Evening Star Newspaper, February 4, 1897, Page 2

2 LATE NEWS BY WIRE|MR. DAVIS’ NOMINATION —-+ -——— Cuban Women Related to Insurgents Imprisoned at Havana. REPORT OF GEN. WEYLER'S RECEPTION Soldiers Said to Have Greeted Him With Enthusiasm. Se ee A MUSICIAN’ SUICIDE aS HAVANA, Cuba, February 4.—The steamer Manuela arrived here last night from the province of Puerto Principe, hav- ing on board as prisoners, arrested by order of the governor, Senora Concepcion Agraronte, mother of Dr. Sanchez Agra- monte, the physician of Maximo Gomez; Senora Angela Silva Loperecio, Leader Loperecio, Senora Gabriela Varona de Miranda, Senora Maria Aguila, Senora Eva Adan Rodriguez, an American citizen, and wife of the insurgent, Col. Alejandro Rod- riguez, now in the province of Santa Clara; the editor of El Pueblo of Puerto Principe, Senor Eduardo Valel Zequiera, and eight other prisoners. They were all escorted to the jail Advices received here from Villa Clara, capital of the province of Santa Clara, to- day said that Captain General Weyler on his arrival there yesterday was received by the authorities and crowds of people. The city was handsomely decorated for the oc- casion, and the captain general was pres- ent later at a review of the garrison. ‘The soldiers acclaimed him with enthusiasm, and it is stated that the Spanish command- er's presence at Villa Clara has raised pub- lic spirits considerably. Since the captain general Province of Santa Clara the entered the column of troops under his command has had several skirmishes with the insurgents, and from Cruces to Villa Clara the number of these engagements increa: One band of the eremy approached near enough to fire into the captain general's camp. The insur- gents were dispersed by a squadron of the Pavia regiment. General Gasco, in command of the ad- Yance guard, dispersed another group of insurgents at Ovemado Hilario, near the river Sagua. The troops comprising the garrison of Tanamo, province of Santiago de Cuba, have been engaged with the insurgents at Dolorita. They captured an insurgent camp. and, continuing the pursuit, en- Zaged the enemy several times. The go ernment force had five men killed and twenty wounded. Later the same forces, acting with the gunboat Pinzon, at Brad- eras, where the column was reinforced by & detachment of marines landed for the Durpose, completely dispersed the insur- gents in that vicinity. The enemy lost over sixty men. On the government side a lieutenant of marines, Roberto Lopez, and two soldiers were wounded, and in addi- ton one man was killed. James W. kenville, from Shalenville, Pa. committed sutcide by shooting. this morning, at the Hotel Saratoga. He was a professor of music. By the side of the body was the Colt’s pistol with which he killed himself and in his pockets were 177 cartridges. He left a letter to his mother. Mrs. Kate S. Hex, and a request that the — be handed to Consul General e. ——_— MR. HANNA’S FRIENDS QUOTED. ‘hey Say He Has Given Up Hope of Succeeding Senator Sherman. 1 Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, Ohio, February. 4.—Na- tional Republican Chairman Hanna adopt- ed the rule which characterized his course during the entire campaign of not talking en any important development in politics which intimately concerns himself. He therefore refused this morning to say a vord as to the rumor that Governor Bush- nell Rad decided te appoint Lieutenant Governor Asa Jones United States senator to succeed Mr. Sherm While the Sher- tran men in Columbus admit that there is no hope that Hanna will be appointed to the Senate, and it is believed to be a set- Spec tied thing that Governor Bushnell will se- lect Lieutenant Governor Jones for the va ancy in accordance with the terms of Zanesville agreement, Mr. Hanna re- He may have information ich he is not giving out, sociates and friends are au- thority for the statement that Mr. Hanna has abandoned hope of se: ‘ing the sena- torial appointment from Governor Bush- nell. This is a severe blow to the national chairman, and, while i: will not preclude the possibility of his entering the Senate by election by the legislature a year from March, it will prevent his being in Wash- ington at the incipiency of the next ad- minisiration. Mr. Hanna having given up the thought of receiving anything from the Foraker people is going into the campaign on his own responsibility for the full term as sea- ator. What fs Said by a Friend. Associated Press. CLEVELAND, Obio, February 4.—Care- Tul inquiry by a representative of the As- sociated Press among the more intimate rds and political advisers of Mr. M. A. Hanra today developed the fact that here is good ground fer the reports which nave been in circulation during the past few days to the effect that the national hzirman will not be appointed to fill the place of Senator Sherman in the United Slates Senate. In fact, it ean be stated on unquestion- vbie authority that Mr. Hanna has practi- ally abandoned all hope of securing the ‘prointmeat. A gentleman who stands as close to Mr. Hanna as any person in Cleveland said to- day that there was now no doubt that Gevernor Bushnell would appoint Lieuten. ant Governor Jones to fill the unexpir. 5 and that at the ture, which con- in January, 189%, Governor Bushnell weuld himself be a candidate for the full term. it is further stated on the same au- that Lieutcnant Governor Jones i not to be a candidate for the full m in opposition to Bushnell, und that the fight wiil then be strictly between Bushnell and Harna. The gentleman who gave this informa- tion, and whose knowledge upon the sub- ject cannot be doubted, said that the fight between National Chairman Hanna and Senator Foraker would now be carried on to the bitter end, ané¢ would, he said, not be by any means confined to state politics. The report that Mr. Hanna is being Strongly urged to accept the postmaster seneralship in President McKinley's cab- ‘net is also verified, but thus far, it is stated, he has steadily declined to enter he cabinet in any capacity. Colors Sent for the Alexander Regi- ment of the German Army. LIN, February 4.