Evening Star Newspaper, August 30, 1897, Page 1

THE EV PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Penzaylvania Avenue, Cor. 1th St, by ‘Ihe Evening Star Newspaper Company New York Office, 49 Potter Building. Star vibers In the ‘The Evening Star fs served to subs: aty by carriers, on t unt, at 10 ecnty = week, or a4 centi Copics at the counter 2 cents cach. . nswhere in the United States or Cenada—postage p 50 cents Per month, Saterday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with reign postage added, $3.00. Oeeaa ot can ret anes ot Wastiegtens 1 C.. 6 seccnd-clasa mail matter.) T7 Ail mail sulweriptions must be paid fn advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. Che Hvening Star. — No. 13,883. WASHINGTON, D. C., MONDAY, AUGUST .30, 1897-TWELVE PAGES TWO CENTS HELD FOR MURDER Coroner’s Jury Accuses Johnson of Killing Marshall. THE PRISONER FULLY IDENTIFIED Testimony Given by the Main Wit- nesses in the Case. PISTOL AND SHELL ee THE The hearing in the case of the man charged with the killing of Farmer John D. Marshall of Forestville. Md.; near the Pennsylvania avenue bridge, a week ago this morning, was resumed this afternoon by Coroner Carr at the sixth precinct sta- tion. At the first session of the jury, held last Wednesday, witnesses described the nature of the fatal wound and others told of the exciting scene on the street on the morning ef the killing. It was expected then that today’s session would be one of interest, for the reason that the alleged murderer, Frank Johnson, had left no clue behind him ard the case would be one for good detective work. But the work was done in so short a time, and the confes- sion came so soon, that today there was not much interest shown in the case, ex- cept by those who were actually engaged in it. The prisoner, who was sent to jail from the Police Court last week on a charge of murder, was brought up from jail and per- mitted to hear the evidence given against him. He seemed a little uneasy, and the sight of the pistol he had used seemed to be aimost more than he could stand. There Was no attorney present to look after his interests. The Evidence Adduced. Policeman William E. Vermillion of the fourth precinct station told the jury of the arrest of Johnson about twenty-four hours after the fatal shot was fired. He was making an effort to get across the Long bridge, and when witness noticed his sus- picious conduct he concluded to arrest kim. When taken in custody, the prisoner, he said, had a revolver on him. Four of the chambers were loaded, one was empty. The shell was still in the empty chamber. Witness said he arre: Picion, but after having a conversation with him he concluded that he was the murderer of Farmef Marshall. He identi- fied the revolver exhibited. Detective Weedon te: ed that as soon as he was detailed on the case he went to Providence Hospital and interviewed the dying - The latter, he said, described his assailant as a tall, slim colored man yout twenty-one or tweaty-two years old. Marshall said he thougnt the man were dark clothe The farmer said to him that he drove across the brilge, and near this side of it he saw a colored nan standing beneath a tree. At first he thought he knew the man, and he pulled his horse to- ward him. When within about fifteen feet of him he discovered that he was mis- taken, and he stopped. He called to the cclored man, asking him for a match. sThe reply he received. he said, w yeu, I'll give you a match. The colored man then advanced, Marshall said, and grabbing him by the leg, he fired the shot. Sercamed for Help. Mr. Marshall said he got out of the Wagon and screamed for help, and the horse went on up the hill. He soon. over- took the herse and then drove to Mr. Kloch’s store, near Pennsylvania avenue and 13th street, and from there he was ‘ted to the hospital. Witness then described how he and his partner, Detective Lacy, had made an in- vestigation of the c which resulted in the confession. He present at the autopsy and was given the bullet taken from the dead man. The detective here produced the bullet and empty shell, and showed how the one w ted in the ether by putting the discol- cred part of the bullet next to the olored part of the shell. This was ex- hibited by the wit the jury , Resuming. witness told of the case hav- ing been tried in the Police Court, and of the sentence of the prisoner on a charge of carrying concealed weapons. Realizing the importance of the arrest he had: Judge Kimball turn the accused over to his part- ner and himself, end they continued their investigation of the case. They talked to . Lut he denied a tion with the shocting. He was t talk- and what he said had to be drawn him. He learned that Johnson hi told a man called “Yellow” that shot a countryman, but this man * could not be found. lent at the Morgue. Witness said he finally concluded to take him to the morgue to see the corpse. When the morgue was reached witness stood holding the prisoner, and when the sheet was lifted from the dead man’s face John- son's hands closed tighty on his and he seen noticed his Adam's apple swelling. Just then, he said, some policeman spoke tp and asked Johnson a question, and then he smiled. = This over, the prisoner was returned to «ss to the members of th ation, and later he sent word that he w d to see the officers. Then it was that he made nfession. He said that when Marshall a him for a match and he said he had none, Marshall cursed him and struck him with a whip. For this, he id, he used the pistol. Did Marshall have a whip?” asked the coroner. “My impression is that he had a small switch,” responded the witness. Lacy on the Stand. Detective Lacy, who was next called, told ting story of the investigation pri s admission to him that 