Evening Star Newspaper, February 10, 1897, Page 11

— THE EVENING ST AR. —__+_— PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t, by he Evening Star N Company, New York Office, 49 Potter Building. gees The Evening Star is served to subscribers In the 10 os Ser week or ti ceate per month. Copies at the aeaser 2 cents each. By mail—anyw im the United States er Canada—postage cents per month. i see a a Sten, $1 per year, with fore tage added, $3. (Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D. C., second-class mail matter.) paid in = 2 < TF All mail subscriptions must be - Rates of advertishe made known oa application. pee Che Evening Star. ie > WASHINGTON D. ©, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1897-FOURTEEN PAGES. SCHOOL TRUSTEES eS Much Business Transacted at Their Meeting Yesterday. sd MANY CHANGES AND PROMOTIONS Washington's Birthday to Be Cele- brated on the 23d. oo INAUGURATION VACATION A regular meeting of the board of trus- tees of public schools was held at the Franklin building last evening, at which were present Messrs. Whelpley (in the chair), Barnard, Harries, Wilson, Hazen, Witmer, Cornish and Shadd, Mrs. Stowell ard Mrs. Terrell. Changes in the Different Divisions. A number of changes in the various school divisions were reported and ap- proved as follows: Second diviston—Accept resignations of Blanche Campbell, teacher, fifth grade, and ot Katherine Donovan, teacher, third grade. Promote Grace M. Parker, from $650 to $700; Annie Lamborn, from $550 to $650; Ada M. Williams, from $430 to $550, and'L. J. Cooper, from $425 to $550. Tenth division—Accept resignation of E. . Sewall, teacher, at Appoint John Payne, teacher, at $ Transfer J. C. Payne and C. H’ Smyth to the eleventh division. Appoint George P. Taylor janitor of Douglass School, vice C. B. Crusor, de- ceased. Eleventh division—Transfer M. L. Wil- liamson and B. C. Reed, teachers, to the tenth division. ‘The follgwing promotions were made in the health department to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Miss Squier: R. M. Oberly, from $50 to $750; R. E. Holmes, from $00 to $8, and appoint Sarah A. Green to $400 teachership. Miss M. P. Shipman, teacher of draw- ing, was granted leave of absence for three months, from February 1, and Miss E. R. Sims was appointed temporary teach- er of drawing at $775, vice Miss M. P. Ship- man, on leave. Miss E. E. Refley was transferred from the Sth division to the Ist division and ap- pointed model te Miss Frances I. Galeski, resign. Miss Susanna A. Moore appointed a teacher In the 8th division. vice Miss Reiley, transferred. muel L. Jones was appointed tcmporary jenitor of the Central High School, vice A. H. Ransom, resigned. An application from G. W. Shelby for ap- pointment as jenitor was placed on file. Miss Scammell Musical Director. On the recommendation of the committee music, the following promotions of mu- shers were made: Miss Annie E. mmell, from $1,000 to $1,200; Miss Alys Bentley, from $8%) to $1,000; Miss E. D. Tracy, from $65) to $80, and Miss Amy Law, from $400 to $650. The vacancy caused by the promotion of Miss Law from the $00 grade was filled by the appointment of Miss H. O. Stetson, who has been serv- ing as a substitute teacher in different grades for many years. This action of the makes Miss Scammell director of the public schools, in place of Joseph H. Daniel, deceased. She has ieally performed all the duties of that fi a weeks past, during the of the incutabent, and m practical demonstration of ner fitness for the place. She had no a whatever and her election was ous. In fact, all the promotions in usical department were based on pure rvice principle: ° Flag Raising in Georgetown. A communication was read from Mr. Ezra Froth, secretary of the American Grand Council, No. 1, U. A. M, asking permission to erect, without cost to the District government, a suitable flagpole upon the Threlkeld hool, corner of 36th and Prospect streets, and to hold a dem- onstration on the occasion of the raising of a flag thereon. The matter was re- ferred to Mr. Wilson, trustee from the fift ion, in which the Threlkeld school iz Iceated, aud he subsequently reported favor of the granting of the request der the usual conditions. So ordered. Sullivan, nd gui High urged upon communication, the desirability ishing a post-graduate course at as an excellent step toward lditional educational facillties tion of the “enviable standard school system.” The sug- Was referred to the committee on and high schools. om munication was read from Mrs. E. Poster of the public school committec ie Center asking permission for the members of that committee to visit the public schcols of the District with a view - improvement of their sanitary con- The communication was referred sanitation. recelved from Mr. . asking the privi- m among the public s he might choose to pera and congress ed to present in Carpenter and others, Husiness board, by Proposed Fing Salate. from bel W. Ball woman's relief committee of the R., asking that she be allowed to in- ute” In the lower grade schools, expense to the District, gave rise to a short debate. Mrs. Stowell said she favored the adop- tion of the “flag salute” in all the schools. son, thorougnly in sym- y with the idea of encouraging patriot- ism in the schools, said he was not alto- gether sure that the object in view would ned by the proposed meghod. salute, as gested, might pos- sibly result in making the ides ridiculo instead of causing a spread of patriotism. Consequently he questioned the wisdom of the proposition. Mr. Harries paid a high tribute to the character and patviotic motives of Mrs. Ball, but as a general proposition said he was opposed to having any one but the regulaf teachers do the work of instruc- tion in the schools, ne matter what its character might be. He thought the mat- ter of a “flag salute” was en‘irely within thefr own grasp, and !f deemed advisable, it could be introduced without outside as- sistance. On his motion, the matter was referred to the committee on course of instruction for such action as might be deemed advisable. Washington's Birthday Celebration. Under the call for reports from superin- tendents, Mr. Powell said that by invita- tion he had conferred with a committee of the board of trade, with reference to the proper observance of Washington's birth- day, by the children of the public schools, and it had been suggested that as that an- niversary was a legal holiday, necessitating the closing of the schools on the 22d in- stant, that the occasion be celebrated with appropriate exercises after 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the 2id instant. On motion of Dr. Witmer; the Proposed celebration was approved by the board, and the superintendent was authorized to make the necessary arrangements for carrying it Into effect. Dr. Witmer suggested that it would be a good thing ror the members of the board to participate in the exercises, and Messrs. Barnard, Harries and Whelp- ley safd that they had already been invited to do so. On motion of Mr. Wilson it was ordered that the schools be closed the Friday fol- ot A troduce the “flag without lowing inauguration day. March 4 next will be a public noliday in the District of Columbia, and the schools will be closed en that day by operation of law without the necessity of action by the board of trustees. In answer to an inquiry on the subject Supt. Powell said that flags are being pur- chased for all the public school buildings In accordance with the act of Congress making provision for the same, and all the buildings will be supplied within a very short time. Douglass Day. Dr. Shadd called attention to the ap- proaching celebration of “Douglass day” in the colored schgols, and suggested that au- thority be granted for the collection of voluntary contributions on that occasion for the benefit of the daughter of John Brown, who is in destitute circumstances. He explained that the children would not be expected to give more than 1 cent each to the fund, but if any of them desired to give more, so much the better. In his opin- ion the collection would be an excellent lesson in charity and gratitude to the col- ored children. He made a motion that the board give the necessary authority. Mrs. Terrell seconded the motion and made an earnest appeal in the same di- rection. “We motion was adopted. Mrs. Stowell said she was not altogether satisfied with the official designation of Mr. Lane as “director of High Schools,” as it seemed to her to trench somewhat on the prerogatives of Eis superior, the super- intendent. To test the sentiment of the board, she moved that the title be changed to “supervising principal of High Schools.” The motion was put to a vote and was lost. In order to correct a popular mis- apprehension it may be stated that Dr. Lane’s duties are confined to the white High Schools, and he has no jurisdiction over the colored High School. ee THE FIRST ROUND. South Wa: mgton Defeats the Stand- 2 Oil Company. The people of South Washington yester- day won the first battle in their legal war- fare against the Standard Oil Company, Judge Hagner deciding that the works of the company in South Washington must be abolished after June 1, and also en- jo:rirg the company’s construction of ad- ditions to its tanks and warehouses in that section, near South Capitol and K streets. This decision of Judge Hagner was made upon the petition of Mr. John J. Oeser of 1000 South Capitol street and others, who complained that the buildings and tanks of the company are situated in close prox- imity to. their houses; that the odor of the oil is injurious to the health of themselves and families, and that because of passing locomotives and an adjacent round house there {s constant danger of fire. Some of the tanks, it was alleged, contain gasoline and some coal ofl, and it was claimed that they leak. The complainants charged that notwithstanding all this the District “Com- missioners disregarded their protest.against permitting the erection of additional works by the company. The company denied the allegations of the complainants, and many affidavits were submitted to the court by either side. Judge Hagner, however, held that there can be ro doubt of the existence of the obnoxious odors, and it might as well be said, he remarked, that wood will not burn as to say that oll does not smell. The judge commented upon some of the affi- davits submitted: by the company, many of them being, he thought, palpably er- roneous. He concluded that the complain- ants had made out such a cage as entitled them to the relief asked by them, and he decreed as above stated. ee THE BROTHER HELD. Young Jones to Stand Trial for Shoat- ing His Brother. After the report of the case was closed in The Star of yesterday, the jury of inquest summoned to investigate the cause of the death of Robert Jones.-rendered a verdict that he was killed by a pistol in the hands of his brother, John Guy Jones. The prisoner made a statement before the jury and related how the quarrel began over a piece of bread which he had on his" plate and which his brother wanted. The latter, he sald, after beating him about the face and head, left the house. The pris- oner, during the absence of his brother, went into the room of Dr. G. G. Morris, by whom he was employed, and took from a box on a mantel the pistol with which the shooting was done. When Robert returned to the house, which took place in about half an hou he was carrying two beer bottles, and as he entered the door began “bluffing” him. John then pointed the pistol at Robert, and. as he said, “biuffed” his brother, remar! ing, “‘Now see what I can do to you.” Rob- ert replied “Go ahead.” At that moment the weapon, which was not self-cocking, was discharged, and Robert fell mortally