—The ceremony cf fixing the ribbons sert by The czar to the Alexander Regiment, of which he is hon- »rary colonel, occurred in the Lustgarten at noon today. Emperor William, the officers of the regi- ment and his majesty’s staff rode dow: eady the ribbons, red and white, were a tached to red embroidered imperial monv- srams, bearing the date “1s04," and white imperial double eagle with the date “1N96. Afler the presentation of an address by Col. Nepokoishitzki, the czar’s represenia- ve, the commander of the regiment hanked him and called for cheers for the czar. The ceremony was followed by a luncheon, at which the emperor, in toast- ing the czar, begged Col. Nepokoishitzki to convey to his majesty the thanks of the Alexander Regiment and of the whole army for this fresh proof of his favor. Emperor William proceeded to refer to the brotherbood of arms existing of yore between Russians and Germans, adding hat the German army was deeply sensible of the honor conferred upon it today, would look with pride on the new ribbons and er joyfully remember the days when his majesty, at the head of the regiment, led them at Breslau, the name of which is permanently bound up in the past relations af both dynasties, Democratic Central Committee to Consider it Tonight. How the Vacancy May Be Temporarily Filled—When Senate Judiciary Committee Will Meet. Vice Chairman John A. Clarke of the central democratic committee of the Dis- trict has issued a call for a meeting of the committee at Meyer's Hotel at 7:30 this evening, to take action upon the nomina- tion of Mr. Henry E. Davis, .to be United States attorney for the District. It is ex- pected, of course, that at the meeting of the committee considerable opposition to Mr. Davis’ confirmation may be made by individual members, but, as stated in The Star several days ago, his friends are con- fident that the committee, as a bddy, will not oppose him, if, indeed, a resolution in- dorsing him and asking his confirmation is not adopted. Speaking today to a Star reporter respect- ing the selection of Mr. Davis as Mr. Bir- ney’s successor, Mr. Milton M. Holland, a well-known colored member of the bar, and a prominent republican, expressed him- self as being heartily in favor of the con- firmation of Mr. Davis. “While I am,” said Mr. Holland, ‘and always have been a repu'lican, yet I am not only pleased with Mr. Davis’ nomination, but I would be delighted to do anything possible to secure his confirmation. And if there is anything I or my friends can do for Mr. Davis, I trust he will let me know. If Mr. Davis is defeated by the silver men now, it will re- sult in making a martyr of him, and if that is done I have no doubt that Mr. Mc- Kinley will renominate him. And ff, he shoul I think he would be doing what is right. I think that these sentiments of mine are shared by about all of the colored members of the bar, who know Mr. Davis to be an able man, and who believe that he would make a splendid prosecuting officer.” To Fill the Vacancy Temporarily. It is stated on the best of authority that, notwithstanding the probable complete vacancy and standstill in the office with the expiration of District Attorney Bir- ney’s term of office tomorrow, there will be no special meeting of the Senate judiciary committee to consider the nomination of Mr. Henry E. Dayis as Mr. Birney’s suc- cessor. The nomination will, therefore, first be considered at the regular meeting of the committee next Monday morning. It is understood that there will be a meet- ing of the District Court in General Term at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning to con- sider the question of the right of the court to appoint a successor to Mr. Birney, in the event of a failure of the Senate to meantime confirm the nomination of Mr. Davis. It is believed quite generally that the court will conclude that {t possesses such authority. If the court so decides, it is believed that Mr. Birney or Mr. Davis will receive the appointment, with the chances greatly in favor of the former. By seme, however, it is held that Mr. Birney is not eligible to reappointment. Others consider that it would be inappro- priate to appoint Mr. Davis. To avoid all that, the suggestion of the appointment of Mr. Hugh T. Taggart, Mr. Birney’s first assistant, hes been made. Nevertheless, the impression seems to be that if the court decides it can fill the vacancy, Mr. Birney will receive the appointment. Pressure on Senatérs. All efforts to defeat Mr. Davis’ confirma- tion are now %eing bent upon the Senate committee on the judiciary. Mr. Davis’ friends are urging upon members of that committee the fact that Mr. Cleveland would have appointed him to the position for which he is now named four years ago had Mr. Davis been so situated that he could have accepted the appotntment. They say that this fact is a complete refutation of the idea that some of the democratic senators appear to have that Mr. Davis’ appointment is in payment for his active werk during the recent cam- paign in support of Mr. Cleveland's finan- cial views. It is gererally believed at the Capitel today that if a report can be se- cured from the committee on judiciary to the Senate so that the senators will have an opportunity to vote upon the confirma- tion that Mr. Davis has a good chance of coming out of the fight with a victory. nd RUTLER ATTACKS THE GOVERNOR. Not Occur Carolina Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. RALEIGH, N. C., February 4.