Evening Star Newspaper, February 20, 1897, Page 1

————— THE EVENING STAR. ——— PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Bt. by tee Be hatrruane Pree Kew York Office, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Evening Star is served to subecribers im the ity bey carrera on their own ——— at 10 cents per week, or ceots mon! counter £ cents each. ma il—anyw! im the United statce or Canadapostage prepaid 60 cents per mont! Gaturéay Quint Sheet Star, $1 pez year, with feretgn ‘sdaca, (Entered at the Post Odice at Washington, D. 0.. as second-class mail matter. ‘mail subscriptions must be paid im advance. Bliss ot advertising: tage inown "oa application. i The ening Star. No. 13,720. WASHINGTON, D. 0, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1897—TWENTY-FOUR PAGES, TWO CENTS. CHARGED TO INDIANS The Recent Horrible Murder of the Spicer Family. ee ee GENERAL BELIEF OF THE SETTLERS No Ciues tothe Perpetrators of the Outrage Found. Se OF THE TRAGEDY ——__>———- DETAILS BISMARCK, N. D., February 20.—Fur- ther developments regarding the murder of the Spicer family at Winona show it to have been more horrible than first report- ed. The murder occurred Wednesday afternoon, but was not discovered till Thursday. The body of Spicer was found in the barn, which he had been cleaning. There is a gunshot wound in the back, half a dozen knife wounds in the breast and the throat was fearfully hacked. Indications are that he was killed first. Mrs. Spicer hearing the shot ran down to the barn, evidently from her washi for her slee were rolled 1 to the el- bews. She was killed by a biow from an ax, her head being crushed and chin split open to the throat. Her breast was filled with holes, as though she had been stabbed with a pitchfork. Spicer had twenty-six shot and a large |} bullet, evidently home made, $ The further discovery was made that Mrs. Rouse and Mrs. Spicer had ben as- d. Mrs. Rouse made a struggle for lite and that of her children from appear- ar and her throat was grazed by a kr just cutting through the skin. She then killed with an ax, as were the Their bodies were not so badly tea. Waldron. he Ha the old lady, was killed Stove, and the hody dragged to door, which had been opened, ut the body not thrown in for some ne the sserby named Wilson says he saw dle of the afternoon an Indian coming down the road, which is about half a mile from the house, and after he passed the Indian went back again. Another settler says another Indian fol- lowed him across the river about noon, and wanted to trade horses, and then went back to the side river where the Sp r home drunk It seems to be al opinion among the settlers that are responsible r ihe crime. It is known that an Indian 2 was badly beaten by a white wo- man near Winona not long ago, and it is possible that some drur ndian thought to take revenge on these harmless people. BURIED T STATE. Faneral of the Dowager Empress of Japan. SAN FRANCISCO, February 20.—Oricatal ns of the late Dowager Empress of were buried in great state at Considerable difficulty was found in making the proper arrangements for trans- porting the body to Kyolo. Ancient custom required that three oxen, harnessed one after the other, should draw the funeral car. The one between the shafrs must have black and white spots on the body, a white star on the forehead and white ckings on all four legs. The one imme- in front of the shafts must have a skin, with black flecks, and the leader be pure black. Much search was re- red to find the first of these three, but i last he was discovered at a remote place iy she country and the funeral arrange- ments were then carried out. An ancient law provides imperatively that the oxen drawing the funeral car of one of the royal family must be marked in the manner Ge- seribed. ——__ DEATH FOR A KISS. Mott Steet in New York the Seene of a Tragedy. ' YORK, February 20.—Vittorio Mar- gigliano, who combines in his one person the callings of banker and barber, and An- gelina Franta, his so-calle common-law wife, are in custody, charged with respon- sibility for the death of Francisco Priori, a laborer. Mott street was the ene of the tragedy. Yesterday Priori, who had been drinking, tried to kiss Mrs. Luigi, when Mrs. Luigi ran into Margigliano’s followed and seized her . The barber and banker . and with a blow floored Priori. Priort drew a knife and with slashed Margigiano. Before he could make a second cut Mr: ranta was upon him with a club and laid him sensele on the floor. An ambulance was calied and Priori was conveyed to a hospital, where he died to. day. Priori > ST INDIANS. RELIEF Free Transportation of plies Granted. SAN FRAN February 20. mittee on Indian famine relief fu ounce that the privilege of free trans- portation for food supplies with which to lead the steamer provided by the United tes government has been granted by Food Sup- 20, ar the Southern Pacitic for Pacific coast points and for donations from eastern contributors by the Central and Union Pacific railroads in connection with the Rock Island, the Burlington and the Mil- waukee and St. Paul railroads. Contribu- tions of food supplies, which will be re- ceived all along the line, are earnestly so- leited at once and will be received for shipment at McNear’s warehouses, Port Costa, Cal. = —— LOOKS BETTER FOR HANNA. It in Now Thought Gov. B Appoint Him Sena’ Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. COLUMBUS, Ohio, February 20.