Evening Star Newspaper, April 29, 1897, Page 2

2 THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1897-14 PAGES. ing this momentous time through which We are passing. We have not resigned, and we will not resign unless the chamber declares that it withdraws its confidence from us. Nothing except a vote of want of confidence upon the part cf the chamber or an expression of want of confidence upon the part of the crown will induce us to relinquish the government of the coun- try." RUMORS OF A PEACE. An Unconfirmed Report of the End of Hostilities. ROME, April 29.—The Secolo of Milan publishes a dispatch from Athens saying that peace between Turkey and Greece has been concluded. PARIS, April 29.—A mémber of the diplo- matic corps of high standing, in an inter- view, is quoted as saying: While Greece will not ask for interven- tion, it is impossible for her to prolong re- sistance, owing to the condition of her finances. Therefore, it is probable the Greek government will now obey the sum- mons of Europe, and that the Turkish evacuation of Thessaly and the Greek evacuation of the Island of Crete will be carried out simultaneously. The financiab question will Then be considered. Greece will possibly be given a judicial council, enabling the giving of guarantees to the German bondholders and providing ‘Turkey with an indemnity for the expenses of mobilizing her troops. From other quarters it is reported that the Turkish government is ready to ne- gotinte fcr a cessation of the war, agree- ing to the re-establishment of the status quo ante bellum, with the proclamation of autonomy for Crete. At a cabinet meeting today the minister for foreign affairs, M. Hanotaux, explained the course of events in the east and the Progress of the negotiations of the powers to bring about a settlement of the dis- putes between Greece and Turkey. Up te 3 o'clock this afternoon nothing had reached the State Department or the Turkish legation to corroborate the report that peace had seen concluded between Greece and Turkey. CONDUCT OF THE TURKS. Official Statement Issued by Porte. CONSTANTINOPLE, April 2)—The fol- lowing official statement was Issued here teday: “The sublime rorte formally contradicts the rumors of atrecities comriitted by the imperial troops at Fillipiada, and also the report of the mutiny cf Albanians. The repeated testimony of all the correspon- dents of forcign newspipers at headquar- ters, and the admiration they express for the disciplime, humane feeling, bravery and moderation of tae Uttoman soldiers, Prove these acc:isations to be totally un- founded and due to the imigritlan of peo- ple whose malevolence equaly their men- dacity. dnem Fesha tas taken all the measures necessary to repress every kind of abuse. Th2 aileged mutiny ts absolute- ly centrery to fact.” The victories of the Turkish troops have enormcusly raised the military spirit of the Turks, and the confidence thus in- spired in Turkey's vitality is removing the G@ssatisfaction felt witn the present resime, at the same time rendering the powers’ scheme of reforms for the Otto- man empire harder of tealization. The ad- vautages which Turkey will derive from the war are already discussed in high quarters, where it !s declared that Turkey should in any case be released from the obligatiens imposed upon her in regard to Crete and the rectification of the frontier. It is also suggested and urged that Cape Punta, opposite Prevesa, at the entrance of the Gulf of Arta, should be restored to Turkey, and that Greece should be re- quired to pay a big indemnity. In nilitary circles it is further urged that @ Turkish squadron should be dispatched to Volo to support Edhem Pasha's occupa~ tion of that district of Greece. The Turkish squadron, however. has not yet left the Dardanelles, and the captain of an Aus- trian mailship, which has just arrived here, reports that three of the Turkish warships and oné of the Turkish torpedo boats have run aground in the Darda- nelles. The Austrian captain adds that one of these warships is in a serious position, as the sea is breaking over her. It is be- lieved the war vessels collided during the Progress of the naval maneuvers. The German ambassador, Baron Saurma Von Jeitsch, had an audience with the sul- tan yesterday. THE CAMPAIGN IN THESSALY. the Zarkes Has Fallen Into the Hands of the Turks. CONSTANTINOPLE, April 29.—It is an- nounced that the first division of the Turk- ish army at Elaesona has entered Greek territory from the vicinity of Damasi and has captured the town of Zarkés, an im- portant Greek base of operations, @bout eighteen miles west of Larissa and about ‘aM’ way between that place and Trikhala. Large quantities of ammunition fell into the hands of the Turks. ATHENS, April 29.—The fighting between the Greeks and the Turks at Velestino, at the junction of the railrcad connecting this pert with Larissa and Pharsalos, was only @ sertes of skirmishes, which resulted favor- ably to the Greeks. lestino is about ten miles west of Volo. The tel h operator at Pharsalos bas learned from the operator at Larissa that order prevails there and that the women and children are returning to the town. VOLO, April 29.—This town is almost com- pletely evacuated by the Greeks. The wo- men and children have been taken away em masse by sea. The foreign consulates have hoisted their British and Itallan ironclads are at an- chor in the harbor. SALONICA, April 20.—Advices received from say that during the stampede of the soldtery and populace from that city on the approach of the Turks there waz @ serious encounter between Italian volun- teers and Greek soldiers, during which many of the latyer were wounded and sev- eral children were killed. ROME, April 29.