Evening Star Newspaper, May 20, 1897, Page 1

{ ————- THE EVENING STAR. phi aes PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT sUXDAY. *__4T TH® STAR BUILDINGS, not Avanta Avecne, Cor. 1ith &t, by L/ Company, pee eer scnmimn ernest Few York Cifce 40 Fetter Building, ‘The Evening Star is setred to subscribers in city ie carriers, ou thelr own account, at 10 cents Banter’ S conte each. "By miall-anywhere in the counter 2 cents exc United States or postage prepaid—50 cents Sheet Star, $1 per scar, with ce at Washington, D. C., {lous must be pald in advance. acts ‘must made knows on application. rtising The regular permanent family circulation of The Evening Star is more than double that of any other paper in Washington, whether published in the morn- ing or in the afternoon. As a medium for unobjec- tionable advertisements it there- fore stands unequaled and un- approachable. METROPOLITAN BANK The New Deal Was a Surprise in Financial Circles. PRICES PAID FOR STOCK Possible Shifting Around of Offi- cials Discussed. COLUMBIA DIRECTORS ee MEET It has been a long time since the business people of Washington have had such a sur- prise as they had yesterday when they read in The Star news that a controlling interest in the National Metropolitan Bank had passed into the hands of the same small circle that so recently purchased the con- trolling interest in the National Bank of the Republic. It is literally true that many of the most inflvential and best posted financial men in the city recetved the first news of this lat- est change among the local banks from The Star yesterday, for all the transactions lezding up to the final purchase were car- on so quietly that only the men di- interested had any inkling of what gorng on. ‘The capital stock of the National Metro- an Bank is $300,000, divided into 3,000 es of $100 each. It is not known to the ral public just how much of the stock * passed into the hands of Messrs. S. W. ard and E. S. Parker, but it was cer- more, and considerably more, than © f. In fact, the new owners will hold a very large majority of all the stock. For s time past the stock has been quoted cal stcck exchange at 280 bid, 300 Yesterday 282 was bid. generally understood that Mr. the heaviest individual holders of the stock, received siderably more than 300 for their hoid- Ik Thompson and Mr. Willard, Eusiness Men Interested. Along F street today the sale was the general subject of discussion, and many men who are usually slow to admit ignor- ance cwned up that they were all at sea to what the real meaning of the dea. might be. The transfer is of a great dea’ of interest, especially fn view of the fact that it brings into such close relations four of the best known financial institutions in the the Columbia, the Washingtor Trust, the Bank of the Republic ani the Metropolitan. It may mean some- thing of a shifting around of bank officials. and may bring some new faces prominently ward in the banking world. = ery large sum of money is neces. ¥ invelved, but all banks have plent of cash cn hand just now, and large loans can be made without difficulty, providec the security is satisfactory. Election of President. The question of surpassing interest just now ia the raming of the successor to Mr. John W. Thompson, wko has for sc many years been identified with the Metropoliten Bank. Several names have been meaticned in this correction, though it is but natural that most of the talk shouid hever about Mr. Woodward anc Mr. Parker. The suggestion has beer . e that Mr. Woodward might retirc from the head of the Bark of the Re public, to which position he was elected w that benk changed hands, and be ecr the president af the Metropolitan. It can be stated upon the best of auther ity, however, that whoever may be electec to the presidercy of the Metropolitan wher. the new steckho!ders organize on June 1, it will not be Mr. Woodward. It is be- lieved that the positicn is open to Mr. Parker, who is now the president of the mbia. No other name is prominently ticned as yet. A meeting of the direct- 3 of the Columbia Bank was held this rning, and the general situation was discussed at some iength. Mr. Parker was not asked nor did he volunteer the in- formation whether he would accept thc rew position if it was tendered to him. The meeting was a satisfactory one ir way, though the only decision ar- rived at, as one of the directors stated afterward, was that “things would re- main as they are for the time being.” ‘To Better the Financial Situation. ‘The president of one of the leading bank- Uitutio=s In the city, who is pct if directly interested im the new Ge+l, said to ®& Star reporter this after- “The situaticn is naturally an in- sting one. All I care to say is that I cw thts iatest move was made only af- carefut eration. It is backed : 21, of that I am certain, I am positive that it will work toward snerat betterment of the financial con- n of this It is a good time for a thing to occur, and I am great- ‘aken if there is not a marked im- provement all alerg tne Mne In this city in the very near fcture.” _ POLICY OF THE PRESIDENT. It Was Indicated in Representative Hitt» Speech Today. In his syeech on the Cuban relief resoiu- ticrs in the House today Mr. Hitt confirm- ed ststements made in The Star that the