wounded. Efforts were made by Coroner Hammett and various members of the jury to induce the prisoner to tell why he took the pistol from Dr. Morris’ room, but he steadily maintained that he did not have any idea of shooting his brother, nor could he offer any explanation for his removing it from the place where Dr. Morris had placed it. Mrs. Anna Jones, mother of the prisoner, and also of the boy who was killed, was much affected when she was informed that the verdict of the jury placed the responsi- bility for the killing upon John, and that he would be locked up in jail. While the jury was deliberating upon the evidence, she frequently asked the officer who had charge of John, what he was going to do with him, being evidently under the im- pression that the jury would accept John's statement that the shooting was accidental, and she could then take him home with her. ‘Later the prisoner was taken to jail to await the action of the grand jury. ———.—__ ~ Campfire. The last of a series of meetings, urder the auspices of the committee on fraternal relations, appointed by the department commander in general orders No. 6, was held at the rooms of Post ‘No. 5 last even- ing. These meetings, which had been a success from the beginning, wound up in an enthusiastic gathering of comrades, who all seemed fully alive to the purposes of the undertaking, and who were in entire sympathy with the occasion which brought them together. After an address ty Com- rade Weaver, the chairman, as to the ob- jects of the campfire, Comrade ‘fT. 8. Hop- Kins was assigned to the duty, by the post commander of Meade Post, of an ad- dress of welcome, which was given in elo- quent and fitting terms. The program was then taken up, consisting of songs by the Old Boys’ Quartet, Comrades McKee, Jobn- ston, Ployer and Clark; gultar and mando- lin duet, by Messrs. Weber and Viemeyer, banjo and mandolin duet, by Clemmo: and Viemeyer; recitations and songs, Dr. H. H. Arnold; a patriotic and stirring address, by Dr. J. F. Raub, jr., vice depart- ment commander, and music, by the North- east Washington String Sextet. In the midst of the program a bountiful lunch was served, having been provided through the generosity of comrades of Post No. 5. —_.__ Gave Music and Linen. The Willing Hearts Cirele of King’s Daughters of Waugh M. E. Church met at the Bruen Home for Homeless Women and Children at 1185 9th street, and gave a musical and literary entertainment, fol- lowed by chocolate, cake and fruit, making a gift to the home of table linen Thoso belonging to the circle and furnishing the program were: Mrs. Jessie Mrs. Lillian Armstrong, Mrs. Anna Thompson, Bush, Misses Mace Mrs. M: and Jo. Patten, Anna Weiss, Helen and iy Violet Ernest Thomp- Fann: Loane, Lorena Ambrose, and Masters Herbert and en son. GEN. GOMEZ’ ANSWER He Declares That Spain Does Not In- tend to Grant Reforms. CUBANS, HE SAYS, ARE FOR LIBERTY Independence the Kind of Home Rule They Want. HE SPEAKS WITH EMPHASIS A special dispatch to the Philadelphia Press from Jacksonville, Fla., dated Feb- Tuary 9, says: The following was given out to the Press representative here tonight as a descrip- tion of a visit to and an authorized inter- view with Gen. Maximo Gomez, command- er-in-chief of the Cuban insurgents: In camp of Gomez in Salado, Province of Santa Clara, Cuba, January 31. Yesterday the camp of the commander- in-chief of the Cuban army was reached by your correspondent and today Gen. Gomer, the heart, head, soul and strength of the rebellion against Castillian power in Cuba, gave me the most satisfactory and lengthy interview yet uccorded the representative of any paper—Spanish, American cr otherwise. The request for the interview was made within an_hour after my arrival in camp, but, the Cuban general made no reply until this morning, when Dr. Pedro Betancourt informed me that his chief would see and talk with me through him, that there might be no mis- understanding, due to my limited kno" edge of Spanish. After dirner, or lupckeon, Dr. Betan- court said: “Gen. Gomez has been mis- quoted so often that he usually declines to speak when he believes his words might reach the press. Then, also, he is pos- sessed of a tremendous dislike to convers- ing through an interpreter, hence the fail- ure of so many correspondents who have journeyed far to see him to get what might be of any great value from him. He has, however, consented to talk freely with you, more because of old acquaintance and friendship than anything else.” n. Gomez passed the night in the house of one Carrin, ‘a subperfecto of the Cuban republican government. Carrin gave up his only separated room to his distin- guished guest and the latter was much Pleased. He dislikes outdoor life and es- pecially that feature of it which often compels him to occupy a hammock with but the covering of trees. Gen. Gomez, early this morning, as is his custom, arose and looked about the nearby portions of the cump, then he breakfasted en chicken, served by the carriers, and later, accompanied by Col. Menocal, Dr. J. Agramonte and Dr. Betancourt, attended Catholic service in the camp, half or three- quarters of a mile away. Father Arteaga, a Venezuelan priest formerly having charge of a church at Moron, Cuba, was the cele- brant. I have tried to follow the commander's own words as much as possible, since he has a directness and terseness of expres- oe that leaves no doubt as to his mean- ng. “What do you wish to know?” was the beginning of the interview, and without giving me time to reply Gomez continued: “You must quote me correctly. I will speak openly on almost any subject on which you will ask me, but you must not say more than I do. Therefore, I will re- quest that a copy of the interview be sub- mitted to Lieut. Galvo and to Dr. Stevens before it is sent away.” Dr. Stevens is the young Boston surgeon, who has the entire confidence of the rebel leader, and