Evening Star Newspaper, May 15, 1897, Page 1

PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, noi ge wania oe Cor. ZS! St, by The ealng Biar Wew: Company. 8. H. AUEYMANN. Pres's Few Yok Ofee, 49 Petter Buildizg. ‘The Evening Star Is served to subscribers in the city by carriers, on their own account, at 10 cents Der week, or 44 cents per month. es at the Counter 2 cents each. By mail—anywhere in the United States or Canada—poctage prepaid—50 cents rda¥ Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.00. (Entered at the Post’ Office at Washtnzton, D. C., as second-class mail matter.) eral — subscriptions must be paid in advance. <8 of Uncertainty Whether It Will Go to Congress Monday or Tuesday. SENATE 10 DISCUSS CUBAN WAR Reports Already Received Show a Sad State of Things. oe A PLAN OF RELIEF oo There is an uncertainty as to whether the Pregdent will send a message on the Cu- a question té Congress on Monday, as ed. Before leavirg for Philadelphia > President and his cabinet determined to wait until the last moment, so as to get some report from the special commissioner sent to Cuba last week, end as the Presi- dent dees not return until tonight it is an- neunced at the White House that it is not likeiy that the President wiil spend Sunday ai nis desk, and unless some very startling news 1s received by cable between now and Mcnday morning the President will not act hastily in communicating with Con- gress. The fecling among the senators, however, is that by the time the President returns from his trip he will be in posses- sion of information that will cause him to send some communication to Congress when it meets at noon on Monday. No matter how the President acts, it is cer- be some interesting proceedings in the Se » on Monday after- nee Senator Mo n's belligeret reso- lutions are the special order for 2 o'clock, and as they will surely come before the Senate a lively debate is almost ceriain to occur. Anxious for a Message. The republican senators are most anxious for the President to communicate to Con- gress in some manner, even if it is only to advise the sending of relief to the starv- ing Americans on the island. This will give them a chance to show that the ad- ministration is going to act, and prevent any precipitate aetion by the Senate, which embarrass the administration later in working out its policy. At present it is a most embarrassing position for the re- publican senators, and especia!ly_ those on the foreign relations committee, for know- ing the situation in Cuba as reported by the sworn officials of the government, their patriotic instincts are in favor of some immediate action, but their loyalty to the administration prevents their doing any thing to hinder or embarrass the President in working out his policy. The mere act of recognizing the belligerency of the in- surgents, as Senator Morgan desires to do in his resolution, would not better the con- dition of the unfortunate Americans who are starving on the island, while if some word suggestive came from the adminis- tration as to relief for the unfortunates it would enable the senators to act in the matter and thus show the country that something must be done. Threatened Delay Irritating. The threatened delay on the part of the executive officers is therefore somewhat irritating to the republican leaders in the Senate, who fear if another delay is at- tempted in the Senate, it will cause much to be made public which at present the State Department is desirous of keeping secret. Should the contents of some of the consular reports be laid bare in the Senate at this time, it is claimed that public opinion would demand that something be done for the relief of those suffering in Cuba. The reports from the American con- suls are so full and specific that in describ- ing the Americans who have been driven from their plantations and country into the cities, and who are penned up like cattle in the streets, not only are names of Americans given, but also the localitics and states from which they came are named. Some of the consuls report that Amer.cans are confined in pens where smallpox and other diseases exist, and when they have offered aid to the Americans, the latter have begged them not to mention the fact that they were Americans, because the very fact of this being done would make them a target for future abuses and in- sults by the Spaniards. Lost Faith fn Protection. It is plainly stated that many of the Americans prefer to suffer rather than have their cases reported, for they have lost all faith in protection from the State Department. This course was brought about by the policy of the last administration, whicn Fefused to take vigorous proceedings, and has had its effect upon the unfortunates new suffering in Cuba. Several of the genators who have had an opportunity to read the reports from the American con- guls in Cuba have expressed surprise that these reports have been kept secret for t has been remarked that know- acts as reported by the sworn efficials of this government, it is a mystery fo them how the United States officials could go to bed and sleep, knowing that their fellows citizens were undergoing such terrible suffering. and that no relief was being offered to them. Reports Expected. It is hoped at the State Department that by the time the President returns from Philadelphia there wili be reports fn answer to the cablegrams sent our con- suilar officers in Cuba giving the latest news in regard to the situation on the island, and from these reports the President and Kis cabinet will get such information as to allow them to act intelligently upon the subject, and if the President does not send @ message to Congress on Monday, he will be able to piace such information in the hands of the republican members of the foreign relations committee so that they too can act and speak intelligently on tne subject when it comes up on Monday after- noon. A Plan of Relief. In considering ways and means of afford- ing substantial relief to such American citi- zens in Cuba @s are in real distress, owing to the insurrection, the