—A dispatch from Athens to the Messagero says that 600 women and children died during the terrible retreat from Tyrnavo to Larissa. The Turkish legation has received from the foreign office et Constantinople the fol- lowing dispatch, dated the 28th instant: “The first division of the army of Elas- sona, proceeding toward Trikhala, has jum entered Zarco. Great quantities of munt- tions of war fell into the hands of the im- pertal troops.” FIGHTING IN EPIRUS. Greeks Occupy the Heights of Pente- LONDON, April 29.—A special dispatch from Atnens says that the Grecks have cupied the heights of Pentepigadia, north of Arta and about half way between that place and Janina, in Epirus, and entrenched themseives there. THAT AWFUL GREEK RETREAT. Some of Its Horrors Deweribed by 2a English Volunteer. | LONDON, Aprit 29—The Times this morning publishes an {nterview with an Exglish volunteer,who was a witness of the terrible stampede of the Greeks from T: navos to Larissa and Pharsalos and Voio. After describing the terrors of this retreat, the v olunteer comtinues: “within a mile or two of Larissa my horse was knocked over an embankment into a dry river bed. I knew I was injured, but to remain there meapt death, and I managed to drag myself to Larissa. There e!l was confusion. I was swept into a ‘ine shop with a mob of soldiers, where 1 ebiained some Resinato wine. On leaving the shop I went into the street, saw an open door and laid down in the passage. completely exhausted. When I awoke I could not move my- injured leg. Fortur:- ately I saw an English correspondent, who went to fetch a surgeon. Soon he dashed up on horseback and exclaimed: ‘The Turks are coming!” ““£ eould not stay there, so I hung to the lc kreeneeeeeren eieesemtne enemas serene sseeesemteneceeesedensemenessteee ante eRe eee wildest confusion. Soldiers and_ civilians, women and children, were ana clamoring madly in thetr efforts to get into the train. The mem behaved in a cowardly manner.- I saw womer and chil- dren dragged from carriages to make reomt for officers, and the soldiers who had been detailed to guard the station, instead of remaining on duty, leaped upom the roofs of carriages. Their companions, who failed to get places, fired at them. The fire was returned, and the train started im the midst of a hot fusillade. “It was a terrible scene. The agony of those left behind was heartrending, thelr terror increasing as firing was heard on the outskirts of the town, and it was be- Heved that the Turks were approaching. Most of the military men left the train at Velestino, being bound for Pharsalos. “On arriving at Volo I found a thousand people at the ratiroad station, all anxious to learn whetber their friends had been wopnded or killed. “I was taken to the Red Cross Hospital, and words cannot express the kindness which I received there.” GREEK CABINET REORGANIZATION. in- Will Represent the King. ATHENS, April 20.—The king has in- trusted M. Delyannis, the retiring premter, with full powers to represent him during the formation of the new cabinet, and only insisted that M. Teotoki should enter the cabinet. The leaders of the opposition then went to parliament house, where a meeting of the opposition delegates was held. The leaders afterward had another con- ference and drew up a list of ministers which three of the leaders presented to the king. The names will be submitted to the legislative assembly tomorrow, and a v>te of confidence will be asked for. It is believed that M. ligeorgis will be president of the chamber. Ald for the Greeks. NEW YORK, April 29.—The Knicker- bocker Trust Company today cabled to Queen Olga at Athens $1,000, which was sent by Mrs. Theodore Ralli, treasurer of the Greek ladies’ committee here, hy an American woman whose name is unknown, to help the Greek cause. Dely; —_>_—_. JAPAN IS AROUSED Will Send Warship to Honolulu to Enforce Her Rights. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal, April 29.—Ac- cording to advices by steamer this morn- ing, the Japanese government is arouse over the refusal of the Hawaiian govern- ment to permit Shinshou Marou immi- grants to land there, and has crdered war- ships to Honolulu to enforce what the Japanese immigrants consider their right The foreign office instructed Hiogo Kencho at Kobe on the %th instant to stop de- parture of immigrants for the fslands at once. Grave complications have ari32a, accord- ing to Japan official newspapers over the action of the United States government in serding the Philadelphia to Honolulu. Japanese official organs claim the cruiser has been sent as a menace to the Japanese government, and is significant in that it foretells annexation of the islands to the United States. Japanese official newspapers are full of war talk. The Chowe states that a tele- gram had been recived by the Japanese authorities to the effect that Eugland has sent an intimation to the United States government that she objects to the intend- ed annexation by the latter of the Ha- wailan republic. The Sekai No Nifon says that a series of telegraphic communications are at present passing between the United States lcgation at Tokio and the United States govern:nent and is of the opinion that they relate to the refusal of the Hawaiian government to per- mit Japanese immigrants to lard. ——— ee A CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL. eiling a Monument at Dallas This Morning. DALLAS, Tex., April 29—The confeder- ate monument erected through the efforts of the Daughters of the Confederacy ot Dailas