—1t was unexpectedly arnounced at the governor's house this morning that Gov. Bushnell would return from Springfield during the When he left ursday for Springfield it was given out that he would remain there over Sunday. It is expected here that he wii announce his determina- tion this afternoon to appoint Mr. Hanna to the United States Senate. So many re- publicans hitherto zgainst the appotnt- ment of Mr. Tanna have announced them- selves for him’ since George Cox's declara- tion that it is thought impgssihle for the gwovernor to hold out longer against the almost unanimous expressien of the party in the matter. Ocean Steam: ps Arrived. NEW YORK, February 20.—Arrived, Massachusetts, London. ALEXANDRIA, February 20.—Arrived, Fue-st Bismarck, New York via Algiers, ete. (on a cruire). GENOA, February 20.—Arrived, Fulda, New York. BREMERHAVEN, February 2.—Arriy- ed, H. H. Meier, New York. GOMEZ PREPARING TOSTRIKEIC J BA’S FREEDOM The Seat of the Ouban Government Trans- | ferred. Will Push the Spanish General—Re- cent Severe Repulse of Weyler's Seldiers With Great Loss. CINCINNATI, Ohio, February 20.—-A spe- cial to the Commercial Tribune from Ha- vana says: According to couriers at hand here, Go- mez is preparing for active work. It is known that he has transferred the officers of the government who were with him past the eastern trocha into Maguey for safety, making the seat of government far from Weyler’s headquarters. The trocha was passed near La Redona without kin- drance, save a running fight for an hour cr so with small bands of Spanish guer- rillas. Gen. Gomez has over 5,000 good soldiers now, and he has notified Presideat Cisneros that he intends to push the Spanish general a little. It is known that Gomez has placed a force back of Weyler, much to the lat- ter’s discomfiture, and that orders have been given that sugar makers who grind will do so at their peril, as tne insurgents will burn al plantations where orders have been disobeved. .A severe fight occurred between some of Gen. Gomez's bands and a detachment of Havana volunteers from Weyler’s van- guard fifty-six miles east of Santa Clara, the insurgents defeating the Spanish troops and capturing one piece of artillery and forty men, including four officers. The fight was a fierce one, the insurgents being well entrenched in the swamps of Mont Saria. where Spanish troops had to enter almost in single file. The insurgents waited until the Spanish troops had entered the trap. and then they fired from all sides, being so well concealed that the Spanish could not reply with effect. Seeing his men thus slaughtered, the Spanish officer gave the command to retreat, but many were shot down. Spanish official reports state that it was one of the worst fights for some time, with the greatest loss to the Span- jards, considering the number of men en- gaged, and that Weyler was terribly en- raged on hearing of it. The Case of Dr. Ruiz. The State Department had received no advices this morning regarding the re- ported murder of Dr. Richard Ruiz, a naturalized American citizen, who was feund dead in his cell in the Guanabacoa (Cubd) jail, as the result, it is alleged, of assaults by his guards. Consul General Lee vigorously protested several days ago about Ruiz’s arrest, but the department has heard nothing from him since then on the matter. It feels certain, however, that Gen. Lee will follow the case up, and if Ruiz has been murdered will insist on pun- ishment of the murderers. MR. SANDS’ FRIENDS. They Express Themselves ax Con- fident That He Will Be Confirmed. The friends of F. P. B. Sands are dili- genily at work today in his behalf and ex- press confidence in his confirmation. A large number of them visited him at his office today with offers of aid and advice. These friends are talking with senators with whom they have influence. The subcommittee of the District of Co- lumbia committee appointed yesterday is said to be all that could be desired by Mr. Sands. He today expressed himself as sat- istied that the committee will do him fvil justice. It is denied that Senator Faulkner is hestile to the confirmation. It is stated that Mr. Sands has long known Senator Fiulknir, and that the relations of the two men are pleasant. While Mr. Sands is not so well acquainted with Senator Gal- linger, it is alleged that the acquaintance is sufficient to make the senator his friend. The same statement is made as to Senator Proctor, ancther member of the subcom- mittee. It is claimed that Chairman McMillan and Mr. Sands have been friends for twen- ty years, and that the former highly re- spects the latter. Senator Hawley is quot- ed as a warm friend. ‘The only darger which Mr. Sands’ friends see today is that action in his case may be put off until the session closes, which would be an easy way to defeat him. They do not think this will be the case, how- ever. —_____ MR. DANCY CONFIDENT. But He Hays He Has Not Been Prom- ined the Recordership, Mr. John C. Dancy, a prominent colored politician of North Carolina, has written a letter to The Star to set at rest the fears that may have been excited in the bosoms of candidates for the office of recorder of deeds of the District of Columbia by the arnouncement telegraphed recently from Raleigh to The Evening Star that Mr. Dancy claimed that he had been promised the offi Mr. Dancy says that he never claimed that the office had been promised to him. “I simply said,” he writes, with some de- gree of confidence, “that the strength of my indorsement ought to insure me the recordership of deeds, and that I really be- lieved I would get it. The candidates need not pack their gripsacks and resign the field yet. It is possible that they have a fighting chance still, but my indorsements I still believe ought to secure it for me.” He says that because the recordership is not regarded as a local office is why he had allowed the use of his name. a ATOR