basis for their issue, instead of issuing, as they are now compelled to do, orly 90 per cent of the par value of the bonds that cost them perhaps 118 to 120. This would help in givirg us a larger vol- ume of circulation and be an inducement to the banks to issue all the bills they could under the new law. Many of the banks, as the law now stands, do noi issue all the notes they are authorized to do because much of the time it 1s not profitable for them to invest in bonds at 120 when ‘they cannot avail themselves of an issue of more than 90 per cent of the par value of the bonds they purchase. Then there is a tax of 1 per cent on the issue of the national bank circulation, and I see no necessity for so large a tax as this, as it must ultimately be paid by the borrower. I believe that the tux should be reduced to \% of 1 per cent. “There are many advantages connected with the national banking system of the country, and this system, I believe, might, with great benefit. to-all interested, be ex- tended by allowing, under proper safe- guards, the establishment of branch banks in smaller cities, with largely reduced mini- mum of capital. I believe there is no in- stance on record where a loss has come to holders of national bank notes. “There are many suggestions of reform. One is to withdraw all paper money under the denomination of $10, thereby forcing a larger volume of silver and gold to circu- late in the hands of the people, and I be- leve this ts well worthy of favorable con- sideration. “I do not believe that any criticism can, with reason or justice, stand agai com- mercial or business organizations for tak- ing an active interest and making recom- mendations to ress in matters of so great concern as these which call us to- gether. “I am sure the banker, merchant, profes- stonal man, manufacturer, farmer, miner, artisan, mechanic and laborer all have a community of interest in the cause we are here to promote. - In the language of Ben- jamin Franklin, ‘we must all hang to- gether or hang separate.’ The country can- not permanently prosper if any of the es- sential interests are neglected or sacrificed. All legislation should be for the ‘greatest good of the greatest number.’ ” Views of Delegates. If the executive committee is asked to name the permanent chairman, it will suggest the name of C. Stuart Patterson of Philadelphia. Mr. Patterson was expected to arrive before the convention hour, and it 1g understood that he is willing to assume the duties of permanent chairman. Speeches may be Mmited to ten minutes. The commission plan, which has been Icoked. Coe by many of the Le e J. Ho Walker of \ usetts, chairman of th * favors a law it ‘ anon any: form: ‘of then see that they do ft,” said Mr. Walker. Representative Chas. N. Fowler of Eliza- beth, N. J., also a_ member of the commit- tee of which Mr. Walker is chairman, fa- vored the naming of a committee to work with the banking and-currency committee of the House, and the preparation ef a bill for presentation to the Fifty-ffth Gongress when called in extra session. B A noticeable feature of the register is the absence. of western delegates. The south shows a fair -coportion of ‘delegates, while the east and central west furnish the largest delegations. f MR. DE LOME’S. STATEMENT He Denies a Report as to Spain's Acceptance of Terms of Peace. The Status of Affairs in Caba Not Changed—Gen. Weyler's Statement of Pacification Progress. Senor Depuy De Lomo’s attention was di- rected today to published statements pur- porting to come from “Madrid to the effect that the Spanish government had instruct- ed him to notify the America Secretary of State that Spain wouki accept the terms of a peace settlement with Cubs submitted by the American’ government, and that he had cabled ‘the ‘authoritiqs- at Madrid of his.communicating the agéeptance to Mr. Olney. , The ininister observed his usual course in declining. to discuss the details of divlo- matic subjects, but he Was emphatic in denying the publication as‘a whole, stating that. it had.no basis of ifact and- thet, in his judgment, it was @ fabrication which would not have emanated ‘at Madrid. Further than this general: denial the min- istér Would not’ discuss the publication in detail, as this would ne¢essarily lead. to. a: discussion of the real status of negotia- tions... e No Change in the Status. From other sources, however, it is learn- ed that the situation has undergone no r cent change, and that the status today is exactly what it ‘has been for some time, namely, a purpose on the part of Spain to apply extended reforms, of autonomy to Cuba zs soon as the pacification of the island is assured. The advices