President is actively engaged in negotia- ticns to secure the independence of Cuba. The opposition to the belligerency resola- ticns proposed by Mr. Bailey was based entirely upen the clatm that its passage weuld be an interference with the execu- tive in the pursuit of a policy which would go much further than the recognition cf belligerency, ond would result in the ab- Solute independence of Cuba. Tris statemert cf the s.tuation must be accepted as authoritative and as practically & promise of independence to Cuba. Mr. Hitt has had full conference with the President and undoubtedly speaks with a knowledge of what is in progress through diplomatic channels. In the course of his gpecch he several times bordered on a positive statement as to the course of the executive, and at onc time did say that be was constrained to though @ bell'gerency resslution, favorirg it during the iast Congr: cause of knowledge of what the exe fs doing to secure «udaa indepen: the belief that Cuba wonki be free. JUSTICE FIELD'S RETIREMENT. It in Understood He Will Soon Leave the Supreme Berch. It is understood that Justice Field will retire from the Supreme hench soon, 1nd it may be stated positively that it is the intention that Attorney General McKenna shall succeed 4im on nis retirement. Mon- day the Supreme Cour: will mest for the lest time before the October term. It fa probable that befure they mest aga!n Jus- tice Field will have retired. The state of Justice Field's health has led to repeated reporew of his ted but mow there apscars to be better ressoa to beliave that his retirement is close at hand. It is that he would leave che bench Monday, but it is understood to he his desire that his hon- ~orable career 1s a member of the me Court should extent over a period ir than that of Chief Justice Marshall. Mar- ané five days. Rave served thirty-four years and six BIDS FOR STREET CLEANING. Surprisingly Large Namber of Con- tractors Enter Into Competition. ‘The cpening of bids for the sweeping ani cleaning of the streets, averues and alleys of the city tock place tcday at noon at the Commissioners’ office, and developed a sur- prise in the number of competitors. Bids were received from firms in Omaha, Neb.; Indiana and~ Pennsylvania. The liveliest ccmpetition ensued, and not until the last Hid was opened did sny one know which was the lowest. Proposals were first opened for sweeping and cleaning the improved streets and ave- nves of the city. This was considered the best feature of the bicding. The proporals were Invited for the work on a basis of trachine cleaning, with laborers to cart it away, and for the entire work to be done by machines. It was generally understood, however, that the cleaning would be done by machines, with laborers to sweep the debris into piles and cart it away. Albert Daggett, the present contractor, was the lewest bidder. His propcsal was 25% cents per thousand yards for any term of years ftem two to five, and 32 cents per thousand yards for all hand work. The other com- petitors, with the exception of one, pro- pesed to do the work entirely by machines. The bidders were as follows: L. P. Wright, 29 cents per thousand yards ter a term of two and three years, and 28 cents for a term of five years. The Omaha Building and Construction Company bid 22 cents for two years, 21% cents for three years and 21 cents for five years, using machines exclusively. B. J. Coyle, using three separate ma- chines for doing the work, so that no sweepings would be hauled separately through the streets, bid 28 cents for two years, 26% cents for three years and 24.7 cents for five years. Geerge A. Vare of Philadelphia submit- ted one bid of 2) cents for the five-year term, using. machines exclusively. The Capital Street Cleaning Company of Indianapolis, Ind., bid to do the work by mechines as follows: For two years, 20 cents; for three years, 19% cenis, and for five years, 19 cents. These were all the bids for sweeping im- proved streets. The present contract is for 24% cents per thousand square yards. Next came the proposals for sweeping Pennsylvania avenue and other paved streets by hand. This requires sixteen men with four horses, carts and drivers. The bids were very low. Lewis Jefferson bid $22.73 per day for each of the separate terms of years. James O'Day bid $21.9 fer the same thing. A. D. Holmes bid $28: for two years, $29.99 for three years, and $30.99 for five years. R. V. Rusk bid $22 for the entire term. Ralph Wormley bid $24.50 for the two year term, $24 for the three-year term and $23.50 for the five-year term. 