Evening Star Newspaper, January 18, 1897, Page 2

LATE NEWS BY WIRE[D'sTRICT IN CONGRESS|IN CONGRESS TODAY Trial of Mrs. Irwin for Aiding in Marder. MATTHEWS ANGER HAS VANISHED He Intimates That He Will Not Testify Against Her. —__—_<—__—— LECTING THE JURY — BE Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. BALTIMOR .. January mense throng of people gathered about the temperary court house at 10 o'clock this merning to catch a glimpse of Mrs. Emma Irwin, the good looking young woman who was to be placed on trial in the crim- fnal court. She is charged with being ac- cesscry to t murder of her husbani, James J. Irwir, at Allen's Fresh, Charles county, Augu: for which crime George Matthews, her confessed lover, has already beer. convicted and sentenced to death. The throng was disappointed, however, for an hour before the crowd began to gather the prisoner was brought over from jail in Warden Bailey’s wagon and locked up in the female prisoners’ room. Matthews was brought over from jail also, but prior to leaving the prison broad- ly intimated he would not testify against the woman for love of whom he slew her husband. His testimony would be most im- portant. He seemed bitter against her at the time he made his confession, and ready to do anything to make her suffer, too. At the time that he killed her husband, he said, he had doubts as to whether he .was killing the wrong one. He seems to have changed recently. There is no way of compeiling him to If nis lips remain sealed during the he outcome of the case is very doubt- ful. Mrs. Irwin was neatly dressed in black, with a black sailor hat and veil. Her face is an exceptiona one, and the sympathet talesmen as the jury was being summoned seemed to @ her. for she smiled fair-tly once e. There is little doubt among the Court officials that she will be acquitted. A Packed Court Room. The court house was packed, and an ex- tra detail of police was on duty to keep the idle crowd out. There was great curios- ity to see the woman, and all sorts cf ruses Were resorted to to get past the police into court the room. AH the forenoon Mrs. beside her ccunsel, Sydney E. d William F. Campbell, watching interest the selection of the jury, h was not cempleted until noon. A fact in connection with the selec- of the jury is that it is composed of young men, whose sympathies are more than likely with the prisoner. The attor- neys in the case were early in court, and it was very evident that they intended to make a hard fight over the case. Representative Mudd ts an old-time hard fighter in criminal cases, though he has never conducted a murder case in Balti- more before. Probably his best-known case was about twe years ago, when he successfully defended Belle Farrell on the charge of poisoning her husband. Mr. Campbell is also a well-known fighter in criminal cas: Jadge Wickes came on the bench after 10 o'clock. The task of sele jury was then begun. Deputy State's At- ey Robt. M. McLane examined the pective jurymen. To the first he told ory of the killing, and then he asked a three important questions: First, had e tion eS juryman any conscientious scruples against capital punishment, second, would he be affec ed in bringing in a verd: murder by the fact that the prisoner was a Woman, and, third, had he formed and ex- pr. 1 any opinion as to the case. The first surprise in selecting the jury * fact that the attorneys for the "pted the first four men offered gular panel. They then chal- ted the next juror, and accepted the sixth Jurors out of the first two more then were Was tn t defense man. t nine men taken from the regular panel and then the This me st of 10 taiesmen some time before Xo. 10 and No. as taken up. It was 9 was secured, but 11 followed him promptly, ¢ was u long interval before the Juror was selected. Mrs. Irwin's Orde: When Mrs. Irwin was ordered brought fnto court all eyes were turned to the doorway that lews to the lock-up below stairs. A deputy warden went throug’ it and then returned with his prisoner fol- lowing him. There is no doubt that the on she made was favorable. reached the criminal’s dock, rh she has to occupy for several days, she first spoke to her counsel, Mr. Mudd, and then raised ner eyes and spoke to the Judge. Of course, he took no notice of the salu- tation, but it was an evidence of her pres- ence of mind that she could locate him im- mediately, for he was not in his seat, but had taken a chair near the jury hox.” She was rather pale when she first came into the court room—prison pallor it looked like —but when she began to realize that she Was the cynosure of all eyes, the color be- an to rise in her cheeks, until by the time the jury had been selected a bright crim- son had suffused both cheeks. She seemed to be Hstening to and understanding all that was going on around her, but to be taking no particular interest in it. The greatest ordeal the fair culprit had to undergo this morning was the frequent references to capital punishment. The word “hanging” was brought out with vgly eraphasis a number of times while the jury was being challenged. ‘The first talesman was asked: “Are you opposed to capital punishment?" “No,” he replied, hesitatingly. “Are you opposed to hanging oman ?