—Senator Butler's paper created a sensation today by a direct attack on Gov. Russell, saying that he had dealt with the populist bolters, that he entered into a deal with them, and tried to tempt them to break their loyalty to their party and its principles. Senator Butler says no true populist will accept patronage from such a deal, and he calls on them to denounce in the legislature the bills by which the governor and the re- publican machine hope to destroy the pop- ulist party in North Carolina. The senator says co-operation with republicans, as with democrats, is a failure, and that it will never again occur. Senator Butler left here this morning. He addressed the populist majority caucus last night, taking ground in favor of the bill to annul the lease cf the North Caro- lina railway to the Southern. The caucus, by a unanimous roll call vote, stood by him. Butler says thirty-eight were pres- ent. Representative Skinner declares all the bolting populists will oppose the lease. This seems erroneous, for there are excel- lent grounds for saying five populists favor the lease. Senator Butler, as he was departing this morning, said he had arranged everything to his satisfaction. He says of the bolters: “The republicans nave got the last sucker they can get, and they are welcome to them.” He declares he will give $% each for all populists in the state over 200 in number who support the bolters in voting for Pritchard. Governor Russell sent a message to the jegislature today containing the Seaboard Air Line's proposition to lease the North Carolina railway at ten per cent. The republ‘can and populist bolters’ con- ference committees today announce they have divided the state institution, the pop- viiets taking the agricultural department bureau of labor statistics, insane asylum at Morganton and Goldsboro, shell fish com- missioner, state librarian and keeper of capitol, while the republicans take the pen- itentiary, railway commission, insane asy- lum at Raleigh, circult criminal judge and Atlantfe and North Carolina railway. The majority populists are ignored in this. deal. The educational institutions are not divided, but are put in the governor's hands. sae ee TROUBLE IN THE TRANSVAAL. Sericus Disturbances Said to Have Oc- curred at Johannesburg. LONDON, February 4.—The Globe this afternoon says that a rumor fs current that serious disturbances have taken place at Johannesburg. = TO DISCUSS THE TARIFF. jesmen Coming rom Ottawa. : OTTAWA,February 4.—Sir Richard Cart- wright and H. I. Davies, minister of marine and fisheries, have gone to Wash- ington, where they are to meet leading po- litical men to discuss the tariff, alien labor law and other matters which for a long time have been the subject of friction be- tween Canada and the United States, - a Commander Bradford Exonerated. Secretary Herbert has approved the find-_ ings of the court of inquiry which exoner- ated Commander Bradford, commanding the cruiser Montgomery, from all responsi- bility for the recent accident to the vessel. when she struck an uncharted obstruction in New York harbor, The Saturday Star By Mail : One Year One Dollar. THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1897-12 PAGES ee (Continued from First Page.) Hoar, Jones (Nev.) Lindsay, Lodge, Paseo, a Perkins, ee aaa oe well, Sherman, Stewart. Teller, Thurs- ton, Wilson—30, Hypocrisy of the Bill. As the vote was announced Mr. Hill re- marked: “And having brought the bill before the Senate, senators can now pro- ceed to take a glass of beer.” He went on to speak of the hypocrisy of the bill. 1t was soon evident that the senator would talk against the measure until 2 o'clock, when the bill would be cut off by the Nicaragua canal bill. He spoke of .he ex- tremes to which prohibition legislation had been carried and the excessive pun- ishments inflicted. The violation of an excise law had become worse than murder or burglary. “I am opposed such restrictions,” de- clared Mr. Hill. “I believe in the personal liberty of the citizen, subject only to such reasonable regulations as the public good demands. All the rest is tyranny.” This measure was an emanation from those who were constantly fearful of grave dan- gers. Some of them felt that a grave dan- ger lurked in the power of the pope. Others turned their attention to the grave danger of a saloon in the Capitol. This sort of legislation would not do. It was unwise, unnecessary. Under it the venerable sera- tor from Vermont (Morrill) could be taken out of the Senate on a charge of violat- ing the excise laws. Under it senators would find on reaching the chamber some day that one-half of their asyoziates were in the police court for violation of the ex- cise laws. Mr. Hill talked up to 2 o'clock, when the bill was displaced and the Nicaragua canal bill was taken up. Another Spanish Prisoner. Before proceeding with the debate Mr. Morgan (Ala.) presented a resolution re- questing the President for information as to the arrest of Caspar Betancourt at Ha- vana, whether a demand for his releggp had been made. Mr. Hoar thought the Senate should not be precipitate in calling for information, as he knew one case in which the release of a prisoner was prevented by an untimely resolution. Mr. Morgan said the case was a grave one. He added that a specific law made it the duty of the President to inform Con- gress of such subjects. But it has been impossible to get information on the Com- betitor and other cases, and the law was a dead letter. The resolution was then agreed to. A Parliamentary Tangle. Mr. Lodge (Mass.) endeavored to have the canal bill give way temporarily to per- mit action on the conference report on the immigration bill. An objection being made, Mr. Lodge moved to take up the immigra- tion report. This caused a lively parlia- mentary tangle. learaguan Bill