MITCHELL'S ATTITUDE. Ss Will Not Stand the Way of Any Republican’s Election. A letter from Senator Mitchell addressed to Senator Hughes, chairman of the re- publican caucus of the Oregon legislature, was rfad in the conference held yester- day. Senator Mitchell reviews the facts of his nomination by the republican caucus, the subsequent refusal of the minority to qual- ify and permit the house to be organ'zed, and closes by releasing his supporters from any further obligation. In view of the pres- ent status of the United States Senate, he sa. and as it will be after the 4th of March next, it is of the utmost importance that Oregon should at this time elect a Senator. In conclusion, he says: “When you can see your way clear to choose a republican senator other than my- self, then you must not for one moment permit the fact of my nomination or of my candidacy t+ stand in the way. Do your o the state of Oregon and to ee = Personal Mention. Five of the younger members in the dip- lomatic corps will leave next month for new posts. Mr. Benitez goes to Japan, Mr. Pastor to Brazil, Mr. Del Viso to London and Paris, Mr. Bax Ironside gces as charge affaires to Guatemala and Mr. Macleary to London. Maj. Gen. Wm. P. Carlin, retired, is on visit to this city. - x 3 Secretary Lamont has gone to McGraw- ville, N. Y., to visit his invalid mother. Frank Godfrey, editor of the Chicago Banker, is at the St. James Hotel. Judge T. F. Miller is at Hotel Luray, At- lantic City. Mr. Cleveland’s Message Replied to by General Gomez. A CONSTITUTION HAS BEEN ADOPTED An Independent Republic the Rev- olutionists’ Aim. FIRST OFFICIAL TRANSLATION ———— ee Senor Quesada, Cuban charge d'affaires ‘here; has received the first and only offi- cial translation of the proclamation of Gen. Maximo Gomez, made last month, answer- ing certain paragraphs of President Cleve- Jand’s message on the situation in Cuba. As will be seen from the document, Gomez affirms the existence of a civil government, which he himself recognizes and obeys, and explicitly denounces all the reports of his acceptance of home rule propositions as false. His ringing words are that the Cu- bans will accept only absolute indepen- dence. The translation, as stated, is the first of an official nature, and was today given to The Star by Senor Quesada. It is as fol- lews: The powerful reasons that oblige the Cubans to offer their country their blood and their fortune, to challenge a powerful, inflexible and tenacious nation, were stated in the manifesto of Montecristi; they had already been, and have afterward, in re- peated documents, published throughout the world, well known to all, and especially to the North American people, where with such an ardent interest so much has been written about our affairs, and it is unneces- Sary to repeat those causes, for nobody can allege ignorance. We have never asked, nor do we ask, Spain what will never sat- isfy us. Our only desire is the explicit recognition of the truth declared by us, that it is impossible that the sovereignty of Spain—the basis and origin of all the misfortunes of the Island of Cuba—shall continue. Its permanency is absolutely in- compatible with the culture and the su- preme rignts of the Cuban people—which can be cited as a model of abnegation and patriotism. We only ask of Spain that, coming to her senses, she abandon her un- just pretensions and leave the Cubans to rule their destiny in freedom. We so declared it in that manifesto the program of the present revolution, as we also declared in it that we are not trying to overthrow Spanish tyranny, to substi- tute for it a military dictatorship, or to es- tablish a rule of rival oligarchies, but that our high and humane aim is to establish a true democratic republic. In acordance with these views, as soon as the revolution permitted it, we assembled in solemn session the representatives elect- ed by the Cuban people in arms so that they would give a formal organization to the revolutionary movement. They agreed and voted a law, to Which all must submit as the fundamental constitution of our country. A Constitution Adopted. Assembled at Jimaguayu, a memorable place in the history of Cuba, they unani- mously declared a separation from Spain and voted a constitution, which was con- secrated by the oath of loyalty, taken by the army of liberation, which at the voice of its chief, there appointed and. proclaim- ed, united its fate and its honor to that emblem of our desires, to which I have offered my sword in the service and de- fense of its principles, which for me are sacred. Gomez's Proclamation. Headquarters of the Army of Liberation of Cuba. When, on the 25th of March, 1895, I ad- dressed myself to the world from Monte- cristi, together with that great man, Jose Marti, whose life was devoted to the emancipation of his country, and who lives in the memory of the Cuban people in never-fading remembrance, I did not think that I would have to again raise my voice to ratify and affirm what we then said, and to deny certain assertions made by the supreme representative of a nation bound to us by so many ties, who should know better our condition and our conduct. To the call that we then mace to the honor and manhood of the Cubans, they responded admirably, and today the world contemplates with increasing interest that while Spain confirms its determination to resist to an extent that even not those who had exact knowledge of her tenacity and of the tremendous importance-of the loss of her most important position in America ‘would have thought her capable of, yet the armies of liberty occupy almost all the country, and fight every day with more faith and valor, and