* hanging” was plainly hear © indicted woman. She did not look up, but her hands clasped and unclasped in her lap. It was evident that the omi- nous word had affected her unpieasantly. Examining the Talesmen. ‘The effect of the prisoner’s good looks on the talesmen was evidenced when a num- ber frankly confessed they would not con- her, no matter what the evidence was. er John P. H. Philburn had any a per- Plexing question for him to determine. “I don’ to hang women,” he said. “Well. if the evidence made out a case of murder in the first degree, would you de- clare her guilty?” asked Deputy State's Attorne replied dubtously. ss," admonished McLane. { don’t know; my conscience y has quit work.” he replied. . lienged, “Ch: said McLane, and he step- ok his head from side to “ when asked if he was mean, anyway?" asked *" replied Fisher, shaking bis head again in the conventional manner of indi- cating “no.” Fisher was finally induced to get his speech and head wiggle in har- mou when it was discovered that he t.think ef sending a woman to the galiows. “Why - sight would haunt me ail my xclaimed. He was spared the n had too sof: a heart, and ve 1 nhanging a poor woman. “No, never would I convict a woman.” a Sa Sugar-Ludem Steamer Ashore. BEACH HAVEN January 18—The achooner-rigged steamer Badsworth of Liverpool, laden with sugar, from Per- namt for New York, came ashore three wiles north of Beach Haven at 6 o'clock ibis morning. during the cloudy weather and heavy surf which prevailed at the time. The steamer was boarded at 7:30 by Capt. James Sprague of the Long Beach Ufe saving station. ‘The vessel well off shore, and will ie. be floated et high tide tonight. he Is lying easy, and the sea, which was very heavy th‘ is now almost smooth. The crew of the stranded steamer Sumber twenty-three men. Th re- mained on beard. fo THE EVENING STAR, MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1897-12 PAGES The Inauguration Resolution Again Goes Over in the Senate. The Cockrell tesolution Against ‘Tear- ing Up the Streets Reperted Favor- ably—Other Matters of Interest. In the Senate this afternoon Mr. Bacon called up the joint resolution which has passed the House of Representatives and been favorably reported from the commit- tee on the District of Columbia, authoriz- ing the Secretary of War to grant permits to the executive committee on inaugural ceremonies for use of reservations or pub- lic spaces in the city of Washington on the occasion of the Inauguraticn of Mr. Me- Kinley, and asked that it have immediate consideration. As stated in The Star, Mr. Hale objected to the consideration of this resolution when it was called up a few days 2g on the ground that he had not had an opportunity to examine it and that he feared the enactment of any legislation which would give much discretionary pow- ers to the Commissioners. In asking that the joint resolution be considered by the Senate Mr. Bacon referred to Mr. Hale’s past ob- jection and hoped that the matter might be disposed of at once, as it was of great im- portance that the inaugural committee shovld know just what authority it was to be given in preparing for the ceremonies of the 4th of March. Mr. Hale said that he would like the resolution to go over a few days longer, as it was desired to get the army bill before the Senate, and that the resolution which Mr. Bacon wished considered would in- voke considerable discussion, which would require time not conveniently at the com- mand of the Senate today. Mr. Hale prom- ised that if the resolution should go over a day or two longer that he would not make further objection to its consideration. Ac- cordingly the resolution was laid over. Cockrell Resolution Reported. ‘The fight between the United States Elec- trie Light and Potomac Electric Power companies was brought up in the Senate today by Mr. McMillan, chairman of the committee on the District of Columbia, making a favorable report on the Cock- rell joint resolution, the passage of which by Congress would stop the work of the Potomac Electric Power Company in the laying of its conduits to carry out its con- tract for the current fiscal year for public lighting in the District of Columbia. Mr. McMillan reported the resolution fa- vorably without comment, ‘whereupon Mr. Chandler asked whether it would not be called up for consideration today or to- morrow, as he regarded it as a very im- portant measure. Mr. McMillan replied that he had no in- tention of calling the joint resolution to the consideration of the Senate. Mr. Cockreli said this afternoon that he expected to call up his resolution regard- lug underground conduits tomorrow morn- ing. There was a lively anticipation on the part of persons interested in the two elec- tric light companies that an attempt would be made to call up the Cockrell resolu- tion for consideration today, -in which event It was expected that an animated debate on the electric light controversy would be indulged in. In the gallery offi- cers of the two electric light companies were waiting for this interesting discussion, but the morning business was finished with- out any further reference to it. Brightwood Raflread Schedule. Mr. Woodman has introduced a bill in the House providing that section 10 of the act to incorporate the Brightwood Railway Ccmpany, approved October 18, 1888, be amended by the addition of the folowing ‘ds: rovided, That on the line of sald rail- Way, on Marshall street between 7th and ith streets, said cars shall be run on q schedule which will provide for not to ex- ceed five minutes of time between each car yoing in either direction, and that said cars on said line shull be run on said sctedule between the hours of 6 o'clock in the morning and 12.o0’clock midnight.” — Seo SS LOCAL LEGISLATION. Chairman Babcock Brings Up Dis- trict Measures in the House. This was District day in the House, but it was nearly 2 o'clock before Chairman Babcock secured the floor. The first bill called up was House bill S010, authorizing the Secretary of War to make surveys for a bridge across the Eastern branch in line with Massachusetts avenue extended east- ward. The bill was passed. Taxes and Tax Sales. Mr. Batcock then called up the bill re- lating to taxes and tax sales. ‘The biil was depated at some length, con- derable discussion arising over mmor fea- res. ——— THE QUEEN’S SPEECH. Proposals That is Believed Will Be Made to Parliament. LONDON, January 18.