was unveiled this morning. It is of Texas granite, the shaft being fifty feet high, and the monument honors both the private and the chief of the C. 8S. A. On the top column stands the private and at the base are four pedestals on which are life-sized statues of Jefferson Davis, R. E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Albert Sidney Johnston. Jeff Davis pulled the cord that unveiled the form of his grandfather, Lucy Hayes did the same for Robert E. Lee, while a little granddaughter of Stonewall Jackson completed the unveiling by pulling the cords which removed the veils from the statues of Jackson and Johnson. After a number of young ladies representing the different southern states had decorated the monument with flowers, ex-Senator John H. Reagan delivered an eulogy on Presi- dent Davis. Other eulogies were pronounc- ed as follows: Gen. R. E. Lee, by Geo. N. Aldredge; on Gen. Stonewall Jackson, by Judge H. W. Lightfoot; on Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, by Norman G. Kittrell; on the private, by A. T. Watts. The cere- monies ended with a battle of flowers, par- ticipated in by all, the base of the monu- ment at the end being covered with a mass of flowers. —S REFORMS FOR CUBA. The Spanish Queen Regent Signs the Decree. MADRID, April 29.--The queen regent, at @ cabinet meting tolay, signed a decree providing for the application of the agreed- upon reforms for the Island of Cuba. Her majesty’s action was due to the receipt of a cable message from Captain General Weyler announcing that the western part of the island ts complztely pacified. The queen regent is indisposed. Her majesty is suffering from nervous pros- tration. >— RESCUED BY FIREMEN. Escape by Stairs Cat Of in a Burning Hotel. MILWAUKEE, Wis., April 29.—Fire de- stroyed the Schmidt Hotel; a four-story building at 123 Huron street, at 3:30 o'clock this morning. When the guests were awak- ened the fire had spread from the first to the second story, and escape by the stair- way was cut o! Firemen rescued all the inmates, fifteen in number, with ladders. Some of the women were unconscious when found by the firemen. The building was badly damaged. About two hours later the fire depart- ment was called to Mineral Springs Park Hotel, a popular résort near R.verside Park. The hotel was completely destroyed. — THE REPORT DENIED. That an Irish ¥acht W America’s Ca, BELFAST. Ireland, April 29.—Gustay W. Wolff, member of parliament for East Bel- fast, and a partner in the firm of Harland & Wolff, the well-known ship builders, says there is no truth ‘in the story that he is connected with a syndicate contemplating building an Irish yacht to challenge for the America’s cup or the Queen’s cup, It is further stated that no member of the Royal Ulster Yacht Ciub, of which the Marquis of Dufferin, whose name was also mentioned in connection’ with the alleged syndicate, is commodore, intends to chal- lenge for the America’s cup. , Se Croker’s Entry Left at the Post. LONDON, Aprtl 20%—The second spring meeting at Sandown .Park opened -today. The Princess of Wales’ handicap of 500 sovereigns was won by T. Cannon's Deep D. Seymour's Suppliant second, ‘and ae Meneame Woodvaneote third, Mr. Croker’s Americus, which was among the entries, was left at the post, —_—_— Ocean Steamship Arrivals. At New York—Servia, Liverpool; Lahn, Bremen. Z il Try for the DP. At Southampton—Steamer New York, New Yerk. At Naples—Werra, New York. ~ At Bremerhaven—WiNehad, New York. At Liverpool—Teutonic, New York. _— “Want” ads. in The Star they bring answers. pay because LATE NEWS BY WIRE Scones of Desolation in the Ootton- wood Valley. SWEEP OF FLOOD THROUGH GUTRRIE Waters Subsiding and the Work ‘of Rescue Goes On. HOMES THAT BECAME TOMBS SS - GUTHRIE, Okla., April 29.—Daylight in the Cottonwood valley found dozens cling- ing to trees, overturned houses or timbers in positions which they had ‘sustained all during the weary night. Here and there Positions known to have been occuvied when darkness came on last night were empty this morning, and the only conclu- sion to be drawn is that the luckless vic- tims had cropped into the river during the night, drowned and their bodies swept down stream. For miles along the scene eaeerese a 2,000 people, homeless, ‘rom ex- posure and hungry, passed @# miserable night, and morning found most of them too weak to render much assistance, either to themselves or others. During the night the water receded rapidly and the work of rescue was more easy this morning. hen darkness stopped further rescue last even- ing every man available went’ busily to work to construct rafts for use today, and when the first light of day broke small parties started out from different points and began transporting the people from their perilous positions to land. The water was pot so high or swift as yesterday, and the rescuers made rapi progress. During the night organized re- Hef, under the direction of Guthrie people, was pushed es rapidly as possible, and renewed efforts were put forth this morn- ing. No more reliable estimate of the dead or of the property damage than was given last night could be compiled this morning. Hourly bodies left on land by the receding waters or found pocketed in houses or piles of debris came to light. ‘This was within a few miles of Guthie. What the damage to life and property fur- ther out in the country ts will only be krown when wire and railway-train com- munication, now at a standstill, is resumed. Waters Have Somewhat Subsided. WICHITA, Kan. April 29.