Evening Star Newspaper, April 23, 1897, Page 1

— —— = THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT suxpaAy, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Pennsylvania Avanae, Cor. Lith St, by Ths Hreaing Star Yer t Company, 8. H. AUPYMANS Prost! Few York Offce, 49 Petter Building, Star Is served to subscribers in , on their o it 10 per week, 44 cents per mon: Copies at the counter 2 conts each. By mail—anywhere in the United States or Canada—postaze prepaid—50 cents per monta. Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.00. (Entered at the Post Office at Wash'ngton, D. C., as second-class mafl matter.) 1 wail subseriptions must be pald in advance. of advertising made known on application. Rat ~ Che Foening Star. a No. 13,773. WASHINGTON, D. C., FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1897—-SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. “Want” advertisements in The Star pay because they bring answers. ——— ————————————— ONLY. THE HOUSE But One Branch of the Natiopal Leg- islature in Session, MR. BLAND'S RAILROAD RESOLUTION It Was Not Considered a Privileged Question. INDIAN THE BILL THE HOUSE. The desk of the late Judge Holman today was covered with a black pall of mourning, upen which were strewn lilies of tae valley and hyacinths. The lind chaplain in his referred feelingiy to the loss the House and country had sustained in his death. Immediately after the reading of the journal Mr. Bland (Mo.) offered the resolu- tion waich he attempted to offer last week relative to the suits to foreclose the first mertgage on the Union Pazitic railrcad and calling en the Attori General for information as to what steps had been taken to protect the inter: err ment, Modifyd as to strike out the clause directing the S: ker to immediate- ly appoint the committee on Pacific rail- roads. Not a Privileged Question. He presented the resolution as a priv- ileged question, on the ground that as there was no committee to which the reso- lution could be referred this was the only way it could be brought before the House. The Speaker ruled that it was not priv-j ileved, whereupon Mr. Bland appealed, and Mr. Dingley promptly moved to lay the ap- peal on the table. The chair ruled the mo- tion was not debatable, but a brief debate vas indulged in touching the merits of the is of the gov- zley pointed out that the resolu- tion went far beyond an ordinary resolu- tion of inquiry, in that it called for a legal opinion from the Attorney General. Mr. Bland insisted that he was seeking legal information for the House. If there were a committee on judiciary it might be procured there, but as there was none this was the only manner in which the House could secure the information. “We want to know.” said he, “whether the prior liens on the Union Pacific are to be liquidated, as the law requires, that the government may take pessession (f the road. We desire to asceriain the policy of the government.” Mr. Dingley pointed out that all the information which the Attorney General could furnish on the subject had already been transmitted to the Senate. The At- terney General could, by jaw, only give his legal opmmion to the Presi-tenz. Mr. Bailey supported Mr. Bland, contend® ing that the Attorney General might go further than he did in responding to the Senate resolution. The debate was brought to an abrupt close by the interposition of a point or order that the motion to lay the appeal on the table was not debatable. Appeal Laid en the Table. Mr. Richardson (Tenn.) sharply contended that an appeal was always debatable, and that it weuld not be cut off unless the ficor ‘1s yielded for the motion to lay it on the table, but the Speaker resolutely re- affirmed his decision. The House could noz, he declared, be placed at the m of one metaber. If there was a desire to hear the appeal debated ihe House had it in its pewer to vote down the motion. On a rising vote the motion to lay on the table was carried Mr. Bailey calied for the yeas aud na which were ordered. The appeal was laid upon the table, 22 present and not voting. On motion of Mr. Robinson (Ind.) Mr. Bland (Mo.) was added to the committee to attend the Holman obsequies. To Attend the Grant Ceremontes. Mr. Dalzell of Pennsylvania asked unani- mous consent for the consideration of a resolution for the appointment of a com- mittee of twenty-five members of the House, of which the Speaker should be chairinan, to attend the exercises in con- nection with the dedication of the Grant tomb next Tuesday. There was no objec- tion and the resolution was agreed to. Mr. Dingley then effected an agreement by unanimous consent by which the House When it adjourned today should adjourn until Monday next, on Monday until Thurs- day and on Thursday uatil the following Moz with the understanding that the moetings next week should be merely for- no business whatever to be trans- The Indian Bill. The House then went into committee of the whole and resumed the consideratton of the Senate amendments to the Indian appropriation bill. The pending amendment Was that relating to the epeniag of the Uncompahgre reservation, motions being pending both to concur and non-concur. --—___ ATE REORGANIZATION, m: acted. Republican C: to a Subcommittee. The republican senators in caucus today decided to accept the proposition made by the opposition for the filling of the Sen- ate committees, leaving the arrangement of the details to Senator MeMiHan's com- mittee on committees. The caucus also considered the question of filling the elec- tive offices o fthe Senate, and the manag- tive offices of the Senate, and the manag- with the opposition to the end of securing a division of these places. Both the sec- ¥y and the sergeant-at-arms of th '¢ are democrats, and the republicans they should be allowed to name a man to fill one of these places. The details of this negotiation will be left to a sub- committee, consisting of Messrs. McMillan, Ledge and Spooner. NEW PposT ——— OFFICE BUILDING. 