Displaced. Mr. Gorman argued that the canal Dill would be permanently displaced if the im- migration bill was taken up. Without de- ciding this point, the presiding officer put to a vote Mr. Lodge's motion and it pre- vailed, 35-13. This brought the immigration bill before the Senate, and Mr. Hill appealed to Mr. Lodge, in charge of the bill, to allow the bill to be recommitted for modification in the age and illiteracy provisions. Mr. Chandler seconded the appeal, saying a re- committal would secure the desirable end of uniting political parties in immigration legislation. Mr. Lodge yielded to ihe ap- peals, and thereupon moved that the Sen- ate disagree to the conference report. THE HOUSE. Rev. J. J. Doliver, a Methodist clergy- man of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and the father of Representative Doliver, offered the in- veeation in the House today. Postmaster General Wilson of West Virginia was on the floor when the session opened. On motion of Mr. McCormick (N.¥.) a bill was passed to authorize the erection of a light house and fog signal at Orient Point, L. 1, with a limit of cost of $30,000. Bills were also passed to grant to the Hudson Reservoir and Canal Company a rignt of way through the Gila river Indian reservation in Arizona; to authorize the establishment of a life-saving station at Peint Arena, Mendocino county, Cal., and to pension the widow of Maj. Gen. Jeseph B. Carr at the rate of $50 per menth. The House then went into committee of the whole, and resumed the consideration of the District of Columbia appropriation ADMIRAL BUNCE’S SQUADRON. Left Hampton Reads Today for a New Set of Maneuvers. Admiral Bunce’s squadron sailed from Hampton Roads today to begin a new set of maneuvers and drills, the most interest- ing feature of which will be a mock block- ade of the port of Charleston, 8. C., repro- ducing, in some measure, the conditions that existed there during a period in the last war. The vessels which follow2d the flagehip New York out of the itoads today were the battle ship Indiana, the armored cruiser Maine, the turret ship Amphitrite, the cruiser Columbia and the dispaizh }oat Fern. Tae admiral telegraphed the fact of his departure to the Navy Department, and added that the Marblehead, which is sume- where outside the capes, would he ordered te fall in line, if sighted. The double-tur- reted monitors Puritan and Terror are also expected to join the squadron, and by the time the actual blockade tactics begin there will probably be other additions to the force of vessels. The scuadron will probably put in some time during the fa- vorable weather drilling off the capes and on the way southward, and it is uot ex- pected that the ships will be off Charleston befere theeSth instant unless the weather forces a change in the program. ———_-e-______ COL, CROFTON RETIRED. The Action Arbitrarily Taken by the President. Col. Robt. E. F. Crofton, 15th Infantry, was arbitrarily retired today by order of the President. It has been the desire of the War Department for some time that this officer should leave the active service, and efforts have been made during the past two years to attain this end, first through intimations to the friends of Col. Crofton that his retirement would be granted if ap- plied for, and this failing, through that law which obliges ar officer to retire if found physically unfit for service by a medical board. This last course was adopt- ed about nine months ago, but also with- out success, the board finding that the officer was in good condition physically. Finally, recourse has been had to the law which permits the President to retire an officer arbitrarily when he shall have reached sixty-two years of age. Col. Crofton passed this milestone last month, and the law has been applied to his case. This is a most unusual proceeding, the last instance of a forced retirement being in the case of Gen. Carr, who was forced out in order to permit of the promotion of officers below him in rank. Col. Crofton was in command of the 15th Infantry while the organization was stationed at Fort Sheri- dan, near Chicago, and was, with or with- out just ground, held responsible for the many incidents in the history of the occu- pation of the post that furnished matter for the civil and criminal courts and many } courts-mertial. Col. Crofton has a good war record. He is not a native American, being born in Ireland, and he entered the service in en unusual manner, becoming at once captain of the 16th Infantry, in May, (961. He served throughout the war and was bre- vetted major and colonel for gallant service at Shiloh and Chickamauga. He became colonel of the 15th Infantry in October, 1886, is now stationed at Fort Bayard, N. M., whence that command was remov. when the last changes in stations of troops were made. —____-e+_____ No Revolution in Guatemala. * Senor Arriaga, the Guatemalan minister, has received a cablegram from his home gcvernment, announcing that there is no rer fi port pant oni oa Sew hare ar rn perfect peace throughout ee Brel need Re ove erty gong ama that an insurrection ‘brokem out in his country, aie TODAY ON BAIL Werk on the Case. DETAILS OF THE AFFAIR ——— The arrest* of Hamilton F. Colman in New York yesterday for having in his pos- session uncancelled newspaper and periodi- cal stamps, is Hkely to prove a flasco. Mr. Colman was on the way to see his father, who lies at the point of death at Coopers- town, N. Y. He had received a telegram Tuesday. stating that his father was dying and had gotten leave of absence from the chief clerk of the general land office, in which he has been a clerk for twelve years, and that night. took the train for New York. The next beard from him was the New York dispatch announcing his arrest by a post office detective there and that he had over $5,000 worth of un- cancelled stamps in his possession when apprehended. 