—Guthrie proper lies on a high plain, and away west on a similar eminence stands the Catholic Academy, while between, in the once fer- tile valley, is a sea in which floats the homes of one section of the city. In the interior of many of these houses are the bloated, unrecovered bodies of many vic- tims, while on the tops of other houses and perched in the forks of the freshiy green trees are others, still living, but twenty-four hours without food, and ex- hausted with clinging, wet and chilled, stuck to their unsteady perches the live- long night, some with children tn their arms—without sustenance and without sleep. Across the silent water they cried out for help, but they had to wait until the first streak of dawn enabled eager rescuers to begin the work of relief. The water has gone down somewhat, and the spectacle this morning was a remark- able cheos of mud, wrecks, and, here and there, a body left by the receding water. It is believed that loss of life has also occurred south of Guthrie, along the Cot- tonwood river. Many farm houses in that district are reported to have been swept away. Seven miles south of here, at Sew- ard, Hunt's store and post office were swept away. Four thousand dollars have been raised in Guthrie for the relief of the sufferers. The Death List. All the morning missing people have been found clinging to bushes of driftwood down the stream, on the west bluffs or scattered in farm houses for miles, so that it is believed now that the death list will not exceed twenty-ilve, most of them being those seen to drown in the main channel during the first rush of water and the bodies were carried away. ‘The only bodies found this morning were those of Mrs. Fannie Ruffin and five chil- dren, all lodged in a pile of driftwood. These, with George Owen, a_butchei drowned while rescuing others; Frank My. ers, Miss Ella Dums, Mrs. Jane Watt, Mrs. Francis Moore, Mrs. Drummord, Mrs. Den- nis and child and Mrs. Watson, are the only ones known to have been drowned, though fifty or more are still missing. Five hundred homes were swept away and the contents ruined. A hundred and fifty houses were wrecked, twenty streets devastated and ruined, 1.000 people are homeless and half as many more destitute. Property damaged exceeds $100,- 000. Systematic relief is now carried on, and ferries are now working across the river, so that supplies are sent to ‘Mil, and many suf- ferers are- being brought to the unharmed part of the city to be cared for in private homes. It is. now certain that the flood was caused by a cloudburst twenty miles up the valley, and everything was swept be- fore it. Had it come two hours earlier, a thousand would have perished, but not reaching the city until 7 o'clock, ani a gen- eral alarm preceding, enabled a large part to escape to the high ground and those = to secure refuge in trees and cn Foo! —_—_—_—_ AMERICAN DELEGATES NAMED. Representatives Appointed to the Uni- versal Postal Congress. Postmaster General Gary has appointed the following named delegates to represent the United States at the international pos- tal congress to be held in this city next month: Gen. George S. Batcheller, New York; Mr. Edward Rosewater, Omaha, Neb.; Gen. James N. Tyner, Washington, D. C.; Capt. M. M. Brooks, Virginia, and Gen. A. D. Hazen, Pennsylvania. Gen. Batcheller is the chairman of the delegation, and in that capacity doubtless will be accorded the honor of presiding over the session: of the postal congress. He has traveled extensively, speaks French, the language of the convention, fluently, and is also acquainted with other tongues. He was sent by this government seme years ago on a special mission to Egypt, where he remained some years, was minister to Portugal under President Arthur and was first assistant secretary of the treasury during the Harrison admin- istration. He is a well-known practitioner of international law. Edward Rosewater, the second member ef the delegation, is one of the most ac- complished linguists in the country. He ia said to speak almost a score of differ- ent languages and has shown much inter- est in postal affairs. He has made fre- quent arguments before Congress in be- half of the postal telegraph and extension of the parcels-post system, and has sug- gested a number of improvements in the postal service. He is the proprietor of the Omaha Bee. Gen. Tyner was Postmaster General for some months in the latter part of the Grant reg.me; waa also second assistant, and later first assistant postmaster general, and was twice assistant attorney general for the Post Office Department. He has also represented Indiana in Congress, Capt. Brooks has been connected with the postal service in different capacities for almost a quarter of a century and has been superintendent of foreign mails since 1890, receiving the appointment from Mr. Wana- maker, then Postmaster General. General Hazen, now a lawyer of this city, was identified with the Post Office Depa: ment for many years and was third assist- ant postmaster general under President Harrison. Mr. Ed. Hohn, director of the interna- tional bureau of the Postal Union at Berne, Switzerland, and who will be secretary of the ee amare, sg we, Swemaster: General Gary today respects. His secretaries ‘accompanied | him. —»—___ MAWAHAN TREATY. Senator's Proposition to Abrogate It * im July, 18098, Senator Allen of Nebraska today ‘intro- duced @ proposed amendment to the tariff ‘bill for the abrogation of the Hay treaty on July 1, 1998. [ KENTUCKY'S NEW SENATOR Will Have to Be » Good Hermeniser os Well «29 Good Partisan, Se Th Dimeutt), bution of } mage—Both Fac- tions Mike Be Considered. Wise The new senator from. Kentucky has, it is agreed, a