4n Examination by the Postmaster General and His Asnistants. Postmasier General Gary, the four as- listant postmasters general and the chief clerk of the department visited the new rity post office building this afternoon for the purpose of considering whether the iding is adapted to the uses of the artmeat, and, if so, of determining how partitions, etc., are to be arranged for the accommodation of the various bu- feaus. They examined especially into the ghting facilities of the new building. — 2 More Pension Office Changes. R. L. DePuy of Indiana, chief of the cast- ern division of the pension bureau, has Leen dismissed, and James R. Fritz, chief of the examination diviston, whose place hh been given to Thomas J. Snannon, ha\ been reduced to a lower grade clerk- — A number ef other changes among u jiefs of divisions are being considered fil shortly be announe The commissiozer of pensions has ap- pointed Drs. A. A. White apd Geo. R. Graham examining surgeons for the bureau at Baltimore Md AMICBBEY. SUSU EP USGE DAY PIXED The Troublesome Question of Precedence of | Foreign Ambassadors, The Entire Diplomatic Corps to Ac- company the Presidential Party te New York. A matter that promised to make friction in connection with the visit of the diplo- matic corps to the Grant ceremonies in New York next Tucsday has been amicably adjusted. Under the original plans the ambassadors alone were to accompany the presidential party from Washington to New York, the ministers and their suites being attached to the party of the Vice President. Objection was made io this separation of the corps in favor of the ambassadors and the plans have been changed so that the entire corps shall accompzny the presi- dential party in a body. *. None of the officials of the State Depart- ment, who are supposed tc have informa- ticn on the subject. will say anything in regard to the relative status of the Vice President and the foreign ambassadors at functions where tne presence of both is considered essential. It has been a trouble- some question with officials ever since the ambassadorial rank was first established in this country, and is still far from settle- ment. An issue has been always avoided by both parties, and until now the necessity for a decision has never arisen. Heretofore the difficulty has been solved by keeping the Vice President and ihe ambassadors apart whenever the question of precedence between them was likely to arise. For instance, the Vice President was never invited to the President's dinner in honor of the diplomatic corps, and, vice versa, the ambassadors were never inciuded in the list of guests when the Vice President Was expected to be present. The state din- ners to the diplomatic corps have esiablish- ed one thing in this matter, however, and tat is that the ambassadors are consider- ed to have precedence on such occasions over the Secretary of State, who in turn ‘s given precedence over the ministers and other guests. This is the rule’ at White House functions, despite the fact that the Secretary of State is next to the Vice Pres ident In tine of succession to the presi- dency. At the instance of Secretary Olney dur- ing the last administration Ambassador Bayard investigated the practice of for- eign courts in the matter of precedence, and he reported that ambassadors in- variably ranked next to the royal families in all public and sccial functions, and that he (Bayard), by virtue of his ambassa- dorial rank, was given precedence over Lord Salisbury, the British premier, and all the members of the British cabinet. a THE VENEZUELAN TREATY. An Engrossed Copy to Be Brought by Mr. Scruggs. W. L. Scruggs, the chief counsel in this country of the Venezuelan government, will arrive in New York Sunday or Monday from Venezuela. Mr. Scruggs left here for Venezuela about the 10th of March, hav- ing been summoned there by the Venez- uelan government for the purpose of con- sultation as to the treaty between that government and Great Britain. Ji is un- derstood that Mr, Scruggs will bring back with him the engrossed treaty between the two governments. He will give the docu- ment to Minister Andrade, who will ex- change with Sir Julian Pauneefote, the British ambassador, thus :ermally ending the negouations between the two govern- ments. ————__-e-+_______ REPRESENTATIVE HOLMAN. Arrangements Made to Take the Body te In le The remains of the late Representative William S. Holman, who died in this city yesterday, will be borne to his Indiana residence tomorrow afternvon, accompan- fed by the members of his fam:ly