2 The postal inspectors here stop breathing when they see a newspaper man approach- ing them, so that little can be learned here. But it is believed that the arrest was not directed from Washington. And it ts also stated on good authority that young Col- man has probably violated no law. The statute makes it an offense punishable by imprisonment from-six months to a year with a fine of from $100. to. $500 to have cancelled postage stamps of any kind in one’s possession with intent to use them again in the mails, or to remove the marks of cancellation with a view to using them again in the mails. So far as the search of the statutes today at the department showed, neither this provision nor any other covers Colman’s case. His stamps were not canceled. They were fresh as the day they were made. Newspaper Stamps. Newspaper and periodical stamps are not sold to the public as other stamps are. They never pass out of the possession of employes of the postal department. They are used exclusively on newspaper and periodical mail and are issued in denomi- nations all the way from 1 cent up to $100. Some of the stamps ere for odd and usual amount. One of the prettiest of the series—and they are all very beauti- ful stamps, myzh sougnt after by col- lectors—is for the sum of $1.92. The method of use is for the postmaster on receiving newspapers or magazines to give a receipt for the welght of the matter to the pub- Isher, and on the stub o fthis receipt book he pastes a sufficient number of stamps to cover the amount of postage called for at the rate of 1 cent a pound. For instance, if 192 pounds of newspapers came into an office the postmaster would write out a re- ceipt for that. amount, give it to the man who brought the newspapers and paste the bright, green one-dollar-and-ninety-two- cent stamp on the stub from which he had torn the recefpt. At the end of every quarter the post- master is obliged to send to the depart- ment in Washington these receipt books, with the stamps attached, and here they are very carefully counted and checked up. Finally these books, with their stamps, are turned over toa committee in the depar' ment, under whose direction they are taken to the destruction room and placed in a large furnace and burned up. Every pre- caution is taken to prevent any thett of these canceled stamps. The furnace « Iccked up, the committee keeping the key, and a number o9f men left to guard the room. Various Leaks. But this.is not.the only way the stamps could get out. «There is'no! doubt thet many thousands of dollar’ worth are stolen every year by, burglars, There were over 800 burglaries last year, and in a large proportian of them newspaper stamps were taken. The burglar finds his way to the “fence,” and the “fence” has his own pe- culiar method of selling the stamps, so that they finally reach collectors. More thar this, however, is-the fact that pestmasters, knowingly or ignorantly, in violation of the law and the rules of the department, cell these stamps. So great is the leek in this respect that the third assistant postmaster general, Mr. Kerr Craige, has recently printed in the Postal Guide a notice warning postmasters against this practice. Says They Were Proofs. Mr. A. C. Townsend, the philatelist who has an office in the Washington Loan and ‘Trust Company building, today talked very frankly about bis connection with the affair, and stated emphatically that the stamps which Mr. Colman had were not canceled stamps ner uncanceled -stamps, but proofs of newspaper and periodical stam: ps. am not at liberty to say all I know about this matter at present,” said Mr. Townsend, “but I can say without any hesitation that the Post Office Department has made a mistake in regard to Mr. Col- man. I am satisfied that he had nothing in his. possession that he had not come honestly by and that he had not & perfect right to have. I cannot state now where we got these proofs, but that is what they are, and it will be found that Mr. Colman got them honestly and has a right to have them. It is true that these newspaper and periodical stamps are stolen by burglars, and it is also true that postmasters sell them. But these found on Mr. Colman were not obtained in that way. They were, as I said before, proofs, perforated and glued.” Mr. Colman secured bail and was re- leased in New York today, and went on to Cooperstown to his father’s bedside. His friends in the land office speak of him in the highest terms. He was an efficient and popular clerk. His father is a brother of the former commissioner of agriculture. —_—->___ THE WATSON-BLACK CONTEST. Report Expected Tomorrow to Be in Favor of the Sitting Member. Unless there is a change in the program, @ report will be made to the House tomor- row on the Black-Watson case by the com- mittee having it in charge. The senti- ment of the members of the committee has, it is understood, undergone a change favor- able to the sitting member, Col. Black, and the report will bably recommend that he be retained. There is no doubt that for a while the committee was in doubt what to do, leaning somewhat to the Watson side of the case. 9 + Reducing the Mileage. The Senate committee on commerce today agreed to reportfavorably the bill reducing the mileage paid, steamboat inspectors from eight to five cepts per mile. —— os Another Bankruptey Bill. Senator Nelson stoday introduced a sub- stitute for the bankruptcy bill now before the Senate. It “provides for voluntary bankruptcy ees eae of persons owing $200 or more arid Preference to debts due the United States or the state in which the debtor lives’afd to those due servants or laborers, ——__-o-___ Prof. Daniel's Condition. Prof. Jozeph H.. Daniel, for more than forty years a