administfation has hit upon a plan which may be put in opera- tion ff tt fs sanctioned by the united judg- nt of the United States consular officers in Cuba, who, being on the ground, are supposed to be best qualified to fudge of the eflictency of proposed relief measures. This plan 1s to give notice through the American consuls to all American citizens in Cuba tha: the government will undertake to ri them from the feland to the United Gesire. To do this will re- Congress, not necessarily a authorization of the removal, put specific merely the limitation of the appropriation to the general terms of one for the relief of American citizens in Cuba. It may be remembered that such @ course was adopt- ed with more or less benefit in-China"dur- ing the rioting incident to the late war, which endangered the lives and property of American citizens living in the interior. Also in case of the interior Turkish prov- inces during the Armentan troubies, Mr. ‘Terre™, the United States minister, was au- thorized to undertake the conveyance cf American citizens to the coast cities, where they might have suitable protection. The proposition as to Cuba goes a little further than the measures adopted in the ease of China or Turkey, in that it con- templates the removal of the Americacs from the island entirely. Probably the reason for this is the helief, founded o: reports from United States Consul Gener: Lee and other United States consular of Che Evening Star. No. 13,792. WASHINGTON, D. 0. SATURDAY, MAY 45, 1897-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES. TWO CENTS. - mae tah BY A | OD Persons ieaving the city perlod can have The Star them to any addre&s in the tnited States or Canada, by ordering it at this office, in person or by letter, Terms: 18 cents per weck; 25 cents for two weeks, cr 50 cents per month. Invariably in advance. Sub- ecribers changing their address from one Post-office to another should give the last address as well as the Tew one, barsted the agricultural resources of the island that it will be a long time before it will again be in condition to maintain its population, and meanwhile the Americans who are dependent upon the products of the soil for treir livelihood will suffer mis- It is possible to reduce such suf- by the supply of provisions, clothing and medicine by the United States govern- ment. but, as indicated by General Lee’s reports. this must be continued probably for a long time. A Voluntary Movement. Tt was understood, of course, that this proposed movement of Americans in Cuba must be purely voluntary, and it is not even proposed to present them an alternative of denying them supplies if they refuse to leave the island. It is simply an opportu- nity to be held cut to those who believe they can better their condition in the United States, to got there through the ald of the government. It is the belief of General Lee that many of the people will avail of such an oppor- tunity, and it {s possible that bs v will be adopted by the President. As to the number of American citizens in Cuba who are in actual distress, in need of food or clothing, as the result of Weyler’s order bringing them into the towns, the figures are nut obtainable. The State Department is now in correspondence with iis consuls by telegraph seeking to get this informa- tion as the basis for any message the President may send to Congress on the subject of relief. But so far as officially known to the department, through the reports of the consuls mae up to this time, the number of Americans In this cendition is between 150 and 200. Agencies to Be Employed. In explanation of this small number it is said that most of the aative Americans living in Cuba are employed in the higher branches of industzies or professions and are not actual workcrs of the soll. The American sufferers are mostly naturalized ens, holding small parcels of ground, upon which they have heretofore depended for livelihood. It is not doubted that there are more of this class in need than are yet known to the department, but it is hoped in the course of @ few days to have a fairly accurate census of them. The agencies to be used to relieve these people are the United States consuls in Cuba, and it can be stated that the Spanish government, through {ls minister here, so far from opposing tke exereise of such charitable offices by the consuls, has pro- fessed its readiness to assist ‘In every proper way in the distribution of rellef, which fs taken to mean that it will guar- antee safe conduct for the transporting parties over tne island. No Messnge Yet Prepared. PHILADELPHIA, Pa. May President received from Secretary of State Sherman, at Wasnington, this morning ab- stracts of telegrams and letters that ha come to the latter from Cuba. These are said to relate largely to the subject of the distress and destitution now cxisting on the island. It is further stated that they confirm in great measure the information hitherto received by the President on this subject. It is believed that a message giv- ing the views of the President on the sit- uation in Cuba will be sent to Congress early next week. It is stated positively, however, by those in position to know that such a message has not yet beeen pre- pared. ALUELESS PATENTS. What Commissioner Butterworth Says of a Certain Class of Insaes. ‘The commissioner of patents has received a large number of letters since taking charge of his new office in regard to the value ef patents that have been issued. Many people have secured patents on their inventions, and finding them commercially worthless have become indignant that they should have spent their money and be un- able to receive anything in return for it. Commissioner Butterworth, speaking to a Star reporter today, remarked: “The patent office issues many patents that are known as marginal patents. They cover an idea that is slightly in advance of anything that has been patented before, yet in themesives have little or no value. Patent attorneys may advise their clients that their applications do not cover cnough to have any commercial value, and then allow the claimant to go ahead or not, as he sees fit. But that is a matter that this office has nothing to do with, and in no case does it give any opinion regarding the value of the patents it issues.” 