véFy-difficult row to hoe. He is expected to exh{bit the qualities of a good harmonizet is well ‘as those of a good partisan. His, elegtion.has been brought about by a truce between two factions which have teen at swords’ points for eighteen months. The question now is whether that truce can be welded into a permanent union. The Distribution of Patronage. The difficulty lies tn the distribution of the Kentucky patronage. Both factions will have to be recognized. Senator Deboe is a Hunter man. He had charge of the Hunter canvass while tt lasted and was ag- gressive in his leadership. This stood him valuably in hand when Dr. Hunter _with- drew, for he became at once the Hunter heir to the caucus nomination. The Hunter influence nominated him, but of course W. J. Deboe. the two votes which, under Gov. Brad- ley’s influence, had defeated Dr. Hunter's election had again to be reckoned with. They were finally brought around to the support of Dr. Dehoe, and so through them = Bradley faction will demand recogui- tion. Will Now Come in Force. The Kentuckians will now come into the field in force, and with all the more eager- ness and energy for. being a trifle late. There are some very capable and attractive men among them, who ought to prove for- midable antagonists for any places they may decide to try for. Dr. Hunter will Probably not be among them, for the rea- son that he is contesting for the seat In the House now occupied by Mr. Rhea. He ex- pects to win that fight, and if he should he will stand for-re-election. But, any- how, he is anxfus!to keep his hold on the party organization at home, and this, it is thought, will rgqyire him to remain’ near the scene. A ral appointment which would take him out of the country or away from Kerttuéky would interfere with hig plans. y Among those who will apply for recogni- ten are ex-Congressman Lewis, who wants to be commissioner of internal revenue; Brutus J. Clay, ‘fofmerly a democrat, who wants the Swiss trission, and several men of local prominence with their eyes fas- tened on good consular posts. Melbourne, Dresden, Glasgow, Manchester, Marseilles and other placés of equal note’ are within range of the Kéntfitky vision, and rather a spirited canvass for'them is on the cards. Clainin*to Be Made. In the distribttior of the general pa- frontage Kenttitky ‘did not fare véry well under the Harrton administration. At that time the Tong and*firm’ democratic hold on the state, rémained unshaken, and the state's claim for recognition’ outside of her cwn local plans was slight. Under Mr. Cleveland, with both senators and ten out of eleven of the representatives democrats, the state was well remembered. The point now will be to secure recognition to com- pére in both the number and the import- ance of the place with that accorded the state by Mr. Cleveland. Kentucky now has a republican governor, one of her two sena- tors is a republican, and four of her eleven representatives are republicans, and this result has been achieved under difficulties so great the members of that party in the state consider themselves well worthy of Teward and encouragement. Next Fall's Elections. This year’s election has also to be con- sidered. A clerk of the court of appeals and a new legislature are to be elected in November, and the fight will be one of the warmest. Mr. Blackburn will throw his whole Influence into the campaign, and that means much to the democrats. The repub- licans will need all of the support the na- tional adfainistration can give them. ————_—_____. A LABOR MEMORIAL. It Was Presented im the Senate and the House Today. The American Federation of Labor today sent to the Senate a memorial addressed to “The President, Cabinet and Congress of the United States of Amertea,""which em- bedies the request for legislation recently made to a delegation of the order which called on Speaker Reed. The specific requests made are four: Amendment of the federal eight-hour law to secure its enforcement on all public werk for the United States, whether done by contract or otherwise. Reraodeling of. immigration laws to se- cure protection to American citizens. Reform in. the national banking system and the currency. Liberal appropriations for public works. The petition says: “Millions of our work- ing people—American citizens—about this time are suffering humiliating poverty and countless starvations, and look to you for Speedy relief. Last.fall they were promised helpful legisiaticn, and they expect it from you without unreeessary delay. In no Party spirit we appeal to you to heed their wants and to promptly meet this unparal- leled situation in the true spirit of Ameri- cen patriotiam. With industry half para- lyzed, trade stagnant, values depressed and shrunken, -with enterprise stified, and the producing power ef labor paisied, with our commerce listless on the seas, and our’im- mense resourcea:blghted, we bid you haste the return of heeter es, to inspire con- fidence and bring: cheer and comfort to the homes of the milljens of citizens who now seek work and wages in vain. “in the name:ptyproducers, tn shop and factory, in millyagd: mine, in field and on our iakes and seeai in behalf of the toilers out of work, and af those unpaid, we on you the necepsity of legislative relief. The destitutionsamong the honest, proud and industrious:paaplé of our land, though pale hidden, = even sucrnasing: — becom: Ing more and mpR B. ie hopes they had are fas turaing to gloome oe. spair. Inventiows, machinery, the subdi- vision of labor angithe countless labor-dis- pensing applianerasto cheapen production, even in the bestjof times, disturbs