is the only foreigner who eats with Gomez regularly. Disgusted With Reform Talk. “What is the attitude of the Cuban peo- ple as relates to reforms to be granted by Spain?” was the first question. Gen. Gomez replied: “Spain does not in- tend to grant reforms; she has no gaod will toward Cuba or the Cuban people; she never had. It has been always her foremost desire to make as much of the | colony and get as much out of it as was pessible for her own good. “Be that as {t may we are asking noth- ing of the Spanish government or people; even were the proposals for reform bona fide, nothing could tempt us to treat with them. We are for liberty, not for Spanish reform; we are for Cuba, not for Spain; we are for the people of our own land who work, not for the horde of idlers and cor- ruptionists that Spain Intends for us s0 long as she is able to back ihem by Bay- onets. “TI am disgusted with this talk of reform. Does Spain think we have forgotten the lessons of the past? Does she think we will be ready to treat with her for a por- tion when the whole is within our reach, and when we can win it with honor?” And then, General Gomez, asking of me paper and pencil, scribbled the following quotation: “‘La Libertad es uno de los mas, precisos dones que los Cielos dieron a los hombres,” and continued: “Liberty is what we are fighting for, because, as I have just written, it is one of the most glorious gifts that God has bestowed upon man. Print that sentence throughout your country, a country which has fought for liberty and won it, but a country, I regret to say- et: General Gomez did not finish his sentence. Lieutenant Galvo then read to Gomez the words of Minister Estrada Palma regard- ing Spanish reforms contained in a news- paper clipping. “Dr. Palma is right in what he says,” said the little general, when Galvo had finished; “‘he understands what we are all fighting for. Dr. Palma could not have truthfully said anything else. He knows the Cuban heart, and he knows as well as any one in the world what a sham and deception Spanish reforms would be.” “Home Rule is Independence.” Would Cuba be willing to accept home rule in the broadest sense?” I asked. “Home rule ‘in its broadest sense’ is inde- pendence,” quickly retorted General.Gomez; “that is the kind of home rule we want. If you mean, would we accept home rule with ‘We want nothing from Spain but our rights; we do not want her captain general nor her glory, if she have any remaining, nor her care. -“The hatred for is so deeply rooted in this island that I am sure a very large majority of our le, those under arms those who have not yet had op; fun ity to go into the field, would er, if they thought the revolution was going to fail, go abroad and live among sti rather than stay in Cuba under tion of Spanish power. “As for me, personally, I would prefer hell and the domination of the devil than my beloved island with a Spanish captain Faith in Cuba’s Army. Gomez rose and looked about him as he uttered these words, while his officers rangers @ continua- Fils face, however, underwent but slight change, and in @ minute or so he was again to accept any- thing people? Who are they that they should offer to us certain con: ceesions when we know, as aH men know, that the concessions offered us are the rights given us by God? Wwe are, a ee Eee eee er map end is another people backed by the eym. pathy of Europe and the material assist- RS FP ees cartes Ae hard to what Is “Yes, it is a is of this century; but with the help of God the Cuban army will sponge it away.” “Have you regarded the United States az_an ally of Spain?” General Gomez thought. mament before replying. . “That is placing a pretty strong ques- tion,” he finally answered: United Staten Not amsAlly. “No, I should hope not. ‘Stilljieven though this is a delicate question, I:may speak Plainly and with candor= Itiis certain,” he went on, “that the United States has rot been our ally. It is certaim that Cuban leaders in the United States' have been ar- rested and imprisoned because they were suspected of plotting to break certain laws. It is certain that now under atrest in New York is Gen. Carios ff,z0ne of the chief officers of our civif,governmcat, as Well as one of my most trusted:licutenants, “It is certain that Amenicanzcruisers are doing their utmost to cutioff pur supplics, ard it is certain that the Secretary of State of the United States hae been 1ego- tating with Spain for a settlement of the war. 4 “Would you say that the United States was our aily after knowing these things, or would you not say that in almost every manner possible the American government has not been the friend of those who op- pose vs? “As for the Secretary of State of the United States, I have every: reason to re- gard him as an intelligent and honorable gentleman, although’ I kyow absolutely nothing of him personally and comparative- ly little of his life. “He seems to have overlooked the fact, however, that we are possessed of a civil government of our own, and that such civil government las among its chief of- ficers a secretary of state, or, as we call it, @ secretary of foreign affairs. An Established Government. “We have every confidence in the abil- ity, sagacity and patriotism of Dr. Ra- fael Portuondo y Tamaya, and are willing to leave in his care such négotiations with other governments as are likely from time to time to rise. Secretary Portuondo has also a most able assistant in the person of Dr. Eusebio Hernandez, cne of the bratn- lest men ard truest patriots that ‘ever lived in the city of Havana. “The American government has very wrongly ignored the fact that the repub- Me of Cuda is not merely a name but an established and maintained institution with all the officers necessary .to the proper transaction of governmental business. “We are ever ready to have our friends intercede for us in whatever way they raay think will redound