—It is understood that the qteen’s speech at the opening of parliament will be unprecedentedly brief. it is expected to congratulate parliament uper the signing of the arbitration treaty with the United States and upon the more satisfactory working of the alliance of the powers of Europe for promoting reforms in Turkey, and will express regret at the Benin disaster and at the necessity for a punitive expedition. The legisiative proposals are believed to be few and the important measures prom- ised will be confined to the relief of vol- untary schools and an employer's Mability bill, supplemented by minor measures re- lating te the improvement of agriculture in ireland and enabling the military ma- neuvers to be more conveniently carried out. A hint is also expected of the increased sums to be demanded for military services. ee TO SUCCEED VOORHEES. Chas. W. Fairbanks to Be Elected ‘Tomorrow. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., January 18— Charles W. Fairbanks will be elected United States Senator tomorrow at noon. The senate and house will vote separately, and on the following day will meet in Joint session to canvass the vote and pro- claim, formally, the election of the new senator. The democratic senators and representa- lives will nominate Daniel W. Voorhees in caucus tonignhi, and will cast their votes for him tomorrow. ——————— Suspected of Train Wrecking. BIRMINGHAM, Ala., January 18.—The statement is given out by the sheriff that a Hungarian tramp named Sam Palatka has been placed under arrest at Eastman, Ga., on the charge of being one of the men. who wrecked a Birmingham mineral train at Cahaba fiver bridge December 27, whereby. 26 lives were lost. Deputy Sher- ‘ff James Bell has gone for the prisoner. The principal evidence against Palatka is the alleged fact that he told several per- scns at Eastman of the wreck, and de- scribed it very vividly. This directed the stspicion of Eastman authorities to him, and when the information was wired here his arrest was ordered made. It is ri mored that he has made a confes- sion. Presidential Nominations. The President today sent the following nominations to the Senate: Postmasters—Alpha R. Young, at Cald- well, Kan.; Francis M. Mumford, at Saint Francisvilie, La.; John R, Lucas, at Rock- well City, Iowa. Treasury—Thomas D. Byrum of North Carolira, to be collector of customs for the district of Albemarle, N. C. ~ War—Col. Thomas C. Sullivan, assistant commissary general .of subsistence, to be brigadier general and commissary. general of subsistence; Capt. L. H. Rucker, 9th Cavalry, to be major; Capt. Eli L. Hug- gins, 2d Cavalry, to be major; First Lieut. P. P. Powell, 9th Cavalry, to be captain; First Lieut. L. M. Powell, 24 Ca 7 10 be captain; First Lieut. James B. Both Houses Seem to Be Getting Down to Work. | ARMY APPROPRIATION BILL PASSED Senate Takes Up the Nicaragua Canal’ Bill. MATTERS IN THE HOUSE —EEE——EE Senator Sherman of Ohio was on the floor of the Senate today for the first time since the announcement that he would enter the McKinley cabinet as Secretary of State. He received congratulations from a number of his colleagues. Mr. Gallinger (N.H.) also was congratulated on his re- election to the Senate. Mr. Quay of Pennsylvania and Mr. Bur- rows of Michigan, who have recently re- turned from Canton, were also present. Mr. Cullom (Ill.) read a telegram from the Bankers’ Club of Chicago, urging the ratification of the Anglo-American peace treaty. Appropriation Bills Reported. Mr. Cullom (Ill.) reported back the legis- lative, executive and judicial appropriation bill, and gave notice that he would call it up tomorrow. The Military Academy appropriation bill was reported by Mr. Pettigrew of South Dakota, and placed on the calendar. New Custom House for New York. A favorable report was made by Mr. Quay from the committee on commerce on the bill of Mr. Murphy of New York for the erection of a new custom house in New York city. The bill limits the cost to $5,- 000,000, fixes on the present custom house site, and names Charles J. Taintor, George beet Hugh Z ceand and James T. Kil- i$ commiss! building. loners to supervise the House bill authorizing the Union Rail- road Company to construct a bridge across the Monongahela river w; request of ain tasty ‘as passed at the The Monetary Commission Bill. The bill providing for an international monetary conference, which has-been under consideration for some time, was then pre- sented by Mr. Chandler (N. H.), in behalf of Mr. Wolcott. After being read, Mr. Chandler explained-briefly that the text of the measure was similar to those. before the last three Congresses, and that the words “free mintage at such ratio” were taken from the act of March 2, 1895. He asked that the bill lie on the table until to- morrow without the formality of going to & committee. There was no objection and the bill went over. The House bill -was passed authorizing the construction of railroad bridges across the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers in Kentucky. Mr. Morrill (Vt.) secured the adoption of a concurrent resolution restricting