from Cuba satisfy officials of the Spanish legation here that this pacifica- tion is progressing rapi@ly, A cable dis- patch just received from General Weyler says that the province of Pigar del Rio, which has been the storm center of recent conflict, is pacified. This is regarded as not only important in fqgelf, but as com- pletely contradicting a published statement made by Mr Money that, Pinarde Rio was not and could not be mpcified. General Weyler in his dispatch explicitly refers to and contradicts this pubjished statement. in this connection it is peinte@ out by the Spanish officials that claims «were made that Cacarajicara, the strategic point of Pinar del Rio, could not be taken without a loss of 40,000 Spdnish tragps, whereas this point, said to be impregnable,-has passed into the hands of General’ Weyler, with the loss of only twenty-six men. Gen, Weyler'n: Repart. This pacification of Pinar’dal: Rio, as re- perted by General Weyler, marks an fm- portent step in the adrance-of the general plan of applying autonomy te the island. With reports that the pravinces of Ma- tanzas and Havana are pacified, which are confidently expected Wy the legation in yiew of the.report from Pinar del Rio, the reports wil! cover practically the entire island, as Santa Clara province has not been a seat of recent insurgent activity and Santiago de Cuba is far to the east- ward and out of the range of recent mili- tary operations. Mr. Pablo Sater has arrived at the Span- ish legation to take the. post of first sec- retary, junior to Mr. Du, Bore. He has acted heretofore as secretary to the Duke of Tetuan, minister of foreign affaira, and this ‘has led to conjecture that Senor Saler comes charged with. an important mission in connection with the present Cu- ban question. It Is stated positively, how- ever, that his coming {s due to the depart- ure of Senor Ayala on account of. illness, and that he assumes the usual duties of a member of the legation staff. += REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL CAUCUS. Final Action Upon the Question of Interfational Bimetallism., ‘The republican senatorial caucus today did not result in any fifial action upon the question of international pimetallism, which the caucus was called to,cdfisider, but ad- Journed until Friday. This failure was not due to any opposition to thé proposition to Provide méans ‘for’ a conference, but to the fact that the language of, the bill prepared by the Wolcott committge:was objection- able to some. The bill, ag dgafted, provides for the consideration of thé-“‘free mintage” of silver. Some of the western members of the caucus.objected to this wording, say- ing that it should be so amended as to pro- vide for free and unlimited coinage. Sena- tor Allison impressed the caucus in a brief speech with -the»necessity of a complete outline of what was wanted. It was suggested that |t would be better to adjourn and take time to make the bill complete and acceptable to all. than to at- tempt to make amendments while ‘in ses- sion. ‘ This. suggestion was adopted, with the understanding that the democrats and pop- ulists also should be congulie? with regard to the proposed change. Very little was said during the conference'as to the prob- ability of securing a conference or-of its success, if secured.Some of the senators expressed the opinion that France, "Hol- land and Belgium, way! be friendly to the movement. The caucus wag-slimlysattend- ed, The .republicans who bolted the St. Louts convention were not invite}. 2 WILL MAKE THE DAY FAMOUS. London ‘Newspaper Cammest on the Signing of ‘the Preaty. : LONDON# January 122n an-editorial on the generat-erbitration treaty @etween the United States and Great Brifain the Times this morning says: “It is gifffeult to believe that the Uniteg*Btates-Sepate -will go out of its way to defeat the agbitragion treaty. It will be time-to criticiag when the con- tents of the treaty bre kmowm The fact that it is signed may bentegamied almost as a-new departure in integmatiqnal and may be. accoun} td ame gp eo le Daek’ to. the golden ages watt we it reds lo a 4 juces occasions for co: ormgendgs to Smooth inevitable contro . 4: Will deserve all that President Clev hes aid in tts praise.” 