to our greatest benefit, but we would wish tiem to know that we desire to be a party to whatever transac- tion concerns us. “However, when those who do not in- cline toward Cuba in a friqndly way taka up matters supposedly in our interest we have the right to say that we shall have nothing to do with if. We not alone have the right but we shail so speak.” Pleased With Sherman. “What in your opinion, General Gomez, will be the attitude of the incoming ad- ministration toward Cuba?” “I have not been informed what the views of Mr. McKinley are concerning us, but I know him to be a broad-minded American, in no sense a toady, but a home- made statesman, who, I carefully guard the great land w! so rightly honored him, and at the same life "hot forget that thé whole of America belongs to Americans. whether they be of Saxon, Celtic or Latin blood. “I do not believe that President McKin- ley will declare the independence of Cuba within a very brief time from his assymp- tion of office, but I do believe that he will inquire into the condition of affafrs in this island and be willing to afford us such rights as the laws of nations and the dic- tates of humanity entitle us. “Yes, I am vleased with*the-selection of Mr. Sherman as Secretary of State. All of us Jn, Cuba are. ed} for we belteve him “a man of sterling qualities and one who will no more shirk his responsibilities than will his eminent chief. “Do you think,” I asked,.“‘that the cause cf Cuba has beep properly represented in the United State certainly do,” replied: General Gomez. could not have had better represen- tation in America. Mr. Palma. commands the respect of the American: people and Dr. Castillo, Mr. Guiteras and Mr. Que- sada are able and energetic men,” 1 informed the Cuban commander that it had been intimated in certain quarters that the junta in the Uniled States was not working in entire accord. with the army in the fleld. General Gomez's present: position is not one of danger. He is, in fact, master of the situation in this part‘of Santa Clara province and in the province of Puerto Principe. Fifteen miles ahead of his headquarters he has stationed nearly two thousand men, mestly cavalry. Lacrete, who, until re- cently, was conducting small operations in western Santa Clara and eastern Matan- zas, Is in charge of this force. The force is located in the hills along the main ship- way of Cuba. +. Death of Mr. John Herring. Mr. Jchn Q. A. Herring, who for many years has had charge of vhe division of the territory of the Adams Express Com- pany of which Washington is a part, died suddenly of heart failure yesterday after- noon at the Holland House, New York, where ke had gone, to Attend the annual meeting of the stockholders of the com- pany, which takes place tn that city today. Mr. Herring~was at the time of his death the oldest managing director of the Adams Express Company, and had worked, his way up from the position of messenger. He entered the service of the company No- vember 7, 1852, and consequently had been with it almost forty-five years. His first run’ was between Baltimore. and Richmond, and he continued on this route urtil the breaking out of the war. During that period he was stationed at. Balti- mcre. Later he became superintendent of the company’s lines south. in the latter part of 1800 he was trans- ferred to Philadelphia and given charge of all the lines operated by the Adams Express Company east of the Ohio river and extending to Jersey. City, in Which there were more than 1,600 agencies. In his younger days Mr. Herring was fond of military pursuits and at one time was a memter of the staff of Governor Swann of Marylend. The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been cpmpleted.. ——__. : >“ The Capitol Han.“¥.” ‘What is tobe known asthe Capita? Hill Y was orgarized: Saturday evening ‘at ‘the residence of- Mrs. Belle-8, Luckett, District secretary of ‘the ¥ branch of the W. €. T. U. Mrs. Margaret B. Platt, Distriet-presi- le: on the w of the a) The following were elected: Fres- esident, Miss Julie ; vice president, Miss Violet Pierson; cérrasponding séecre+ tary, Miss Debbie Grimes; recording secre- tary, Miss Ida Dailey; treasurer, Miss Em- ma Espey. ——_so_—- A Medal of Honor. A medal of honor has been presented to Thos. N. Graham of Lawrence, Kan.; late Neutenant Company G, 15} Indiana Vol- unteer Infantry, for most, distinguished lantry im action at igmary -Ridge, Fen this _offlest in., November 25, ' amen! sors cae tej color th poet 0 been wi a Terrible fire, carried fread and planted them on the enemyts breastwork. SOFT COAL TRAFFIC Peace and the Old Rates to Stop the War. SHARP, DEMORALIZING COMPETITION Pierpont Morgan Believed to. Be Making a Deal. GROWTH OF COAL TRADE The Chesapeake and Ohio ratlway is, it is said, to be made the instrument by which an end will, it is hoped, be put to the soft coal rate war, which has been raging be- tween all the principal railway companies in this section of the country for many weeks past. It is declared on what seems to be the best of authority, that Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan, as an influential friend of the owners of the Chesapeake and Ohio, has been appealed to by those whose coal and transportation business is regarded as at stake, to devise some plan by which the coal trade, and especially the transporta- tion portion, will be restored to a paying basis. It will be remembered that some days ago The Star published a statement from Receivers Cowen and Murray of the Bal- timore and Ohio, denying the up-to-that- time oft-repeated charge that the Balti- more and Ohio was cutting the tariff for the transportation of the product from the mines to the Atlantic seaports. Now, however, the Pennsylvania com- pany is charged with cutting rates (but this is denied by its officials), and this is found- ed on the fact that a certain large shipper has been making contracts