'm. Ryan bid $24 for the entire term. The bidders for sweeping and cleaning the unpaved alleys and streets were as fol- lows: Horn & Son, $64.74 for the entire term; A. H. Daggett, $67.25 for all the time, and R. V. Rusk, $62.50 for the several terms The last bids opened were for cleaning the paved alleys by hand, the bidders be- ing George E. Vare of Philadelphia, 49 cents per thousand square yards for a term of five years; Capital Street Cleaning Company of Indiana, 39 cents per thous- and square yards for the same period, and A. H. Daggett, 39 cents per thousand square yards for the entire term. ———_— REORGANIZING THE DEPARTMENTS. \ Comprehensive Bill Introduced by Representative Gaines. Mr. Gaines of Tennessee has introduced a rill in the House “to create a retrenchment commission, to reorganize the departments, to abolish unnecessary Iureaus, to reduce the number of employes in the service of ‘he governmeat, to reduc salaries and expenses, to reform the pension list, to regulate the system of internal improve- ments, and for other purposes.” As might be expected of a bill with such a title the measure proposes a vol:minous and sweeping system of changes from ex- isting conditions. ‘The first section of the will provides for the organization of a commission “to consist of five persons of high practical business, one exch to be selected from the five political parties, to wit: A republican, a demccrat, a populite, a lahor party man and a single taxer.” The other nine xections of the bill name the duties of the commission in zecordance with the specifications of the title. Re- ferred to the committee on civil service. —_____--e- NAVAL CADETS ORDERED HOME. They Will Be Examined to Determine Their Status in the Service. The following named cadets at the Naval Academy have been ordered home and granted one month’s leave of absence, pending the examination of their records to determine their status in the servic: D. R. Merritt, E. H. Dunn, E. F. Eckhardt, F. D. Karns, J. C. Morton, F. Freeman, J. F. Marshall, N. Nansfield, C. K. Mallory, T. M. Dick, R. Z. Johnston, D. M. Garrison, W. H. Standley, W. R. Gherardi, J. V. Kie- mann, K. M. Bernett, M. J. McCormack, W. Bagley, A. J. Wadhams, C. B. Barnes, E. H. Watson, J. C. Breckinridge, O. S. Knepper, N. H. Hall, F. H. Brumby, F. P. Baldwin, W. C. Davidson, H. Landing, P. M. Bannon, A. T. Chester, J. H. Monaghan, H. V. Butler, J. E. Walker, W. R. Cush- man, D. W. Todd and J. J. Raby. ——__—_--e-+_____ OFFER TO MR. CLEVELAND. Venezuela Said to Have Asked Him To Become Its Leading Counsel. When W. L. Scruggs, the agent of the Venezuelan government in this country, re- turned from Venezuela a short time ago he stopped at Princeton to talk with ex-Presi- dent Cleveland. It is said today that Mr. Scruggs carried an offer from the Venezue- lan government to the ex-President to be- come leading counsel for Venezuela before 2 ae tribunal which will meet in aris. ‘The ex-President now hes the offer un- der consideration. Venezuela thinks her cause would be benefited by se- curing the services of Mr. Cleveland. me zs WEST POINT CADETS. Latest Appointments Made to the Mili- tary Academy. The following named young men have been appointed cadets at the West Point Mclitary Academy: Arthur Williams, Har- msburg, Ind., with Bertram Sanders of Connersville, Ind., as alternate; W. D. Heath, Glenfallon, Tex. (alternate); Francis J Hartig, Lake Charles, La:, with Charles J. Morvant, Thibodaux, La., as alternate; John A. Cleveland, Linden, Ala.; Charles J. Mutherin, Augusta, Ga.; John A. Holm- berg. St. Peter, Minn. (alternate). — Dr. O'Reilly Home Agat Dr. Robert M. O'Reilly, U. 8, &., formerly family physician to ex-President Cleveland, who made a recent sudden trip to Europe, has quietly returned without his wife. Ars. O'Reilly, it will be remembered, had un- HORATIO KING DEAD|AT THE WHrTE sae H> Passed Away Peacefally Afer a Severe Illness. LIFE OF USEFULNESS A LONG He Had Been a Resident of Wash- ington for Fifty Years. SKETCH OF HIS CAREER eiecet oes, Ex-Postmaster Gencral died this morning at 8:30 o'clock at his residence, No. 707 H street north- west, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. His end was calm and peace- ful, and he recognized to the last the dear ones gathered at his bedside. In the win- ‘ter of 1895-96 he suffered a severe attack of the grip. Last winter he was revisited Horatio King yy the disease in a more serious form, and failed to recuperate, steadily sinking until death ensued this morning. He was the son of Samuel and Sally (Hall) King and was born in Paris, Me., June 21, 1811. His father was a farmer, and emigrated from Massachusetts. His mother was a daughter of Jonathan Hall, an early settler in Paris, from Hopkinton, Mass. His grandfather was George King of Raynham, in the state last named, who, with his three brothers, served in the war for independence. George was orderly sergeant and clerk of the Raynham -com- pany, and one of the brothers fell in the war. Like most of the old and patriotic stock of the revolution and their imme- diate descendants, these ancestral relatives of his were stanchly democratic, which may, so far as early impressions go, ac- count for Mr. King’s political orthodoxy. Like most of the country-reared young men of that period, he was brought up on the farm, and in the ordinary accept- ance of that term, he was not liberally educated, though he supplemented by care- ful study and voluminous reading and re- search the education which the common schools afforded. To a strongly practical training he added by his own exertions unusual literary culture, acquiring among his other accomplishments a good knowl- edge of the French language, which atded him greatly in his subsequent official career. His Career as an Editor. In the spring of i820 Mr. King went into the office of the Jeffersonian—a thorough Jackson democratic paper, then published in his native town—to acquire an expert knowledge of the printer’s art, with the view of