and the committees of the House and Senate ap- peinted for that purpose. Funeral services will be held at the family homestead, near Aurora, Ind., aud the interment will be made in Riverside cemetery. Speaker Reed has appointed a commit- tee to escort tie remains to Indiana. The committee consists of Mr. McMillin, Mr. De ‘Armond, Mr. Zeaor, Mr. Stark, Mr. Robinson of Indiana, Mr. Danforta, Mr. Bland, Mr. Bromwell, Mr. Ellis, Mr. Crum- packer and Mr. Alexander. The arrangements will be in charge of the sergeant-at-arms of the House. The party will leave Washington tomorrow afternoon at o'clock over the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, arriving at Aurora, Ind., at 9:35 Sunday morning. The serv- ices will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday in Au- Tora, and the party will leave for Wash- ingion that night, arriving Monday noon. es Personal Mention, Assistant Secretary Roosevelt will leave here tomorrow for New York city, to at- tend a dinner given in his honor tomerrow evening by President Low of Columbia College. He will return to Washington Sunday. Dr. Edwin Behrend, son of Dr. A. Beh- rend of this city, has returned from abroad, having spent two years among the clinics of Berlin, Munich and London. Lieut. H. L. Roberts, 19th Infantry, is in the city on leave of absence. Mr. Wayne McVeagh, late ambassador to Italy, was a visitor at the State Depart- ment today. Rev. J. Lewis Hartsock of New York is in the city, called to the bedside of his mcther, who ts dangerously ill with typhoid- pneumor i: Mrs. Hartsock is the wife of Rev. Dr. Hartsock of Ryland Church. Lieut. M. M. Patrick, Corps of Engineers, is in this city on his way to.Cincinnati. os Sympathy With Greece. Representative Maguire of California to- day introduced a resolution in the House declaring that the war between Turkey and Greece was a war between Moslem and Christian civilization and expressing the sympathy of the United States be extended to Greece with the hope that her struggle may be successful. The resoiction was re- ferred to the committee on foreign affairs, but as thai committee is not appointed no action will be taken at present. ——--e--_______ Naval Orders Modified. The recent orders detaching Rear Admi- ral L. A. Beardslee from command of the Pacific station early in June have been modified so as to continue him in that com- mand until July. He will be relieved by Admiral Jos. N. Miller, now in command of the Boston navy yard, and will report at the Navy Department here for duty as president of the naval examining board. —————__- e+ -__ Naval Orders. Ensign H. H. Ward has been detached from the Maine and ordered to the bureau of navigation; Ensign J. R. Edie, from the Columbia to the New York; Lieut. F. W. Jenkins, from the New York to the Maine. ae $ ‘The Public Printer’s Examination. Public Printer Palmer yesterday after- noon visited the branch offices of the | ernment printing office’ in the and Navy butiding. Mr. Palmer @_personal inspection of all the offices of his depariment within He Will Be Made First Assistant Sec- retary of State. BELLAMY STORER GOES 10 BELGIOM Arrangements Completed for the Trip to New York. SOME OF TODAY’S CALLERS Perhaps the most marked and unusual in- cident at the White House in years was the official announcement just before noon today ef the President's intentions to on Mcrday nominate Judge W. R. Day of Canton as first assistant secretary of state and ex-Representative Bellamy Storer of Cincinnati as minister to Belgium. Not only was the announcement extraordinary, but the nominations are entirely unexpected and upset all calculations as to the two men named. Judge Day’s name has never been connected with the place to which he is to be nominated. Mr. Storer has been talked of for a foreign place in case he was not made first assistant secretary of state, which he wanted. It is given out that the announcement of what fs to be done was because the Presi- dent will leave the city Monday morning and will not be here when the nominaticns R. Day. go.to the Senate, which adjourned yester- day until Monday. What vther motives, if any, may have been at the bottom of the premature announcement will have to be fathomed later, but it is a well-known fact that intended nomination’ are guarded at the White House with the utmost secrecy. Every lip in the Executive Mansion is seal- ed, and newspaper men who are enabled to forestall nominations do so because of their relations with senators and repre- sentatives, who drop “tips” as to plums that are about to fall from the official tree. The dignified Senate has always frowned upon anything which resembies an effort to give out news ahead of its re- ception by it. Decided on This Morning. The nominations were decided upon this morning. Secretary of State John Sher- man went to the White House early and had a: conference with the President. Pre- vious to this Senator Foraker was with the President. Those who saw the Presi- dent and the Ohio Senator when the lat- ter entered the chief executive's room say that the greeting between them was. un- usually warn. -What passed is not known, but Senator: Korakcr.:no. doubt gave tne President to, understand that he would in no way Ose the nomfnatfon of Bellamy Storer. He ia willing: that’ Mr. Storer shail go abroad; "hut wos not willing that he should reeeive a home appointment. The nominations, which would have gone to the Senate today had that-body been in session, will conciliate Ohio affairs. Both appointments, -however, may: be regarded as personal.