5 PENSION OFFICE REFORM. How the Labor of Several Clerks is to Be Saved. Commissioner Evans has in contempla- tion the inauguration of a system in the pension office which it is believed will save the labor of a dozen clerks and allow them to be transferred to the adjudicating divis- tors, where they can devote their time to active work of passing upon pension ciaims. It has been the custom of the pension office to acknowledge the receipt of all papers in pension cases received from attorneys. This work has consumed the entire time of sixteen clerks. Com- missioner Evans is having a circular letter addrcased to each attorney practicing be- fore the office, informiug them that they vii be supplied with postal cards, which they are to address ‘to themselves, record- ing on the reverse side a list of pap2rs sent with each case, and forward the Same with the case. When the papers are received at the pension office, it wiil only be necessary to verify the list, stamp the card and return it. In this way fron three to five clerks will accomplish a result which now takes the time of sixteen men, and the change will be equal to an addition of a dozen clerks to the force of tie pen- sion bureau. ene eae N. B. CLARK FOUND DEAD. Question Whether His Death Came From Murder or Suicide. MILWAUKEE, Wis., May 15.—The dead body of N. B. Clark of Grand Rapids, Mich., member of the Michigan Bank and Lumter Company, was found on one of the residence streets along the lake shore this mcrning. Two bullet wounds were found, and a revolver was found at his side. Diamonds and jeweiry were found on his Pergon, but no money. - The location of the wounds makes it rather doubtful whether it_is a case of suicide. When Clark left his hotel last evening he said he was go- ing for a walk. He was fifty years old. —___— SPANISH PRESS BELLIGERENT. Opposed to Allowing the United States to Send Supplies to Cuba. MADRID, May 15.—The Heraldo, refer- ring to the possible action of the United States for the relief of Americans in Cuba ssys: “The Spanish government will have universal opinion on its side if it acts with energy in repelling American interference in our affairs, but, this opinion will be hostile unless the government ceases mak- ing concessions. These displays of weak- ness, if they do not increase the @ifficulty of solving the question, certainly do not improve the situation in Cuba.” The Correspondencia announces that the reported increase in the strength of the Spanish navy was decided upon in view of the possibility of interrational conficts. ~| SRE Soe Mr. Marshall Resigns, Mr. E. P. Marshall of Texas, chief of a iivision of the office of the auditor for the “tate and other departments, tendered his “csignation to the Secretary of the Treas- ry today. So far as known, the act was ficers, that the war has so thoroughly ex | atirely veluntary. FOR A NATION’S HERO Impressive Ceremonies Attending the Washington Monument Unveiling. —_ TRIBUTE OF A GRATEFUL PEOPLE President McKinley's Eulogy on the Republic's Founder. PERFECT DAY FOR THE EVENT PHILADELPHIA, Pa., May 15.—Here, in the city which first placed on his brows the laurel crown of achievement, the memory of George Washington, the soldier, the statesman and the man, was honored today in monumental bronze. It was an allegory of war and peace, and the scenic equip- ment was nature’s own—a sunlight sky above, and in the background the undulat- ing hills of old Fairmount, in the §rst flush and beauty of the spring verdure. All possible pomp marked the ceremonies. The cord which released the swaddling flags from the figure of the first ruler of the republic was drawn by its latest ruler. Surrounding him were men in whose veins runs the blood of those first patriots who battled shoulder to shoulder with Washing- ton and with him mace possible the scene enacted today —a scene conceived and manned by those very comrades in arms; executed by their sons in peace. The purpose of years, evolved by a hand- ful of warriors to do honor to their chief- tain, and carried throvgh crosses and ad- versity by their sons and their son’s sons, ‘was consummated. But the consummatian was beyond the wildest dreams of those first few war-stained Americans. The’un- fon which they formed has grown to a inighty organization, whose membership stretches from ocean to ocean, under the name of the Society of the Cincinnati, while the magnificence of the memorial it- reared at the gateway of the greatest park, and in the most Intenxely American city of the land, far surpassed their high- est hopes. Simple Unveiling Ceremony. The actual unveiling ceremony was im- pressively simple. Bishop Whitaker opened with prayer, and Maj. Wayne followed with an appropriate address. Then came the unveiling by President McKinley and the resultant clamor, augmented by the ra- tional salute of twenty-one guns hy the artillery and by the foreign and American war vessels in the Deiawure. President McKinley's Speech. This concluded, President McKinley spoke briefly. “Fellow Citizens: There is a peculiar and tender sentiment connected with this me- morial. It expresses not only the gratitud and reverence of the living, but is a tes timonial of affection and homage from the dead. “The comrades of Washington projected this monument. heir love inspired it. Their ccntrtbutions helped to build it. Past and present share in its completion, and future generations will profit by its lessons. “To participate in the dedication of such a monument fs a rare and precious priv- llege. Every monument to Washington is a tribute to patriotism. Every shaft and statue to his memory helps to inculcate love of country, encourage loyalty and cs- tablish a better citizership. God bless every undertaking which revives patriot- ism ‘and rebukes the indifferent and law- ees. critical study of Washington's career only enhances our estimation of his vast and veried abilities. As