for delivery in Philadelphia of coal, which can be gotten there only over the Pennsylvania lines, for sixty cents a ton Tess than the ruling price. The interesting fact has been developed since the fight began that the coal on which there has been the most cutting, and also the cutting that has secured the most orders, have been those which are shipped over the lines of railroads in which Mr. Morgan's influence is either paramount or at any rate felt to a considerable extent, where Mr. Morgan can work through the Vanderbilt interests, which control them, and through the Philadelphia and Reading, which does a part of the hauling. The Deal With Reading. The Star has already announced that a traffic arrangement has been made be- tween the Baltimore and Ohio and the Philadelphia and Reading, under the terms of which the former delivers to the latter 150 cars: of soft coal per day at Cherry Run, W. Va., all of which is put on sale in the eastern markets. Following this comes the statement that the Phiiadelphia and Reading has added a new element of dis- turbance to existing conditions by propos- ing hereafter to sell soft coal for some of its shippers. The entrance of a new com- petitor into a field said to be already suf- fering from over-competition 1g not, it is asserted, likely to be conducive to stability of rates, especially when the new. competi- tor happens to be a railroad. According to” usuaily well-informed cir- cles, the Pennsylvania railroad is said to regard the sjtuation with some anxiety, especially during the past ten days, when the Morgan rumors have been more nu- merous than ever. Officials of the Pennsyl- vania have, it is said, been claiming that on-and-after April 1 peace and rates would be. restored by the Baltimore and Ohio withdrawing the Fairmont coal,. the ship- ment of which has served to lower the prices in the Atlantic seaboard cities, from the tide-water market, and shipping the entire product west, as was formerly done. The Fairmont shippers’ traffic contracts with the Baltimore and Ohio expire on the date mentioned, but from present indica- ticns there is no reason to believe that the tonnage of which the Reading has now a Part of the haul will be diverted in its en- tirety to its old markets in the west. It is further claimed that the Baltimore and Ohio is not only satisfied to handle all the Fairmont tonnage, but is even endeavoring to increase the production. It is also re- ported that a prominent official of the George's Creek Coal Company, which is understood to be closely allied to the Bal- timore and Ohio company, is now at Fair- mont negotiating for the purchase of an extensive tract of coal land there. “The condition of the trade,” said a lead- ing,operator to a Star reporter, “both pres- ent and future, thus offers many disturbing uncertainties. and the most Interesting Question before the bituminous operators seems to be: Is Pierpont Morgan now taking, or is he about to take, an active part in the shaping of soft coal affairs? Declined to Form a Trast. “It 1s not generally known that two or three years ago Mr. Morgan was asked by leading interests to undertake the forma- tion of a soft coal combination in the form ofa trust and to place the bituminous trade on a stable foundation by the organi- zation of a combination, which should em- brace the majority of the leading producers shipping their output to the Atlantic sea- board. “He declined to take active steps In the matter then, but the general impression is that he has kept it in mind ever since, and that he has been. working in his own way. It is not likely that if such a thing were contemplated the public would be informed of it before all the plans were perfected. “Denials are, therefore, to be expected. But I can tell you this: that the railroads directly or indirectly under Mr. Morgan's influence are pursuing a policy difficult to explain in any other way than by the as- sumption that he has some coup in view; that some of the Pennsylvania railroad Officials seem uneasy; ‘that the trade is drifting toward utter demoralization, and that strong and radical measures are need: ed to prevent it from doing so altogether, and that since there is now no organiza- tion among the shippers, they may better be organized by one strong interest than by _@ score of weak ones. One commanding pa penee is needed, not a dozen vacillating spirit “It may be that Mr. Morgan will wait until the trade is in such a demoralized condition as to be ready to acquiesce in any plan that may be. presented. If that is the case, and Mr. Morgan’s roads keep on doing what I hear they are now doing, I don’t think we shall have to wait more than a few months. The best general is one who knows doth when to wait and when to strike. Mr. Morgan is admittedly @ born financial general.” Growth of Soft Coal Traffic. Ti speaking on this subject a leading Baltimore and Ohio official said yesterday to a Star reporter: “Some years ago the they practically, participated eq in it arising from thi trams. Later an, Tuining Interests In other Tocalition, mosey eres oO in those” it to the Norfolk aad West, market, of felt that the Weld’ ee mai course, fel widened. From that are available 2; it appears that but little inroad has been increased consumption, but, on the con- trary, have been the greatest sufferers by the efforts of the new rivals to supply the wants of the market. “The traffic is closely watched by those contending for its carriage, and some time since it was discovered that gas coal was being brought to the sea and used for steam purposes. An investigation devel- oped that something like 300,000 tons had been moved subject to this criticism, one- third by the Pennsylvania and two-thirds by the Baltimore and Ohio, but by consent of those two roads it has been treated as bituminous shipments. “The others interested, perhaps quite nat- urally, complain of the