1 the shooting. After Johnson mace the confession witness asked him where he got the pistol, and he satd he pought it on the road for 50 cents. Mrs. Sophia Schide, who ives at Pennsylvania avenue, said it was 2:45 o'clock Monday morning when she heard cries of help. She paid no particular at- tention to the cries at first, because it is & common occurrence in that ne!ghbor- hood. But she finally went to the window and saw Mr. Marshall getting up from the street. He was then calling to ais horse to stop. “Did you ever see this man before?” ask- ed the coroner, pointing to the prisoner. “I think I have.” was her response. “I saw a man who looked like him the day before the sh s. He was walking along the railroad track going in the direction of the Congressional cemetery.” Miss Hattie Dan told the jury that she heard the shot fired, and when she went to the window Marshall was on the ground crying for some one to help him. Prisoner Identified. Lemuel Beall, a resident of Prince George's cofinty, testified that he heard the pistol shot fired, and about fifty yards be- hind where it was fired he met a colored man. “Do you see that man here?” the coroner inquired. “Yes, sir,” he answered, looking at the defendant. “Is he the man?” ‘Yes, sir.” Witness was positive Johnson was the man. He saw him on the bridge. Anderson Kloch, storekeeper in South- 510 ast Washington, testified that Mr. Mar- shall came to his house about 3 o'clock in the morning and rapped on the door. When witness went to the window Mr. Marshall asked him to come down in a hurry, that he was shot. He said a colored man had shot him. Witness made him as comfort- able as he could, and then went out in search of a policeman. Later the wounded man was taken to the hospital. Policeman Vermillion said that Johnson told him he slept in the Anacostia freight yard the night before the shooting oc- curred. Detective Weedon was again called and asked about grease spots on the trousers of the dead man. He explained that near the hole made by the bullet he found grease spots, and there was considerable grease on the pistol taken from the pris- oner. Johnson, he said, was questioned about the grease, and he said he put it on the pistol after he had bought it from a colored man on the road near Cincinnati. Verdict of the Jary. The jury returned a verdict holding the prisoner responsible for the killing, and he was committed to jail. Before being sent to jail the prisoner conversed about the case, and said he was sorry he had ever bought the revolver. He realizes the seriousness of his position, he says, and he knows he will either have to die or go to the penitentiary for life. When the case reaches the Criminal Court there will be some surprising testimony given. This, it is said, will show that the farmer made an earnest plea for his life, begging the colored man not to use his weapon. EARTHQUAKES IN JAPAN A Thousand Houses Inundated and 200 Per- sons Lose Their Lives. Budget Shows a Deficiency of 000,000 Yen—Danger to Cane and Sugar Crops. TACOMA, Wash., August 30.—The Jap- anese steamer just in brings news verifying the reports of severe earthquakes in Japan August 5, followed by a tidal wave and great floods. A thousand houses were in- undated, and 200 persons were kil!ed and injured. Sixty-five Chinese villages avere inundated. According to a Tokio digpatch it is reported that next year’s budget will show a deficiency of 25,000,000 yen, even though the fullest economy is observed. The deficit is chiefly due to the extraordinary expenditure sanction- ed by the diet. The Shanghai Shepoo con- tains a letter from its Foo Chow corre- spondent with reports that the bubonic plague in that city and suburbs is most serious, and the people are dying very rapidly. The center of the plague is in the vicinity of Tartar Guild house. The proclamation of the governor gen- eral of the Philippine Islands offering a free pardon to penitent rebels who sur- rendered has now been abrogated. * The Corean government has sent out an official rotice that the ports of Chenanpo and Mokpo are open to foreign trade on Oc- tober 1. A terrible danger threatens the sugar planters in Japan from a widespread dis- ease which attacks the roots of the cane. ‘Lhe roots rot and the cane dies. The plants stand helpless before the disease. It has already struck four provinces, and has broken out even on well-kept estates. Reports from New Caledonia state that rain is much needed, and if harvest falls predictions are made that serious disturb- ances will occur, as agents of secret so- cieties are very active in fomenting discord this year. ——— CONGRATULATE PRINCE VICTOR. Cincinnati Italians Send Greetings to the Victorious Duelist. CINCINNATI, Ohio, August 30.—The most preminent Italian society of this city cabled last night to Count of Turin the following letter congratulating him on his recent duel with Prince Henri of Orleans: “Cincinnati, August 29, 1897.—To H Royal Highness, Prince Victor Emanuel, Count of Turin, Rome: “Excellency: The Bersaglieri Society of Mutual Aid Italo-Americano of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America, assem- bled, a general extraordinary meeting on the result of your being victorious in de- fending the honor of the Italian army Au- gust 15, at Bois de Marechaux Vaucresson, and unanimously extended to you our con- gratulations and at the same time took the Eberty to elect your highness honored president for life. sincerely hope that your royai high- ness accept this and give us the honor of one of your highness’ lithographs, which which will be hung at our headq ters. ‘Thanking you beforchand for the honor which your highness gives to us, believe us your servants, of true Italian blood, praying God to give your highness strength, courage and victory for all your life to de fend the honor of Italy. (Signed) SALVATORE CARUSO, President. MARIANO CANCELLIERE, Secretary. —_—_.