9) Fo * ae Chrono gene fzom: eiieleing the details of the treaty “Bay: “The whole area i ble disputes is co’ and ‘war is unnatural and impossible.” ; The Chronicle warmly congratulates both cerned. e countries and all con . that President Cleve ng t] show! ‘The Standard land's letter accor BOOMING M’COMAS/O!STRICT IN CONGRESS| MR, JOHNSON REPLIES Proposition to Bring Him Forward as a Senatorial Candidate. MOVEMENTS IN MARYLAND POLITICS Criticism Upon Mayor Hooper's New School Board. | MOTIVES FOR THE CHANGE respondence of The Evening Star. BALTIMORE, January 12, 1897. There has been a great deal of quiet talk of late among certain Maryland republicans of bringing forward Judge Lewis E. Mc- Comas, who for twelve years represented the sixth Maryland district in Congress, as a candidate to succeed Mr. Gorman in the United States Senate. It is stated that a movement is on foot among the members of the old McComas faction in the state to insure the nomination of legislators in the several counties who would be favorable to his election. Two of the hold-over state senators, Messrs. Norman B. Scott of Washington and Frank Norwood of Fred- erick, are xnown to be favorable to his election, and those who advocate such a movement hope to have a compact body of P3f@Comas men to form a nucleus when the general assembly is prepared to ballot for the next senator. While considerable sur- prise has been expressed that, under the |.circymstances, an effort to elect a second western Marylander as senator should be ever contemplated. McComas’ advocates ail over the state are inclined to welcome any attempt to send the judge to the upper house of Congress. It is argued that tne republican party in Maryland, taking its success at the polis rcxt November for granted, 2nd the vast majority of republi- cans never think of prefacing their expres- s.ons with a proviso, can do no better than to hohor the man who was by far the most conspicuous membcr of the organization during its years of defeat. The latter's intimacy with the President- elect is another element in his favor ac- cording to his friends, and many compari- sons favorable to him are made when Speaker Mudd and other aspirants are mentioned. Judge McComas has not ex- pressed himself on this movement as yet, but it is believed that at the proper time he will sanction the efforts of his friends and enter actively into the fight. At any rate, he is being boomed by many promi- nent men in Baltimore at'the present time. Mayor Hooper's School Board iy Mayor Hooper's new school board and the sensational method of its creation is still the dominant topic in local political circles, and this latest exhibition of the reform mayor's independent character !s being criticized from every available standpoint. While the majority of representative re- publicans and democrats, as well as the more conserygtive reformers, agrec.as.to the excellence of the general personnel of the new board, especially when compared to nrany ef the old boards, there is a great deal of difference of opinion as to the legal- ity of the-mayor’s action, and even those who advocate the removal of the schovis from polities at all hazards scarcely expect to see Mr. Hccper sustained by the courts. More than kalf the lawyers in town agree with Col. Charles Marshall, who has been retained as counsel by the o!d board, in his contention that the mayor has exceeded his powers in attempting to overturn the precedent of seventy-five years, and in try- ing to extend the decision in the recent Hooper-Creager case to cover the point at issue. They assert that the government of the public schools is specifically provided for in an act of the general assembly ef 1868, and that the general decision of the Creager case cannot be applied here. As to whether or not the court’s decision in that particular case can be regarded as sustaining the mayor in the present in- stance is a question which can be only de- cided by a recourse to law, and the gen- eral belief is that the matter will be fought out in the courts. Conjectures as» to Hin Motive. Verious conjectures as to what Prompted Mr. Hooper to astonish Baltimoreans in this manner, are in circulation, and many different motives are. ascribed to him. His admirers declare that he has taken the step solely with an eye to the public 004, and that the desire to cleanse the schooi board from political association ts @ praiseworthy one which is characteris- tic.of the man. Old ring democrats who have enjoyed Mr.