- Both men are warm personal friends of President McKinley. Judge Day accepts the appointment of assistant secre- tary of state at the request of-the Presi- dent. The latter has always intended to re- ward Mr. Storer, and has déne so in a way which the. latter will probably. be highly pleased with. s. How the nomiration of Mr. Storer will affect the future of ex-Representative J. Frank Aldrich is an interesting question. Many people believed that Mr. Aldrich would get the Belgium mission, one of the best in Europe, because he had beer in- dorsed by Speaker Reed. It is believed that if Mr. Aldrich will take some other mission he will be cared for. Richards for Solicitor General. It is believed today to be pretty certain that the position of solicitor general, which Judge Day was thought to have secured, will go to ex-State Attorney General Rich- ards of Ohio. Mr. Richards was attorney general of Ohio under both administrations of President McKinley as governor of that state, and the two men were close to each other. They have remained on close terms ever since, and the President has a warm feeling for Mr. Richards, and it is known that the latter would like to be solicitor general. A Great Many Callers. Cabinet day did not greatly restrict the number of callers at the White House dur- ing the early hours of the morning. There were callers of interest, too. One of them was Wayne McVeagh, the United States ambassador to Italy. He came to Washington last night. expeciing to see and -talk with General. Draper, his suc- cessor. The latter has ieft the city. Mr. McVeagh_was cordially received by Presi- |’ dent McKinley, but the tulk was short, owing to Secretary Sherman's putting in an appearance on an important matter. Mr. McVeagh declined to discuss the war news. Senator Kyle and ex-Representative Pick- ler had a talk with the President. Mr. Pickler has not yet been provided. for, It is said that he has practically been offered a choice of several positions which he does not care for, thinking that they are not as influential as he is entitled to. Ex-Representative Meiklejohn, the new assistant secretary of war, talked with the President today for the first time since his nomination. Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt was also a caller. Senator Mason went to the White House with State Senator Sawyer. and Frank £. Baker of Chicago. Senator Sawyer is a candidate for marshal of the northern dis- trict of Illinois. Mr. Baker iy very strong- ly backed for consul genera! to Rio Besides an unbroken polfiteal backing, he papers the indicat a for ma : % Jun anh We: lee, 23th Infan-ry, for three presentative Tenry of tieut In- Re eo, oS trénsf been made troduced WV. B.. Hinkley, a Connecticut | Gen. Hemdersod Kept at Home. in the S0th lntentre, iret Lies Joba mae te ty backed ‘by his delegation for | DUBUQUE, Ip Apel 23.—Representa- | ¥. Morrison, from Company G to Com: | Dr. Hunter, the defeated candidate for | tive Hender ; bane Hi See en Soneeae SP eal senator from Kentucky, ts in the city, and | rocm for ister, from: ny: AE 38, we Oe ig expected to visit the White House’ It 1s | rence z z said that Dr. Hunter will be given @ good | ‘leg. His con lace #f he wants it. It is sald that @ num- | clans have~ dered: congressmen request > Polntment to a good place. bell National Committeeman . Ly. Col. -W. 1H. Johnson, H, A. Rucker, A. W. Wimber. | ‘The Assns BF 8, eeice aad Bishop Gaines of Georgia || ROME, Apeit. Senatcr Nelson introduced Gerhard Gade | tried he President. Mr. Gade has United States congul ‘at Christiania, Nor- way, for years, ang will remain. The Trip te New York. The disposition to’ be made of the vis- {tors who will go on the trip to New York has been settled upon. ‘The way the trains will carry the Visitors on Monday is as follows: % The President and his family and Secre- tary Porter and wife in the firs: car of the first train—the car of President Thompson of the Pennsylvantg road. ‘Two Pullman coaches will follow with the diplomatic corps in:the order named below: Sir Juan Pauncefote, British ambassa- dor; J. Patenotre, French ambassador; Baron von Tielman, ambassador: Baron de Fava, Italian anibassador: Senor Romero, Mexican minister; Senor Rengifo, charge ‘affaires, Columbian _ legation; Senor Mendonca, Brazilian minister; Senor Arriaga, Guatemalan minister; Senor Gana, Chilean minister, and Admiral Montt ani Capt. Gomez, his adjutant; Yang Yu, the Chinese minister; Senor Andrade, Vene- zuelan minister; Barén Gengervar, Ausiro- Hungarian minister; J. B. Pioda, Swiss minister; Senor Dupuy de Lome, Spanish minister; Constantin Brun, Danish minis- ter; Francis M. Hateh, Hawaiian minister; Senor Don Luis Felipe Carbo, Ecuador min- ister; Mr. de -Wollant, Rossien charge d'affaires; Viscount de Santo-Thryso, Por- tuguese minister; u Hoshi, Japanese minister; Moustat Bey, Turkish minis- ter; Senor Rodrigues,’ minister of the Cen- tral American Republics; Count Lichter- velde, Belgian mizigter; Senor Calvo, Costa Rica minister. Each ambassador and minister will have a secretary and sefvant with him on the two cars they goon, <¢ In another Pullman ¢ar will be Mrs. U. S. Grant, in a state room; Mrs. Nellie Grant Sartoris, Algernon Sartoris, Miss Vivien Sartoris and Migs Rose May Sartoris in another state room. In the same car will be members of the: cabinet and their families, in the order of the cabinet rank, Justice “Peckham the Supreme Court and wife, General Mgles, wife and son, and Admiral Brown, wife and daughter. The train will leaye at 10:30 o'clock. Ar- rangements are to be made for representa- tives of the press associations. — THE TRIAL AT FORT McPHERSON. More Witnesses Brought Forward by Capt. Romeyn. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. ATLANTA. Ga., April 23—It’ became nore apparent today tWan ever before that it is Mrs. O’Brien who 1s actually on trial at Fort McPherson, and not €apt. Komeyn. The alleged breach jof discipline on the part of Romeyn in knocking Lieut. O’Brien cown on dress parade, ajhd the other speci- fications, have practically been lost sight of, and the two factioms-at the garrison have locked horns fq the "bitterest kind of a struggle over a woméns’reputation. Capt. Romeyn, who; !s'managing his own cease, this morning’ plaeed more witnesses on the stand to testify. as to the alleged im- proper conduct of Ideut. Bamford and Mrs. O'Brien, The court ordered 'the‘ywom cleared, and is now trying to tind way to adjust future proceedings, sq as.to get back to the direct charge, but every-way they look at it the whole case rests om.Remeyn’s proving the truth of his allegaijens about Lieut. O'Brien's wife. The mcst important witness this morning Was Paul W. Baker, a student who boards at the barracks, but he\enly repgeted the same old bicycle inefdents, with a few spicy variations. REVOLT Is sitbe VIGOROUS. Spanish Deferteg’ by the Philippine surgents. TACOMA, Wgsh.,, April 23.—News just received frqgm“Hong Kong by steamer con- tradicts “the story from Madrid that the Philippine rebellion ip ptactically stamped out. On the contrary, two important en- gagements have been fought recently, in both of which the rgents were victors. In one the royalist troops lost over 200 men and the insurgepts 30. ee MUST BE RECOUNTED. The Votes Cast in Kent County, Del., in Noyember. DOVER, Del., April 23.—The mandamus case, involving the recount of thc votes cast In Kent county at the recent election, came up before -the superior court here to- day, and a writ was jsswed compelling a recount of the vote, ———— RAIDED BY POLICE. pea New York Offices Alleged to Be “Bucket Shops.” NEW YORK, Ap#l 23.—fhe police of this city today raided the offices of the follow- ing New street firms, gm the allegation that they were conducting their business iNegally: The Standard Stock ard Petro- leum Exchange, the Manfiattan Grain and Stock Company and Woodruff & Co., com- mission merchant, The alleged “bucket” shops all transact™ considerable amount of business, dealing ‘chiefly with small cus- tomers. : ates NO QUORUM: AT FRANKFORT. : res, The Fifty-Sixth Wallot fer Se Was: Fruitiess. FRANKFORT, Ky., April 28.—The fifty- sixth ballot for United States Senator today resulted: Blackburn, 45; Martin, 14; Stone, 1. No quorum. Adjourned, * itor = THE FLORIDA SENATORSHIP. Another Ballot Without Result Taken in Joint’ Session. TALLAHASSEE; Fila., April 23.—Ballot- ing for United States senator today resulted an follows: Fee.Gall, 38; Chiptey, 24; Raney, 17; Hocker; +11; Burford, 5; Darby, 1; Broome, 1, ang‘ Wolffe, 1; total vote, 93. Chipley gained two and Cali one over the last ballot, i SCHENECTADY, ‘N. ¥4 April 23.—The ‘Rev. Dr.- H.- €, -Parrar/ #x-pastor of St. Luke's Church, ‘was today expelled from the Methedigt Kpiscopal Church and the ministry at the onference on a charge of adultery: Dr. J. 4. presiding elder, to a confession, signed by Dr, Farrar, penance then unanimously voted to. expel im. Big Fire tn @ New! York Village. BINGHAMTON, N. ¥1, April 23.— Fire at Whitney's Point @estroyed prop- erty valued -at:$250,000.-- the build- ings burned were the n House and the Quick House, the Baptigt ‘Church and the office cf the Whitney's Reporter. warded $19,000 for in- folding bed in the Hotel Nor- city, June.24, 18D. ; juries from a mandie, TRIAL COMMENCED Young Men Charged With Selling Important Government Documents. TAKEN FROM CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY Mr. Spofford Identif.es Handwriting of Gen. Washington. THE JURY CHOSEN The trial of Philip McElthone, who, to- gether with Lewis McKenzie Turner, stands charged in three indictments with having abstracted certain valuable manu- scripts and documents from’the Congres- sional Library last January, was com- menced before Judge Bradley, in Criminal Court No. 2, this morning. District At- torney Davis prosecuted on behalf of the government, Messrs. Joseph Shillington, Obear and Douglass and F. 8. Keys repre- senting the accused young man, who with Turner was employed at the Congressional Library at the time of the alleged theft of “the papers. Some time was spent in selecting a jury, although the government stated that it was Satisfied with the first twelve talesmen called into the box. The delay arose out of the contention of