the uses of the new congressional library to legiti- mate library purposes. A Venesuelan Commission Resolution. Mr. Pettigrew offered the following reso- lution: “Resolved, That the Secretary of State be, and is hereby, directed to send to the Senate a statement of the proceedings of the commission appointed ta investigate and report upon the true divisional Ine be- tween the republic of Venezuela and Brit- ish Guiana, together with a copy ‘of the treaty or agreement between the United States and Great Britain upon the subject of the boundary, which agreement: has been submitted tothe government-of \Ven+| ezucla for consideration.” The resolution was about to pa agreed to when Mr. Gray (Dél.) interposed’ and sug- gested that it should go to the corimittee on foreign relations. z Mr, Pettigrew preferred to have, jt, lle on the table until tomorrow, and it was so ar- ranged. a The army appropriation bill was ther taken up. Army with minor amendments. It carries $23,- 120,344, which is $3,000 more than the bill as it passed the House. Ss When the oleomargarine bill came oyer from the House Mr. Gear (Iowa) desired to have it sent to the interstate commerce committee, and Mr. Hill (N. Y.) to the com- mittee on agriculture. The difference sent the matter over until tomorrow. Nicaragua Canal Bill. At 2 o'clock when the morning hour ex- pired Mr. Morgan moved to take up the Nicaragua canal bill, the purpose being to make this measure the unfinished business of the Senate. On a yea and nay vote the motion pre- vailed—36—14. Yeas—Aldrich, Allison, Bacon, Burrows, Call, Cameron, Chandler, Cannon, Clark, Cullom, Davis, Faulkner, Frye, Gallinger, Gibson, Gordon, Gorman, Gray, Hale Haw- ley, Hoar, Lodge, McBride, McMillan, Mor- gan, Peffer, Perkins, Platt, Proctor, Pugh, Quay, Sherman, Stewart, Wetmore and White—36. Nays—Bate, Berry, Blackburn, Caffery, Chilton, Cockrell, Hill, Mills, Nelson, Pet- tigrew, Turple, Vest, Vilas and Walthall— 1 4. Mr. Morgan addressed the Senate in favor of the Nicaragua canal bill. THE HOUSE. The attendance in the House was very light today, as everything. promised a dull session. Although an arrangement had been made whereby today was to be given to business reported from the com- mittee on the District of Columbia, there. was first a general call of committees. From the committee on Indian affairs the bill to prohibit the sale of intoxicating Grinks to Indians was called up and occa- sioned some debate. The bill imposes a fine of $100 and imprisonment for sixty days upon any person who shall sell intoxi- ing liquors of any kind whatsoever to ny Indian to whom allotment of land has been made while the title is held in trust by the government or to any Indian who is a ward of the government. Mr. Maddox (Ga.) argued that the bill was unconstitutional. The bill was passed; 82--22. To Amend the Patent Laws. The bill to amend the patent laws was called up by Mr. Draper (Mass.), who ex- |. plained that it had been prepared by ‘a committee appointed by the American Bar Association to urge a revision of the pat~-: ent jaws. None of the changes proposed by the bill, Mr. Draper said, were of a radical character, but they were needed to har. monize various statutes of the existing law, and also to make them conform to certain ccurt decisions. He explained in detail the proposed amendments. Among the. more important were those making a foreign pat- ent two years old unpatentable. in thig country, placing 4 general limitation of six years on patents and empowering the com: missioner of patents, if he has teason to believe that an applicant is not prosecuting |. Ns claim with sufficient vigor to produce final proof within six months. The bill was Another bill from the same committee. was passed providing for the use by- the United Ssates of devices covered by letters patent hereafter issued to of the navy. Mr. Fairchild, in charge of the bill, said it was now in the power of an officer who secured a patent to deprive the United States of its use, except upon his own terms. The bill provides for a board of three naval officers to determine the terms or rate of compensation for the use of the patent. . For Private Pension Bills. Mr. Henderson submitted fram the com- Appropriation Bin Passed. “| The army appropriation bill. was- passed | Two KENTUCKY BANKS CLosE. Germania National at Louisville and First National of Newport. -LOUISVILLf, Ky., January :8.—National Bank Examiner Escott this morning closed the doors of {ke German National Bank, J. M. Mc! .. président. The capital stock of the itution Js $251,500, with a surplus of $3 The bank ia an old one, but Yor some’time past has ben fegarded as unsafe. yf The last stut\ment issved by the bank, December 174 qade-a very ‘bad showing. The figures showed that the 2 per cent Tule had been wiplated by about 8 per cent. Under the head of resources it was given out that the held $113,025.29 in se~ curitics, stocks, &c. This was very unsatis- factory as the “et cetera” was not con- sidered definite enough, and since the state- ment was issued the withdrawals have President McKnight of the bank for years has beep prominently iden- tified with the, banking business and in- volved in a number of outside financial operations. NEWPORT, Ky:, January 18.