teacher of music in the pub- le schools, is reported this afternoon to be in a sinking condition. It was expect- ed that he would not survive last night, and his death is hourly expected. : eS Sea the Gity Pest Office Building. Peatmaster Genezal Wilsoe Has an Interyiew With Chairman Can- mor om the Subject. Postmaster .General Wilson had a consul- tation today with Chairman Cannon and members of the committee on appropria- tions ir regard to the proposed removal of the department to the new city post office building. The Postmaster General was armed with complete data in regard to the change, and the cost which it would in- volve. Carefully prepared measurements, it is stated, show that the new building would not accommodate both the depart- ment and the city pest office. There is not room enough in the new building, it is claimed, by 50,000 square feet. In addition to this there is a general objection to placing the two in the same building, as they once were. The post office authorities are opposed to the risk of moving the hundreds of tons of archives stored away in the old building. It has been suggested as a cheaper thing to add two stories to the present building. ——_____o. MONETARY CONFERENCE BILL. It Will Probably Pass the House by a Good Majority. The Hovse committee on coinage, weights and measures did nothing at their meeting this morning with relation to the Senate resolution for an international monetary conference. Two or three bills on the sub- ject have been introduced in tne House by members of that committee, and it was decided, as a matter of courtesy to the authors of the bills, to have a hearing on the subject on Saturday. It is understood that the committee will report the resolution favorably, and the Opposition to it will be purely Pickwickian. The purpose of those who are for silver “without the consent of any natien on earth” is to make a lot of speeches and a lively debate ts anticipated, bit the measure will pass by a larze majority. A minor bill of some importance, as in- volving a principle, was adopte] by the committee after a nacd figh*. Mutilated coin are now redeem2d by the government at their bullion valu. This does net in- volve a loss beyond the actual mutila in the case of gold; bat the bullion valve of silver being so far below the coin value, @ very considerable loss to the holder. is involved. Mr. Otey of Virginia some ago introduced a bill providing that re- demptions should .e made at the coinaxe value, so that a silv2r dollar with, say one- tenth part cut away, would be redeemed ai nine-tenths its coinax2 value, or ninety cents. This bill was reported favorably to- day by a vote of 7 19 and it is the ex- pectation of the commii:2e that they will pass it. A MONTREAL MYSTERY. Alleged Kidnaping and Robebry at a Millionaire. MONTREAL, February 4.—A millionaire real estate dealer from New Hampshire is alleged to have been held a prisoner in this city by a couple who passed as Mr. and Mrs. Stanton of New York, but who are said to be the Rev. and Mrs. Michard- son. - Three months ago the Richardsons rented a furnished house in this city from Wil- liam W. Squire. With them, whea they took possession of the house, was the man whom they are suspecied of having kid- naped. The police refuse to disclose the name of this third pers of the Richard- son household, but be is «lescribed as small, dark and about fifty years of age, and iz is alleged that he controtled immense in- terests in the northern part of New Hamp- shire. Richardson is large, smooth-shaven and of clerical aspect. His wife is a medtum- sized, handsome woman of about thirty- five. : The man they are alleged to have in their keeping was, it is asserted, constantly un- der the influence of a powerful drug admin- istered by the Richardsons, who, while his will power was broken py the drug, caused him to sign checks for large sums of money, which they cashed. An agent of the millionaire came here about two weeks ago to find him. The police sey this agent saw the Richardsons, but they had their victim well hidden, and told the agent that they did not know anyzhing about him. The trio disappeared a few hours before the detectives finally decided to swoop down upon the house. The detectives are divided in thelr opinion as to where the mysterious trio have gone. Some think they have gone to Engiand, and some think they are hiding somewhere about Montreal, but they fear the Rich- ardsons may do away with their victim. Later—The police now state that Rich- ardson is the name of the kidnaped man, and that Stanton’s real’ name is Fraser, and that he is an ex-Methodist preacher, formerly of the New York cquference. ——_——.—__ DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. Potomac Company. The’ Potomac Electric Light and Power Company has made application to the Com- missioners for permission to resurface with asphalt the cuts that were made in the pavements incident to the laying of electric light conduits. The application sets forth that it is made with a knowledge of the vioiation of the rule which prohibits the laying of asphalt during the winter, but stipulates that when summer comes the work will be torn up and done over. The object Of the application is to put the city in good condition for the inauguration. Offer Accepted. The Commissioners have accepted the proposal'of William F. and Annie K. Poore to sell to the District certain ground in the line of Albemarle street at 12 cents per square foot. Adverse Report. An adverse report has been made by the Commissioners upon House bill 10083 to regulate the service of summons in the ccurts of justices of the peace in the Dis- trict of Columbia. They transmit also a copy of the opinion of the attorney for the District upon the subject, in which he says he-does not understand that