___ STORM ON GULF OF CALIFORNIA. Coast Town Swept Away and Many Vessels Reported Missing. ‘OGALES, Ariz., August 30.—Advices from Guayamas state that a severe hurricane visited the Gulf of California and iower Mexican coast August 22. At Las Guaca- near the mcuth of the Yaqua river, region for miles around was inundated and the town swept away. Three lives are reported to have been lost and great dam- age was done to crcps. The steamer Carmen is supposed to have left Agiabampo for the south just as the hurricane was ccming, and fears for her safety are entertained. The schooners Salvatierra, Rambler and Penelope, which sailed for Guayamas Au- gust 18, were caught in the hurricane, and en August 26 the Szlvatierra and Penelope returned to Guayamas in distress. The Rambler is missing. The captain of the Salvatierra reports that just as the storm arose he was close to a large American schooner, loaded with lumber from the coast for Santa Rosalie. She disappeared in the fog, and her fate is unknown. ————— FAMOUS OARSMAN DEAD. E. R. Balfour, Who Was a Prominent Figure at Henley Regatta. LONDON, August 30.—E. R. Balfour, the famous Oxford oarsman, died on Friday in Scotland. He was captain of the Rugby fcot ball team while at that school and at Oxford, where he was immensely popular. He was a member of the Dark Blue crew ia 1896 and in 1897. He pulled No..5 with the Leander crew at Henley this year, and, with Guy Nickalls, won the pairs. Mr. Balfour's death was due to his: ne- glect to change his clothes after having been drenched with rain while out shoot- irg, ard which resulted in an attack of pneumonia. ae . Racing Wheelm: Drowned. NEWEURGH, N.Y., August 30.—Frank Savage, a well-known racing wheelman, tcok a training spurt yesterday, and then went to Moodna creek, near Salisbury mills, to bathe. The stream was swollen, the bather got beyond his depth and was drowned. His body was recovered. M’LAURIN’S FUTURE Staked on His Vote for Protecting Southern Products. MANY ATTACKS ON HIS POSITION Primaries for the Choice of United States Senator.- STATE ISSUES PLAY NO PART + Southern politicians, and particularly these from South Carolina, are looking with great interest to the result of the primary election for Senator in the Pal- metto state. The first primary is to be held tomorrow, and it may be the gradual turning point in politics in the south. All the candidates who originally entered the contest have withdrawn except ex-Gov- ernor John Gary Evans, ex-Senator John L. M. Irby and the present senator, J. L. McLaurin, who resigned his seat in the House to accept an appointment as senator to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Earle. State Senator Mayfield and John T. Duncan entered the race and made a partial canvass of the state, but withdrew on ascertaining that the fight was between McLaurin and the field, and that Evans and Irby were the strongest leaders in the field. Senator McLaurin was one of the south- ern senators who voted in the House and Senate for protection to certain southern products. He did this with a full knowl- ecge of the fact that in the past such a vote wouid, without a doubt, have cost him lis seat. He voted for protection for cer- tain articles, however, with a belief that sentiment in the south was gradualiy un- dergoing a change, and, as he voiced his convictions, he told his friends ne would take chances on explaining his vote when he again went before the people. The position of Senator McLaurin has been the basis of the fight during the eight-weeks’ canvass, which has ended. His opponents have attacked him vig- orously as a republican, and have charged that he was attempting to lead the demo- cratic party of the state into the republi- can party. Senator McLaurin has met these attacks by referring to the fact that Senator Till- man and Senators Clay und Bacon of Georgia voted with him in the Senate. He has denied that he is preaching republi- can principles, but asserts that protection ought to have been given certain south- ern products while the pro-ection dish was being passed around. He has asserted that there must come a change in the senti- ment of the people of the south. His op- ponents have charged him with having been permeated with protection principles for several years. They allege that Speak- er Reed made him a member of the ways and means committee of the House with knowledge of his views. This, of cour: has been denied, but throughout Senator McLaurin’s speeches there has run a pre- diction that there must be a change in the south from former positions cn the tariff. State Issues Ignored. State issues have played little or no part in the hot campaign which has closed. The people will vote between a man who frankly states that he is imbued with a small amount of protection ideas and two men who stand squarely on the old demo- ‘atic doctrine of tariff for revenue only. The probability favors the nomination of McLaurin in the first primary. It is con- ceded by his opponents that he will at least lead the other candidates in the first pri- mary. If he does not win in either the first or second primary it will be surprising to his friends. It is the fact of McLaurin’s probable suc- cess that ts creating so much interest among democratic politicians here and else- where Taney know that five years ago no politician or candidate would have dared sive utterance to the views expressed by McLaurin. His nomination, it is eas ly seen, the first recognition by a southern state that the people are open to convic- tion, that they are no longer the partisans of former years, intolerable to