counsel for the defense that, as one of the indictments charged the commission of a felony, they were en- titled to ten peremptory challenges. Then arose the question, what is a felony? one which is sald to have never been finally de- termined in this jurisdiction. Counsel for the defendant submitted that the Indict- ments really amounted to an accusation of grand larceny, and that, although the pun- ishment might be fine or imprisonment, the offenses alleged to have been committed amounted to a felony. Mr. Davis, however, did not so agree, and Judge Bradley intimated that unless coun- sel for the defense submitted such authori- ties as would ciuse him to rule differentiy, he would hold that the alleged offenses are merely misdemeancrs, and that the de- ferse would, therefore, be entitled to but three peremptory chatienges. After some further discussion, Judge Bradley held that the defendant was en- titled to but three peremptory challenges, whercupon counsel for the defense noted an exception, and the following were Sworn as the jury. Nixon Brewer, Charies Ernst, Charles A. Kosche, Dennis Deno- yan, Henry Bredekamp, G. A. Thomas, James Waters, Wm. H. Braund, James Fearson, William Watts, Geo. W. Johnzon and Virginius T. Elliott. Then, upon the motion of Mr. Davis, Judge Lradiey or- dered that the three indictments be con- solidated, the defendant's attorneys noting another exception. The Charges. In explaining the case to the jury Mr. Davis stated that he would show that the two young men were employed at the Con- greesional Library, being trusted employes. Among the many collections of rare and valuable papers and. manuscripts in’ the brary, said Mr. Davis, was one known as the Peter Force collection, purchased by the government several years ago for $100,000. ‘This collection, he said, the two young men had charge ef and free access to, and it would be shown that they ab- stracted the alleged stolen manuscripts and documents and sold them. Among them, explained Mr. Davis, were several letters of George Wasnington,three cf Ben- edict Arnold, one of Thomus Paine and a private diary of the first President. Ccunsel for the defendant reserved their opening, and Mr. Davis calied as the first witness for the government Librarian A. R. Spofford. Papers Identified. After stating that he has been librarian since 1864, Mr. Spofford said that when Turner and McElhone were arrested last February the former had been employed in the Lbrary eight years, and the latter three years. The Force collection was placed in a separate room and kept under lock and key, the key being never out of the Pposses- sion of Mr. Spofford. Turner, who was in charge of musical copyright, had a desk Lear the roon: in which the Force collectiun was kept, McElhone being stationed in an- other, the nerth wing of the present libra- ry. The first of the alleged stolen papers, one in the hendwriting of Washington and relating to General Sullivan's army dur- ing the war of independence, was identified by Mr. Spofford. Mr. Shillington suggest- ed that as Mr. Spofford had never seen Washington write he could hardly swear that the paper in question is in ihe first President's handwriting. Mr. Spofford, however, explained that hav seen hun- dreds of Washington’s autographs and writings, and having studied them for years, he could swear the paper is in Wasiington’s handwriting, and he so tes- tified. The next papers identified by Mr. Spof- ford were two letters said ‘to have been written by Benedict Arnold in 1780. Then Mr. Spofford was handed a private diary in the handwriting of Washington, run- ning from May to November, 1787, writ- ten during the sitting of the constitu- tional convention, which he identified as being part of the Force collection, and one of the alleged stolen documents. Still another was a circular letter signed by Washington in 1783, and then Mr. Spofford identified two orderly books of Gen. Brad- dock, part of them being in Washington's handwriting. All these papers and @ocu- ments, said Mr. Spofford, are of unzpeak- able value. The Arnold and Paine letters were next identified by Mr. Spofford, and then a regimental roil signed by Wash- ington. After recess and up to the time The Star’s report closed Librarian Spofford was en the witness stand. He identified the al- leged stolen documents, and was cross- examined at length. —_——. Army Orders, Lieutenant Thomas M. Defrees, 5th In- fantry, has been ordered before a retiring board at Fort Thomas, Ky., for examina- tion. Lieutenant Colonel H. C. Egbert is president and Lieutenant E. F. Tagzart, 6th Infantry, is recorder of the board. Captain Cherles H. Heyl, 23d Infantry, has teen relieved from duty in this city at headquarters of the army and ordered to join his company. Lieutenant Wm. C. Rafferty, 1st Artil- lery, has been detailed to duty at Seton Hall College, South Orange, N. J., reliev- ing Lieutenant M. J. Lanahan, 2d Infantry, who is ordered to join bis com: THE DIVORCE GRANTED Ending of the Marital Troubles of Major and Mrs, Armes, Judge Hagner Signs a Decree Grant- ing Mrs. Armes a Divorce and Alimony. Judge Hagner, in Equity Court No. 2, late this afternoon, signed a ‘decree divore- ing Mrs. Lucy H. Armes from Maj. George A. Armes, a retired officer of the United States