becoming the proprietor, if the business suited him. In about a year he bought the paper in partnership with Han- nibal Hamlin, afterward senator and Vice President of the United States, and six months later became sole proprietor, being then about nineteen years of age. For a while he employed a village lawyer, at a salary of twelve York chillings a week, to assist him in editing the sheet. In 1832 he cast his first vote, for Andrew Jackson, and shortly afterward assumed the entire editorial management of his paper. Its files show him to have been consistent and earn- est in his denunciation of South Carolina nullification, and throughout Jackson's ad- ministration the Jeffersonian firmly, con- sistently and energetically supported the old hero; and when Mr. Van Buren was, by the refusal of the Senate to confirm his nomination, recalled from England, where during the recess the President had sent him as minister, the’ Jeffersonian was among the first papers in the country to run his name for the presidency. In 1833 the unfortunate division of the democracy of Maine took place, and-Mr. King was in duced to remove his press to Portland in May of that year. The consequence was a sharp family quarrel on state and local matters for two or three years, when many of his principal competitors went over bodily to the enemy. From first to last Mr. King combated every scheme which looked to- ward disunion. He edited the Jeffersonian until 1838, when he sold it to the Standard, which was soon after merged into the Eastern Arguz, and may be said to still live in the columns of that stanch advocate of democratic principles. This terminated his professional connection with the public press. In the Post Office Department. If anything more were wanted to com- plete Mr. King’s practical education and his knowledge of business and of human na- ture, no better school could have been found than that which he enjoyed in his twenty-two years’ connection with all the various concerns and operations of the Post oe ips There, whol ison was presented, and by a care- ful, diligent and intelligent observer could: be jearned. In that school, as was proved by his successive promotions, ly by his eminent fitness for and usefulness in the Preece postions he occupied, he was neither an indifferent nor 2 besser spoaene ue aa: in the fail of 1! Mr. King went Waszhiugton to look for a newsne one pis ing, but rot finding one to his mind, he, in “March, 1839, t $1,000 per 6 pcg oe Post ment, tender im the then Post: - ter General Amos Kendall. Thus mt rite foot of the ladder he commenced that connection which proved alike beneficial to the country and honorable to himself, and whence he climbed, every step marked by his-ability and his energy, to the chief position. He thus had the proud distinc- tion of being the only person who has ever started in the lowest clerkship and ended with the highest office in the department, that of Postmaster General. For years he was the corresponding clerk for New England in the contract office, a position of considerable responsibility, and requir- ing for the proper discharge of its duties clorest epplication and a large amount of labcr. In 1850 he was transferred to a corresponding desk, having charge of the fereign mail service. In this connection his services were of the most ~ Office Depart- if anywhere, the | accepted a clerkship at} The President Going to the Naskville Expo- sition Jute 12, j { Trip = Uncertain— Callers Not Se Numerous Today. A Philadelphia ‘There was a lull in the rush to the White House today, and indications point to a decrease in attendance from now on. -The infrox of-visitors the first of the week was large, but the President ‘hag been busy on important matters for several days, and many of the visitors were disappointed. The crowd fer the last month has been a sterectyped one, with but féw new faces. As the days have gone by and the plums have gotten no closer, Some of. the once hcpeful have dropped out of the proces- sicn and gone to their homes. The appli- cants for consular positions dre amcng these. The President has at last succeeded in impressing. them withthe fact that he does not intend to change his determina- tion about appointing the bulk of consuls until Congress has finished with the tariff bill. The chief executive, however, has had a hard time to do this. The “boys” heve stuck nobly to good places near the pie ccunter, and it was hard to-shake them off. Cane of Capt. Romeyn. Secretary Alger has the papers in the case of Capt. Romeyn, who was tried in Atlanta for knocking down Lieut. O'Brien, and today submitted them to President McKinley. Secretary Alger will render his decision and present it to the President, who will pass upon it. The President may approve the findings and sentence, abate the sentence, or send the.case back to the court for further proceedings, It is understood that the President will act within a short time for the reason that the officer will, in the regular course, be placed on the retired list of the army on the 1st of next raonth cn account of age. Going to Nashville. The President today definitely decided to visit the Nashville exposition on Ohio day, Saturday, June 12. The arrangements are yet to be made and will largely be left to a’ committee in