commazder-in- chief of the colonial armies from the be- ginning of the war to the proclamation of peace, as president of the convention which framed the constitution of the United States and as the first President of the United States under that constitution, Washingten has a distinction differing froin that of all other illustrious Americans. No other name bears or can bear such a re- lation to our governirent. Not only by his military genius, his patience, his sugacity his courage and his skill was our nationxi independence won, but he helped in largest measure to draft the chart by which the nation was guided, and he was the first chesen of the people to put in motion the new government. Characteristics of Washington. His was not the boldness of martial dis- Play or the charm of captivating oratory, but Ris calm and steady judgment won men’s support and commanded their con- fidence by appealing to their best and noblest espirations. And, withal Washirg- ton was ever so modest that at no time in his career did his personality seem in the least intrusive. He was above the temp- tation of power. He spurned the suggested crown. He would have no honor which the people dd not bestow. An interesting fact— and one which I love to recall—is that the enly time Washington formally addreszed the constitutional convention during all its sessions over which he presided in th‘s city, he appealed for a larger representa tion of the people in the national House cf Representatives, and his appeal was in- stantly heeded. Thus he was ever keenly watchful ef the rights of the people in whose hands was the destiny of our gov- ernment then and now. Masterful as were his military campaigns, his civil administration commands equal admiration. His foresight was marvelous his conception of the philosophy of gov ernment, his insistence upon the necessity of education, morality and enlightened cit- izenship to the progress and permaucnce of the republic cannot be contemo!ated even at this period without filling us with astonishment at the breadth of his com- prehension and the sweep of his vision. His was no narrow view of government. The immediate present was not his sole concern, but our future good his constant theme of study. He blazed the path of lib- erty. He laid the foundation upoa which we have grown from weak and scattered colonial governments to a united republic whose domains and power as well as whose liberty and freedom have become the ad- miration of the world. Distance and time have not detracted from the fame and force of his achievements or diminished the grandeur of his life and work. Great deeds do not stop in their growth, and those of Washington will expand in influence in all the centuries to follow. Rich Bequest to Civilization. The bequest Washington has made to civilization is rich beyond computation. The obligations under which he has re- placed mankind are sacred and command- . The responsibility he has left for the American people to preserve and perfect what he accomplished is exacting and solemn. Let us rejoice in every new evi dence that the people realize what they en- joy and cherish with affection the illus- trious heroes of revolutionary story whose valor and sacrifices made a nation. They live in us, and their memory will help us keep the covenant entered into for the maintenance of the freest government of earth. ‘The nation and the name of Washington are Inse le. One is linked indissolubly with the other. Both are glorious, both triumphant. Washington lives and will live, because what he did was for the ex- altalion of man, the enthronement of con- science, and the establishment of a gov- ernment which recognzes all the governed. And s0; tog, will the nation live victorious frortal principles which Weahingtot saithe mort: ‘ashington -- Speech of Mr. Portes. _ President Porter of the Society of the Cincinnati then delivered the oration of the Gay. He began with a redital of the forma- tion of the Society of: the Cincinnati by of- ficers of the American army, and its mo- tives and purposes, together with the origin of the plan which C@lminated in today’s event. i Continuing, he said: “What shall be sald of this Washington to whose memory we do honor? Certainly no new thing. All has-been well and often said. “A stotesman, omniscient, pure, whose mind conceived and whose deeds created a free, popular government. “A soldier, self-sacrificing, fearless, whose sufferings and courage saved the cause of freedom from defeat. “A man, silent, potent, whose spirit brooded over the new-born nation and in- fluenced its development and character. “He was the responsible head of an expe- riment in’ government. No precedent gave htm guidance. His purposes were laid deep: his foresight marvelous. Naught that has been a gcod or a peril to the na- tienal life escaped his Consideration and prophecy. Knowing his hold upon the peo- ple, he used it to induce obedience to le lative and executive authority. To the dig- nity of a nation’s chief he added the con- duet of a republican citizen.” Mr. Porter's spscch throughout was full of the highest eulogies to the character of Washington, based on a careful analysis of his character as a public. man. Presented to the City. The formal presentation of the memorial by the society to the city was made by Major Wayne to Mayor Warwick, with short addresses by botn, and then the mayor. transferred it to the Fairmount Park commission, which body exercises jurisdiction over the great pleasure ground. President McKinley and bis distinguished companions reviewed the filitary parade, and the crowd, when not looking at the troops, reviewed the: President and his party. The parade was long and imposing. a HOKE SMITH ON CUBA Ex-Secretary of the Interior Has Investigated the Situation There. Expresses the Belicf That the Island is Hopelessly Lost to Spain— His Rensons, Special Dispatch to The Eveving’ Star. : ATLANTA, Ga., May 14—Ex-Secretary of the Interior Hoke Smith, returned this morning from Key West, ‘where he has been engaged for a week gm legal business. On the steamer from Tampa to Key West and return