perma- nency of employment, tend to reduce wages and intensify, competition in nearly every field of lal «Added to this the un- restricted flow of migration from abroad, the organizatiod’ of trusts, the centraliza- tion of capital int manifold ind make the existence, of the working man more hard and us. “These cl 11) Ede im the Distei- HE. PLEADED... GUILTY Billy Williams Sentencod te Seven Years at Hard Labor. COUNSEL BEGGED FOR LENIENCY Judgment of the Court Pronounced by Chief Justice Bingham. A DRAMATIC SCENE ———_>_—_- Chief Justice Bingham this afternoon, in Criminal Court No. 1, sentenced William, alias “Billy,” Williams td seven years in the New Jersey state prison at hard labor. the man having pleaded guilty to a charge of highway robbery. e ‘The offense was committed the evening of the 10th instant, in the White Lot, the victim being Isadore Efron of San Antonio, Texas. Albert Tolson was also engaged in the robbery, and several days ago he Pieaded guilty. Efron was knocked down and robbed of a watch and chain, and a Pocketbook, the watch being, as Williams today confessed to Detective Sutton, who worked up the case, thrown by him into the river. The scene in court this afternoon was as dramatic as it was sad. By Williams sat his wife and two little children, the wife and little ones kissing the criminal as they seated themselves. Mr. Albert Sillers, the man’s attorney, made an eloquent plea for mercy, saying that while it is true Will- jams’ record is far from good, it is also true that during the past few years he has tried hard to lead an honest life. Williams’ Story of Reform. When asked what he had to say, Wil- ams acknowledged his guilt, explaining that impending starvation impelled him to commit the offense. “When I came back here the last time from prison,” he sald, “I determined to be a better man. But it was hard work, your honor, for every one seemed to be against me. When I asked for a loaf I was given a stone. Last sum- mer I worked fourteen hours a day until my work gave out for the Great Falls Ice Company. “The superintendent of that company trusted me. He would leave me alone. in the office with the safe open. I appreciated that man’s confidence in me, your honor, and I'd died before I would have violated that confidence in me. I also work2d on the Metropolitan ratiroad, and at the power house, but every now and then my em- ployer would tell me of receiving letters about my past, but I worked on as long as the work lasted, behaving myself. “When I could tind no more work, the win- ter coming on, and my wife and children being sick, house rent long over due, my grocery bill getting bigger and bigger, I became desperate. I asked work of every one, of District Attorney Birney, of Maj. Moore, and others, but my past life wes against me, and I could get none. “Then, wild with desperation, your honor, I did what I di. I am sorry for it, I am guilty, but,” and here the man burst into tears, “I have prayed to God for forgive- ness, and believe that He has forgiven m and that He will take care of my wife and little ones while I am gone.” The Spectators Affected. Every one in the crowded court room was affected by the man’s words, District At- torney Davis visibly so, and the latter said: “I wish, your honor, that this man’s words could be repeated to every convict, that they might learn that as we sow so must we reap. “I hate, your honor, to ask the imposition of the exireme penalty on Williams, but I must. I do so out of mercy for him, as well as for the protection of society. It is a sad thing to do, but my duty, your honor, or yours, is an iron one, and must be done. The man is one who possesses, it seems, an ungovernable impulse to commit crime, and it is best for him and best for society that he be put away for as long a time as the law allows.” The Maximum Sentence Imposed. In passing sentence Chief Justice Bing- ham referred to what Mr. Davis had said, arguing, with him, that the maximum sen- tence should be imposed. He therefore sentenced the man, amidst the sobs of his wife and little ones, as above stated. Will- jams took his punishment bravely and calmly walked to the cage below. —_.—__. The Street Extension Case. ‘To the Editor of The Evening Star: The letter that appeared in last evening’s Star on the street extensicn case seems to me timely, and the editorial mention under the head of “Urgent Need for Decision” most appropriate. I would like, however, to call attention to one statement that might deter people from improving prop- erty they own in the line of the proposed streets. ; No one wishes to buy ground for the purpose of building a home on land so lo- cated, for there is the possibility of being obliged to sell it to the government under this act, but so long as there is no appro- priation to pay for the land, and the gov- ernment continues to collect taxes upon it, it seems to me that there is no reason why the owners of the same should hesitate to beautify and improve the property while it is theirs in any manrer that the city authorities give them a permit to do, and the District government does continue to issue permits for improvements in the line of these proposed streets, which it has been decided by the courts they are obliged to do. Now, if the owner has the right to build it seems to me that capitalists should not hesitate to lend money for the purpose of such improvements through any fear that the United States will confiscate such bet- terments, simply because they were placed there subseqvent to the publication of the highway plans, which they may see fit to change at any time, as they have just done