the Cuban war as- sumes such proportions that it has become today the most notable event registered in the annals of the present century. Mr. Cleveland's Assertion. For these reascns and on account of the important and diverse relations which Cuba maintains today, more than ever, with the United States of America, its executive, President Cleveland, has thought it con- venient to make a special and extensive study of the Cuban question in the mes- sage he has just addressed to the Congress of his nation. It is not to me to whom is due the answer of certain capital asser- tions which that remarkable document contains, nor is my voice the one author- ized to speak in the name of the Cubans in arms on all the important points re- ferred to in it, But I am cited in a direct manner, and it is due to my position as general-in-chief of the army of liberation, as well as to the interests of justice and of the cause to which I have devoted ab- solutely the last days that God may grant to my honest and struggling life that I take up the allusions to me, and rectify the mistaken opinions therein contained; for were I not to do so, the prompt real- ization of our desires may suffer, of the desires of my soul, and the final aim of the aspirations of the Cuban people which have honored me, conferring upon me the di- rection of its military operations. It is suggested in the message that we have risen in arms to demand reforms, and that we have no more constituted govern- ment than the will of a military ofticér, who holds the territory on which he op- erates. That constitution, which harmonizes with our actual necessities, places at the head of the revolutionary crganism a government council, with declared powers, while the armed forces of the revolution and the di- rection of the military operations are con- fided to the direct command of a general- in-chief, a position which I have the honor today to fill tor all the objects of my oath. That government council may deserve of President Cleveland whatever consideration he may dvem fit to give it. But it fs, and it will be for all the Cubans in arms, the su- preme corstituted authority for those ends to which they freely and spontaneously proclaimed it. It is not true that I, as gen- eral-in-chief of the t army, have asked the Cuban government to give up the functions that belong to it exclusively, as: prescribed by our constitution, nor is { true that the government council has aba: doned ‘the exercise of those powers." The government is in the place the law hak given to it, respected and recognized by the general-in-chief, who, himself, ocupies. his own, while the one and ; the. other obey: always the indisputabie-sovereignty which we have accepted of the constitution. Is not, then, the false supposition of Presi- dent Cleveland an obstacle for constituted nations to recognize us as belligerents, or to accept our independence, giving thus to Cuba the place which she bas legitimately gained among the free cOuatries of the earth? Only Motto and Aim. I have deemed it my duty to make this solemn declaration to the world inter- ested in our fate, so that this misstate- ment shall not be an obstacle for them to exercise in_our behalf, which is: that of humanity, of right and of justice, of any action whatsoever. We have never count- ed with it, as an indispensable element of our triumph;~ but we weuld accept it, if it were in honorable condition offered and in a form and manner convenient to the future of the Republic of Cuba. Let all this be known to those who: give us their sympathy and to those who tender their ald, from whatever part of the world they be. Let the Americans, 1G offer us their good offices and services know it; let all the Cubans know it, and-never forget it, that our only motto, our sole ideal, is the absolute independence of the Island of Cuba, and our only aim the constitution of a democratic, free and sovereign repub- lic. Headquarters in “El Saltadero” (Sancti Spiritus), 15th of ee poneral is Ce t and liberty. |-in- chief.” = M. GOMEZ. MR. DAVIS’ NOMINATION Mr. Brookshire Knows of No Reason Why He Should Not Be Oonfirmed. The President Has Not Acted on the Bill Giving the Court Power to Fill the Vacancy. The subcommittee of the committee on the judiciary, which has in charge the nomination cf Henry E. Davis as United States attorney for the Distriet of Colum- bia, did not hold a meeting today, but ex- Representative Brookshire of Indiana, who was named in the bill of charges filed with the subcommittee by James L. Norris, called on Senator Hill today. Mr. Brook- shire had heard one of Mr. Davis’ speeches, in which it was alleged that Mr. Davis had used improper language. Mr. Brookshire told Mr. Hill that there was nothing in the speech that he had heard that could be considered as objectionable, and so far as he was concerned he.knew no reason why Mr. Davis’ nomination should not be confirmed. Up to 3 o'clock this afterngan the Presi- dent had failed to act onthe bill author- izing the District Supreme Court to fill vacaneies in the office of United States attorney for the District umder certain conditions, and the impression prevails that he {s opposed to such legislation, so far as it applies to the present situation. According to one officia}, the President did all he could to avoid an interregnum in the office by nominating Mr. Davis near- ly a week in advance of the expiration of Mr. Birney’s term, and consequently he is in rfo ‘wise resjonsible for the suspension of the business of the courts that has re- sulted from the Senate's failure to act in the matter. ‘The same gentleman said that very little would be gained by the approval