he spent the whole time getting information about Cuba, ahd at Key West conversed with many prominent men from Havana. Mr. Smith is impressed with the belief that the time has come for the Unite 1 States to intervese im the in‘eres s of humanity, and quotes Presiglent Cleveland's last message to that effect, saying it ap- piles to the present situation, mith has given an intergiew as fol- : “Key West is full cf people who have recently left Cuba, amd it ds easier at Key st to obtain full and free expres- sions from those who have been in Cuba than it is in Havana. L met mem wna talk- ed freely of conditions in Gubs,awhe while recently in Havana were supposed there to be in sympathy ith Spain. . “I sought :to obtaly as ageurate an esti- te of thaitrue conmfitiosh: of .affaird, Ta! Cuba as my: opportunities offered and found an unbroken opinionethat Spain had ac- complished nothing toward putting down the insurrectton, that the Cubans were more determined and more hopeful than ever of success. . “Indeed, I might say that an ovinion of confidence was almost. everywhere _ex- pressed that this struggle would end in Cuba’s suceess. “The recent course of tke Spanish g: ment with regard to the bank at Hav the abandonment of specie payments and the failure to pay troops for a number of st months have combined to create a distr in Spain, even on the part of the few wc have at heart adhered to the Spanish side, and have added to the fixed expectation of success on the part of the insurrecticnists. “I met a number of educated men who are adherents to Spain. Té my surprise I found that the!r hearts were with the in- surrectionists, and thelr’ suppcsed udher- ence to the Spanish cause while in Havana was due to the fear of consequences which would follow an open avowal of their real opiniors. While the atraetties charged agairst Spain may have been overdrawn, yet circumstantial details told by reliable men show atrocities sych as to shock the mest callous. “ “The poverty which has been produced, the suffering which is eaused, by the in- efficient effort of Spain to put down the struggle for freedom by Cubans seem to be pitiful in the extreme, ae “About all Spain seems ‘to have accom- plished has been to build a number of fortifications around towns and cities and dot the island with smal forts. “SEvery part of Cuba except that actuaily oceupled by these little forts and terapo- rarily covered by Spanish troops is prac- tically in control of insurrectionists, for they go where they please; moving with practical freedom and exercising tempo- rary control wherever they go. “So far as I could learn this applies to all parts of the island. ij “The real cause of the imsurrectionists’ failure to give battle to the-Spanish troops in the usual way is the lack pf ammunition and a fixed policy, which seems to have been quite effective, the purpose being to wear Spain out, to exhaust her resources and finally to force her to abandon the island. The removal of the Spanish troops, it Is freely claimed, has been due to the fear of a growing sympathy on the part of the rank and file with the insurgents. The agricultural Interests have..been tempora- rily almost destroyed, and’ it will take years of peace to restore it to its former vondition.” ee CANNOT SELL IN ILLINOIS. Judge Gibbons of Ghi¢ago Decides Against Americ: “Tobago Company. CHICAGO, May 15sduagé Gibbons ren- dered a decision today declaring the Ameri- can Tohacco Company an ilegal corpora- Uon and prohibiting ite agente from carry- ing on its business within the eonfines of this state. The decision susj the in- formation filed’ last December iby Atto General Moloney, asking thatthe american ‘Tobacco Compuny be enjoined frem sellin; paper eerettes one, ‘the g that rd was a trust monopol 1d in the business in question, = “= id ——_ Persenal Mentign. Assistant Secretary of A; re Brig- hAm has teker house No. ist street. Mr: and Mrs. Brigham hayp engived here from their heme in Ohio, : Bishop Hurst is now itt ice upon a five days’ session of the Iginergnts’ Club at Buffslo, where he gives: lectures on topics as follows: “H Preache: ainsy, Church ry? Story of Christian Unity Since the Refor- mation” and “How England Became Pro- testant.” z ~~ Lawlessness in-New Mexico. The War Department has. been informed that there has been an outbreak of law- lessness in the western: on of New Mexico, and that. the. respe le citizens ats from there have been terrosized a lawless element. ‘Phe-mattet Sats Sy aces souk el from. the legal officers. Bate of affairs. “The neti THE PUBLIC PRINTER | How Civil Service Rules Affect the Government Printing Office. MODIFICATIONS WHICH HE SUGGESTS The Auditor for the Post Office Makes a Statement. OTHER WITNESSES TESTIFY —_ The Senate committee on civi! service and retrenchment resumed this morning the hearing upon the execution of the civil service law by the last administration. Those present were Senator Pritchard of North Carolina, chairman of the com- mittee; Senator Lodge of Massachusetts, Senator Harris of Kansas, Senator Elkins of West Virginia and Senator Chilton of Texas, President Procter of the civil ser- vice commission, Mr. G. R. Wales, civil service examiner. Maj. Howard, auditor of the Treasury Department (sixth auditor) was heard first. He referred to a statement made at the last hearing by Mr. W. W. Hill, to the ef- fect that Auditor Howard had only passed the accounts of the letter carrier special agents after he had been allowed to select some of the employes himself. He said he had made inquiry as to the appointment of those employes, who were then termed mechanics, but who were to investigate the letter carriers. Subsequently their appella- tions were changed to “secret, agents. The chief of the free delivery service then asked Mr. Howard to suggest a proper man for duty at Nashville," which he di That man was transferred, and Mr. How- ard asked to name another, and, upon his transfer, then a third. That was the extent of the matter. Mr. Howard said he had looked up the legality of the secret agents, and subsequently got an op’ from the solicitor