Nashville. The President will probably leave cn Thursday afternoon, June 10. He has not decided what route ‘wil! be taken. It is probable, however, that he will go by the South railway. Southern re- publicans are anxious that“hé should gc through their territory ai@ Wave pointed out to him the beauties of thé scencry ot this route. : Tne President is undeci@ed @bout a trip to Philadelphia on June 2, at the op of the Industrial Museum ‘theré. Pre para- tions are making at the Other end for his visit. Conferring With Chairmen Davis. Senator Davis, chairman pf the Senate foreign relations committée, fad a con- ference with the Presidént téday. Gen. Grosvenor, chairman of the republican caucus, was also in cOnferenée. ~~ The President later talléed with the At- torney General. It is undgrst that sev- eral assistant attorneys génera¥ will be ap- Pointed in a short time: rE oat Attorney General "MeKering#&ye that he knows nothing of the contidued tlk of a pardon for Broker Chapman THe matter has not been mentioned by the President to Mr. McKeuna. fae Col. Renfro, one of. the repiiblican leaders of Texas, is urging the appointment of Col. Wm. L. Linton as collector of the port at Brownville. ¥ Serator Platt and Other New Yorkers. Senator Platt and Representative Sher- man cf New York called: with Col. Geo. A. Reyrolds of Utica. They tajJked with the President regarding the. appointment of Col. Reynolds as consul general at Halifax. Besides home indorsement, Col. Reynolds 1a strongly indorsed by Vice President Ho- bert, Gen. B. F. Tracy ang many prominent republicans. The friends of ‘Col. Reynolds Leiieve he will receive the appointment. ‘The term of W. A. Anderson, consul gen- eral at Montreal, expires on the 26th of this month, and an appointmeny ig early looked for. The candidates are plentiful, but the man who Is said to have the best chance is Joseph Robinson McCready of Boston. He is an original McKinley-man, and has been making a hard fight. * Representative Wilson of New York pre- sented T. B. Laird to the President. Mr. Laird wants to be immigration commis- sioner at Quebec and Halifax. Assistant Secretary Brigham of the Agri- cuitural Department introduced to the President the members of the state board of agrictilture of Ohio and their wives. The chairman of the board is J. T. Robin- son, and the secretary is Capt. W. W. Mil- ler. The party will be in Washington until Saturday. All of the members wear beau- tiful gold badges, Senator Mason was with ‘Theo. G. Risley and Dorsey Patton of Chicago. Mr. Patton is an applicant for a consulate. Senator Mason is confident that Thomas Needles of Illinois will be appointed on the Dawes commission to succeed A. B. Montgomery, who sent in his resignation yesterday. The place is said to have been promised to Mr. Needies, as stated some time ago in The tar. 5 : Representative Colson an@ Samuel Cash of Kentucky were visitors. Mr. Cash re- ceived the highest number of votes on the republican electoral ticket. of Kentucky last fall. He has filed application for the Peruvian mission, which, {it has been stated, was picked out for Dr, Hunter. If Mr. Cash cannot get this he will be satisfied with a similar mission; ¥ War Department Auditor. - It is said today that EB. A. Nye; editor of the Danville, Til, Cominéwial, nas been definitely decided upon for @uditor of the War Department: © a5 Assistant Secretary R¥an‘of thé Interior Department and’ Recé#der of Deeds“ Cheat- ham were among’the official-gallers. Colonel Patterson, who goes as Keheral to Calcutta, patd his last vis fe will sail for his post in a few day: », IN GOOD HEALTH wer a@inits. Mr. Chapman’s Lite at™ sistent With Rules.an® Mr. Elverton R. Chapmait, broker who is now servirif ty days’ imprisonmentsin to answer questions ate committee, morning as being very coli excellent physical aad ‘The only thing that ‘sppe is the sensational newspapers continue jail and indulge in hig of the unusual liber Jail officials are indi declare it to Be sim; ‘They. dectare that himself in rigorous rules of the Jail, and thet be more favors than could be other prisoner in the THE MISERY OF CUBA Observations of The Star’s Special Correspondent at Havana. GENERAL BELIEF IN SPAIN'S FAILURE Inquiry Into the Ruiz Case Begins Today. LISTENING AND LOOKING Special Correspondence of The Evening Star. HAVANA, May 15, 1597. Via Key West, Fla., May 19. President McKinley’s special envoy begins the Ruiz inquiry tomorrow. It is the Spanish tomorrow, “marara.” This means some time next week, perhaps. Mr. Calhoun came to Cuba knowing that patience was a virtue which it was neces- sary to cultivate, so he waits the diplomatic processes philosophically. Consul General Lee has formally and officially notified the captain general that the representative of the United States is here. Under the ar- rangement made at Washington, the Span- ish consul at Philadelphia was to represent Spain. The investigation was to be con- @ucted as a sort of a joint commission by Consul General Lee and Mr. Calhoun on one side and the Spanish representative on the other side. The United States declined to become a party to tne judicial inquiry under the forms of the Spanish courts which was proposed py the Canovas min- istry at Madrid. The President and Secre- tary Sherman