—The First National Bank of this city closed its doors this norzing. Heavy investments in real estate in this city is said to be the cause. ‘The failure of the bank to open {ts doors this morning was a great surorise to the business men of, the city. While a state ment was given aut by the officers that no ;Qne would loge anything, there were all scrts of tumors. Fortunately the integrity of the officers is such that no suggestion of wrong-doing has found credence. The first evidence of wealmess was the refusal of the officers to pay on Saturday afternoon ,000 to the treasurer of the Bellevue school board, which he had but recantly de- posited and which"he had been advised he ought to get out. This was not made pub- lic till today. »Cashter T. P. Youtzey has been with the bank since its. organization In_1875. $200,000. The capital stock of the bank is Its president ie John Trapp, vice president, Joseph Wright. Presideat ‘Trapp, who was elected last week in, place of Dr. Henry Gunkel, who retired on account of advanc- ed years, is a resident of Dayton, Ky., ard is one of the wealthiest men in the county. Closed to Protect Depositors. 8ST. PAUL, Minn., January 18—The Min- Desota Savings Bank closed its doors this morning, and filed a deed of assignment, naming Wm. Bickel as assignee. An af- fidavit was filed .stating that the assets would amount to about $250,000, while the abilities are in the neighborhood of $230,000. —__.-__ IVORY EXPECTS CONVICTION, Trial of the Alleged Dynamite Con- spirator Begun. LONDON, January 18,—The trial of Ed- ward J. Ivory, alias Bell, of New York, charged with conspiring to cause a dyna- mite explosion, opened at the Old Bailey (central criminal court) this morning be- fore Justice Hawkins. The solicitor gen- eral, R. B. Finley, Q. C., M. P., prosecuted in behalf of the treasury. John F. McIntyre, formerly an“assistant aastrict attorney of New York city, watched the case in behalf-of the prisoner, who is defended by ‘J. P. Taylor and Theobald Matthew. Mr. Mcintyre was seated at the solicitor’s table.,,He seemed nervous, and narrowly scat the jury. Ivory: was quiet and composed, but pale and visibly thinner. HdHatted with his solicitor, Mr. Charles Rusgefip-a son of the lord chief Justice, Bargy.Jiussell of Killowan, and a member of of Day, Russell & Co. After the jury ‘had been charged Ivory pleaded not guilty in a clear, firm voice. Mr. Mcintyretyhas no legal status in English courts,.p he had to confine him- self to occas: uggestions to counsel. Mr. Finlay’ "igiatea the history of the case, and said that the alleged conspiracy originated iNew York. He was proceed- {fg to mentidmithe names of persons in America when Taylor, of counsel for Ivory, objected to the jntroduction.to eceurrences abroad.“ Just{ce” Hawkins, however, ruied that overt ‘Acts ¢¢mmitted in America, even by aliens, woUuldsba. evidence of conspiracy py nie her. maiesty3s..dominions. ereupon, the, solicitor general sketched the’ oft-to! kate events of Tynan, ‘Haines, Kearney and, Iyory,. and dwelt. at length upon thé lgtterg produced at ithe pre- liminary _{nd Ha said that the object of the’ Prosecution would be ito prove lvory’s connection with the dynamite pro- ceedings at Autwerp,.and to prove that Ivory (uqder the name. of Bell), Tynan and Kearney were members. of,a secret society of New York, the oné-purpose of which was to achieve the political independence :of Ireland under a republican government. Continuing, Mr. Finlay .-saiq,.,thet- the ‘crown witness for this. part of the case would be Thomas Meric Jones, who joined this society a8.a spy. | After referring to the Chicago convention of this society in 1895, Mr. Finlay concluded with urging the Jury to investigate the case with impartial minds. Only formal avidence was introduced be- fore lunch time, It consisted in recounting Ivory’s movements in London and the pro- posal to purchase a carboy of acid. Mr. McIntyre, at lunch time, sald to a representative of the Associated -Press that the utmost Justice Hawkins will do was to let him act as advisory counsel. He added: “I am much struck with the difference in conducting such @ trial here and in Ameri- ca. They are so slow here. I have talked with Bell, and he is convinced the govern- ment is going to do for him. He in no way admits his guilt, but is satisfied that the. verdict will be against him.” The repetition of the well-known evi- dence speedily appeased the interest of the public, and after lunch the court was al- most deserted. During the afternoon the evidence was uninteresting and unimportant. Seana DID ‘HIS DUTY. Investigators’ Commend Mt. Pleasant Engine Company. ‘In-eccordanee with the order of Chief Parris, a fire investigating board, consist- ing of Fist Assistant Chief Belt.and Fore- men Bess and Wagner, assembled recently ‘to investigate the charges. made by Mrs. -Miller of Mt. Pleasant charging the fire de- partment in that section with inefficiency. A number of witnesses were called and testified, none of whom made an: plant against ‘the firemen, the eorapiaies ant,:in fact, denying that she had said any- thing of their ‘inefficiency, The: following is the Snaing ee ee trial boar “From the evidence presented chemi engine company No. 2 under comoern at Foreman John Bherman, promptly respond- ed -when notified that there was a fire. Immediately upon arrival at the scene of the fire the foreman gave orders to have an-alarm’ sent in, 4t being at once apparent @ steam fire engine was needed. There was no delay whatever,either in responding to the call or in sending for the steam fire engine. We also find that the complaint Tegarding an insufficiency of chemicals is entirely without foundation, as the testi. ony of severat witnesses clearly shows bes S ene chem areca weal in service the arrivg lo, 9 steam: engine. We°further pin the complaint relative to am inadeqvat&'quantity df hose is_with- out: de ithe-facts, ag ‘the evidence shows there erg two lines of trose in serv- ice, one line the..other of 250 feet, feet;either béidg” of sufficient 1 reach=the fivé.