there is any necessity for the proposed legislation. Case Nolle Prossed. William M. Taylor, who conducted an Eclipse bicycle agency at 39 H street, and who was arrested several days ago, charged with embezzling $117 from the general agent of the Eclipse company in this city, was placed on trial this afternoon in the Police Court. A large number of witnesses &ppeared for the prosecution. When the hearing had proceeded but a few moments it was discovered that the in- formation was defective. While a new pa- per was being drawn up, the complaining witness reached the conclusion that he did ot care to further prosecute the case. As- sistant District Attorney Mullowney there- upon entered a nolle prosequi, and Taylor Was discharged from custody. ee aed Interstate Commerce Commission. The interstate commerce commission to- day, in an opinion by Commissioner Prouty, announced its decision of the case of Wolf Brothers vs. the Allegheny Valley Railway Company and others. “Unjust classifica- tion of complainants’ envelopes was alleged in this case. The commission holds: “Com- plainants’ open-end envelopes, though made by a different and cheaper process than that employed in the manufacture of other L POST OFFICE|MANY TURNED AWAY —e6eSC3303038R606860—0—«=Oo*ees=—_— — SS 006000600 eee ALL ABOUT. LIQUOR) THEY WERE PROOFS — Objections to Moving the Departuent Inte} The Poor FINANCE AND TRADE Funds Are in a Depleted Onaditi Coniritationsa Today and Arrange- menta for the Charity Concert To- morrow Afterncon—Some Cases. Increase in Burlington's Earnings for December. The police and charity organizations had very Utile in their poor funds today and were doing the best they could to relieve only extreme cases. The donations being received are very small, as compared with what was received last week. At the Central Union Mission it was stated that the donations were so small that they were not worth noting, while at the headquar- ters of the Associated Charities, as already Stated, assistance was being given only in extreme cases. The police Heutenants re- Ported this morning that the number of applicants’ for assistance had decreased since the announcement was made that the fund was exhausted. But still the num- ber of callers is large. Speaking on the question of charity # police lieutenant told a Star reporter that the number of appli- cants Increases when there are food and fuel at the station which they can get and take away in their baskets. Most of those who are nov asking for ald are really in need, and many of them are actually suffer- ing. Last aight at the fifth precinct sta- tion a man who has a wife and several children appeared and asked for help. “We haven't anything to give,” he was GENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, February 4.—Opening prices this morning were barely steady around last night's final figures, commis- sion houses being conspicuous seliers dur- ing the early trading. The reduetion of % per cent in the Bank of England's rate of discount had a beneficial influence on the foretgn miscellaneous security market, but the American department was dull at minimum advances. Scme disposition to buy cn concessions was noted later in the day, but the local market was not fully in sympathy with the foreign demand. A revival of European buying ts counted on to assist local buying, once the latter movement takes tangible shape. It is un- reasonable to suppose that a lack of local aon ‘ aS aa ae vase appreciation will invite outside support. jut I must get something for m: ~ eae . hy,” “T have no woek and | RoWever, and the aggressiveness must he protested. my family can't be permitted to starve.” The man’s pleadings were of no avail, for the charity fund was exhausted and the police had taxed their own pockets to the fullest extent. All the police could do was to refer him to the Associated Chari- ties. This morning a man, who gave his name as Robert Bolster, called at police head- quarters and asked for assistance. “Send me to the workhouse or the poorhouse,” he said. “I must go somewhere. I have been out of work and have no home.” ‘When he went over to the Police Court he told Judge Kimball that he had come here from Milwaukee several months ago to get in the Soldiers’ Home. He had been unable to get in the home, and now he wanted some place to stay until April, when he will get his pension. Judge Kimball gave him a note to the marcgers cf the Central Union Mission and said he knew he could get a temporary home there. Those who contributed te the police charity fund today were: Wolf Nord- linger, $20 worth of provisto! ‘Theodore Barres, meat; L. E. Breuninger, 50 loaves of breed; J. F. Atzel, 100 loaves of bread; A. B. McCloskey, $4; K., $1; W. D. Terrille, 10 per cent of gross receipts for six days; William Zamer, 100 loaves of breod; L. B. Anderson, vegetables; W. Wunen, Mrs. W. H. Olcott and Mrs. Meade, clothing; Mrs. C. R. Peyton, pro- visions. For Central Relief Committee. Heretofore acknowledged. Dollar fund Bureau of education. Emptoyes, Naval Observatory. originate In the home market. A receivership for a small western rail- road and the closing of a small bank in the same section of the country were among the unfavorable developments of the day. In neither case was any significance at- tached to the announcement. The introduction of a bill in the Illinois legislature seeking to further reduce the price of gas and to embarrass the consoli- dation scheme had an adverse influence on the price of Chicago Gas. The selling for this cause was confined to traders, and is not likely to extend into well informed cir- cles. The action may safely be interpreted as being a remnant of the peculiar meth- ods established? by the predecessor of the present legislative body. The various reports of earnings submitted