of the treasury, di lowing the expenses of these employes reaching above $4 per day. That was after the time when the Post Offiee Department had called upon him to name the above- mentioned three employes. _ Controller Bowler, upon appeal, had overruled his dis- allowing of the accounts, but it was all after he had named the three men. ou have becn long er ough in the serv- to form a compariscn between the men pointed through certitication from the vil service committee and those other- ¢ appoir.ted?” asked Mr. Procter. “Yes, sir,” said Mr. Howard. “I should like your opinion on the point.” “I think very highly of the men received from certification of the commission. They are far supcrior to these appointed p: the civil service law.”” Mr. Howard's Statement. Mr. Howard submitted the followin statement to the commitiee: The present auditor for the Post Office Department assumed the duties of the office April 16, 1894. This office was at that time Breatly in arrears in the business of its meney order branch, and, as is well known, ‘had occasioned mvch correspondence ard ‘aiso-diacortent with the many thousands of Tate postmasters throughout the country who desired a final settlement of taeir ac- counts, The present administration of the treasury has given this office fair and just recognition, but it is a matter of history that it had rorne for years the sobriquet cf the ‘Botany bay’ of the Treasury De- partment, and was the dumping grou for the dissipated and objectionabie ma- terlal in that great department. Z “It was therefore necessary to weed out and discipline this material. The present condition of the office evidences that much has been accomplished in this direction for the betterment of the service. The office is in good condition, with the work current. The successor cf the present auditor will find a well-disciplined force, with the work up to date. “Six of its seven divisions will compare favorably and are up to the standard of the best divisions of any of the great de- partments of the government. There are, however, a number of employes in this office who are incapacitated from age, and a smaller number who, from want of abil- ity or from lack of interest in their duties, should be dropped from its roll. A ma- jority of the employes are republicans, and the larger amount of pay 1s received by republicans, notwithstanding that this statement includes the auditor, deputy au- ditor and others who are within the ex- cepted class of the civil service rules. “There are thirty-cight officials and em- ployes in this office, including the auditor and deputy, who are not subject to civil service exainination; twenty-iive are demo- crats and thirteen republicans; twenty- four are white and fourteen colored; twen- ty-five are males and thirteen females. There are 449 clerks and messenegrs sub- ject to civil service examination. This in- cludes the chief clerk, the cisvursing cierk and seven chiefs of division; 191 of these are ‘iemocrats and 258 are republic: a4 are white; 25 are colored; 314 are males and 135 are females. There are 487 cfficials and employes in this office. uf this num- ber 216 are democrats and republicans; 148 are white, 39 colored; 339 are males and 148 females.” The perceatages ef sala- ries are giv He says: “Eighty-four employes now on the rglls of this office report themselves as ex-soldiers or sailors of the United States army and navy. This number is 24.7 per cent of the entire male force of this office. The following changes have been made among this class of employes from March 4, 183, to March 4, 1897: Ap- pointed, eightcen; promoted nineteen; re- moved, twenty-one; resigned, ten; reduced twenty-three; transferred, thirteen; died, four. Public Printer Palmer. Public Printer Palmer was then called to make a-statement with regard to the ad- visability of applying civil service rules to the public\printing office. He quoted, in reply, a statement which he had formerly submitted in writing. ‘That statement was as follows: “As applied to this office, which is simply a great snanufacturing plant, involving varied. branches of skilled labor of high grade, the civil service rules are, in my judgment, an obstruction rather than an aid to efficiency and economy. In my opinion the civil service rules as promul- gated for enforcement here should be modi- fied radically, suspended or repealed.”” “What would you substitute for the civil service rules?” asked Senator Lodge. “I would substitute the system which was in vogue before we had civil service rules,” he said, Mr. Palmer said the present force is a fairly good one. The employes who were appointed by him during his former term were good workers, or they would have @ll_ been weeded out long ago. “Why is it the civil service gives you in- efficient employes?” asked Senator Lodge. “Because the rules are cumbrous and un- satisfactory as applied to a great manufac- turing establishment.” He said the probationary period is unsat- isfactory, because under it the employes are allowed to stay six months. In com- mercial establishments if the employe were found inefficient he would be removed be- fore six months. Mr. Palmer contended that he was better qualified to select his employes than a board which has no re- | Hampered by Civil Service, Benedict for some reason, unknown to him. While those men were practical ani highly efficient, they might not be able to pass a theoretieal civil service examination, and he is debarred from reappointing them. Senator Lodge put him through an ex- amination to try to learn why these men were turned out, but Mr. Palmer did not know the cause of their removal. Senator Lodge drew the inference that they were discharged for political reasons, and then said that the system under which they were removed was the one Mr. Palmer desired to restore, In answer to a question, Mr. Palmer said it would be practically impossible to run @ great government office without politics entering into the matter. “On the whole, do you get better men through politicians ar through civil serv- ice rules?” asked Senator Lodge. Mr. Palmer replied that