> “retorence to the negli; gence of a molice“officer “we would state that he &_ Daniel Slattery) was ‘pronipt in itting. the .order of Fore- man Shermi .2dditiona} help, and, in ‘dur- opinton, rmed his duty promptly ig td the complaint entirely in- ish the fite, it must be , chemical engine is not mony = your worflfiittee’ pre ied to the scene of the firéit® make“an inspéction, and it is our opinion that had it not been for the good work done by the chemical engine, @ much greater amount of damage would have resulted, as there is no doubt but that this @ held the fire in ik until the arrival of the steam fire engine. In conclusion, .we ‘are of the opinion ‘that pecbead. Sheplie wed samen neni cengu: should - for good worx he did on this occasion, VAN RISWICK ESTATE|AR8!TRATION LETTERS|FINANCE AND TRADE Trial of an Important Will Case Commenced Today. COUNSEL FOR BOTH SIDES Grandson Charged With Using Undue Influence. THE PROPERTY AT STAKE After having been postponed for several times, the trial of the contest over the will of the late Mary Van Riswick, widow of John Van Riswick, was commenced to- day before Judges McComas, in Circutt Court, No. 2. The trial wiil, it is expected, continue two or three weeks. Mrs. Van Riswick died the 24th of last February, her husbend having died in 1886, and left @ wili made about two years pre- vio.rly. At the time of her death Mrs. Van Riswick was seventy-five years of age. Four children were born to her, the first, Mary Jane, dying unmarried, in 1838. A sezond daughter, Avarilla, married Mr. Tallmadge A. Lambert; a third daughter, Eugenia, cied unmarried in 1884, and a fourth child, Martina, a daughter, married a Mr. Carr of Norfolk, Va., and she is the one who Is contesting her mother’s will, claiming that the instrument was made or Procvred to be made through the undue in- fluence of Wilton J. Lambert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tallmadge A. Lamberi, who, to- gether with Mrs. Carr, was named in the will as executors. Trial Commenced. Mrs. Carr was represented in the trial today by Attorneys R. Ross Perry and A. S. Worthington, while Messrs. Jere M. Wil- son, Wm. F. Mattingly and Henry E. Davis appeared on behalf of Mr. Wilton J. Lam- bert. Little time was lost in obtaining a jury, the following being final'y selected: Jerry F. Ritter, Eugene R. Russell, Chas. Butt, Geo. W. Shoemaker, John J. Fister, sr., Charles Behrens, W. H. Johnson, Geo. R. McReynolds, George Kelley, Henry. Hag- gerty, Wm. Cunningham and Elmer Dement. When the jury had been sworn Mr. Wil- son suggested that the next matter to be decided was the question of which side was entitled to open and close the testimony and arguments in the case. Mr. Wilson con- tended that Mr. Lambert, as the executor and propounder of the will, was entitled to So open and close, and he read a number of authorities, which, he claimed, war- ranted such a ruling by the court. The other side, however, argued that the uni- form practice in Maryland and here has always been to the contrary, the party at- tacking a will, the caveator, always having the right to open and close. After some further discussion Judge Mc- Comas sustained the contention of Mrs. Carr’s counsel, and made an order mak- ing her the plaintiff, and Mr. Wilton J. Lambert, the caveatee and co-executor, the defendant in the case. Mr. Worthington Opens. Mr. Worthingten then opened the case to the jury, on behalf of Mrs. Carr, ex- plaining that the estate was est!mated to be worth about $160,000. It would not be claimed, he said, that Mrs. Van Riswick was mentally incapable of making a valid will at the time the will was made, Feb- ruary 17, 1894, but it would be shown, he asserted,, that it was made through the undue influence of her grandson, Wilton J. Lambert. It would also be shown, stated Mr. Worthington, that some time before Mrs. Van Riswick made the will she suf- fered from <n attack of the grip, and that while in such condition her grandson visit- ed her very frequently, holding secret con- sultations with her, and assuming practica! management of her property. Her grandson, said Mr. Werthington, is a member of the bar, as is his father, and the old lady became favorably impressed with his legal and executive abilities. Mr. J. J. Darlington, a man of the very high- est integrity, remarked Mr. Worthington, drew two wills for Mrs. Van Riswick, one of which gave the Lambert children only a life estate in the property, while the other was the will at issue. Mr. Worthington claimed that Mrs. Van Riswick first signed the former will, and then the one under contest. The old lady was averse to making a will, and it will be so shown, asserted Mr. Worthington. It will also be shown, he said, that Mrs. Carr knew nothing of the will until it was filed. Mrs. Carr, he continued, receives, under the will, only a life interest in a piece of real estate worth about $27,000, while her nephew, the caveatee, gets a piece of coun- try property, “Van View,” worth about $25,000, and his mother and sisters the rest of the es Mrs. Carr was always a_ loving, devoted. daughter, said Mr. Worthington, greatly beloved by her moth- er, who induced her and her husband to remove here from Norfolk. It will be shown, said Mr. Worthington, that Mr. Wilton J. Lambert held the will from the time it was made until filed, and that it was his undue influence which induced his grandmother to sign it. If he did secure it through undue influence