-Hooper’s tenure of the office with a relish which fs little short of the com- placency of the mugwumps, because they believe that it will practically disorganize the republican party in the city, say that the appointment of the new board is sim- ply a challenge for a new trial of strength from the mayor to the council, and is the natural outcome of the elation his honor feels at his victory in the Creager case. Others believe that behind it all is a bid for a renomination, and the action of the council in confirming or rejecting these appointn.ents Is being eagerly awaited. Should the mayor’s late antagonists in that body confirm the members of the new board their action will be taken as sig- nifying that they are prepared to acquiesce in his renomination as a less dangerous maneuver than to have him nominated by an independent convention and indorsed by the democracy. In case the appoint- ments are rejected it will indicate that the patience of the councilmen, whose en- thusiasm for reform has been pitched tn a notably lower key than the mayor's, has “[ been" tried beyond endurance, and they have determired to throw off the “yoke of Hooper,” come what may. His Confidential Adviner. Many republicans, even those who have heretofore steod near the mayor, complain of the fact that he has taken ex-State Senator Thomas G. Hayes, whom he has reappointed as city counsellor, into his confidence in all questions of importance, to the practical exclusion of his friends and edmirers in his own party. that things have come to a pretty pase when the first republican mayor elected in and as regularly snubs his own party associates. Mr. Hayes is the mayor's adviser In the present school board .embroglio, and has been in close consultation with him in nearly every crisis of his official career. ———_ < MASSACRE OF ENGLISHMEN. Am Unarmed Expedition Attacked as It Was Entering Benin. LONDON, January 12—The officials of The Old Mahone Site Again Brought Up for a Government Printing Office. Bills Providing for Its Purchase In- troduced & He Both Senate and se—Other Matters. The old Mahone fight for the government printing office has again been brought to the attention of Congress, and its sale to the government suggested at a price about one-half of the amount asked for the land when it was the subject of a long con- troversy several years ago. Mr. Burrows introduced in the Senate today a bill, sim- ilar to the one introduced in the House, providing for the purchase of the Mahone site. In speaking to a Star reporter re- garding this bill, Mr. Burrows said that he had merely introduced it by request, and knew nothing about it. The Mahone site, for which $1 and more was asked when its purchase by the government was being considered in Con- gress several years ago, was sold under foreclosure proceedings, and purciased, it is said, by Wilbur F. Nash, for about 30 cents per square foot. In this way the price at which it is offered to the govern- ment in the bill introduced today has been reduced to 75 cents per square foot, pro- viding, of course, that the price named in the bill would be acceptable t> the owners of the property. The Mahone site contains 213,815 square feet. The House Bill. Mr. Milnes of Michigan has introduced a bil! in the House authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase for and in the name of the United States, for the site of the government printing office, by direct neg9tiation with the owners, at a price not exceeding 75 cents per square foot, the south half of square 673, containing about 213,815 square feet, and bounded as follows: Two hundred and seventy-three and one- fourth feet fronting on North Capitol street, along the same from the intersection of L. street therewith to what is called Pierce or Babcock street; thence east along the same, extending through the said square for 782 1-3 feet to Ist street; thence south along Ist street for 273% feet to L street; thence west along the same for 7821-3 feet to point of beginning. Failing to secure such described property by negotiation with the owners or a satis- factory title thereto, as may be approved by the Aitorney General of the United States, he is empowered and directed to secure the same by condemnation proceedings, as pro- vided in the act approved June 25, 1890, to authorize the acquisition of certain parceis of real estate embraced in square numbered 323 of the city of Washington to provide an eligible site for a city post office: Provided, ‘That the said south half of square 673 shall be acquired at. a cost not exceeding the money appropriated in the sundry civil ap- propriation act approved August 30, 1890, io provide accommodations for the govern- ment printing office, hereby made available for the object of this act; and the treasurer of the United States is authorized and di- rected, upon the requisition of the said Sec- retary, to pay the purchase, or, imto court, the condemnation price of such property. The Secretary of the Treasury, as soon as such site shall. be acquired, will cause the supervising architect, with the. advice of the public printer, to prepare the requisite plans for a government printing establish- ment, fireproof all the way, which shall be fully equal to the prompt and efficient performance of the work now required by the