of the bill, for the reason that the Senate will probably act favorably on Mr. Davis’ nomination in a few days. At any rate it is known that the Presidentuintends to take full time for the consideration of the bill authorizing the court to make a tem- porary appointment, and will not be hur- ried in his action, sr —_~_—-. THE DAUGHTERS ARE COMING. Delegates to the Congress of the D. A. R. Arriving Today. Headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution on F street present a busy appearance today, the arriving dele- gations of Daughters reporting there at ence upcn their arrival to obtain their cre- dentials and badges. Many of the far-away delegations have already arrived; those who live nearer seem to be waiting till Monday. It is thought that this will be one of the largest congresses they have ever had, there being over 500 delegates in all. Z ‘The congress will be called to order at 10 a.m. Monday, February 22, at the Co- lumbia Theater, by the president general, Mrs. Letitia Green Stevensot, who will then deliver tke address of welcome. It will be responded to by Mrs. Elroy M: Avery, state regent of Ohto. An address in behalf of the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will be delivered by General A. W. Greely, and one in behalf of the Sons of the Revolu- tion by John Goode of Virginia. Mrs. Anna B. Snowden, president of the Daugh- ters of the Revolution, will present an ad- dress in behalf of that order. In the afternoon there will be an address by Mrs. Daniel Lathrop, president of the National Soctety of the Children of the American Revolution. Then there will be a special program of a thoroughly pa- triotic nature. Rports on. biographies of revolutionary women will take the first heur of the even- ing session, inning at 7:30, after which routine business will follow. Tuesday the session will open at 10 a.m., and reports of national officers will be read, and reports on recommendations, contin- uing through the afternoon’ session. From 8 to 10 p.m. there will be a reception te members of the continental congress, given by the president general, Mrs. Stevenson, at La Normandie. Wednesday will be givén dver to reports of state regents. Thursday the various committees will make their reports, and on Friday the election of officers will take place. Saturday will be given over to the discussion of various subjects for the good of the society. —-—— Exceutive Clemémcy. = - ‘The President has commuted to four years’ imprisonment, with all deducttons fcr good conduet, the sentence of five years’ imprisonment imposed om Jng. E. Bielhy, in New York, for embezzling, making false en- tries in books and in reports to controller of the curerncy. The Prestttent says: “This ccmmutation is granted dpon the ground that, though prepared -to/ plead guilty, pearly a year before gentente was pro- rounced, thé convict’s plen"was not received and he was sent as a witness against eh- other accused party, and aided in realizing upon the assets of the fafled bank, thus de- laying hts imprisonment “several months. I think this situation and his service in aiding the execution of the law and. the enforcement of the debts due the suspended bank deserves the clemeney: I Mave extend- ed.” WF ry 5 In the case of Marion Gamblel, sentenced in Montana, December 18, 1888, to impris- onment in the tereitortel ‘fon in Mon- tana for the term of his gatural life for robbing the Untted States is and put- ting in jeopardy the life of a carrier, the President commuted the ‘sentence to fourteen.years’ actual imprisonment. The President has dénied a pardon to J. E. Risner, sentenced in “Kentucky, January 9 last, to pay a fine of and - fined three months in Franklin count# Jail for Mlicit distilling. had already compensation for tent of ‘the which han ‘nor yet i cio ampon. STRAIGHT OR NOT? Hearing on the Proposed Connecticut Avenue Extension. FOR AND AGAINST THE DIRECT ROUTE Mr. Truesdell Signed a Report to Divert, but Thinks Otherwise. OTHERS WHO SPOKE A subcommittee of the Senate committee on the Distfict of Columbia gave a hearing at the Capitol today on Senator Stewart's to the District of Columbia making provision for the straight extension of Connecticut ave- nue. This amendment directs the Commtis- sioners to open Connecticut avenue on the straight extension of the line thereof, us now established for the city of Washing- ton, from Florida avenue to Connecticut avenue as now laid out and opened on the west side of Rock creak. The amendment provides an appropriation of $200,000 for the purchase of property lying within the straight line of extension of Conne=ticut avenue and fixes prices to be paid for the to be The amendment also appropriates $2,000 for designs for a bridge across Rock creek anc $1,000 for the immediate com- of such amendment appropriation bill, various lands and bought. improvements mencement of the foundation bridge after the plans bave been secured. A good many requests to be heard on this subject have been presented to the committee. and a subcommittee, consist- ing of Senators McMillan, Proctor and Ba- con, was appointed. Those present in the’ committee room were Commissioners Ross, Truesdell and Powell, who were specially invited to be present; Senator Stewart and Representative Newlands, Mr. W. H. Moses, Joseph Paul, L. M. Saunders and Cc. C. Glover, Against a Straight Line. Mr. Moses opened the hearing by giving his reasons for believing that Connecticut avenue should not be extended in a straight line. He said that while the ideal plan of having all streets and avenues extended in direct lines might commend itself as a gen- eral proposition, there were so many rea- sons