then, remarked Mr. Worthington, the jury should say so, that it might be set aside and the estate divided between Mrs. Lambert and Mrs. Carr according to law. on IN A SPANISH PRISON. Effort to Obtain Information of Mat- thew Kersey of Alexandria. For some time past the parents and friends of Matthew Kersey, who left his home in Alexandria over a year ago on the tugboat Mascot, have been endeavoring to locate him. It was learned that Kersey was in a Spanish prison in Cuba, and an effort was made to secure some informa-. tion. His mother communicated with the State Department in regard to the matter, and the Knights of Pythias, of which Kersey is a member, also interested them- selves in locating him. Mrs. Kersey has received a letter from Consul General Lee advising her that he would make a thor- ough search of all the prisons and hospi- tals in Cuba to see if Kersey could be found. She has as yet heard nothing defi- nite. A Star reporter called on Mrs. Ker- sey in Alexandria this morning and show- ed her a Havana dispatch to the New York Journal, which said: “Matthew Kersey of Alexandria, Va., who came to Cuba over a year ago on the tug Mascot, is in a Spanish prison, or military hospital, at Gibara, in eastern Cuba. Senor Beola, American consular representative there, seems to have done nothing in Ker- sey’s behalf. Beola is an American citizen, but is a Spaniard in sentiment, and con- nected with the local volunteer corps, a Spanish military organization.” _ Mrs. Kersey said that. she had received pretty much the same information. “I wrote to Consul Beola a week ago,” said Mrs. Kersey, “‘and hope to hear from him very soon. I feel very hopeful about my son and cannot but feel that he will be re- turned to me safe and sound.” Every effort is being made to locate Ker- sey and no stone will be left unturned to accomplish this result. ee . TRIAL FOR MURDER. The Killing of John Minor Now Be- fore a Jury. Francis E., alias Frank, alias Barrel, Turner and Arthur Bland, young negro men, were placed on trial before Judgu Bradley in Criminal Court, No. 2, toduv, charged with the murder of John Minor, colored, the 16th of last November. Turner is charged as being the principal in the affair, and Bland as the accessory, H FP Son" boon’ for" Ti Othe insee, gett: The President Farnishes the Senate With Those Relating to the General Treaty. Mest ef It Has Already Been Publish- ed—Some Steps Were Taken by Personal Intercourse. The President today furnished the Sen- ate, in response to a resolution adopted in executive session, with the correspondence between our government and Great Britain, resulting in the general arbitration treaty now awaiting the approval of the Senate. Nearly all of this correspondence has been previously published in the newspapers, having been officially given out either tn answer to congressional resolutions or in the British blue books. Briefly stated, it consists of seven notes, covering a period from February to July of last year, exchangol between the two governments. In Mr. Olney’s last note, of date June 22, the fleld 0? controversy was much narrowed, but an agre2ment had not been effected, and {t is apparen: that the ultimate coming together of the two gov- ernments was brought about by personal interviews between Secretary Olney and Sir Jultan Pauncefote. No record exists at the State Department of this phase of the negotiations, but it may be that rome future British Blue Book will indicave its character by making public Sir Julian’s cablegrams to Lord Satisbur: Some of the facts that appear in the cor- respondence that was submitted today are that the late Secretary Gresham in the spring of 1895 initiated the correspondence with Great Britain looking to a general arbitration treaty, but for some reason its consideration was dropped for a time. It was sevived rather unexpectedly a year later, and this time by Lerd Salisbury, who, having been approached by Mr. Bay- ard with a request for a settlement of the Venezuelan boundary dispute accepted his suggestion, but accompanied his accept- ance with an instruction to Sir Julian Pauncefote to reopen negotiations in Wash- ington for a general arbitration treaty. Indeed, the British premier went so far in his first note on this subject on November 5 last as to submit a rough draft of the heads of the treaty, which formed the basis of the document now before the Sen- ate. On April 1, Secretery Olney, in behalf of the President, welcomed “these proposals of her majesty’s prime minister with the keenest appreciation of their value,” and from that point on the negotiations thus started proceeded with an evilent dispost- tion on both sides to come together, the salient issue being the extent of the powers of the arbitrators, Secretary Olney desiring to go much further toward mak- ing their findings conclusive than Lord Salisbury deemed it prudent to undertake. i AN OFFER TO MR. HAWLEY. vited to Enter the NEW BRITAIN, Conn., January 18.