everything. How far this may affect future elections in southern states 1s what fs furnishing occa- sion for much thought. The divisions of last year throughout the country estab- lished an independence in politics in the uth which threatens to grow and affect the party. The first sample of it is mani- festing itself in South Carolina. The elec- tion of McLaurin, it is claimed, will have far-reaching results. It will be a tribute, it is claimed, to the increasing liberality of southern voters. It will go into the state conventions in the south when the time comes to instruct delegates to the next na- tional convention. Followers of Calhoun. A deeply interesting feature of the con- test has been the fact that the leading Stpporters of McLaurin are men who have been admirers of Calhoun and his teach- irgs for years. These come from the class which Tillman always characterizes as aristocrats. Serator McLaurin has shown in his speeches that in 1819 Calhoun was a protectionist because he then believed that policy was best for the south. Web- ster was then a low-tariff man. The opin- ion of each changed as conditions changed Mr. McLaurin alleges that conditions are again changing in the south, and that the people will have to change with them. The increase in manufacturing in South ‘olina has, it is said, brought about some oi this change of sentiment which may put McLaurin in the Senate. Cotton manufacturing especially has grown to enormous proportions. In the county of Spartanburg there are a greater number of spindles and looms in operation than in any one county in the world. The cotton manufacturers are supporting McLaurin unanimously, Senator Tillman Stands Aside. Senator Tillman is hands-off in the fight. He voted with McLaurin on the tariff, but makes no explanation of his vote. The opponents of McLaurin claim that ‘Tillman does not hold to partial protection views as a permanent thing, as does McLaurin, but that he voted for certain features of the tariff bill on the ground that as the pie was being passed he desired a share of it. They claim that he said‘the tariff bill was a “steal,” and that he wanted to get some of the “ill-gotten gains while they were being shared out.” y, The primary plan was adopted in South Carolina for the first time last year. An effort was made, it will be remembered, to have the same plan «depted in Virginia in future elections. This plan provides that all candidates for United States sena- tor shall appear before the people in every county of the state. After the canvass the first primary election is held. If one can- didate receives a majority of the total votes cast, that settles the matter, but if no candidate receives a majority, then a second race is ordered by the democratic executive committee. In this race all can- didates are dropped except the two highest. Then the candidate receiving a majority ot the votes cast in the second primary is declared the democratic nominee for sena- tor. ‘There is no statute taw binding the leg- islature to elect the man who is declared the nominee, but each member of the leg- isilature feels morally bound to support the man who has received the largest number: of votes. No matter how bitterly a member of the tegislature may be to the man who has been successful, he feels in duty bound to vote for him. This ts 20 if the successful man received a very small majority. This plan ts said to be nearer a direct vote for United States senator than any- thing that has yet been devised, and its adeption by other southern states has been under consideration for some time. The election managers are appointed by covnty executive committees, and must represent the different persons in the contest. The tabulation of the county returns is made by county executive committees. The total vote of each county Is then dispatched to the capital of the state, and the final count is made by the state democratic executive committee. In the election last year, with ihree can- didates in the field, ex-Governor John Gary Evans lacked only 600 votes of receiving a majority in the first primary. In the sec- ond primary he was beaten by over 3,000 votes by the late Senator Earle. CANADA MAY RESENT Collector of Customs at Skaguay Collects Duty on Horses, Improving the Skaguay Trail—Do- minion Surveyor Points Out Dif- ficulties of Mining in Alaska. SEATTLE, Wash.,August 30,—The steam- er King City has arrived from Dyea and Skaguay, bringing the following letter from the Associated Press correspondent: The new deputy collector of customs at Skaguay andDyea has imposed a duty of $30 a head on Canadian horses unloaded at this port from Canadian territory to be used in packing owners’ outfits over the summit. Since the new British collector, a few days ago, announced that his government would waive all duty om miners’ clothes and outfits intended for personal use for the next six months, it is feared this ac- tion on the part of the United States col- lector will react on American miners. Ihe duty was paid under protest. The collector also assumed the right to appraise at their value here. One man paid $540 for what cost nim $300 at Victoria, An effort is being made to improve the Skaguay trail. There are not less than 5,000 miners between the landing and the summit, and all travel is suspended. Trees have been felled across the trail and no one will be allowed to proceed until the entire trail is finished. Character of the Trail. There are only five bad hills where much blasting will be needed; the remainder can be done with pick axes and shovels. Chas. King of Tacoma, an experfenced railroad contractor, is superintendent of construc- tion. There are several civil engineers here with instruments who will proceed at once to make the survey. Work will