for preferring the extension of Con- necticut avenue on a diverted line that they far overcame any theory that might established on the subfect. Mr. Moses thcught the view along the avenue would be much more imposing if it were not in a direct line, and thought that the constitu- tional rights of those who had recorded subdivisions of property on the assump- tion that the diverted plan would be ad- hered to would be interfered with, L. M. Saunders also made a plea for the plan of diverting the avenue. He said the beauty of the avenue would be much en- hanced by its crooked form, and the great economy that would be accomplished by the plan of diversion was an important matter. Mr. Newlands for Direct Extension. Representative Newlands made an extea- sive argument in favor of the direct ex- tersion of the avenue. He had a number of maps present and went into the history RS the extension of Connecticut avenue. le sald that when he and Senator Stewart bovght a large tract of land at Chevy Chase and began to improve it they were told that Connecticut avenue must be ex- tended in a direct line, and accordingly they laid the avenue out in their property with the expectation that that would be done. He said that tie expense of the straight line was very much exag- gerated, and that the matter of a few dol- lars should not be considered in laying out the plan for a great city like Washing- ton. He spoke of the manner in which Connecticut avenue would cross the Zoo- logical Park, and said that the beauty and grandeur of that avenue in a direct line would be realized to a greater extent than on any other plan. Commissioner Truesdell’s Views. There was some reference on the part of Mr. Moses to Commissioner Truesdell as in favor of the extension of Connecticut avenue on the diverted line, and this caused Mr. MeMillan to inquire of Mr. Truesdell what his views were. Commissioner Trues- dell replied that it was true that a report had been made by the board of Commis- sioners and signed by himself as acting president of that board which recommend- ed the extension of the avenue on the plan of the diverted line. He said, however, that he had nothing to do with the prepara- tion of that report, which was adopted by a majcrity of the Commissioners, and which he merely signed in the capacity of acting president of the board. Mr. Trues- dell said he had always favored the ex- tension of Connecticut avenue in a straight line, and was very much disappointed when a short time previous to his appointment as a Commissioner he had been unsuccess- ful in his efforts to impress upon the Com- missioners: the desirability of such an ex- tension. He said he thought it was a great mistake that Connecticut avenue was not extended in a straight line. Mr. Truesdell was asked by Mr. McMillan what his views on the subject were, now that the line on the diverted plan had been adopted and buildings erected along the route of the straight extension of the avenue. Mr. Truesdell replied that, although he thought a great mistake had been made, Congress should not do anything to east further doubt on the manner in which Connecticut avenue would be extended, un- less it proposed to order the straight ex- tension, and to appropriate enough money to carry out the plan of so extending it within the coming twelve months. He said that the fact that there was some doubt as to the route that Connecticut avenue would take in the strget extension plan had acted as a drawback to the erection of buildings along that avenue, and the sooner all doubt was gotten rid of the more readily that section of the city would be built up. A letter was presented to the committee from J. B. Wimer advocating the diverted plan for the extension of the avenue. Senator Stewart spoke in favor of the extension of Connecticut avenue in a di- rect line. Mr. Stewart said that ever since the establishment of the present system of streets and avenues in this city it had been the intention of Congress to extend those thoroughfares in direct line. No other idea had ever prevailed, and he thought it. a piece of vandalism to permit the recording of subdivisions which did not take into ac- ‘count the present established lines of streets, and he thought that Congress should not hesitate to extend Connecticut avenue as originally proposed. +2 +—____ Naval Orders, Lieut. D. P. Menefee has been detached from the Monocacy, on the Chinese station, and ordered home with leave of absence for three months; Passed Assistant Surgeon L. H. Stone, from the Naval Hospital, New York, to the Adams, Pacific station, reliev- ing Passed Assistant Surgeon €, T. Smith, who is granted two months’ leave. 2 ___ ‘Army Orders, ; Lieut. Wm. M: Wood,-12th Infantry, has been ordered to Hot Springs, Ark., for "He ajao| treatment. Capt. Wm. A. Shink, 8th Cav- pris aca been granted leave of absence on ‘extended one ‘month. as Committee. New Battle Ships— ey for Navy Yards — Armor for Vessels. The naval appropriation bill was regard- ed last night practicaily completed by the House committee on naval affairs, but today there was doubt about it. The Dill as it stood last night carried a total of rent year. The committee had 4 ‘rst class, recommended by the subcom- mittee. and machinery, not more than 0,000. Propositions for new dry docks at Algiers, dcwn. amounts to $7. $5,925,000, An item housing torpedo vessels at 225,000 is appropriated. for auxiliary cruisers, $250,000 is éarried, with authority to the Secretary of pees: to purchase them by coniract. for a modern battery for the Hariford. present year. Seventy thou on the Chicago, in repairs, and $1 the Chicago and $100,000 on the for completion of their machinery