thought there was a simpler way of finding out whether the American citizen, Ruiz, had been murdered in the Guanabacoa jail. So there will be no in- tricate court processes. The inquiry will Le direct, yet the testimony will not be given in public. While he is waiting the notification of the captain general that Spain ts ready to pro- ceed with the investigation, Mr. Calhoun is able to learn for himself something of the actual conditions on the island. Did he so desire, he could not remain ignorant. The belief has spread to Havana that it is reaily the eyes of President McKinley which see and the cars of President Mc- Kinley which hear what Mr. Calhoun s and hears; so the means of information his command ure extersive. Coming, as he cid, witheut detailed knowledge of the sit- uation, the President's special representa- tive is in a position to receive impressions and not to modify preconceived nections. i have observed that he is a remarkabiy good Lstener, while he never asks a point question. On my own part, I confess thi seine opinions formed in Washington have undergone a charige, and I should now hes- ‘itate to “say that the cause of the insur- gents has become weaker. _ Observations Began on the Boat. Mr. Calhoun’s observations began on the boat which brought us frem Tampa to Ha- vana. Some Cubans going to Key Wes: were full of fire. They talked of “Cuba sitre” as though frcedom was now only u lew months of. General Weyier'’s “pacin- cation” excited their derision; and thet: eyes Mashed as they talked of future cam- vaigning. But the Cuban temperament is Warm, and a dispassionate view could noi be expected from the men whose soul: are in the struggle. This must come trom others, Calmer opinions were obtained. ‘They came from ships’ officers in frequent coi munication with the island, from a New York tobacco manutacturer visiting ius factory at Key West, trom a German merchant returning to Havana, from three or four Americans who drift back and for- ward, and last of all from « Spanish manu- facturer whose factory is at Tampa. The Spaniard had lost confidence in his own government, and thought the Cubans might ago better. The New York man was dis- gusted with both sides, but could see no prospect of Spain conqueriag the insur- gents. The German merchani, after living twenty years in Havana, had taken his family to New York. He was returning 1c close up some transactions, but business, he said, was bad, very bad. He saw no prospect of the troubles being ended. What the insurgents might do he wouid not pre- dict, but ne did not see where Spain coula get the money for another campaign. The pay of the common soidiers was months in arrears, while the corruption in civil administration was something tearful. The Americans were Cuban sympathizers, yet their observations could not be ignorea. ‘They merely saw no signs of the insurrec- tion coming to an end. it was all hearsay testimony that Mr. Calhoun had listeneu to, and it must be sifted and its value de- termined by personal observation. = Business Very ad. As the ship came into the harbor of Ha- vana at sunrise he might have found fur- ther evidence that business was bad, very bad, An English commercial dredge was the only other vessel which entered the harbor that morning. But, naturally per- haps, the walis of Castle Morro and of Ca- banas had more interest for the represen- tative of the American government. Stories of the horrors within those walts had been whispered in his ears during the ship's pas- sage across the gulf. After lancing and getting settled at his hotel Mr. Calhoun paid a prompt visit to Cortul General Lee at the American con- sulate. Somebody in the State Depart- ment at Washington had forgotten to com- municate to the consul ‘general the official fact of Mr. Calhoun’s appointment, and no notice of his depariure from. the United States had been received at the consulate. Gen, Lee and the Spanish. General Lee welcomed him heartily and IMPROVING SAN PEDRO HARBOR. Secretary Alger Tells the Senate That the Law is Not Clear, Secretary Alger has been severely criti- cised in certain quarters for his alleged in- activity in the matter of the improvement of the harbor at San Pedro, Cal. The Sen- ate recently adopted a resolution calling ¢n him for information as to “what action, it any, has been taken or is contemplated with reference to the making of contracts for the completion of the improvement of the harbor,” etc., under the provisions of the act of June 3, 1896. Secretary Alger sent his reply to this resolution to the Senate today. He re- views the legislation cn the subject, and quotes from the report of the special board, of which Admiral J. G. Walker was chair- man, appointed to decide between Sania Monica bay and San Pedro as the best place for the proposed “deep-water harbor for commerce and of refuge.” “This board,” says Secretary Alger, “af- ter a careful investigation, decided upon San Pedro as the proper location for said harbor for commerce and of refuge, and have submitted estimates for a breakwater which ape a harbor of refuge alone of $2, 787, ignoring entirely in its esti- mate the cost of a harbor of commerce as well as of refuge. “The cepartment has had many impa- tent inquiries as to when the work will be sdvertised, and while there