be com- pleted and the trail thrown open to travel in from ten to fifteen days, and it js thought that it can be kept open for all winter. There are four ships in the harbor un- loading, the Parallon of San Francisco having just anchored with 150 passengers and 150 horses on board; the Elder, with ssengers and the same number of horses, and the City of Kingston, with 17 passengers and 65 horses, dropped anchor just twenty-four hours ago. and is about to unload, making the qui¢kest dispatch of any vessel in the harbor. The ype of Victorf bas been here five days and has hardly begun unloading, as the charterers refused to furnish lighters to land the stock and su , and also ré- fused to. furnish meals the passengers after the boat dropped anchor. The pas- sengers apperled to the vigilance commit- tee this morning, and the chairman went aboard tc interview the captain and purser. After a stormy interview the captain and purser engaged the Bjach, a lighter brought up by the steam tug Pioneer of Seattle, and the passengers are helping to load the ship. The price of whisky has jumped in the last ten days from $3 and $5 per gallon to $20, on account of the many seizures made by the new revenue officer, who has cap- tured about twenty barrels in that time. Surveyor Ogilvie Discourages Pros- pectors, In speaking of the Klondike gold fields, Wm. Ogilvie, dominion surveyor for the Northwest Territory, discourages all stran- gers from going into that bleak country. He denies that any difference regarding the boundary line exists between Canada and the United States. He says “Gold has been found in a certain zone in British Columbia, running through tke Cariboo and Cassiar districts. Project the axis of this zone northwesterly and we touch the Teslin lake, Hootalinqua river, Steward river, Indian Troandike, Sixty Mile and Birch creeks. Now, it is hi; improbable that gold being found at these points, the intervening spaces are barren, and I will do no more than say generally that we have a zone of up- ward of 500 miles in length, some of it in Alaska, more of it in the Northwest Ter- ritcry, and much of it in British Colum- bia, which will yet be the scene of nu- merous mining enterprises, both on the quartz and the placer, the former prac- tically inexhaustible. The conditions, huw- ever, are most unfavorable. There is a nine months’ winter, barrenness is almost tetal, s0 far as vegetation and food is concerned, the earth is bound in eiernal frcst and the thermometer often reaches 60 and 70 degrees below zero.” Claims Skaguay Town Site. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal. August 30.—A Chronicle special from Victoria contains a signed statement from Bernard Moore, who claims the town site of Skaguay. He says that ten years ago he made applica- tion for 160 acres of land in accordance with the United States laws as applied to Alaska, had a legal survey made and paid in the requisite $400 to the proper officials. He had just begun to stock the place tor @ dairy when the gold rush began, and now thousands of citizens of Skaguay are claim- ing the land he paid the government for. 2 Sen CADAVER BOILED IN POTASH. Gruesome Tests Made in the Luetgert Murder Trial. CHICAGO, August 30.—The trial of Adolph L. Luetgert for the murder of his wife began in earnest today, the prelim- inary work of securing a jury having been completed. Long before the case was call- ed the corridors of the court building were thronged with people anxious to gain ad- mittance to the little court room, and five minutes after the doors were opened the Teom was packed to suffocation. Contrary to the expectation of the state the jury will be asked by the defense to witness an experiment in the vat in the besement of the sausage fattory. This is to be the result of an experiment conducted pee acuntgertis attorneys Saturday and yes- The body of a man of about the same age and weight as Mrs. Luetgert was taken to the factory at 601 Diversey avenue and immersed in a solution of caustic potash. The result exceeded their expectations. ‘The experts related that after boiling the body in a 15 per cent sol: of the potash ears same aaa of three and one- stances as penis alleges Luetgert tegrated the e ems eee bee : effect on the clothing. a esult of the test, the de: will, | ask Judge com. Tuthill to his court a a @ few hours another. expert. which. the; - bk DENIES THE CHARGE Frye Answers Chandler’s Statement Regarding Clause in Tariff. SAYS NO TRICK WAS PLAYED Discriminating Duty Was Argued Before Senate Committee. FOUGHT FOR OPENLY Special Dispatch to the Evening Star. AUBURN, Me., August 30.—Senator Frye has returned from Squirrel Island, where he nas been stopping a part of the time since the adjournment of Congress. In reply to a question if he had anything to say in reply to Senator Chandler's state- ment, regarding the extra duty clause in the tariff bill, Senator Frye sald: “I have just read it and will say that [ have such great confidence in the senaicr that or- dinarily 1 give credence to any statements made by him, because I know he is horesi, industrious and a censcientious seeker for the truth, but in this case as to some of his facts he is mistaken and certain of his insinuations are not well founded. “He asserts that the American Sieamship Company, assisted by an astute lawyer, undertcok to induce the conference com- mittee on the tariff bill to reform section 22, and by innuendo connects that company with the railroads in the procurement of the law as it now stands.. He says the result was secured by an ‘elaborate trick,” and, of course, intelligent men like the conferees must have been cognizant of it when they adopted it. Members Not Tricksters. “Now, the senator knows personally and by repute all of the