in the case of Connecticut avenue. If such reasons exist I hope some consti- tutional lawyer will be moved to give the public the benefit of them through the col- umns of The Star. Meantime, without be- ing a lawyer, constitutional or ot! must think that such action by the govern- ment, the taking of such improvements without compensation, is plainly uneonsti- ARMS. CI tutional JOHN TAYLOR —._—_. Seeretary Gage’s Return. Private Secretary Vanderlip received a telegram from Secretary Gage in New York today, saying that he had concluded to postpone his return to Washington until tomorrow afternoon. —__—__e— __ The Brooklyn’s Satisfactory Trial. Commodore Dewey, president of the naval inspection board, reports that the cruiser Brooklyn arrived at Newport, R. I, today, after a highly satisfactory sea trial from Philadelphia. He says in particular that her machinery worked smoothly throughout the crutee, ————_e-+___ Secretary Wilson’s Appointments. Appointments in the Department of Agri- culture: Mrs. Amelia H. Love, clerk tn —_—_-e.______ Delegates to the Postal Congress, NEW YORK, Aprfl 29.—Among the pas- sengers who arrived today per steamer Lahn, from Bremen and were yumenia, to IN CONGRESS TODAY sions. The Upper Body Was Deluged With Reqolutions-To Investigate the Mfusissippi Floods. The question of whether business was to be done by the Senate this week was raised today by Mr. Pettigrew (S.D.) when the Senate met. Mr. Pettigrew proposed that the Senate direct a conference on the Indian appropria- tion bill. Mr. Chandler (N.H.), however, gave no- tice that he would object to any business being done because there was a general understanding that none should be takef} up during the absence of many senators in New-York to attend the ceremonies of dedi- cating the Grant monument. Other sena- tors protested that there had been no such agreement made, Leases of Of] Lands. Thereupon Mr. Quay (Pa.) suggested that before the Indian bill was disposed of there should be an investigation of the leases of the oil lands of the Seneca Indians of New York, remarking that the Senate should know whether. the Indians were being rob- bed of valuable interests. A message from the President transmit- ting the report of the commission to ad- just the boundary line between the United States and Mexico west of the Kio Grande was read. Then Mr. Quay presented a resolution calling upon the Secretary of the Interior for information as to whether the leases of the Senecas oil lands had been made in the usual manner and whether there had been any corruption. It was agreed to without debate. ring the presentation of memorials Mr. Spooner (Wis.) offered one “from several thousand men who work for wages in the lumber districts of Wisconsin,” asking for the enactment of the lumber schedule of the Dingley bill. The Senate was quite deluged with reso- tutions. The Minnis Floods. Mr. Vest (Mo.) offered a resolution for a comprehenstve inquiry by the commerce committee of the Senate Into the causes of and remedies for the Mississippi ficods, and said he would call it up at the next meeting of the Senate. The resolution follows: Resolved, That the committee on com- merce is hereby instructed to make full examination and inquiry as to the follow- ing questions and report thereon to the Senate by bill or otherwise, on the first day of the regular session in December next: What are the causes of the disastrous floods in the Mississippi river and its tributaries, and how can such floods be pre- vented or diminished? If such floods are the result to any extent of the destruction of timber upon or near the headwaters of the sald river or its tributaries, what measures should be adopted to prevent such destruction, and whether reservoirs to hold the waters caused by rain or the rapid melting of snow on or near said headwaters should be constructed to prevent the floods caused by the sudden precipitation of the rain or snow water into the streams flowing from the regions where the sources of the Mis- sissippi arc located? Whether said reservoirs, if their con- struction should be deemed necessary, could not also be utilized for the irrigation of arid lands in the vicinity of such reser- voirs? Whether the outlet system, by which It is Proposed to furnish avenues through which the waters of the Mississippi river can es- cape in times of flood, is practicable or ex- pedient? Whether the present system of improv- -ing the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, un- der which it ts sought to confine the wa- ters within the banks of said rivers by means of levees, together with jetties at different localities to increase the orosive | power of the curre:it so as to protect the banks and deepen the channel, shoula be continued? What has been the effect upon naviga- tion and commerce of the jetties at the macutk of the Mississippi river, and what is the present condition of said jetties and their probable future? Whether the Mississippi and Missouri river commissions should be continued in existence, and if continued what amend- ments should be made to the statutes cre- ating such commissions and defining their duties and power? ‘What legislation is necessary to prevent the enormous destruciion of property by floods in the Mississippi river and its trib- utaries, and what amount of money should be appropriated by Congress for the es- tabHshment and maintenance of systematic improvements and safeguards? Mr. Pettigrew followed with a resolution calling on the commissioner of labor for in- formation as to the cost of producing 1,000 feet (board measure) of white pine lumber, the answer