is no disposi- tion to retard the matter a day, the difficul- ty presented is always the same; that is, what was the intent of Congress when it made this appropriation for a harbor for commerce and of refuge? The report shows clearly that the entire appropriation and more will be required for the breakwater, and that to make a harbor for commerce large additional sums will be required, the exact amount of which is largely conjecture on account of there being the possibility of reck to excavate instead of silt or sand; but taking for granted that no rock exists there, the chief of engineers has, by my di- rection, and from all (he information there is in the department, made two approxi- mate estimaies for completing the harbor of commerce according to the plans sug- gested by the board. It is believed by me that a harbor covering 320 acres. or ha!f a mile by a mile in area, where ships can be (owed in, n:oored, towed from one dock to nother, winded or turned around, ete., would be the least that could be consid- ered.” The first estima econd for 787 and the , according to the x the improvements. says Secretary Alger, “shall the expenditure of $2,900,000 be made for the breakwater or -harbor of refuge, leaving the harbor of commerce for future legislation and appropriation? From my construction of the law I have not felt jus- tified in commencing the work without ful- ly understanding what the intent of Con- Sress was when the law was enacted. If it was and is its intent that the work on the breakwater shall be advertised and this ap- propriation expended for that alone, the matter shall recelve immediate attention. if not, I hope such insiruciions will be given as shall leave no doubt as to what the duties of the War Department are in the matter.” ——__-e-________ DEBTS OF THE CLERKS. Announcement Made by Secretary of War Alger. Secretary. Alger’s policy in the matter of the collection of debts of the employes of the War Department is shown in a circular issued today, which provides as follows: “While the department expects its em- ‘| Poyes to pay thelr just and lawful oblica- Uons, It will not permit itself to be used as an agency for the collection of their private <ebts,' and cxcept to the extent and in the manner hereinafter indicated will net en- tertain nor investigate debt compiaints against civilian employes of the War De- partment. “Crecitors and collectors will be denied access to employes for the purpose of pre- senting or collecting ‘claims during the hours set apart for the transaction of pub- tle business. “No cognizance will be taken of indebtcd- ness incurred before the employe entered the service of the department. “As a rule, cognizance will only be taken of debts contracted for the support of the employe or his family; and no. compiaint will be considered unless made in writing, under oath, and accompanied by a copy of the bill or obligation on which the claim is based. “Upon receipt of a complaint it will be re- ferred to the proper chief of bureau, who will return the same with his recommenda- tion and a report in writing from the em- ploye concerned. “When the claim is a judgment of a court, and the time for appeal or procedure in error has expired, it is too late for the debtor to deny or ‘question his Mability thereon, except as hereinafter provided. “When the claim is not a judgment, and the employe declares under oath that he has a just and lawful defense, the depart- ag will decline to give it further attcn- tio: Whether the claim is a judgment or not, if Meal interest has been charged or paid, the department will decline to take further action. “An employe who contracts indebtedness on the strength of his official position and then without sufficient excuse or reason ne- giects or avoids payment thereon will ve discharged. R. A. ALGER, “Secretary of War.” ———— VIRGINIA MINISTER ELOPES. and Miss Edith ricklcy Come Here to Marry. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. MARSHALL, Va., May —-Rev. John R. Jacobs and Miss Edith St ler. daugh- ter of the senior minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the Piedmont circuit of Virginia, have eloped. Mr. Jacobs was junior preacher here last year and it was suspected then that there was something between him and Miss Strickler, but after he left here to take charge of a church at Steriing, Va. all talk of the matter ended, and the co:n- munity was entirely unprepared for the thrill of surprise in store for them when ya awoke wt morning. e young divine came up on a visit to a friend here a day or two ago, and yesferday evening he went driving with Miss Strick- ler, so timing the ride as to meet at The Plains, the next station below here, the 7:24 o'clock train for Washington, which they boarded, and it is presumed their hap- piness was consummated before any one outside the Strickler household knew they had not returned. The young lady’ had known of the engagement, opposed it, further than to urge the Post- until the Preacher should attain to full orders Hy "the ministry. —_>—_—_ : RUIZ COMMISSION ORGANIZED. i i AT MANY PLACES Governing Bodies of the Presbyterian Churches Holding Conventions. GENERAL ASSEMBLY At WINONA, MINA. Southern Church Assembly Meets at Charlotte, N. C. ee BIG CROWDS ATTEND ALL rn <tr n WINONA ASSEMBLY, EAGLE LAKE, Ind., May 20.