Pennsylvania and the Baltimore and Ohio companies carrying in excess of what is’ shown by statistics for the time immediately preceding 1896 to be their normal share. These figures seem to demonstrate that the Pennsylvania and the Baltimore and Ohio nave suffered a loss of business by reason of the opening of new fields in other territory, but the loss seems to have been lodged with the latter rather than with the former, al- though the Baltimore and Ohio apparently regained some of its business, which it claims is attributable to ‘ts furnishing transportation facilities that were hereto- fore lacking, enabling mines in operation to increase their output and old mines which have been closed for years to re- open.” _— IN LABOR CIRCLES. Building Trades Council Considers Several Matters. The regular weekly meeting of the Building Trades Council, which was heid last evening, was attended by a full rep- resentation of the affiliated bodies. Presi- dent William Silver was in the chair, and in the absence of Secretary Boyce, Mr. J. J. Crowley acted as secretary. The legislative committee, which was in- structed’ to bring to the attention of Con- gress the matter of the increase in the force of the building inspector, as recom. mended by that official, made a report that they had done so. The report was ac- cepted and adopted, and the committee was further instructed to call on the Sen- ate committee on appropriations and ask them to amend the bill on the subject when it comes before them from the House, so as to carry the wishes of the inspector into effect. A resolution was also adopted requesting the local trades unions to ask their na- tional bodies to communicate with the sen- aiors from their respective states ana so- licit their co-operation in the matter. A comm ation was received from Architect N. T. Haller, in reply to a com- munication sent by the secretary of tne Building Trades Council, in reference to the employment of ‘union labor on the pro- jected apartment house at 14th street and Welling place, in which Mr. Haller assured the Builving Trades Council that the worx siculd be done by first-class mechanics. e letter was placed on file for future reference. Some surprise was manifested at the an- nouncement which was made that the steamer Jane Moseley, which during ex- cursion seasons for several years past has Leen operated by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, and run between Wash- ington and Colonial Beach, ‘is being re- paired in this city by laborers. During previous years, when repairs were needel, the work was done, it was stated, in Bu timere, but was performed by unton me- chanics. The matter was referred to the grievance comiittee, with instructions to call upon the proper authorities and enter 4 protest in reference to the subject. The statement was made that the kitchen for _use during the inaugural is being erected by non-union men, and that the builder, when called upon by a committee from the Carpenters’ Union in reference to the matter, was informed by him thai he would not pay the union rate of wages. The contract committee reported that Mr. Charies Schneider, who contemplates erect- ing some buildings in Mount Pleasant, had stated that he would employ union labor exclusively in the work. The Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners held an open meeting last Mon- day evening for organization purposes. Their hall was well filled with union and non-unfon men, who listened attentively to addresses from the president, secretary and several other members on the advan- tages derived from belonging to a trades union. The secretary gave them an ac- count of the workings, income and expen- ditures of the Amalgamated Society for the past year, and its steady growth since its formation in 1860, after which a recess was taken, when cigars were brought out and a social smoke and talk indulged in for a short time. Then the president brought out the blackboard and gave his fellow-craftsmen some ideas on practical carpentry, after which the meeting ad- journed. ————— Local Federation of Labor. An old-time gathering of the local feder- ation was assembled at their regular meet- ing last night. Over seventy delegates were present when President James F. McHugh called the meeting to order. Credentials were presented by several organizatians and favorably acted upon. The action of the Civio Center in their efforts to abolish the alley houser now occupied by the poor of Washington and the rebuilding of more habitable ones was heartily indorsed. The approval of every delegate was demon- strated, and, as one brother put it, “the de- struction of the ramshackled alley tene- ments meant better morals, better health, etc., for the whole city,” as well as better times for the workingman, as the rebuild- ing meant employment for many. A communication from the secretary of the East Washington Citizens’ Association, inviting the co-operation of the federation to secure the opening of the Congressional Library “evenings,” was recorded, and the influence of that body pledged (unanimous- ly) to aid the association. The Plasterers’ International Union dele- gates reported increased interest and at- tendance at their meetings since the arri- val of the charter from the national body. The delegate from the Shoe Clerks’ As- sembly reported that every prominent shoe house in Washington, with the exception of three on 7th street northwest, was observ- ing the 6 o'clock closing movement. The assistance of organized labor was asked to bring the three recreant stores in line, by not patronizing those shoe houses whose doors were open after 6 o'clock in the evening. 