ers. Ninety-two thousand dollars in_the Weshington navy yard. ington navy yard are in dredging in front of new scale house, $1,; the yard are continued in the bill. grading and improving grounds of naval observatory, of $5,000). battle ship and the composlig vessel. said that the Speaker and the bill, and it was more baitle ships. Reply of the © sion to a Senate Resoluth The civil service commission today sent resolution of inquiry adopted on the 17th instant con- cerning the dismissal of employes of the to the Senate a reply to bureau of animal industry at South Omaha, alleged to have been discharged at the in- stance of Secretary Morton after the N: vember elections for political reasons. ‘The som plaints received from the discharged per- sons they stated while they had been dis- missed for “alleged neglect of duty,” they commissioners state that in the first believed that the dismissal was due to po- litical reasons. The commission tnaugu- rated an investigation by bringing the mat= ter to the attention of Secretary Morton, who had said he would co-operate with them in making the investigation and who denied that political reasons had anything to do with the discharge. He said he did not know whom any of the persons had supported for President and did not care. The commission call attention to the fact that the power and duty of removal are net affected by the civil service law other than ical or religious in cases of removal for pol causes. “The commission,” they s CAPT. BLACK’S DETAIL. Nomination. Although the President has selected Capt. William M. Blatk, Corps of Engineers, as Engineer Commissioner of the District, in place of Major Powell, whose term has ex- pired, the change will not take effect until the civilian appointed to succeed Commis- sioner Ross shall have been confirmed and qvalified. The idea is to have the two new Commissioners assume office on the same day, in order to simplify as much as possi- ble the opening of new accounts at the Treasury Department. Consequently, the crder for the proposed change in the en- giceer commissionership will be withheld until the Senate shall have acted upon the nomination of Mr. Sands as the successor of Commissioner Ross The impression in administrative circles is that Mr. Sancs will be confirmed before the close of next week, and that there will then be no occasion for further delay in the execution of the purpose to have Captain Black take charge of the duties now being performed by Major Powell. It has not yet been disclosed who wil! succeed Cap- tain Black as assistant to the chief of en- gineers, and there is a similar lack of in- fermation as to Major Powell’s nexi as- signment. ———— NEW CORCORAN ART GALLERY. It Will Be Opened to the Public Next Wednesday. The new Corcoran Gallery of Art will be thrown open to the general public for the first time next Wednesday morning. The formal opening will be next Monday even- ing, when admission will be strictly by card. The gallery wiil be closed to the public Tuesday. It will be open Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 o'clock, when ad- mittance will be free. ———.—._— Treasury Department Changes. The following changes have been made in the classified service in the Treasury De- partment: Appointments—Secret service—J. W. D. Halsey, Virginia, $720 per annum. Office of the United States treasurer—John W. Fite, Mississippi, $900 per annum. Promotions, Secretary's office—Carl W. Bond, Maryland, from $720 to $1,000, Office of supervising architect—J. S. Raymond, Iowa, from $1,600 to $1,800; R. B. Talcott, District of Colum- bia, from $1,600 to $1,800; H. C. Caruth, Missouri, from $1,400 to $1,600; J. A. Kirk, Tennessee, from $1,000 to .275; Julian Morton, California, from $1,000 to $1,200; W. H. Russell. Pennsylvania, from $1,000 tu $1,200. Office of auditor for the War De- partment—Mrs. B. Hammond, Maryland, from $000 to $1,000; Mrs. E. M. Jackson, New York, from $660 to $900; Mrs. F. I. Matthews, Kentucky, from $660 to $720. Office of auditor for the Post Office 7 ment—J. J. Smyth, Tennegsee, from $1,200 to $1,400; U. R. Webb, Tennessee, m $1,000 to $1,200; L. E. Gridley, Michigan, from: $900 to $1,200; J. W. Marshall, South Dakota, from $100 to $1,000; Lewis Thomp- son, ,District of Columbia, from a Husted, Iowa, from NAVAL APPROPRIATIONS The Bill to Be Reconsidered by the House Objections to the Provision Made for about $33,000,000, which is about $3,000,000 more than the appropriations for the cur- led to put in the bill the new battle ship of the It is to cost, including hull, armor La., and Mare Island, Cal., were voted The appropriation for armor for vessels authorized from 18W) to the present date of $70,000 is faserted for electric lighting plant in gunboats Nos. 10, 11, 12 and 13. For navy yards For reserve guns the One urdred and fifty thousand dollars is given The entire appropriation for the bureau of construction and repair is $1,500,000, an increase of a quarter of a million over the and dollars is to be expended on the Hartford and $50,000 is ap- propriated for completing the model tank The following new items for the Wash- The current ap- propriations for clerical force at the navy The bil also carries an appropriation for continuing new Today the committee met again, with a Proposition to reconsider the bill, with the view of striking out the provisions is the tis anagers for the House object to the amount carried by represented that an attempt to retain the provision for these vessels would endanger the defeat of the bill. There appears to be a strong feeling in the House against providing for any fl Service Commis- y. “is not an appointing, or reinstating, or