under the old system he had a wider range to select from and more latitude in his choice of men. Emergency Appointments. An important fact was brought out at this stege by President Procte- stating that the public printer has right to appoint mea, without cerzification, under au emergency, for thirty days’ employment. He said also that the rule about filling state quotas ces not apply to the public priating office. “Do you think it is impossible to get good men threugh civil service rules?” asked Senater Lodge. Mr. Palmer seid the rules limited his powers. For instance, there were certain locelities where there are better bookbind- ers than in the average of states. He would like to have the right to choos? from these localities. Mr. Palmer added that men might be skilled mechanics of the highest grade und yet not be able to pass the educational ex- amination. He said some of the fi pressmen he ever saw were dismissed by Mr. Benedict, and he does not possess the iseretion tc reappoint them. At this point President Procter expiainea, in answer to a question, that the -xamina- tins for the public printing office are pre- pared by a board of public printing office employes. ‘These men are supposel to stand high in their trades, and to be able to prepare practical questions. This board can establish any kind of examination it deems necessary to bring out the qualifica- tions of the applicant. In response to a request, President Proc- ter detailed the cause of bringing abou civil service in the government printing office. He said the Columbia Typographi- cal Unicn had really brought about the change. He said there was nothing to pre- vent the public printer and the civil serv- ice ccmmission from establishing a sys- tem of examinations which would give him the mest practical men. He understood that the trades unions throughout the country favored civil service in the gov. ernment printing office. Difference in Hours of Work. Mr. Palmer said the civil service com- mission had refused to give him authority to select his own cashier. He wanted a man put there in whom he could have ab- solute trust. He himself is under practi- cally $200,000 bond, but the cashier does not give bond to the government. The cashier handles between $3,000,000 and $4,090,000 a year. Mr. Palmer said if he could have the selection of his examiners it would go a great way toward correct- ing the present condition of affairs. In the course of the examination it was shown that the clerical force of the office work six and one-half hours a day and the mechanical foree work eight hours a day. Senator Elkins wanted to know if this was a just system, especially in view of the fact that the clerical force were paid more. Mr. Palmer said: these clerks followed the general rule applying in the departments. He had not changed the system because he did not think himself wiser than all of his predecessors and heads of departments. Senator Elkins remarked that no head of a corporation or commercial establishment would work part of his force of employes less time than another part. He would not deprive himself of that much labor. President Procter read the law requiring clerks in the departments to work seven hours a day. Senator Elkins said the clerks eply work six and a half hours, and the government is losing something like 45,000 hours a day clerical labor. This means a loss of over $12,000 a day in salaries. He thought the civil service commission should take cognizance of this injustice. Modifications Suggested. Mr. Palmer said he was willing to give civil service a thorough trial, but with some modifications of the rules that he has suggested. He would omit from civil sery- ice rules the following classes of employe: Assistant doorkeepers, boxers, helpe: captain cf the watch, chief charwomen, messergers, assistant messengers, stable- men, wagon masters, yardmasters and watchmen. Senator Elkins said it was evident from the law that the pubiic printer can say what shall constitute unskilled laborers. Senator Ledge said he was in favor of keeping the government printing office under the civil service system, but he thought it was absurd to call a stableman, a charwoman, a boy who carries forms, a watchman, a skilled laborer. Senator El- kins concurred with Senater Lodge. Sena- tor Lodge said it was absurd to raise the salaries of those helpers eight cents a day, as had been done, in order to put them in the classified service as skilled laborers. Senator Chilton and President Procter cited the law 4nd contended that Mr. Bene- dict had not put those people in the classi- filed service by raising their wages eight cents a day. : In answer to a question by Senator Pritchard, Mr. Palmer said he could desiz- nate a board of examiners that would pre- pare a system of examination which would be satisfactory to those skilled mechanics who were dismissed by the last administra- tion and who are not willing to take the civil service examinations. Why He Did Not Act. Mr. W. H. Collins, chief clerk of the gov- ernment printing office, was then examined. He went into the office as an apprentice boy in 1867. He was questioned by Senator Elkins as to his failure to act as a mem- ber of the board of examiners. Mr. Col- ins said he construed the intimation from the private secretary not to act on the board as an order from the public printer to that effect. He thougat It the part of discretion to obey that order. “Do you think this advice was sent to other members of the board?” asked Sena- tor Elkins. Mr. Coliins did not know. Capt. Brian’s Testimony. Capt. Brian of the government printing office was then examined. He was not in favor cf repealing the civil service rules, but thought they should be modified so as to give the government printer more lati- | tude in the selection of his employes. He said that some of the best printers in the country probably could not pass the civil service examination. However, the average of the employes selected under civii serv- ice rules was equal to the average of men chogen under the old system. Mr. Joseph L. Jackson of Chicago was then