members of the com- mittee and cannot in good conscience charge them with being ignorant dupes or cunning contrivists of elaborate tricks. As to facts, there was a serious ard long con- tinued attempt to induce the Senate finance committee to adopt and report to the Sen- ate a new section as a substitute for No. 22, the purpose being to have it in such shape that it would be effectual in event Congress should conclude to resort to dis criminating duties for the revival of our tereign carrying trade as recommended by the national convention of republicans and it:dorsed by its candidate for the pres- idency, without any further legislation other than the abrogation of our commer- cial treaties. While the proposed amend- ment as printed containea the 10 per cent as urged before the committee, the duty Was not to exceed 6 ver cent to be levied upon non-dutiable, us well as dutiable gcods. “Failing to secure a report of this amendment to the Senate it was then ad- yocated very earnestly before the con- ferences, but failed of success. This at- tempt was open, was advocated in the Fresence of several senators not of the committee, at different hearings, and prep- aration made for its discuSsion in the Senate. The American Steamship Com- pany, if such a one exists, was not at all a promoter of this scheme. More than six months ago, in view of the fact that the perty in power was fully committed to the restoration of cur merchant marine, a committee of twenty-five of the leading ship owners and builders, both steam and sail, representing the Pacific, Atlantic and the lake interests, was formed, whose duty was to investigate the important subject theroughly to obtain the views of men intelligent in this regard, and come, if pos- sible, to some agreement as to the policy to be pursued, and, as many legal ques- ticns were involved, it was authorized to employ counsel, which it did. Met in New York. “This committee met many times in New York and in the rooms of the Seriate com- rittee cn commerce, discussed the various propositions before them, but arrived at no conclusicn up to the adjournment of the extra session. I was present at most of the meetings. The projects considered were a bounty law, a revision for efficacy of the postal subsidy law and a tonnage tax, the proceeds to be appropriated to the marine discriminating duties. “These had been in all tariff laws for a great many years—a provision for a dis- criminating duty of 10 per cent additional on all dutiable goods brought into the country in foreign ships, except those coun- tries with which we had treaties, ete. Of course the law was a dead letter, for we had commercial treaties with all civilized nations; I think thirty-nine in all. “The committee recommended that this provision be amended so that free as well as dutiable goods be included, and that the per cent be reduced without naming the reduction. They d:d this, knowing that it would not affect a single imported article, unless Congress should there repeal certain laws and abrogate all of these treaties. “Their purpose was simply to have the law in the best pcssible condition whenever, if ever, the Congress should, after full con2 sideration, determine upon’ discriminating duties. The American Steamship Company had no more connection with this move- ment than the Cramps’ ship yard, Clyde company, Hyde's yard, Arthur Sewall’s or the Lake Carriers’ Association. As for the railroads, I never heard one mentioned at any of the meetings, in any of the discus- sions, or before the finance committee. Chandler Alone in His Suspicions. “As to how this amendment to section 22 was secured I know nothing, but that it was secured by a legislative trick in the ‘ying of which the conferees were par- ticipants with knowledge, I do not believe, nor do I believe that any senator other than Mr. Chandler harbors for a moment such a suspicion. I am and have been for many years intensely and actively interest- ed in the restoration of the merchant ma- rine engaged in the foreign carrying trade. It seems to me that our present condition in this regard is a national humiliation. While I appreciate the immense benefits our railroads have conferred upon the coun- try, I jigeatens the prejudice they have aroused, ahd this attempt to effect some- thing for our ships ought not to be handi- capped by any imaginary copartnership nor by any insinuatton that the friends of the ship have joined hands with any one to perpetrate a legislative trick. This is my excuse for so lengthy an interview.” ———.__ WILL EXPIRE soon. The Terms of Three Bureau Chiefs of the Navy Department. whose terms expire are Commodore Hich- barn, chief of the bureau of construction and repair; Commander Chadwick, chief the bureau of equipment, and ee ro appointed to Sheree pieces fox: e: general expectation of four years. succeeded by Commander R. B. Bradford, row on special duty at the Navy Depart- ment. Several important clerical changes were recently made at the Navy Department. Mr. Darius Green, chief clerk of the bur of construction and repair, at $1,800, w appointed appointment clerk at $2,200, vice Mr. Peters, appointed chief clerk of the department, vice Mr. Micou, resigned. Mr. Croxall of the office of the disbursing clerk Was made chief clerk of the bureau of con- struction and repair, and Mr. Curtis, who has been acting appointment clerk for sev- eral months, was promoted to the $1,600 class. These appointments, however, have made no change whatever in the duties of the persons named, and their only effect so far has been to increase the compensa- tion of the respective gentlemen. Mr. Green continues to perform the duties of chief clerk of the bureau of construction and repair, Mr. Curtis is still acti: i as ap- pointment clerk, and Mr. Croxall is at his usual work in the disbursing clerk's office. ——-e._______ BOLD DEED OF BURGLAR au Blow Open a Bank Safe and Excape , Under Fire. ELMDALE, Kan., August 30.