army, a resident and well known in this city. In the decree it is stated that the bonds of matrimony are dissolved for the causes advanced by Mrs. Armes in her petition fer divorce. Judge Hagner directs that Mrs. Armes be entitled to and charged with the cus- tody, care and education of Ethel M., George K., Oscar St. J., Lucy H., Dorothy N., Edith, Edmund and Herbert, minor children of the couple. . Major Armes is ordered to pay Mrs. Armes $100 per month, to be computed from the Ist day of February, 1897, to be applied toward the support and mainte- mance of Mrs. Armes and her childrcn. This allowance, it is stipulated, is to con- tinue until further orders. In conclusicn the court rules that Major Armes pay to his wife for her solicitor the costs of the suit, to be taxed, and a solicitor’s fee of The differences between Maj. Armes ani Mrs. Armes have occupied the attention of the courts for a long time. Twice Mrs. Armes so.ght suit for divorce, but with- drew both petitions. The third application, under which the decree was signed this afternoon, was filed January 23, 1897, In it Mrs. Armes set forth that she was mar- ried to Maj. Armes in this city October 14, 1874. They had nine children. Her husband, she charged, is a man of violent and un- kovernable temper and quarrelsome nature, and while in the army was constantly in difficulties and disputes with superior and fellow officers, and as a consequence there- of was placed on the retired list of the ermy in-Sentember, 1883. Continuing, Mrs. Armes declared that her husband pursued a systematic course of cruel and inhuman treatment of her, which endangered her health and life. He maltreated and abused her in the Presence of her children and others, she said, and his temper was so furious an® vncontrolable, and his threats so sinisters| and brutal, that she and her children were fearful not only of bodily harm, .but re- garded their lives in danger. Cruel treat- ment of his children was also charged. In her petition Mrs. Armes recited in detail a large number of alleged instances of cruel treatment on the part of Major Armes. ——— TO FIGHT GRASSHOPPERS. Prof. Bramer to Go to the Argentine Republic. Frof. Lawrence Brumer of the University of Michigan, for 8ome time a special agent of the Department of Agriculture, will leave this city for New York today, and tomorrow will seil-for the Argentine Re- pues, where he has been employed by a larBe Syndicate to investigate and report upon the best methods to be employed there in order to exterminate the grasshop- pers, which: have become a sefidus pest to the agriculturists of the republic. Professor Brumer is a noted ornithologist and entomciug:st, and during the plague of grasshoppers in this country from 1875 to 1818, he was prominently connected -vith the work cf their extermination. Nine years ago grasshoppers invaded the Ar- gentine Kepublic trom Bolivia, and have since been increasing yearly, until they have become a serious nienace to the crops. Professor Brumer will study the habits of the fusects, the loca! conditions under which they now thrive, and will recom- mend measures for getting rid of thom. The distribution of diseases among the &rasshoppers and the destruction of their eggs will probably be resorted to, among other measures, = — RESERVE LIST OF WARSHIPS, The Cruiser Columbia to Be the Fi to Be Laid Up. The Navy Department has perfected its plans for the creation of a reserve list of war vessels and the first vessel to be made the nucleus of the reserve fleet is the Co- lumbia. She will not be taken out of com- mission, but will be laid up in reserve at League Island as soon as she returns from the New York celebration next week. t oe THE COMMISSIONERSHIPS. Neo Mee = of the District Committee of the Senate Today. On account of the republicah caucus ot the Senate this morning there was no meeting of the Senate District committee. ————_-+e—. NAT AL GAS IN KENTUCKY, 3f It in Found in Considerable Quan- (ities a Pipe Line Will Be Built. CINCINNATI, Ohio, April 23.—There is censiderable excitement here about the nat- ural gas well struck at Walton, Ky. It is said it will be a gusher, and is only twenty miles from Cincinnati. If a natural gas belt should be developed there, a pipe line will be constructed from the Walton field to Cincinnati. pate teen To Repeal the Civil Service Law. Representative Dorr of West Virginia has introduced a bill in the House to repeak the civil service law. —_—_——_-+e-—______ Gone to New York. Secretary Bliss left for New York last evening, and will not return here until next Thursday. His office in the Interior De- partment is being repainted during his ab- sence. —_-e-+_____ Fourth-Class Postmasters. The following Virginia fourth-class Post- masters were appointed today: Arbor Hil, J. N. Yates; Endicott, G. 0. McAlexander; Gladstone, W. H. Harris; Hunter's Lodge, H. Brugh; Oakdale, ————~+2—__ A Fraud Order Issued. ‘The Postmaster General has issued a lot- tery order against the People’s Debenture Company, limited, of New Orleans. J. H. Pace; Lanexa, J. D. Turner; Lithia, Deacon. jeanne gg made hs ae TURKS ARE CHECKED The Sultan’s Troops Fail to Ap- proach Larissa. ee Se GREEK ARMY ADVANCING NORTHWARD Importance of the Operations in the Gulf. POWERS AND INTERVENTION LONDON, April 23.