—E. E. Spencer, secretary of the Connecticut Congressional Association at Washington, is in this city today. In an interview, Mr. Spencer said that at Washington it is be- lieved confidently that Senator Proctor of Vermont, who has returned from Can- ton, has brought with him an offer to Sen- ator Hawley of Connecticut of the Secre- taryship of War, and it is believed that Senator Hawley will accept. Mr. Spencer also says that O. R. Filley, chairman of the republican state commit- tee, is a candidate for the commissioner- ship of pensions, as is Capt. Patrick O'Far- rell of Hartford. —— SUPREME COURT. Part of the Soi sary Bill Unconstitutional. The Supreme Court today decided the portion of the South Carolina dispensary law which provides for the inspection of liquors imported into the state to be !n contravention of the Constitution of the United States. The decisicn was founded upon the cases of J. M. Scott and R. M. Gardner agt. James Donald, tn error to the circuit court of the United States for the district of South Carolina. Justice Brown delivered a dissenting opin- ion, saying that he was unable to see wherein the law confticts with the Consti- tution. ———— Contributions Received. The Star has received the following con- tributions: For the central relief committee: Heretofore acknowledged. RL. E. Mrs. Kate Williams... Total ... aeeeee+- $10.00 Excise Board. . The excise board this afternoon rejected the following applications for lquor licences: Retail—Jno. Cullinane, Gli 4% street southwest; T. J. Daly, 227 Pennsyl- nia avenue, Bartholomew Daly, 721 8th Street southeast; Timothy McCarthy, 450 Armory street southwest. Wholesale—W. G. Johnson, 2431 M street corthwest; D. S. Sullivan, 100 H street northeast; W. H. Wright, 1800 Half street southwest. Retail allowed—C. M. Emerich, Emerich's Hotel; W. A. Hettinger, 415 8th street northeast; Ernst Irvington Hotel. Wholesale allowed—J. W. Weber, 401 H street northeast. Grain and Cotton Markets. ished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., bankers and brokers, 1427 F st. members New York stock exchange, correspofidents Messrs. Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co., New York. Lor. pat oe BALTIMORE, Jamuary 18.—Flour dull supers $2. ps20 do. extra, $3.40a$4.05: do. fam: ay, rma <9 sinter rise whe sf foes Wheat unscttied and casy = i t : Opening Sales Reflected Fractional Gains in Values. ST. PAUL'S DECREASED Houses With Washington Con nections Sold Union Pacific. ie MARKET REPORT — GENERAL Special Dispateh to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, January 1%—As anticipated at the close of business Saturday, ope: prices this morning reflected the demand inspired by yesterday's summaries of la week's developments fn financial circles. Opening sales represented gains varying from 1-4 to 5-8 per cent, commission houses being especially active during the opening period. Realizing xales of considerable volume became superior to the buying the moment the out-of-town demand subsided, the market yielding steadily under sure of stock for both accounts. Traders converted but recently to the opinion that the long side of the market was the more profitable, were willing to realize on recent purchases while the de- mand lasted At the close of the noon hour the general list had receded from 1 to 1 5-8 per cent from the opening level. The demand for stocks in the loan crowd indicated a considerable short interest as yet uncovered. The sudden change in sen- timent at the close of last week gives rise to considerable skepticism to the en- during qualities of the upward movement. The best opinion, as represented by the expressions of those credited with the least disappointment in market experiences, 1s favorable to a more significant reflection of the new speculative era. That the course will not be uninterrupted was demonstrated by the day’s routine developments. St. Paul's earnings for the second w in January reflecting a decrease of $81 making a total decrease of $3,754,374 sin July 1, 1896, was utilized to s prices throughout the entire Granger group. The marketing of a large speculative holding in pres- Rock Island and extensive realizing in Burlington were features of the activity in this group. Bank disturbances in Kentucky, two fat!- ures being reported in that state, revived the apprehensions of a fortnight ago, but the difficulties are believed to be entirely local. From now on the room + be depended upon to make passing disturbances in all sections of the country. The increasing complext war in which the Amer: pany is involved — nko that property by the spe ent. In conservative circles th ment of atl outstanding differences without warning n- of the trade spires cautious operations tm the short ac- count. Houses with Washington connections were noted among the larger Union Pacific, the stock yteiding offerings. The new short interest seemed to be supplying the stock for witch the old was creating a demand. The assess- ment on the stock is urged against even its present low level. Wheeling securities re- fiected still further the evil effects of last week's receivership. ; The market for money and foreign ex- change was without noteworthy featu conditions being similar to those last perted. A good trading market has taken the place of one almost stationary, but neither account can be relied upon to show con- tinuous profits for the present. a FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. re- The following are the opening, the highest and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock mari by Corson & Macartney, York stock exchange. members Correspon: American Spirite.. American Spirits, pfd American Sugar. : ‘American Sugar, pfd. American Tobacco . American Cotton Ol Atchison . Baltimore & Oaio. Bay State Gas. Canada Southern. Canada Pacific tris Minots Central. Lake Shore... Louisville & Nashville. Metropoittan Traction. Mahuttan Elevated Michigan Central Missouri Pacific. National Lead C National Lead Go., pid. New Jersey Central. New York Central Northern Pactfc. type, 5 at 129%; at Gig: 10 at F5 3 F a5} aE aE: ry 28 e 4 z iF z 4 32 i g8z, a £ i weer Repirsiciald if # g ARSE ; iit, A i H f # : F3 eft i t H Hi to. 98 ie i 4