—Shortly after midnight cracksmen Mterally blew the vault of the Exchange Bank to piece: Nitro-glycerine was used three times. and the explosions were heard a great distance. Before the third explosion occurred the gitizens surrounded the bank and opened re. During the excitement the robbers cs- caped from a rear door, taking with them $1,800 in money and $700 worth of drafts. REPUBLICANS TO CONFER Meeting in New York Tonight Will Influ- ence Mayoralty Contest. Senator Platt and the Backers of Scth Low Will Be the Promi- nent Figures. NEW YORK, August 30.—Tonight’s con- ference between republican leaders and representatives of several independeni cr- ganizations is likely to have an important bearing upon the question as to who shall be the first mayor of Greater New York The conference is to be held at the Hotel Manhattan in this city. A prime factor in will be United States Senator Thomas C. Plait. There will be in attendance repre- sentatives of the Seth Low elem of the republican party in Brooklyn, at their head being Jackson Wallace, lately pres- icent of the Brooklyn board of aldermen, who is closely connected with Mr. Low. Whether or rot the Citizens’ Union of New York will be represented at the con ference is to be decided at a meeting t afternocn of the executive of that bo. In the Citizens’ Union there is division upon the question of entering into an a liance with the republican organizati one party being of the opinion that o. such an alliance does there lie ance of defeating the Tammany whoever he may be, while others regard the rropcsed alliance as a surrender of the urion’s principle of non-partisanship. President Low on Record. President Low has placed himself on rec- ord as willing to accept a nomination to the mayoralty only with the distinct un- derstending that if elected he should be entirely exempt from dictation by any po- litical crganization or so-called party leader, and this fact is regarded as an ob- stacie to his acceptance by the republicans. His campaigr thus far has been principally in the hands of the Citizens’ Union. The suggestion has been made that the mayoralty nomination be conceded to President Low, and all the other elective offices to the regular republican organiza- tion, the canvass to be conducted by Chair- man Quigg of the republican county com- mittee. The practicability of this proposi- tion is one of the points to be discussed at tonight's conference. At the conference there may develop also the facts as to the reporied differ- ences between Senator Platt and Jacob Worth, chairman of the republican organi- zation of Kings county, upon which demo- crats have been counting to some extent Mr. Worth has been quoted as havin, given expression to hostility to Senator Platt as the dominating spirit in the party but there is a pos: that the differ- ences ef the two m be adjusted at an early day. Plans of the Democrats. The democrats’ plans for the mayoralty campaign appear to be even more nebulous than those of the republicans. There is no one whose name is in an overshadowing position for the position. Charles W. Day- ton, who has been strongly urged for the nomination, is just back from a visit to Paris. He says he bas no ambition to be mayor of the Greater New York, but would like a place on the bench. His’ preference would be to have the nomination given to such a man as Charles R. Coudert or to ex-Judge M. J. O'Brien, Judge A. R. Law- rence or Judge W. J. Gaynor. Ss LEADVILLE JAIL DELIVERY. Jailer Martin Overcome and Five Prisoners Make Their Escape. LEADVILLE, Col., August 30.—A daring break from the county jail occurred las: night. Five prisoners made their escape, and the night jailer at a late hour is stil! locked up in the jail, while the prisoners who escaped made away with the keys to both the outer and inner doors. The prisoners who escaped are the two Bohan- non brothers, charged with the murder of Deputy Sheriff Fahey; J. D. Spann, charged with rape; Charles Bristol, charged with forgery, and Jim Dawson, charged with assault with intent to kill. When Night Jailer Martin entered the corridor to make bis rounds, Spann, who was walking in the corridor, jumped upon him and pinioned his hands back of him. He was at once joined by the two Bohan- non brothers, who dragged the jailer to the rear of the cells, where they bound him. A big posse has started in pursuit. ——— TO USE PETROLEUM FOR FUEL. Southern Pacific Makes Alterations in Its Locomotives, LOS ANGELES, Cal., August 30.—The Southern Pacific Railway Company has formally entered the field as a purchaser and consumer of California petroleum. it is reported that the management of that company had seven locomotives changed to crude ofl burners last week, and that two purchases of oil in bulk have been made by that corporation, one of ten thou- sand barrels and the other of twenty thou- sand barrels. —— Flour Enters Duty Free. Consul Fowier, at Chefoo, China, reports the State Department that foreign flour no import duty in that country. He one-third of the flour impurted to Canton. About 650,000 pounds of The Evening Star is the only afternoon paper in Washington that receives the dispatches of the Associated Press. It is therefore the only one in which the reader can find the complete news of the world, directly trans- mitted by telegraph, up to the moment of going to press. LIKE COXEY’S IDEA ee err Proposition to Mobilize Army of Un- employed at Pittsburg. ——__+— —— WILL BE PRESENTED AT ST. LOUIS ca es E. V. Debs Among the First to Ar- rive at the Conference. Se SOE ares GOMPERS NOT PRESENT PITTSRURS, Pa., August 30.