during the day were more encouragmg than the routine reporis of the past six weeks. Burlington's reported increase of $69,000 for the month of December was especially significant in view of its prob- able influence on the dividend pclicy of the road. The amount actually earned on the stock is fractionally less than the amount neces- sary to maintain the present 4 per cent rate. The exact deficit is probably less than 1-2 per cent. If the old rate is maintained in spite of this fractional lack it will be because of ees, assurances of future prosper- ity. Instead of the customary reflection on the business capacity of the management it is quite probable that the street would be persuaded into a more general acceptance : 17.50 Biological , Departm \f of future possibilities. The continuation of Agrictlture 7 rtment of 7.00 | the old rate will not be a novel action in War Records office, War Depar' any sense, but it may be taken to indicate ment, additional . 1.50 | that all future disbursements wil be legitl- mately earned. New Jersey Central reports an increase of $509,072 for the full year, but these fig- ures did not prevent fractional concessions in the shares of that property. A small gain in Missouri Pacific may be noted as an exception to the general character ef these reports. American Sugar was weak under superior selling by houses usually credited with United States navy yard: Office of the Postmaster General... Engraving division of the coast == geodetic survey. . 8. ‘Southern Officers and employes, Railway Company, additional... accurate knowledge as to the logical Dollar Puna. course of these shares. Logical in this Cash, cash, Mrs. M. B. McR., E. C. A., cash, M. B. W., cash, M. 8. The Charity Concert. : Teday holders of reserved seat tickets for the charity concert, to be given at the Naticnal Theater tomorrow afternoor be- girning at 2 o'clock, have been exchanging their tickets for coupons at the theater. The police have been exceedingly success- ful so far in the sale of seats, and it is deemed certain that a considerable sum will be realized for the police poor fund by means of the concert. Persons are warred from purchasing any tickets un- less trey bear the signaiure of Tom C. Noyes cn the back. ‘The program has been practically ar- serse refers to the desire of the largest interests. The trust investigation and the specific duties on imported sugars in the new tariff bill are factors justly consid- ered of vital significance at ‘this juncture. ‘The entire industrial list fetled to improve upen its reeent level. The net result in all department was in the main disadvaztageous to prices. x “<a FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL, The following are the opening, the highest and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as reported by Corson & Macartney, members New York stock exchange. | Correspondents, Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. 80 Broadway. ranged, and it includes numbers by the Chose. Marine Band, Hatey’s Band, solo by Mrs. | American Spirits... 185g Noyes, piano solo by B. Frank Gebest, | American Spirits, pf recitation, Miss Marie Collins: violin solo, | American Sugar. Lids, Mr. Edwin A. Lovy; the Gridiron Quartet, | American Sugar, pfd 108, recitation by Mr. Frank Tannehill of the | Alerican Tobacco Nancy Hanks company, piano solo by Miss Grace Hamilton Jones, recitation by Miss Ada Louise Townsend; solo, Miss Anna Boyd of Nancy Hanks; octet from Prim- rose and West's minstrels. —— West Point Cadets Appointed. Cadets tc the Military Academy have been appointed as follows: James O. Hack- enberg, Milton, Pa.; Frank C. Amos, Sid- ney, Ohio; Lewis Brown, jr., Newport, R. I; Wade H. Shipp, Cordele, Ga.; Samuel B. Liggin (alternate), Coney, Ga.; Henry A. Bell, Burlington, Kan.; David W. Nor- ‘are & Hu Den. & Rio Grande, Erie ton (alternate), Topeka, Kan.; Wm. M. ES Cooley, Romeo, Mich.; "Archie M. Koon | General Electric Giternate), Auburn, N. Y.; David. | Illinois Centra ; Stewart, Greenwood, Wis.; George R. Reed | Luke Shore... : i (alternate), Rhinelander, Wis.; Frank B. | Louisville & Nashville... 513, Sis * 51 Reid, Oskaioosa, Iowa. — eS 108% OO % @rdered to New York. “ey Assistant Engineer George W. Danforth od has been ordered to duty at the navy yard, — New York. iy ——— : 5 15S Iiiness of Mr. Geo. Shankiti Northern Pacific, pfd BB, BT RTH ‘Ont. & Western Gecrge Shanklin, for many years con- rected with the Evansville, Ind., Courier, is very ill at the residence of his brother- in-law, Justice Harlan, in this city. His brother, J. G. Shanklin, who was tele- grephed for, arrived here yesterday. ————_____ Marriage Licenses. Marriage licenses have been issued to the following: White—Samuel G. Wise and Stella Sey- both; Michael P. Merrin and Mary A. Scan- lon, both of Richmond, Va. Colored—Levi Williams and Ella Gant; Thomas Bookmon and Lucy £&. Thornly. tion, 10 at'B6 Llncola Piss thatvans 10 @ Pnenmatic Gan Carriage, 100 ee 62 cents; 100 cent wee ee . Grain and Cottun Markets, so Farnished by W. B, Hibbs & Co., bankers and brokers, 1427 F st., members New York stock exchange, correspondents Messrs. Ladenburg, 7. —_ New York. 1 at 126. District of Columbia Bonds.—20-year fund 5s, 108 30-year fund Ga, gold, 110 bid. bid. -AIN Ta, 1901, cw » 111 bid! Water stock : tow. Ce, | é it Wheat—May. 7 w4 T% Md. 12044 asked. July. ~ ws % 72 Miscellaneous 24 3% By 17 Fy 17%: 18g 38 1% T5i 735 75) 787 Te 770 3.5 Sse 882 ist sr Ser coro? ‘ Mareh, Ter 704 7.08 2 Te Tu Ta Te Te Ta 17 717 723 72 Tz Te ‘170 bid. iad, Government Bonds. 140 asked. | Citizens , 115 bid. 128 arked! Colum: Quotations reported by Corson & Macart- | bia. 125 bid. Capital, 120 vid, 130 aaked. West 106 bid, 210 naked. Traders’, 90 bid, ST isked.. Lincoln, 102 bid, 106 asked. “Onto, #0 vid, i :