government, and such plans to be so arranged as to admit of progressive ex- tensions, as the growing demand upon the establishment may from time to time come to require; and on account of the construc- tion of such portion of the buildings of such plant as shall be deemed necessary for the present $250,000 is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. Mr. Martin in the Senate today made a favorable report from the committee on the District of Columbia on House bill 8726, to provide for the payment of certain claims against the District of Columbia by draw- back certificates. The bill is reported with- out amendment. Improvements in the Northeast. Mr. McMillan presented in the Senate to- day a memorial from the Northeastern Suburban Citizens’ Association relative to improvements in the territory represented by the association. The association rep- resents the needs of Avalon Heights, East Langdon, Langdon Park, Winthrop Heights and adjacent territory.. The memorial asks that items of the appropriation bill for the District recommended by the Commission- ers allowing for grading and graveling 22d and 24th streets, Langdon, $4,000; grad- ing and regulating Emporia street, from 12th street to Brentwood road, $5,000, and for the construction of suburban sewers, $170,000, be favorably passed upon by Con- gress, The memorial states that the para- graph relating to the improvement of 22 and 24th streets passed the House of Representatives during the last session of Congress, but was lost in conference. It states that 24th street is the only street by which residents of East Langdon can reach in a direct route their station, post office, lodge room and the Episcopal Church at that place. Twenty-second street, it says, is the thoroughfare of that section leading to the east and to the west. They ask that the appropriation for the improvement of Emporia street be made to improve thai street, from 12th to 20th street, instead of from 12th to Brentwood road, which change, they say, will cause no increase of expense. The memorial recites the great necessities of the section represeated by the association for these improvements, and says that a better sewerage system 1s greatly needed, as there are not less than forty-three houses in that section the sew- age of which empties into an uncovered stream. The memorial also indorses the Faulkner bill, which appropriates $15,000 for the grading of Rhode Island avenue, from 4th to 12th streets northeast. Increase of Pay Asked. Mr. John M. Langston has submitted a memorial to the appropriations committecs praying an increase of salary of from $40 a month to $60 a month+in the case of the laborers and janitors serving the local government at the several police stations of the District. The memorial recites that the janitors are engaged in actual service twelve hours a day every day of the week, including Sundays and holidays. They are required to do all the ordinary menial and general work of the station, keep the sta- ion houses in a good sanitary and health- ful condition, wait upon the pi and yment out supplying his place with a substitute to discharge his duties during his snoalioe: During the past five or ten years addi- tions have been to daily services of the janitors, but there has been no in- crease in the compensation, and it is now inadequate. . The Market Company's Charter. Mr, Pearson has introduced a bill in the His Answer to Mr. Maguire's Re- marks Printed in the Record. ANOTHER SENSATION IN THE HOUSE ee So renner, Senator Hill’s Bill in Regard to the Term of Postmasters. een OTHER BUSINESSTRANSACTED a Little interest was manifested the House today in the Speaker's decision of the point of order made yesterday by Mr. Dockery (Mo.) against Mr. Powers’ motion to recommit the Pacific railroad funding bill, made yesterday, after the defeat of the measure. Immediately after the reading of the journal the Speaker sustained the point of order, and the bill will not be recommitted. A bill to better define and regulate the rights of aliens to own real estate in tne territories was passed. Mr. Hartman (Mont.) called up from the committee on mines and mining a bill to amend the law relative to the making of affidavits in the entry of public lands, so as to permit applicants to appear before the land office registers by deposition and also to place the burden of proof in disputed questions as to the classifieation of mineral and agricultural lands upon the agricul- tural claimants. The bill was passed. Mr. Brosius (Pa.), from the committce on reform in the civil service, called up a bill to amend the law giving preference in the matter of appointments to Union soldiers