—M. P. Car- rick, president of the Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators of America, that a proposition is to be pres the St. Louis convention to mobilize the army of the unemploy of the country in the vicinity of Pittsburg, in the event of a determined effort on the part of the operators to start the mines with imported labor. It is understood, President Carrick sa that an appea! will first be ma railroad men of the country, not as o! izations, but as individuals, to not han- > coal dug at non-union min If this then the mobilizing in Pittsburg will be considered. These men, he says, will not come here to destroy property, or take part in riot or insurrection, but will be here to sho that this is a peaceful battle, and that the Working classes a as a unit in crying for relief. Debs Arrives at Si ouin, ST. LOUIS, Mo., August E. V. Debs of Terre Haute, Ind. . D. Ratchford of Columbus and W. D. Mahon of Detroit were among the delegates to the labor con- gress who arrived this morning and tered at the Laclede. Mr. Det not a representative of any organization, comes on general invitation, and will, of give his advice if cailed upon. “Of cour: you know I'm out of it,” said Mr. Debs this morning. “I am no longer affiliated with any labor body, but have come simpiy as a guest of confer ence.” Mr. Debs would not venture on the probable outcome of ence. “Is there any probability of a sympa- thet strike?” was asked “I hardly think so. In re not empowered to n do no more than respective bodies the tion.” “Government the opinion the ere uct, these order report ser in went on to si “as ified ercat struggle of the mine ried to the extr and revolting. Ie: t a take some very decisive action in this matte! Mr. Ratchford Has a Pin “Mr. Ratchford has a plan which he will probably present*to the conferenc vpon every workingman and woman in each county to contribute one day of their Wages to further the relief of the striking miners. This money, he thinks, will amount to between $1,000 and $2,000 day. Part of this fund will be used to kee men at work among the strikers in tl whe ir mine the ope: w Pittsburg district pose to start t ors p non-y men, In other words. the there wi be maintained with the hope of eventualiy irfluencing th work to q Among the : rrivals of the morning were James 0% eating th city branch of the jcan Federation of Labor, Chicago; 8. Meserall of the In- dvstrial Council, Kansas City; Vi L. Berger, with credentials from’ the y of Milwaukee, and Frederick F representing the street railway men, also of Milwaukee; W. D. Ryan, vice president of the United Mine Workers of lilinois; Jacob Tazelaar. from th - hood of Painters, Chicago, tich Hill, Mo. alle John V rd of Bel organiza nd Jes. of mine Mvch disappointment was 2 at headquar this morning over the non- arrival of Samuel Gompers, but it is be- lieved he will yet put in an appearance. It was reported last night that Mr. Gom- pers had conferred with Mr. Ratchford at Columbus and that he would be present at today’s meeting. It is believed Mr. Gompers will be in St. Louis this a noon. er- The i heat of y to refreshingly cool ing. As to what the gave way mort ould er t convention none of the dele; n this morning Was willing to foreca: There is nying the fact that the “soctal deme movement, headed by Mr. Debs, i a large following, and it would not be a sur- prise to s that new venture gain con- trol of the meeting. It is known, how ever, that an effort will be made to am: gemate all the brotherhoods represcut and to this end a resolution looking io t appointment of a general confe pe com- mittee will be presented some time dur- ing the convention by Mr. Steinbus of St said Mr. Steinbus thi ave one or two deleg ach branch of organized labor form a general conference commit wh i hardly think such commit poi by the conference will de anything at this meeting, they will get together later. Bi will have crysialli upon which a gener that time our some platform gamation of labor could stand formulated. We must be unit It is not expected “hat the convention will do anything today beyend perfecting organization and appointing commit credentials. Convention Called to Order. Chairman Steinbus of the local commit- tee of arrar.gements called the labor con- ference to order at 10 o'clock. About one hundred people were scattered about the hall, not all of them, however, being dele- gates. Mr. Steinbus suggested that as the call for the convention had been issued hurriedly, and as many of the delegates vere yet unadvised as to the meeting place and hour, an adjourament be taken until 11 o'clock. He named a committee to go to the different hotels and inform all dele- gates that the convention was about to as- semble, and a recess was taken. It is prob- able that the men who called the conven- tion—Messrs. Ratchford, Pierce, Davis, Carson, Dolan, Kennedy, Stephenson and Dilcher—will be chosen as the committee ials. “Saorty ater 11 o'clock the convention was again called tu order. W. B. Prescott, president of the National Typographical Union of Indianapolis, was chosen tem- porary chairman, and A. M. Pearce of Co- lumbus temporary secretary. Mr. Prescott then appointed the followiag as a commit- tee on credentials: Mr. Ratchford, Jas. O'Connell of the machinists, Chicago; Grant Luce of the St. Lowis Central Labor organization, J. R. Sovereign and W. D. Mahan. . Considerable controversy arose over the naming of a committee on resolutions, Permanently organised, ‘was moved by one th 5 e bf the delegates. There were amendments to the effect that the convention adjourn till 1 o'clock, and that the hour be made 2 o'clock, and_in ed: “I'm sick and is the time for action; and I move, Mr, Chairman, that the motion to appoint @ .