to include the cost of work in the woods and in the mill, both in the United States and in Canada. This was adopted with the addition of a question Proposed by Mr. Frye (Me.), concerning the cost of stumpage. ‘A resolution was offered by Mr. Morgan (Ala.) and adopted, requesting the Presi- dent, if not incompatible with the public interests, to transmit to the Senate all cor- respondence with the consul general and consuls in Cuba since the beginning of the war, not heretofore published. ‘Then at 12:32 p.m. the Senate adjourned til Monday. THE HOUSE. The House was in session seven minutes today. The journal was not read. The ob- jection that there was no quorum present was interposed by Mr. Simpson (Kan.), whereupon Mr. Payne (N. Y.) made a mo- tion to adjourn. Mr. C. W. Stone (Pa.), who was in the chair, held that an adjournment under the order of the House made last Friday would be until Monday next. : Mr. Simpson protested vainly that it was unconstitutional to adjourn for more than one day without a quorum, and he asked an opportunity to be heard. Bur the “reg- ular SS was loudly Semanded ad, and Mr. yne’s motion was put an , 74—14, most of the democrats voting with the republicans. The chaplain in his in- vocation today prayed for the recovery of Gen. Henderson of Iowa, who lies danger- ously ii] at his home, in Dubuque, Iowa. ———-e-______ Grain and Cotton Markets. Furnished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., bankers ———— 1427 F st, members New York exe nis Messrs, Ladenburg, ses kd Co., New York. ae SoceRnaReAes saan? sesppenny i Pra | easkei { 3 8 Ahem tO FINANCE AND TRADE London Prices Were Depressed, But Had Little Infiuenos. PROSPECTS OF AN EARLY PEACE No Quotations for Two Hours in Usually Active Stocks. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS a Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, April 20.—Insignificant in- fluences producing fasignificant results about describes today’s narrow and pur- poseless stock market. London prices were fractionally lower, but were scarcely @ factor in the local dealings owing to the lack of foreign participatior. European money centers reflected an improved tone, government securities being especially strong on the more pacific prospect in the east. The failure of the Greek campaign ani the prospects of an early adjustment of per.ding difficulties inspires a belief in a broader market for all international secur- ittes. The frequent periods of absolute stag naticn which have prevailed during the week are the strongest arguments now op- erating against values. Durng the morning hours today no transactions were recorded in Rock Island, Misscuri Pacific, Omaha nor the securities ef the Southern railroad, With these usually active issues unquoted for two hours, the character of the general trading needs ro analysis. Prices ao no recede without cesistance, and recover easily to the average level, but difficulties are in- variably enumerated in trying to establish a level superior to the recent average. Brokers whose lack of business affords ample opportunity for a discussion of the main situation, are confident that invest- ment buying is going on in sufficient vol- ume to force a sharp recovery in prices. The daily transactions fall to sustain this view, and long stock frequently demon- strates its transitory ownership by reap? pearing at a fractional advance. The facts are that the ets of in- numerable amendments to the tariff bill deter increased risks in speculative se- curities. The lack of certainty, inseparable from all things legislative, is responsible for the continued timidity of the average rator and no aggressive demand seems likely to antedate the of a revenue bill. The outflow of gold, which is generaily expected to continue, until present engage- ments are doubled at least, is a disturbing factor at this juncture. There would seem to be no occasion for concern on this point, however, in view of the ability of the country to’ supply the demand without embarrassment, but the evils of previous shipments are not easily forgotten. . Railway earnings gave evidence of ‘m- provement and must sooner or later find fuller reflection in the securities to which they directly apply. The prosperity of the rallroads will not be justly interpreted until after Congress ceases to be a factor. Burlington's report for the month of March reflects a gain of $278,000, and for the quarter ending with the clese of the same month the gain ex- ceeds $810,000. The improvement in this Property is regarded as being almosi cer- tain of duplication in the neighboring Grarger roads. For this reason, these shares are relied upon to begin the new era of prosperity once surrounding conditions become harmonious. Superior selling of Jersey Central and Western Unior was reported during the day to the disadvantage of the price of each. The support of Sugar and Chicago Gas were features of unusual interest, in view of the limited interest elsewhere. > FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. The following are the opening, the highest and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as reported >2y Corson & Macartney, members New York stock exchange. Correspondents, Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. 80 Broadway. Open. Hizh. Low. Closo. 10K WX 10% 1056 Big Tg Wig BY M4 MSH By _ Salee—rogula: call—12 o'clock m.—National Sats Deposit Oat 115. Wi on Lowe ‘Trust, 10 at Estate 1 19%. Real ance, 4 at 96. ti District of bid. 30-year fund ‘at a, 1008. currency currency, 113 Tie"; ‘Water stock Ts, liom 3.65e, funding, 100% ae at i Es ik | +4 a ta i z E