2 The contract committee waited upon Mr. Kann in relation to his building improve- ments, and that gentleman informed then that his work would be done by union labor. It was reported that the National Construction Company had the contract for the Portner flats, and the proper com- mittee was appointed to wait upon a rep- resentative of the firm in the interest of union labor. The legislative committee made a very encouraging report on the progress that they were making with the bills they had before Congress. The carriage horse shoers complained that an express against Was! workmen by sendi their and wagon work out of the city and by employing non-union men to shoe their horses. They asked the dele- gates to mention this to their friends who patronize the company. It was reported that the plumbing on the Gaton the new home of the workingman’s library. —-—— ‘To Establish a Branch Home. The House committee on military affairs eight-horse power an iigerious arrangement entirely cut of gear. ly at the will of the driver. these “ill being Ladies HORSELESS CARRIAGE -A Washington Man’s Ride Through Crowded Streets. AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED SETS, The Carriage Works With Ease and Rapidity. WITH PNEUMATIC TIRES ae Written for The Evening Star, The writer recently had the pleasure of 4 ride in a horseless carriage in Cleveland invented by Mr. Alexander Winton of that city. Twenty-five miles an hour on a city, street! This was the speed at which part of the distance from the factory to my, hotel was ridden in the horseless carriage. At the factory I was invited to take @ front seat, the inventor taking a seat by, my side. The movement of a crank, and I knew by a slight vibration that the motor was working. An attendant was called to open the large sliding door of the factory. At this time, I must confess, I felt somewhat uncasy; a feeling that next we would dash through the doorway at @ breakneck speed. But not so. A slight movement of # jever and the carriage moved out as siowly and smoothly as would a broken-cown sireet car horse. Reaching the roadway we passed smoothly over the gutter and took the street car track. Al touca of a button by the foot of the iny ventor and we were moving along the The Horscless Carriage. . track at about an eight or ten-mile gait. Turning to the right we were on that world-famed Euclid avenue, the home of the wealthy. The inventor placed his foot upon the button—the engine speed gove ernor—and I caught my hat with both hands. Along we flew as if upon air, for there is no noise. Mansion after mansion passed confusedly before my eyes, and the trees seemed like a thicket. Pedestrians stopped by the curb and gazed at the flying venicle in wonder, though it has for some months been a common sight to many of Cleveland's residents. “How fast are we going I asked. Mr. Winton replied: “About a twenty-five-mile gait. I fre- quently run the carriage at a thirty-five- mile gait.” I then felt we were slowing down, and in about five lengths of the ve- e alowly turned into another street. The experience was delightful, and Milled me with cnthusiasm. No Feeling of Danger. Strange to say, the movement of the care riage frem its stable, ard its smooth moves ment on the roadway, caused all appre= hension of danger to disappear by the time we had ridden a block, and even when we were moving so fast, there was a feeling of absolute security. I realized at once that the motor was wholly under control of the driver. A few minutes only ha@ elapsed and I was at my hotel door. Tap carriage then backed off, and turned ap does a horse with a carriage, and was again off, leaving a crowd watching. On the business street there were elec- tric railway and cable tracks, and many vebicles of all kinds. We wound along in and out and between the moving vehicles in a way and at a speed impossible with a horse. How It is BR: The carriage, as will be seen from (he picture, is not unlike some fashionable turrouts, with two seats back to back, Under the body, and entirely out of sight, is the motor, which in this carriage is an gesoline engine. It is driven by explosions, like a gas engine, the gasoline being fed from a distant tank by only as each explosion is made. By means of a single lever the carriage can be caused to go forward or backward, or the motor thrown The engine continues to run while the vehicle is standing at a very low speed. A touch of a button reg- ulates the speed, which varies from zero to one thousand revolutions per minute, whol- Mr. Winton has also devised means whereby the en- gine can be started by the touch of a but- ton, something not before effected in exe plosive engines. The inventor has thus produced a thor- oughly commercial and practical motor vehicle, capable of being applied to vehicles of all descriptions. The whole mechanism is simplicity itself, and so simple to control that in a few minutes a woman can ope- rate It. The steering Is so easy that a child can manage it, the large pneumatic tires gliding over car tracks and other obstruc- tions as though they were not there. By the use of such carriages it is pre- dicted that large retail houses will be able to quickly deliver their goods to distant parts of the city, and at a great saving over the now overworked horse. Mr. Linton expressed an enthusiastic de- sire to ran his carriage on our beautiful streets, and remarked to me that I need not be surprised to see him here with it. A. 8. PATTISON. — Golden Cross Notes. Goodwill Commandery elected additional representatives to the Grand Commandery in the persons of John W. Musson, regular, and Philip H. good of the order committee was enlarged, Mrs. Johnson and J. W. Humphrey bel: added thereto. Past Grand i Perry presented a jewel of P. N. C. to the retiring noble commander, who responded with a neat Branson, alternate. The speech. Nationa] Commandery will initiate four February 22. members on At Trinity's visitation 42 per cent of tts Fulton membership was present. was the crator of the evening. Ideal’s visitation on Jan’ le. Meridian has a long sick roll, amo. january to official on Ji , an increase of 410 during the past