discharged on account of wounds or sick- in hess contracted in the service, so as to create another preference class to includ ex-Union soidiers and sailors or their widows. After some debate the bill was passed. Mr. Johnson's Reply. While the bill was being debated a storm was brewing. It was apparent that there was to be an echo of the Pacific railroad funding bill debate in the shape of a sequ to the sensational attack made by Mr. John- son on Editor Hearst last Friday. Mr. Ma- guire (Cal.) printed in the Record this morning in connection with his remarks on the bill some very caustic comments on Mr. Johnson's speech, and the latter, who had been awaiting Mr. Maguire's appearance in the hall, as soon as he saw him enier arose and asked the Speaker if it would be tn order for him to rise to a question of per- sonal privilege. Being informed that be cculd do so as soon as the peading bill was out of the way he bided his time. As soon as the bill was passed the California men ber impetuously arose. The House Mediately squared itself around He began very calmly to recite his griev- ances, but it was apparent he was keyed up to a high tension. He had seen fit, he said, during the debate on the funding bill, to point out some “underlying facts” be- hind the opposition to the bill, but he said he had done so “openly and boldly.” He had spoken of what he knew, he sald, and he had been responsible for what he had said. He had heard the attack of Mr. Ccoper (Wis.), but he said he had been wi able to get the floor to reply to it, Today he had noticed in the Record a personal attack on himself by the gentleman from California (Mr. Maguire), printed under the privilege granted to members of extending their remarks. He was not, he said, fa- miliar with the privileges and practices of the Hous> ir this regard, but s ag as an humble member of the House and of the legal profession, he would assume that the privilege only gave a member an 0} nity to amplify his remarks on t! ing measure. Yesterday, he + been informed that he was to be pers assailed by Mr. Maguire, not for what he had said of him (Maguire), but of another. He had waited all day in anticipation of the attack, but none had come, and this im- morning, instead of the open attack, he had found this bitter personal assault the Record. = came As to the Printed Assault. He desired now to say a few words about the matters touched upon in that printed assault, because, he sald, he wa “antidote to go with the poison.” He went on to denounce Mr. Maguire's statements as a “wanton and malicious” disregard of the rights of members. Hi also referred to the fact that a St. Louls correspondent had telegraphed to his paper u at Mr. Maguire was going to expose the ‘skeletons in his closet” to show that this Was no sudden burst of wrath on the part of Mr. Maguire. He further said that he had received a telegram saying that Mec Hearst's paper tn San Francisco had al- iy print Tr. Maguire’: ‘e and the charges made. ™matks, and Mr. Johnson said in his specch: “If th gentleman from Wisconsin (Cooper) or the gentleman from California. (Mawulre) thinks I am cowardly, let either repeat to me outside this chamber what he said in. side, and their curlosity will be appeased.” Mr. Maguire's Rej Mr. Maguire arose to reply Johnson finished. “I never printed anywhere anything that I was not willing to repeat besore any man myself,” he began. He explained that he had desired to deliver the speech printed in the Record, but that the Speaker had re- fused to give him time. After Mr. Maguire concluded Mr. Poole (N. ¥.) moved to expunge Mr. Maguire's speech from the Record. Mr. Pool said he had known Mr. Johnson from childhood. Excitement on the Floor. There was a great deal of excitement on the floor, and a personal colli was feared. Friends tried to adjust the metter. Mr. McMillin moved to refer the whole matter to the committee on rolis. «nm a os voce vote the motioa was defeated: iS 7. roll call was demanded ob- 8 nde d ob. Mr. McMillin’s motion was lost, 123. Mr. Pool’s motion to expunge Mr. Ma- gvire’s remarks was then carried without division. Mr. Towne of Minnesota then of- fered a motion to strike Mr. Johnson marks from the Record. On a rising Mr. Towne's motion was defeated, 47 THE SENATE. nted the der. as Soon us Mr. s re- ‘ote Only a few senztors were present when the Senate met today. Almost immediately after the reading of the journal, on motion of Mr. Sherman, chairman of the commit- tee on foreign relations, an executive ses- sion was held. The Senate remained in executive session about twenty minutes. ratify the construction of a bridge across the Red river, above Fulton, Ark., by the