removing id Until Action on Bf you want today’s news today you can find it only in The Star. MRS. DOMINIS’ COURT She is Receiving Very Few Callers Now at the Cairo. ROYALIST HOPES BASED ON SHERMAN They Believe He is Opposed to the Annexation Plan. POEM “TO HER MAJESTY* wicca eee Ex-Queen Liliuokalani is keeping quiet court at the Cairo thes: days, receiving 4 few callers now and then, bui »pending most of her time in the 7 tons becoming her ex-royal position. Her attencants are still utterly in the dark as to the length of her stay in Washing- ton, and express themselves as equally ignorant as to her plans and intentions for the future. A western paper this week published a statement to the effect that the coming of the two commissioners from Hawali in the hope of securing annexation had had the effect of “smoking ou: . Dominis, and that she had frankly that her presence in Washington was for the pur- pose of blocking their game. To a Star reporter this morning her pri- vate secretary stated that ene word of truth in the that so far from making any ment for publication “the had not even in private « her attendants ever spoke with reference to her hopes “It is claimed that Senator was not . He said such s' cpposed to the general priiciple of annex- ation,” suggested the repo: “He is, indeed,” replied Capt. Palmer, “and so, for that matter, is Mr. McKinley himself.” : That was all that Capi. Palmer would say on the subject. He declined to say even that much as to whai he thought or what the ex-queen thought cf the coming of Messrs. Thurstoa and Smith from Hawail. He said that he knew Mr. Thurs- ton not at all, but kaew the other gentle- man very well. “Of course you know Mr. Thurston's Standing in Washington,” he remarked a I always thought it was first rate.” Im, ah, said the diplomatic tain, very ‘h as though that was not the sort of answer he had expected. That was all he would say. Royalist Hopes on Sher: The Hawaiian royalists base their hopes that the next Secretary of State will op- pose annexation on the following extract from Mr. Sherman's published memoirs: “The events of the future are beyond the vision cf mankind, Sui I hope that people will be content with internal growth, and avoid the complications of foreign ac. auisitions. Our family of states is already large enough to create embarressment in the Senate, and a republic should not hold dependent provinces or possessions. Every new acquisition will create embarrass- ments. Canada and Mexico as independent republics will be more valuable to the United States than if carved inte additional states. The Union already embraces dis- ecidant elements enough without addi: ethers. If my life is prolonged I will all I can to add to the strength and pros- perity of the United States, but nothing to extend its limits“or to add new dan- gers by acquisition of foreign territory.’ A Poem to the ~Quee Mrs. Dominis was very much gratified this morning by the receipt through the mails of a #oem from a woman in Green- bush, Mass. It showed that the ex-queen is not the only woman on earth who thinks she is just about right, and a very muca abused personage. Accompanying the poem was a letter from the writer, who said that she was seventy-two years of age, bet sul hoped that she would live to see Mrs. Dominis’' wrongs righted. When these “wrongs” are righted the Greenbush poct- ess may stand a good chance of being ap- pointed poetess laureate of Hawaii. Following is the poem. To 10 Her or Forevermore the queen, though ruthless hands despoiling Thee of Hawaii's crown, In clutch of rapine still thy fair isles keep- ing With petty despot's frown: Barring the gates thy queenly hand wide- opened, Thine is the high renown, Of justice, dealt with world-wide, pure in- tention, And mercy’s blessed care: .Over thine isies of peace its might extend- ing Thy people's ceaseless prayer Thine the true womanhood th alted In light the martyrs bear. shines ex- Upheld by conscious right, thy wrongs ap- pealing To world-wide sympathy Invest thee with a triple power surpassing The state of royalty. All Kindred hearts that throb for righteous freedom Allegiance give to thee; And thou art honored, loved by trust ex- alted Queen evermore to be. CORA WILBURN. Greenbush, Mass., February 17. MRS. CLEVELAND'S PLANS. Her Last Recepti Soon to Mrs. Clevelund received about 200 ladies by appointment at nocn today, including the faculty and pupils of the Park Sem- inary at’ Forest Glen, Md. These ladies wished to pey their respects to the first lady of the land before her retirement to private life, and have been heretofore un- able to do so. This is the last reception of the kind Mrs. Cleveland will hold in the White House, inasmuch as she will be too busy with other matters until she estab- lishes herself and family in the Princeton home. Early next week she will take the children to Princeton, and will remain there until it is necessary to return here to sist the President in welcoming Preside: elect and Mrs. McKinley t6 their new home in the White House. The exact date of Mrs. Cleveland’s return from Princeton is not fixed, but it is probable she will re- main there putting the house in order for the President's arrival until Monday, March 1, when she will resume her place at the White House until after the inauguration of the President-elect. The President and Mrs. Cleveland will give a dinner in honor of Major and Mrs. McKinley at the White House the evening of March 3, and they will leave for Princeton immediately after the conclusion of the ceremonies at the Capitol March 4. P The party that called today from the of the trustees of the ‘Cleveland for the courtesy extended.