sworn. He was formerly a watch- man in the bureau of engraving and print- ing. Mr. Jackson told of an alleged conspiracy by which he was discharged in 1887, and said he wanted justice. Mr. Joseph T. H. Hall was next sworn. Until December, 1493, he was an examiner THE AIR MOTOR earseeeer How the System Now Being Tried Here Worked in New York. TESS MADE BY AN EXPERT Only Actual Experiences of the Motor Referred To. THE TIME COVERED —— In view of the experiments now being mode by the Eckington and Scldiers’ Home a Railway Company with its air moter, repcrt regarding the work of this sam mctor when it was tested on the Lenox avenue line in New York ts of special in- terest. The report of these tests, a sum- mary of which follows, made by an expert wno had every facility to know what was being done. In his report no comment is made upon the system employed in the air motcr. Only actual experiences of the air motor are referred to, in order to show hew it eperated when an attempt was made to run it in New York. This report covers the period from Sep- tember 23, 1806, to January is. Th car noted in the report e* No. 402 is the one ncw being experimen’: with in this city, making occasional tips between the Eckirgton power house and 1th ayd streets. Scme cf the experiences met by these moetcrs are noted in the following mem- orerda: September 24, 1896: About half-past 11 | Pm. romething exploded in the power hetse, where a party of gentlemen were inspecting the air motor. September 25: Car je first trial trip last night. Metropolitan railroxd people were cn hand to witness it, but were told it would not take place. After they left the trial was made. Went down nicely, but had harély sufficient air to get hacl September 28—Between 9 ia, the air car had another trial was iderable lamp wick cdor from the Motormen passing on other cars remarked that if the line was equipped with such cars the residents in the streets would be obliged to vacate. Car made corsiderable noire as if engines were pounding the tracks. September 20—-Car jacked up. since. October 5—Two trips last night, the car being charged at each trip. October S—Air car people talking of re- ducing the size of the wheels of the trucks. Also of putting a pipe from 146th street to 109th street, so that cars can be recharged at thet point. etcber 11—Two trips made. plaint on the roughness of the car. Octoter 12—In the trip of yesterday the engineer in charge could not be persuaded to run up hill. October 14—Started at 1:15 p.m. When it had gone a mile 2 gasket blew out. Car had to be towed in. Passengers frightened. Oetober 15—Four trips) The first three trips carried passengers. The last trip, when travel was heavijest, passengers re- fused. October 16—Spent joints. Two trips made. car behind was delayed. October 20-Nine trips made yesterday ard three or four tod: The last trip car gave out at 125th sireet, and was push- ed in by one of the electric cars. Motor- man said the air had given out October Air car gave out at 110th street, going south; pushed home. November 12: Considerable trouble with the reducing valve, which leaks, thus burst- ing the flexibte hose connections between the reducing valve and the motor. Necessary to adjust parts after a few trips, as every- thing shakes lose. The cars are continual- ly blowing out the packing around (he piston rod November 27: Fourth car arrives. Cars pushed in a number of times. Morning of November 24, about 2 o'clock car 407 took fire from the stove used in heating the air and was badly burned. Estimated cost of repairing the car, $70, November 30: Yesterday the air motor blew out. Had trouble from freezing, and the cars were pushed in several times. This morning not a car was run. December 1: Car 402 pushed in twice. Car 411 broke down at 1isth street, and was pusked in with two wheels. Silding piston said to be stuck. Car $11 was pushed around the curve at 109th street on one trip. Devember Car 411 pushed in three times. Once with all four wheels sliding. One trip a joint gave out, and on another ran out of air. December Car 411 had trouble with the reducing valve during (wo trips; prob- ably frozen and had to be pushed in. December 4: Car 402 pushed in four times, 411 twice and 421 once. Freezing of the valves and pipes cause of most of the troub’s. December 5: Car No. gasket and was pushed in. December 8:~ Car 411 pushed in short of air. December 22: Car 411 stuck in front of car howse December 11. Car 211 went to the rescve, and it also got stuck, but final- ly they started. December 18: Car 411 blew out a cylin- der head at ist street and had to be pushed hcme. The day of the snow storm, December 16, the air cars only ran to 125th street, and after the track was thoroughly ciearei. On the first trip the car could barely get home and had to be pushed in. December 25: On Monday the cylinder tested for 2,600 pounds alr pressure and ran up to 5,100 pounds hydraulic pressure, exploded, making the noise of a cannon. One p'ece of bottle weighing fifteen: pounds was picked up two blocks away. January 1, 1897: December 25, car No. 402, valve frozen and car pushed in from lo9th street. Car 411, valve frozen, car pushed In from 125th street. On December 28, car 402 was pushed up the hill at 109th street on three trips, and on another trip the valve froze. Car had to be pushed in. December 29: Car 402, valve trozen; car pushed in. December 30, car 411, at 4:30 p.m., at 137th street, blew out a cylinder heed, blowing up the trap coors. Ladies waiting at crossing badly frightened. On December 31, car 402 blew out the connec- tlons, ripped out the floor of the car, mak- ing kindling wood of six-inch oak sills which supported the platform; broke sev- eral windows ir the car, also several lamps; put holes through the car roof and did “sanuney, 3: Car 426 pushed up 109th street ghree times; car 441 pushed up ence. January 5: Car 42 pushed up 109th street twice; car 426 pushed up three times. ———— EXPECT ROUGH WATER. Little Prospect for the Race at An- mapolis Coming Of. No trial Great com- seven hours driving On the first trip 402 blew out a