—Alternate rain and sunshine today greeted the opening of the one hun- dred and ninth general assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. At the hour appointed for the opening session the platform was occupied by a long line of commissioners, waiting to be assigned to permanent seats. This fea- ture, by which delegations were seated to- gether, was an innovation. The assembly was opened with prayes by Rev. Arthur J. Brown, secretary of th: board of foreign missions. The devotional exercises were conducted by Dr. John L. Withrow, the retiring moderator. The Scriptures were read by Dr. George L. Spinging of Orange, N. J., and the assem- bly was led in prayer by the Rev. Dr. “Father” Byron Sunderiand of Washing- ton. ‘The platform was occupied by a num- ber of prominent divines besides those al- ready mentioned, the clerks of the assem- bly, Drs. Wm. H. Robert nd Wm. Moore, Dr. Wilson of New York, Dr. Li gan of Scranton, Dr. Worrall of Danville and several others. The opening sermon by the retiring moderator, Dr. Withrow, Was upon the “Chiefest Grace of Chris- tianity,” and was based on Ist Peter, 4th chapter and Sth verse. After reviewing some of the apparent dunge to the church arising out of the indifference on the part of a cons:derabie element among the people, he made a strong plea for harmony in the church. What was needed, he said, was such fer- vent charity among them that conflicts be- tween Christians would be unknown. When such a condition should prevail among Christians, men of the world would not meck at the text, “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” For they would no longer see faction pulling the hair of fac- tion as soon as the amen ended « pious service of prayer and song. In that happy and halcyon day, which they might hope for, the world outside the church, tossed as the world was with troublous thoughts and civil convulsions, would see such co! ditions of amity and calm within the co munion of saints as would make multitud crave admission as a sailor did a safe har- bor. Thus could the world be won, and by ro other means. The poor heart of human- ity never became so hopeless as not to be- — the oged of charity and the felici- 'y of fervent love to lft it to a better life end make it happy there. And this it ex- pected first and most from those who claim- €d to ve His who said “I command you snaid ye love one an@ther.” ‘he interest in the question of moderator. ship has been lively all day, and it has beer discussed on all the incoming trains, The general opinion seemed to favor Dr. Henry C, Minton of San Francisco, as a represen tative of the far west. Objection to him was based on the fact that he is a pro- fessor in a theological seminary. Another candidate is Dr. Sheldon Jackson, the United States commissioner of education in Alaska, and one of the most widely known home missionary workers in the whole church. It was rumored that his name was to be presented by ex-President Harrison. Other candidates have been mentioned, but nothing definite has tran- spired. SOUTHERN BRANCH AT CHARLOTTR The Meeting H: More Than U Interest. CHARLOTTE, N. C., May 20.—The gen- eral assembly of the Southern Presbyterian Church in the United States convened in the First Presbyterian Church, in this city, this morning. Upward of four hundred commissioners are expected to be present. The body was called to order by the r tiring moderatcr, the Rev. Dr. R. Q. Mal- lard. This session of the convention will be of more then ordinary interest from the fact thet the 250th” anniversary of the adoption of the Westminster standards is to be cel- ebrated. Many of the leading clergymen of the Southern Church will be present to take part in the celebration. The meeting of the general assembly in Charlotte on the 20th of M: is peculiarly appropriate. On that date in each year the Mecklenburg declaration of indepen- dence of is celebrated. The history of the signers and the historic events of that day are inseparably interwoven with that of the Presbyterian Church of this city and county. The building where the assembly will held its sessions stands on possibly the most historic ground in the south. The general assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States was organ! in Augvsta, Ga., in 1861, the first assembly being Feld in the Presbyterian Church in that city. Charlotte has made ample cr- rangements for entertaining the assemily and will give the members of the distin- guisaed body a cordial welcome. CUMBERLAND @PRESBYTERIANS, y Features of Sixty-Sevemth General Assembly in . Session im Chicago. CHICAGO, May 20.—The sixty-seventh general assembly of che Curcberland Pres- byterlan Church cofivened today, with about 250 delegates present, representing twenty-five states and territories, most of them, however, coming from the south. It is the first time in the history of this de- nominaticn that it has come as far north as Chicago to iiold its annual assemblies. The convention will iast ten days. Hetir- ing Moderator Rev. A. W. Hawkins of De- Iil., called the assembly to order and delivered the opening sermon. An ad- journment was taken until 3 p.m., when a moderator will . Kev. Huxn Williams of Memphis, Tenn., eceins There are two other g 5 i i i !