—The Greek charge @affaires here has received a dispatch, dated at Athens today, giving the exact situation on the Thessalian frontier, from the Greek standpoint. It is as follow: “In Thessaly, in the direction of Reveni and Boughazi, our forces have penetrated into Turkish territory, and have advanced toward Damasi. “All the attacks of the enemy have been repulsed in the direction of Gritzovali. “Our army has occupied a strong position at Mati, where there has been fighting since yesterday. The Turkish attacks have been repulsed. “The Greeks had to retire from Nezeros, falling back on the bank of the De a strong position, which they are now de- fer ding. “In Epirus, our army is advancing and has captured Fort Imaret, Fillipiada and several villages. “The Greeks have also occupied Salagora, capturing three cannon, a number of guns and a quantity of ammunition and pro- = ions, “Tae army is now advancing northwards, “SKOUZES, “Minister for Foreign Affairs.” FIGHTING ALONG THE LINE. Day Yester- day, Nelther Side Ga NEW YORK, April 23.—A special to the Press, dated Larissa, April 22, midnight, says: “The Greeks had the best of the fighting today. The battle has been line to line, and the movements of neither side have been marked, This evening the main armies occupied nearly the same positions us they held this morning. The fighting all day was severe. “Tomorrow the Greeks will try to storm the principal Turkish redoubt near the Re- ven Pass. Should they be successful, they will be in a position to pass an army into Turkish territory while maintaining their own frontier. “The work of the Greek artillery today has been superb.” LAHISSA, April 22.—The latest adv as to the situation at Damasi show that on Sunday the Turks made a sorti: from the town and attacked the Greck position at Boughazi Pass and Sileropoluki. After se- ¥ere fighting the Greeks drove the Turks back across the frontier, with a loss of five guns. The Turks have descended from Milouna Pass on Kurtrievali. The result is not yet known here. Four hundred members of the foreign legion, including twenty-six Englishmen, under Captain Birch, arrived here on Tues- day. They were received with a great demonstration, which would be repeated on their departure for the front in tha evening. Intense enthusiasm was caused among the Greeks when the Englishinen sang the Greek national war songs. The Greek Evzones and a mountain bat- tery, having ascended the mountains east of the St. George monastery, were taken by the Turks on the flank. After a severe fight lasting many hours the Turks, who, on Monday, had driven the Greeks from Mati and Ligaria, brought 280 Circassian cavalry from Elassona. This was on Tues- day. The Circassians began to extend into the plain, but being caked by the Greek Colonel Mastropa’s battery and by the Evzones, they .were compelled to fall back on Ligaria with great loss. A portion of the fleeing Turks have :e- crossed the Milouna Pass toward Hlussona, The Greek infantry, extending in a semi- circle from Tyrnavo to Karavali, and sup- ported by artillery, all well handled, aft a hard day's fighting, drove back the Turks upon Ligaria. It is understood that the latter are retreating in force toward Eias- sora. ‘The estimation in which the Turks are held is shown by the stampede of the whole population on the frontier. The viliages and roads to Larissa are lit- eraily blocked with fugitives, herds of cat- tle, horses and donkeys, women and chil- dren on foot, old women carrying chairs, beds and household gear on their backs, on donkeys, in ox wagons, and in every conceivable sort of vehicle. The scene is heartrending, and reminds one of Pliny’s description of the flight from Pompeii after the eruption of Mount Ve- suvius. Larissa is overcrowded. Food is scarce; the hospitals are full, and there is an ur- gent appeal for nurses and surgical assist- ance. The wounded are arriving hourly. and all the surgical operations must be performed without chloroform, as there is none to be had. Chief Davellis and the survivors of his band of irregulars have returned from their raid into Macedoria. ATHENS, April 23.—A dispatch from La- rissa says that the Greek artillery at Rev- ent were reinforced and have reduced Vigla to silence. This will enable the brigades of Colonel Smolenitz and Colonel Dimopoulos to uniie in a movement toward Damasi. A severe struggle continues at Boughazl, where Colonel Dimopouios is, and the latest reports from Mail confirm the news of the retreat of the Greeks from Nezeros with ecnsiderable losses. They have fallen back to Mayrychorl, which ‘s well fortified. ‘A dispatch from Larissa, dated yesterday, says that after the Greeks had fortified Mayrychori, to which place they retreaied after evacuating Nezeros, they re-occupled Ratnitza and Hegani, which, when aban- doned by the Greeks, the Turks failed to occupy. LONDON, April 23.—A dispatch to the Daily Chronicle from Athens says that the Greeks have held their own positions and destroyed the Turkish cavalry at Mati. German officers were seen fighting with the ‘Turks in German uniforms. ‘The report is confirmed that a bridge and two tunnels at a junctioS of the Salonica and railway, have been blown up, &nd the working of the line will TURKS EAGER FOR THE FIGHT.